Residents’ lack of energy may signal malnutrition; full assessment advised
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
In a study of 13 nursing homes, fully 43% of residents reported that they lacked energy, and 12% were malnourished. The two problems were significantly linked, investigators say.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Aug. 10
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
BioNTech: Third dose — not new drug — is the best path for boosting COVID-19 vaccine efficacy … Connecticut: Long-term care workers must vaccinate or face fines … Older adults with poor hearing...
New CDC data: Vaccinated older adults have low chance of COVID hospitalization
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
The three FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in keeping the oldest adults out of the hospital, according to federal data released Friday.
Show us the data: COVID vaccine boosters may get go-ahead, but LTC docs remain wary
By
Alicia Lasek
Danielle Brown
Aug 09, 2021
Booster shots for the most vulnerable appear to be on a fast track to federal authorization. But clinicians want information about necessity, safety, dosing and more to justify prescribing an extra dose...
Antibody shot cuts COVID-19 infection risk by 66 percent after exposure, drugmaker says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
Regeneron’s REGEN-COV antibody cocktail significantly reduces the relative risk of infection after exposure to a close contact infected with SARS-CoV-2, new data show. Symptomatic illness is also shorter...
Clinical briefs for Monday, Aug. 9
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
Feds weigh withholding Medicare funding for LTCFs that don’t mandate vaccines … Physicians report 20% increase in burnout, new survey finds … Treatment of tenacious stomach bug that troubles elderly...
Fauci: U.S. to quickly prioritize the most vulnerable for COVID-19 booster shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
With this week’s COVID-19 cases up 43% and deaths rising, the United States is working to swiftly approve vaccine booster shots for people with weakened immune systems, federal health officials said...
Blood thinner reduces acute-care stays of COVID-19 patients: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
Moderately ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients who receive a full dose of heparin have less need for mechanical ventilation, and improved chances of leaving the hospital, a new trial has found.
One of two pneumonia drugs offers longer-term protection for COPD patients, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
The two available pneumonia vaccines recommended for older adults are equally good at safeguarding the health of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But Prevnar13 appears to offer longer-term...
Clinical briefs for Friday, Aug. 6
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
Behavioral nudges increase COVID-19 vaccination … Older adults with prostate cancer often die from cardiac diseases, COPD … Level of amyloid beta in mid-life blood test may forecast Alzheimer’s risk...