evidence: There’s a lot of news about the coronavirus and other respiratory viruses these days, some of it confusing. A new coronavirus variant — BA.2.86 — is attracting the attention of infectious-disease specialists. But on the good news front, a key federal panel met Sept. 12 to discuss the latest coronavirus booster, which targets the XBB variants of the virus. Officials expect the booster to become available this week. The panel recommended the booster for everyone ages 6 months and older. A new flu shot and new vaccines to protect against RSV are already out.