Morning Medical Update: U.S. to end COVID requirements; Adolescent suicide rates have doubled; General Mills flour recall

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U.S. to end COVID requirements

On May 11, the U.S. will end COVID vaccine requirements for international travelers and federal workers. The ban, which made COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for 3.5 million federal employees, has been in place since Sept. 2021. This coincides with the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Adolescent suicide rates have doubled

The suicide rates in adolescents doubled from 2008-2018. According to a recent study, 2 in 100,000 13 and 14-year-olds committed suicide in 2008. That number jumped to 5 in 100,000 in 2018. Experts believe many factors contributed to this increase. They include social media, gun violence, and school stress. Researchers stressed the importance of outreach. They encouraged kids to look out for one another and report any irregular behavior to adults.

General Mills flour recall

General Mills announced a recall of two-, five-, and 10-pound bags of Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour, specifically with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. The reason for the recall is the potential for salmonella, which was detected in a sampling of a five-pound bag. Although salmonella is killed by heat, anything touched by the raw flour has the potential to become contaminated. Customers who encounter recalled products can call General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103.