ABSTRACT
The regulation policies implemented, the characteristics of vaccines, and the evolution of the virus continue to play a significant role in the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Numerous research articles have proposed using mathematical models to predict the outcomes of different scenarios, with the aim of improving awareness and informing policy-making. In this work, we propose an expansion to the classical SEIR epidemiological model that is designed to fit the complex epidemiological data of COVID-19. The model includes compartments for vaccinated, asymptomatic, hospitalized, and deceased individuals, splitting the population into two branches based on the severity of progression. In order to investigate the impact of the vaccination program on the spread of COVID-19 in Greece, this study takes into account the realistic vaccination program implemented in Greece, which includes various vaccination rates, different dosages, and the administration of booster shots. It also examines for the first time policy scenarios at crucial time-intervention points for Greece. In particular, we explore how alterations in the vaccination rate, immunity loss, and relaxation of measures regarding the vaccinated individuals affect the dynamics of COVID-19 spread. The modeling parameters revealed an alarming increase in the death rate during the dominance of the delta variant and before the initiation of the booster shot program in Greece. The existing probability of vaccinated people becoming infected and transmitting the virus sets them as catalytic players in COVID-19 progression. Overall, the modeling observations showcase how the criticism of different intervention measures, the vaccination program, and the virus evolution has been present throughout the various stages of the pandemic. As long as immunity declines, new variants emerge, and vaccine protection in reducing transmission remains incompetent; monitoring the complex vaccine and virus evolution is critical to respond proactively in the future.
ABSTRACT
The modulation of the pharmacological action of drugs due to drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is a critical issue in healthcare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the clinical significance of potential DDIs in patients admitted to the University Hospital of Heraklion in Greece with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cardiovascular disorders (58.4%) and diabetes (types I and II) (29.6%) were the most common comorbidities. A high occurrence of DDIs was observed, and clinically significant DDIs that may hamper response to treatment represented 40.3% of cases on admission, 21% during hospitalization, and 40.7% upon discharge. Polypharmacy and comorbidities were associated with a higher prevalence of DDIs in a statistically significant way (p < 0.05, 95% CI). Clinically significant DDIs and increased C-reactive protein values upon admission were associated with prolonged hospitalization. The results reveal that patients admitted due to COVID-19 in Greece often have an additional burden of DDIs that healthcare teams should approach and resolve.