Current Events

CoVid19, named after the coronavirus and the year it was first detected (2019) is the syndrome or disease. It is causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) but is NOT limited to the respiratory effects. It can affect any organ in the body. The virus that causes this syndrome is SARS-CoV-2. It is most commonly diagnosed by a 15-minute antigen test that involves swabbing the respiratory tract (e.g., nostrils or throat). As of October 2021, there THREE (3) vaccinations in the U.S. with some degree of Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval: Pfizer's Comirnity (marketing name of BioNTech BNT162b2), Modern's mRNA-1273, and Janssen's Ad26.COV2.S. Pfizer's vaccination has full approval for ages 16+. Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA's) are currently in place for Moderna's vaccine and Janssen's vaccine. EUA's are granted for Pfizer for ages 12+ and for both Pfizer and Moderna booster shots six months following the primary series. Pfizer and Janssen are mRNA vaccines, and they are administered in TWO doses. Janssen's vaccine is a nonreplicating adenovirus and is administered as a single shot. The main treatment for COVID is supportive care (e.g., supplemental oxygen). FDA has also granted EUA's for specific treatments, including antivirals traditionally used for the common flu and antibodies. Of note, EUA for hydroxychloroquine was revoked. The EUA for Janssen's vaccination was briefly revoked before being reissued.

It has recently made the headlines that aspirin is no longer recommended for prevention in elderly people. We would like to make some clarifications. We note the following details.

1. The recommendations are issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
2. The recommendations are DRAFT.
3. The recommendation to which media appear to refer mainly is that the "USPSTF recommends against initiating low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of [cardiovascular disease] in adults age 60 years or older."
4. However, USPSTF is undecided for cardiovascular disease in adults ages 40-59. 
5. For prevention of BOTH cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, there is not a clear direction recommended. Individuals ages 60-69 are regarded as case-by-case. For individuals ages 70+, USPSTF treats as insufficient evidence.