Infectious Diseases

Host: Linda Bernstein, Pharm.D.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a guidance on its temporary policy for certain risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic that include laboratory monitoring and imaging studies. Pharmacist Dr. Linda Bernstein discusses the guidance and its impact on patient access to certain REMS drugs when patients self-isolate or are subject to quarantine due to COVID-19.

Published April 17, 2020

Host: Linda Bernstein, Pharm.D.

The American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) recently published recommendations for prescribers, pharmacists and patients when considering the proper use of experimental treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inappropriate prescribing of experimental treatments “just in case” or for patients not at high risk of severe illness may lead to insufficient supplies of critical medicines that are needed to treat other patients who depend on these medicines.

Linda Bernstein, Pharm.D., reports on this important guidance designed to limit drug shortages and the worsening of existing shortages that can occur when practitioners and patients stock up and hoard their medication supplies.

Published April X, 2020

Host: Linda Bernstein, Pharm.D.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners recently announced it was launching an international clinical trial with the goal of generating significant worldwide data from thousands of patients to find the most effective treatments for COVID-19. Pharmacist Dr. Linda Bernstein brings you an update on the WHO SOLIDARITY trial, which will offer clinicians simplified procedures to enable even overloaded hospitals to participate.

Published April 17, 2020

Host: Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Guest: Paul B. Spiegel, MD

Guest: John Barry

The historical context of 1918 shaped much of the response to the flu pandemic in the US—just as it will with COVID-19. Dr. Paul Spiegel, director of the Center for Humanitarian Health, talks with historian and author John Barry about how an absence of credible leadership and messaging hindered response efforts then and what lessons we can apply today.

Published April 13, 2020

Host: Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Guest: Amesh Adalja, MD, FIDSA

What did we learn this week? Is there a connection between 5G cell phone towers and the novel coronavirus? How often should you wash a homemade cloth mask? Is there any truth behind using hydroxychloroquine as a treatment? Will people on ventilators have permanent lung damage? What’s it like for doctors and nurses in the hospitals right now? Dr. Amesh Adaljaof the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security addresses your questions.

Published April 10, 2020

Host: Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Guest: Amy Greensfelder, MSW

Guest: Shantay Jackson

Fallout from COVID-19 goes beyond case counts—we are facing “an epidemic of isolation and loneliness,” says Councilman Zeke Cohen. The Baltimore Neighbors Network is a virtual community of trained volunteers who are available to listen to city residents and provide resources for follow-up if needed.

Councilman Cohen, Shantay Jackson, executive director of the Baltimore Community Mediation Center, and Amy Greensfelder, executive director of Pro Bono Counseling, talk to Dr. Josh Sharfstein about how the network is addressing the mental health risks.

Published April 9, 2020

Host: Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Host: Stephanie Desmon

Guest: William J. Moss, MD

Development of a COVID-19 vaccine is an essential part of halting the pandemic. But will it be months or years before we see one? Vaccine expert Dr. William Moss talks to Stephanie Desmon about the complexities of vaccine development and manufacturing, potential hold ups, how opponents of vaccination may come into play, and why COVID-19 may threaten current immunization programs.

Published April 10, 2020

Host: Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Host: Stephanie Desmon

Guest: Tom Frieden

What will need to happen for businesses and schools to reopen, and what might the future look like with COVID-19? Former CDC director Tom Frieden talks to Stephanie Desmon about what governments and individuals should be doing right now to help curb the spread of the virus and move America closer to reopening.

Published April 9, 2020

Host: Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Guest: Lainie Rutkow, PhD, JD

There have been varying responses to COVID-19 carried out across local, state, and federal governments in the US. But what powers does the government have at various levels in a pandemic and how does the law work when an enemy like COVID-19 “does not respect jurisdictional boundaries?” Law expert and Hopkins professor Dr. Lainie Rutkow talks to Dr. Josh Sharfstein about a range of legal issues, including what happens if states start suing each other.

Published April 8, 2020

Host: Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Host: Stephanie Desmon

Guest: Jason E. Farley, PHD, MSN, MPH, RN

Why was the US slow to stand up testing and is this improving? Should you wear a cloth mask in your daily activities? Jason Farley, an infectious disease-trained nurse epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, talks to Stephanie Desmon and breaks down the complications of testing for COVID-19 and why recommendations on the public’s use of masks may be evolving.

Published April 8, 2020