The question of whether influenza is transmitted to a significant degree by aerosols remains controversial, in part, because little is known about the quantity and size of potentially infectious airborne particles produced by people with influenza.

Size-fractionated aerosol particles were collected in a hospital emergency department to test for airborne influenza virus. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we confirmed the presence of airborne influenza virus and found that 53% of detectable influenza virus particles were within the respirable aerosol fraction. Our results provide evidence that influenza virus may spread through the airborne route.

Airborne particles containing influenza and RSV RNA were detected throughout a health care facility. The particles were small enough to remain airborne for an extended time and to be inhaled deeply into the respiratory tract. These results support the possibility that influenza and RSV can be transmitted by the airborne route and suggest that further investigation of the potential of these particles to transmit infection is warranted.

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Background Limited information exists about medical treatment for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) Objective Our aim was to estimate the number of emergency department (ED) visits and subsequent hospitalizations that were assigned a code specific to IPV and to describe the clinical and sociodemographic features of this population. Methods Data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample from 2006–2009 were analyzed. Cases with an external cause of injury code of E967.3 (battering by spouse or partner) were abstracted. Results From 2006–2009, there were 112,664 visits made to United States EDs with an e-code for battering by a part-ner or spouse. Most patients were female (93 %) with a mean age of 35 years. Patients were significantly more likely to reside in communities with the lowest median income quar-tile and in the Southern United States. Approximately 5% of visits resulted in hospital admission. The mean charge for treat-and-release visits was $1904.69 and $27,068.00 for hospitalizations. Common diagnoses included superficial injuries and contusions, skull/face fractures, and complications of pregnancy. Females were more likely to experience superficial injuries and contusions, and males were more likely to have open wounds of the head, neck, trunk, and extremities. Conclusions From 2006 to 2009, there were approximately 28,000 ED visits per year with an e-code specific to IPV. Although a minority, 7% of these visits were made by males, which has not been reported previously. Future prospective research should confirm the unique demographic and geographic features of these visits to guide development of targeted screening and intervention strategies to mitigate IPV and further characterize male IPV visits.

Background/Objectives Social media use has been suggested to worsen psychiatric health among adolescents, especially those with visible skin lesions including acne. However, little is known about social media's impact on acne treatment. The purpose of the study sought to characterize the influence of social media use on acne treatment. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of West Virginia University ambulatory patients whose chief complaint was acne was conducted. The survey collected sociodemographics and queried whether individuals accessed social media for acne treatment advice or not, whether changes to acne care were made based on social media, and whether these changes aligned with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) clinical guidelines for acne management. Results Of 130 respondents, 45% consulted social media for acne treatment advice (54% of women vs 31% of men). 41% of adolescents and 51% of adults consulted social media. The most used platforms were YouTube and Instagram (58% each). Social media users often tried an OTC treatment (81%) or dietary modification (40%). However, only 31% of participants consulting social media made changes fully aligned with AAD clinical guidelines. Conclusions Social media‐influenced acne treatment advice is prevalent, especially among women, adolescents, and young adults. This treatment advice frequently does not align with AAD guidelines, with notably 40% of respondents choosing dietary modification for acne management. These results suggest that dermatologists should inquire about social media acne treatment advice and directly address misinformation.

Background: Using a new needle for every injection can reduce the spread of infectious disease among people who inject drugs (PWID). No previous study has examined new needle use barriers among PWIDs residing in the rural Appalachian part of the United States, an area currently in the midst of a heroin epidemic. Objective: Therefore, our primary aim was to explore self-reported barriers to using a new needle by PWID attending a needle exchange program (NEP). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PWID attending two NEPs in rural West Virginia located in the heart of Central Appalachia. A convenience sample of PWID (n = 100) completed the Barriers to Using New Needles Questionnaire. Results: The median number of barriers reported was 5 (range 0-19). Fear of arrest by police (72% of PWID "agreed" or "strongly agreed") and difficulty with purchasing needles from a pharmacy (64% "agreed" or "strongly agreed") were the most frequently cited barriers. Conclusions/Importance: Congruent with previous findings from urban locations, in rural West Virginia, the ability of PWID to use a new needle obtained from a needle exchange for every injection may be compromised by fear of arrest. In addition, pharmacy sales of new needles to PWID may be blunted by an absence of explicit laws mandating nonprescription sales. Future studies should explore interventions that align the public health goals of NEPs with the occupational safety of law enforcement and health outreach goals of pharmacists.