The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 39 COVID patients today, down from 48 Wednesday. Other significant numbers:

• 29 with the active virus today, 34 Wednesday
• 8 in ICU, 8 Wednesday
• 4 on ventilators, 3 Wednesday
• 10 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 14 Wednesday

Key points from today’s guests:

Dr. Bryan Beaver, emergency medicine, The University of Kansas Health System

• With temperatures above 100 for the next three days, don’t be out in the heat
• Try to do yard work in the early morning or late in the day
• Keep well hydrated and take breaks often to cool down
• Seek medical help if you feel muscle cramps, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, or dizziness

Dr. Rene Jamison, licensed psychologist, Developmental and Behavioral Division, The University of Kansas Health System

• In the last 20 years, diagnostic criteria for autism has shifted from a more restricted disorder to an entire spectrum
• Increased public awareness and better referrals from doctors have led to higher numbers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
• Early intervention by parents is vital to a correct diagnosis
• Boys more likely than girls to have the disorder
• Preparing an autistic child for transition to adulthood needs to begin early
• No truth to the rumor that vaccines cause autism

Dr. Alice Zhang, Occupational Therapy Education, The University of Kansas Medical Center

• Most children with autism diagnosed by age four
• Every child with autism is affected differently and has different symptoms
• Parents should be aware if their child is not reaching age-appropriate milestones such as speech and interaction and seek advice
• Early intervention and diagnosis are the best way to ensure a better long term outcome for the child

Dr. Dan Hinthorn, Infectious Diseases, The University of Kansas Health System

• It appears that five percent of the U.S. population will get COVID each month
• President Biden, who has COVID, is having mild symptoms because he has been vaccinated and had two boosters
• CDC ending COVID program for cruise ships. It’s still pretty likely passengers will get a mild disease if they’ve been immunized. If not immunized, they should stay off.
• Novavax vaccine is now available for COVID. It’s a more traditional protein vaccine for those who prefer that over the mRNA vaccines.

Monday, July 25 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. It's estimated as many as 43 percent of children have a sleep disorder. And with school just a few weeks away, how do we get them and ourselves back on track? We also have new hope if you wrestle with good sleep.

ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:

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

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