Health Highlights: Dec. 10, 2021

Potent new antivirals may hold steady against Omicron. New antiviral pills developed by Merck and Pfizer are expected to remain effective against the mutation-heavy variant, because they interfere with the ability of the coronavirus to replicate itself rather than its ability to infect human cells, experts say. Read more

Hope from an mRNA-based vaccine against HIV. In animal studies, the same mRNA technology that brought the world COVID vaccines appears to help combat the virus that causes AIDS. Read more

World unprepared for the next pandemic. Despite the havoc and suffering meted out by SARS-CoV-2, nations around the globe still aren't prepared to prevent or deal with another pandemic because many aren't taking the necessary measures, according to this year's Global Health Security (GHS) index. Read more

Beware 'wellness' vapes. Despite claims that certain e-cigarette products may ease health problems, there's no proof that they do — and they may even cause health issues, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Read more