Lyme disease in the US is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged [deer] tick) and I. pacificus (western blacklegged tick). Most cases of Lyme disease occur in late spring and early summer in northeastern and mid-Atlantic states, the upper Midwest, and in northern California. B. mayonii, which is also transmitted by I. scapularis, has been shown to cause a similar illness in the upper Midwest.

The FDA has expanded the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax) and the adenovirus-based vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson/Janssen to include administration of a booster dose in select populations after primary immunization with either the same COVID-19 vaccine or a different one.

Pediculosis capitis (head lice infestations) occur in all age groups, but especially in elementary school children. In most cases, transmission occurs by head-to-head contact. Pharmacologic treatment is recommended for persons with live lice or eggs (nits) within 1 cm of the scalp. Topical pediculicides should be tried first. Oral therapy is occasionally required for refractory infestations.

The FDA has approved lebrikizumab-lbkz (Ebglyss – Lilly), a subcutaneously injected interleukin (IL)-13 antagonist, for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that has not been or cannot be adequately treated with topical therapy in patients ≥12 years old (weight ≥40 kg). Lebrikizumab is the third subcutaneously injected human IgG4 monoclonal antibody to be approved in the US for this indication. Tralokinumab (Adbry), another IL-13 antagonist, is also approved for use in patients ≥12 years old, and dupilumab (Dupixent), an IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitor, is approved for...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is prevalent in 0.5% of adults in the US; it is about 2.5 times more common in women than in men. Guidelines for treatment of RA from the American College of Rheumatology were recently updated. The goal of treatment is to minimize disease activity and prevent irreversible joint damage.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world. Risk factor modification, anticoagulation, rhythm control, and rate control are the four pillars of its management. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines on management of AF were updated recently.

The FDA has approved Suflave (Sebela/Braintree), a low-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG)- and sulfate-based product for cleansing of the colon prior to colonoscopy in adults. Other oral colonoscopy preparations available in the US are listed in Table 2. Suflave is marketed as tasting better than other products.

Acne is common among adolescents and adults. Guidelines for treatment of acne were last published by the American Academy of Dermatology in 2016.

Nonopioid drugs can be used in the treatment of many nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions. For severe pain, especially severe chronic cancer pain, use of opioids may be necessary. Noninvasive nonpharmacologic treatments, including physical and psychological therapies, have been shown to improve pain and function in patients with some common chronic pain conditions and are unlikely to cause serious harms. A multimodal approach to analgesic therapy can increase pain control while reducing opioid use and adverse effects.