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.
Coronavirus rates drop 96% in nursing homes, but some see first-ever cases in new year
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 31, 2021
More than 430 nursing homes saw their first-ever COVID cases in early 2021, evidence that continued infection control measures are needed, and despite phenomenal declines in facility rates, says the U.S....
The COVID race: Vaccines 90% effective in frontline workers, but variant cases rising
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 30, 2021
The pace of U.S. vaccinations must hold up against the effects of spreading virus variants to keep further outbreaks under control, according to the CDC and expert observers.
HHS halts Eli Lilly’s single-drug COVID antibody treatment in U.S.; dual-drug alternative remains in...
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 26, 2021
U.S. distribution of an infusion treatment using bamlanivimab only has been halted due to virus variant concerns, but an alternative antibody cocktail from the drugmaker can still be ordered, according...
COVID cases rise in 15 states; variant fuels outbreak in Kentucky nursing home
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 22, 2021
The average U.S. case rate is falling, but almost a third of states have seen an increase, and one Kentucky facility’s outbreak shows how new COVID-19 variants and vaccination play a role in continued...
Clinical briefs for Friday, March 19
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 19, 2021
New HHS Secretary Becerra considered ‘friend of long-term care causes’ … U.K. nursing home staff passed B117 COVID variants to residents in early winter, study finds … 1 in 3 older thyroid disease...
Feds halt an Eli Lilly antibody therapy in 3 states due to variant fears, while boosting the treatment...
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 19, 2021
A COVID-19 variant circulating widely in California, Arizona and Nevada has rendered bamlanivimab alone ineffective, an FDA official reports. But Lilly says an approved alternative treatment “maintains...
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 Wednesday, March 17
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 17, 2021
Senior living giant sued over handling of transfers and discharges … First COVID vaccine dose 63% effective in nursing home study … FDA hedges against gene variants: Requires COVID antibody drugmakers...
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.