MorningRX: September 6, 2023

CDC Warns of Increased RSV Activity

The CDC has issued a health advisory to warn clinicians about increased respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across parts of the Southeastern United States, according to a release from the agency’s Health Alert Network. The alert noted that the increased activity suggests a shift toward seasonal RSV trends that occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic, which historically predicted the beginning of RSV season. The CDC also said that clinicians should begin preparing new RSV prevention options, including monoclonal antibody products, as well as vaccines from GSK and Pfizer. The agency recommends that clinicians test symptomatic patients with high-risk conditions for COVID-19, influenza and RSV to inform treatment decisions.

Men’s Perceptions of Their Health Differ From Their Behavior

American men believe they have good habits when it comes to their health, but many of their behaviors don’t back that idea up, according to a new survey from the Cleveland Clinic. The survey found that 81% of men believe they are leading a healthy lifestyle, but almost half of them do not get a yearly physical or eat a healthy diet. Nearly 83% of men have experienced stress in the last 6 months and 44% do not take care of their mental health. Additionally, 27% of men said they watch TV for over 5 hours a day on average.

“We know that there is a direct relationship between a man’s physical, mental and sexual health,” Georges-Pascal Haber, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Urology at Cleveland Clinic, said in a release. “A man’s lifestyle and habits, whether positive or negative, can significantly impact his overall health.”

WHO Announces Air Pollution Training for Health Workers

The World Health Organization has developed the first air pollution and health training toolkit to help inform health care workers, the agency announced in a press release. The toolkit, which will be unveiled at the end of this year, will feature downloadable training modules that address air pollution concerns and how health care workers can foster healthier conditions for their patients. According to WHO, most training curriculums for health care professionals do not adequately address the health impact of air pollution, with only 11% of medical schools worldwide including air pollution concerns in formal education.

“Health workers are on the front lines of patient care,” Maria Neira, director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at WHO, said in a release. “Empowering health care providers to identify instances where air pollution impacts well-being and communities is paramount to public and global health. This training toolkit provides resources to communicate risks and to champion for clean air and healthier populations.”