Despite Lower Vaccine Effectiveness, Older Adults Significantly Benefit From Flu Jab

Influenza vaccine may be much less effective in adults 65 and older—new data from the 2012-2013 flu season suggests effectiveness was just 32% compared to 52% across all age groups—but it still significantly lowers the risk of hospitalization. That’s according to a new study by CDC researchers that underscores the importance of an annual flu vaccination. Here are the details.

Analysis Determines Best Drug Treatments for Alcohol-Use Disorders

The most familiar drugs for alcohol use disorders are not always the most effective, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The report decries the extremely limited use of drug therapy to treat the conditions and suggests which four drugs are best. Here are the details.

Over-Emphasis on Hyperlipidemia Keeps Statin
Use Too Low

The countless statin prescriptions filled each day by pharmacists still may not be enough. That’s according to a new study that suggests using the therapy for hyperlipidemia is over-emphasized and that more patients would benefit if the focus shifted to lowering cardiovascular disease risks. Find out how many patients that would positively effect.

Intensive Insulin Therapy Prolongs Life in
Post-AMI Diabetics

It may not always be the first consideration in a patient who has had a heart attack, but good glucose control is effective in prolonging life, according to a new Swedish study. The long-term study—more than 60 patients with diabetes were followed for more than a decade—found that intensive insulin treatment extended life by more than 2 years after acute myocardial infarction. What treatment was used and why do the authors believe better options exist today?