The pandemic has changed life as we know it in a lot of ways – including our sex lives, studies show. While some people have reported more sexual activity during the pandemic, many saw a decline. Other studies show a spike in people trying a new experience. Experts say lockdowns and stay-at-home orders were a time for many to bond with their spouse or partner. But for others, sex was the last thing on their mind as they navigated new health precautions, getting vaccinated and more.  “This pandemic wasn’t experienced the same way by everyone. In terms of lockdown restrictions and what... Read More

As some players and teams around the league grapple with coronavirus vaccines and city legislation that could affect play, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be better able to manage their end. General manager Sam Presti said on Friday that every player on the team is vaccinated. Last season, the Thunder remained relatively healthy in regards to COVID-19. A couple of games were postponed due to outbreaks on opposing teams, but none due to OKC cases or outbreaks. Presti said he recognizes there will be continued difficulties around the league with COVID-19 and its delta variant. “The disruptions in... Read More

Kids accounted for more than one-fifth of total COVID-19 cases in the U.S. for week ending Aug. 26, according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.Last week, children made up 22.4% of the reported cases. That’s higher than the overall total average of child cases during the pandemic, which is 14.8% of total cumulative cases. The report also noted there was a 9% increase in the cumulative number of child cases from Aug. 12 to Aug. 26. The increase comes as children have begun in-person schooling for the first time since the pandemic began... Read More

The United States accounts for more than one-fifth of the world’s total COVID-19 cases for the first time since mid-February, before vaccines were widely available, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. And hospitalizations have hit pandemic highs among all ages under 50, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We’re seeing a lot of people get seriously ill,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the Biden administration’s lead adviser on the pandemic, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “The hospitalizations are on the brink of actually overrunning... Read More

Federal regulators are expected to amend the Emergency Use Authorizations for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to allow for a third shot of coronavirus vaccine as soon as Thursday for some immunocompromised people, multiple reports said Wednesday.An official familiar with the plan told The New York Times that the third shot covers those with solid organ transplants and others whose immune systems are similarly compromised, roughly 10 million Americans.  A May study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that only 17% of transplant recipients had antibodies after their first... Read More

Because of the highly contagious delta variant, some states are seeing their highest number of coronavirus hospitalizations since the pandemic began. Those most at risk: unvaccinated people.Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in mid-July that more than 97% of people who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 were unvaccinated. Some vaccinated people have gotten sick, but serious illness is rare in that group  –  another indication the coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective.Roughly half of Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19,... Read More

Skip to main content The claim: The “delta” in delta variant means “deep sleep”The delta coronavirus variant has caused a sharp spike in cases around the country, according to public health officials..But some people online say there’s something even more sinister about the delta variant: its name. “You’re under a spell,” reads text in a July 31 post on Facebook, which has more than 1,400 shares. “Delta variant. Delta = Deep sleep.”The text is overlaid on a photo that depicts a man sleepwalking, with faded images of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute... Read More

Skip to main content This content is only available to USA TODAY subscribers.Subscribe for as low as $4.99 per month.Your subscription includes access to:Exclusive, subscriber-only content and weekly email newsletterOur most popular newsletter, Daily Briefing, to keep you updated on the day’s top storiesFull access on your desktop, tablet and mobile deviceThe eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print editionOriginal reporting that provides diverse perspectives on news and issues of todayWe know you have many choices and appreciate you investing in us and the future of journalism.This content... Read More

ESPN host and analyst Jay Williams won’t broadcast the remaining games of the NBA Finals because he has tested positive for coronavirus. Williams, who in a video posted online said he is vaccinated, is “doing OK.” He will, however, miss the remainder of the NBA Finals in his role as an analyst on ABC’s live on-site studio coverage during games alongside Maria Taylor, Adrian Wojnarowski and Jalen Rose. “The last couple of days for me have been challenging. But I wanted to be the first to tell you guys that you will not see me at Game 5, Game 6 or a potential Game... Read More

Skip to main content This content is only available to USA TODAY subscribers.Subscribe for as low as $4.99 per month.Your subscription includes access to:Exclusive, subscriber-only content and weekly email newsletterOur most popular newsletter, Daily Briefing, to keep you updated on the day’s top storiesFull access on your desktop, tablet and mobile deviceThe eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print editionOriginal reporting that provides diverse perspectives on news and issues of todayWe know you have many choices and appreciate you investing in us and the future of journalism.This content... Read More