>> Changes for respiratory illnesses
>> New products for life and limb
>> Who’s at risk: cancer, infection, suicide
The Med & Mic™ 2.12.24 – 2.16.24
A medical news blog post
from the author of “Scoop, MD”
This Week In Medical News
In infectious diseases news…
Flu Up in Parts of U.S.
The CDC says flu hospitalizations are dropping, but flu-like illnesses are up in the Midwest. Last week, 23 states had high levels, compared to 18 the week prior. Flu has eased for the Southeast and West Coast. (AP, M. Stobbe, 2.9.24)
Change Coming in COVID Isolation Recs
The CDC plans to shift its guidance about COVID isolation: no need to isolate if fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are going away. Current recommendations include isolation for five days plus masking. The change is expected in the spring. (CNN, J. Gunbrecht and B. Goodman, 2.13, 24)
In medical advancements news…
Ebola Vaccine Lowers Death Risk
In a new study, people vaccinated against Ebola had a lower risk of dying from the disease: 27% compared to 56% if unvaccinated. Even if someone received the vaccine when already infected, the risk of death was lower. (STAT News, H. Branswell, 2.12.24)
New Med for Frostbite
A treatment to reduce the risk of amputation with frost bite was FDA approved and is expected to be available in the spring. Iloprost is the first-ever treatment for severe frostbite in adults. The drug opens blood vessels and prevents clotting. It was originally approved to treat pulmonary hypertension. (Reuters, S. Roy, 2.14.24)
In patterns of disease news…
Lasting Immune System Damage for Ex-Smokers
New research shows that smoking can decrease the body’s ability to fight off infection immediately and may increase the risk of inflammatory diseases later. Researchers noted multiple lifestyle variables, age, sex, and genetics of more than 1,000 people. Their blood samples were exposed to common microbes, and the researchers assessed immune response. Some parts of the immune system are still impaired by smoking even years after the habit stops. (CNN, J. Christensen, 2.14.24)
Penetrating TBI Linked with Brain Cancer
In a study of post-9/11 U.S. veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, moderate to severe penetrating brain injuries have been linked to subsequent brain cancer. For this group, the rate of glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, was 26% higher than the general public. (MedPage Today, J. George, 2.15.24)
In assorted medical news…
FTC Probing Drug Shortages
After an unprecedented shortage of injectable cancer medications and generic drugs over the past year, the Federal Trade Commission is investigating the role of contracting practices, market concentration, and compensation of group purchasing organizations and drug wholesalers. The shortages have forced hospitals and patients to ration medicines. (CNBC, AK Constatino, 2.14.24)
Post-hospital Suicide
This risk of suicide is very high in the first few days of discharge after a hospitalization for depression. In a 20-year Finnish study, the rate of suicide during the first three days out of the hospital was about 6,000 per 100,000 person years. This decreased to about 4,000 per 100,000 person years on days 4 through 7. Factors that increased the risk of suicide included age, male sex, and severe depression. (MedPage Today, M. DePeau-Wilson, 2.14.24)
Needling Down the Stroke Risk
Acupuncture may reduce the risk of stroke by 43% in people with rheumatoid arthritis by lowering the blood levels of inflammatory proteins linked to heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people with rheumatoid arthritis. (HealthDay, CT Miller, 2.14.240
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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.