Articles: pandemics.
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Many patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have persistent cardiovascular symptoms, but whether this represents a true cardiac process is unclear. This study assessed whether symptoms associated with long COVID among patients referred for cardiovascular evaluation are associated with objective abnormalities on cardiac testing to explain their clinical presentation. ⋯ This pragmatic retrospective cohort study suggests that patients with long COVID referred for cardiovascular evaluation infrequently have new, objective cardiovascular disease to explain their clinical presentation. A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach is warranted for symptom management along with conservative use of diagnostic testing.
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Pediatric emergency care · Feb 2025
Changes in Seasonal Patterns for Common Pediatric Respiratory Viruses During the COVID Pandemic.
Observed alterations in seasonal patterns of common pediatric respiratory viruses during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching implications for the care of ill children. Here, we quantify the effects of the pandemic and related nonpharmaceutical interventions on the prevalence and seasonality of common pediatric respiratory illnesses. ⋯ Our observations add to the growing body of literature supporting the hypothesis that human interactions are one of the key drivers of pediatric respiratory viral seasonality in addition to climate. Understanding the effect of human interactions on disease spread is crucial for the development of effective mitigation measures for future pandemics while avoiding dangerous spikes of other illnesses once those interventions are lifted.
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US safety net programs provide critical support to Americans with low income. This cohort study examined patterns of safety net program take-up over time and associations with sociodemographics and health. ⋯ Proportion of respondents with high take-up of all programs increased over the study period, perhaps due to pandemic-era policy changes. Take-up patterns showed associations with mental health, and key differences among sociodemographic subgroups suggest targeted interventions may improve participation.