JAMA Medical News recently published a Perspective explaining how new phrases may apply to recent respiratory illnesses in children in various countries.
Published on January 10, 2024, Rita Rubin, MA, discussed the ongoing debate about how the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased rates of diseases such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Much of the discussion has centered around immunity debt and immunity theft, terms born of the pandemic and not found in textbooks.
From “Immunity Debt” to “Immunity Theft”
Texas Publishes 'Big Three' Respiratory Virus Trends and Insights
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today announced it had launched new data tools to empower people to keep tabs on respiratory viruses in Texas.
In Texas, respiratory virus season runs from October to May and usually peaks in the winter. However, these viruses create health risks at any time of year.
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake More Likely in Pregnancy if Receiving Other Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance twice as high if Tdap or influenza vaccinations also received
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Lagging in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
In Michigan, those with sickle cell disease have half the coverage rate of people without sickle cell disease
Is the U.S. CDC Expecting a Tuberculosis Outbreak
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Global Migration Health published enhanced instructions that define panel physicians' specific responsibilities in testing for and treating infectious tuberculosis (TB) disease among applicants from overseas.
As of January 16, 2024, the new TB screening summary from the CDC is as follows:
Simnotrelvir Shortens Time to Resolution of Symptoms in COVID-19
On day 5, the decrease in viral load from baseline was greater in the simnotrelvir group versus placebo group
New Rx for Schedule-II Stimulants for ADHD Increased During Pandemic
No significant changes seen in new prescriptions for antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or buprenorphine for opioid use disorder
CDC: Although Season Not Over, Flu Activity Is Slowing Down
So far this season, the flu has caused at least 14 million illnesses, 150,000 hospitalizations, and 9,400 deaths
21% of Children Exposed to Drug-Drug Interactions
Over the last few decades, research has proven that drug–drug interactions (DDIs) can cause adverse drug events, but little is known today about DDI exposure in children in the outpatient setting.
A new study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on January 4, 2024, found that 21.7% of Medicaid-insured children were exposed to one major DDIs annually.
Of 781,019 children in this study, the odds of DDI exposure increased with age and with medical and mental health complexity.
21% of Children Exposed to Drug-Drug Interactions
Over the last few decades, research has proven that drug–drug interactions (DDIs) can cause adverse drug events, but little is known today about DDI exposure in children in the outpatient setting.
A new study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on January 4, 2024, found that 21.7% of Medicaid-insured children were exposed to one major DDIs annually.
Of 781,019 children in this study, the odds of DDI exposure increased with age and with medical and mental health complexity.