Respiratory Virus Surge: Diagnosing COVID-19 vs RSV, Flu
Amid the current wave of winter respiratory virus cases, influenza (types A and B) leads the way with the highest number of emergency room visits, followed closely by COVID-19, thanks to the JN.1 variant, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Physicians should remain diligent in stressing to patients that vaccinations against COVID-19, RSV and influenza play a key role in keeping their families safe during seasons of staggering respiratory infections. Full Access: Medscape
Study: Patients with COPD and Anxiety or Depression Affected by Higher Clinical, Economic Burdens
The researchers explained that patients with chronic conditions often experience poor mental health. Therefore, older adult patients with COPD are more likely to develop mental illnesses, specifically anxiety and depression. The presence of anxiety or depression can complicate the course of COPD by causing poor treatment adherence, increased emergency care use, and increased exacerbation risk; it can also affect patients’ quality of life and result in additional health care costs. Full Access: AJMC
Utility of NSAID Response Called into Question for Longstanding AxSpA
Adults with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with longstanding back pain symptoms had response rates to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that were no different from patients with non-axSpA back pain of similar duration, according to findings from a prospective study. Full Access: Medscape
Stroke Mimics Tied to More PTSD Than Stroke
Patients presenting at the emergency department (ED) with symptoms that mimic a stroke are three times more likely to have PTSD than those with an actual stroke, early results of new research suggested. Full Access: Medscape
