Articles related to COVID-19

In this research article, the authors demonstrate a simple optical measurement method to evaluate the efficacy of masks to reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech. They tested 14 commonly available masks or masks alternatives, one patch of mask material, and a professionally fit-tested N95 mask.

One expert credits a “good-enough strategy”; others worry that it will not last. This article explores Sweden’s victory in flattening its curve despite never implementing a full-scale lockdown. Although some claim triumph, others are questioning the cost of the strategy and the nation’s high death toll compared to its Scandinavian neighbors.

As the COVID-19 pandemic uses up health resources, there are a few older diseases that are re-emerging, most notably tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria. Although the cases of these diseases were at their lowest point in 2018, some physicians are fearing that the COVID-19 risks are taking these diseases back to where we were 20 years ago.

No effective oral therapy exists for the outpatient treatment of COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine has in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 and has been proposed as a potentially effective treatment. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated whether hydroxychloroquine could reduce COVID-19 severity in adult outpatients.

Published in JCO Clinical Practice and developed by a working group of seven experts in oncology pharmacy practice, the guidelines outline 26 recommendations covering the use of anticancer medications, from proper staff hygiene and safety to how to conduct clinical trials.

In this editorial from The Lancet, the authors dissect the 160,000 new cases reported each day worldwide since June 25 and how these numbers illustrate a worrying pattern of the world facing a worsening multipolar pandemic despite the nuanced subnational picture level.