Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This fall and winter, here’s what you need to know about the updated COVID-19 vaccine. ➡️ Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your risk of developing Long COVID.   If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself this fall and winter. https://bit.ly/3XBO2Q7

Overdose deaths in which ketamine was detected were rare (<1%) but increased from July 2019–June 2023 and often involved other drugs, according to a new report in CDC MMWR. Although these deaths make up less than 1% of all overdose deaths, it’s important for health care professionals to be aware of these trends as ketamine use for treatment-resistant depression is likely to increase. Read the report: https://bit.ly/mm7344a4

During H5N1 bird flu outbreaks on dairy farms, workers can reduce their risk of infection by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like goggles, masks, and gloves according to instructions. A new study found PPE use increased during such an outbreak. Providing PPE to workers and explaining why and how to use it might increase use. Read the full report in this week's MMWR: bit.ly/mm7344a2

New CDC report: 7% of studied farm workers exposed to H5N1 bird flu during outbreaks among dairy cows in Michigan and Colorado had evidence of recent infection, further supporting that people with exposure to infected animals are at higher risk of avian influenza H5N1 virus infection. All 8 of these workers reported milking cows or cleaning the milking parlor. Read more in this week's MMWR: bit.ly/mm7344a3

Guinea worm disease remains endemic in five countries in Africa. There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent or treat the disease. Ongoing challenges to disease eradication include animal infections, civil unrest, and insecurity. Ministries of Health, The Carter Center, WHO, and other partners have implemented interventions to curb infections, resulting in only 14 human cases reported in 2023. Collaboration among public health partners remains key to reducing Guinea worm to zero: https://bit.ly/mm7344a1

While the risk to the U.S. general public remains low, there are ways that you can reduce your risk of infection with avian influenza H5N1 virus. Avoiding contact with sources of exposure, such as potentially infected wild birds, poultry and other animals, not drinking raw milk or consuming products made with raw milk, and wearing personal protective equipment if you work directly with animals are important steps for bird flu prevention. Read full: https://bit.ly/3NVekIG

Clinicians: Nonopioid therapies are at least as effective as opioids for many common types of acute pain and are preferred for subacute and chronic pain. Through open, collaborative conversations with your patients, you can help them explore various nonopioid therapy options to decide the best treatment plan together. Learn more about nonopioid therapies: https://bit.ly/4fKEhr8

CDC celebrates the 20th anniversary of FluSurv-NET marking an important milestone in the work of the surveillance network, which is central to CDC’s objective of evaluating and monitoring influenza virus infections. Throughout its history, FluSurv-NET’s data provided critical information on the different segments of the U.S. population impacted by flu which has contributed to research findings and guided policy that have informed recommendations for flu treatment and vaccination. For more background: https://bit.ly/3YEUyHt

DYK? Where you work may increase your risk of developing Long COVID. Anyone who gets COVID-19 can get Long COVID, but some industries and workers are more likely to report having Long COVID, including: - people working in the healthcare and protective services industries (such as law enforcement and firefighters) - barbers - bartenders - farmworkers Long COVID can affect your daily activities, ability to work, and can even cause disability. COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to prevent Long COVID. Learn about how you can manage Long COVID: https://bit.ly/4fqISxn

The U.S. caregiving landscape is shifting, and many of these changes are cause for concern. With 1 in 5 adults now caring for a loved one with a health problem or disability, caregivers are experiencing more physical and mental health challenges than before. There is a critical need for tangible support, education, and resources tailored to caregivers. By supporting them, we can improve their well-being and strengthen our communities. During National Family Caregivers Month, explore how communities, organizations, businesses, and state and local leaders can help: https://lnkd.in/eqW549iU