What We’re Reading: Chronic Fatigue Affects 3.3 Million Americans; Cigna Abandons Humana Merger; ChatGPT's Medical Advice Falls Short

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Affects 3.3 Million US Adults, CDC Finds

The CDC has unveiled the first nationally representative estimate of US adults living with chronic fatigue syndrome, totaling 3.3 million individuals, according to the Associated Press. The number, larger than previously thought, includes patients with long COVID, shedding light on the condition's prevalence. The report challenges stereotypes, revealing that chronic fatigue is not confined to a specific demographic, as both men and women across various racial and economic groups report its debilitating effects, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and understanding.

Cigna Abandons $140 Billion Merger With Humana as Shareholders Express Concerns

Cigna has halted its pursuit of a $140 billion merger with competitor Humana following unsuccessful negotiations and shareholder apprehensions, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Shareholders expressed reservations about the proposed cash-and-stock transaction, causing a nearly 10% drop in Cigna's stock. While Cigna remains supportive of the potential benefits of a merged entity, the company now shifts its focus to smaller acquisitions and plans $10 billion in stock buybacks.

Study Reveals Limitations of ChatGPT in Addressing Medical Questions

A study conducted by researchers at Long Island University has uncovered limitations in the ability of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, to address medical queries accurately, according to CNN. The research, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, compared the chatbot's responses to 39 medication-related questions against those from trained pharmacists and found that only about 10 questions received accurate responses. Furthermore, the study revealed that ChatGPT provided fabricated references for some responses, raising concerns about potential risks and emphasizing the importance of relying on professional medical advice rather than AI for health-related concerns.