COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
Two years ago today, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Somehow that time feels like it has gone by both slowly and quickly. It certainly does not feel like it’s been two years, yet here we are.
In that time, we have managed each spike, each dip, and every variant that has come our way, making decisions and implementing plans to keep one another safe and healthy. We now appear to be turning yet another corner and that is good. With that turn, these weekly newsletters will soon be coming to an end. It is bittersweet for me. On the one hand, it signifies that the pandemic is winding down. On the other hand, I have genuinely enjoyed communicating with you in this way.
Since next week is Spring Break, we will not have a newsletter. March 25 will be the last regularly scheduled message. However, we will send out emails as needed.
Please remember that even though we are entering a new phase in the pandemic, COVID-19 is still circulating. There are still people who are at risk, like children under the age of five and millions of immunocompromised individuals, so please consider this in your daily life. If you or a family member falls into these categories, it may be in your best interest to continue to mask.
As always, stay safe and be well.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
COMMUNITY RISK LEVELSThe CDC released a new science brief last week with specifics on using community risk levels to inform decisions on masking and other infection control measures. Instead of using just community transmission rates, this guidance also considers new hospital admissions and hospital capacity. The agency detailed three risk levels and associated behavior modifications:
-
Low (green): Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms.
-
Medium (yellow): People at higher risk of severe illness should speak with their physician about taking extra precautions in addition to the low/green recommendations.
-
High (orange): Wear masks indoors in public spaces in addition to the low/green and medium/yellow recommendations.
Currently, all of South Florida is at a low-risk level. You can check community risk levels on the CDC site.
MASK ANXIETYWith the easing of mask requirements, some children may be anxious about not wearing masks or being around others who don’t wear them. Other children may not understand why some people are choosing to still mask. It’s essential that we emphasize and model empathy and respect for others’ decisions. Communicate to children that guideline changes are not arbitrary; that they are based on how likely it is for people to get severely ill. Some people are more at risk than others, and if cases go up, we may all need to mask again.
Also, there may be differences in opinions on masking, but you can try to find compromises to ensure that everyone feels safe. Be kind and caring to those who continue to mask; you can always wear one to make others feel more comfortable. Or, if you still mask and have been invited to an indoor event where no one will mask, you can stay home.
TEST TO TREAT PROGRAMThis week, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officially began a nationwide “test to treat” initiative. The new program will allow people to go to a local pharmacy clinic to get tested for COVID-19 and, if positive, receive an antiviral prescription for either Merck’s molnupiravir or Pfizer’s Paxlovid. The HHS fact sheet says that people will also be able to bring in their positive at-home test results and receive treatment.
Since this is a new program, you should call your local pharmacy to make sure they participate. HHS will be launching a website in the coming weeks to help people locate participating locations. As has been the case, you can also go to your regular health care provider to get tested and receive treatment.
If you are immunocompromised or have cancer, speak to your doctor about the prophylactic Evusheld. Some who are severely immunocompromised and over 65 may benefit from a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, so you may also want to discuss this with your doctor.
SARS-CoV-2 ORIGINAccording to the journal Nature, two extensive studies were published last month that provide more concrete evidence showing that the SARS-CoV-2 virus did indeed originate at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. Researchers in one study examined sales records, photographs, the market layout, social media, surveys, genome sequences, and infection patterns. They were able to zero in on a single stall that had the highest concentration of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples. This stall was located in the section of the market that sold Asian raccoon dogs, which are known transmitters of coronavirus and have long been hypothesized as the origin host for SARS-CoV-2.
GLOBAL COMMUNITYAs the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic fades, a new terrible and unfortunate tragedy is unfolding in Eastern Europe. In our collective humanity, our hearts ache at the suffering we see, whether it be caused by war or illness.
Sometimes, in our individual humanness, it can be tempting to turn away from horrible current events or ignore painful lessons of past atrocities. However, as part of a global community, we must fight the spread of disease and injustice. We must try to protect the vulnerable when we can. If you would like to help the people of Ukraine, this list compiled by NPR offers some suggestions: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help.
One more thing—even as you care for others, you must still take care of your own mental health. Taking breaks from the news, strolling in a park, or watching a funny movie or show can help maintain balance. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
