COVID-19 Roundup: Importance of Vaccine Uptake in Winter, Obesity’s Link with Long COVID

Why Vaccination Uptake is Crucial During the Winter Season

Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, Professor at the University of Louisville’s Division of Infectious Disease and co-founder of the Infection Prevention Institute, has partnered with Sanofi to talk about the importance of annual flu vaccination and address individuals that are particularly at risk.

Overweight, Obesity Linked with Increased Long COVID Risk in Pediatric Patients

Children and young adults with overweight or obesity may be at a significantly increased risk of developing long COVID, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. The authors of the study said the findings highlight the need for targeted care to prevent chronic conditions in at-risk pediatric patients.

COVID-19 Vaccines May Reduce Incidence of Long COVID Symptoms

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine could reduce the risk of developing long COVID if it’s administered 5 months before an infection, according to new research published in the journal Vaccine. The authors of the study said that the findings could help with the formulation of future vaccination strategies as COVID-19 becomes endemic.

Trusting COVID-19 Vaccine Science Crucial in Vaccine Acceptance Among US Adults

Trusting the science behind COVID-19 vaccines is a key factor for vaccine acceptance in the United States and indicates the willingness individuals have of getting booster shots, according to research published in the journal Vaccine: X. The authors of the study said trust in public health sources must be strengthened for the public to have confidence in vaccine programs.

COVID-19 Significantly Impacted Health Services for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the outcomes and health care access for individuals with pancreatic cancer living in England from January 2015 through March 2023, according to a study published in eLife Sciences. The authors said the findings suggest that if a similar public health crisis were to arise in the future, health care services should focus on the unmet needs of patients with cancer.

Medication Optimization Needed for Patients with Long COVID

The current approach to managing long COVID with medications largely targets nervous system symptoms and carries significant risks associated with polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions, according to recent research published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. The authors of the study said the findings highlight the need to enhance the safety of long COVID symptom management.

Examining Impact of COVID-19 Diagnosis Timing on AF Progression | AHA 2024

There is no association between timing of COVID-19 diagnosis and progression of atrial fibrillation in patients with new onset atrial fibrillation, according to research data presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions, held November 16 to 18 in Chicago, Illinois. The authors said the findings do not support the notion that early COVID-19 diagnosis increases the likelihood of atrial fibrillation progression.

READ MORE: COVID-19 Resource Center

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