Med-notes on Blogfinger.net

Blogfinger Editor’s note:   We almost never post direct articles and press releases, preferring to put such items into our own words and with our own comments.

But with the trustworthy AMA Morning Rounds (sent to 1 million doctors) we let them search the media for important announcements which often roll into my mailbox ahead of the widespread “news” that the public usually reads and hears. from the usual media.     I will say something if I have something worthwhile to add.

 Paul Goldfinger MD

October 4, 2021

Diabetes, heart, lung associations urge Americans to get both flu, COVID-19 vaccines ahead of flu season

Healio (10/1) reported, “Three associations are urging eligible individuals to receive their annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine in order to reduce hospital burden and protect the vulnerable ahead of flu season.” A statement was issued by “the American Heart Association, American Lung Association and American Diabetes Association.”

According to an AHA press release, “patients with cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes and heart disease are at a higher risk for severe complications from serious respiratory diseases like the flu and COVID-19,” and, “according to the release, the 2021 to 2022 flu season could be severe and begin early, meaning that preventing the flu is an important step in relieving overcrowded hospitals and protecting vulnerable and at-risk people.”

The CDC says it is safe to get both at the same time.

ALSO FROM THE AMA:

U.S. death toll from COVID-19 eclipses 700,000

The AP (10/2)  said, “The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 700,000 late Friday” and the “milestone…by all accounts didn’t have to happen this soon.”

According to the AP, the tally “is deeply frustrating to doctors, public health officials and the American public, who watched a pandemic that had been easing earlier in the summer take a dark turn.

Tens of millions of Americans have refused to get vaccinated, allowing the highly contagious Delta variant to tear through the country and send the death toll from 600,000 to 700,000 in 3 1/2 months.”

Reuters (10/1, Ahluwalia, Priya M) reported that the U.S. “leads the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths, accounting for 19% and 14% of all reported infections and fatalities, according to Reuters tally.”