>> A long-term plan for combatting COVID
>> Trauma Tsunami
>> Delta vs. Omicron in Kids
>> COVID in high places
>> The risk of not smelling
>> A different drug could be a key to preventing opioid addiction
The Med & Mic™ 04.08.22
How busy doctors keep up on the medical news of the day – and get $1 CME!*
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
~ A DOCTOR COACHING DOCTORS SPEAKING ~
Win the Media Interview!
Repeated Boosters Debate
The FDA’s vaccine advisory panel discussed the future of vaccines against COVID-19. Among the questions:
how often should vaccines be updated,
how to coordinate with global health authorities,
when to boost,
what will be the process for authorization.
Many experts said it was unsustainable for Americans to get boosted every few months. A major new strain could emerge every 1.5 to ten years. “We’ve never been here before,” says Oveta Fuller, PhD in an article from the AP, “We’re all working together to do the best we can and it’s very complex.”
Trauma Symptoms from the Pandemic
Feelings of anxiety and stress are becoming increasingly common. A survey from the American Psychological Association found a significant increase in demand for mental health services in 2021. Warning signs of trauma include irritability, trouble sleeping, drinking more than usual, fatigue, and loss of joy. Psychologists recommend dealing with the symptoms as they come. “We do not need to get full-blown anxiety or depression or PTSD before we deal with it,” says assistant professor of nursing Tamar Rodney in a report from NPR.
Young Children Got Omicron
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers were more likely to be infected with Omicron than Delta. Also, they were less likely to have severe health outcomes. Researchers examined the health records of 650,000 children younger than 5 between September 2021 and January 2022. This age group was not eligible for vaccines. Children who got Omicron were less likely to visit the emergency department than those who got Delta. “However, because there were so many more children infected, our hospitals were affected over the winter months by an influx of young children,” says study co-author Dr. Pamela Davis in an article from Healio.
COVID Hits DC Dignitaries
A spokesman for 82-year-old Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, says she has tested positive for COVID. She canceled a conference with reporters and postponed a congressional delegation trip to Asia. The spokesman says she has no symptoms. She was at a bill signing event with the president on Wednesday. Several other representatives announced positive tests this week. Also, two members of the cabinet, the vice-president's communication director, and the president’s sister have all tested positive. More from CNN.
Death Risk: Loss of Smell
People with an impaired sense of smell have a higher risk of early death. Researchers analyzed 21,600 patients and found older adults with an abnormal sense of smell had a 1.52 higher risk of an early death. Loss of smell can be a marker for general health and aging. It affects one in four adults. It has been linked to neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinsons’ disease, as well as diabetes, kidney disease, and epilepsy. More from MedPage Today.
Less Opiate Addiction with Mushrooms
A psychedelic drug found in mushrooms may have protective effects against addiction. In a 200,000-person study, researchers found opioid addiction was 30% less likely in people who have ever taken psilocybin in their lifetime. Study authors suggest that this hallucinogen may protect against opioid use disorder by affecting serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals involved with addiction. Also, spiritual experiences induced by the drug may be similar to the spiritual framework of addiction recovery programs. However, use outside of a clinical setting is not recommended. More in USA Today.
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The Med & Mic™ 04.08.22
How busy doctors keep up on the medical news of the day – and get $1 CME!*
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
~ A DOCTOR COACHING DOCTORS SPEAKING ~
Win the Media Interview!
5 Words Doctors Should Stop Using… Do you use these words? Find out here. Click on “In the Loop.”
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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.
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