Category: Infectious Diseases
As Delta Variant Fuels Rising COVID Infections, a New Variant Has Shown Up
David Weber, MD (Credit: KTAL, Washington, DC) As the delta variant continues to fuel the rising number of COVID infections, another has now been detected. The lambda variant, discovered in Peru, is one of the most recent discoveries. Scientists continue to watch for new mutations of COVID-19. David Weber, MD, professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases, explaine … Read more
Wohl Responds to Questions About the Delta Variant, the Use of Antibody Treatment, and How Wisdom and Fear Leads 90% of Seniors To Vaccines
Credit: NC Health News COVID Delta Variant Q & A With David Wohl, MD (August 12, 2021) NC Health News featured David Wohl, MD, professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases, in a Q & A about the Delta variant. Health reporter Rose Hoban interviewed Wohl about the Delta variant and the return to school. Read the interview. UNC Health to expand use of antibod … Read more
Injectable Cabotegravir PrEP Superior to Oral TDF-FTC; Trial Halted Early
Lina Rosengren-Hovee, MD Lina Rosengren-Hovee, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases, discussed long-acting PrEP agents versus Oral TDF-FTC in Medscape Medical News. “We’re constantly searching for new modalities to expand our repertoire of what we can provide patients, especially those folks with the highest need for PrEP,” Rosengren-Hovee told Medscap … Read more
Sickbert-Bennett Discusses the Best Face Coverings For Children With School Starting Back
Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD, MS Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD, MS, associate professor of infectious diseases, talked with CBS-17 about face coverings for children as school starts back, emphasizing comfort is especially important. Sickbert-Bennett has extensively researched masks throughout the pandemic and says parents should find a mask that kids are willing to wear properly all … Read more
Weber Recognizes Masks and Social Distancing Remain Crucial With COVID Surge
David Weber, MD, MPH Doctors: Masks and Social Distancing Crucial As COVID-19 Cases Skyrocket (August 5, 2021) A WRAL.com news report acknowledges doctors are learning more everyday about the Delta variant, and as new information is released, it can be confusing and overwhelming. David Weber, MD, MPH, professor of medicine in infectious diseases, said it takes 15 minutes for delt … Read more
Cohen Discusses First Covid Antibody Treatment to Prevent Infections Authorized by FDA
Myron Cohen, MD People at considerable risk of developing severe Covid-19, including millions of Americans with compromised immune systems, now have the option of receiving a preventive monoclonal antibody treatment if they have been or are at risk of being exposed to the coronavirus, NBC News reports. Myron Cohen, MD, the Yeargan-Bate Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Microbi … Read more
Wohl Discusses Immunity of the Vaccinated, Reaching Biden’s 70% Goal, Parents At Odds Over Masks, and Gift Card Vaccine Incentives
David Wohl, MD Amid Covid Booster Debate, West Virginia to Check Immunity of Vaccinated Nursing Home Residents (August 3, 2021) Physician’s Weekly reports West Virginia raced ahead of the country last winter to get people in nursing homes vaccinated against covid-19, but with cases and hospitalizations on the rise again, state officials want to know whether immunity levels are fa … Read more
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COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for UNC Health, Most Frequently Asked Questions
David Weber, MD, MPH David Weber, MD, MPH, medical director for infection prevention at the UNC Medical Center, answers the most frequently asked questions related to UNC Health’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in a new video series. Find the questions and Dr. Weber’s responses.
Boyce Awarded Doris Duke Funding for Malaria Study in Uganda
Ross Boyce, MD, MSc The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has awarded Ross Boyce, MD, MSc, a 2021 Clinical Scientist Development Award for his research proposal entitled, “Getting malaria off the back of women and children in western Uganda,” which aims at reducing the incidence of malaria among infants and young children in rural Uganda. Boyce, an assistant professor in UNC’s Div … Read more
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Weber Discusses Latest CDC Guidance in CNN, Philadelphia Tribune Article
David Weber, MD, MPH To prevent further spread of the Delta variant, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance to recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors when in areas with “substantial” and “high” transmission of Covid-19, which includes nearly two-thirds of all US counties. The updated CDC guidance makes “excellent sense,” sai … Read more
Department of Medicine Grants & Funding: July 1 – July 31, 2021
Division of Infectious Diseases Ed Browne, PhD, received a $4-million NIH grant to study the effects of cannabis use on the HIV reservoir. The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has awarded Ross Boyce, MD, MSc, a 2021 Clinical Scientist Development Award for his research proposal entitled, “Getting malaria off the back of women and children in western Uganda,” which aims at reducin … Read more
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Why the Delta Variant is More Contagious and Prevalent in Younger Populations
David Wohl, MD The News and Observer reports that there is much to learn about the delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, recognizing why it is more contagious and how symptoms can differ. “People who are now getting COVID-19 are largely younger and younger people,” said David Wohl, MD, a professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases. He emphasized that y … Read more