Media Coverage

Trials Begin for Potential COVID-19 Drug Remdesivir

“You can’t assume it’s safe and effective,” said Dr. Babafemi Taiwo, chief of infectious diseases at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago. This week, Northwestern was among the latest U.S. medical centers to join a large-scale research effort sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). It is putting remdesivir to the “gold standard” test in medicine: a controlled clinical trial.

Does Smoking and Vaping Make Coronavirus Worse?

There is also evidence that men in China are doing worse than women, and smoking – men smoke at much higher rates than women do – is proposed as the main reason for this discrepancy, says Dr. Jeffrey A. Linder, chief of the division of general internal medicine and geriatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Having damaged lungs and getting a lung infection is a double whammy,” he says.

What it means to be immunocompromised during the coronavirus outbreak

People with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable as the novel coronavirus continues to spread. Northwestern University’s Melinda Ring explains how not all immune systems are created equal – and how that puts some people at risk.

Supplements for Coronavirus Probably Won’t Help, and May Harm

There are times when taking a supplement can be very useful, such as during pregnancy or to address a clear nutrient deficiency. But for healthy adults who are worried about the coronavirus, eating a nutritious diet and getting proper sleep and exercise are the best ways to strengthen your immune system, said Linda Van Horn, chief of nutrition in the department of preventive medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

‘Fall is the new summer’: How coronavirus is changing the way we travel

“I wouldn’t plan a summer vacation at this point … as far as having to put money on the table,” said Northwestern University infectious diseases expert Dr. Robert Murphy. “In the next two to three weeks, we’re going to have a much better handle on the trajectory of this epidemic in the United States.”

Medical school residents find creative way to celebrate Match Day amid COVID-19

Because of the new coronavirus, this year students live streamed the match at Loyola and at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine too.

COVID-19 Got You Feeling Cooped Up? An Expert Says It’s OK to Go Outside

It’s been, what, three days of self-isolation for a large number of Chicagoans and people are already feeling antsy.

The good news is that social distancing doesn’t mean we all need to hunker down indoors. It’s OK to go outside, with a few major caveats, said Dr. Robert Murphy, director of the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Social distancing could have devastating effect on people with depression

“Humans are wired to be social creatures, and that’s how we cope when a big disaster happens,” said Judith Moskowitz, a professor of medical social science at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Now, we’re being told to cope with this by staying away from each other.”

US Moves Nearer to Shutdown Amid Coronavirus Fears

Officials across the country curtailed many elements of American life to fight the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, with health officials recommending that groups of 50 or more don’t get together and a government expert saying a 14-day national shutdown may be needed.

Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University, said he was “appalled” by what he saw Saturday at nearby O’Hare.

High Blood Pressure in Young Adulthood May Be Bad for Your Brain

The lead author, Dr. Simin Mahinrad, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern, said it is important to know not only how high blood pressure is, but also for how long it has been high. “Identifying people at risk at earlier stages is important,” she said. “Old age may be too late.”