Health News - News of Austin

Doctors in hazmat suits tending wheezing patients in an ER with blue lighting and a screen showing rising flu cases

New Influenza Variant Dominates 2024-25 Season, Yet Vaccines Still Work

Brianna Q. Lockwood January 2, 2026

At a Glance 2024-25 flu season declared most severe since 2017-18 87 % of H3N2 viruses in the UK are subclade K Early outbreaks in Japan and the US...

Person sits comfortably on couch with smartphone screen showing fitness tracking data and natural light illuminating the room

Health News Tech News

Phones Can Replace Smartwatches for Steps, Sleep, and Heart Rate

Brianna Q. Lockwood January 2, 2026

At a Glance Phone can track steps automatically without wearables Android needs Health Connect plus third-party apps for full tracking Apps like...

Consumer News Health News

Green Chef Tops Gluten-Free Meal Kit Market With Fresh Options

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 2, 2026

At a Glance Green Chef is the organic arm of HelloFresh and offers a wide range of gluten-free meals. Over half of its menu is certified...

Female standing near shoe holding notebook and pen with bright natural light in a clutter‑free entryway.

Health News Lifestyle News Self-Help

Forget New Year’s Goals-Build Habits with Low-Friction Systems

Gavin U. Stonebridge January 2, 2026

At a Glance New Year's resolutions often fail because people chase goals instead of systems. Reducing friction-like keeping shoes by the door-makes...

Middle-aged female doctor holding flu vaccine vial and thermometer with city map showing red risk dots against winter clouds

Health News Public Health

Flu Shot Still a Must: Get Vaccinated Now for 56% Protection

Morgan J. Carter January 2, 2026

At a Glance Flu shot remains the best defense against seasonal flu, even after September. CDC reports 56% effectiveness for the 2024-2025...

Person standing on cliff edge with looming healthcare premium sticker and scattered cards and coins and broken chains

Health News Political News

ACA Tax Credits Expire Dec. 31: Millions Face Higher Health Costs

Brianna Q. Lockwood January 2, 2026

At a Glance ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire Dec. 31, 2025, with no extension deal in place. Millions of Americans risk higher premiums and...

Person sits cross‑legged on stone floor with books and warm light and surrounded by lush greenery and face tilted upward

Health News Lifestyle News

Top Meditation & Stoic Books to Calm Your Mind

Gavin U. Stonebridge January 2, 2026

At a Glance A curated list of top meditation and Stoic books for beginners Includes titles from ancient Stoic wisdom to modern mindfulness...

Donald Trump sits at a desk with a CT scan screen behind him and a large metal scanner casting a shadow on his face

Health News Political News

Trump Clarifies CT Scan, Not MRI, in Walter Reed Visit

Julia N. Fairmont January 2, 2026

At a Glance Trump says a CT scan, not an MRI, during an October Walter Reed visit sparked health questions. He disclosed routine checks and...

Child holding a thermometer with vaccine syringes and medical tools nearby illustrating measles vaccination urgency.

Breaking News Health News

U.S. Measles Cases Spike to 2,065, First 2000-plus Count in 30 Years

Fiona Z. Merriweather January 2, 2026

At a Glance U.S. measles cases hit 2,065 in 2025, the first time over 2,000 in 30 years. 93% of cases were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination...

Poster hanging behind dim stage in music venue with golden glow and a guitar and coffee on table

Health News Local News

Austin’s Music Venues Get New Mental Health Support Amid ACA Cuts

Hannah E. Clearwater January 2, 2026

At a Glance SIMS Foundation launches Dick Chalmers Music Venue program to give mental-health and recovery support to Austin venue workers. Program...