UW researchers respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Below are the most recent stories of UW experts commenting on the novel coronavirus epidemic

In addition to UW researchers from a variety of disciplines offering their expertise to journalists covering the novel coronavirus, UW Medicine researchers are leading the way in the detection and prevention of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. In fact, our researchers have sequenced COVID-19’s genome, identified the architecture and mechanisms of COVID-19, created a new laboratory test to expedite diagnostics and are crowd-sourcing a cure, among other efforts.

This page is updated every week day. For more information on the coronavirus, visit uw.edu/coronavirus.

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FDA limits future COVID-19 vaccine access to older adults and high-risk individuals | KOMO News1 month ago
In a new policy shift, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that future access to COVID-19 vaccines will likely be limited to older adults and individuals at risk for serious infection. Dr. Shireesha Dhanireddy, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Updated COVID vaccines for the fall may be in jeopardy under RFK Jr.’s new rules | NBC News2 months ago
If the FDA deems Pfizer’s and Moderna’s updated vaccines “new” products, it’s extremely unlikely the doses would be ready for the fall, vaccine experts say. Dr. Alex Greninger, assistant director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID shots protect kids from long COVID — and don’t cause sudden death | Ars Technica4 months ago
Researchers recommend kids stay up to date on the COVID vaccines. A UW study is referenced.
For many in Washington, Long COVID care remains out of reach | Cascade PBS4 months ago
The UW's Long COVID clinic is one of a few in the nation that provides treatment and research on the chronic illness, but faces new federal funding challenges. Dr. Janna Friedly, professor of medicine and of rehabilitation medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
COVID spikes expected to continue in 6-month seasonal and regional waves, experts say | McClatchy News9 months ago
Unlike the flu, large COVID case spikes are not restrained to the colder months, and two peak seasons have emerged. Research from the UW, University of Ottawa and University of Pittsburgh has shown that not only are there two seasonal COVID-19 waves, but spikes in cases also follow a geographic wave that occurs every six months.
New COVID vaccines arrive in WA as respiratory virus season approaches | The Seattle Times10 months ago
Washington state’s summer surge of COVID-19 is showing early signs of waning after a particularly infectious couple of months — but don’t relax just yet, public health experts say. Respiratory virus season is right around the corner. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Should you get another COVID vaccine? New vaccine formulations approved amid summer surge | The Spokesman-Review10 months ago
COVID-19 cases are surging in Spokane and a new round of vaccines have been approved, but the coronavirus may seem in the rearview for many. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
CDC announces COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025 | KREM10 months ago
The newest COVID-19 vaccine is now available as kids prepare to return to school. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
New COVID-19 vaccines hit pharmacies in time for start of school year | KIRO 710 months ago
New COVID-19 vaccines are making their way to pharmacies and clinics, just in time to help protect children who are headed back to school, as well as their families. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Should you get new COVID vaccine? When it will be available | Tacoma News Tribune10 months ago
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech as case counts continue to rise. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
What to know about COVID and the Summer Surge | KUOW11 months ago
This summer, The CDC says more than a dozen states across the US are seeing “very high” spikes in COVID cases. But now that we’re a few years past the pandemic, what’s the responsible amount of time to stay home from work, avoid the grocery store, or get the latest booster? Dr. Amanda Casto, acting assistant professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
Most people don't care about COVID anymore — that's good — and bad | Business Insider11 months ago
The general public's attitude toward COVID is more relaxed than ever, even amid a summer surge. Doctors say relaxed COVID precautions are to be expected and are not necessarily a bad thing. But the risk of long COVID provides a compelling argument to stay vigilant, medical professionals said. Dr. Anita Chopra, clinical instructor in internal medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
New variant, updated vaccine: Coronavirus is back, but it never even left | The Spokesman-Review12 months ago
There’s no indication that the coronavirus’ tenure is ending. Overall reported cases are now increasing. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Research from the UW is shedding new light on long COVID | KUOW1 year ago
About 10% of people who get COVID developed long COVID symptoms. It affects all kinds of organ systems in the body, not just the lungs. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID silver lining: Unprecedented look at human immune system | STAT1 year ago
For scientists who study the human immune system, the penny dropped at different points in the early frenetic months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back now, many marvel at the realization that they witnessed and were able to chronicle something no other scientists had ever actually seen. Marion Pepper, professor and chair of immunology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
WA drops 5-day COVID isolation rule | The Seattle Times1 year ago
Washingtonians who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to isolate for five days if their symptoms are mild and improving, per new state guidance that aligns with a similar national change announced earlier this month. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
People sought for UW Medicine Seattle long COVID-19 research | Tacoma News Tribune1 year ago
Clinical researchers at UW Medicine in Seattle are taking part in testing therapies for the cognitive effects of long COVID, part of clinical trials taking place on a national scale. At the research work’s core is an attempt to figure out why some people struggle to make a full recovery. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
Got long COVID? UW Medicine wants to hear from you | KUOW1 year ago
Seattle is among a handful of cities chosen for studies to evaluate long-COVID therapies. UW Medicine announced Wednesday it will conduct the first two clinical trials to study long COVID for the National Institutes of Health. The clinical trials are part of the NIH RECOVER Initiative. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
UW doctor explains why older people and the immuno-compromised need yet another COVID shot | KUOW1 year ago
This week, the CDC recommended that people aged 65 and up get another COVID booster shot. Dr. Amanda Casto, acting assistant professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
Your 2024 guide to COVID symptoms and treatment | The New York Times1 year ago
We’re four years into the pandemic, and by this point, most Americans have had COVID-19 at least once. But when the virus comes for us (again), it can still feel just as alarming as your first bout. Here’s a guide to what COVID-19 looks like now and how to treat it. Dr. Amanda Casto, acting assistant professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Empowering expectant mothers: The importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy | Northwest Asian Weekly1 year ago
Amidst the myriad concerns and decisions that accompany pregnancy, one crucial aspect has become increasingly apparent in recent times: the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for expectant mothers. Dr. Alisa Kachikis, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
In 'vexing' trend, traffic fatalities in Washington state continue to rise | KUOW1 year ago
Washington has reached another grim milestone. The state’s Traffic Safety Commission says Washington had at least 800 traffic fatalities last year. Anne Vernez Moudon, professor emeritus of urban design and planning at the UW, is quoted.
COVID patients 4 times more likely to develop chronic fatigue: CDC research | The Hill1 year ago
COVID-19 patients are at least four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue than those who have not been infected, according to a new study published by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The UW is mentioned.
COVID patients are 4.3 times more likely to develop chronic fatigue, CDC report finds | ABC News1 year ago
Women and older people were at higher risk of developing chronic fatigue. The UW is mentioned.
Low vaccine rates for the new COVID vaccine? Physician rolls out “the conversation” to address vaccine hesitancy | Northwest Asian Weekly1 year ago
As of Jan. 14, only 17% of Washingtonians had been inoculated with the new formula adjusted to cope with mutations in SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to the Department of Health. That is abysmally low compared with a rate of 76% of people in this state who’ve had at least one shot of the old formula. Dr. Crystal Wong, clinical associate professor of family medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Four cases of rare fungus found in WA. Here's what you should know about it | KUOW1 year ago
Last month the first local outbreak of Candida auris, a deadly fungus, was reported in Washington. So far, four cases of infection from the fungus have been linked and screened by Kindred Hospital — a long term acute care facility — in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
Virologist: Latest COVID-19 variant escapes natural immunity | KIRO1 year ago
Seattle’s Morning News recently checked in with Dr. Keith Jerome, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, who has helped us understand COVID-19 and other viral illnesses since the start of the pandemic.
Health officials warn that COVID is here to stay as cases rise | The Seattle Medium1 year ago
As people return to work and school after the holiday break, Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, says that we are seeing a rise in COVID-19 activity particularly in Washington state.
Long COVID breaks the rules of exercise | The Atlantic1 year ago
Striving for fitness is usually healing. But for most people with long COVID, it can be toxic. Dr. Janna Friedly, professor of medicine and of rehabilitation medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
‘Emergency’ or not, COVID is still killing people — here’s what doctors advise to stay safe | Boston Herald1 year ago
With around 20,000 people dying of COVID in the U.S. since the start of October, and tens of thousands more abroad, the COVID pandemic clearly isn’t over. However, the crisis response is because the World Health Organization and the Biden administration ended their declared health emergencies last year. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Respiratory viruses down in WA, but still circulating at high levels | The Seattle Times1 year ago
Holiday season has passed. Gatherings have slowed. But don’t let your guard down just yet — experts say we’re still in the midst of respiratory virus season. Pavitra Roychoudhury, research assistant professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Why demand for COVID vaccines lags behind uptake of flu vaccines | STAT1 year ago
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, as of Jan. 6, a mere 21.5% of Americans aged 18 and older and 11% of children have been vaccinated with the latest COVID vaccine. Heidi Larson, clinical professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted.
Rising concerns — JN.1 COVID variant sparks worry as school and work resume in WA | Northwest Asian Weekly1 year ago
There is new concern over the latest COVID variant, JN.1, as the state of Washington and the nation return to school and work this new year. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Understanding lingering coughs: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor | Everyday Health1 year ago
Reports of coughs hanging on for weeks have been growing as winter respiratory virus season peaks. What’s causing all this hacking, and what can you do about it? Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID-19, flu trend upward in New Year | KXLY1 year ago
The CDC says Washington is among the states with a high rate of respiratory illnesses. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID and flu are both surging — what to know about risk of coinfection | NBC News1 year ago
The most recent data from the CDC shows high levels of flu across the country and increases in hospitalizations due to COVID. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Cases of respiratory illnesses spike in WA, according to CDC | Tacoma News Tribune1 year ago
Respiratory illnesses increase across the country in a cycle every year during certain months. Along with the natural ebbs and flows that come with sickness, there are certain time frames where illness is more prevalent. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID-19, flu cases trending upwards in Washington, expected to peak in next few weeks | KIRO 71 year ago
Transmission of COVID-19 and the flu are trending upward, according to the UW. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID-19 is ticking up in King County | Axios Seattle1 year ago
COVID-19 is on the rise in King County and rates of flu and RSV remain above the local "alert threshold," according to Public Health – Seattle & King County. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Long COVID’s deep impact on Latinos | The Oregonian1 year ago
With its Latino essential workforce risking their lives to feed their families — and the country — by summer 2020, COVID blazed through Yakima County, which quickly became Washington’s most scorching of hot spots. Not only did Yakima County tally the highest per-capita case rate of all West Coast counties (with Latinos making up 67% versus, 26% for white people), it also saw more cases than the entire state of Oregon. Dr. Leo Morales, professor of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and co-director of the UW Latino Center for Health, is quoted.
'The viruses are returning to normal' in Washington for winter 2024 | KUOW1 year ago
The winter season in the Northwest brings rain, dark skies and the sniffles. For winter 2024, health officials expect that a lot more sniffles are coming, with three viruses circulating through the region. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
The viruses are back | KUOW1 year ago
If you are starting 2024 with sniffles, a cough or even a fever, you’re not alone. The festive holiday weeks have left many of us with a respiratory bug. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, explains what viruses might be making the rounds in your household and how to protect yourself.
Opinion: Why navigating COVID vaccines is harder now | The Seattle Times1 year ago
"We are a two-physician family with two young kids, ages 4 and 2. With our employment and private health insurance, it should be simple to find COVID-19 vaccines for our family, right? Wrong," co-write the UW School of Medicine's Dr. Kathleen Li, acting instructor of emergency medicine, and Dr. Christopher Su, assistant professor of hematology and oncology. A UW study is mentioned.
Long-COVID patients need more resources in central Washington | Northwest Public Broadcasting1 year ago
In Washington, there is only one clinic to treat long COVID. It is in Seattle on the west side of the state. Long-COVID haulers in the Yakima Valley face a lack of local resources, diagnosis and information. Some say they feel disconnected from their doctors. Dr. Leo Morales, professor of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and co-director of the UW Latino Center for Health, is quoted. Dr. Janna Friedly, professor of rehabilitation medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 dominating the Northeast | New York Daily News2 years ago
The rapidly growing JN.1 coronavirus subvariant is now responsible for approximately one-third of new COVID-19 infections in the Northeast U.S., compared to about 20% of new infections across the country as a whole. Dr. Alex Greninger, assistant director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Coronavirus subvariant JN.1 growing fast in US, already dominant in the Northeast | CNN2 years ago
The CDC estimates that prevalence of the coronavirus subvariant JN.1 more than doubled in the U.S. between late November and mid-December. It seems to be getting an assist from holiday travel and waning immunity. Dr. Alex Greninger, assistant director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Vulnerable Americans are going into the holiday season without COVID-19 protections | The Hill2 years ago
The U.S. is heading into peak respiratory virus season, and some of the most vulnerable Americans are unprotected against COVID-19. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted.
COVID variants: What to know about JN.1 and BA.2.86 | NBC News2 years ago
A jumble of variants are circulating in the U.S., though experts say none stand out as being of concern as holiday travel begins. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted.
US COVID shot rates are low and it will be a challenge to boost them | CNBC2 years ago
COVID shot uptake is slumping, and vaccine makers and health experts believe vaccination rates in 2024 and beyond will likely look similar to the uptake of the latest round of shots this year. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted.
COVID is part of the holidays — here's how to think about risks now | NPR2 years ago
COVID-19 is now a fixture of the winter respiratory illness season. As expected, emergency department visits and the number of people being admitted to the hospital are ticking up around the country, but experts largely agree that the virus doesn't need to rule our holiday plans anymore. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID-19 vaccination crucial for older adults amidst ongoing threat | Northwest Asian Weekly2 years ago
In the face of an ongoing and persistent threat, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscores the critical importance of COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for older adults. The report, which collected information between January and August of this year, reveals that individuals aged 65 and older accounted for a staggering 62.9% of all COVID-19-related hospitalizations in the U.S. Dr. Thuan Ong, associate professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID, flu, RSV vaccines urged during pregnancy but fewer want them, CDC finds | NBC News2 years ago
This is the first year that four vaccines are being recommended during pregnancy. Yet, there are already signs that fewer pregnant women are getting vaccinated. Dr. Linda O'Neal Eckert, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
RSV vaccine and new monoclonal antibody face rollout challenges | STAT2 years ago
In a fall in which new tools to fight old diseases — updated COVID-19 vaccines, new products to protect older adults and babies from RSV — have been introduced with fanfare but rolled out in a particularly rocky manner, frustration may be about to go next level. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
UW expert anticipates a rise in RSV, flu and COVID | KGMI2 years ago
Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is anticipating that this upcoming viral season will include a jump in illnesses caused either by RSV, the flu and COVID-19. Chu is interviewed.
Navigating the challenges of RSV, influenza and COVID-19 this fall and winter | Northwest Asian Weekly2 years ago
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, infectious disease specialists like Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, are gearing up for what promises to be a challenging fall and winter season. Chu is quoted.
Infectious disease experts warn of viral season, new tools to combat RSV introduced | KEPR Pasco2 years ago
Infectious disease doctors are sounding the alarm on the upcoming viral season. They tell us with last year's surge in RSV, there are now new tools to keep you and your family safe from the virus. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
Is Washington state in another COVID surge? | KUOW2 years ago
It seems that almost everyone knows someone who has COVID in Western Washington these days, or has heard of someone who has had it recently. But in this post-pandemic emergency era, how do we know if we're in a surge? Pavitra Roychoudhury, research assistant professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, and Dr. Helen Chu, professor of allergy and infectious disease in the UW School of Medicine, are quoted.
As COVID-19 cases rise, do we mask again? | Northwest Asian Weekly2 years ago
While we are seeing a similar pattern as in past years—COVID-19 cases are increasing as the fall sets in—the extent of the carnage is still much less than in previous years. Dr. Crystal Wong, clinical associate professor of family medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID cases are rising in Seattle again | Seattle Met2 years ago
After a blessedly low number of King County Covid-19 cases in the earlier half of this year, we’ve been trending back upwards over the last several months. With a potential surge in the making, is it time to rethink, well, everything? Dr. John Lynch, associate professor of medicine and of allergy and infectious diseases in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
COVID still rearing its head as Snohomish County leaders urge people to get new booster | KIRO 72 years ago
The Snohomish County Health Department is asking residents to stay vigilant while the department monitors a rise in local COVID cases. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
CDC recommends updated COVID vaccines for ages 6 months and up | CNBC2 years ago
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday recommended that all Americans ages 6 months and older receive updated COVID shots from Pfizer and Moderna, clearing the way for Americans to start receiving the shots within days. Dr. Beth Bell, clinical professor of global health at the UW, is quoted.
CDC recommends new COVID booster shots for anyone 6 months and older | The Washington Post2 years ago
Virtually all Americans should get an updated coronavirus shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Tuesday, with the vaccines expected to become available within 48 hours — as the respiratory illness season looms. Dr. Beth Bell, clinical professor of global health at the UW, is quoted.
How to check if expired tests still work as cases rise | CNBC2 years ago
Americans are digging out their unused at-home COVID-19 tests as the U.S. sees a new surge in cases. Some expired COVID-19 tests are still safe to use, if the Food and Drug Administration says the test has an extended expiration date. Otherwise, using expired tests without extensions could be unreliable. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
When to wear masks as cases rise, new variants emerge in US | CNBC2 years ago
An uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations in the U.S., and the emergence of new variants of the virus, are prompting questions about whether Americans should start masking up again. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
It seems like everyone has COVID-19 — here’s why this wave is probably worse than official data suggests | CNN2 years ago
COVID-19 certainly didn’t take a vacation this summer. Virus levels in the U.S. have been on the rise for weeks, but it’s hard to know exactly how widely it’s spreading. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted.
Should you celebrate summer's end with a COVID booster or wait until fall? | KUOW2 years ago
According to the CDC, COVID cases are on the rise in several regions throughout the U.S. — including the Pacific Northwest. This may be bringing up some questions for you, like, what’s this new variant we’ve been hearing about? Or, what should I be doing about getting a booster? Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Early signs suggest WA could see a late-summer COVID wave | The Seattle Times2 years ago
Some signs of a late-summer COVID-19 wave are beginning to emerge in Washington after months of low transmission levels. But researchers and public health officials aren’t too worried yet. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
If you never got a COVID booster get one now, experts say | KUOW2 years ago
COVID cases and hospitalizations are ticking up slightly in Washington state and King County, so people are wondering if they should run out and get another COVID shot. Experts say some people should consider it: anyone who didn’t get last fall’s booster, and anyone who is over 65 or immunocompromised and didn’t get two of last fall’s shots. Dr. Shireesha Dhanireddy, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
What to know about latest COVID strain, EG.5 | Axios Seattle2 years ago
While COVID-19 cases remain low in Seattle and Washington state, some researchers expect to see increased infections from a new strain that was named a variant of concern by the World Health Organization this week. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Western Washington may be getting hit with new wave of COVID-19 | MyNorthwest2 years ago
Western Washington may be heading into a summer wave of COVID-19 cases. People are testing less for COVID-19, but Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is still finding evidence of it in her lab.

UW researchers respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

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