When the COVID-19 vaccinations were first authorized for emergency use, there was significant debate around whether pregnant women should receive the vaccines. With a lack of adequate data, it was difficult for physicians to advise that pregnant women pursue vaccination. With initial data suggesting that the vaccine was not leading to any serious … [Read more...]
Are Pregnant Women Willing to get Vaccinated for COVID-19?
What is the Real Role of Smell and Taste in COVID-19 Diagnosis?
Loss of taste and smell has been considered a hallmark of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic about a year and a half ago. However, new data published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery suggests that these symptoms may not represent valid markers for infection with the virus. To determine the power of smell and taste … [Read more...]
Monitoring mRNA Vaccine Safety
The speed with which the COVID-19 vaccines were developed raised concerns among healthcare professionals and the general public alike regarding both the long-term efficacy and safety of the vaccines. Though certain vaccines were granted emergency use authorization given the gravity of the public health crisis, efficacy and safety data have been … [Read more...]
Alcohol Use Disorder Rarely Treated with Medications
Alcoholism is a common disease, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been concerns of rising alcohol use while people endure new psychological and economic stressors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 4 different medications for alcohol use disorder since the year 1949, though many people have not heard of these … [Read more...]
Healthcare Workers at Increased Risk for Voice Disorders During Pandemic
A new study published in Laryngoscope has tackled the issue of whether healthcare workers who have been caring for patients in high-risk units during the COVID-19 outbreak are at increased risk for voice disorders. This cross-sectional study involved a questionnaire that more than 220 healthcare workers answered. The questionnaire included … [Read more...]