Author: Amy Maxmen

Debra Ragoonanan, a nursing assistant, experienced a brain aneurysm after witnessing the devastating COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. Despite the state’s efforts to address the facility’s issues, front-line caregivers like Ragoonanan continue to suffer from trauma-related symptoms. The pandemic took a toll on U.S. healthcare workers, with more than 3,600 deaths and numerous cases of physical and mental illnesses. Lower-wage workers, including nursing assistants, faced risky conditions without adequate support. The trauma experienced by health care workers during the pandemic has resulted in PTSD symptoms and burnout. Factors like high demands and low autonomy exacerbate their stress,…

As bird flu spreads among dairy cattle in the U.S., veterinarians and researchers are taking note of Finland’s decision to vaccinate farmworkers at risk. While some experts agree that those working with dairy cows should be offered vaccination due to the severity of the disease, others are hesitant due to the lack of evidence on human transmission and the effectiveness of the available vaccine. Nahid Bhadelia, director of the Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, emphasizes the urgent need for vaccines in the U.S. to prevent a potential pandemic. However, Demetre Daskalakis from the CDC argues that the benefits…