#healthcare-acquired infection

[gumjrop]

The Weather

As of September 13, 2024, national wastewater levels remain high. The CDC’s national wastewater map has contracted viral activity levels from ten grades of color to five grades of color while our map below maintains the original ten grades of color based on CDC data. We will adjust to the five grades in future reports. With schools in full session and the weather transitioning in northern regions to cooler temperatures, transmission continues to occur. Wastewater activity is either “High” or “Very High” in 37 states according to the Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) dashboard. Activity is “Moderate” in 8 states and the District of Columbia, and there is no data available for New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. 

According to the Wastewater COVID-19 National and Regional Trends dashboard, COVID wastewater levels have plateaued, remaining between high and very high in all regions except for the West, which is having a slight increase. The highest levels remain in the West as of 9/7/2024 (data captured on 9/13/2024). 

In order to access local COVID wastewater levels, you can refer to the CDC’s state/territory trends page as well as the WastewaterSCAN dashboard. State and local public health wastewater trackers may also be available for example in Illinois, they are reporting over 80 locations. Also, the National Academies of Medicine recently published a second report stressing the importance of a robust wastewater surveillance system and its invaluable role in infectious disease surveillance. They recommend improving the consistency and quality of wastewater surveillance for COVID and other infectious diseases.

As of September 10, 2024, COVID levels are “likely growing” in 3 states and territories according to the CDC Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics dashboard. Thirteen states have reached “stable or uncertain” levels, and 31 states are seeing “declining” or “likely declining”, while levels are “not estimated” in 4 states. 

Note, this model utilizes emergency department visit data to estimate COVID transmission’s Rt, which is an estimate of the average number of new infections caused by each infectious person. An Rt greater than 1.0 indicates that infections are growing, while an Rt less than 1.0 indicates that they’re declining.

According to the CDC's COVID Data Tracker, there has been an increase to nearly 1,000 deaths and slightly more than 1,000 deaths per week from COVID during the entire month of August 2024. The last time this occurred was during the winter months of 2024. This total count of weekly COVID deaths is likely to be an underestimate due to limited COVID testing and reporting. The loss of these lives could have been prevented if layers of protections were consistently implemented in preventing infections. 

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the importance of preventing infections especially during periods of high rates of transmission. It notes that COVID death rates were higher when healthcare systems faced a larger strain as a result of increased levels of transmission. Comprehensive policies that protect people and prevent healthcare-acquired COVID infections are needed to prevent healthcare system overload.

Variants

According to the CDC’s variant tracking dashboard, KP.3.1.1 remains the dominant variant of all currently circulating strains. Nowcast modeling projects that KP.3.1.1 will increase to 52.7% by 9/14/2024, followed by KP.2.3 at 12.2%, followed by LB.1 at 10.9%, and KP.3 at 10.6%, respectively. The most prevalent circulating variants are JN.1-derived, and closely related to both JN.1 and KP.2. Updated vaccination with any of the available options (Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax) is recommended to better match current variants.

Vaccines and Treatment

Although the Bridge Access Program, covering the updated vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults, has ended, several states including California’s Bridge Access Program and other departments of health have taken steps to partially address this major gap by either providing funding for no-cost access to COVID vaccines or using budgets to acquire a limited supply for their residents. Ultimately, the federal government must contribute resources to ensure no-cost access for all who are uninsured or underinsured. We continue to demand from the federal government to provide continued funding for the Bridge Access Program as well as the Vaccines for Adults Program. As people access the updated COVID vaccines, it is notable that a longer 1.5 inch needle may be needed for adults with higher body weights, in order to pass through subcutaneous tissue into muscle. Complete guidelines for vaccine administration in consideration of age, weight, and injection site can be found on the CDC's website.

It is important to seek treatment when facing a COVID infection. A recent study, reviewing population data of nonhospitalized individuals ages 18 and older during the period of January 2022 and December 2023, showed that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid)—treatment for COVID—was less commonly used among those who identified as non-Hispanic Black and Latinx/e patients. Although the Test-to-Treat program prematurely ended, there continue to be programs available to ensure financial access to Paxlovid.

Wins

This is a reminder that another batch of no-cost COVID rapid antigen tests can be ordered and sent to your home address at the end of September 2024. Through the CDC’s Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program, no-cost access to COVID testing access is limited to those who are uninsured or underinsured at places including CVS, Walgreens, eTrueNorth, and other local sites as well as in New York City, which is supported by the NY Department of Public Health.

We are eagerly awaiting news on updates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid on mandatory reporting of COVID infections in healthcare systems, which begins November 1 thanks to our community’s advocacy. It is invaluable that all healthcare systems participate as case data is paramount for keeping track with current COVID trends and understanding the volume of healthcare acquired COVID infections. 

Take Action

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is seeking public comment and feedback on the next phase of RECOVER clinical trials, which focus on Long COVID. Meetings will be held virtually and on-site between September 23 and 25 to solicit feedback and comments. Register to attend these virtual or on-site sessions by September 25, 2024. It is very important to participate and ask NIH to commit to studies that will result in developing a better understanding of Long COVID, effective treatments for Long COVID, and key approaches to preventing Long COVID. 

Amid ongoing COVID spread, masking in healthcare remains central to safe access to healthcare. As we await implementation of COVID hospitalization reporting and prepare for CDC’s next Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee meeting in November, you can use this letter campaign to ask your elected officials to take action for healthcare masking.

And finally, because all of us need access to the updated COVID vaccines regardless of our insurance status or ability to pay, use our letter template to demand free COVID vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults nationally.

[mindvice]

Okay so… my employer, a healthcare organization with many hospitals and clinics:

Does not regularly test its employees for covid, including the unvaccinated ones

Allows staff to have assignments with a mix of both covid positive and negative patients, requiring full PPE only when caring for the covid patient(s)

Limited the hours/days for testing and vaccination sites

No longer tests or screens hospital visitors

Generally no longer limits the number of visitors a patient can have (some exceptions obviously)

No longer requires employees, patients or visitors to mask unless they are COVID+ or have cold/flu symptoms (but who’s checking if visitor

And now has decided to no longer test asymptomatic hospital patients

And it had to be now? When cases are spiking and everyone’s got a “summer flu” or “just allergies”?

It’s like the higher-ups are sitting around their conference table brainstorming ways to make their facilities even more unsafe than they already are

[feminist-space]

"Seminario cited the recent report, “Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses,” that shows that the number of respiratory illnesses in the private health care and social assistance sector increased from 145,300 in 2021 to 199,700 cases in 2022, an increase of 37.5 percent.

...

As an industrial hygienist, Seminario was extremely critical that there were no experts in respiratory protection on the committee nor did it include engineers who developed ventilation guidelines. She believes that the HICPAC committee members are likely so opposed to respirators “because once you are into recommending respiratory protection, with that comes a full respiratory protection program from OSHA,” with penalties for violations.

An epidemiologist and consultant, Michael Olesen, echoed this, believing the changes reflect “pressure to remove liability from hospitals.” He added, “I take a very clear position that we should be having respiratory protection mandates in all healthcare settings right now.”

...

Many patients who spoke at the HICPAC meetings said they had gotten Covid-19 when they went to the hospital and that the new policies were keeping them from getting care.

Given that, Dr. Art Caplan, professor of medical ethics at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, previously told me that dropping masking requirements in hospitals is “utterly, completely, irresponsible.” Similarly, staff refusing to mask, even when a patient requests it, is a moral failure. “The first principle is, you must do what is in the best interest of your patient,” he said.

...

Several people were asked why they believe HICPAC is determined to water down protections. Consistently, respondents say, “to reduce liability.” Earlier in the pandemic, hospitals regularly tested patients and staff for Covid-19, and you could often tell where and how you became infected. Since staff are no longer masking and continue working when ill, and patients are not being tested on admission, you can no longer prove who infected you. Hospitals are the only ones who win in this scenario, absolving themselves of responsibility and liability."

[covidsafecosplay]

The People’s CDC COVID-19 Weather Report: September 16, 2024

The People's CDC has released another updated report on COVID-19 data and action items for the United States of America.

Highlights:

According to the Wastewater COVID-19 National and Regional Trends dashboard, COVID wastewater levels have plateaued, remaining between high and very high in all regions except for the West, which is having a slight increase. The highest levels remain in the West as of 9/7/2024 (data captured on 9/13/2024). 

As of September 10, 2024, COVID levels are “likely growing” in 3 states and territories according to the CDC Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics dashboard. Thirteen states have reached “stable or uncertain” levels, and 31 states are seeing “declining” or “likely declining”, while levels are “not estimated” in 4 states. 

According to the CDC's COVID Data Tracker, there has been an increase to nearly 1,000 deaths and slightly more than 1,000 deaths per week from COVID during the entire month of August 2024. The last time this occurred was during the winter months of 2024. This total count of weekly COVID deaths is likely to be an underestimate due to limited COVID testing and reporting. The loss of these lives could have been prevented if layers of protections were consistently implemented in preventing infections. 

Although the Bridge Access Program, covering the updated vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults, has ended, several states including California’s Bridge Access Program and other departments of health have taken steps to partially address this major gap by either providing funding for no-cost access to COVID vaccines or using budgets to acquire a limited supply for their residents. Ultimately, the federal government must contribute resources to ensure no-cost access for all who are uninsured or underinsured. We continue to demand from the federal government to provide continued funding for the Bridge Access Program as well as the Vaccines for Adults Program. As people access the updated COVID vaccines, it is notable that a longer 1.5 inch needle may be needed for adults with higher body weights, in order to pass through subcutaneous tissue into muscle. Complete guidelines for vaccine administration in consideration of age, weight, and injection site can be found on the CDC's website.

This is a reminder that another batch of no-cost COVID rapid antigen tests can be ordered and sent to your home address at the end of   September 2024. Through the CDC’s Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program, no-cost access to COVID testing access is limited to those who are uninsured or underinsured at places including CVS, Walgreens, eTrueNorth, and other local sites as well as in New York City, which is supported by the NY Department of Public Health.

Read the rest of the report here:

Please note that the CovidSafeCosplay blog and its admin are unaffiliated with the People's CDC or its management, and are simply sharing the resource.

Via the People's CDC About page:

The People’s CDC is a coalition of public health practitioners, scientists, healthcare workers, educators, advocates and people from all walks of life working to reduce the harmful impacts of COVID-19.  We provide guidance and policy recommendations to governments and the public on COVID-19, disseminating evidence-based updates that are grounded in equity, public health principles, and the latest scientific literature. Working alongside community organizations, we are building collective power and centering equity as we work together to end the pandemic. The People’s CDC is volunteer-run and independent of partisan political and corporate interests and includes anonymous local health department and other government employees. The People’s CDC is completely volunteer run with infrastructure support being provided by the People’s Science Network

[posttexasstressdisorder]

Sociopaths, a term often used to describe those living with antisocial personality disorder, who operate within their daily lives without a “conscience,” can be characterized as acting without feelings of guilt, remorse, or shame coupled with a tendency to reject the concept of responsibility.

Antisocial people will intentionally make others angry or upset and use harsh and cruel indifference as they manipulate or attack others.

Clinically speaking, there is no defined difference between a sociopath and a psychopath although some have drawn this line at acting with low moral conscience (sociopath) and no moral conscience (psychopath) or having no regard for someone else’s rights or feelings (sociopath) and taking pleasure in robbing another of their rights, freedom, or well-being (psychopath).

My colleagues and I have discussed psychopathy in the previous president elsewhere as an example. Recognizing these nuanced differences exist, I will use the term sociopath and sociopathy here for brevity’s sake.

There appear to be at least three forms of this public political/governmental sociopathy present today. The first are those individuals for whom sociopathic tendencies are deep-seated and a core feature of who they are – the former president being a prime example. A second form includes the scores of Republicans and right-wingers who have decided to play the role or act sociopathic for their own personal gain. This includes hard-line MAGA members such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Kari Lake and Matt Gaetz, who decided to infect themselves with contagious sociopathy.

Look at the case of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis whose impressive on-paper resume includes graduation from Yale University (where he served as captain of the baseball team) and Harvard law school (with honors), distinguished service in the United States Navy including a legal role with Seal Team One and a deployment to Iraq. On paper, he is highly accomplished and embodied what we as Americans tend to hold in high regard … until he acquired contagious sociopathy.

Coincident with his departure from active military service and rise to Congress and the Florida governorship, he apparently chose to include antisocial tendencies in his political and public persona. He believes in unregulated gun ownership (despite brutal killings in his state’s own schools), he attacks the rights of women with his restrictive abortion laws, he suppresses legislation that would support the LBGTQ+ community, and he seeks to diminish the plight of historically maltreated groups (such as African Americans) with his attempts to bury the past.

In another high-profile example, the U.S. Supreme Court was constitutionally designed as a third arm of our democratic republic that was supposed to serve independently from the other Branches in an apolitical manner … now its majority is infested with contagious sociopathy. In just the last year (and weeks), they sociopathically overturned Roe v. Wade and severely undercut women’s healthcare rights, ruled in favor of discrimination, and ruled against students struggling under the mountain of student debt…all while facing accusations of improper gifts, hypocrisy, and politicization … in other words, with contagious sociopathy.

The third group with contagious sociopathy are the passive enablers of widespread acts of manipulation and cruelty ranging from long-serving, establishment leaders like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) all the way to the throngs of people clad in Confederate flags and MAGA idolatry whose inaction and permissiveness serves as a large-scale petri dish by which contagious sociopathy can flourish. It cannot go without mentioning that the processes of cultism are at play here as well.

It should be noted that the term I have been using – contagious sociopathy – is not mutually exclusive from what we have been observing with the perversion of Christian thought to suit sociopathic behaviors and the rise of fascism in the U.S. (Ruth Ben-Ghiat has written extensively on the latter). In addition, and in no way trying to simplify or underestimate the factors underlying American racism, the racist platforms of the far right and GOP, have provided a type of currency by which contagious sociopathy can spread – many have argued that the ascension of Donald Trump allowed closeted racists to become public racists. Racism includes the antisocial tendencies of demeaning, manipulating, and harming others without remorse as a key feature.

One cannot talk about contagious sociopathy without considering righteousness – a term describing the phenomenon by which malicious acts – including harming and killing others – are justified as long as the bad actor can consider the ‘victims’ to be an enemy. This is a bedrock of the Trump and MAGA attacks on the Left and any that criticize or oppose them.

I have written and said it before and I will do so again: The contagious spread of sociopathy has provided us with potential and actual leaders who embody the worst that humanity has to offer according to moral, legal, religious/spiritual, and societal norms…and they continue to run on this platform.

About the author: Seth D. Norrholm, PhD (Threads: neuropsychophd) is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Norrholm has spent 20 years studying trauma-, stressor-, anxiety-, depressive-, and substance use-related disorders and has published over 120 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters. The primary objective of his work is to develop “bench-to-bedside” clinical research methods to inform therapeutic interventions for fear and anxiety-related disorders and how they relate to human factors such as personality, genetics, and environmental influences. Dr. Norrholm has been featured on NBC, ABC, PBS, CNN, Politico.com, The New York Times, The New York Daily News, USA Today, WebMD, The Atlantic, The History Channel, Scientific American, Salon.com, The Huffington Post, and Yahoo.com.

[blueiight]

there’s no happy ending for claudia! i am screaming into the void 😵‍💫😵‍💫😩

there really isnt. when shes like ‘i couldve been married , cleaning up after my own babies’ before leaving its all lies shes telling herself bc lestat&louis reading her diary was such an untold violation of her own self n really a break in her own fantasy. claudia too was given n played along into a childhood + a family she was otherwise denied, until she became too old to play along anymore. its one thing to baby a .. say. 16 year old vampress w the body of a 14 year old, its a different ballgame when shes in her 20s n 30s in that same body. unchanging even as her mind grows. & lestat + louis both wanted to give claudia all the things they never had in their own roles they occupied as her parents but when confronted w/ what claudia actually said she wanted, they not only couldnt provide but eventually failed her in some way. truly, she was on the verge of death when louis found her and there was no way out. like louis pushing thru the wall w vampire strength was the only way claudia could have avoided the flames. & even if she survived the fires somehow w/o being saved, life trajectories for physically disabled ppl , especially young girls, of that extent in that era was awful. skin grafting technology had barely took off n only rly became a thing after world war i& extensive grafts n surgery claudia in this hypothetical would need is p exclusive for wealthy ppl who could afford it even to this day much less back b4 the us developed a centralized healthcare system. so shed probably die from her injuries or some acquired infection related to her injuries were it not for the vampirism. where book!claudia is more easily a blank slate for this family archetype bc of her even smaller self + the fact that she spent some of her early years catatonic, show!claudia is an older child with more of a foundational ego & self built from years of neglect n trauma. so thats why its even more disappointing what unfolds, bc her life has sort of become a self fulfilling prophecy of being neglected & hurt. show claudia’s will is ingrained in her that seeps thru, where its something of an acquired trait that arrives squarely from being made a vampire in the book. all this to say was whether book or show, there was no happy ending for a dying girl in a foregone time, and making this girl a vampire was just drawing out her inevitable end.

[vizthedatum]

I have made it to the ER and just got admitted.

This is my second ER visit since my 32nd bday. The first one was when I was having flu/respiratory symptoms (turned out to not be covid, flu, or RSV - maybe just a cold - and honestly shouldn’t have gone and just rode out the wave of being sick (I was running a fever)).

This visit… may have a kidney infection! Or at risk for sepsis! Or a fucking impossible UTI! Or very chronically inflamed!

I don’t fucking know which is why I’m here as I devolve into more and more pain.

I’m so close to breaking down crying.

Even tho I technically work for this hospital. I haven’t been in this particular ER since my 32nd bday (with my ex-spouse).

I was here ALL the time.

And like… subjectively, I *feel* healthier than any of those times… mainly bc I’m not in a fucking horrible relationship and etc.

But objectively I really may be at risk for sepsis.

The bacteria that infected me is something that I’m 60-90% sure I acquired during my last bladder instillation appointment.

And I’m also 90% sure that these people here (which is really the fault of the healthcare system and not them personally) will not get why I am so worried or even how much pain I’m in (I mask my pain well unless I can’t handle it anymore or if I’m near intimate partners (I have no intimate partners currently)).

Pain is rising.

And I am SO FUCKING TIRED.

And angry.

And hopeful I guess?

Idk a lot.

—

Still mentally feeling sound :/

But that’s gonna go downhill pretty soon as the pain/dizziness/fatigue rise.

And this time, I have no asshole of an ex-partner to stand up for me (as much I complain about them… they did stand up for me during hospital visits from time to time).

[unveilandresist]

lol I think my dad is slamming shit around the house because I sent him a text with long covid info and told him he needs to upgrade from a cloth mask if he doesn't want covid to disable him because acquiring other conditions from an infection is so common.

y'all weren't cloth masks only recommended because there weren't enough n95s for healthcare workers if everyone got them?

here's the link if anybody needs a resource to share:

[circumcure]

How Adult Male Circumcision Improves Sexual Health

Adult male circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis, has been practiced for centuries for various reasons, including religious, cultural, and medical purposes. Beyond its traditional significance, research has increasingly highlighted the potential benefits of adult male circumcision for sexual health. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence-backed ways in which adult male circumcision can enhance sexual health and well-being.

Reduced Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

One of the most compelling reasons cited for adult male circumcision is its role in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Numerous studies have demonstrated that circumcised men are at lower risk of acquiring HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and other STIs compared to uncircumcised men. This is believed to be due to the decreased surface area and moist environment under the foreskin, which can facilitate the transmission and replication of pathogens.

Lower Risk of Penile Cancer:

Adult male circumcision has also been associated with a reduced risk of penile cancer, a rare but serious condition that affects the tissues of the penis. The removal of the foreskin eliminates the moist and bacteria-prone environment that may contribute to the development of penile cancer. While penile cancer is relatively rare, circumcision offers a preventive measure that can lower the risk of this disease.

Improved Hygiene:

The removal of the foreskin through adult male circumcision simplifies genital hygiene and may reduce the risk of certain infections and irritations. Without the foreskin, it’s easier to clean the penis, as there are no folds or creases where bacteria and debris can accumulate. This improved hygiene can contribute to overall genital health and comfort, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant odors or infections.

Enhanced Sexual Satisfaction:

Some studies suggest that adult male circumcision may lead to increased sexual satisfaction and pleasure for both men and their partners. This is thought to be related to changes in penile sensitivity and sensation following circumcision. While individual experiences may vary, some men report heightened sexual sensitivity and improved erectile function after undergoing circumcision, which can positively impact sexual satisfaction and intimacy.

Reduction in Foreskin-Related Issues:

Uncircumcised men may experience foreskin-related issues such as phimosis (tight foreskin), paraphimosis (inability to retract the foreskin), or recurrent infections. Adult male circumcision can alleviate these problems by removing the foreskin entirely, eliminating the need for ongoing treatment or management of foreskin-related conditions. This can lead to improved genital comfort and function, enhancing overall sexual health and well-being.

Psychological Benefits:

In addition to the physical benefits, adult male circumcision may have psychological benefits for some individuals. For men who choose circumcision for personal or cultural reasons, undergoing the procedure can bring a sense of empowerment, confidence, and cultural identity. Feeling more comfortable and confident in one’s body can positively influence sexual self-esteem and relationships.

Conclusion:

Adult male circumcision offers several potential benefits for sexual health, including reduced risk of STIs, lower risk of penile cancer, improved hygiene, enhanced sexual satisfaction, resolution of foreskin-related issues, and psychological well-being. However, it’s important to note that circumcision is a personal decision, and individual experiences and preferences may vary. Before considering circumcision, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks, benefits, and implications of the procedure. Ultimately, the decision to undergo adult male circumcision should be informed by careful consideration of one’s health, cultural beliefs, and personal preferences.

[gumjrop]

The Weather

More than half of all US states remain at high to very high levels of SARS-CoV-2 detected in wastewater since January 25, 2024. As more people face reinfections, COVID remains a serious disease and we recommend that you continue to take precautions as the risk for infection is high at this time.

Although wastewater levels have dropped for multiple US regions, wastewater levels in the South have climbed higher than we’ve seen for any region this season and are currently the second highest peak we’ve experienced in the duration of the pandemic. This is a particularly concerning rebound as at the beginning of the year, Southern levels were experiencing a sharp decline. CDC’s national and regional wastewater data over time also show high levels nationally. As a reminder, the last two weeks are provisional data, indicated by a gray shaded area on the graph, therefore these values may change as additional wastewater sites report data. We want to remind you that multiple layers of precautions will protect against a COVID infection.

Wins

We thank many of you this week for joining us and in signing on with our letter to the ACLU regarding the actions taken by the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) that previously weakened already insufficient protocols employed within healthcare settings. We had many concerns with the actions taken by HICPAC. As a result of your actions, as well as support by many of our allies at previous HICPAC meetings, the CDC responded on January 23, 2024, with a request to consider clarification questions in distinguishing masks and N95 respirators. The CDC asked HICPAC to consider these questions prior to submission to the Federal Register for more public comment. This success demonstrates the importance of working together and holding the CDC accountable for ensuring safe healthcare settings for all patients and healthcare workers. You may also submit an additional comment or a reply to the CDC’s official response to HICPAC at the bottom of the news release.

As many healthcare systems and public health departments have restored masking in healthcare settings only when facing public pressure, without further action this important measure may not last. We ask you to support national and local groups to advocate for everyone’s safety in maintaining universal masking in all healthcare and healthcare-like settings. Universal masking can become a standard of preventative care rather than a short term response to infectious disease already surging.

Variants

JN.1 remains the dominant variant in the United States, and is approximately 93.1% of circulating variants as of 2/3/2024. HV.1 drops even further to 2.3%, and all other variants are estimated to make up less than 2% each. The updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccines updated with the XBB.1.5 variant were recently shown by a MMWR report to be at least 49% to 60% effective against symptomatic infections during the Fall season, from late September 2023 to mid-January 2024. By ensuring additional precautions including testing, masking, ventilation, and air filtration, the additive effect will ensure a higher effectiveness.

Vaccine uptake remains limited with only 21.8% of adults and 11.6% of children receiving the updated COVID vaccine as of 2/02/24. The Bridge Program remains available for those underinsured or without insurance for no-cost access to these vaccines.

Hospitalizations

A downward trend continues with new hospital admissions, currently at 22,636 the week of January 27, 2024. We still do not know the total number of hospital-acquired infections, since reporting over these numbers was halted in May of 2023. Despite this decrease in new hospital admissions, please consider that wastewater levels are still high nationwide, and that hospitalization does not reflect the current amount of circulating virus. Please continue to exercise caution and wear a well-fitting respirator indoors.

Testing and Treatment

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID) found that SARS-CoV-2 viral load peaks around the fourth day of symptom onset. This may suggest why tests do not seem to be picking up positive cases early on. This does not mean that transmission is unlikely prior to the fourth day of symptoms, but rather, one should continue to employ serial testing and isolation measures beyond the first few days of illness. If you have tested negative on day one or two with a rapid antigen test (RAT), you may still have a COVID infection, unless you test negative on day four or five with a RAT. 

Because of a lack of RAT sensitivity, people may mistakenly believe they do not have COVID, and both enter isolation too late and exit isolation prematurely, leading to increased transmission within the population. For this reason, it is important to wear a high quality respirator at the onset of COVID-like symptoms, regardless of a negative test. We must demand for more sensitive testing and no-cost access to better tests (such as PCR), as well as an infrastructure that allows for longer sick leave and sick-time pay. At this time, limited testing options remain at no cost including the Test to Treat program and Walgreens PCR program as well as treatment options including the no cost antiviral program operated by Pfizer and supported by Health and Human Services. Remember to check for regional offerings as well such as the “Express Testing” PCR program in New York City, which could be more accessible to you.

Vaccines

On February 1, the CDC published in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) that the most recently updated monovalent XBB.1.5 booster offered 54% increased protection against symptomatic (self-reported) COVID. Note, the study was limited as it did not evaluate the effectiveness against asymptomatic COVID cases. The CDC recommends that all individuals older than 6 months of age should receive the updated vaccine. If you have not yet received your vaccine, please do so.

Current updated vaccines being somewhat effective against symptomatic acute infection is not enough, and we should demand for sterilizing immunity of COVID through vaccines. Intranasal vaccines, which may induce a more robust mucosal immunity based on animal models, seem to be in the pipeline. However, it is unclear whether production of such vaccines is receiving appropriate funding or will be available to the public anytime soon.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is having a meeting on February 28-29th and COVID vaccines will be on the agenda. We will be sending information on a request for actions in the coming few weeks on how to participate in ensuring the CDC takes appropriate steps to protect the public from ongoing COVID infections.

Take Action

Further research and investment is needed for effective treatments against Long COVID. PCORI, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, is seeking individuals to represent patient voices on their advisory panels. This is an invaluable opportunity to advocate for Long COVID research as this research and funding organization has an annual budget of nearly 300 million dollars for medical research. Applications are due March 29, 2024 and those selected to be on their advisory panels can participate virtually. Lending your voice to this is invaluable.

We must also ensure constant access to no or low cost high quality masks and respirators. Request that the federal government ensure that there remains ongoing local manufacturing of high quality masks and N95 respirators to prevent a future shortage by contacting your representatives. 

Many people rely on pulse oximeters in healthcare and at-home settings as a medical device to check blood-oxygen levels during an active COVID infection and recovery. For several decades, it has been established that these medical devices have failed to measure accurately when used with darker skin color. In response, a recent lawsuit has been filed against 12 manufacturers. In addition, the FDA is currently seeking comments through the Federal Register on this matter. We ask you to submit a public comment asking the FDA to act immediately and ensure future pulse oximeters are properly manufactured to support all people.

[blogwold]

Title: The Six Most Dangerous Diseases: A Closer Look

Introduction:

In our ever-evolving world, where medical advancements are constantly being made, some diseases continue to pose significant threats to human health. These diseases, often life-threatening and difficult to treat, have claimed countless lives throughout history. In this article, we delve into the six most dangerous diseases that have left a lasting impact on global health.

1. HIV/AIDS:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain one of the most dangerous diseases, affecting millions worldwide. HIV weakens the immune system, leaving individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections. Since its discovery in the 1980s, AIDS has claimed over 32 million lives, highlighting the importance of education, prevention, and access to antiretroviral treatments.

2. Malaria:

Malaria, caused by parasites transmitted through infected mosquitoes, remains a significant global health concern. It primarily affects tropical and subtropical regions, causing over 400,000 deaths annually. Efforts to control malaria include mosquito control, bed nets, and antimalarial drugs, yet challenges such as drug resistance and climate change persist.

3. Tuberculosis (TB):

Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. With over 1.4 million deaths in 2019, TB remains a formidable threat, particularly in impoverished and densely populated areas. Multidrug-resistant TB strains pose additional challenges to treatment and eradication.

4. Ebola Virus Disease:

Ebola gained global attention due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate during outbreaks. The virus causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and death. While outbreaks are sporadic, they have proven devastating, requiring swift containment efforts and international collaboration to prevent further loss of life.

5. Cancer:

Cancer encompasses a range of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, with variations in incidence and mortality rates depending on the type of cancer and region. Advances in early detection, treatment modalities, and personalized medicine are crucial in the ongoing battle against cancer.

6. Cardiovascular Diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, collectively account for the highest number of deaths globally. Risk factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, smoking, and high blood pressure contribute to their prevalence. Public health campaigns promoting heart-healthy lifestyles and access to quality healthcare play a vital role in reducing the burden of these diseases.

Conclusion:

While medical progress has enabled us to better understand, prevent, and treat many diseases, the six mentioned above continue to pose significant challenges to global health. Effective strategies, international cooperation, and ongoing research are essential in addressing these dangerous diseases and minimizing their impact on individuals and communities around the world.

[healthcaremarketfmi]

Medical Disposables Market to be worth US$ 326 Billion by 2033, Reveals Future Market Insights

The Medical Disposables Market revenues were estimated at US$ 153.5 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2023-2033, according to a recently published Future Market Insights report. By the end of 2033, the market is expected to reach US$ 326 Billion. Bandages and Wound Dressings commanded the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2033.

The rising incidence of Hospital Acquired Infections, an increasing number of surgical procedures, and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases leading to longer hospital admission have been the key factors driving the market.

The subsequent spike in the number of chronic illness cases and a rise in the rate of hospitalizations has fueled the field of emergency medical disposables growth. The expansion of the medical disposables market is being fueled by an increase in the prevalence of hospital-acquired illnesses and disorders, as well as a greater focus on infection prevention. For example, the prevalence of healthcare-associated infection in high-income countries ranges from 3.5% to 12%, whereas it ranges from 5.7% to 19.1% in low and medium-income countries.

A growing geriatric population, an increase in the incidence of incontinence issues, mandatory guidelines that must be followed for patient safety at healthcare institutions, and an increase in demand for sophisticated healthcare facilities is driving the medical disposables market.

The market in North America is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 131 Billion by 2033 from US$ 61.7 Billion in 2022. In August 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance concerning healthcare single-use items reprocessed by third parties or hospitals. In this guidance, FDA stated that hospitals or third-party reprocessors would be considered manufacturers and regulated in the exact same manner. A newly used single-use device still has to fulfill the criteria for device activation required by its flagship when it was originally manufactured. Such regulations have been creating a positive impact on the medical disposables market in the U.S. market in specific and the North American market in general

Competitive Landscape

The key companies in the market are engaged in mergers, acquisitions and partnerships.

The key players in the market include 3M, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Abbott, Becton, Dickinson & Company, Medtronic, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Bayer AG, Smith and Nephew, Medline Industries, Inc., and Cardinal Health.

Some of the recent developments of key Medical Disposables providers are as follows:

In April 2019, Smith & Nephew PLC purchased Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. with the goal of expanding its advanced wound management product range.

In May 2019, 3M announced the acquisition of Acelity Inc., with the goal of strengthening wound treatment products.

For More Information: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/medication-dispenser-market

More Insights Available

Future Market Insights, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the Medical Disposables Market, presenting historical market data (2018-2022) and forecast statistics for the period of 2023-2033.

The study reveals essential insights by Product (Surgical Instruments & Supplies, Infusion, and Hypodermic Devices, Diagnostic & Laboratory Disposables, Bandages and Would Dressings, Sterilization Supplies, Respiratory Devices, Dialysis Disposables, Medical & Laboratory Gloves), by Raw Material (Plastic Resin, Nonwoven Material, Rubber, Metal, Glass, Others), by End-use (Hospitals, Home Healthcare, Outpatient/Primary Care Facilities, Other End-use) across five regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa).

Market Segments Covered in Medical Disposables Industry Analysis

By Product Type:

Surgical Instruments & Supplies

Would Closures

Procedural Kits & Trays

Surgical Catheters

Surgical Instruments

Plastic Surgical Drapes

By Raw Material:

Plastic Resin

Nonwoven Material

Rubber

Metals

Glass

Other Raw Materials

By End-use:

Hospitals

Home Healthcare

Outpatient/Primary Care Facilities

Other End-uses

[feminist-space]

Please join us in sending a letter to congress via Resistbot, to maintain masking in healthcare settings.

Please text PRIKQU to 50409 and the Resistbot will take care of getting the letter sent on your behalf.

Demand Masks in Healthcare

As my representatives in Congress, I am asking you to intervene with the CDC and with all levels of the Administration in regards to Covid-19.

We MUST have N95 masks or equivalent worn by all staff with patient contact in healthcare facilities-hospitals, outpatient centers, and nursing homes.

The HICPAC advisory committee to the CDC is proposing to weaken infection control measures. They are incorrectly saying that surgical masks are as protective as N95s, cherry-picked their data, and ignored abundant evidence to the contrary.

Further, some hospitals (like MGH) are not honoring requests from patients that staff wear a mask. This would appear a violation of ADA standards for accommodation and is unconscionable, resulting in patients delaying necessary care because they risk a deadly hospital-acquired Covid infection.

Dr. Cohen like the rest of the Administration is pretending that Covid is over and is focusing on the "urgency of normal." They are pushing people to go back to unmasked offices with inadequate ventilation, when teleworking has worked very well.

On July 20, 900 experts sent a letter to Dr. Cohen asking her and HICPAC to make their processes transparent, to seek the input of a variety of stakeholders, and to listen to experts in ventilation and aerosols. See https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10482911231195898. This has fallen on deaf ears.

On 8/25, in "The Check-in with Dr. Cohen," a Q&A session, Dr. Cohen tells people to wash their hands and stresses "it's important to use all the tools we have in our toolbox to protect ourselves." Not once did she mention masks or ventilation, both critically important since we know that Covid is primarily transmitted by aerosols.

The CDC states its mission is Saving Lives, Protecting People.TM They have abdicated in meeting their responsibility.

[covidsafecosplay]

Covid-19 Action Item: Letter Campaign to US Elected Officials & the CDC

Via the People's CDC:

Amid this summer’s nationwide COVID surge, the CDC has acknowledged that COVID spreads year round, including in summer, and that emergence of new variants leads to unpredictable patterns of spread. However, the draft infection control guidance by CDC’s healthcare infection control practices advisory committee (HICPAC) continues to threaten rollbacks in the use of N95 respirators for aerosol-transmitted pathogens and further weaken isolation protocols and related guidance. Despite the demonstrated benefits of universal masking in healthcare settings in the ongoing COVID pandemic, HICPAC’s draft guidance fails to integrate this lesson to prevent avoidable healthcare-acquired infections. Write to your elected officials and HICPAC asking them to make HICPAC accountable to the public and share your concerns about the need for universal masking and clear isolation protocols by August 22, 2024, at the latest. Since many elected officials are campaigning for our votes this year, it’s prime time to write to your elected officials to insist HICPAC be made accountable to the public. You can use our Action Network campaign to simultaneously 1) write a public comment to CDC/HICPAC and 2) alert your elected officials that healthcare needs much stronger isolation and infection control precautions, including universal masking.

You can use this link to find your reps and send a letter using the template provided by the People's CDC. If you can, be sure to include some personal comments--those are more likely to be looked at and noticed!

[besturologistinbhopal]

What is Phimosis and its symptoms,Causes & How To Prevent it.

The foreskin of the penis is too tight and cannot be pushed back over the head of the penis in phimosis, a medical disorder. Due to this, it may be uncomfortable to engage in sexual activity, difficult to urinate, and more susceptible to infections. Phimosis may be developed as a result of scarring or inflammation, or it may be congenital, meaning present at birth.

Males of any age can get phimosis, but young boys and teenagers are the most frequently affected. 

The foreskin may gradually loosen as the kid grows and in certain situations, phimosis may go away on its own. Nonetheless, it's crucial to get medical help if phimosis persists or produces pain or other symptoms. In extreme circumstances, phimosis can result in consequences like paraphimosis, a painful disease in which the foreskin gets stuck behind the penis' head and cannot be moved back to its usual place.

Symptoms of Phimosis

Several signs and symptoms could be present in someone with phimosis:

There may be redness or discoloration when the area is infected or irritated..

Swelling (inflammation) can be brought on by an infection or irritation.

Soreness.

Having difficulty urinating (dysuria).

Discomfort either during or following a sexual act.

Causes of Phimosis Are as followed:-

Males with congenital phimosis are born with a tight foreskin that is difficult to retract.

Scarring or inflammation of the foreskin brought on by diseases like lichen sclerosus or balanitis can result in acquired phimosis.

Penis or foreskin damage or trauma.

Chronic foreskin itching and bad hygiene

Phimosis risk might be raised by certain medical disorders including diabetes.  That’s why looking for the best urologist in Bhopal can help you to overcome these causes

How To Prevent Phimosis 

Phimosis of the body cannot be stopped. It is almost always present in infants.

Yet, it's crucial to maintain the penis clean. Instructions on how to properly clean a penis should be given to parents or other carers. Also, they should be advised not to stress out too much about the foreskin's immobility throughout the first few years of life. Children should be taught how to clean their own penis once they are old enough to care for themselves.

How is Phimosis Treated?

Congenital physiological phimosis is often not treatable. Your youngster usually outgrows it. Your healthcare professional may also refer to this as primary phimosis.

It is necessary to cure pathological phimosis, also known as secondary phimosis.

Your doctor will likely advise using a steroid cream on the skin of your penis.

After applying the steroid cream for about two weeks, your doctor may advise you to begin gradually expanding the foreskin. The skin should be softly stretched, and you should only bring it back as far as it won't hurt. The area of the glans exposed by the stretching exercises can be treated with the cream.

Surgery is what would come next. Your child's carer may make a little cut in the foreskin if your child is having trouble so you can draw it back. Your doctor may advise circumcision if you're an adult with a lot of scar tissue. The foreskin will be removed during this treatment, releasing the glans.

If balanitis xerotic obliterans (BXO) is the cause of the phimosis and steroid treatments are ineffective, your doctor will almost certainly recommend circumcision. Yet, your provider can advise against it. For adults, phimosis can make sexual activity uncomfortable. BXO can also lead to urinary tract issues and is linked to an increased risk of penile cancer.

So that’s all in this article if you want to know more about phimosis, phimosis treatment in Bhopal can help you to get rid of your problems

[healthcare-domain]

Infertility Treatment Market Scope of Current and Future, Key Players Analysis by 2026

According to the new market research report "Infertility Treatment Market by Product (Equipment, Media, Accessories), Procedure (ART (IVF,ICSI, Surrogate), Insemination, Laparoscopy, Hysteroscopy, Patient Type (Female, Male), End User (Fertility Clinics, Hospitals, Research) - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets™, the global Infertility Treatment Market size is projected to reach USD 2.2 billion by 2026 from USD 1.5 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Infertility Treatment Market"

215 – Tables 40 – Figures 255 – Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=43497112

The decline in the fertility rate, increase awareness about the availability of infertility treatment procedures, rising number of fertility clinics, increasing public & private investments and growing technological advancements are expected to drive market growth in the coming years

The infertility treatment market include major Tier I and II suppliers of infertility treatment equipment, media & consumables are The Cooper Companies Inc. (US), Cook Group (US), Vitrolife (Sweden), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Genea Biomedx (Australia), IVFtech ApS (Denmark), FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific (US), The Baker Company, Inc. (US), Kitazato Corporation (Japan), Rocket Medical plc (UK), IHMedical A/S (Denmark), Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (US), ZEISS Group (Germany), MedGyn Products, Inc. (US), DxNow, Inc. (US), Nidacon International AB (Sweden), Gynotec B.V. (Netherlands), SAR Healthline Pvt. Ltd. (India), and InVitroCare Inc. (US). These suppliers have their manufacturing facilities spread across regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=43497112

COVID-19 has impacted their businesses as well. Logistical issues, managing patients with the disease, prioritizing patients with comorbidities and pre-existing conditions, and protecting public & hospital frontline workers from exposure to the COVID-19 infection are the major challenges faced by healthcare systems across the globe. One in six reproductive-aged couples experiences infertility, and many turn to treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), which require in-person appointments to complete.

The fertility rate worldwide is declining steadily owing to various factors, such as the growing trend of late marriages and increasing age-related infertility. Global fertility rates are projected to decline to 2.4 children per woman by 2030 and 2.2 children per woman by 2050. This declining fertility rate has led to a significant increase in the demand for infertility treatment products that determine the fertility window in males and females.

The rise in number of fertility clinics to support the market growth during the forecast period.

Significant rise in number of fertility clinics, coupled with the decline in the fertility rate across the globe. Along with this growing focus of players and government towards the launching and acquiring new fertility centers across the globe is likely to contribute towards the growth of the segment. The expansion of fertility clinics equipped with advanced technology is anticipated to increase the accessibility of infertility treatment devices among infertile couples.

Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=43497112

Asia Pacific likely to emerge as the fastest-growing infertility treatment market, globally

Geographically, the emerging Asian countries, such as China, India, Japan and Singapore, are offering high-growth opportunities for market players. The Asia Pacific point of care market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.1% from 2021 to 2026. Expansion of healthcare infrastructure and increase in disposable personal income, rising medical tourism in Asian countries, increasing healthcare expenditure, and growing awareness among people about infertility are supporting the growth of the infertility treatment market in the region.

Prominent players in this market are The Cooper Companies Inc. (US), Cook Group (US), Vitrolife (Sweden), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific (US), Kitazato Corporation (Japan), and Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (US), among others