Program Description
Both the influenza virus and COVID-19 are associated with serious health-related complications, especially in patient populations at greater risk for severe infections, hospitalizations, and increased risk of mortality. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, little was known about the best treatment options for COVID-19, and treatment regimens being used were limited with little if any clinical data to support their use. Since then, the National Institutes of Health and the Infectious Diseases Society of America have issued initial treatment recommendations and narrative summaries of other treatments under evaluation for COVID-19. As clinical information about the management of COVID-19 is progressing swiftly, it is important that pharmacists remain up-to-date about recommended measures to care for patients with COVID-19. Additionally, the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic with the 2021-2022 influenza season has elevated concern about comorbidities and illnesses that may be exacerbated by either virus, thus placing patients at greater risk for disease-related complications. This activity will cover recent evidence and treatment strategies for COVID-19 as well as influenza, with specific attention to the pharmacist’s role in mitigating the severity of these viruses for patients.
Target audience: Health-system and retail pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: December 20, 2021
Expiration date: December 20, 2022
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify patient populations at heightened risk for influenza and COVID-19-related complications
- Explain the recommendations for the prevention and treatment of the influenza virus
- Examine clinical efficacy and safety data of the therapies utilized for the treatment of influenza and explore new COVID-19 therapy considerations
- Determine how pharmacists can intervene in the treatment and prevention of the influenza and COVID-19 viruses
Donald Klepser, PhD, MBA
Professor
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Pharmacy
Omaha, Nebraska
James S. Lewis II, PharmD, FIDSA
Infectious Disease Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-448-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through December 20, 2022.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
Faculty
Donald Klepser, PhD, MBA, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Grant/Research Support: Genentech, Janssen R&D
Consultant: Genentech, Roche Diagnostics, Diasorin
James S. Lewis II, PharmD, FIDSA, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Rose Namissa, PharmD, BCPS; Michelle C. Carlson, PharmD, RPh; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Chloe Taccetta; and Brianna Winters have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Anonymous peer reviewers have been used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
The content of this activity may include information regarding the use of products that may be inconsistent with, or outside the approved labeling for, these products in the United States. Pharmacists should note that the use of these products outside current approved labeling is considered experimental and are advised to consult the prescribing information for these products.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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