Madeline King-Patel, PharmD, BCIDP

A comparative study found that using linezolid in place of clindamycin in combination with vancomycin for the treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections resulted in similar 30-day mortality rates but lower rates of acute kidney injury and composite adverse outcomes, suggesting the effectiveness and safety of linezolid as an alternative therapy.

Unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections and incorrect prescriptions for bacterial infections have significant consequences, including increased adverse effects and healthcare expenditures.

Telemedicine use is likely to continue expanding even as the COVID-19 pandemic slowly resolves.

Drs Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, Madeline King, Rodney Rohde, and expert nurse practitioner Wendy Wright provide insight on receiving the influenza vaccine concurrently with the SARS-CoV-2 booster shot, and comment on data on immune responses from the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines.

Experts in the management of SARS-CoV-2 educate on CDC and FDA recommendations for approaching administration of booster vaccines, including those for special patient populations.

Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP; Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD; and Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc; review what encompasses a bivalent vaccine and give their perspective on how to communicate the role of the vaccine in optimizing protection for patients.

Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc, leads a discussion on the constant evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the impact on vaccine and booster shot development and administration.

Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD; Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP; and Madeline King, PharmD, BCIDP, examine the efficacy and real-world implications of the COVID-19 booster shot in terms of vaccination protection rates.

Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP, leads a discussion on the challenges subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 present in terms of vaccination and approaching optimal communication to the public surrounding vaccination.

Expert health professionals share their thoughts on variants of concern vs variants of interest of the SARS-CoV-2 strains as they relate to clinical practice.

Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD, discusses the difference between the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and subvariant strains.

With the warmer months in full swing, here are clinical considerations and strategies for tick-borne infections.

Although the pandemic halted many medical mission assignments, these opportunities and others are becoming available to help those geographic areas with acute needs.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has updated patient profiles on who should be indicated for antibiotic prophylaxis.