COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
It was wonderful to see students and faculty return to in-person instruction. However, in-person does mean increased risk, so we all must stay vigilant. Stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccines, wear a high-quality mask, and practice good hand hygiene.
Also, if you have had COVID-19, please do not assume that this means you can become lax in your adherence to the safety measures that keep us all safe. We are constantly learning more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants. And so far, research does indicate that reinfection is possible. And while you may have minimal symptoms, it does not mean that those you interact with will have the same experience. You may also be putting yourself and others at risk for developing long COVID.
I know you will consider your fellow ’Canes’ safety because that is how we have been so successful in keeping on-campus infections low. So keep up the excellent work.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
COVID-19 RISK ANALYSISSeveral different factors affect your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, including where you are, what you are doing, how long you are there, and if you are wearing a mask. Researchers from the University of Colorado and Oxford University took empirical data from superspreader events and created a mathematical risk analysis. They found that people who were outside in a low occupancy setting for a short period, masked, and silent had the least amount of risk. Those who were unmasked and doing heavy exercise in a crowded, poorly ventilated indoor space were most at risk. These examples may be obvious, but many others fall in between these two extremes.
The chart in this article is an excellent visual representation of the various scenarios and the risk associated with them.
LONG COVID
We are still learning about post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or “long COVID.” It is estimated that 5–30% of those infected with COVID-19 develop long COVID. The WHO defines it as a condition that develops “usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.” The most common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction but can vary greatly. Because of this, it can be challenging to know which physician to see if you are suffering from long-lasting symptoms. My advice is to seek out care related to your specific complaints (e.g., if you have cardiac issues, then see a cardiologist). We are still not sure why some develop long COVID
and others do not, but most researchers agree that it is due to an overactive immune response or the amount of virus still in the body. On a positive note, a recent Israeli study found that vaccinated people with breakthrough infections were less than half as likely to report symptoms associated with the condition.
ENDEMICITY You may be hearing a lot about how the omicron variant may be a sign that COVID-19 is becoming endemic. While this may be true, it’s important to point out that endemicity does not mean a virus is harmless. It means that the virus has become more predictable and less likely to cause worldwide disruption. It says nothing about how severe an illness is or even how many people it can kill. For instance, malaria is endemic, and it causes more than 200 million infections a year and kills at least 400,000 people, many of whom are younger than 5. So don’t let the idea of endemicity lull you and those you care about into a false sense of security. Getting everyone vaccinated is still the best way to get back to “normal,” endemic or not.
MASK-ASSOCIATED DRY EYE
Ocular specialists, including those at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, report an uptick in dry-eye-associated symptoms, eye irritation complaints, and stye. It is due to the airflow being redirected toward the ocular surface in your eye, which can cause meibomian gland dysfunction. The meibomian glands are responsible for creating the lipid layer of the tear film, which protects the ocular surface. If you are also experiencing eye irritation, they recommend ensuring that your mask has a tight seal. You can do this by wearing masks with nose clips and even using a piece of tape to secure it. Also, an eyelid hygiene routine is a good idea for general eye health. Using water or an over-the-counter medicated spray or pad, remove the debris and bacteria on your eyelashes and eyelids.
Following up with a moist, warm compress can also relieve eye discomfort. Read more here.
GROUNDHOG DAY News of a new omicron subvariant this week reminded me of the movie “Groundhog Day,” where the lead character relives the same day over and over. Predictions about the new omicron subvariant BA.2 have been circulating, with some researchers hypothesizing that it will prolong the current wave. The WHO says it does not appear to be any more severe than the original omicron. However, it may be more transmissible. But without data, we don’t know.
Wednesday, Punxsutawney Phil predicted that we would have six more weeks of winter. However, according to records, the groundhog has only accurately predicted the length of winter 39% of the time.
Predictions about COVID-19 without data are about as scientific as a groundhog predicting the weather. But what we know for sure is that a coat will keep you warm if there are six more weeks of winter. And safety measures like wearing a mask will protect you against the omicron subvariant. |
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We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
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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. |
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