pandemic
How vulnerable might humans be to bird flu? Scientists see hope in existing immunity
Very few humans have gone up against bird flu. But we've all dealt with seasonal flu for years. Some of our immune systems might be primed to fend off a worse case, research finds.
5 ways the pandemic changed us for good, for bad and forever
This month marks five years since the pandemic began, and here are 5 things that changed permanently.
Five years out, an ER doc reflects on how he and his colleagues faced down COVID-19
In Alabama, emergency departments were overrun during the Covid-19 pandemic – the state had one of the highest rates of hospitalizations in the country. Children’s of Alabama ER doc David Bernard remembers “the first time we started to feel that maybe we wouldn't die.”
How the pandemic changed the world of disease control for worse — and for better
Five years after the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, there has been progress — and backsliding in the way the world responds to infectious disease.
In their own words: How COVID changed America
The COVID-19 lockdown "felt like solitary confinement," a San Diego resident tells NPR. Even after many pandemic rules lifted, American society remains deeply fractured.
How will Trump’s return to the White House change the face of global health?
When Donald Trump returns to the White House, he's expected to issue a series of orders with far-reaching impact on global health — from abortion services to support for the World Health Organization.
‘Sick!’ New kids book by Alabama author explores how animals fight germs
A new children's book by Alabama author Heather Montgomery explores how animals fight off pathogens.
ACLU Of Alabama’s Director Looks To The ‘Next Iteration Of The Civil Rights Movement’
JaTaune Bosby, the first Black woman to lead the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, took the job during a tumultuous time in the country with the pandemic and last year’s summer of racial reckoning.
UAB Health System CEO: ‘It really was that bleak.’
CEO Will Ferniany will end his health care career having led the organization through the coronavirus pandemic. He plans to retire later this year.
A Year Like No Other: COVID-19 In The Gulf States
In a special broadcast one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, reporters from public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana reflect on the toll it’s taken on the region.
One Year In, Bama Tracker Creator Considers Future Of COVID Data Site
The reach of David Marconnet's site grew beyond what he imagined. But with cases dropping, Bama Tracker may have run its course.
Bill Would Mandate Feedback On Jefferson County Public Health Rules
Lawmakers have proposed legislation that would require more oversight of the local health officer in Alabama's most populous county. Area physicians strongly oppose the measure.
Partly Numb, A UAB ICU Nurse Finds Ways To Carry On
Caring for record numbers of coronavirus patients in the hospital takes a heavy toll on health care workers like Kelsey Jacks.
Here’s What Kids Yearn For In A Post-Pandemic World
As we welcome a new year, we asked kids what they're most looking forward to after the pandemic.
A Visit With Santa? It’s Still Happening Despite The Pandemic
How do you visit Santa in a pandemic? It's a question retailers, families and Santa himself are dealing with this season.
Birmingham Bringing Back Up to 132 Furloughed Employees
The city will borrow money from its general fund reserve amid concerns from some council members.
Gov. Ivey Extends COVID-19 Mask Order
Alabama's mask mandate will remain in place through Nov. 8.
City Leaders Approve Budget Despite Concerns About Library System
Demonstrators gathered outside Birmingham's city hall Tuesday night, just hours before council members approved a budget that furloughs more than 150 library employees.
City Notifies Birmingham Library Employees Of Furloughs; Library Board President Contests City Authority
The city and the library board are at odds over whether the mayor has the right to furlough hundreds of employees.
An Update On The Pandemic’s Effect On WBHM
We don’t often turn the spotlight on ourselves, but the last four months at WBHM have been unlike any other time in the station’s history thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. In advance of WBHM's one-day fund drive, we hear from station's executive director Chuck Holmes on how COVID-19 has affected WBHM.
Alabama’s COVID-19 Case Averages Reach New Highs
Moving averages of new COVID-19 cases have reached their highest levels since the start of the pandemic.
As Coronavirus Cases Spike, Numbers Bear ‘Very Close Watching’
Alabama hit record highs this past week in the number of new coronavirus cases. Health officials are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Players & Coaches Prepare For Uncertain Future In College Athletics
The cancellation and delay of sporting events due to the coronavirus is creating uncertainty for student athletes. College coaches have fewer opportunities to scout new players and they face mounting financial pressure that's led some schools to cut athletic programs.
Some Alabama Graduations Saved By Going Virtual
Most spring graduations are canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. But a few groups and institutions are organizing virtual ceremonies for the class of 2020
Customers Resort To DIY Styles With Barbershops & Hair Salons Closed
The coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of nonessential businesses, including hair salons and barbershops. That has led some people to get creative about how to keep their hair looking good during the crisis.
Surviving A Pandemic: How The 1918 Spanish Flu Changed Life In Alabama
COVID-19 is not the first pandemic to strike around the world. In 1918, the Spanish Influenza had a dramatic impact on daily life everywhere, including Alabama.
