Pregnancy warning for pain relievers; Record increases in COVID-19; Blood group and risk of COVID-19

FDA issues Reinforced Guidelines for the Use of Analgesics in Pregnant Women

The FDA announced in a drug safety communication that it is requiring label changes for common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Aleve, the Associated Press reports. According to the announcement, pregnant women should avoid this class of drugs during the last 4 months of pregnancy. The previous warnings warned against use during the last 3 months of pregnancy. The FDA has said the drugs can cause a rare but serious complication that can harm the fetus and can lead to kidney problems in the fetus, which can lead to low levels of amniotic fluid in the uterus. However, the warning does not apply to low dose aspirin when recommended by a doctor.

United States surpasses 60,000 COVID-19 cases for first time since August

The United States reported 60,000 new 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections for the first time since early August, according to The Washington Post. More than 36,000 people are currently hospitalized with the disease, and data shows the crisis is not localized in some areas. Rising cases are being reported almost everywhere in the country, with 44 states now reporting more cases than in mid-September. In particular, more rural states like Wisconsin and Illinois both reported newly reported workloads that were higher than the states’ first waves in April and May. Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana and Colorado also recorded new highs.

Studies suggest association between blood group and COVID-19 risks

Two studies published in the journal Advance of blood suggest that the blood group may play a role in the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 or developing life-threatening complications from the disease, reports NBC News. However, the results do not mean that a single blood group is more protective or more dangerous against the virus. The results will also not change the way doctors treat patients with COVID-19. People of all blood groups should continue to take the same precautions such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and effective hand washing.