The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 19 COVID patients today, down from 20 yesterday. Other significant numbers:

• 9 with the active virus today, 9 yesterday
• 2 in ICU, 2 yesterday
• 0 on ventilator, 0 yesterday
• 10 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 11 yesterday

Key points from today’s guests:

Molly Ogden, stroke patient, Allison Ogden, mother

• Molly had an injury in a powderpuff football game which eventually caused a blood clot to develop and block off part of her brain, causing a stroke at age 16
• Allison found Molly and called 911 and was able to get her to the Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center at the health system
• The stroke affected the part of Molly’s brain that affects communication, making talking reading and writing difficult. She still has other full cognitive abilities.
• She is able to drive and has been able to live independently with her brother

Madeline Mudd, stroke patient, Marcy Mudd, mother

• Madeline was also 16 and a competitive figure skater when she had her stroke at the ice rink
• Remembers having the worst headache of her life before blacking out
• She has short term memory problems and holds a part time job with the help of a job coach. She lives at home and is working toward being as independent as possible.
• She was able to return to skating as an adult coach

Dr. Coleen Lechtenberg, director, Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center

• Strokes typically affecter older adults, but 10 to 20% occur in people under 45
• Risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity
• Some people can recognize strokes when they are happening. Use acronym BEFAST to help. It stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time.
• Immediate intervention is vital as two million brain cells are dying a minute during a stroke
• Most stroke recovery occurs in the first weeks and months after the event
• COVID has had an impact on stroke patients and their care
• Strokes can be hereditary

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer, The University of Kansas Health System

• More areas of the country are in the Red Zone on the COVID heat map, which means the advice is a return to mask wearing indoors
• Hospitalizations and deaths are also up
• Believes we’re in a surge, but hopes the high number of older people vaccinated and 70% of Americans having had COVID will keep severe illness and death lower

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System

• Latest data shows reinfection is eight times higher with omicron than with delta
• Long COVID cases continue to increase and will require many medical resources in the future
• Data shows vaccination may lessen long COVID effects

Tuesday May 31 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Who doesn't love a kiss from your dog?  The steps you need to take now to make sure that lick doesn't have lots of bacteria with it.

ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:

Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628

Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628

TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI

Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital

YouTube.com/kuhospital

Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.