CDC mask guidance, RSV surge

In reaction to the CDC’s relaxed mask guidance, experts shared their thoughts and concerns, such as the implications of the new guidance for immunocompromised patients who may not have had a response to COVID-19 immunization.

This discussion was the top story in infectious disease last week.

Another top story revealed a recent surge in the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in the United States. H. Cody Meissner, MD, chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases and professor of pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine, weighed in on what this could mean for clinicians.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

What experts are saying about the CDC’s new mask guidance

The CDC recently relaxed its masking guidance to say that fully vaccinated Americans do not need to wear masks or socially distance indoors. Healio asked experts if they have any concerns or questions about the newly relaxed guidance. Read more.

Q&A: US sees late surge of RSV amid decline in COVID-19

According to the CDC, cases of RSV surged in recent weeks — months later than the traditional seasonal peak of the common respiratory virus, which can cause serious infections in infants and older adults. Read more.

FDA authorizes longer refrigeration time for Pfizer vaccine, improving availability

The FDA has authorized a longer refrigeration time for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, a change it said should help make the vaccine more available. Read more.

Health officials trace multiple Salmonella outbreaks to backyard poultry

Health officials have traced a series of Salmonella outbreaks to backyard poultry. Read more.

COVID-19 vaccination coverage lower in rural communities

COVID-19 vaccination coverage is almost seven percentage points lower in rural U.S. counties compared with urban counties, researchers found — a disparity they said could hinder progress toward ending the pandemic. Read more.