FDA Import Alert on Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Angie SzumlinskiFeatured, Health

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued an import alert for alcohol-based hand sanitizers from Mexico. Largely due to the increase in the use of hand sanitizers in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the FDA is issuing this warning to protect the safe supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and prevent products with dangerous ingredients from entering the country. In …

Make Every Bite Count

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, Health

As we continue our pandemic journey, it is important to remember our overall health and that of our healthcare heroes. We are working long hours and at the end of the day are too tired to prepare a healthy meal or even pack a lunch for the next day! It is much easier to rely on prepared foods, fast foods, …

Staff Experiences During Pandemic

Angie SzumlinskiFeatured, Studies

In May and June of 2020, front-line nursing home staff described working under complex, challenging, and evolving conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was conducted more than 3 months after a nursing home in Washington became the initial U.S. epicenter of COVID-19 and at a time when there were already more than 50,000 cases and 10,000 deaths among nursing …

Nasal Saline Irrigations – COVID-19

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

The nasal lining serves an important role in the innate immune system, providing a primary defense against inhaled viruses, bacteria, and other particulates. This lining, consisting of a superficial mucus layer atop an aqueous base, traps inhaled particulates that are then propelled by underlying cilia into the nasopharynx. Topical rinses take advantage of this secretory lining in multiple ways. Nasal …

Immunity – Asymptomatic COVID-19

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

Much debate has focused on the possibility that the Ab response to SARS-CoV-2 may be short-lived, while T cell recognition may be strong, durable, and more common. Mild or asymptomatic infections are very common but are not usually diagnosed, making an assessment of the durability of immunity in this common group challenging. A study was done on an exposed health …

Monoclonal Therapy Research

Angie SzumlinskiStudies

Administering bamlanivimab (formerly LY-CoV555), a monoclonal antibody for COVID-19, along with remdesivir (Veklury) was ineffective for patients hospitalized with COVID-19, a randomized trial found. In a preliminary report of the first TICO trial, hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received a single infusion of the neutralizing monoclonal antibody LY-CoV555 at a dose of 7000 mg, did not have better clinical outcomes …

Anticoagulation Therapy – COVID-19

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were identified in the United States, we have learned a lot however as with anything else in life, we never stop learning! Many residents in our care contracted the COVID-19 virus and required hospitalization. Some of these residents developed blood clots in the lungs, negatively impacting their recovery. Anticoagulation therapy has become common practice …

Weight Loss During Restrictions

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

To mitigate the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), nursing homes are following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines and are not allowing communal dining, group activities, and only essential visitors are allowed. A study was conducted on data analysis of nursing home resident weights from a single 240-bed non-profit nursing home located in a suburban area, …

COVID-19 Vaccine – Guidance for MS Patients

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

Vaccination against COVID-19 is critical for public safety and especially the safety of the most vulnerable among us. People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are seeking peace of mind from the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. In response, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society convened a group of expert researchers and medical professionals to review the available science and …

Community Spread Affects Nursing Homes

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

Trends in community infections from the novel coronavirus appear to run on par with cases among nursing home staff and residents per a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This finding underscores the need to monitor local virus spread and prevent exposure to facilities, especially among staff potentially infected by family and others, and isolating …