infant health

Doctors say a higher-than-normal amount of respiratory syncytial virus cases — which primarily affect children — are keeping them busy. But they say things are under control.

U.S. plants are making more baby formula than ever. But uneven distribution and overbuying means parents can run into empty store shelves.

The common respiratory virus causes mild flu-like symptoms in most people but can lead to more severe illness and even hospitalization in children under 1 year old.

The latest spike is months early and it's pushing care facilities to capacity. Children under the age of 5 are most vulnerable.

Reasons for poor outcomes are unclear. Experts are calling on health professionals to make sure Black women get the highest quality care throughout pregnancy and after childbirth.

The court refused to reconsider an April ruling by a three-judge panel that cleared the way for the lawsuit against the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association

Abbott's facility has now closed and reopened twice this year. The baby formula plant had previously closed in February because of bacterial contamination.

Constraints imposed by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, that prevent recipients from using benefits to buy formula across state lines weigh on families as the nationwide formula shortage drags on.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved a plan that will extend care through Florida’s Medicaid program for women after they have babies.

But Abbott has said that, after production resumes, it could take about two months before new formula begins arriving in stores. The company's factory has been closed due to contamination problems.