Nationwide Test2Treat.Org Launches At-Home Flu, Covid Treatment System
The idea of the new nationwide federal program is that any adult who's currently positive for flu or covid can get access to free telehealth care and have necessary medication delivered to their home. Meanwhile, researchers find that using both nose and throat covid swabs improves testing sensitivity.
ABC News:
Free At-Home Testing And Treatments Now Available For COVID And Flu Through Federal Program
Initially launched as a pilot program in select areas, the Home Test to Treat program from the National Institutes of Health is now available nationwide at test2treat.org. Any adult with a current positive test for COVID or flu can enroll to receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, medication delivered to their home. Follow-up care is also possible through the treatment process. (Benadjaoud, 12/6)
CIDRAP:
Using Both Nose, Throat Swabs Boosts Sensitivity Of Rapid COVID Testing
Today in JAMA Network Open, a randomized clinical trial shows that a single healthcare worker (HCW)-collected throat swab had significantly higher sensitivity for COVID-19 rapid antigen testing (RAT) than an HCW-collected nose swab during Omicron predominance, but self-collected nose swabs were more sensitive than self-collected throat swabs among participants with symptoms. (Van Beusekom, 12/6)
On the spread of covid, flu, and the common cold —
The Wall Street Journal:
Wastewater Is Sending A Warning About Covid-19 This Holiday Season
In what is becoming a holiday-season tradition, Covid-19 cases are rising once again in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doctors and virus trackers expect cases to increase further in coming weeks as the weather gets colder and people gather indoors for the holidays. They are also closely watching a variant, JN.1, that is spreading fast around the world. (Reddy, 12/6)
CBS News:
Respiratory Infections And Flu Cases Among Children Rising Ahead Of Holidays
Pediatricians are seeing an increase in pediatric cases of respiratory viral infections and the flu, Allegheny Health Network says. In a news release on Wednesday, Allegheny Health Network provided guidance for parents and caregivers ahead of the holiday season, saying it anticipates "these numbers will continue to rise this month as we gather and travel for the holidays." Allegheny Health Network said weekly respiratory syncytial virus cases have nearly tripled since early November and Allegheny County is reporting the state's highest flu totals. (Guise, 12/6)
CBS News:
First Cold-Related Death Of Winter Season Reported In Maryland. Doctors Urge Safety In Frigid Weather
An elderly man who died in Baltimore County was the first death of a cold-related illness in the state this winter, the Maryland Department of Health said Wednesday. The health department said the man, who was between the ages of 70 and 80 years old, died as a result of hypothermia. Marylanders are encouraged to avoid exposure to cold weather. And with temperatures continuing to drop, doctors say all of us need to be mindful with our time outdoors and also layer up. (Olaniran and Kushner, 12/6)
Alarming research on covid and neurodevelopmental delays —
CIDRAP:
Study Shows Infants Exposed To COVID In Utero At Risk For Developmental Delay
A new study based on a cohort of Brazilian infants shows those who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infections in the uterus may be at an increased risk for developmental delays in the first year of life. The study appeared yesterday in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. ... At 12 months, 20.3% of COVID-exposed children and 5.9% of the controls received a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental delay. (Soucheray, 12/6)
