Vetting COVID-19 vaccine in bariatric population is essential, investigator says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 17, 2020
Judging from the performance of other vaccines, some experts are concerned that a COVID-19 inoculation will be less effective in people with obesity than for those with a lower body mass.
Thunderstorms linked to spike in respiratory emergencies for Medicare beneficiaries
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2020
Emergency respiratory care visits increase among older Medicare patients in the days surrounding a thunderstorm, according to a new study from Harvard Medical School.
Study confirms need to isolate asymptomatic COVID-19 staff, residents
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2020
Symptomatic and asymptomatic adults carry a similar amount of the virus, a study of infected patients has found. What’s more, 81% of the asymptomatic participants had no outward signs of disease for...
An electric cooker can sanitize N95 masks, preserve filtration and fit, investigators find
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2020
A rice cooker or an Instant Pot effectively decontaminates N95 respirators without compromising fit and function, researchers say. They demonstrate the method in a YouTube video.
Six states join coronavirus test-purchasing compact; VA tries statewide COVID app
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2020
The governors of six states, including Republicans and Democrats, have formed an interstate compact to negotiate the purchase of 3 million COVID-19 antigen tests.
Staff, residents get on-site infusions in unusual COVID-19 drug trial
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2020
Eli Lilly and Symphony Care Network have partnered to test a COVID-19 antibody drug in long-term care communities. The drugmaker is deploying recreational vehicles retrofitted as mobile research units...
Residents’ physical decline tied to extended anticholinergic, sedative use
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2020
Long-term exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications is linked to reduced physical function — though not cognitive function — in nursing home residents.
Feds to reimburse providers for counseling patients to self-isolate
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 31, 2020
Existing E/M codes can be used to bill for counseling patients about virus mitigation at the time of COVID-19 testing, according to CMS and the CDC.
Highly accurate Alzheimer’s blood test a ‘breakthrough,’ observers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 30, 2020
The experimental blood test rivals the accuracy of standard diagnostic methods and may soon prove to be a cost-effective, accessible tool in the clinical setting, according to some in the scientific community.
Frequent online socializing leads to better mental health in seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 30, 2020
Older adults who went online daily and those who socialized via email were less likely to report depression and to experience poor life satisfaction than those who did not, say investigators.