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Tip sheetsTip sheet and resources for covering COVID-19 testingTesting in the U.S. has been challenging for myriad of reasons including lack of laboratory infrastructure, supply chain gaps, regulatory obstacles, lack of test production capacity and federal leadership attention. Public health experts say that for much of the pandemic, testing in the U.S. has been more about documenting cases than anticipating and altering the course of the pandemic. Now that may be changing. By the end of January, millions more Americans will have access to rapid tests for detecting COVID-19 infections, raising numerous questions about how to use them and whether they will help the country move beyond the pandemic. To help journalists cover this story, I compiled questions that have come up repeatedly over the past month including, why and how tests should be used, whether or not they work, how to obtain them and what they cost, resources for finding answers and experts to call. The COVID-19 reporter’s essential toolkitWhether you are new to covering COVID-19 or are just looking for a new resource, AHCJ can help with a list of 10 things to know to help you get up to speed. We will continue to update this list monthly as this health story evolves. Coronaviruses: Background and sources for your reportingUpdated May 31, 2021 Bara Vaida, AHCJ’s core topic leader on infectious diseases, has compiled links and contact information for sources on the topic, as well as useful background to inform your reporting. This tip sheet is being updated as the story evolves. More resources on variants for your COVID-19 reporting toolboxMay 4, 2021 Covering Vaccine HesitancyMarch 2021 Media research firm SmithGeiger conducted the survey, which was partially funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism. It was shared first with AHCJ members during a March 17 webcast about potential story ideas for journalists covering the vaccine rollout and efforts by public health leaders to boost confidence in the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. Use these resources to background yourself on COVID-19 vaccine developmentOctober 2020 The race to find a vaccine has spurred much media attention. As of mid-October, between 50 and 179 promising vaccine candidates were under study, with more than 50 having reached the human clinical trial stage. Many of the studies and trials are taking place in the U.S. and are part of the White House’s Operation Warp Speed program. Many more are being conducted outside the country. So what is political hype and what is real? Which vaccine candidates should reporters be paying attention to? How can they keep track of them and report findings responsibly to the public? Here are some resources, expert sources and other tips to help you make sense of the COVID-19 vaccine race and report it responsibly. Influenza resources updated for 2020-21 season and COVID-19October 2020 The flu has always been a potentially deadly virus that attacks the lungs, like SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. In 2019-2020 flu season, about 22,000 Americans died from the flu, and flu and pneumonia were among the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. Flu season begins Oct. 1 and infectious disease physicians and public health officials are deeply concerned that Americans face exposure to two potentially deadly viruses – flu and SARS-CoV-2. They are urging all Americans over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot as soon as possible. Though the flu shot isn’t 100% effective, it reduces the likelihood by about 40% to 60% that a person who gets the flu won’t end up in the hospital. Understanding the COVID-19 plasma treatment debateSeptember 2020 Plasma ― the part of blood that contains antibodies and proteins ― is still under investigation for this use, and those leading randomized clinical trials now far they may have difficulty recruiting new patients due to the controversy. Coronavirus is shaking up states’ coverage expansion plans
Here, I’ll highlight a few of the most notable states, including the status of Medicaid block grant requests. Tips on covering mental health during the pandemic
These tips and resources all relate to covering the pandemic’s mental health impact, whether it’s coming up with story ideas, best practices for mental health reporting or learning about what past medical research has shown about pandemics and mental health. Prepare yourself before covering serology testing and other COVID-19 immunity issues
To begin this quick primer, here are some basic concepts to understand before interviewing experts in immunity and epidemiology. Epidemiological models: 10 things journalists covering coronavirus research should knowMay 2020 Tips on covering preprints about coronavirus researchApril 2020 Resources for reporting the impact of COVID-19 on older adultsMarch 2020 Tips on finding and vetting experts during a disease outbreakMarch 2020 Emergency preparedness among U.S. hospitals a potential story for your communityAugust 2019 Debunking claims that immigrants bring infectious diseases to U.S.December 2018 That is because virtually every public health expert says there isn’t any evidence that this is the case. Resources for understanding Ebola and the ethics of covering outbreaksJune 2018 Here are resources, infectious disease experts to interview and websites with useful tips about reporting on Ebola, emerging infectious diseases and lessons learned. Veteran journalist offers advice on covering disease outbreaksFebruary 2018 Helen Branswell, a veteran health reporter who found herself in the middle of an epidemic in 2003, suggests reporters establish relationships with some public health contacts before an outbreak, to ensure quick access to reliable infectious disease experts. Reporting on zoonotic diseases without inflaming panicOctober 2017 But most people haven’t heard of zoonotic diseases, and most journalists haven’t covered them. In fact, these infectious diseases rarely make headlines or the nightly news until human-to-human transmission reaches potential pandemic proportions. Watching - and covering - emerging diseasesOctober 2017 Pandemic threat: Is the world ready for another outbreak?June 2017 The in-depth paper looks at the background of infectious diseases as well as emerging threats, leadership and collaboration in th global health community and predictions about the next pandemic. An extensive bibliography and related reading list offer a guide to sources for reporters. CQ Researcher has granted access to this report for AHCJ members. Resources for covering H1N1 flu, pandemics and preparednessApril 2009 Press lessons from the 1918 pandemic fluApril 2007 Avian flu: Communicating news of an outbreakApril 2007 Pandemic influenza: Planning and coordinating the responseMarch 2006 Pandemic/avian influenza: Epidemiology and challengesMarch 2006 Preparing your community for pandemicsMarch 2006 |
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