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This week the CDC will hold the first COCA Call of 2023, which will focus on COVID testing and treatment for currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Right now, in the United States, that means the rising XBB.1.5 variant and the declining BQ.1.1/BQ.1 variants (see the latest CDC Nowcast).
XBB.1.5 has been described at the most transmissible, and immune evasive, variant to date. So far, we've not seen any evidence that it produces any greater severity of illness than earlier Omicron variants, but data is still coming in.
Even assuming the severity of the acute phase of XBB.1.5 infection remains unchanged, there is a growing body of evidence that repeated COVID infections can lead to more chronic health problems, more frequent hospitalizations, and increased mortality over the long term (see Nature: Acute and Postacute Sequelae Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection).
While many appear to dismiss these concerns, two days ago the AMA published What doctors wish patients knew about COVID-19 reinfection, where they discuss waning immunity, `Long COVID', and the need to avoid - if at all possible - repeated infections.
Complicating matters, all of the monoclonal antibody treatments that were hailed in 2021 as `game changers' for reducing COVID morbidity and mortality have lost their effectiveness against the newer Omicron variants (see FDA Withdraws EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) For Last COVID Monoclonal Antibody: Bebtelovimab).
Next week (Tuesday, Jan 24th) the CDC will hold a COCA call for clinicians to update them on the latest recommendations for the testing and treatment of COVID in this rapidly changing environment.
These presentations are often technical, and are of greatest interest to clinicians and healthcare providers, but also may be of interest to the general public.
As always, If you are unable to attend the live presentation, these (and past) webinars are archived and available for later viewing at this LINK.
Updates to COVID-19 Testing and Treatment for the Current SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Overview
As SARS-CoV-2 variants evolve, circulating variants have increased transmissibility and ability to evade the immune system, which changes the treatment and prevention options for COVID-19. Clinicians should understand the nuances of current SARS-CoV-2 testing and treatment to prevent hospitalizations and deaths among people at high risk of severe disease.
During this COCA Call, subject matter experts will provide an overview of COVID-19 epidemiology and the current variant landscape, address current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing guidance and the National Institutes of Health and Infectious Disease Society of America COVID-19 treatment guidelines, and discuss risk assessment and considerations for treatment options.
Presenters
Pragna Patel, MD, MPH
CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service
Chief Medical Officer
COVID-19 Response
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Natalie Thornburg, PhD
Branch Chief of Lab Branch (Acting)
Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division (Proposed)
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
Director, HIV Clinical Services and Education
Massachusetts General Hospital
Co-Director, Harvard Center for AIDS Research
Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Adarsh Bhimraj, MD, FIDSA
Chair, Infectious Disease Society of America COVID-19 Treatment and Management Guidelines
Director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship and Education
Houston Methodist Academic Medicine Associates
Infectious Diseases Fellowship & Education
Call Materials
None at this time. Please check back later.
Call Details
When:
Tuesday, January 24, 2023,
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Webinar Link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618473235
Webinar ID: 161 847 3235
Passcode: 106095
Telephone:
US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 964 1167 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 669 216 1590 or +1 415 449 4000 or +1 551 285 1373
One-tap mobile:
US: +16692545252,,1618473235#,,,,*106095# or +16469641167,,1618473235#,,,,*106095#
International numbers
