COVID now looks more like other common respiratory viruses
Like many parts of the world, the Memphis area is seeing a COVID uptick. What differs now is the virus has become endemic like the flu and RSV.
There are 16 article(s) tagged Dr. Nick Hysmith:
Like many parts of the world, the Memphis area is seeing a COVID uptick. What differs now is the virus has become endemic like the flu and RSV.
For infants born with the infection, severe symptoms can include cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, permanent hearing loss and musculoskeletal deformity.
Data from the Shelby County Health Department shows the percentage of ER visits for flu-like illnesses in November was nearly four times the number for the same period last year. Patients ages 5-24 were hardest hit.
Flu season typically peaks from December to February but Memphis-area emergency rooms are already treating an unusually large number of influenza patients.
“The ERs are inundated,” said Dr. Shailesh Patel. “If we do not change course, we are headed to our darkest hours, our darkest days.”
Hospital has nearly half the serious cases in the state.
Of the 4,383 active cases in Shelby County, more than a quarter are in children, and those children are suffering more respiratory symptoms than they were earlier in the pandemic.
Shelby County had 1,051 active pediatric cases as of Tuesday, Aug. 3. The largest contingent is among 15- to 17-year-olds, who account for more than a fifth of cases.
The change reflects research that shows the vaccinated can transmit the COVID-19 virus to others.
The COVID-19 vaccine is readily available, but many people are still deciding against vaccination – at least for now. The moment of urgency has passed and instead has been replaced by a relaxed attitude, even as the Delta variant spreads and puts unvaccinated people at risk for severe illness and even death.
“In keeping with our mission, we will continue to provide a comprehensive vaccination program for Shelby County residents of all ages,” Shelby County’s acting Health Department director said.
Coronavirus case rates are down 30% in the last 14 days.
A Washington University study published Monday, June 28, also showed a heightened immune response for people who had the disease and later were vaccinated.
FDA advisory committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday, May 12.
Sullivan, Knox, Hamilton and Madison counties lift mask mandates; Davidson is waiting.
Someday, the COVID-19 pandemic will be much less of a threat than it is today, and eventually it will be over. What will we do without the mask then? Toss it aside? Still wear it regularly? Or keep it nearby for emergencies?
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