October 14, 2026
What is Xocova (ensitrelvir) The first oral antiviral to be approved for post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older following contact with an individual who has COVID-19. References: If you’d like to receive HealthDirect Clinical content via email. Use the QR code or visit the link to subscribe….
October 13, 2026
IMPORTANT: Vaccine Update(s) HealthDirect clinical has updated our immunization guide to serve as a reference and education tool for immunizers on general vaccine administration with a focus on preventing seasonal respiratory illness in the community care setting. These guidelines include specific information about the licensed vaccines available for influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),…
October 5, 2026
ACC/AHA/Multisociety Guidelines on the Management of Dyslipidemia Replaces the 2018 AHA/ACC/Multisociety Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. Primary Prevention: What’s new? Adults 30-79 years of age with LDL-C 70-189 mg/dL: 10-year ASCVD risk Treatment Goals Low risk: <3% Lifestyle interventions. If patient is 30-59 years with an LDL-C 160-189 mg/dL or 30-year risk score…
September 22, 2026
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality among older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions, particularly those residing in community care settings. Despite declining pandemic-era mortality, COVID-19 remains responsible for significant healthcare disruption, including outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and deaths for older and medically vulnerable adults. Recent analyses indicate that adults…
September 16, 2026
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to impose a substantial health burden despite the end of the public health emergency phase. Older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and residents of community-based care settings such as assisted living facilities, residential care communities, home health programs, and long-term care facilities remain at increased risk for severe disease,…
September 10, 2026
To all healthcare professionals, residents and families in community care settings, the flyer presented here is designed to help you make informed decisions about protecting yourselves and those you care for during this year’s flu season. Influenza can be more dangerous than many realize, especially for older individuals who are at greater risk for flu-related…
September 8, 2026
The Impact of Seasonal Respiratory Immunizations Community care settings support some of the most medically vulnerable individuals in our healthcare system, including older adults, people living with chronic diseases, individuals with disabilities, and those who depend on caregivers for daily support. As influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to circulate seasonally, vaccine…
August 14, 2026
What causes Drug-Induced Photosensitivity? Certain medications can cause sensitivity to the sun, known as photosensitivity, through two primary biological processes called phototoxicity (a chemically-induced reaction that may depend on the dose) and photoallergy (an immune-mediated reaction that is not related to dose). The most effective way to address this issue is adequate sunlight protection. Patients…
July 7, 2026
Constipation is pretty common in older adults, ranging from 24 to 50 percent. Up to 20 percent of community-dwelling older adults and 74 percent of nursing home residents use laxatives on a daily basis. Age, immobility, comorbid conditions, polypharmacy, eating less and inadequate hydration are all risk factors for constipation. Chronic constipation is defined as…
June 24, 2026
Crushing pills can improve ease of administration, but some shouldn’t be crushed. Crushing extended release meds can result in administration of a large dose all at once. Crushing delayed-release meds can alter the mechanism designed to protect the drug from gastric acids or prevent gastric mucosal irritation. Crushing sublingual or buccal tabs can alter effectiveness….
