>> New COVID variant, the latest numbers, and masking returns in some states
>> Groundbreaking surgery seems to be working
>> Mitigating the challenges of aging
>> Warnings about spas, drugs, and procedures
The Med & Mic™ 1.1.24 – 1.5.24
A medical news blog post
from the author of “Scoop, MD”
This Week In Medical News
In respiratory illness news…
Respiratory Viruses Are Up. At the end of December, CDC figures show 29,000 people were admitted with COVID, 15,000 with flu, and thousands with RSV. Emergency department visits went up by 12% and hospitalizations by 17%. (Source: CNN, D. McPhillips, A. Musa, C. Hassan, 1.1.24)
New COVID Variant JN.1. Wastewater COVID levels are at the highest they’ve been since the Omicron surge of 2022. A new variant called JN.1 has become the dominant strain and accounts for 44% of infections across the country. The Midwest is experiencing the highest levels of COVID. (The Hill, N. Weixel, 1.4.24)
Four States Reinstate Mask Mandates at Hospitals. Masks are required for patients and health care workers in New York, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts. (Reuters, B. Brooks, 1.4.24)
In medical advancement news…
Milestone for Newborn with Partial Heart Transplant. A newborn that was the first in the world to receive a partial heart transplant at Duke Health has growing heart valves at 20 months. Tissue engineering from cells grown in a lab has worked in animals, but not so far in humans. (CNN, Goodman, 1.2.24)
In life span news…
Eyes and Falls. Falls and fractures are more likely in older adults with cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. (MedPageToday, R. Dotinga, 1.1.24)
Hearing Aid Use Linked to Decreased Risk of Death. For people who use hearing aids, there is a 24% lower risk of dying. (CNN, M. Holcombe, 1.3.24)
Sleep Disruptions and Later Memory Problems. People in their 30s and 40s with interrupted sleep are more than twice as likely to have memory and thinking problems a decade later. (CNN, D. McPhillips, 1.3.24)
In health warning news…
Adverse Reactions from Med Spas. Infectious diseases doctors and emergency department doctors are seeing more adverse reactions from IV therapy and cosmetic procedures offered at med spas and hydration clinics. In some cases, unlicensed workers inject unapproved products in unsanitary conditions. (NBC News, Edwards, Kopf, 1.1.24)
Maternal Cannabis Use Linked to Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. Preterm birth, stillbirth, small babies, and high blood pressure complications of pregnancy were linked to maternal use of cannabis during pregnancy. This could be related to placental function. (Healio, E. Welsh, 1.2.24)
Suicidal Ideation with Weight Loss Drugs. The FDA is investigating reports of hair loss, suicidal thoughts, and food and liquid entering the lungs with GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. The agency is contemplating regulatory action. (CNN, K. Dillinger, 1.3.24)
Patients Who Undergo TAVR Have Increased Risk of Stroke. Patients who have a transcatheter aortic valve replacement have a heightened stroke risk for two years after the procedure. Stroke rates range from 1.2% to 3% in that time span, however 69% of the strokes occur within 48 hours. (Cardiovascular Business, M. Walter, 1.4.24)
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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.