Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
-
Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Nov 2024
COVID-19 vaccines: anaphylaxis and anxiety : A case study from an allergy unit.
Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was one crucial element to overcome the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Even though anaphylaxis to vaccines is rare, 47 patients came to the Allergy Unit at the University Hospital Graz, Austria, reporting immediate anaphylactoid symptoms after administration of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, 29 patients with known drug-induced anaphylaxis wanted to be tested for a possible sensitization against COVID-19 vaccines or excipients, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate 80 (PS80) before the first COVID-19 vaccination. Skin prick tests and intradermal tests were performed in all 76 patients, mostly using PEG 2000, and/or PS80. Skin prick tests with COVID-19 vaccines were performed depending on availability. ⋯ Anxiety about another anaphylactoid episode hinders patients to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV‑2 again. Premedication with antihistamines and collaboration of allergologists with psychologists might lower the risk of an anaphylactic/anaphylactoid response as well anxiety in drug-induced anaphylactic patients.
-
Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Nov 2024
Surveillance data from 2011-2020 indicate a lower risk of Lyme disease in the USA in even-numbered years.
From 2011-2020 the number of reported cases of Lyme disease in the USA was lower in each even-numbered year compared with the preceding odd-numbered year. This observation suggests that fewer nymphal stage Ixodes scapularis ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi were present during even-numbered years in locations where people spend time.