The latest data from the CDC’s IVY and VISION networks shed light on the protection offered by recently updated COVID vaccines against severe virus-related outcomes in immunocompetent adults. The study conducted from September 2023 to January 2024 revealed that the vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-related emergency department or urgent care visits was determined to be
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A study conducted by Jeffrey Cohen, MD, at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) forum, highlighted the stable or improved disease activity measures for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) undergoing 7 to 8 years of continuous treatment with ozanimod (Zeposia). Regardless of
The correlation between obesity and the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a topic of significant interest in the medical community. A recent prospective cohort study presented at the ACTRIMS Forum 2024 shed light on the detrimental effects of obesity on MS patients. The findings, discussed by Lars Alfredsson, PhD, highlighted the association between obesity
The latest reports on the effectiveness of flu shots in the ongoing winter flu season in the United States have been released. According to health officials at a recent CDC vaccines meeting, the vaccines have shown an effectiveness rate of around 40% in preventing adults from falling ill to the extent of requiring medical attention.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has reaffirmed the benefits of vaccination against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults ages 60 and older, despite the small risk of vaccine-related Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). It was noted in a presentation by Amadea Britton, MD, of the CDC’s RSV adult vaccination work group that while a
Barzolvolimab, a groundbreaking anti-KIT monoclonal antibody, has shown significant efficacy in reducing the severity of hives in adults suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who have not responded adequately to antihistamines. A recent phase II clinical trial revealed compelling evidence of the drug’s effectiveness in improving the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) and providing relief to
The findings from a retrospective cohort study conducted by Maggie L. DiNome, MD, and colleagues at Duke University School of Medicine shed light on the variations in pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and overall survival (OS) among patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study explored the impact of race/ethnicity on treatment
In recent updates, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the significance of revising infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines for managing outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg disease. According to a summary of the recommendations provided by Victoria Willet, RN, and colleagues in The BMJ, past experiences during outbreaks have justified the need for a
In cities like Washington, D.C., huge disparities exist in life expectancy between neighborhoods. From affluent suburbs to inner-city areas, the gap can be as much as 30 years. This stark reality is not unique to Washington, as similar discrepancies can be seen in cities across the United States, from New York to New Orleans. Even
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has always been associated with numerous health benefits, and a recent study has highlighted a significant link between healthy lifestyle behaviors and the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study, conducted by Irene Xin-Yin Wu, PhD, and colleagues, emphasized the importance of various health behaviors in the prevention of IBS