AMA Update

Podcast Recap | AMA Update: Measles news, new COVID study findings, plus Life in Media Survey on kids' mental health and phones

April 17, 2025

In this episode, AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, joins host Todd Unger to discuss the latest developments in public health. The conversation covers the ongoing measles outbreak, new findings from a COVID study, and results from the Life in Media Survey on children's mental health and smartphone use.

Length: 11 minutes

Key takeaways

1. Measles outbreak: The measles outbreak in Texas has surged to nearly 600 cases, with significant increases in neighboring states like New Mexico and Oklahoma. A daycare in Lubbock, Texas, reported seven cases, prompting recommendations for early vaccination. Additionally, Indiana reported its first measles case of the year, quickly rising to six, while Colorado saw two additional cases.
2. Seasonal allergies: To reduce allergy symptoms, minimize exposure to pollen by closing windows, avoiding yard work, and using air purifiers. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal steroids can help manage symptoms effectively.
3. Flu, COVID, and RSV trends: Flu cases are declining but remain above baseline levels. COVID and RSV wastewater levels are low, indicating a positive trend as spring progresses.
4. COVID and subsequent infections: A study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that individuals who tested positive for COVID had a higher risk of subsequent infections within 12 months, highlighting COVID's impact on the immune system.
5. Smartphones and kids' mental health: Initial results from the Life in Media survey suggest that children ages 11 to 13 with smartphones report higher self-esteem and less depression, challenging conventional wisdom about screen time. Although, the study also found children do welcome a break from their phones.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast recap are solely that of the hosts and guest and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Source:

Unger, T. (Host). (2025, April 14). AMA Update. Measles news, new COVID study findings, plus Life in Media Survey on kids' mental health and phones [Podcast]. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/measles-news-new-covid-study-findings-plus-life-media-survey-kids-0