Damian McNamara is a journalist for Medscape Medical News and MDedge. He worked full-time for MDedge as the Miami Bureau covering a dozen medical specialties during 2001-2012, then as a freelancer for Medscape and MDedge, before being hired on staff by Medscape in 2018. Now the two companies are one. He uses what he learned in school – Damian has a BS in chemistry and an MS in science, health and environmental reporting/journalism. He works out of a home office in Miami, with a 100-pound chocolate lab known to snore under his desk during work hours.
News
More than one-third of COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic: Review
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
“To reduce transmission from people who are presymptomatic or asymptomatic, we need to shift our testing focus...
Article
What we know and don’t know about virus variants and vaccines
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
One of the major concerns remains the ability of COVID-19 vaccines to work on new strains.
News

Arthritis drugs ‘impressive’ for severe COVID but not ‘magic cure’
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
U.S. and U.K. experts weigh in on research that compares monoclonal antibody therapies with usual care for people critically ill with COVID-19.
News
The next likely COVID-19 vaccine has its advantages
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
A single Ad26.COV2.S dose was associated with S-binding and neutralizing antibodies in more than 90% of the participants.
News
Early use of high-titer plasma may prevent severe COVID-19
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
Administering convalescent plasma that has high levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 within the first 3 days of symptoms was associated with...
News
Experts debate wisdom of delaying second COVID-19 vaccine dose
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
Another proposed strategy to extend the current supply of COVID-19 vaccines to more Americans involves...
News
Complete blood count scoring can predict COVID-19 severity
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
COVID-19 produces specific alterations in circulating blood cells that can be detected by a routine hematology...
News

After COVID-19 infection, antibodies highly protective for months, prospective study shows
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
“It’s great news because there have been so many questions regarding whether or not you can be protected against reinfection, and this health care...
News

FDA grants emergency use for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
“It’s incumbent upon all us healthcare professionals to put ourselves out there as supporting this vaccine and supporting people getting it.”
News
Vaccine rollout on track, expect 300 million doses through March: Feds
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
Operation Warp Speed officials expect to have 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to distribute across the U.S. by March 31.
News

FDA OKs emergency use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
“Vaccinating healthcare workers, in particular, will be a model for the general public.”
News
FDA safety alert: Face masks with metal can burn during MRI
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
Many face masks contain a nose wire or metal clip that helps the product conform to the face. Some masks contain...
News

Biden chooses California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to head HHS
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
Although his public health experience is limited, he served on the Congressional Ways and Means Committee overseeing health-related issues.
News
PPE shortage crisis continues at most hospitals, survey shows
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
A majority of hospitals and health care facilities surveyed report operating according to “crisis standards of...
News
CDC shortens COVID-19 quarantine time to 10 or 7 days, with conditions
- Author:
- Damian McNamara
The residual risk is approximately 1%, with an upper limit of 10%, when people quarantine for 10 days. .