This week in Clipboard Academy’s Nursing News round-up …
COVID-19 Virus is Airborne, Scientists Say
Scientists have asked WHO to reconsider their recommendations on how to prevent COVID-19 infection. So far, they’ve based recommendations on the coronavirus being transmitted through droplets. But hundreds of scientists say that the evidence now says the virus is likely spread via airborne transmission.
Droplet transmission precautions are different from airborne precautions. Airborne particles are smaller, and the CDC has different recommendations for treating patients with airborne diseases.
Airlines and Airports Left to Decide Own COVID-19 Precautions
The U.S. federal government recommended that airlines and airports follow standard COVID-19 precautions, asking them to enforce the use of masks and social distancing. But without a federal mandate, airlines are deciding for themselves what to do. Many airlines are keeping the middle seats empty, and some require passengers to wear masks, although it isn’t always enforced. Other airlines are booking flights as full as possible.
COVID-19 Drug Trials for Malaria and HIV Drug Stopped by WHO
WHO stopped its trials for the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and the HIV drug lopinavir/ritonavir over the weekend. The trials didn’t show any improvement in reducing death in patients with COVID-19 who were in the hospital. There are still studies testing if the drugs can help those patients not in the hospitals, or if it can help prevent the disease.
In-Person School “Fundamental” for Children, Says U.S. Pediatricians
Early last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics said that they support any policies that will focus on getting kids back to schools in person. Their statement said that schools are “fundamental,” and that keeping kids away from school will likely cause many issues with their learning and many health issues, like “child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation.”
New Flu Strain Found in China Could Potentially Be New Pandemic
A new virus in pigs found in China could potentially make the jump to infect humans and cause a new flu pandemic. The scientists who discovered it said that it’ll need to be watched for any signs of mutation or the jump to those who work in the swine industry and that there needs to be policies to control the spread of the virus in pigs.
