Pharmacists and Ebola: Identifying Disease
on the Frontlines 

Knowledge about Ebola is critical for pharmacists, who often are the first healthcare provider to see ill patients. Yet, without testing, Ebola can be difficult to differentiate from more common illnesses. A new primer for healthcare providers, published in the journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, offers advice on what to look for. 

Breathlessness Causes Obese Children to Overuse Asthma Medications 

Pediatric asthma patients who carry too much weight are more likely to overuse rescue medications, according to a new study. The likely reason? Shortness of breath that may or may not be related to asthma. Here are the details.

Initial Metformin Prescription Lowers Risk of Needing Additional Diabetes Drugs

Even though most guidelines call for beginning diabetes treatment with metformin, nearly half of the patients in a recent study received other initial therapy. That increased the likelihood that those patients would have to add a second oral medication or insulin over time, according to the research. What questions did a related commentary raise about the value of the study?

Review: Limit Antibiotic Treatment in Community-Acquired Pneumonia 

With flu season entering into full swing, a timely article reviews treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Find out the recommendations for type and length of therapy—in both outpatients and inpatients—for pneumonia with and without related influenza.