Articles: pandemics.
-
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in rabies cases and deaths. Rabies outbreaks are being reported worldwide. Multiple disruptions in Rabies control occurred during the pandemic, significantly affecting lower-income countries. Countries need to develop specific action plans to become 'rabies free' by 2030.
-
As defined by the WHO, the term post-COVID syndrome (PCS) embraces a group of symptoms that can occur following the acute phase of a SARS-CoV-2 infection and as a consequence thereof. PCS is found mainly in adults, less frequently in children and adolescents. It can develop both in patients who initially had only mild symptoms or none at all and in those who had a severe course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ The gaps in our knowledge mean that better documentation of the prevalence of PCS is necessary to compile the data on which early detection, diagnosis, and treatment can be based. To ensure the best possible care of patients with PCS, regional PCS centers and networks embracing existing structures from all healthcare system sectors and providers should be set up and structured diagnosis and treatment algorithms should be established. Given the sometimes serious consequences of PCS for those affected, it seems advisable to keep the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections low by protective measures tailored to the prevailing pandemic situation.
-
Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Jan 2023
Occupational Factors Associated with Telemedicine Use in the Japanese Working-Age Population: A Web-Based Study Conducted during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Telemedicine has significant potential for helping workers access medical treatment. To improve workers' access to telemedicine, it is important to analyze current utilization rates and influencing factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the associations between occupational factors and telemedicine use. ⋯ The utilization rate of telemedicine in Japan is still low. This study identified occupational factors related to the use of telemedicine, such as worker's age, employee status, working hours, and experience of teleworking. Our findings suggest that flexible work arrangements could promote widespread use of telemedicine.
-
Observational Study
Association between virtual primary care and emergency department use during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada.
Uptake of virtual care increased substantially during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a shift from in-person to virtual visits by primary care physicians was associated with increased use of emergency departments among their enrolled patients. ⋯ We did not find evidence that patients substituted emergency department visits in the context of decreased availability of in-person care with their family physician during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should focus on the long-term impact of virtual care on access and quality of patient care.