RESULTS FROM A TEST-TO-RELEASE FROM ISOLATION STRATEGY AMONG FULLY VACCINATED NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS AND STAFF MEMBERS WITH COVID-19 — UNITED STATES, DECEMBER 14–19, 2021
On December 16, 2021, the NFL updated its test-to-release from COVID-19 isolation protocols in response to increasing SARS-CoV-2 cases and predominance of Omicron variant. Among 173 vaccinated adults with COVID-19 undergoing RT-PCR testing, 46% received a negative on or before day 6 postdiagnosis. These data indicate that persons with COVID-19 should continue to take precautions, including correct and consistent mask use, for a full 10 days after symptom onset or after initial positive test results if they are asymptomatic.
Full Access: CDC
FDA PERMITS MARKETING OF FIRST CONDOM SPECIFICALLY INDICATED FOR ANAL INTERCOURSE
On February 23, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the marketing of the first condoms specifically indicated to help reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during anal intercourse. The condoms, which will be marketed as the One Male Condom, are also indicated as a contraceptive to help reduce the risk of pregnancy and the transmission of STIs during vaginal intercourse. This authorization helps the priority of advancing health equity through the development of safe and effective products that meet the needs of diverse populations.
Full Access: FDA
DIVERTICULITIS IN THE ELDERLY CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES (2022, WSES/SICG/ACOI/SICUT/ACEMC/SIFIPAC)
Clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticulitis in the were published in January 2022. Some of the recommendations include Computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast is suggested for elderly patients with suspected acute left colonic diverticulitis, who present with abdominal guarding or pain in the lower left abdomen; conservative treatment without antibiotics is the suggested approach for immunocompetent elderly patients who have uncomplicated left colonic diverticulitis; antibiotic therapy is appropriate for elderly patients who have localized complicated left colonic diverticulitis with pericolic air bubbles or a small amount of pericolic fluid without abscess. Full Access: Medscape
IDENTIFYING HIGHER-VOLUME ANTIBIOTIC OUTPATIENT PRESCRIBERS USING PUBLICLY AVAILABLE MEDICARE PART D DATA — UNITED STATES, 2019
Antibiotic prescribing can lead to adverse drug events and antibiotic resistance, which pose ongoing urgent public health threats. The highest 10% of antibiotic prescribers prescribed 41% of total antibiotic prescriptions for Medicare Part D beneficiaries in 2019. The antibiotic prescribing rate of these higher-volume prescribers was 60% higher than that of lower-volume prescribers. These public data can be used by organizations and health care systems to guide antibiotic stewardship interventions and optimize antibiotic prescribing to limit the emergence of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Full Access: CDC
