Health Highlights: Oct. 12, 2021

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Six in 10 Americans will skip or delay a flu shot this year. Experts are warning that Americans’ resistance to influenza may be waning because the disease was a no-show last season. That’s why it’s troubling that 60% of respondents in a new poll said they may not get vaccinated this season. Read more

Merck applies for emergency use approval of first COVID antiviral pill. Merck’s molnupiravir is the first antiviral medicine designed specifically to fend off the virus that causes COVID-19, and its relative ease of use and low price could make it a game changer in the pandemic, experts say. Read more

Golf cart injuries in kids are on the rise. Golf carts aren’t just for the putting green anymore, and a new report finds thousands of children — half under the age of 12 — are suffering sometimes serious injuries from the vehicles. Read more

Grocery store surfaces largely safe from COVID-19. Canadian researchers conducted tests of grocery cart handles, checkout conveyor belts and other in-store surfaces and found they were a low risk for contamination with SARS-CoV-2. Read more

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