Infectious Diseases
Opinion
Flu vaccine: Larger impact on influenza burden than you thought?
Even the current modestly effective flu vaccines have significant benefit, protecting U.S. populations from serious disease and death.
Conference Coverage
Amoxicillin/clavulanate emerges as best antibiotic for childhood bronchiectasis
MADRID – In children with nonsevere bronchiectasis, amoxicillin/clavulanate should be the first-line antibiotic.
Conference Coverage
Cell culture–based flu vaccine maintains immunogenicity
A 2018-2019 commercial flu vaccine made mostly by egg-free cell culture performed as well immunologically as standard vaccine.
News
Vaccination rates generally high in U.S. children in 2018
The MMR vaccination rate fell just short of the recommended 95% vaccination rate threshold.
Conference Coverage
In utero Zika exposure can have delayed consequences
Infants born following in utero Zika virus exposure can appear normal at birth but have neurodevelopmental problems later.
Conference Coverage
Valacyclovir safely cut vertical CMV transmission
A single-center, randomized study showed 8 g/day valacyclovir safely reduced CMV passage from mothers to their fetuses.
News
Short-term statin use linked to risk of skin and soft tissue infections
Use of statins was associated with increased risk of SSTIs at an average of 91, 182, and 365 days.
News from the FDA/CDC
Influenza: U.S. activity was low this summer
A(H3N2) was predominant, but it’s too early for CDC to make predictions for the fall and winter.
News
Influenza vaccination modestly reduces risk of hospitalizations in patients with COPD
Older patients with COPD need more effective influenza vaccines and other preventive strategies.
News
California bans “Pay for Delay,” promotes black maternal health, PrEP access
Two laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed black maternal health and made PrEP available without a prescription.