Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review

Clinical Microbiology Reviews, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 37(2)

Published: May 22, 2024

SUMMARYThis narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits-and also practicalities, disbenefits, harms personal, sociocultural environmental impacts-of masks masking. Our synthesis of from over 100 published reviews selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses key clinical trials, produced seven findings. First, there is strong consistent for airborne transmission severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) other pathogens. Second, are, if correctly consistently worn, effective in reducing diseases show dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates overall, community Fifth, important symbols; non-adherence to masking sometimes linked political ideological beliefs widely circulated mis- disinformation. Sixth, while much that not generally harmful general population, may be relatively contraindicated individuals with certain conditions, who require exemption. Furthermore, groups (notably D/deaf people) disadvantaged when others masked. Finally, risks environment single-use respirators. We propose an agenda future research, improved characterization situations which should recommended mandated; attention comfort acceptability; generalized disability-focused communication support settings where worn; development testing novel materials designs filtration, breathability, impact.

Language: Английский

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Characteristics of X (Formerly Twitter) Community Notes Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation

JAMA, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 331(19), P. 1670 - 1670

Published: April 24, 2024

This study evaluated the topics, accuracy, and credibility of X (formerly Twitter) Community Notes addressing COVID-19 vaccination.

Language: Английский

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Vaccine Safety and Immunogenicity in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Natalizumab

JAMA Network Open, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7(4), P. e246345 - e246345

Published: April 12, 2024

Vaccination in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS) requiring prompt treatment initiation may result impaired vaccine responses and/or delay.

Language: Английский

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Editorial: Global Health Concerns as Vaccine-Preventable Infections Including SARS-CoV-2 (JN.1), Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Measles Continue to Rise

Medical Science Monitor, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

In December 2023, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated 2024 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Adult Schedule, which is available online access by public healthcare professionals. These new guidelines come at a time when incidence of vaccine-preventable viral infections from SARS-CoV-2 (JN.1), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, measles are increasing in adults children due to vaccine hesitancy, or non-compliance. This editorial aims highlight ongoing global health concerns consequences reports infections, including RSV, measles, understand causes introduce some measures that could improve uptake.

Language: Английский

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Non-Canonical Aspects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(6), P. 565 - 565

Published: June 17, 2024

The understanding of antibiotic resistance, one the major health threats our time, is mostly based on dated and incomplete notions, especially in clinical contexts. “canonical” mechanisms action pharmacodynamics antibiotics, as well methods used to assess their activity upon bacteria, have not changed decades; same applies definition, acquisition, selective pressures, drivers resistance. As a consequence, strategies improve usage overcome resistance ultimately failed. This review gathers most “non-canonical” notions antibiotics resistance: from alternative limitations susceptibility testing wide variety lateral gene transfer mechanisms, ubiquity, societal factors maintaining Only by having “big picture” view problem can adequate harness be devised. These must global, addressing many aspects that drive increasing prevalence resistant bacteria aside use antibiotics.

Language: Английский

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Updated Joint Position Statement on Vaccines From the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists

Birth Defects Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 117(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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The JN.1 variant of COVID-19: immune evasion, transmissibility, and implications for global health

Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

The emergence of the COVID-19 JN.1 variant has raised global health concerns as it gains prevalence in several regions worldwide. First identified August 2023, evolved from Omicron lineage's BA.2.86 subvariant. Patients infected with commonly exhibit symptoms such sore throat, fever, dry cough, nausea, and vomiting. While World Health Organization labeled a Variant Interest, currently presents low risk. However, its increased transmissibility, particularly cold, climates, is concerning. This review provides comprehensive overview JN.1's biological characteristics, epidemiology, immune evasion, efficacy existing antiviral treatments vaccination strategies. A literature search across key databases targeted studies January 2023 to 2024, emphasizing recent insights into spread clinical impact. Findings reveal that exhibits higher infectivity evasion than previous variants, largely due L4555 mutation. From November March showed an increasing trend transmission. Previously approved antivirals, including Paxlovid, Veklury, Lagevrio, demonstrate effectiveness against JN.1, current vaccines still protect severe illness this variant. rates remain low. Monitoring efforts include genomic assessments, wastewater surveillance, digital tracking contain variant's spread. It essential encourage public maintain preventive measures reduce Continued research critical for understanding managing evolving landscape emerging variants.

Language: Английский

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XBB1.5-Adapted COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Patients: A Bi-National Survey Study

Vaccines, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(3), P. 213 - 213

Published: Feb. 21, 2025

Background: A decrease in governmental vaccination initiatives and diminishing public enthusiasm for vaccines could jeopardize vaccine uptake, potentially endangering those who are most at risk. In this survey study, we evaluated the current acceptance rates of newly developed monovalent XBB1.5-adapted COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients dialysis patients Austria Israel identified factors influencing acceptance. Methods: The involved a total 656 aged 18 older was carried out from 20 November to 21 December 2023, Medical University Vienna, Rabin Center Petah Tikva, Israel. Logistic regression analysis used explore relationships between variables such as age, gender, country, past infection status severity, renal replacement therapy, education level, willingness receive annual flu vaccine. Results: showed that 54% 63% expressed modified main hesitancy due concerns about potential side effects, with 44% 53% expressing apprehension. influenza vaccine, age Austria, were key predictors greater Conclusions: This study more than 50% our willing adapted Yet, remained significant barrier even these high-risk groups, despite availability an updated targeting Omicron subvariant XBB1.5.

Language: Английский

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The Future of Research on Vaccine Uptake at the National Institutes of Health

JAMA, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 31, 2025

This Viewpoint discusses the National Institute of Health’s termination its grant portfolio on vaccine hesitancy and uptake.

Language: Английский

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Evidence base for yearly respiratory virus vaccines: Current status and proposed improved strategies

European Journal of Clinical Investigation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 54(10)

Published: July 30, 2024

Abstract Annual vaccination is widely recommended for influenza and SARS‐CoV‐2. In this essay, we analyse question the prevailing policymaking approach to these respiratory virus vaccines, especially in United States. Every year, licensed vaccines are reformulated include specific strains expected dominate season ahead. Updated rapidly manufactured approved without further regulatory requirement of clinical data. Novel (i.e. new products) typically undergo trials, though generally powered clinically unimportant outcomes (e.g. lab‐confirmed infections, regardless symptomatology or antibody levels). Eventually, current future efficacy COVID‐19 against hospitalization death carries considerable uncertainty. The emergence highly transmissible SARS‐CoV‐2 variants waning vaccine‐induced immunity led plummeting vaccine effectiveness, at least symptomatic infection, booster doses have since been recommended. No randomized trials were performed important updated boosters. both cases, annual effectiveness estimates generated by observational research, but studies particularly susceptible confounding bias. Well‐conducted experimental studies, necessary address persistent uncertainties about vaccines. We propose a research framework which would render results relevant viral seasons. demonstrate that feasible adopting more pragmatic provide strategies on how do so. When it comes implementing policies seriously impact people's lives, require substantial public resources and/or rely widespread acceptance, high evidence standards desirable.

Language: Английский

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