The number of active COVID-19 patients being treated at The University of Kansas Health System is slightly higher today. 60 people with the active virus are hospitalized, up from 58 yesterday. 20 patients are in the ICU, up from 19 yesterday. 11 of those ICU patients are on ventilators today, up from 10 yesterday. 65 other patients are still hospitalized because of COVID-19 but are out of the acute infection phase, up from 60 yesterday. That’s a total of 125 patients, up from 118 yesterday. In addition, HaysMed has a total of 17 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 18 yesterday, with 13 of those active patients and 4 in the recovery phase. Two patients there have died since yesterday.
On today’s Morning Media Update, Nathan Bahr, MD, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Kansas Health System, filled in for the vacationing Dr. Hawkinson. David Wild, MD, VP of Performance Improvement at The University of Kansas Health System, filled in for Dr. Stites. Amanda Cackler, director of infection prevention and control, joined the panel to help answer questions from the week that we didn't get to.
During the program, doctors announced The University of Kansas Health System is beginning to schedule its existing patients who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines. To do so, complete and submit this form, which can be found at The University of Kansas Health System’s web site https://covidvaccine.kansashealthsystem.com/.
Before answering questions, Dr. Wild described the three known variants of COVID-19 and said while not officially identified as being here yet, they are most likely in the community. He also showed the impact COVID-19 has had on health system employees, with the number of cases declining recently as more have become vaccinated.
Here are the media and community questions in the order the panel addressed them, followed by the short answer. See the video for their full answers and comments.
- What if you get your shot but then the supply is short for your booster? The CDC now says you can wait up to six weeks between shots if necessary.
- Is there a difference in the effectiveness between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? No, they are both very good and effective.
- How long before we know if the vaccines will prevent transmission of the virus? We don’t know for sure yet, but the likelihood it does prevent transmission to some degree is good.
- My doctor's office said the COVID-19 vaccines are safe to take as long as I don't have any contraindications. What contraindications would prevent me from getting the vaccine? There are not many. The only one might be an allergic reaction but that’s pretty rare.
- Does COVID-19 cause seizures or epilepsy in patients? Is COVID-19 likely to trigger a seizure if I already have epilepsy? It’s possible but not extremely common.
- Can cancer patients get the vaccine? Yes, though depending on where they are in treatment, their immune system may not be able to mount a defense. Check with oncologist on timing.
- Do hospitals in the area practice the same protocols for COVID-19, and offer the same treatments? Hospitals have been learning best practices from each other. Treatments may not be exactly the same but will be similar.
- Why are type 2 diabetic patients in the first round of vaccinations and type 1 diabetic patients are not? Aren't all diabetics at higher risk if they get COVID-19? Each state has its own prioritization plan. Type 2 diabetics are more at risk of dying from COVID-19 than type 1 and thus are higher on the priority list.
- Once I have both COVID-19 shots, can I still pass COVID-19 on to someone else and not even know it? While we don’t know for sure, we think there is a likelihood you can pass the virus. That’s why it’s vital to keep wearing a mask and keep observing social distancing.
- Assuming the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines receive emergency use approval by the FDA, will they protect against the new virus variants? That’s still to be determined.
- My 16-year-old daughter who works in a daycare has been told she's eligible to get the vaccine in Phase 2. Should she? Yes. Those 16 and older were included in the clinical trials. It’s especially important for childcare workers.
- Is it safe to fly if I had COVID-19 within the past three months? Do I have immunity? Would I make anyone sick? You still need to wear a mask and eye protection as it’s still possible to spread the virus.
- Should long-haul COVID-19 patients who still have symptoms get the vaccine? Yes. Since they are still suffering effects of the first infection, even though the virus is gone, a second infection could do much more harm to already weakened or damaged organs and systems.
- One of my doctors told me she is concerned these vaccines could “turn on” an autoimmune disease in some people. Do you have that concern? Not worried about it.
- Is there any concern about allergies to latex and getting vaccinated? No. There is no latex in any of the vaccine vials or in the vaccine itself.
- Is vaccine being rationed according to hospital affiliation? No. Each hospital may have different ways of scheduling, which may account for patients at one hospital being vaccinated sooner than another.
- If enough people get vaccinated by mid-February, would it allow us to have a post-Super Bowl celebration if the Chiefs win? Not likely. It will take a long time to get enough people vaccinated before things start to get back to normal. Dr. Fauci said it could be this fall.
To end the Morning Media Update, doctors shared pictures of some recent newborns in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Last year we presented our newborns with Chiefs gear to make being in the hospital during the playoffs, the AFC Championship and Super Bowl more exciting for families. So, just in case, we kept that tradition alive. These babies often have complex medical challenges and stay with us for a bit. We grow attached and these babies and their families are very special to us. During any big event or holiday, where normally a newborn would be at home and part of the celebration, we try to recognize that moment and make them part of our celebration. They are part of our health system family and it's especially fun to celebrate these moments when going through a pandemic.
Monday, January 25 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Media Update. Dr Bahr is back, but in a different role. He will join Kim Dixon, assistant chief nursing officer, to talk about our monoclonal antibody infusion clinic. We'll also hear from one of our early patients. Paul Van Erem was lucky number thirteen to receive Bamlanivimab and his story is pretty remarkable.
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