Articles: pandemics.
-
Observational Study
Changes in Health and Quality of Life in US Skilled Nursing Facilities by COVID-19 Exposure Status in 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US federal government required that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) close to visitors and eliminate communal activities. Although these policies were intended to protect residents, they may have had unintended negative effects. ⋯ Among skilled nursing facilities in the US during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccination, mortality and functional decline significantly increased at facilities with active COVID-19 cases compared with the prepandemic period, while a modest statistically significant decrease in mortality was observed at facilities that had never had a known COVID-19 case. Weight loss and depressive symptoms significantly increased in skilled nursing facilities in the first year of the pandemic, regardless of COVID-19 status.
-
COVID-19 policies such as quarantining, social isolation, and lockdowns are an essential public health measure to reduce the spread of disease but may lead to reduced physical activity. Little is known if these changes are associated with changes in physical or mental health. ⋯ These findings demonstrate the importance of walking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Promotion of physical activity should be taken into consideration when mandating restrictions to slow the spread of disease. Primary care providers can assess patient's walking patterns and implement brief interventions to help patients improve their physical and mental health through walking.
-
Observational Study
SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy-An Analysis of Clinical Data From Germany and Austria From the CRONOS Registry.
Using data from the German CRONOS registry, we assessed the risk of a complicated course of COVID-19 in women with a SARS-CoV-2-infection during pregnancy, with particular consideration of gestational age, vaccination status, and pandemic dynamics. ⋯ These findings can serve as a basis for counseling about prophylactic or therapeutic measures, such as the administration of monoclonal antibodies. They underscore the efficacy of vaccination for pregnant women even during the omicron phase of the pandemic.