With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Masks no longer required during air travel in Europe

Earlier this week, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said that from 16^th May wearing masks would no longer be mandatory in Europe, both in-flight and also in the airports. Several European countries like France, Italy, Bulgaria have relaxed all Covid-related curbs and restrictions…(Medscape, May 12, 2022).

North Korea confirms first Covid outbreak in the country

A national emergency along with a nation-wide lockdown has been declared in North Korea after it confirmed its first Covid-19 outbreak this week since the onset of the pandemic. There has been at least one confirmed Covid death in the country. As per the official KCNA news agency, there are around 350,000 cases of fever of unknown origin; 18,000 new cases were reported on Thursday. About 187,800 are being managed in isolation. North Korea has no Covid-19 vaccination program …(Reuters, May 13, 2022).

More than half of Covid survivors have symptoms 2 years after the initial infection

According to a study from China reported in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 55% patients who survived Covid-19 at a minimum of one symptom two years after their initial hospitalization for Covid-19. Fatigue or muscle weakness were the most commonly reported symptoms, though 12% of patients also reported depression or anxiety. Researchers analyzed data of 1192 patients discharged from a hospital in Wuhan between January 7 and May 29, 2020… (MedPage Today, May 11, 2022)

A new indication for baricitinib 

The US FDA has approved the use of baricitinib in hospitalized adult Covid-19 patients who need oxygen supplementation, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This makes it the first immunomodulatory drug to be approved for treatment of Covid-19. In 2020, baricitinib was authorized for use in combination with remdesivir, which was later revised in 2021 for authorization as a standalone treatment… (Source: US FDA, May 10, 2022)

IDSA guideline for managing drug interactions with Paxlovid

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has issued guidelines for managing drug interactions with Paxlovid, combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. IDSA advises clinicians to obtain a list of all medications that the patient is taking, including OTC drugs and herbal supplements. Discontinue a drug if the patient is not taking it. Check to see if any of the current medications are contraindicated with Paxlovid. All potential drug interactions between Paxlovid and the current medications should be examined carefully. Specifically, coadministration of Paxlovid should be avoided with two drugs, rivaroxaban and salmeterol, because of severe interactions, says IDSA... (IDSA, May 9, 2022)