ANN ARBOR – New research from the University of Michigan shows that reinfections of seasonal coronaviruses are common, suggesting that the virus behind COVID-19 could be endemic. “The frequency of reinfections with the different seasonal coronaviruses suggests that SARS-COV-2 is not going to completely disappear.”AdThe researchers used data on 3,418 individuals from the Household Influenza Vaccine Evaluation from the years 2010-2018. Upon evaluating the data, the team found 1,004 seasonal coronavirus infections. Additionally, 27 percent of the reinfections occurred within one year of the initial infection, which researchers say is a relatively short period of time given the virus’ seasonal nature. “In our study, participants had high levels of anti-spike protein binding antibody to seasonal coronaviruses, but these antibodies did not correlate with protection from infection,” Petrie said in a release.

ANN ARBOR Even before school closures and stay-at-home orders were issued in March due to the coronavirus outbreak, four out of 10 low-income Americans were struggling with food insecurity, according to researchers at the University of Michigan. Julia Wolfson and Cindy Leung of the U-M School of Public Health have been measuring household food insecurity by using data from a mid-March survey of low-income adults across the country. According to their study, 44% of low-income adults in the country are food insecure, 20% experience marginal food security and 36% reported being food secure. Food is a core determinant of health and food insecurity is associated with numerous poor health outcomes, Leung, assistant professor of Nutritional Sciences at the School of Public Health, said in a statement. This study highlights the growing number of families facing food insecurity in the wake of COVID-19 who need additional support with food, finances, and child care.U-Ms Poverty Solutions Initiative funded the study.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The University of Michigans School of Public Health created a video that can help explain the coronavirus (COVID-19) to children between the ages of 6-11. MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Heres where we stand as of Thursday morningThe school released the kid-friendly video to share scientifically-accurate information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic that will keep kids engaged, officials say. The short video -- narrated by a child -- discusses COVID-19 symptoms, how the virus spreads and how to prevent the spread of the virus. The video also touches on the importance of social distancing, even though it can be difficult to isolate from family and friends amid the pandemic. The school is also sharing a family guide with tips for discussing the COVID-19 pandemic with kids.