The current influenza surveillance data should be interpreted with caution, says the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO announced on March 1, 2021, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has influenced to varying extents health-seeking behaviors globally. The various hygiene and physical distancing measures implemented to reduce the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have likely played a role in reducing influenza virus transmission.
A World With Fleeting Flu Cases
Frequency of Urgent Vitreoretinal Surgery Down During Pandemic
Decreases seen in intravitreal injections, lasers and cryotherapy, retinal detachment repairs, other vitrectomies
Ivermectin Does Not Speed Symptom Resolution in Mild COVID-19
No significant improvement seen in median time to resolution of symptoms with ivermectin versus placebo
Two Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant P.1 Identified in Minnesota
Patients reported travel to Brazil within 14 days prior to symptom onset; genome sequencing confirmed specimens to be P.1 variant
Shortage of Syringes Reported for COVID-19 Shots
Billions poured into development of vaccines, but little public investment made in expanding manufacturing for syringes
Global Agreement Delivers Rotavirus Vaccine to Children
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a rotavirus vaccine would become available to more children living in humanitarian crises.
Thanks to a landmark agreement with the vaccine manufacturer GSK, children living in refugee camps, displaced communities, or other emergencies now have a better chance of being protected against severe diarrhoeal disease with these rotavirus vaccines.
GSK has committed to supply the Rotarix vaccine at its lowest global price.
Pediatric Oncology Services Disrupted During Pandemic
Newly diagnosed pediatric cancer cases decreased in 43 percent of centers; treatment abandonment increased in 34 percent
Emptier Roads, but Sharp Rise in U.S. Traffic Deaths Reported in 2020
NHTSA says speed is main problem, as well as increased use of alcohol, marijuana, and opioids
California Targets Vulnerable Neighborhoods for COVID-19 Vaccination
Neighborhoods considered highly vulnerable based on factors such as income, education, housing, and transportation
COVID-19 Death Rates 10 Times Higher in Countries Where Most Are Overweight
Higher BMI also associated with increased risk for hospitalization, ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation