scholarly journals Epidemiological Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Barletta
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Physiological Basis ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Epidemiological Risk

AbstractSince the first governmental recognitions of the pandemic characteristic of the SARS-CoV-2 infections, public health agencies have warned about the dangers of the virus to persons with a variety of underlying physical conditions, many of which are more commonly found in persons older than 50 years old. To investigate the statistical, rather than physiological basis of such warnings, this study examines correlations on a nation-by-nation basis between the statistical data concerning covid-19 fatalities among the populations of the ninety-nine countries with the greatest number of SARS-CoV-2 infections plus the statistics of potential co-morbidities that may influence the severity of the infections. It examines reasons that may underlie of the degree to which advanced age increases the risk of mortality of an infection and contrasts the risk factors of SARS-Cov-2 infections with those of influenzas and their associated pneumonias.

scholarly journals Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Global Epidemiological Study

JMIRx Med ◽  
10.2196/28843 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. e28843 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Alphonse Barletta
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Physiological Basis ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
The Public ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cross Correlations

Background Since the first recognition of the pandemic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and before substantial case fatality data were available worldwide, public health agencies warned the public about the increased dangers of SARS-CoV-2 to persons with a variety of underlying physical conditions, many of which are more commonly found in persons over 50 years of age or in certain ethnic groups. Objective To investigate the statistical rather than the physiological basis in support of the abovementioned warnings, this study examines correlations globally on a nation-by-nation basis between the statistical data concerning COVID-19 fatalities and the statistics of potential comorbidities that may influence the severity of infection. Methods This study considers the statistics describing the populations of the 99 countries with the greatest numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections at the time of the data cutoff. As national compilations of direct measures of immune system strength are not publicly available, the frequency of fatalities in those countries due to a variety of serious diseases is used as a proxy for the susceptibility of those populations to those same diseases. Results The analysis produces plots and calculations of correlations and cross-correlations of COVID-19 case fatality rates and the risks of other potential cofactors. It exposes some reasons that may underlie the degree to which advanced age increases the risk of mortality of infection with SARS-CoV-2. In contrast with the strong influences of comorbidities on the seriousness of consequences of influenzas and their associated pneumonias, the correlations of the same set of risk factors with SARS-CoV-2 infection are considerably weaker. The general characteristics of the observed correlations strengthened through 3 cycles of analysis, starting in September 2020. The strongest correlations were with chronic kidney disease and coronary disease (approximately 0.28 and 0.20, respectively). Conclusions This study confirms early clinical observations that infection with SARS-CoV-2 presents an increased risk to persons over the age of 65 years. It does not support the suggestions presented by government agencies early in the pandemic that the risks are much greater for persons with certain common potential comorbidities.

scholarly journals Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Global Epidemiological Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Alphonse Barletta
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Physiological Basis ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
The Public ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cross Correlations

BACKGROUND Since the first recognition of the pandemic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and before substantial case fatality data were available worldwide, public health agencies warned the public about the increased dangers of SARS-CoV-2 to persons with a variety of underlying physical conditions, many of which are more commonly found in persons over 50 years of age or in certain ethnic groups. OBJECTIVE To investigate the statistical rather than the physiological basis in support of the abovementioned warnings, this study examines correlations globally on a nation-by-nation basis between the statistical data concerning COVID-19 fatalities and the statistics of potential comorbidities that may influence the severity of infection. METHODS This study considers the statistics describing the populations of the 99 countries with the greatest numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections at the time of the data cutoff. As national compilations of direct measures of immune system strength are not publicly available, the frequency of fatalities in those countries due to a variety of serious diseases is used as a proxy for the susceptibility of those populations to those same diseases. RESULTS The analysis produces plots and calculations of correlations and cross-correlations of COVID-19 case fatality rates and the risks of other potential cofactors. It exposes some reasons that may underlie the degree to which advanced age increases the risk of mortality of infection with SARS-CoV-2. In contrast with the strong influences of comorbidities on the seriousness of consequences of influenzas and their associated pneumonias, the correlations of the same set of risk factors with SARS-CoV-2 infection are considerably weaker. The general characteristics of the observed correlations strengthened through 3 cycles of analysis, starting in September 2020. The strongest correlations were with chronic kidney disease and coronary disease (approximately 0.28 and 0.20, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms early clinical observations that infection with SARS-CoV-2 presents an increased risk to persons over the age of 65 years. It does not support the suggestions presented by government agencies early in the pandemic that the risks are much greater for persons with certain common potential comorbidities.

scholarly journals 1351. How Do Infectious Diseases Clinicians Manage Patients with Suspected Ocular Tuberculosis? Results of an Emerging Infections Network Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S489-S489
Author(s):  
Henry S Fraimow ◽  
Susan E Beekmann ◽  
Philip M Polgreen ◽  
James Sunstrum
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Practice Variation ◽  
Response To Therapy ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Hypothetical Case ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Ocular Tuberculosis ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Health Agencies

Abstract Background Ocular tuberculosis (OTb) is uncommon and many ID physicians (IDPs) have limited experience with OT. Ophthalmologists now include IGRAs in evaluating idiopathic uveitis, and some IDPs report increased referrals for possible OTb. Our goal was to understand how IDPs approach diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of OTb. Methods The Emerging Infections Network surveyed members treating adult ID patients in 2019 about referrals for suspected OTb. The survey used hypothetical case scenarios to evaluate factors influencing the management of possible OTb, and queried involvement of public health agencies. Results 754 of 1,379 (55%) physicians responded. 141 (19%) reported ≥1 referral for possible OTb in the past 3 years; 35% of these reported increasing referrals over time. Most frequent indications for referral were uveitis and positive IGRA (60%) and idiopathic uveitis without positive IGRA or TST (33%). For a hypothetical case with uveitis, positive IGRA but no other symptoms, respondents were much more likely (79% vs. 29%) to treat as TB disease if TB risk factors were present. Respondents were more likely to require a positive eye culture or NAAT prior to treating a risk factor-negative patient (39% vs. 12%). 54% of respondents believed <10% of eye specimens were culture or NAAT-positive for suspected OTb. 94% would treat suspected OTb with INH, RIF, PZA ± EMB but duration of treatment varied with 27% stopping therapy for lack of clinical response and 59% continuing for at least 6 months regardless of response. 44% were unsure if improvement should be expected on therapy. One-third of respondents either did not report or reported only culture-confirmed OTb cases on treatment to public health agencies. Conclusion IDPs report increased referrals for possible OTb, mainly for idiopathic uveitis and positive IGRAs. There is considerable practice variation in management of possible OTb. The decision to treat as TB disease is heavily influenced by TB epidemiologic risk factors, and there is heterogeneity in treatment duration and in expectation of response to therapy. Prospective studies to assess treatment responses in OTb and improved collaboration with ophthalmologists are necessary to better manage this emerging syndrome. Treated OTb cases should be reported to public health agencies. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Communicating Risk for a Climate-Sensitive Disease: A Case Study of Valley Fever in Central California

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Matlock ◽  
Suellen Hopfer ◽  
Oladele A. Ogunseitan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Health Risk Factors ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Health Agencies

Valley Fever, or Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal respiratory disease, is prevalent with increasing incidence in the Southwestern United States, especially in the central region of California. Public health agencies in the region do not have a consistent strategy for communication and health promotion targeting vulnerable communities about this climate-sensitive disease. We used the behavior adaptation communication model to design and conduct semi-structured interviews with representatives of public health agencies in five California counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, and Tulare County. While none of the agencies currently include climate change information into their Valley Fever risk messaging, the agencies discuss future communication methods similar to other health risk factors such as poor air quality days and influenza virus season. For political reasons, some public health agencies deliberately avoided the use of climate change language in communicating health risk factors to farmers who are particularly vulnerable to soil and dust-borne fungal spores. The effectiveness of health communication activities of the public health agencies has not been measured in reducing the prevalence of Valley Fever in impacted communities. Given the transboundary nature of climate influence on Valley Fever risk, a concerted and consistent health communication strategy is expected to be more effective than current practices.

scholarly journals Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients

2021 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2021-104080
Author(s):  
Robert Sallis ◽  
Deborah Rohm Young ◽  
Sara Y Tartof ◽  
James F Sallis ◽  
Jeevan Sall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Routine Medical Care ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Reduced Risk

ObjectivesTo compare hospitalisation rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality for patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive, doing some activity or consistently meeting physical activity guidelines.MethodsWe identified 48 440 adult patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis from 1 January 2020 to 21 October 2020, with at least three exercise vital sign measurements from 19 March 2018 to 18 March 2020. We linked each patient’s self-reported physical activity category (consistently inactive=0–10 min/week, some activity=11–149 min/week, consistently meeting guidelines=150+ min/week) to the risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission and death after COVID-19 diagnosis. We conducted multivariable logistic regression controlling for demographics and known risk factors to assess whether inactivity was associated with COVID-19 outcomes.ResultsPatients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive had a greater risk of hospitalisation (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.81 to 2.83), admission to the ICU (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55) and death (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.33 to 4.67) due to COVID-19 than patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. Patients who were consistently inactive also had a greater risk of hospitalisation (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.32), admission to the ICU (OR 1.10; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.29) and death (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.60) due to COVID-19 than patients who were doing some physical activity.ConclusionsConsistently meeting physical activity guidelines was strongly associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. We recommend efforts to promote physical activity be prioritised by public health agencies and incorporated into routine medical care.

The Perils of Partnership

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Marks
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Separation Of Powers ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Public Bodies

Collaboration with industry has become the paradigm in public health. Governments commonly develop close relationships with companies that are creating or exacerbating the very problems public health agencies are trying to solve. Nowhere is this more evident than in partnerships with food and soda companies to address obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. The author argues that public-private partnerships and multistakeholder initiatives create webs of influence that undermine the integrity of public health agencies; distort public health research and policy; and reinforce the framing of public health problems and their solutions in ways that are least threatening to the commercial interests of corporate “partners.” We should expect multinational corporations to develop strategies of influence. But public bodies need to develop counter-strategies to insulate themselves from corporate influence in all its forms. The author reviews the ways in which we regulate public-public interactions (separation of powers) and private-private interactions (antitrust and competition laws), and argues for an analogous set of norms to govern public-private interactions. The book also offers a novel framework that is designed to help public bodies identify the systemic ethical implications of their existing or proposed relationships with industry actors. The book makes a compelling case that, in public health, the paradigm public-private interaction should be at arm’s length: separation, not collaboration. The author calls for a new paradigm to protect and promote public health while avoiding the ethical perils of partnership with industry.

scholarly journals International Perspectives on COVID-19 Communication Ecologies: Public Health Agencies’ Online Communication in Italy, Sweden, and the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 000276422199283
Author(s):  
Serena Tagliacozzo ◽  
Frederike Albrecht ◽  
N. Emel Ganapati
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Communication Ecology ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
National Public Health

Communicating during a crisis can be challenging for public agencies as their communication ecology becomes increasingly complex while the need for fast and reliable public communication remains high. Using the lens of communication ecology, this study examines the online communication of national public health agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Sweden, and the United States. Based on content analysis of Twitter data ( n = 856) and agency press releases ( n = 95), this article investigates two main questions: (1) How, and to what extent, did national public health agencies coordinate their online communication with other agencies and organizations? (2) How was online communication from the agencies diversified in terms of targeting specific organizations and social groups? Our findings indicate that public health agencies relied heavily on internal scientific expertise and predominately coordinated their communication efforts with national government agencies. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that agencies in each country differed in how they diversify information; however, all agencies provided tailored information to at least some organizations and social groups. Across the three countries, information tailored for several vulnerable groups (e.g., pregnant women, people with disabilities, immigrants, and homeless populations) was largely absent, which may contribute to negative consequences for these groups.

scholarly journals Non-woven materials for cloth-based face mask inserts: Relationship between material properties and sub-micron aerosol filtration

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh Crilley ◽  
Brian Malile ◽  
Andrea Angelucci ◽  
Cora Young ◽  
Trevor C. VandenBoer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Aerosol Filtration ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Current Guidance

Current guidance by leading public health agencies recommends wearing a 3-layer cloth-based face mask with a middle non-woven material insert to reduce the transmission of infectious respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2....

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