Karen Pallarito

Karen Pallarito tells stories grounded in science and backed by solid reporting. As a freelance writer and editor for Health, she covers COVID-19 plus umpteen other health and wellness topics. Her freelance portfolio includes pieces for The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Working Mother, Westchester Magazine, and the news syndicate HealthDay, among others. Karen started her career as a health policy reporter in the nation's capital, where she covered congressional hearings on Medicare and Medicaid. From the late 90s to the early aughts, she reported on health business for Reuters Health and contributed to its medical and consumer health newswires. Prior to that, she was Modern Healthcare's New York Bureau Chief. A fellow of the Association of Health Care Journalists' 2019 class on Comparative Effective Research, Karen is committed to helping people understand the benefits and harms of clinical interventions and exposing racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare. When not on deadline, you might find her whipping up something in the kitchen, working out, bingeing on cable news, or indulging in some form of mind candy (aka reality TV).
How Soon After Having a COVID Breakthrough Infection Should You Get a Booster Shot?
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CDC advises a booster once you're well, but some doctors suggest waiting a little longer.
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How the 2 New Pills for Treating COVID-19 Stack Up: Here's What Experts Say
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Both Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir are cleared for emergency use in non-hospitalized people with mild-to-moderate symptoms and at heightened risk of developing severe disease.
What Is Acute Cholecystitis? How to Know if Your Gallbladder Is Inflamed—And What to Do About It
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This isn't a type of pain you can easily ignore.
10 Things You Need to Know About HIV and AIDS on World AIDS Day
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World AIDS Day 2021 highlights continuing inequalities in HIV prevention and treatment.
Appendicitis Treatment: What to Know About Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
Video
Yes, appendicitis treatment often involves surgery—but there’s growing evidence that antibiotics can also nip this medical emergency in the bud.
3 Foods to Avoid to Prevent a Diverticulitis Flare-Up—And What to Eat Instead
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Plus, why the advice to steer clear of nuts and seeds is actually wrong.
Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: Understanding the Difference Between the Two Conditions
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One can be extremely painful, but the other may not show symptoms at all.
Here's What a Diverticulitis Diet Should Look Like if You're Having an Attack—Or Trying to Prevent One
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In some situations, a high-fiber diet is your best friend—in others, maybe not.
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14 Dry Eye Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore, According to Experts
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You’ll want to visit your eye doctor ASAP you’re experiencing any of these. 
FDA to Allow 'Mix and Match' COVID Boosters, But Which One Should You Get?
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What to know about switching brands when it's time for your booster.
The US Is Getting Ready to Start Vaccinating Kids Ages 5–11 Against COVID-19—Here's How
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The plan, pending vaccine approval from both the FDA and CDC, will help immunize the approximately 28 million children in the US in that age group.
FDA Panel Recommends Johnson & Johnson Booster Shot—Here's What Happens Next
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Panel unanimously recommends a second dose for adults 18 and older.
Can I Get a Pfizer Booster If I Had Moderna or J&J?—Here's What We Know About Mixing COVID Vaccines
Article
It's still not recommended in the US, but new data may shed light on the safety and effectiveness of a mix-and-match approach.
What Is a COVID 'Breakthrough' Infection—And What Should You Do If You Get One?
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While getting vaxxed remains the best protection against severe COVID-19, infections are still possible. The evidence to date suggests older and sicker adults are particularly vulnerable.
FDA Authorizes Pfizer Booster Shots—Here's Who Can Get One
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CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, signs off on an additional shot for older adults, certain at-risk individuals, and those who work in high-risk jobs.
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Are Booster Shots Necessary? What Some Scientists Are Saying About the Biden Plan for Extra Doses
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Some scientists say the data do not support boosters across the board for everyone—at least not yet.
Some International Airlines Are Banning Cloth Masks. What Does That Mean for Your Next Trip?
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Depending on the quality of your fabric mask, you might want to consider something a little more protective.
Who Is Eligible for a COVID Booster? Here's What to Know About the New Advice on Vaccines
Article
The shots will be free and available eight months after your second vaccine dose, if the plan is approved.
What is the Delta-Plus Variant? Here's What We Know So Far About the COVID Strain
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Public health officials are keeping tabs on this new mutation of the Delta variant.
10 Reasons You Have an Armpit Rash—And How to Treat It
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Itchy bumps or oozing blisters? Here's what might be going on.
9 Reasons You Bruise So Easily
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What do those bruises mean–and what can you do about them?
CDC Just Recommended Vaccinated People Mask Up in Areas of 'High' Transmission—Here's What That Means
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People with breakthrough Delta-variant infections could transmit the virus to others.
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What Is a Friction Blister? Here's What to Know—And How to Treat It
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Doctors say most hand and foot blisters can be managed with simple, at-home treatments.
Plague Found in 6 Colorado Counties—And Now a 10-Year-Old Has Died from the Disease
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Though human cases are rare, Colorado health authorities are cautioning residents to take preventive measures as laboratory testing has confirmed reports of plague in fleas and animals.
Does the J&J COVID Vaccine Need a Booster? Here's What We Know So Far
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Right now, there's no government recommendation to get a second dose.
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