Teen who received life-saving transplant reacts to medical breakthroughs using pig organs

A human donor saved the life of 15-year-old Wilfre Mercedes. Today, after doctors successfully transplanted a pig's heart into a human patient, Mercedes is hopeful thousands of others on transplant waiting lists can go on living, just like he did.

US airlines say China has blocked several flights over COVID-19 restrictions

China is blocking more than a dozen U.S. airline flights to the country because some passengers on recent flights tested positive for COVID-19.

Texas schools ask parents to become substitute teachers amid COVID surge

According to Hays CISD, parents would still have to apply, pass the fingerprint criminal background check, and do orientation to become substitute teachers.

Arizona’s largest lab bolstering COVID-19 test operation

After a record-breaking day last week of COVID-19 tests, officials at Sonora Quest Laboratories said Tuesday that Arizona’s largest diagnostic testing lab will expand its operation and be able to take on thousands more samples.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: Jenna Jameson shares diagnosis — what is the rare disorder?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare, autoimmune disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages the nerves, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.

Study: Exercise can strengthen brain function, prevent dementia

In a study published last week in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers found that exercise helped protect the brain from dementia.

Arizona COVID-19 spread: 'Not yet at the omicron peak,' Banner Health official says

As of Jan. 11, health officials say Arizona still hasn't reached its peak in cases and deaths amid the spread of the omicron variant. Cases and deaths are expected to spike after the holidays and celebrations ringing in 2022.

Fauci Senate hearing on pandemic gets testy: ‘What a moron’

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, angrily accused Senator Rand Paul of making false accusations that are leading to threats against him -- all to raise political cash.

Family accuses employer of making their loved one work on-site despite pleas to work remotely

A family is accusing a Riverside County employer of not letting their beloved family member with pre-existing conditions work remotely during a COVID-19 surge. He died in February 2021.

What is a cerebrovascular accident?

A cerebrovascular accident is more commonly known as a stroke and is the No. 5 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.

Health officials let COVID-infected nurses and healthcare workers keep working

California health authorities announced over the weekend that hospital staff members who test positive but are symptom-free can continue working. Some hospitals in Rhode Island and Arizona have likewise told employees they can stay on the job if they have no symptoms or just mild ones.

US finalizing plans to ship free COVID-19 tests via USPS, shares 1st contracts

The White House is finalizing plans to ship free at-home COVID-19 tests to Americans nationwide and has awarded its first contracts as part of this pledge.

Pfizer: Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine human trials to begin late January

Pfizer confirmed it plans to start human trials of its omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine later this month, potentially making it available to the public as soon as March.

US surgeons perform 1st transplant of pig heart into human patient

U.S. doctors have transplanted a pig heart into a patient in a last-ditch effort to save his life — a first for medical science.

Some COVID-19 testing sites closing due to staff infections as demand continues to increase in Phoenix

Embry Health is forced to sporadically close some COVID-19 testing sites due to staff catching the virus. These temporary closures come as testing is at a high during a post-holiday surge in Arizona.

Private insurers to cover home COVID-19 tests starting Saturday

Under the new policy, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for free under their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for reimbursement, up to the monthly per-person limit.