What We’re Reading: Office of Pandemic Preparedness; CDC Warns of Triple Threat; e-Cigarette Use in Young Adults

White House Launches Office of Pandemic Preparedness, Led by Former Military Surgeon

The White House has established the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, led by Paul Friedrichs, MD, a retired Air Force major general and military combat surgeon who played a key role in the Pentagon's COVID-19 response, according to Reuters. The new office will take over the responsibilities of President Joe Biden's existing COVID-19 and mpox response teams and will be tasked with coordinating actions to prepare for and respond to potential pandemics and other biological threats.

CDC Director Urges Preparedness for Triple Threat

Mandy Cohen, MD, director of the CDC, warned of the potential triple threat of COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus during the upcoming winter season, according to NBC News. The emergence of the Omicron XBB EG.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2 adds to concerns, although there is no evidence of increased severity or vaccine resistance so far. Health officials anticipate challenges in administering 3 different vaccines and urge the public to understand and protect against the resurgence of respiratory viruses.

Over 10% of Young Adults Regularly Use e-Cigarettes, CDC Report Finds

A new CDC report reveals that over 1 in 10 young adults in the United States regularly use e-cigarettes, with usage declining as family income increases, according to CNN. Furthermore, young adults between 18 and 24 years reported the highest rates of e-cigarette use. Concerns are raised about the appeal of these products to nonsmokers, particularly young people, prompting calls for further research on the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes.