It’s official: Omicron causes less severe COVID-19 illness than prior variants, CDC study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 26, 2022
The SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant is much less likely to cause severe illness and death than its predecessors, according to a new analysis of U.S. data from December 2020 through mid-January 2022.
Dietary protein often too high in seniors with kidney disease, nephrologists say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 26, 2022
Study results underscore the need for a thorough nutritional review and intervention in this population, investigators say.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Jan. 26
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 26, 2022
OSHA to withdraw COVID-19 vaccine mandate … Infected CNAs recount going to work sick at short-staffed California nursing homes … Trail of loss is following omicron’s peak … Pfizer working on a...
FDA expands use of remdesivir to skilled nursing, other non-hospital settings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 25, 2022
Remdesivir, the first FDA-approved COVID-19 drug, now can be used in adult and pediatric patients with mild-to moderate COVID-19 illness at high risk of progressing to severe disease, the agency has announced.
NIH panel updates treatment guidelines for non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 25, 2022
A new recommended treatments list addresses the omicron variant’s current dominance and drug supply shortages.
Pharmacists poised to continue transition into direct care roles, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 25, 2022
Pharmacists will continue to move into central roles in healthcare, including chronic disease management in the adult patient population, the authors say.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Jan. 25
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 25, 2022
Hospital discharge pressures build as nursing homes clamor for help … Telehealth may work best as supplement to in-person care for seniors … LTC delirium screening raises odds of psychoactive prescription...
Booster shots key to protecting seniors from omicron variant, large CDC studies find
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2022
A third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines has been significantly more effective in preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes during the rise of the omicron variant than the primary doses alone, according...
State to test nursing home residents for antibodies, weigh need for 4th vax
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2022
The state of Maryland will test nursing home residents for COVID-19 antibodies in a proactive effort to determine whether or not they should be offered a fourth vaccine dose, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced...
Antipsychotics raise mortality risk in dementia no matter comorbidities, investigators say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2022
Antipsychotics are associated with a higher risk of death in older adults with dementia, with none of the excess risk due to the drugs’ interactions with cardiovascular comorbidities or diabetes,...