Six patients with low-positive antibody levels following standard vaccination achieved high-positive levels after dose 3
AMA: 96 Percent of Physicians Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19
No significant differences seen in physician vaccination rates across demographic groups, including region, gender, age
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Cuts Risk for Reinfection for Up to 10 Months
Risk for PCR-positive infection higher for residents, staff of long-term care facilities who were antibody-negative at baseline
Stroke Features Characterized for SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients
Large vessel occlusion seen in 44.5 percent of those with acute ischemic stroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection
Convalescent Plasma Use Inversely Linked to COVID-19 Mortality
Reduction in CCP use may have resulted in 29,000 excess deaths in the U.S. from mid-November 2020 to February 2021
Risk for Adverse Events Not Increased After COVID-19 Vaccine in IBD
Frequency of adverse events was higher for those younger than 50 years, individuals with prior COVID-19 history
Catch-Up Vaccinations for Children, Teens Lagging Behind
Vaccinations substantially declined during March to May 2020; increase seen in June to September, but not enough to catch up
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Shines in Latest Trial
Company says there were no cases of hospitalization or death among people who received the vaccine
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Over Hospital’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
Lawsuit was signed by 117 of 178 workers who were suspended last week for failure to get fully vaccinated by the hospital’s deadline
AMA Plan to Fight Racism Criticized by Some Members
Plan was announced last month and acknowledges that there is racism and White privilege in the medical establishment
Maternal Influenza Vaccination Delivers Life-Long Benefits
Every year, influenza viruses cause substantial morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and neonates, stated an editorial published by The Journal of the American Medical Association (AMA).
To reduce influenza incidence in these vulnerable populations, the World Health Organization recommended in 2012 that countries prioritize pregnant women for influenza vaccination annually.
Pediatric Influenza Cases Increased Last Week
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported today, the 2020-2021 influenza season has begun to accelerate in the pediatric population.
The CDC confirmed on May 14, 2021, the percentages of provider visits in Week #18 continued to increase for one age group (0–4 years) and remained stable for the remaining age groups compared with Week #17.
About 6% of provider visits for children were related to the seasonal flu.
COVID-19 Burden Greater Compared to Influenza
The Journal of General Internal Medicine published a study by physician-researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) that assessed the relative impact of COVID-19 on patients hospitalized with the viral infection versus patients hospitalized with influenza.
COVID-19 and influenza are both contagious respiratory viral diseases that can lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory failure in severe cases, says the U.S. CDC.
Novel Influenza Vaccines Identified for Pandemic Preparedness
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a review of the zoonotic influenza virus activity and virus characterization and describes the current status of the development of vaccine candidates for pandemic preparedness purposes.
The development of influenza candidate vaccine viruses, coordinated by WHO, remains an essential component of the overall global strategy for influenza pandemic preparedness.
Flu Vaccine Changes Confirmed for 2021-2022
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the influenza vaccine selection committee finalized its recommendations for the Northern Hemisphere's 2021-22 flu season.
These recommendations were made within the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, record-low levels of influenza detections were reported, and fewer viruses were available for characterization during September 2020 to January 2021 time period than in previous years, said the WHO.
Expanded Collaboration to Advance New Therapeutics for Respiratory Viruses
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) announced an agreement to expand their existing collaboration to include the research and development of new therapies for influenza and other respiratory viruses.
COVID-19’s Mortality Risk 3.5 Times Greater Than the Flu
A recent study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) found that the risk of death from COVID-19 was 3.5 times higher than from the seasonal flu.
"We can now say that COVID-19 is much more severe than seasonal influenza," said Dr. Amol Verma, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, and the University of Toronto, in a press statement.
Intranasal Flu Shot Candidate Spurs Strong Immune Response
An experimental single-dose, intranasal influenza vaccine candidate, was found safe and produced a durable immune response when tested in a Phase 1 study, announced the National Institutes of Health.
This study was sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation on February 2, 2021.
Fewest Flu-Related Hospitalizations Reported in Nine Years
Seasonal influenza activity in the USA remains lower than usual for this time of year, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC also reported the number of influenza-associated hospitalizations is lower than average for this point in the 2020-2021 flu season and are ‘comparable to counts seen at this point during the 2011-12 season.’
And the CDC’s new weekly report (#50) confirmed since September 27, 2020, only (0.2%) of virus species tested were found infected with influenza. Of those found, 56.9 percent were identified as Influenza A.
Fewest Flu-Related Hospitalizations in Nine Years
The seasonal influenza activity remained lower than usual for this time of year, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC also reported the number of influenza-associated hospitalizations is lower than normal for this time of year and is ‘comparable to counts last seen during the 2011-12 season.’
And the CDC’s new weekly report (#50) confirmed since September 27, 2020, only (0.2%) of virus species tested were found infected with influenza. Of those found, 56.9 percent were identified as Influenza A.
Polio Continues Spreading in Various Countries
The 28th meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations on the international spread of poliovirus reviewed updated data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV) on May 4, 2021.
On May 21, 2021, this World Health Organization (WHO) Committee announced it unanimously agrees that the risk of international spread of poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended the extension of Temporary Recommendations for an additional three months.
Mexico’s Travel Advisories Issued by the FAA, CDC and State Department
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the Government of Mexico does not meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.
Based on a reassessment of Mexico’s civil aviation authority announced on May 25, 2021, the FAA has downgraded Mexico’s rating to Category 2 from Category 1.
Japan’s Olympic Games May Flame-Out Again
The Japan Times reported today a government spokesman discussed the possibility of extending the current State of Emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, and other prefectures beyond the May 31, 2021, expiration date.
As an example, Japan has placed the Okinawa Prefecture under the State of Emergency through June 20th. Okinawa confirmed a record high number of 231 COVID-19 cases on May 22nd.
Dengue Defense Gets a Boost
If you are planning visits to certain countries in the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued Travel Alerts regarding Dengue virus outbreaks.
Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. And Dengue has become common in about 100 countries around the world, says the CDC.
Cruise Ship Industry Launches ‘Dry-Run’ Voyages
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance for the international cruise industry to return to US waters.
On May 7, 2021, the CDC suggests cruise ships undertake simulated voyages with volunteer passengers as part of its COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate (CSO) application.
Alaska Cruise Season Sets Sail From Juneau
UnCruise Adventures announced it intends to make a significant comeback relaunching in Alaska earlier than expected due to high consumer demand.
UnCruise Adventures confirmed on May 3, 2021, three Pacific Northwest sailings will take place after Washington State COVID-19 protocols affected the scheduled departure dates.
In place of a cancellation, the company saved the long-awaited adventure cruises of dozens of guests offering them an alternative itinerary out of Juneau, Alaska, covering guest airfares and hotels to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Resuming International Travel Faces Starts & Stops
With summer 2021 quickly approaching in the Northern Hemisphere and COVID-19 vaccination rates increasing, many people are eager to resume international travel.
Additionally, many countries are loosening restrictions to welcome visitors once again.
However, international travel poses health risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading COVID-19 variants. Since the COVID-19 pandemic differs from country to country, prospective travelers should pay close attention to the situation at their destination.
Japan Issues Third State of Emergency: Closes Down Travel
The US Embassy in Japan confirmed a ‘Third State of Emergency’ notice was issued. This declaration became effective on April 25, 2021.
This new declaration is scheduled to terminate on May 11, 2021, but could be extended further, similar to previous states of emergency.
The Government of Japan has reimposed a state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto prefectures and urge residents to take all possible precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
TSA’s New Technology Speeds Up Security Lines
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed ‘it is ready for the continued surge in travelers across the country.’
According to the TSA’s data, on April 18, 2021, over 1.5 million airline passengers were screened. This news indicates the USA travel industry had recovered from 2020 when only 105,382 passengers were screened on the corresponding day.
However, when contrasted to 2019’s activity of about 2.3 million screened travelers, the travel industry’s volume is well below maximin consumer demand.
Digital Technology Speeds Up TSA Security Lines
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed ‘it is ready for the continued surge in travelers across the country.’
According to the TSA’s data, on April 18, 2021, over 1.5 million airline passengers were screened. This news indicates the USA travel industry had recovered from 2020 when only 105,382 passengers were screened on the corresponding day.
However, when contrasted to 2019’s activity of about 2.3 million screened travelers, the travel industry’s volume is well below maximin consumer demand.