Flu

With new vaccines expected for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, educate patients on the ongoing need for immunizations

With back-to-school season already over and the fall rapidly approaching, health systems are bracing for another season of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Despite study findings showing that 1 in 5 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 developed persistent high blood pressure, many had underlying risk factors.

This technique may be applied to transdermal applications, such as shot-free vaccines.

Experts discuss the social determinants that can affect the rates of flu immunizations and strategies to boost immunization rates.

Chad Worz, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, and the panel review the NUDGE-FLU Trial and discuss the study design, outcomes, and how similar nudges can be incorporated into practice.

An expert panel reviews the signs of vaccine hesitancy and how pharmacists can address patient concerns.

Pharmacies brace for a double wave of DIR fees while paddling against profit struggles. Enter Pharmacy AI: a transformative vehicle to navigate stormy waters, enhance efficiency, and prioritize patient care.

Gretchen Garofoli, PharmD, an associate professor at the West Virginia School of Pharmacy, discusses the current recommendations for COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza vaccines and vaccine hesitancy.

A bit of preparation can set children up for success and reduce the stress of this busy time.

The approved assay can differentiate between infection of COVID-19, influenza, or respiratory syncytial virus, minimizing the need for multiple tests or physician visits.

Community-based pharmacy services are reaching new heights as pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are able to have a larger impact on patient care than ever before.

With the end of the national public health emergency for COVID-19 in May 2023, what can be expected as we look ahead to the 2023-2024 influenza season and beyond?

Every pharmacist can make a difference in patients’ lives by taking the time to understand and fulfill the community’s social and cultural needs.

The effectiveness of influenza vaccines varies each season and is determined by the circulating influenza virus subtype(s) and the extent to which there is an antigenic match in the vaccines to the circulating virus subtypes.

Expanding pharmacist–patient care services to include vaccine promotion and administration within ambulatory clinics is an example of the expanding role of pharmacists and their contribution to primary care practice.

Older adults are vulnerable to severe influenza-associated complications and risks, but influenza vaccines may be less effective in this population.

Preliminary estimates from the 2022 to 2023 season suggest that the burden of influenza is returning to a pre-pandemic level.

Novavax announced the development of a protein-based monovalent XBB COVID-19 vaccine with the intention of it being manufactured and available for the fall vaccination campaign.

Pharmacists who immunize must ensure their knowledge about routine vaccinations for adults and children is up-to-date by reviewing the changes to the immunization schedule each year.

The CDC has recommended a follow-up nucleic acid amplification test to be used for patients clinically suspected to have influenza, despite a negative POC test.

As the summer months approach, pharmacists can offer many services to ensure patients remain safe and healthy during their travels.

The diagnosis should change from an influenza infection if the patient has gradually increasing chest pain after the original diagnosis.

Nanoparticles could improve the solubility of drugs, aid in treatment escape from the immune system, and increase the half-life of drugs in the circulatory system against viral lung infections such as influenza, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

At least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity found to improve outcomes in patients with flu or pneumonia.