Mike's Blog Round Up

Covid and flu rates rise across the US, according to the CDC The GuardianWeekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 52, ending December 28, 2024 CDCNorovirus, RSV, Flu Threat Combine Post-Holiday The Weather ChannelDepartment of Health talks rise in respiratory illnesses, expects increase in number Turn to 10Flu emergency room visits now "very high" nationwide, CDC says CBS News

WASHINGTON — The congressional joint session to count electoral votes on Monday is expected to be much less eventful than the certification four years ago that was interrupted by a violent mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump who tried to stop the count and overturn the results of an election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] This time, Trump is returning to office after winning the 2024 election that began with Biden as his party’s nominee and ended with Vice President Kamala Harris atop the ticket.

United States flags are set to be flown at half-staff this month as an official sign of grieving former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, aged 100. However, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration day is set for later this month and he has expressed his discontent about the matter. In President Joe Biden’s proclamation about the death of Carter, he directed that flags be flown at half-staff “as an expression of public sorrow” for 30 days—a period of time that includes President-elect Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Jan.

Surgeon general’s warning sends alcohol stocks sliding The HillVideo: Surgeon General explains why he’s calling for a cancer warning on alcoholic beverages CNNHow drinking alcohol can affect your health The Associated PressAmericans have already been ditching spirits and beer. Alcohol companies are future proofing themselves Yahoo Finance

Delaware Announces First Presumptive Positive H5 Avian Influenza Case Detected on Kent County Farm in 2025 news.delaware.govAccess to aviaries at Maryland State Parks restricted amid H5N1 concerns wmar2news.comDelaware farmers urged to protect chickens as bird flu found at Kent County farm WHYYDelaware officials investigate possible bird flu outbreak after dozens of snow geese test positive CBS News

Loneliness linked to heart disease, strokes and infections The TimesFriends, family may protect against heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes, study suggests Fox NewsLoneliness linked to ill health through effect on protein levels, research suggests The GuardianPlasma proteomic signatures of social isolation and loneliness associated with morbidity and mortality Nature.comLoneliness linked to higher risk of heart disease, stroke and susceptibility to infection Medical Xpress