COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
Hooray, spring has finally arrived. It’s the time of the year when the days are longer and there is less darkness in the world, allowing for us to celebrate themes of freedom and renewal. Admittedly, how do we reconcile these concepts in the midst of a pandemic when we should wear masks and remain physically distant?
It seems like an odd juxtaposition this year—as it did last. However, when one realizes that true freedom is based in a society where the rule of law and justice provides rights to all of us, it becomes less contradictory. Wearing the masks and protecting each other is what a free society does. We bring freedom into the world by voluntarily performing acts of kindness and helping others. Freedom doesn’t only mean the absence of restrictions, but rather going beyond ones’ personal limitations—extending ourselves to improve society beyond what we thought we were personally capable of doing. We need to exercise our freedom and renewal by going beyond our notion of what the world is currently, but rather acting on the dream of what the world should be.
Wishing each of you good health, equity, justice, and happiness in this holiday season.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
ARE YOU CONSIDERED “AT INCREASED RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS?”People aged 16 and older who are medically vulnerable or at increased risk of severe illness are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida. According to the CDC, that group includes people with these conditions:
-
Cancer
-
Chronic kidney disease
-
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
-
Down Syndrome
-
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
-
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
-
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
-
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
-
Pregnancy
-
Sickle cell disease
-
Smoking
-
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Please note that the state now requires that you have a form filled out by a physician that certifies that you fall into this group.
UHealth is still scheduling vaccine appointments based on state guidelines and vaccine supply. We encourage all employees and students who meet the state’s criteria to get their vaccine at community sites across South Florida. Check the Florida Department of Health vaccine finder to locate sites near you.
MASKS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITYAlthough masks have become a part of our daily lives, there are still worries that they may decrease oxygen or increase carbon dioxide levels. That is of particular concern to some people during physical activity. However, according to a recent study, participants who wore a mask while briskly walking showed no differences in gas exchange levels when compared to performing the same activity without a mask. The results were the same for both cloth and surgical masks, and participants included people with asthma and hypertension.
These clinical findings do not dispute or invalidate that many feel they cannot breathe when exercising with a mask on. But, often, that feeling does not mean you aren’t getting enough oxygen. You could try training yourself by wearing a mask for only a short time while exercising at first. You could also try wearing a surgical mask instead of a cloth mask. If those options do not work and you still feel uncomfortable wearing a mask during physical activity, make sure you exercise at home or off campus and outside away from others.
VARIANTS IN A UNIVERSITY SETTINGA study done at the University of Texas looked at the increased transmissibility of the B.1.1.7 variant, which originated in the United Kingdom, versus the wildtype—the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been the dominant strain. Researchers concluded that the variant would cause 77% more infections during the spring semester.
This variant has been seen in the community and on campus. Studies show that the B.1.1.7 variant is associated with more severe illness and death. However, the current vaccines in use are effective against it, and the safety measures that we currently have in place still protect us. So mask up, stay physically distanced, wash your hands, and get vaccinated when it is your turn.
A LITTLE PAIN FOR LOTS OF GAIN
One of the most common reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine is pain at the injection site. This is true of all vaccines. But, interestingly, that pain is not just because a needle pierced you. The soreness you feel after you receive a vaccine is a sign that it is doing its job. It is your body’s immediate reaction to a foreign invader. When your immune system detects a virus, it goes into an innate immune response and releases immune cells that produce proteins known as cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins. These proteins create physical effects—they dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow, induce inflammation, and interact with nerves and local pain receptors. In more sensitive people, this immune response can cause joint pain and low fevers, which are also common
symptoms of vaccination.
While it may be a little uncomfortable, the CDC does not recommend taking Tylenol or ibuprofen before you get your vaccine because they do not know if it affects how well the vaccines work. And if you do not feel any pain following the vaccine, count yourself among the fortunate. It does not mean the vaccine is not working.
TAKING A BREAKSince many will be celebrating various holidays, there will be no Health and Wellness Newsletter next week. We hope that you have a wonderful and safe couple of weeks and will resume Friday, April 9. |
|
|
|
|
|
We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
|
|
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Students, faculty, and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses who are experiencing possible symptoms consistent with, or who have been potentially exposed to, COVID-19 should contact the University's COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U, where UHealth physicians and providers are available to answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.
Members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378.
For additional University of Miami COVID-19 information and resources, visit coronavirus.miami.edu.
If you are a student in distress or need counseling services, the Counseling Center provides mental health services through HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing platforms. Counselors are certified and available to help any time by calling 305-284-5511. Additional resources are also available by visiting counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu.
If you are a faculty or staff members in need of support visit fsap.miami.edu. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
