In a recent study published in the journal Eurosurveillance, researchers investigated the unusual rise in emergency department (ED) visits for pneumonia among children aged 5–14 years in England since November 2023. Their findings indicate that this increase, which persisted into early summer 2024, was primarily driven by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), even as other…

The millions of people impacted by the chronic aftereffects of COVID-19 following infection with SARS-CoV-2 present a significant public health challenge. A recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine examined whether current tests were adequate to identify post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). PASC, or long COVID, encompasses a broad range of symptoms that can…

In a recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, researchers evaluated whether the various coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine rollout phases impacted the prevalence of depression and anxiety at the population level among adults in the country. ​​​​​​​Study:  Impact of phased COVID-19 vaccine rollout on anxiety and depression among US…

A new study provides important insights into the pharmacokinetics and safety of intravenous remdesivir in treating the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in pregnant women. Remdesivir is an antiviral medication and is used to treat certain patients with COVID-19 who are either hospitalized or have mild-to-moderate symptoms in the outpatient setting and are at high risk of severe…

A recent study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine investigated clinical laboratory markers of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its post-acute sequelae (PASC). PASC, or long COVID, is a significant health burden reported in millions of individuals worldwide. It is an umbrella term for diverse symptoms and conditions that…

In a recent study published in PLoS Computational Biology, researchers used mathematical modelling to evaluate whether prioritizing older individuals for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) booster vaccinations consistently leads to optimal public health outcomes across diverse socio-economic settings. ​​​​​​​Study:  Prioritising older individuals for COVID-19 booster vaccination leads to optimal public health outcomes in a…

In a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers conducted an interdisciplinary review to examine the current scientific evidence on long coronavirus disease (long COVID) and its impact on individuals, health systems, and national and global economies. They also synthesized a roadmap for future research and policies on long COVID. Review:…

Scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have explored the health and economic benefits of routine childhood vaccination during the 1994 – 2023 period of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program in the United States. The study is published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Report: Health…

In a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, researchers used provisional data on deaths to examine mortality trends that can inform public health interventions and policies. Provisional data provide an early estimate of deaths before the final annual data is available, but these figures may be revised as more information is received. Their results indicate…

E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco products among teenagers, with over two million middle and high school students reporting their use. Nicotine exposure can adversely affect memory, learning, and attention span, as well as increase the risk of respiratory illness due to inhaled toxins, as well as mental illness and substance abuse. A recent…