Pneumonia Outpaces COVID-19 and Influenza Fatalities
As World Pneumonia Day approaches on November 12th, the ongoing effort to reduce fatalities from infectious diseases has never been more urgent.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that needlessly affects millions worldwide each year. Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the U.S. are adults.
Previous U.S. CDC data indicates 47,000 people died from pneumonia in the U.S. in 2020.
And that negative trend continues today.
An Old Vaccine Resolves Tuberculosis Concerns
In the midst of stalling progress, there are some successes to report on the eradication of tuberculosis (TB), announced the World Health Organization (WHO).
While the world focused on the pandemic, about 26 million people were treated for TB between 2018 and 2021.
Of the 30 high TB-burden countries with the highest treatment coverage levels in 2021 included Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Uganda, and Zambia.
This data falls short of the 40 million targets previously set at the UN High-Level Meeting on TB.
Long COVID Prevalent in U.S. Adults With Prior COVID-19 Infection
Prevalence estimated to be almost 15 percent; risk higher for older adults and women and lower with completion of primary vaccination series before infection
Omicron BA.2 Subvariant Less Severe Than Delta, Original Omicron
Mortality rates lower for omicron BA.2 than for delta variant and omicron B.1.1.529
Severe Monkeypox Impacts People with HIV
During previous monkeypox outbreaks, severe disease manifestations and poor outcomes have been reported among persons with HIV infection, particularly those with AIDS.
A U.S. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) issued on October 26, 2022, summarizes findings from CDC clinical consultations provided for 57 adult patients who were hospitalized with severe manifestations of monkeypox from August 10–October 10, 2022.
Disparities ID’d in Dispensing of Oral Antivirals for COVID-19
Substantial disparities seen in dispensing rates in high social-vulnerability zip codes versus medium-, low-vulnerability zip codes
Pooled Risk for Thrombocytopenia Increased After ChAdOx1-S Vaccine
Pooled 30 percent increased risk for thrombocytopenia seen after first dose of ChAdOx1-S versus BNT162b2
Overall Symptoms After BNT162b2, Other Vaccines Comparable in <5s
Injection-site, musculoskeletal, dermatologic, otolaryngologic symptoms more frequent; general symptoms and fever less frequent with BNT162b2 in children younger than 5 years of age
Blood Donations Welcomed Following Vaccinations
It is anticipated by health experts that throughout the winter of 2022-2023, there will be an increased demand for blood donations in the U.S.
The American Red Cross urges healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply as the Northern Hemisphere flu season begins.
And the Red Cross is sharing a vital reminder… that it's okay to give blood after getting an influenza or COVID-19 vaccination.