Articles: pandemics.
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Monkeypox, a neglected disease previously confined to Africa, is causing a worldwide outbreak affecting predominantly males who have sex with males, especially those who are infected with HIV. The clinical presentation during the current outbreak differs from endemic cases. Treatment with tecovirimat and other antivirals is available. Immunization may be used as preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis.
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Shelter-in-place orders altered facilitators and barriers to tobacco use (e.g., outlet closures, restricted social gatherings). This study examined whether the duration of time in shelter in place and compliance with different shelter-in-place orders influenced adolescent cigarette and E-cigarette use and how the use may differ by demographic characteristics. ⋯ Findings support tailored interventions for less compliant and older adolescents for future pandemic mitigation measures.
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Objectives: COVID-19 has strained the household finances of many Americans who are already experiencing increasing health care expenses. Concerns about the cost of care may deter patients from seeking even urgent care from the emergency department (ED). This study examines predictors of older Americans’ concerns about ED visit costs and how cost concerns may have influenced their ED use in the early stages of the pandemic. ⋯ Predictors of cost-related ED avoidance included being aged 50 to 54 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.57; 95% CI, 1.44-14.54), being uninsured (AOR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.35-6.52), having poor or fair mental health (AOR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.62-4.89), and having an annual household income of less than $30,000 (AOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.19-4.46). Conclusions: During the early COVID-19 pandemic, most older US adults expressed concerns about the financial impact of ED use. Further research should examine how insurance design could alleviate the perceived financial burden of ED use and prevent cost-related care avoidance, especially for those at higher risk in future pandemic surges.