Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Post-Exposure Antibody Treatment For Covid Approved By FDA
Axios: FDA Authorizes Antibody Treatment To Prevent COVID After Exposure
The Food and Drugs Administration has authorized a COVID antibody treatment for use as a preventative measure after exposure to the coronavirus. Though the FDA said it should not be considered a vaccine substitute, the monoclonal antibodies can protect against severe illness by overwhelming the infection before it leaves the nose and throat, according to researchers. (Chen, 8/2)
Crain's Cleveland Business: University Hospitals To Launch COVID Recovery Clinic
University Hospitals is launching a comprehensive clinic for patients affected by the post-acute residual symptoms of COVID-19, according to a news release. The UH COVID Recovery Clinic, centered at UH Ahuja Medical Center, will promote pathways to healing for affected patients of all ages, including children and young adults. "It is estimated that 20% or more of individuals infected with COVID-19 will experience health problems for weeks, even months after their body has cleared the virus, and unfortunately we know many are suffering in silence," said Dr. David M. Rosenberg, of UH's Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, in a provided statement. (8/2)
The Oregonian: Long COVID-19 Can Cause ‘Significant Disability,’ Symptoms Include ‘Brain Fog,’ Sexual Dysfunction: Study
If you get COVID-19, you probably won’t die. The observed case-fatality ratio in the United States is 1.8%, according to Johns Hopkins University. But even if you survive the disease, you might suffer from its effects for months -- and possibly years. A peer-reviewed study published last month in the medical journal The Lancet concluded that “a significant number of patients with COVID-19 experience prolonged symptoms, known as Long COVID,” and that these symptoms often result in “significant disability.” (Perry, 8/2)
CIDRAP: Age Groups Tied To Different Frequent COVID-19 Symptoms
Researchers found that different age-groups had different associations with various COVID-19 symptoms, according to a Lancet Digital Health study late last week. The study was evaluating an artificial intelligence (AI) model for early COVID-19 detection (1 to 3 days of symptom onset). ... Participants from 16 to 39 years of age showed higher COVID-19 associations with loss of smell, chest pain, and abdominal pain. Loss of smell, however, had less significance in those aged 60 to 79. For those 80 and above, it was not the most common indicator. Instead, chest pain, diarrhea, and sore throat were. Overall, men were more likely to report shortness of breath, fatigue, chills, and shivers, while women were more likely to report loss of smell, chest pain, and a persistent cough. (8/2)
CIDRAP: Study: Severe COVID, Higher Viral Loads, Immune Response Linked To Obesity
Among US Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries diagnosed as having COVID-19, obesity was independently and strongly associated with hospitalization, need for oxygen therapy, higher viral load, and an altered immune response, according to a prospective study late last week in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. (Van Beusekom, 8/2)
