May Physician Trends
Paxlovid
Paxlovid discussion continued to grow in May. Many physicians reported on the COVID "rebound" after completing the course of Paxlovid. This Week in Virology, a podcast which is very popular among medical professionals, reviewed Pfizer's Phase 2/3 Paxlovid study and data on infection relapse following suppression by Paxlovid. We'll continue to monitor the evolution of HCPs' Paxlovid conversation as its availability and usage grows.
Despite the rising volume of Paxlovid discussion, overall COVID discussion among health care professionals declined in May to <3%, the lowest percentage of conversation since we've been tracking (January 2021).
Worked telehealth today.
— Craig Spencer MD MPH (@Craig_A_Spencer) May 1, 2022
A patient tested positive. Arranged a virtual visit.
I ordered Paxlovid.
Before we ended our visit the pharmacy had texted her to arrange delivery in a few hours. All for free.
NYC's Paxlovid program has been exceptional & should be a model for others
Looks like I've tested positive for COVID, moderate symptoms of fatigue, headache, sore throat, isolating at home doing zoom meetings. I'm grateful to have been vaccinated/boosted, which certainly prevented more severe illness. Just started Paxlovid. Transmission up, be careful.
— Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD (@PeterHotez) May 9, 2022
Well thought Covid was over, finished a 5 d Paxlovid, felt well, X2 neg antigen tests. 5 d later up this AM lots of rinorrhea, sore throat, antigen test screaming +. So either this post-Paxlovid relapse is real, something unique to BA.2.12 (although can't confirm)…or something
— Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD (@PeterHotez) May 18, 2022
Burnt Out Doctors
Health care professionals have born much of the brunt of the COVID pandemic at significant risks and costs to their well-being. Throughout the pandemic, HCPs' conversations about "burn out" rise and fall with average COVID hospitalization rates. At the height of hospitalizations during the omicron surge, hundreds of HCPs engaged in a physician-authored conversation "How do you think the collapse of the healthcare system will end?", on Reddit’s community for medical professionals. Many HCPs have left, or contemplate leaving, the profession and are increasingly frustrated with the state of the health care system.
The healthcare paradox:
— Ashwin Rajenesh MD (@ashwinrajenesh) May 10, 2022
Everybody wants the popular, competent doctor who is readily available & easily accessible, round the clock ✅
Nobody wants an overworked, underpaid, fatigued, sleep deprived, near burnt-out doctor ❌
But the truth is, both are the same person.#Medtwitter https://t.co/k8lVj63ARl
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
A rare disease became a hot topic in May, when HCP discussion of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) shot up to record highs.
Three forces combined to form a perfect storm of EoE excitement:
- National Eosinophil Awareness week, from May 16-20
- The annual Digestive Disease Week conference, which met in-person for the first time since 2019
- FDA approval of Regeneron and Sanofi's Dupixent (dupilumab) as a treatment for EoE in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older
Dupixent is now the 1st biologic approved for treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis 👏
— Dr. Dave Stukus (@AllergyKidsDoc) May 21, 2022
EoE is highly variable in presentation & response to treatment. There is no singular approach that helps everyone, but this now offers an additional treatment option.https://t.co/VdiZ5GDQbM
