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Two Exercise Interventions May Ease Acute, Subacute Spine Pain
New research suggests two conservative interventions are effective for treating acute and subacute spine pain. Results from the SPINE CARE randomized controlled trial showed that 6–8 weeks of an individualized postural therapy (IPT) or a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial intervention known as ICE that includes physical therapy were associated with small but statistically significant reductions in pain-related disability at 3 months compared with usual care.
Full Access: Medscape
Guidelines on Patient Care During Volume Surges (AAP, 2022)
Clinical guidelines on pediatric patient care during periods of volume surge were released in November 2022 by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Pediatric healthcare staff are critical during volume surges. Therefore, infection prevention is paramount, as is mental health support for staff. All staff should be current on influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. Guidelines for the conservation of crucial resources, such as personal protective equipment, antimicrobial medications, oxygen, and test materials, should be put in place.
Full Access: Medscape
Pandemic Curbs Linked to Early Start to Europe’s Winter Flu Season
Scientists are concerned that social interaction during the festive season could lead to further increases in respiratory infections. As an added complication, viral respiratory infections can predispose patients to bacterial infections, just when some common antibiotics that can treat them are in short supply in Europe. This has been linked to increased demand given an uptick in severe infections caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus, particularly in children under the age of ten.
Full Access: Medscape
Increase in Invasive Group A Strep Infections, 2022
CDC is looking into an increase in invasive group A strep (iGAS) infections among children in the United States. iGAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. This Health Advisory highlights the recent rise in iGAS infections in children, the increased seasonal risk of iGAS disease for all age groups, and the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of these diseases in children and adults.
Full Access: CDC
VV116 versus Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir for Oral Treatment of Covid-19
VV116 is an oral antiviral agent with potent activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Among adults with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 who were at risk for progression, VV116 was noninferior to nirmatrelvir–ritonavir with respect to the time to sustained clinical recovery, with fewer safety concerns.
Full Access: NEJM