Link between pro sports teams and flu deaths; New dominant COVID strain; One size doesn’t fit all for blood pressure cuffs - Morning Medical Update

Link between pro sports teams and flu deaths

Major cities in the United States see an increase in flu deaths after receiving their own professional sports team, according to a new study. Researchers found that a new National Hockey League team was the deadliest with an increase of 24% of flu deaths per 100,000 people. This may be because hockey season and flu season coincide, making large groups gather indoors.

New dominant COVID strain

The new EG.5 variant now makes up a majority of COVID cases nationwide. The variant, nicknamed Eris on social media, now accounts for 17.3% of cases in the United States. It is also one of the fastest growing strains worldwide.

One size doesn’t fit all for blood pressure cuffs

Using the wrong size of blood pressure cuff can result in “strikingly inaccurate” results leading to misdiagnoses, according to a new study. These disparities are often seen in clinics that serve marginalized populations, putting them at a greater disadvantage. If health equity is to be reached, all clinics need access to a variety of cuff sizes.