Scientists predict new virus strain will worsen U.S. infection spike
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 15, 2021
Scientists are raising concerns that new genetic strains of SARS-CoV-2 will spark renewed outbreaks in the United States at a time when cases are already spiking.
FDA: Viral mutations unlikely to cause false negatives in COVID-19 tests
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 11, 2021
The agency has alerted healthcare providers that it is monitoring approved SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests to ensure that new viral mutations do not alter their accuracy.
Bamlanivimab cuts risk of COVID in nursing homes and assisted living, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 08, 2021
The investigation was conducted before the FDA revoked emergency use of the drug — a monoclonal antibody — due to the impact of genetic variants on efficacy. But it still can be used in combination...
Coronavirus reinfections in Kentucky nursing home worse second time around, officials say
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 26, 2021
Five residents of a skilled nursing facility tested positive twice for SARS-CoV-2 in separate outbreaks three months apart, before vaccines were available. The disease course was more severe in the second...
Anticipating B117 surge, experts urge continued focus on elders, deferred 2nd vaccine doses
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 18, 2021
Infectious disease and vaccine experts have laid out a plan for thwarting yet another uptick in transmission and illness. A new surge is likely by the end of April, they say in a CIDRAP report.
Clinical briefs for Monday, May 3
By
Alicia Lasek
May 03, 2021
Feds push combo therapy treatments in LTC to combat new COVID variants … People connections buoyed elders during pandemic, investigators say … Task force pinpoints eldercare services that drive up...
Robust response to virus variants expected in former COVID patients and the vaccinated
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 31, 2021
Blood samples from recovered COVID-19 patients show that they and their vaccinated peers should be able to fend off the virus and its variants in future encounters, NIH researchers say.
Geriatric hospital study reveals workers’ role in COVID outbreaks
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 20, 2022
A new study highlights how gaps in infection control practices may help spread COVID-19 between healthcare workers and patients.
November’s drop in COVID deaths may hint at early nursing home success, experts contend
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2021
Between spring pandemic lockdowns and November, mortality rates due to COVID-19 in nursing homes declined significantly — well before a vaccine was approved to treat the disease, according to a new study.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Aug. 3
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 03, 2021
SNF recovery threatened by spread of delta variant: LTC exec … Nursing home COVID-19 outbreaks rising again in hot spots … Massachusetts outbreak prompts CDC to suggest re-upped pandemic mitigation...