Pfizer pushes for booster shot; emerging virus infecting infants; pregnancy gingivitis explained

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Here is a look at News 8’s top Health Headlines for the week of July 4, 2021.

Pfizer to seek emergency approval for booster shot

Pfizer announced  it plans to seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for a COVID-19 booster shot that target the Delta variant.

The mutation is now the dominate coronavirus variant in the United States. According to a statement obtained by News 8, the pharmaceutical giant says that “Pfizer and BioNTech believe a third dose … has the to preserve the highest levels of protective efficacy against all current known variants including the Delta variant.”

The updated vaccine has already been manufactured and clinical trials are expected to begin in August.

However in a joint statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health say Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time.

• COVID-19 vaccinations in Indiana: Get details and sign up
• Schedule a COVID-19 test in Indiana
• Indiana coronavirus resources and timeline of events
• More coronavirus coverage from WISH-TV

Emerging respiratory virus infecting infants concern doctor

A respiratory virus that typically occurs in colder months is beginning to emerge in Southern states.

The virus is called respiratory syncytial virus or RSV.

According to the CDC, the virus presents symptoms similar to a common cold. While most recover within a week or two, RSV can be serious, especially for infants.

Cases dropped dramatically in 2020 during COVID-19 restrictions but began increasing as pandemic precautions lifted; that caused many infants to be hospitalized.

The CDC issued a health advisory on June 10 about an increase in RSV cases across parts of the South.

Your dentist may know you’re pregnant before you do

Ladies, you may be pregnant and not even know it, but your dentist might. They can tell … by just looking in your mouth.

It’s called “pregnancy gingivitis” and is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy developing as early as eight weeks.

Signs include tender, inflamed gums and excessive bleeding after flossing. Evidence shows pregnancy gingivitis occurs in 30% to 50% of pregnant patients.