Viral Pneumonia: From Influenza to COVID-19.

Respiratory viruses are increasingly recognized as a cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The implementation of new diagnostic technologies has facilitated their identification, especially in vulnerable population such as immunocompromised and elderly patients and those with severe cases of pneumonia. In terms of severity and outcomes, viral pneumonia caused by influenza viruses appears similar to that caused by non-influenza viruses. Although several respiratory viruses may cause CAP, antiviral therapy is available only in cases of CAP caused by influenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus. Currently, evidence-based supportive care is key to managing severe viral pneumonia. We discuss the evidence surrounding epidemiology, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of viral pneumonia.

Barriers to Antiretroviral Medication Adherence in People Living with HIV (PLHIV) at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HIV crisis in the Philippines worsened and triggered a chain reaction that disrupted the provision and utilization of HIV services. This study aims to fill in the gap in knowledge by exploring the possible association between sociodemographic characteristics and the barriers to ART adherence for PLHIV in the Philippines at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by using a survey questionnaire, which was distributed via online social media (Twitter). Data were analyzed using the Stata software. Results: There is a significant association between the following treatment barriers and sociodemographic characteristics: the location of treatment hubs and respondents who finished college/graduate studies; checkpoints and crossing borders; and (1) respondents from Northern Luzon Region, (2) unemployed respondents and financial assistance-1. respondents 18 to 25 years old; 2. unemployed respondents-(3) respondents who finished elementary/high school and psychosocial support-(1) respondents from the NCR; (2) respondents 26 to 30 years old, stocks of ARVs and other medicines, and employed respondents. Conclusions: The results suggest a necessity for innovative approaches to make HIV care services, particularly ART, more accessible to PLHIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future large-scale studies exploring the association between sociodemographic characteristics and barriers to medication adherence of PLHIV during the COVID-19 pandemic are recommended.