Author: Frank Domino, MD in collaboration with Aylin Madore, MD

I stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news and am regularly compiling a list of articles published that are relevant to your primary care practice. Read the insights below from articles published in July in less than two minutes.

1. 1. 1. One – Seroprevalence of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in 10 Sites in the United States

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      3. A CDC study evaluated serum samples that were collected for non-COVID-19 reasons from 10 sites around the U.S. from March 23 to May 12. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies ranged from 1% – 7%. The authors estimate many more people may have been infected than what has been reported, with this estimate being 10-fold or greater.

      4. Two – Neonatal Management and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: an Observation Cohort Study

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      2. A study of ~80 neonates whose mothers were positive for SARS-CoV-2 found that perinatal transmission of COVID-19 (through rooming or direct breastfeeding) is unlikely to occur if proper hygienic precautions are followed.

      3. Three – Face Coverings and Mask to Minimize Droplet Dispersion and Aerosolization: A Video Case Study

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      5. Researchers in Australia used high-speed cameras to evaluate respiratory droplets expelled during speaking, coughing, and sneezing. A 3-layer surgical mask was the most effective at limiting droplet spread; even a single-layer mask was better than no mask.

      6. Four – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Issues First Emergency Authorization for Sample Pooling in Diagnostic Testing

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   The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for the Quest Diagnostics RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 to be used with swab specimens pooled from up to four patients; if the pool tests positive, each individual sample needs to be retested, saving time and supplies.

1. 1. Five – If you Are Sick or Caring for Someone (CDC)

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Detailed information is now available on the CDC website. Asymptomatic persons testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 should self-isolate. If they remain asymptomatic, they can discontinue isolation 10 days after the date of their first positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Individuals who become symptomatic should contact their healthcare provider for further guidance. Healthcare workers who test positive and are asymptomatic may obtain additional guidance from their occupational health service. No additional laboratory testing is currently recommended.

1. 1. Six – Immunomodulators Under Evaluation for the Treatment of COVID-19:

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The NIH now recommends: Patients with critical (requiring ventilation) COVID-19 illness and those requiring supplemental oxygen (severe disease) should receive dexamethasone.

1. 1. Seven – Psychiatric and Neuropsychiatric Presentations Associated with Severe Coronavirus Infections

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Post-infection neuropsychiatric disorders were studied in a systematic review and meta-analysis from multiple countries. SARS-CoV-2 may cause delirium in the acute setting. Long term syndromes may include depression, anxiety, fatigue, PTSD, and rarer neuropsychiatric syndromes.

For more insights, view our collection of COVID-19 resources and CME courses. We recognize it is critical that you have access to timely, reliable information, so we are working hard to release new content in collaboration with our team of infectious disease experts, medical specialists, and primary care clinicians like Dr. Frank Domino.