Trends in Outpatient Influenza Antiviral Use Among Children and Adolescents in the United States
The analysis included unique dispensing of 1,416,764 antivirals between 2010 and 2019. Oseltamivir was the most frequently prescribed antiviral (99.8%). Treatment rates were highest among older children (12–17 years of age), during the 2017 to 2018 influenza season. Guideline-concordant antiviral use among young children (<2 years of age) at a high risk of influenza complications was low (<40%). There is wide variability and underuse associated with influenza antiviral use in children. These findings reveal opportunities for improvement in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children. Full Access: AAP
Spread the Word, Not C. diff
Join CDC in November for C. diff Awareness Month to raise awareness about this deadly threat and save lives.
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a germ that causes severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. C. diff can affect anyone and is usually associated with recent antibiotic use. CDC estimates that C. diff causes almost half a million infections in the United States each year. Full Access: CDC
Effectiveness of Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir Against the Development of Post–COVID-19 Conditions Among U.S. Veterans
COVID-19 has been linked to the development of many post–COVID-19 conditions (PCCs) after acute infection. In this emulated target trial of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir versus no treatment among outpatient U.S. veterans testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 during January through July 2022, nirmatrelvir–ritonavir was not effective at reducing risk for many of the PCCs that were examined, including cardiac, pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, neurologic, mental health, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and general conditions and symptoms. Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir was associated only with a reduced risk for combined thromboembolic events 31 to 180 days after treatment. Full Access: Annals of Internal Medicine
The US Infant Mortality Rate Rose Last Year. The CDC Says It’s The Largest Increase in Two Decades
The U.S. infant mortality rate rose 3% last year. The largest increase in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. White and Native American infants, infant males and babies born at 37 weeks or earlier had significant death rate increases. The CDC’s report also noted larger increases for two of the leading causes of infant deaths – maternal complications and bacterial meningitis. Full Access: CDC
