The number of COVID-19 patients being treated at The University of Kansas Health System is lower today. 18 are hospitalized today, down from 23 yesterday. Seven of those patients are in the ICU, up from 6 yesterday. 2 are on ventilators, down from 3 yesterday. 4 other patients are still on ventilators but are out of the acute infection phase. Doctors report 16 deaths for the month of August and one so far in September.
On today’s update, we answered community questions that we didn’t get to this week. Also, palliative medicine physician Dr. Christi Bartlett from the health system who wrote a thoughtful blog post about the CDC 6% COVID-19 deaths statistic which continues to be a burning question. She clarified the report.
Plus, the debut of a new Superhero Video, featuring Dr. Stites and Dr. Hawkinson as they vanquish the evil Coronavirus, which has no superpowers.
Before answering viewer questions, Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System, said the seven-day running average of COVID-19 cases is going down. But he pointed out that even though the numbers are going in the right direction, the Labor Day holiday weekend is here, and if it’s like Memorial Day or the 4th of July, we can expect a rise in COVID-19 cases within a couple of weeks.
Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, said Labor Day is traditionally a time for fun, but also for common sense when it comes to wearing masks. He says we also must continue to socially distance and wash our hands while avoiding traditional large gatherings. It’s those gatherings, especially where alcohol is involved, where the virus usually spreads.
Here are the questions in the order the doctors addressed them, followed by the short answer. See the video for their full answers and comments.
What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of the pandemic? How long it would go and how hard it would be.
Can you explain why the CDC reported COVID-19 as the only cause of death for 6% of total COVID-19 deaths? According to Dr. Bartlett, those death certificates were incomplete, as there are almost always other factors in the death.
Why is coronavirus so different from the H1N1 flu, regular flu and SARS that we have to social distance, wear masks and limit gatherings. The reality is that some viruses, like this one, are worse than others.
I read flu season will be worse because people have been staying home, wearing masks and not been exposing themselves to germs that build the immune system. I this true? False. Australia’s flu season was the mildest in five years. Our flu season is usually is like theirs.
I read some COVID-19 patients get pneumonia. Will my pneumococcal vaccine protect me if I catch COVID-19? Will not protect you from getting COVID-19. May protect you from pneumonia during the course of the disease.
How do asymptomatic people spread the virus if they are not sneezing or coughing? The virus is spread just by breathing and being near others, Sneezing or coughing is not necessary.
Is COVID-19 sexually transmitted? No. Is it transmitted by kissing? Yes.
How long must we wear masks inside if one person in the family tests positive? 10 days from the onset of symptoms or a positive test.
Is it true that young people with coronavirus can suffer blood clots and strokes? Yes.
Can I get coronavirus from touching my cell phone or money? Possibly, but most likely from person to person contact.
Can coronavirus stick to my hair or beard? How often should I wash it? Every day is best. Beard more likely than hair on your head to have virus because it’s closer to your mouth.
I’m going to the Chiefs game next week. Am I safe if I wear a mask? You are safer, but always avoid those outside your bubble if you can. Chiefs have taken precautions as well. Keep mask on as much as possible.
Monday, September 7 at 8:00 a.m. is Labor Day. In place of the morning media update, a replay of the recent Chief Medical Officer’s group video as they, and other community leaders, weigh-in on the effects of COVID-19 on the Kansas City area. The regular morning media update will resume on Tuesday, September 8. Pastor Glenn Brady, New Bethel Church of KCK joins Dr. Erin Corriveau, Deputy Medical Officer, Unified Government Public Health Department to update outreach in Wyandotte County among at-risk populations.
