As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), began to spread globally, it became apparent that the virus, unlike the closely related SARS-CoV in the 2003 outbreak, could not be contained by symptom-based screening alone. Asymptomatic and clinically mild infections were uncommon during the 2003 SARS-CoV outbreak and there were no …
A single state survey was conducted in the state of Indiana to determine the willingness of long-term care staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Staff characteristics including age, gender, race, ethnicity, role in the facility, experience in long-term care, and geographic location of the facility were self-reported along with prior infection and willingness to receive an approved vaccine as soon …
The states of Florida and Texas have started to distribute coronavirus vaccines to residents over age 65. These decisions go against guidelines set by an advisory group at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recommended that healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff members should be first in line, followed by other frontline workers and all …
The CDC has issued updated interim clinical considerations for use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the United States and interim considerations for preparing for the potential management of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rarely after vaccination. In addition to screening for contraindications and precautions before administering COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine locations should have the …
To help members who are having trouble getting ahold of personal protective equipment, The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) is working with Project N95 to purchase and offer such items at bulk pricing rates. There are no minimum order quantities, but the offer is only for a one-time bulk purchase and may not be repeated. The following …
The COVID-19 vaccine distribution process in the U.S. is moving slower than anticipated, falling short of Operation Warp Speed’s goal to vaccinate 20 million Americans by the end of 2020. As of December 30, 2020, 11.4 million doses were distributed, and 2.1 million people have received a vaccine. Most states have administered a fraction of the doses they’ve received. Federal …
Mason Public Schools and Green Acres Assisted Living The holidays were different this year, and so many residents in long term care facilities were faced with being unable to spend them with their loved ones. Our newest HealthCap Heroes from Mason Public Schools wanted to spread the love of the holiday season to their neighbors in Green Acres Assisted Living, …
The immune system is complex and involves many genes, including those that encode cytokines known as interferons (IFNs). Individuals who lack specific IFNs can be more susceptible to infectious diseases. Additionally, the autoantibody system dampens IFNs response to prevent damage from pathogen-induced inflammation. Two recent studies now examine the likelihood that genetics affects the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 …
As more and more types of respirators are hitting the market to meet increased demand, counterfeit respirators are becoming a concerning issue. False marketing and deceitful labeling may entice customers to try a new brand that may not actually be providing appropriate protection. One major misrepresentation these respirators have is false NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approval. …
On January 8, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert warning that viral mutations of SARS-CoV-2 may produce false-negative results on current molecular tests. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting clinical laboratory staff and health care providers that the FDA is monitoring the potential impact of viral mutations, including an emerging variant from the …
