>> A Viral Triple Threat
>> How to Get Your Period If You’re Late
>> Another Dangerous TikTok Trend
The Med & Mic™ 10.26.22
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Insightful, supportive coaching to help you meet your speaking goals
The RSV, COVID, Flu Triple Threat
A surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), increased COVID transmission, and an earlier-than-normal flu season have doctors worried about a “tripledemic” this winter. Patients are testing positive for more than one virus. Hospitals are filling with young children with RSV. Part of the increase comes from the relaxation of COVID precautions. RSV and flu levels were low during the pandemic. In the fall and winter of 2020-21, RSV rates were unusually low but increased starting in the spring of 2021. (Source: Reuters, N. Lapid, 10.26.22)
Menstrual Regulation
Two clinical trials are evaluating the use of period pills: misoprostol and mifepristone, or misoprostol alone. The medications will induce a menstrual period, even if it is late by a couple days. The primary goal of both trials is to check if people with missed periods are interested in menstrual regulation and if they are satisfied with the experience afterward. Menstrual regulation is a common practice in other countries, such as Bangladesh. When the pills are used for menstrual regulation, the patient might not be pregnant. However, if the patient happens to be, the pregnancy ends with the onset of menstruation. (Source: Scientific American, M. Lanharo, 10.26.22)
Mouth Taping Dangers
As part of a trend spurred by posts on the social media platform TikTok, people are taping their lips shut to stop mouth breathing at night. This can be dangerous to people with obstructive sleep apnea, where there is a partial or complete collapse of the airway. It is one of the most common sleep disorders and millions of people are undiagnosed. Nose breathing is healthier for its filtering and moisturizing effects. It may also help keep blood pressure under control by increasing certain compounds in the body. Some people resort to mouth taping to curb snoring, but there are other ways to manage that from nasal strips and dilators, throat and tongue exercises, and sleep positioning. (Source: CNN, S. LaMotte, 10.26.22)
The CE experience for this Blog Post / Article is powered by CMEfy - click here to reflect and earn credits {$1}: https://earnc.me/ZUIaLN
Like | Share | Follow | Subscribe!
FIVE FREE RESOURCES FOR DOCTORS: 1) “What’s News…in Medicine,” 2) “Five Words Doctors Should Stop Using,” 3) “How Doctors Can Tame Stage Fright,” 4) “Quiz: How Media Savvy Are You, Doctor?” and 5) “Doc, Can You Comment on This Study?” Sign up at DrMariaOnSpeaking.com
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.