Category Archives: Health

Vaccination and Wearing Masks

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“Once enough people have some immunity, either because of previous infection or because of vaccination, the virus will have a hard time spreading through the community.” Consumer Reports

Researchers hope that Americans getting vaccination will be sufficient to end the pandemic once there is sufficient supply and enough pf the population gets vaccinated.

In trying to understand the readily available vaccine information and how it will affect the lives of Americans, Consumer Reports has reviewed government guidance and consulted with public health experts to provide insight to their readers about the vaccine candidates.

Vaccination equals two doses

Vaccines require two doses—an initial shot and a booster, taken several weeks later. Generally with a two-dose vaccine, it takes about two weeks from the second dose for a vaccine’s protection to fully kick in, according to Natalie Dean, PhD, an assistant professor of biostatistics specializing in infectious disease and vaccine development at the University of Florida.

Though two doses are necessary, the FDA’s analysis of the Pfizer vaccine indicates that people appear to be somewhat less likely to get COVID-19 within two weeks of receiving the first dose.

It’s unclear how long protection from that first dose may last. And the second dose is still required for full protection, to ensure a more durable immune response. 

Halting the virus transmission

It is not known definitely whether getting vaccinated will prevent you from spreading the coronavirus to others. Thus, preventive measures such as social distancing, washing hands, and wearing a mask will remain important even after you get vaccinated, according to the CDC.

More research is required before scientists can say exactly how many people need to be vaccinated to achieve “herd immunity “. It’s possible that with extremely effective vaccines showing 95 percent efficacy, we might hit the point where communities are protected by the time somewhere between 60 and 70 percent of people have been vaccinated, according to Kathleen Neuzil, MD, a professor of vaccinology and director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. 

It will be possible for vaccines, as long as Americans get vaccinated, to have a significant impact on ending this pandemic.

Severe allergic reactions

In the U.K., public health regulators have advised that anyone with a history of a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine, or food should not receive the vaccine. Two healthcare workers were reported to have had severe allergic reactions after receiving the vaccine. Public health experts worry that the reports could frighten people with allergies and make them think they should avoid getting the vaccine.

From Pfizer’s vaccine trial results, there were no severe allergic reactions. Deliberately, the trials excluded people who had previously had severe allergic reactions to vaccines, a Pfizer scientist said during the advisory panel’s discussion.

The FDA plans to advise that people who are allergic to components of the vaccine should not get it, an agency scientist explained. The FDA’s earlier review of Pfizer’s trial data found slightly more potential minor allergic reactions in the group that received the vaccine than in the placebo group, but none of these were severe, and none occurred immediately after people received their doses of vaccine.

References:

  1. https://www.consumerreports.org/vaccines/your-questions-about-a-coronavirus-vaccine-answered/?EXKEY=YSOCIAL_FB&fbclid=IwAR2LW6PC_JSykJwyG-Kv9ozQkNvxH-1VnYmAby-MJIr8kSJfHm7UwtyH3k8

Coaches Voice Stopping College Basketball Season

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Stop the season. Stop the games, men’s and women’s college basketball, right now, according to several prominent college basketball coaches.

The college basketball season officially began in late November — yet, 33 men’s teams still have not played one game because of COVID-19 interruptions. A number of prominent voices in the college basketball game are wondering if the season should be stopped or postponed with the COVID-19 crisis anything but under control, especially with the physical, emotional and mental toll it has on college student athletes.

Many states has declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency and have implemented restrictions on travel, business and public gatherings. Additionally, there are approximately 2,000 deaths a day and nearly 300,000 new COVID-19 infection cases daily across the country. Nationally and locally, communities have experienced a spike in positive COVID-19 cases since late November. Local and state governments and public health officials are now predicting COVID-19 cases will continue to spike even higher in January following the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

The most vocal advocate for stopping (or pausing) the men’s and women’s college basketball season is Duke’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. Coach Krzyzewski wants the NCAA “…for the mental health and safety of our players and staff, to assess where we’re at” with with regards to the college basketball season and in light of more COVID-19 game cancellations.

The Duke men’s basketball program will forgo its remaining nonconference regular-season basketball games. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow the Blue Devils’ players time over the holidays to spend with their families, according to a release from the university.

References:

  1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/acc/2020/12/09/mike-krzyzewski-wants-ncaa-re-evaluate-playing-during-covid-19/3864481001/
  2. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/acc/2020/12/10/duke-cancels-remainder-nonconference-basketball-schedule/3889557001/
  3. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/christinebrennan/2020/12/09/college-basketball-while-covid-19-raging-makes-no-sense-coaches/3867975001/

Stopping the Exponential Rise in Cases

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“Cases are rising. Hospitalizations are increasing, Deaths are increasing. We need to try to bend the curve, stop this exponential increase,” says Dr. Henry Walke, the CDC’s COVID-19 Incident Manager.

As COVID-19 cases continue to soar, it took the U.S. more than eight-and-a-half months to reach 8 million cases but less than two months to double that number.

As a result, hospitals across the U.S. are facing dire shortages of beds for critically ill coronavirus patients as the post-Thanksgiving holiday surge shows no sign of relenting, new data shows from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

About 1 in 8 U.S. hospitals had little or no intensive care unit space available last week the data showed. And for the sixth consecutive day, the US reported a record high number of COVOD-19 patients in US hospitals: more than 108,000 nationwide, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

Public health experts say the number of hospitals struggling with intensive care unit capacity to accommodate the nation’s sickest patients likely will increase following another week of record COVID-19 cases.

As cases continue to soar, it took the U.S. more than eight-and-a-half months to reach 8 million cases but less than two months to double that number.

CDC and many states advise not to travel

As Americans contemplate whether to proceed with their holiday season or New Year’s travel plans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging citizens not to travel or to get tested before or is urging Americans who go against its advice to get tested for COVID-19 twice in a bid to make travel safer.

The agency says travelers should get a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and three to five days after travel, regardless of their destination.

Additionally, some states are reimposing stay-at-home orders for their residents and travel restrictions ahead of the winter holidays.

While other states, such as Hawaii for example, require inbound travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival or require those without results before their arrival to quarantine for 14 days.

What to do

This is one time Americans should heed CDC urging to not to travel and stay home as the best way to protect yourself and others this year; or to get tested for COVID-19 twice in a bid to make travel safer.

References:

  1. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/travel/news/2020/12/11/holiday-travel-check-covid-19-travel-restrictions-by-state/3878341001/?
  2. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/coronavirus/2020/12/12/coronavirus-florida-what-you-need-know-saturday-dec-12/6511426002/?
  3. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/12/09/covid-travel-test-things-to-know-coronavirus-testing-pcr-antigen/3800400001/?

Dr. Fauci Advises Staying Home for the Holidays

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Traveling and congregating together is unsafe this holiday season according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

It’s clear that “even modest size gatherings of family and friends in a home” are contributing to spread, Fauci said. “We’re starting to see infections that are emerging from what otherwise seemed like benign settings, namely a typical gathering of 10 or so people in a social setting,” he said.

But in addition to the number of guests, it’s important to consider where people are traveling from, and the infection rates in their areas, Fauci said. Travel increases your chances of spreading or getting Covid, according to the CDC.

Expected COVID-19 infection spikes due to Christmas and Hanukkah will likely be more severe than the levels experienced following Thanksgiving, because people are typically together for longer, often indoors and sharing food and drinks, Fauci said.

Fauci has warned that the U.S. could see a “surge upon a surge” of Covid-19 cases following Thanksgiving and heading into Christmas. The month of December could be a time of “precarious risk” as people begin shopping for Christmas gifts in stores and host parties for New Year’s Eve, he said.

Staying home during the holidays, wearing a mask whenever you’re around people from outside your household and maintaining proper hand hygiene are the best ways to protect yourself and reduce the community spread of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

References:

  1. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/09/dr-fauci-skipping-christmas-gathering-with-family-amid-covid-pandemic.html?__source=twitter%7Cmakeit+
  2. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/08/us-hasnt-seen-full-covid-brunt-from-thanksgiving-fauci-warns-.html

Inflammation and COVID-19

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Stay Away From Anything That Causes Inflammation

Medical experts are conveying to avoid anything that causes inflammation during this coronavirus pandemic, but some people have genes that make them more likely to experience inflammation. In 2019, scientists discovered that the coronavirus can trigger an inflammatory response making the symptoms and illness more severe .

From mild stress to chronic health conditions, inflammation can and will wreak havoc on your body and mind. Inflammation is caused by a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors, which can make it very difficult to address – especially while you’re suffering from exhaustion, depression, or any other inflammation-related symptoms.

Excessive immune response related to COVID-19

Every week, more is being learned about the incredible physiological harm that the coronavirus is capable of doing to those infected. This is the critical reason why this virus should not be taken likely.

Some clinicians suspect the driving force in many gravely ill patients’ downhill trajectories is a disastrous overreaction of the immune system known as a “cytokine storm.” Cytokine storm is a hyperinflammatory condition caused by an overactive immune system.  According to scientific research, a cytokine storm is a driving force in COVID-19 mortality rates.

Cytokines are chemical signaling molecules that guide a healthy immune response; but in a cytokine storm, levels of certain cytokines soar far beyond what’s needed, and immune cells start to attack healthy tissues. Blood vessels leak, blood pressure drops, clots form, and catastrophic organ failure can ensue. This can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs and other organs.

Corticosteroids

Doctors have used a class of medicines called corticosteroids – including one called dexamethasone – to help tame that response. These are medications that have been around for a long time and are readily available. “We know this medication very well. It’s been used for many other purposes, and we know the side effects profile and what it can do to the body,” pulmonary and critical care physician Lokesh Venkateshaiah, MD says.

Its use to treat COVID-19 stems from the success of the RECOVERY trial carried out by researchers in the United Kingdom. In the study, hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received dexamethasone for up to 10 days were less likely to die than those who didn’t. That benefit was only seen in very sick patients – those who had oxygen levels less than 93% or needed supplemental oxygen.

But, doctors have to be careful with dosing. “Overdoing it with this drug ­can potentially put patients at risk for new infections, especially bacterial infections, or even fungal infections,” Dr. Venkateshaiah cautions.

COVID-19 fatigue

Yet after more than ten months, Americans are getting COVID-19 fatigue. Much of the current rise in COVID-19 infections is due to community spread. Taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is critical, particularly as the virus continues to evolve.

Your best defense to avoid serious illness and against the physiological harm caused by COVID-19 is to remain vigilant. You must continue to wear a mask, maintain physical distancing and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily. Additionally, you must get vaccinated for the seasonal influenza, wash your hands regularly and stay away from others if you are feeling ill.

COVID-19 vs Seasonal Influenza

COVID-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure. And, with COVID-19, you may experience loss of taste or smell. COVID-19 is more contagious and spread more quickly than the seasonal flu. Severe illnesses, such as lung injury, may be more frequent with COVID-19 than with the flu. The death rate also appears to be higher with COVID-19 than the flu.

Wearing masks

Wearing a cloth mask has been shown to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. Research shows that a significant number of people who have COVID-19 do not have any symptoms and are considered asymptomatic. These people may not know they are transmitting the virus to others when they talk, sneeze or cough, or raise their voice, such as with singing or shouting.

You should wear a cloth mask to reduce the chance of transmitting respiratory droplets to others around you. You wear a mask to protect others, and they wear a mask to protect you.

References:

  1. https://get.selfdecode.com/gene-reports/nm/inflammation/?utm_source=selfhacked&utm_medium=partnerad&utm_campaign=inflammation_report
  2. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-7-top-covid-19-myths/
  3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-any-drugs-really-work-as-coronavirus-treatments/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Return Kids to In-Person Classroom

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Many parents are rightfully concerned that their kids are not receiving the quality of educational services that schools are required, by law, to provide when school districts implement a 100% virtual learning or hybrid classroom model [that ask students to come to school on alternating days] options.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) contends that based on experience and research, remote learning is likely to result in severe learning loss and increased social isolation. Social isolation, in turn, can breed serious social, emotional and health issues: “child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, these impacts will be visited more severely on Black and brown children, as well as low-income children and those with learning disabilities.”

Children are safer in their schools. And, there are lots of kids in this country who are, for example, food insecure, who may be experiencing abuse at home — not to mention the obvious academic benefits of simply being in school. We know that remote learning is just not that good.

Nation’s Pediatricians support in-person schooling

The AAP guidance “strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.” Their guidance says “schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being.”

The AAP cites “mounting evidence that transmission of the coronavirus by young children is uncommon, partly because they are less likely to contract it in the first place. Tests showed lower coronavirus rates in schools than in their surrounding communities.”

The guidance for in-person schooling includes recommendations to maintain physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection of classrooms, frequent hand-washing, and using outdoor spaces whenever possible.

Largest school system

New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio plans to reopen the city’s public elementary schools and return to partial in-person learning. The plan is to reopen schools at the pre-k and K5 levels because “we have so much proof now of how safe schools can be” amid the contagion”, de Blasio remarked.

Yet, concern remains at what is the critical amount of community transmission that is at a safe enough level to open schools.

Parents and schools responsibilities

Schools are requiring parents to attest to the fact that their children are not showing symptoms and that they took their temperature in the morning prior to the student arriving at school.

Additionally, many schools are segregating kids into what they’re calling cohort groups, so that the same small group of 10 or 12 kids will stay together all day. That way, if there is a reported infection from one of those kids, then ideally you’re only contact tracing and quarantining that group instead of every child in the building.

Furthermore, students will be socially distanced and will be wearing masks. The challenge of footprint and the ability to space out desks remains a challenge for most schools. Some schools have put those kids in the gymnasium or had to start holding class outside, but that often requires more teachers.

“There seems to be less transmission from kids to adults than there is adults to adults. Kids don’t seem to be super-spreaders”, said Pediatrician Aaron Carroll of Indiana University. “We don’t have reports of sort of, you know, a kid going somewhere and spreading it to a bunch of other kids or even a bunch of other adults.”

Public health experts and infectious disease experts agree that we all have to do the right thing if we plan to send our kids back to school.

References:

  1. https://www.npr.org/2020/07/15/891598558/is-school-safe-will-districts-test-for-covid-19-answering-back-to-school-questio
  2. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/3/e20201440
  3. https://nypost.com/2020/11/29/nyc-elementary-schools-to-reopen-for-in-person-learning-dec-7/
  4. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/american-academy-of-pediatrics-says-benefits-of-in-person-learning-outweigh-coronavirus-risks/ar-BB16b9W9

Benefits of Regular Exercise for the Brain

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There are many long-term benefits of regular exercise for your brain.

Studies have shown how essential and significant exercise or physical activities can be for keeping your brain fit and healthy. And, you can actually build a stronger brain through exercise.

Regular exercise improves mood

Regular exercise has a significant positive influence on mental well-being and can boost the mental health. Thus, if you need an emotional lift or a need to relieve the stress of a trying day? Exercise or moderate physical activity, like a brisk walk, is the solution.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.

Endorphins

The body’s feel-good chemical, known as endorphins, are released during exercise. Endorphins help focus your mind, reduce the impact of pain on your body, and improve your mood. In fact, some reports indicate the endorphins released during exercise have much of the same effect as traditional anxiety medication, and the results can last for hours afterward. There is ample evidence pointing towards endorphins’ positive effects.

Take your brain to the gym to maximize mental and whole-body health

Evidence does suggest that resistance training and aerobic exercise — walking, running, biking, swimming — will help your brain. In one study, older adults with mild cognitive impairment who lifted weights two to three times a week improved muscle tone and cognitive function, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  • Moreover, walking and other moderate aerobic exercise has been shown to help stabilize your mood and help with depressive symptoms. Studies have also found that regular exercise helps people better control their stress and regulate their emotions.
  • Physical activity contributes to learning. In one study, when teachers added exercise routines to math lessons — called motor-enriched learning — math scores improved faster for the exercisers than for the kids who didn’t exercise during the lesson. Other studies have found that exercise helps improve reading comprehension, too.

    • A few of the brain enhancing findings to motivate you to get started today.

    1. Feel better.
    2. Enhance learning. While scientists don’t fully understand how
    3. Sharpen memory.
    4. Improve vision.

    Your brain is amazing. Billions of nerve cells work together in harmony to coordinate every second of your life: your movements, behavior, thoughts, memories and emotions. So take your brain to the gym to maximize whole-body health.

    References:

    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/want-a-strong-brain-exercise/art-20390074
    2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

    Immune Response from COVID-19 Vaccine

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    Experiencing an immune response was better than getting Covid-19

    Many participants in Moderna and Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine trials experienced an “immune response” such as high fever, body aches, bad headaches, daylong exhaustion and other symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine shots.

    While the symptoms were uncomfortable for many, the participants said the symptoms went away after a day, sometimes sooner, and that “it was better than getting Covid-19”.

    “We really need to make patients aware that this [COVID-19 vaccine] is not going to be a walk in the park,” Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association said. “They are going to know they had a vaccine. They are probably not going to feel wonderful. But they’ve got to come back for that second dose.”

    Both companies, Moderna and Pfizer, acknowledged that their vaccines could induce “immune response” — side effects — that are similar to symptoms associated with mild COVID-19, such as muscle pain, chills and headache.

    It’s normal to feel under the weather or even somewhat ill—fatigued, achey, or experience a fever—after getting a vaccine shot. This results from the robust immune response as the body’s creating antibodies, actual protection against the coronavirus. It will happen to a percentage of the people who get the vaccine shot.

    In other words, feeling like you’re in the early stages of getting the coronavirus is actually a sign that you’ll be protected from the actual virus. What you’re feeling is the body’s defense system gearing up.

    Most vaccine shots mimic a virus entering your body. Immune cells, though, fire off chemical alarms as soon as they notice any virus-like particle. They activate the innate immune system, a generalized response that tries to make the body unlivable for any potential pathogen. That inflammatory reaction can cause a bit of a fever or a tiny swollen lump near the injection site.

    The fatigue you might feel comes from gearing up a more specialized immune defense. Tiny, specialized cells called B-cells create antibodies, which are cellular fighter pilots specific to each virus. Making these antibodies requires expending a little extra energy at first, but the payoff is future protection: Once they’re present in your plasma, the antibodies can patrol for future viruses.

    Additionally, it takes about two weeks for your body to whip its antibodies into shape; you could pick up a coronavirus in the window between getting your jab and when protection kicks in. That’s why it’s important to make sure you only get a coronavirus vaccine shot, or any vaccine, when you’re feeling healthy.

    Not everyone will notice these symptoms after getting the vaccine shot. But if you do seem a bit off, the feeling shouldn’t stick around for more than a day or two, and shouldn’t require a visit to your healthcare provider.

    References:

    1. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/23/covid-vaccine-cdc-should-warn-people-the-side-effects-from-shots-wont-be-walk-in-the-park-.html
    2. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/feeling-sick-getting-flu-shot-150519027.html

    COVID-19: How to protect yourself

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    To slow the spread of COVID19, CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings when around people not living in their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

    Learn more: bit.ly/30QOzQF
     

    Face masks are the most important, powerful tool the country has to combat the COVID19 pandemic. “We have clear scientific evidence that face masks work”, said Dr. Redfield, Director of CDC. “So please wear one to protect yourself, your family, your community, and your nation.”

    COVID19 cases are rising nationwide. Case rates in the last 7 days were highest in the Midwest. This Thanksgiving, protect yourself and loved ones:

    • Avoid Travel.
    • Gather virtually or outdoors.
    • Wear a mask.
    • Stay 6 feet from others.
    • Wash hands.

     

    References:

    1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

    Stay Thanksgiving Safe

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    “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” — Marie Curie

    CDC and other federal, state and local public health officials strongly advise Americans to avoid Thanksgiving holiday travel and gatherings. They warn of increase risk of spreading COVID-19.

    “The tragedy that could happen is that one of your family members is coming to this family gathering and they could end up severely ill, hospitalized or dying. And we don’t want that to happen,” Dr. Henry Walke, the CDC’s COVID-19 incident manager said. “These times are tough, it’s been a long outbreak, almost 11 months, and we understand people are tired.”

    Yet, many Americans are ignoring the warnings against travel during the Thanksgiving period. While the number of Americans traveling by air over the past several days was down dramatically from the same time last year, many pressed ahead with their holiday plans amid skyrocketing hospitalizations and confirmed infections across the U.S. Essentially, many Americans have grown weary of more than eight months of social distancing and determined to spend time with loved ones.

    If you decide to travel or gather, there are a few Thanksgiving gathering safety tips you can take to manage risk to yourself and others. The CDC recommends:

    • Bringing your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils
    • Avoiding passing by areas where food is being prepared, such as the kitchen
    • Using single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets
    • Using disposable items like food containers, plates and utensils.

     

    Attitude of Gratitude

    During the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s tough to take a moment to express how thankful and to express gratitude you are for life’s many blessings. All too often, there are never enough minutes in the day for all of your family obligations. And this past year, you’ve had more than your fair share of stress and challenges created by the pandemic and lockdowns.

    “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

    References:

    1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2020/11/19/holiday-travel-cdc-recommends-americans-dont-travel-thanksgiving/3779090001/