COVID-19 Updates
From the Journals
Review supports continued mask-wearing in health care visits
Masks continue to lower the risk of catching the virus during medical visits.
News from the FDA/CDC
CDC cuts back hospital data reporting on COVID
“CDC’s authorizations to collect certain types of public health data” expired with the PHE.
From the AGA Journals
IBD patients have limited protection against Omicron with third vaccine dose
Patients with IBD taking infliximab or tofacitinib may be more vulnerable to Omicron infection even after a third dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine...
Feature
Rise of ‘alarming’ subvariants of COVID ‘worrisome’ for winter
This means people have no or “markedly reduced” protection against infection from these four strains.
Conference Coverage
Liver disease-related deaths rise during pandemic
“The increasing trend in mortality rates for ALD and NAFLD has been quite alarming, with disparities in age, race, and ethnicity.”
Article
The Impact of COVID-19 on Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs
Feature
Three COVID scenarios that could spell trouble for the fall
Experts predict different scenarios, some more dire than others.
From the Journals
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with GI symptoms have worse outcomes
Patients with GI symptoms were more likely to have higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores and be 50 years and older.
From the Journals
COVID-19 may trigger irritable bowel syndrome
Estimates of the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19 have ranged as high as 60%.
From the Journals
Pre-endoscopy COVID-19 testing may not be needed
Personal protective equipment and COVID-19 vaccination might be enough to reduce COVID-19 transmission.