Annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses is recommended for everyone ≥6 months old without a contraindication.1 Vaccination of all eligible persons can reduce the prevalence of influenza illness and symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19. Available vaccines and recommendations for specific patient populations for the 2020-2021 season are listed in Tables 2 and 3. Lower rates of influenza illness have been observed this season in the Southern Hemisphere, probably because of masking, social distancing, school closures, and travel restrictions.2

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Esketamine (Spravato – Janssen), an intranasal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that was previously approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression,1 has now been approved for treatment of depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and acute suicidal ideation or behavior. Esketamine is the S-enantiomer of the anesthetic ketamine (Ketalar, and generics). It is the first drug to ... Continue reading