ABSTRACT
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that requires immediate treatment. Recommended empiric antimicrobial therapy is based upon the most likely pathogen, according to a patient’s age and immune status. Antimicrobial therapy should be modified after identification of the causative microorganism and results of susceptibility tests. Preventive measures include the use of vaccines that target Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as the use of chemoprophylaxis in selected situations. Pharmacists are in a key position to recommend appropriate antimicrobial therapy for the treatment and prophylaxis of bacterial meningitis and to ensure that patients are receiving recommended vaccinations.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, it can also cause cardiovascular complications. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities are at risk for greater severity of illness and mortality. The cardiovascular effects of medications that may be used to treat COVID-19, as well as the impact of medications used for underlying cardiovascular conditions, are important considerations. Pharmacists should be aware of the potential cardiovascular impact of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES After completing this activity, the pharmacist should be able to: Identify the clinical presentation, time to onset of signs and symptoms, and modes of transmission of COVID-19. Describe diagnostic considerations and priorities for testing patients with suspected COVID-19. Compare and contrast guideline recommendations and the mechanisms of action of investigational therapeutic options used in the management of patients with COVID-19. State general measures for the public and measures for infection control in healthcare settings to prevent COVID-19. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with presentations ranging from absence of symptoms to severe infection requiring mechanical ventilation. COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Current clinical management includes infection prevention measures and supportive care. Additionally, many investigational therapies are being used for the treatment of patients with this novel infection. Guidelines for the management of COVID-19 are being regularly updated based on rapidly emerging information. Pharmacists are in a key position to pro-vide recommendations for appropriate preventive measures and to actively work with other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate management of patients presenting with this infection.