The Week in Review provides an overview of the past week’s top health care content, including industry news and trends, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Laboratories news, and upcoming events.
Scientists are racing to develop home tests that measure protection against COVID-19
Researchers are testing different ways to quickly get information on how protected someone is from COVID-19 and whether they may need another booster. Source: STAT
CDC investigating ‘fast-moving’ E.Coli outbreak that has sickened dozens
An outbreak of E.coli identified in Ohio and Michigan is being investigated by the CDC after nearly 30 people have been infected with the source still unknown. The first infection occurred in late July and nine people have been hospitalized. Source: The Hill
More effective Flu vaccines recommended for older adults
Seasonal influenza disproportionately affects individuals aged 65 years or older, accounting for 70% to 85% of deaths from the disease and 50% to 70% of hospitalizations. Vaccination can reduce poor outcomes, yet some older adults may not have a strong immune response. To help increase their protection, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently recommended preferentially using Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV4-HD]), Flublok Quadrivalent (recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV4]), or Fluad Quadrivalent (adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine quadrivalent [aIIV4]) for this age group. If high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines aren’t available, a standard seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for older adults, the ACIP statement noted. The ACIP based its recommendation on an evidence review suggesting that IIV4-HD, RIV4, and aIIV4 are more effective than standard doses of unadjuvanted influenza vaccines for this age group. Source: JAMA Network
A look back at the history of Mayo Clinic
Opened in 1889, Saint Marys Hospital is one of the most famous hospitals constructed in America, but how the idea came to be from a very destructive tornado. On August 21, 1883, an F5 tornado touched down just northwest of Hayfield, and it ravaged northern Rochester. It killed at least 37 people and injured more than 200 others. The damage from this tornado cost about $700,000, or $15 million today. Source: KAAL
Health tips Tuesday: preventing symptomatic kidney stones
A new Mayo Clinic study has found that enriching diets with foods that are high in potassium and calcium may prevent recurrent symptomatic kidney stones. Dr. John Lieske, co-author of the study and director of the O’Brien Urology Research Center, joined Western Mass News to discuss the study’s findings and how diet plays an important role in preventing symptomatic kidney stones. Source: Western Mass News
Mayo Clinic teams up with California startup on biologics
Mayo Clinic is partnering with a California startup to ramp up production of cutting-edge drugs to treat rare and complex diseases. On Monday, the clinic announced that it has established a “strategic collaboration” with San Diego-based National Resilience Inc. to develop biologically-derived treatments for various illnesses. According to a news release issued Monday, the two entities will focus on biologics, or drugs derived from cells, blood, or other components from living organisms. Mayo officials hope the partnership will fast-track therapies to clinical trials, and aid in scaling up for commercialization. Source: Twin Cities Business