Given that the COVID-19 era has changed the behavior of all individuals, and since previous reports about its possible impact on atopic dermatitis (AD) patients remained speculative, in this survey we aimed to explore the real impact of COVID-19 among AD patients. All participants provided verbal consent prior to completing the survey. A 37-question web-based survey with no personal identifiers was sent to 212 previously identified AD patients. Itching, sleep disturbances, SARS-CoV-2, illness cost, economic dependence, monthly income, and monthly investment in AD before and during the pandemic, were all included in the analysis. A response rate of 73.1% was obtained. The mean age of participants was 30 years-old, and 57% were women. Around 75% reported AD worsening, and 59.4% of the patients reported sleep problems. Uncertainty, anxiety, and pessimism were frequent during the pandemic. Only 1.3% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and it was only significantly associated with comorbidities (p=0.03; Chi 2 Test). A significant difference was found in economic dependence and monthly income when compared between before and during the pandemic. This study provides probably the best possible assessment of the clinical, social, and economic effects of the pandemic on patients with an already proven diagnosis of AD.

Physicians perceive difficulties in following up HIV patients in Primary Care, even for those patients with a good control of their disease. Nurses and nursing assistants are more open to this possibility due to the proximity to home and health promotion in Primary Care.

Background Antibody response after high dose influenza vaccine (HDIV) approved for age ≥ 65 years, is superior to a standard-dose vaccine in HIV-infected persons. We report the effectiveness data of HDIV compared to the standard dose quadrivalent vaccine (SDIV) in our HIV clinic. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the University of Kansas Medical Center to evaluate the effectiveness of HDIV in HIV-infected patients during the 2017–2018 influenza season. A phone survey was utilized to verify vaccination status and interval development of influenza-like illness (ILI). A modified CDC definition of ILI (mCDC ILI = fever and cough, sore throat or shortness of breath (SOB)) and a broader protocol defined ILI (PD ILI = sore throat, cough or SOB with either fever, chills, headache or myalgia) were utilized. The electronic medical record was reviewed to confirm vaccine type and influenza testing when available. Results Of 560 HIV-infected patients in the clinic, 219 (39.1%) were available and willing to participate (197 males, 21 females, 1 transgender female). The median age was 53 years and BMI 27.2 kg/m2. Five percent had CD4< 200 cells/uL, and 13.7% had an HIV viral load > 40 copies/mL. HDIV was given to 119 (54.3%), SDIV to 77 (35.2%) and 23 (10.5%) were not vaccinated (Table 1). A mCDC ILI occurred in 8 (10.4%) in the SDIV group compared to 6 (5.0%) in the HDIV group (p=0.16). A PD ILI was reported in 16 (20.8%) in the SDIV group compared to 12 (10.1%) in the HDIV group (p=0.04). There was no difference in confirmed influenza cases between the two groups (Table 2). On logistic regression only vaccine dose (SDIV OR 2.34 95% CI 1.04–5.37, p=0.04) and age in years (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–1.0, p=0.045) were associated with PD ILI. HDIV remained protective after adjustment for age. Vaccine side effects were mild and occurred in 11/77 (14.3%) in the SDIV group compared to 13/119 (10.9%) in the HDIV group (p=0.5). Conclusion During the 2017–2018 winter season, the CDC reported an influenza attack rate of 14.7% in adults in the US and overall vaccine effectiveness of 38%. Our study demonstrated a 50% reduction in ILI with the HDIV compared to the standard-dose vaccine in HIV-infected patients. A larger prospective randomized control trial is warranted. Disclosures Wissam El Atrouni, MD, ViiV (Advisor or Review Panel member)