SPOTLIGHT -
COVID-19 Linked to Significant Brain Changes, Shrinkage
Even a mild COVID-19 infection can change the brain. People infected had a greater reduction in brain volume and performed worse on cognitive tests than those who did not contract COVID-19.
Read More
Social Determinants of Health and COVID-19 Mortality
Associations between social determinants of health (SDOH) and COVID-19 mortality varied across racial and ethnic groups and community types.
The Presentation of COVID-19 Data Affects Perceived Threat Level
One study found people were more likely to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously when they saw the overall number of infections, as opposed to being presented with only new daily cases.
Patients Treated at COVID-19-Dedicated Hospitals had Better Disease Outcomes
Minnesota hospitals established to care exclusively for COVID-19 patients saw lower rates of mortality than general hospitals.
Nirsevimab Significantly Reduces RSV-Induced Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Infants
A single-dose injection of nirsevimab before RSV season was proven to reduce infants’ risk of lower respiratory tract infection by 74.5%.
President Biden Unveils New “Test to Treat” COVID-19 Strategy
“COVID-19 need no longer control our lives,” President Biden said, detailing a plan to immediately provide free antiviral pills to anyone who tests positive.
FDA Revises Evusheld Emergency Use Authorization, Ups Dosage
Due to decreased efficacy against the Omicron variant, the FDA is now recommending approved populations receive a higher dose of Evusheld (tixagevimab and cilgavimab) for COVID-19 prevention.
Weekly Flu Report Finds Sporadic Infections
This flu season, the CDC reported at least 2.4 million flu illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 1,400 deaths from flu so far.
Studies Find COVID-19 Outbreak Originated at Huanan Market in Wuhan
A pair of studies released last weekend found the COVID-19 pandemic was caused by at least 2 zoonotic transmission events at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China.
Vaccination Changes the COVID-19 Mortality Predictors
Among fully vaccinated people, being older than 60 years and having kidney failure were the only consistent predictors of severe COVID-19 disease and death.
Healthcare Societies Oppose Legal Advocacy for Ivermectin
The IDSA, HIVMA, and SHEA released a statement opposing legal intervention on behalf of ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment.
Moderna Approved for Phase 3 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Trial
Moderna was endorsed to begin phase 3 clinical trials for mRNA-1345, what could be the first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
When it Comes to COVID-19 Outcome, ZIP Code Matters
COVID-19 patients’ ZIP codes influenced how sick they were upon hospitalization, and how much care they needed after admittance.
Study Finds Ivermectin Does Not Reduce COVID-19 Disease Severity
A study of patients at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease progression found ivermectin was no more effective than standard care at preventing adverse outcomes.
Asymptomatic COVID-19 Rare, Especially for Unvaccinated People
Regular symptom screening revealed completely asymptomatic COVID-19 infection is highly unlikely among unvaccinated people.
Convalescent Plasma May Safely Treat Children at High Risk of Severe COVID-19
Convalescent plasma safely raised antibody levels in children at high risk of severe or fatal COVID-19, successfully neutralizing the virus but unlikely to provide lasting protection.
Risk of COVID-Induced New, Persistent Clinical Conditions
32% of older adults had 1 or more new, persistent clinical conditions after COVID-19 infection.
Inhaled COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against Variants of Concern
Intranasal COVID-19 vaccines aren’t just needle and pain-free—they may also be more effective at protecting against current and future variants.
Why Omicron’s Mutations Make It Susceptible to Vaccines
Omicron's numerous spike protein mutations caused mass concern, but one research team hypothesizes that its mutations are largely documented and thus susceptible to COVID-19 vaccination.
Tracking COVID-19 Spread at a Midsized University
During spring 2021, when Alpha was the dominant COVID-19 variant, a midsized Midwestern university’s vaccination initiative was associated with a significant decrease in COVID-19 infections.
3 COVID-19 Exposures Provide Immunity Against Omicron
Triple COVID-19 vaccination or infection-plus-vaccination hybrid immunity induces high-quality antibodies, capable of neutralizing even the Omicron variant.
Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Risk of Severe or Fatal COVID-19
COVID-19 patients who were vitamin D deficient before infection were 14 times more likely to have severe or fatal COVID-19 disease.
Novavax Files for FDA EUA for its COVID-19 Vaccine
The company’s filing for its NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is based off data from 2 large clinical trials.
Experts Warn Against Panic as New BA.2 COVID-19 Variant Detected in US
BA.2, Omicron’s “cousin” variant, has been detected in the US. It initially appears to be more contagious, but not more dangerous.
Public Health Watch: Pediatric RSV on Decline Amid Omicron Surge
The trend follows predictions that COVID-19 mitigation would lead to case reduction.
Most COVID-19 Patients Admitted to ICU Still Experience Symptoms 1 Year Later
Nearly 75% of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU were symptomatic 1 year later, most commonly reporting weakened condition and musculoskeletal problems.
Investigators Identify Why Omicron Causes Less Severe Disease
Omicron is less effective at antagonizing host cell interferon response, explaining why it causes less severe disease than prior COVID-19 variants.
FDA Expands Remdesivir Approval for Patients at Risk of Severe COVID-19 Disease
Gilead’s remdesivir was granted expanded FDA approval to treat non-hospitalized adult and adolescent patients at high risk of severe or fatal COVID-19 disease progression.
The Risk of Severe Influenza Among Infants Younger Than 6 Months
A recent study in Australia highlights the risk of severe influenza disease in infants younger than 6 months and the need for preventative measures to protect this vulnerable population.
Prior COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection Most Effective Against Delta Variant
The CDC reported that post-infection immunity paired with COVID-19 vaccination was very protective against the Delta variant.