epocrates

What your patients are reading: Week of March 31, 2025

April 4, 2025

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be reading. Here are this week's highlights:

How climate change is fueling allergy season

(Vox)—Seasonal allergies are intensifying due to climate change, with pollen counts rising and allergy seasons starting earlier and lasting longer. Higher carbon dioxide levels, resulting from burning coal, oil, and natural gas, are causing plants to produce more pollen, exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, headaches, and watery eyes. This trend is leading to increased healthcare visits and economic burdens, as more people experience severe allergic reactions. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says cities in the southern U.S. are particularly affected, with record-breaking pollen counts. Experts recommend monitoring local pollen forecasts and staying indoors during peak pollen times, especially in the morning. Keeping doors and windows closed and using HEPA air filters in living spaces are also effective strategies to mitigate the impact of allergies.

Debunking fentanyl myths: How false information hampers overdose prevention

(NPR)—Misinformation about fentanyl exposure is undermining effective overdose response efforts. Contrary to popular belief, fentanyl overdoses occur from ingestion, not incidental contact. False narratives, perpetuated by social media and news outlets, suggest that touching fentanyl can cause an overdose, leading to misguided public policies and unnecessary spending on protective measures for first responders. Despite the rise in fentanyl-related deaths, there's no evidence that incidental contact has caused any of these fatalities. Experts emphasize that resources should be directed towards prevention and treatment strategies rather than fear-based policies.

CDC's IVF surveillance team cut amid Trump's fertility promises

(NBC News)—The Trump administration has abruptly eliminated the CDC's assisted reproductive technology surveillance team, which tracked the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization (IVF) across the U.S. This decision has shocked public health experts and IVF advocates, who were previously encouraged by President Trump's vocal support for IVF and his self-proclaimed title as the "fertilization president." The team, consisting of six epidemiologists, data analysts, and researchers, provided crucial data to help patients make informed decisions about IVF treatments. The cuts come amid broader layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services, raising concerns about the future of IVF support and accessibility.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these articles are solely that of the publication and/or author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Sources:

Irfan, U. (2025, March 31). Vox. Yes, your allergies are getting worse. https://www.vox.com/climate/406499/climate-change-seasonal-allergies-2025-pollen

Larweh, H. (2025, April 3). NPR. Misinformation about fentanyl exposure threatens to undermine overdose response. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/03/nx-s1-5349514/misinformation-about-fentanyl-exposure-threatens-to-undermine-overdose-response

Lovelace Jr., B., & Brooks, A. (2025, April 2). NBC News. CDC's IVF team gutted even as Trump calls himself the 'fertilization president.' https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdcs-ivf-team-gutted-even-trump-calls-fertilization-president-rcna199261