Infectious Diseases
Conference Coverage
Valacyclovir safely cut vertical CMV transmission
A single-center, randomized study showed 8 g/day valacyclovir safely reduced CMV passage from mothers to their fetuses.
From the Journals
Short-term statin use linked to risk of skin and soft tissue infections
Use of statins was associated with increased risk of SSTIs at an average of 91, 182, and 365 days.
News from the FDA/CDC
Influenza: U.S. activity was low this summer
A(H3N2) was predominant, but it’s too early for CDC to make predictions for the fall and winter.
From the Journals
Influenza vaccination modestly reduces risk of hospitalizations in patients with COPD
Older patients with COPD need more effective influenza vaccines and other preventive strategies.
Latest News
California bans “Pay for Delay,” promotes black maternal health, PrEP access
Two laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed black maternal health and made PrEP available without a prescription.
Latest News
Congenital syphilis continues to rise at an alarming rate
Nationwide, 1,306 infants acquired syphilis from their mother in 2018, a 40% rise over 2017.
Conference Coverage
Too few pregnant women receive both influenza and Tdap vaccines
About two-thirds of pregnant women did not receive both the influenza and Tdap vaccines during pregnancy, but strong provider recommendations can...
From the Journals
Interventions significantly improve NICU immunization rates
The researchers implemented five interventions and went from fully immunizing slightly more than half to almost every infant in the neonatal ICU...
News from the FDA/CDC
New York declares end to 2018 measles outbreak
Reports of unrelated measles cases in the state continue.
Photo Rounds
Painful ulcers on gingiva, tongue, and buccal mucosa
We had one clue that helped explain the ulcers in the patient’s mouth: He had an accompanying low-grade fever.
Practice Alert
Influenza update
Consider starting vaccination in September or later to avoid waning immunity by the end of the flu season.