Top in ID: ‘Tripledemic’ of flu, RSV and COVID-19; NIH’s search to replace Fauci
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Experts said a “tripledemic” of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and COVID-19 is overwhelming hospitals, but Americans can reduce their risk for hospitalization or death through vaccination and mitigation measures.
“RSV faked us out. It’s come very early — it’s usually a January or February virus. Yes, there’s a tripledemic out there,” William Schaffner, MD, FIDSA, said during a briefing.
It was the top story in infectious disease last week.
Another top story was about NIH’s job advertisement “seeking exceptional candidates” to replace Anthony S. Fauci, MD, as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Fauci is stepping down in December after spending nearly 40 years in the position.
Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:
‘There’s a tripledemic out there’: US battles flu, RSV and COVID-19
A surge of respiratory syncytial virus, an early start to influenza season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have caused a “tripledemic” in the United States, overwhelming hospitals, experts said. Read more.
‘Seeking exceptional candidates’: NIH posts job ad to replace Fauci
The NIH has posted a job ad “seeking exceptional candidates” for the soon-to-be vacant position of director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Read more.
Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines provide added protection, real-world data show
Real-world data showed that bivalent messenger RNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 provided “significant additional protection” against symptomatic COVID-19 among people who had received two, three or four previous monovalent doses. Read more.
Paxlovid associated with decreased hospitalization among adults with COVID-19
Adults with COVID-19 who received a Paxlovid prescription within 5 days of diagnosis were 51% less likely to be hospitalized within 30 days compared with those who did not, according to data published in MMWR. Read more.
Exploring the role of oral valacyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis
Herpes simplex encephalitis is likely the most serious herpes infection patients can face. Treatment options are very limited, with IV acyclovir the only approved antiviral for this devastating infection. Read more.