scholarly journals Modeling the Impact of a Coronavirus Vaccine Among Low and High Risk Populations in the United States

Author(s):  
Rachel Ruffin ◽  
Ariana Richardson ◽  
Enahoro A Iboi

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was first reported in the U.S. on December 29, 2019 and has spread rapidly throughout the country, affecting individuals with varying severity due to their risk status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that 45.4% of US adults are at higher risk for complications from coronavirus disease because of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, hypertension, or cancer. In this study, we developed a mathematical model to assess the impact of a COVID-19 vaccine among low and high risk groups. Numerical simulations shows vaccinating both low and high risk groups simultaneously, rather than prioritizing the vaccine on high risk group only, further reduces the daily mortality. The result supports the need for an aggressive vaccination program, regardless of whether individuals are within the low or high risk population.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-133
Author(s):  
Fabricia Oliveira Oliveira ◽  
Larissa Moraes dos Santos Fonseca ◽  
Roberto Badaró ◽  
Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado

In less than a year, the novel coronavirus rapidly changed the world scenario. To dealing with the fast spread of the disease, health associations coordinate data flows and issue guidelines to better mitigate the impact of the threat. Also, scientific groups around the world are working to ensure that all information about the mechanisms of the virus, transmission, and disease clinics is updated as the disease progresses. The objective of this study was to present the guidelines and recommendations for preventing, management strategies, clarifications about pandemics disinformation, and diagnosing COVID-19 infection in human specimens adopted from the main health centers and institutions in the world, such as WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to highlight that the rapid and effective enforcement of existing international and national action plans, as well as parallel review and improvisation, is facilitating the affected countries to contain transmission and possibly delay the peak of outbreak and mortality.


Author(s):  
Sameer Imtiaz ◽  
Frishta Nafeh ◽  
Cayley Russell ◽  
Farihah Ali ◽  
Tara Elton-Marshall ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There are preliminary indications that the trajectory of drug overdose-related deaths in North America has been exacerbated due to the novel coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). As such, the impact of COVID-19 on drug overdose-related deaths was examined through a systematic review of the literature and percentage change analyses of surveillance data. Methods Systematic searches in electronic databases were conducted, a topical issue brief and bibliography were reviewed, reference lists of included studies were searched and expert consultations were held to identify studies (Registration # CRD42021230223). Observational studies from the United States and Canada were eligible for inclusion if drug overdose-related deaths were assessed in quantitative or qualitative analyses onwards from at least March 2020. In addition, percentage changes comparing drug overdose-related deaths in the second annual quarter (Q2 2020 [April to June]) with the first annual quarter (Q1 2020 [January to March]) were generated using national and subnational data from public health surveillance systems and reports from jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. Results Nine studies were included in the systematic review, eight from the United States and one from Canada. The maximum outcome assessment period in the included studies extended until September 2020. Drug overdose-related deaths after the onset of COVID-19 were higher compared with the months leading up to the pandemic in 2020 and the comparative months in 2019. In additional percentage change analyses, drug overdose-related deaths increased by 2 to 60% in jurisdictions in the United States and by 58% in Canada when comparing Q2 2020 with Q1 2020. Conclusions Drug overdose-related deaths increased after the onset of COVID-19. The current situation necessitates a multi-pronged approach, encompassing expanded access to substance use disorder treatment, undisrupted access to harm reduction services, emphasis on risk reduction strategies, provision of a safe drug supply and decriminalization of drug use.


Author(s):  
Catherine A. LaBrenz ◽  
Philip Baiden ◽  
Erin Findley ◽  
Patrick S. Tennant ◽  
Sreyashi Chakravarty

Since March 2020, families across the United States have faced challenges due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its subsequent restrictions. Although some experts have voiced concern over the impact of COVID-19 on family well-being, few studies have been conducted thus far. This study utilized n = 250 responses from an online survey that was administered between May and June 2020 to gauge family stress and resilience among mothers of children ages 0 to 5 during the pandemic. Adverse childhood experiences were negatively associated with parental resilience among this sample. Furthermore, frequency of child care was positively linked to protective factors and resilience. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed, with a particular focus on the role of child care and school openings during the pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20025-e20025
Author(s):  
Jenny Ahlstrom ◽  
Thomas H. Molina ◽  
Nathan W. Sweeney

e20025 Background: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are uniquely susceptible to viral and bacterial illnesses. In addition, MM and its treatments lead to immune deficiency, putting patients at a high risk for infection, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The emotional impact of COVID-19 on high-risk groups, such as MM patients, remains unclear. The purpose of this project was to understand psychosocial distress and unmet needs among patients with active MM during the acute and chronic phase of COVID-19 and its impact in the United States. Methods: We utilized the HealthTree Cure Hub (healthtree.org) and invited patients with active MM cancer or precursor conditions to participate in an online CancerSupportSource distress screening questionnaire by the Cancer Support Community. Participants were asked to rate their level of concern (Not at All to Very Seriously) on 12 items assessing physical, psychosocial, and practical needs during the acute and chronic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. De-identified responses were aggregated and reviewed. Results: 1,079 MM patients analyzed during the acute phase of the pandemic (April 15, 2020, to June 8, 2020) and 246 were analyzed during the chronic phase (January 8, 2021, to February 12, 2021). The percent of patients responding moderately to very seriously concerned are reported here. While eating and nutrition increased 3% from acute (71%) to chronic (74%) phases, physical needs overall decreased 2%. Psychosocial needs (worrying about the future, family concerns, feeling irritable, sad, nervous, or lonely, and relationship concerns) decreased 4% between the two phases, despite the 2% increase in problems with your spouse/partner. Additionally, practical needs (health insurance or money worries) decreased 4% between the acute and chronic phases of the pandemic. Conclusions: Respondents to our survey maintain a concern for eating and nutrition during the acute and chronic phases of the pandemic. Between the three types of needs examined in this survey, physical needs had the smallest change over time. This information can inform patients and medical professionals of the type of distress experienced by patients and help investigators assess the needs of the patient community to enhance patient outcomes.[Table: see text]


Author(s):  
Amanda C. Purdy ◽  
Brian R. Smith ◽  
Samuel F. Hohmann ◽  
Ninh T. Nguyen

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 233-239
Author(s):  
Gholamreza Bahoush ◽  
Elham Zarei

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of the new coronavirus was first reported in China and then spread to other parts of the world. The number of people infected with the virus is significantly increasing, making the disease an international concern. AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the coronavirus and its effects on children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, search engines, and scientific databases of Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane were searched to examine the effect of coronavirus on children. To collect information, keywords were also searched in the databases. RESULTS: In spite of contradictory results, among the children, those under 5 years old are the high-risk group. CONCLUSION: Some researchers believe that the virus shows fewer symptoms in children. However, the immune system of infants under six months develops pneumonia in rare cases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mohamed El Azhari ◽  
Mathieu Picardeau ◽  
Imad Cherkaoui ◽  
Mohamed Anouar Sadat ◽  
Houda Moumni ◽  
...  

Background. Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonotic reemerging neglected infectious disease underreported in most developing countries. A cross-sectional study was performed between 17 and 23 February 2014 to estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among high-risk populations in Casablanca (Morocco). Methods. A total of 490 human serum samples (97.6% males) were collected in 3 high-risk occupational sites including the biggest meat slaughterhouse (n = 208), a poultry market (n = 121), and the fish market (n = 161). A total of 125 human blood samples were also collected from the general population and used in this study as a control group. To detect the presence of anti-Leptospira, sera were screened with in-house IgG and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive samples were tested by Microscopic Agglutination Technique (MAT) using a panel of 24 serovar cultures and cut point of 1 : 25. Results. Seroprevalence of leptospirosis among the control group was 10.4% (13/125). A high seropositivity among the overall seroprevalence of 24.1% (118/490) was observed in the high-risk groups of which 7.3% (36/490), 13.7% (67/490), and 3.1% (15/490) were for anti-Leptospira IgM, IgG, and both IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Most of the positive individuals were occupationally involved in poultry (37.2%), followed by the market fish (26.1%) and the meat slaughterhouse (14.9%) workers. Among all ELISA-positive serum samples, 20.3% (n = 24) had positive MAT responses, of which the Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 7) is the most common infecting serogroup followed by Javanica (4), Australis (2), and Sejroe, Mini, and Panama (one in each). In the remaining 8 MAT-positive sera, MAT showed equal titers against more than one serogroup. Conclusion. Individuals engaged in risk activities are often exposed to leptospiral infection. Therefore, control and prevention policies toward these populations are necessary.


2020 ◽  
pp. 194589242096196
Author(s):  
P Papagiannopoulos ◽  
A Ganti ◽  
YJ Kim ◽  
RA Raad ◽  
EC Kuan ◽  
...  

Introduction The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus virus has altered all facets of clinical practice in the United States. The goal of this study is to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on rhinologic ambulatory and operative practice. Methods A 27-item survey to assess these objectives was created and approved by the Division of Rhinology faculty at Rush University Medical Center in April 2020. The survey was then distributed to rhinologists in a web based format via www.surveymonkey.com from April 10 through April 23, 2020. Results A total of 277 U.S based rhinologists responded to the survey (23.04%). The most common practice types were single specialty private (44.9%) and academic (24.6%). 90.2% practice in a state under a shelter in place order. Comparing pre-COVID baseline to during-COVID, there was statistically significant reduction in the number of patients of seen daily in clinic ( p < 0.001). The number of nasal endoscopies in the office and surgical procedures fell dramatically. Overall, 5 respondent rhinologists have been infected with COVID-19 and 27 have been furloughed. Conclusion COVID-19 has drastically affected rhinologic practice. There is a dramatic reduction of in person care in the office setting and surgical management of sinonasal and skull base disease. Enhanced PPE is being used in only half of potentially aerosolizing procedures which represents an area of further education. Novel approaches such as use of virtual encounters and point of care testing should be considered as options to facilitate care.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088740342110235
Author(s):  
Michael Klein ◽  
Melissa A. Kowalski ◽  
Youngki Woo ◽  
Courtney Solis ◽  
Maria Mendoza ◽  
...  

Coronavirus has had a significant impact on daily life. Prisons are not exempt from the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Prisons are particularly at risk due to their secure environment and vulnerable inmate populations. We examine steps taken by the 50 state departments of correction and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to mitigate COVID-19 as reported on their websites. While states vary in their response to the virus, those responses do not appear to be related to regional or political differences. Few are testing or quarantining all inmates, and there are more proactive responses devoted to staff than inmates in their facilities. Findings demonstrate that prison systems’ policies regarding COVID-19 testing, quarantining, and provision of personal protective equipment for inmates do not fully align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. As a result, the steps prison systems are taking to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 may be more reactionary than proactive, which may be less effective overall.


Author(s):  
Maria Vittoria Barbarossa ◽  
Jan Fuhrmann ◽  
Jan H. Meinke ◽  
Stefan Krieg ◽  
Hridya Vinod Varma ◽  
...  

AbstractThe novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), identified in China at the end of December 2019 and causing the disease COVID-19, has meanwhile led to outbreaks all over the globe with about 2.2 million confirmed cases and more than 150,000 deaths as of April 17, 2020 [37]. In view of most recent information on testing activity [32], we present here an update of our initial work [4]. In this work, mathematical models have been developed to study the spread of COVID-19 among the population in Germany and to asses the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Systems of differential equations of SEIR type are extended here to account for undetected infections, as well as for stages of infections and age groups. The models are calibrated on data until April 5, data from April 6 to 14 are used for model validation. We simulate different possible strategies for the mitigation of the current outbreak, slowing down the spread of the virus and thus reducing the peak in daily diagnosed cases, the demand for hospitalization or intensive care units admissions, and eventually the number of fatalities. Our results suggest that a partial (and gradual) lifting of introduced control measures could soon be possible if accompanied by further increased testing activity, strict isolation of detected cases and reduced contact to risk groups.


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