The recent data from the CDC’s IVY and VISION networks have shed light on the protection provided by the newly updated COVID vaccines against severe virus-related outcomes in immunocompetent adults. According to Jennifer DeCuir, MD, PhD, and colleagues, the vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-related emergency department or urgent care encounters ranged from 47% to 52%,
Health
A recent study presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) forum revealed that patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) who were continuously treated with ozanimod (Zeposia) for 7 to 8 years exhibited stable or improved clinical and radiologic measures of disease activity. Regardless of the age category, the adjusted
Obesity is a significant health concern worldwide, with numerous associated risks and complications. Recent research has highlighted a potential link between obesity and the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). A prospective cohort study conducted by Lars Alfredsson, PhD, at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, presented findings at the ACTRIMS Forum 2024, shedding light on
The effectiveness of flu shots in the current U.S. winter flu season has been estimated to be around 40% for preventing adults from getting sick enough to require medical attention, according to health officials. Children who received the flu vaccine were approximately 60% less likely to seek treatment at a doctor’s office or hospital. These
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can be serious for older adults, particularly those aged 60 and older. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has emphasized the benefits of vaccination against RSV in this age group, despite the small risk of vaccine-related Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Evaluating the Risk of
In a recent randomized phase II trial, Barzolvolimab, an anti-KIT monoclonal antibody, has shown promise in reducing the severity of hives in adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who have not seen relief with antihistamines. The study, presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology annual meeting, demonstrated significant improvements in the 7-day
A retrospective cohort study conducted by Maggie L. DiNome, MD, and colleagues from Duke University School of Medicine revealed significant variations in the odds of achieving pathologic complete response (pCR) and improved overall survival (OS) among patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study found that Black women with TNBC were
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently updated its infection prevention and control (IPC) guideline for Ebola and Marburg disease in an effort to tackle “inappropriate practices” in managing these outbreaks. This includes revisiting existing recommendations based on past experiences with outbreaks of these deadly diseases. According to a summary of the recommendations by Victoria
The disparity in life expectancy within cities like Washington, D.C. is truly staggering. The fact that individuals living just a few miles apart can have a difference in life expectancy of more than a decade is a stark reminder of the inequalities that exist in our society. These disparities are not unique to Washington, D.C.,
A recent study conducted by Irene Xin-Yin Wu, PhD, and colleagues at Central South University in Hunan, China, explored the impact of adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors on the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among a large cohort of individuals over a 12.6-year follow-up period. The findings revealed a significant association between healthy lifestyle