In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Shruti Gohil professor of medicine and associate medical director for epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine’s School of Medicine.

Topics today include:

• FDA authorizes Merck’s COVID-19 pill, but stresses its use should be limited. 
• Why does the Omicron variant spread so easily? 
• Biden announced 500 million free test at-home test kits, but when will they be available? 
• The changing definition of “fully vaccinated” as Omicron spreads. 
• After the flu virtually disappeared last year, it’s made an unwelcome comeback. 
• Study suggests three doses of China’s Sinovac vaccine fails to protect against Omicron. 
• ‘Staggeringly fast rise’ in L.A. County coronavirus cases triggers alarm. 
• Experts say that Covid-19 is shifting towards becoming an endemic disease. 
• Omicron surge further complicates a year filled with unruly passengers for airlines. 
• Israel considers approving fourth vaccine dose. 
• Israel agreed to trade data on their vaccination efforts in exchange for locking down a supply, now privacy concerns have arisen. 
• As Omicron spreads, older americans are displaying a mix of worry and resolve. 
• California will send at-home tests to K-12 students. 

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.