Why Ukraine’s Covid-19 Problem is Everyone’s Problem
Health

Why Ukraine’s Covid-19 Problem is Everyone’s Problem

Ukraine has been struggling to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of its citizens lacked access to the shot, didn’t desire to get vaccinated, or did not believe that the vaccination would help them. According to data, only 25% of the population was vaccinated as of February 24th, 2022. Considering they have a war going on now, spikes of infection are now inevitable. In addition to vaccinating, they need to continue to wear masks, social distance, and practice basic hygiene to keep infection numbers low. To read more, click here.
New vaccine demonstrates strong protection against severe Covid-19 in clinical trials
Health

New vaccine demonstrates strong protection against severe Covid-19 in clinical trials

A new vaccine option against Covid-19 is well underway. Sanofi and GSK, European drug makers are in the late stages of clinical testing for a vaccine that will be names Vidprevtyn. This vaccine works by using harmless protein fragments that instruct the immune system how to locate and fight SARS-CoV-2. Past studies on this vaccine are promising and the companies are hoping to roll out this vaccine very soon. To read more, click here.
Time between Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines can be up to 8 weeks for some people, updated CDC guidance says
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Time between Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines can be up to 8 weeks for some people, updated CDC guidance says

The US Centers for Disease Control has updated the guidance for the second dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Previously, they advised the second dose should be administered three weeks after the first shot. Now, they are advising to wait eight weeks. This new interval is optimal for most people ages 12 and older. However, the original guidance of three week intervals remains the same for moderate to severely immunocompromised patients that are 65 years and older. To read more, click here.
Covid-19 is killing more people now than during most of the pandemic. Here’s who’s still at risk
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Covid-19 is killing more people now than during most of the pandemic. Here’s who’s still at risk

Although masking guidelines are shifting, and leaders are moving towards a sense of normalcy, more people are dying now than during other points in the pandemic. The only other time deaths were this high was before the vaccines were available, according to John’s Hopkins University. Patients that are in poor health and the unvaccinated population are still at risk.  To read more, click here.
CDC’s updated metrics to guide Covid-19 restrictions expected Friday
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CDC’s updated metrics to guide Covid-19 restrictions expected Friday

The CDC is ready to shift from panic mode to finally moving forward, with caution. They are now advising only those that live in high-risk areas to wear masks while indoors. Guidance about masking will vary based on individual counties, so be sure to tune into your local news stations to learn more about your area. Currently, the metrics are based on new cases per 100,000 people and the percent of positive tests in the past week. This is now changing due to the amount of people getting vaccinated and the milder variant Omicron. To read more, click here.
Traveling to Las Vegas during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go
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Traveling to Las Vegas during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

As of February 10th, 2022, Nevada has lifted the indoor mask mandate. Additionally, there are no restrictions on domestic travel; to Las Vegas or the state of Nevada. For those individuals that are unvaccinated and living outside of the United States, travel is prohibited. There are minimal exceptions. To read more, click here.
At least 5.2 million children have lost a parent or caretaker to Covid-19, study estimates
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At least 5.2 million children have lost a parent or caretaker to Covid-19, study estimates

Researchers are calling the amount of children who lost a caregiver during Covid-19 “the hidden pandemic.” Further research even suggests that Covid-10 related deaths in Africa are possibly 10x higher than what has been reported. When planning for the future, public health leaders need to keep this in mind as the effects of losing a caregiver increases the risk of poverty, mental health issues, and sexual violence. A part of that plan should include equitable access to vaccines so that no one has to lose a family member again. To read more, click here.
The pandemic has taken a toll on children’s mental health. An expert weighs in
Health

The pandemic has taken a toll on children’s mental health. An expert weighs in

Kids experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health impacts due to school closures and lockdowns. Another study found that the suicide attempt rates amongst adolescent girls increased during the pandemic as well. Parents are urged to look for common signs of their children needing help such as increased crying, more frequent tantrums, and difficulty sleeping. If these signs are noted, speak to a qualified professional. To read more, click here.
ECMO therapy cuts Covid-19 patients’ chance of dying by half, if they can get it
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ECMO therapy cuts Covid-19 patients’ chance of dying by half, if they can get it

Vanderbilt University recently conducted a study that shows sick patients are half as likely to die due to Covid-19 when put on an extreme form of life support called, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO.) ECMO works by tubes and pumps circulating and oxygenating blood. Many patients had to be turned away, and later died, because the access to treatment could not satisfy the demand. Patients that have undergone the therapy state that it literally saved their life. To read more, click here.
New CDC Covid-19 metrics drop strong mask recommendations for most of the country
Health

New CDC Covid-19 metrics drop strong mask recommendations for most of the country

According to the CDC, if you are generally healthy, you do not need to wear a mask indoors. Only 28% of the American population live in counties where they should wear a mask. These numbers support the new guidelines for dropping the masks. The U.S. Health and Human services states that the United States is in a better place than it was 6 months, 6 weeks, or even 6 days ago. However, always continue with caution. To read more, click here.