The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 24 COVID patients today, same as Wednesday. Other significant numbers:

• 18 with the active virus today, 17 Wednesday
• 3 in ICU, 2 Wednesday
• 1 on ventilator, 0 Wednesday
• 6 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 7 Wednesday

Key points from today’s guests:

Dr. Arpan Patel, neurologist, The University of Kansas Health System

• Discussed Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which singer Justin Bieber has contracted, causing partial facial paralysis. Other symptoms can include hearing loss.
• It is caused by the same virus which causes chickenpox
• Usually affects people 50 and older, but can happen in 28-year-olds like Bieber. Affects one in every 20,000 people every year.
• Treatments include oral steroids and antiviral medication. Good success if treatment started within 72 hours.
• There is no strong data to suggest it is triggered by COVID-19 or the vaccine

Dr. Deetra Ford, neurologist, The University of Kansas Health System

• 70% of migraine sufferers are women. Hormones are suspected to be the reason.
• Triggers include alcohol, dairy products like cheese, plus overripe avocados and bananas. Caffeine withdrawal is also a cause.
• Clinical trials are looking at the effectiveness of osteopathy, which is gentle muscle manipulation, for migraine treatment
• Botox injections are very effective against migraines
• The number of kids getting migraines has sharply increased during COVID. Stress is the number one cause.
• If you’re needing over the counter medication for a headache more than twice a week, you should see a doctor

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

• Health system number of COVID patients is rising, and most are being treated just for COVID
• It’s expected vaccines for children 5 and under will begin in the next couple of weeks
• We shouldn’t be surprised that Dr. Fauci tested positive for COVID. For many people it’s not IF but WHEN they will get the virus. Best protection continues to be vaccination and boosters to avoid severe illness.
• The health system is prepared for the influx of people as Kansas City hosts several World Cup games in 2026.

Monday, June 20 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. New research finds children are not protected against omicron if they previously had COVID. The news comes as children under five are set to start getting the vaccine. We’ll examine the new impact COVID is having on both kids and adults.

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.