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Immunocompromised Patients

All articles tagged with #immunocompromised patients

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Insights from Immunocompromised Patients Shed Light on Chronic Covid"

New research published in Science Translational Medicine examines the persistence of Covid in immunocompromised patients, revealing varying levels of risk for chronic infection. The study found that patients with severe immunosuppression, such as those with malignancies or bone marrow transplants, faced challenges in clearing the virus, leading to higher rates of viral evolution and impacting treatment efficacy. The findings underscore the need to identify effective treatment strategies for persistently infected patients and address the public health concern of potential viral variants emerging from these cases. Immunocompromised individuals continue to face heightened risks and challenges as the pandemic persists, despite the broader perception that it is largely over.

via STAT|

#chronic-covid #health #immunocompromised-patients

health2 years ago•6 min saved

Top Masks for Defending Against Anti-Maskers

Boston area hospitals, including Massachusetts General Brigham, have dropped masking requirements, causing concern among immunocompromised patients. Dr. Shira Doron, chief infection control officer for Tufts, has argued against universal masking and downplayed the risks of Covid-19, including long Covid. However, data shows that long Covid prevalence remains significant, with 79% of those affected reporting limitations to their daily activities. Experts recommend using high-quality masks such as N95s or KN95s for better protection, while surgical masks can be made more effective with a mask brace. Critics argue that the dismissal of Covid-19 risks by medical leaders undermines health and safety efforts.

via Forbes|

#boston-hospitals #covid-19 #health

health2 years ago•6 min saved

The Prevalence of Viruses in Hospitals Exposes Mask Shortage

Hospitals in the United States are facing a dilemma regarding mask mandates for patients, staff members, and visitors. While some hospitals have reinstated mask mandates, especially in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates, the majority have not. This has raised concerns among patients, healthcare workers, and public health experts, particularly for immunocompromised individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting respiratory infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hospitals consider implementing masking measures, but the guidelines lack specific benchmarks, leaving hospitals to make their own decisions. The politicization of masks and the backlash against masking in some communities further complicate the issue. Critics argue that hospitals have an ethical obligation to protect patients from infections acquired on-site, while others believe that the conditions for COVID-19 have changed and that policies should be revised accordingly. The CDC's advisory committee is currently revising infection control guidelines, but controversy and concerns about the adequacy of the recommendations persist.

via Yahoo News|

#covid-19 #health #hospitals

health2 years ago•7 min saved

The Prevalence of Viruses in Hospitals Exposes Mask Shortage

As Covid-19 cases rise, hospitals in the United States are divided over the need for mask mandates in healthcare settings. While some hospitals have reinstated mask mandates for patients and staff, the majority have not, and very few require masks for visitors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hospitals consider implementing masking when respiratory infections increase, but the guidelines do not specify specific benchmarks, leaving each hospital to decide. Experts are divided on the issue, with some arguing that hospitals have an ethical obligation to protect patients from infections on-site, while others express concerns about the politicization of masks and the potential backlash. The debate continues as hospitals navigate the challenges of protecting vulnerable patients and healthcare workers while balancing public health and individual choices.

via The New York Times|

#covid-19 #health #hospitals