Pien Huang
NPR
Cambridge, MA, United States
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Past articles by Pien:
How monoclonal antibodies lost the fight with new COVID variants
The treatments were highly popular earlier in the pandemic. One by one, they got knocked out by more convenient, less expensive treatment options, and new COVID variants. → Read More
New VA study finds Paxlovid may cut the risk of long COVID
For those at high risk, Pfizer's antiviral drug helps stave off severe COVID-19. Now research suggests it may also reduce their chances of long COVID. → Read More
CDC issues new opioid prescribing guidance, giving doctors more leeway to treat pain
The updated recommendations seek to course correct after guidelines from 2016 were criticized for harshly limiting access to needed pain medication. → Read More
Monkeypox cases in the U.S. are way down — can the virus be eliminated?
Early fears of an escalating outbreak have not come to pass. Scientists are finding that the virus needs a very particular set of circumstances to spread effectively. → Read More
The top White House monkeypox doc takes stock of the outbreak — and what's next
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis is steering the U.S. monkeypox response. A month into the job, he sees signs of success, but there's still more to be done. → Read More
A high rate of monkeypox cases occur in people with HIV. Here are 3 theories why
Data shows that a disproportionate number of people who contract monkeypox are also HIV positive. Researchers are trying to figure out the reason. → Read More
The monkeypox outbreak may be slowing in the U.S., but health officials urge caution
Rates of new cases are declining in major cities, suggesting public health campaigns are working. But the spread → Read More
Pfizer asks FDA to greenlight new omicron booster shots, which could arrive this fall
Pfizer has submitted data on its bivalent COVID-19 booster shot that specifically targets the latest omicron subvariants. If authorized, the company says the shots could be ready as soon as September. → Read More
The new U.S. monkeypox vaccine strategy offers more doses — and uncertainty
Missteps and delays have hampered the U.S. effort to vaccinate people against monkeypox. Now state health officials and community members are trying to adapt to a controversial "dose sparing" plan. → Read More
With new guidance, CDC ends test-to-stay for schools and relaxes COVID rules
Revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looks to minimize COVID-19's disruption of daily life while conceding that the pandemic isn't over. → Read More
With supplies low, FDA authorizes plan to stretch limited monkeypox vaccine doses
The Biden administration is allowing the shot to be given between layers of skin — a method that only requires a fifth of the full dose — in order to increase vaccinations and slow the outbreak. → Read More
How Monkeypox Became A Public Health Emergency
The White House officially declared monkeypox a public health emergency in the United States last week. More than 7,500 cases of the virus have been confirmed since it began spreading across the country in May. Today's show: Health reporter Pien Huang on how the outbreak began, how it gathered steam and whether monkeypox is on track to become an endemic disease in the United States.Check out… → Read More
Monkeypox: The myths, misconceptions — and facts — about how you catch it
Is it a sexually transmitted disease? Can you get it on a crowded bus? Trying on clothes? We talk to specialists about how this virus is transmitted and what kinds of precautions are warranted. → Read More
Getting monkeypox treatment is easier, but still daunting and confusing
Though doctors and advocates have helped speed up access to the antiviral pills – of which the U.S. has enough to treat 1.7 million people – health providers are few and forms are still required. → Read More
The U.S. will offer nearly 300,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine in the coming weeks
The Department of Health and Human Services will make 296,000 doses available in the coming weeks, and expects a total of 1.6 million doses to be available in the U.S. by the end of the year. → Read More
Telehealth Abortions Are Changing The Culture Of Medicine
Recent rule changes have increased access to abortion pills through the mail, using telehealth services. As many U.S. states gear up to restrict abortion access in anticipation of the Supreme Court possibly overturning Roe v. Wade, the medical professionals behind these services are preparing for an even bigger surge in demand. Groups that provide abortion pills are also preparing to face… → Read More
Telehealth abortions are simple and private — but restricted in many states
Recent rule changes made it easier for patients to get abortion pills through the mail, using telehealth services. Now there is growing demand for these services – and new legal battles brewing. → Read More
3 ways to get COVID pills, if you've just tested positive
Some people have had trouble getting Paxlovid pills quickly, despite the administration's effort to ease access after a COVID test confirms infection. → Read More
A new puberty guide for kids aims to replace anxiety with self-confidence
Talking about testes and menses can be super awkward for any kid. A new book tries to take the embarrassment out of growing up – and be inclusive of every body. → Read More
Battle over CDC's powers goes far beyond travel mask mandate
A federal judge's decision to strike down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's mask mandate for travelers is only the latest in a series of challenges that seek to rein in the agency. → Read More