Another milestone for The University of Kansas Health System today. For the first time in months, the total number of COVID-19 patients, both active and recovering, is under 100. A total of 98 patients are in the hospital, down from 101 yesterday. Of those patients, 41 with the active virus are being treated, up from 38 yesterday. Nine patients are in the ICU, same as yesterday. Six of those ICU patients are on ventilators today, up from five yesterday. 57 other patients are still hospitalized because of COVID-19 but are out of the acute infection phase, down from 63 yesterday. In addition, HaysMed has a total of 19 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 16 yesterday, with seven of those active patients and 12 in the recovery phase.
On today’s Morning Media Update, Johnson County Director of Health and Environment, Sanmi (san-me) Areola, PhD, and Shawnee County Health Department Infectious Disease Division Manager Derik Flerlage (Flur-log") joined to update vaccinations in their counties on the Kansas side.
The program began with a phone call from Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, who was at home this morning. He received his 2nd dose of the Moderna vaccine on yesterday’s show and said “It is a bit of a wallop. It does pack a punch.” Dr Stites began feeling chills by late afternoon and had a temperature of 101 by 8:00 last night. This morning it was up to 102. He said he’s experienced all of the common side effects such as headache, nausea, fever, chills and muscle soreness. “I’m here to tell you the side effects are real, but they’re very survivable.” He does not believe he, nor anyone else experiencing these vaccine side effects, is contagious. He also expects the symptoms to fade quickly and feels he could be back at work later today. He stresses the side effects far outweigh having the disease. He also pointed out what he calls exciting preliminary data from AstraZenica showing when fully vaccinated, you may not only avoid the disease yourself, but you may also keep from transmitting it to others.
Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas Health System, noted that he had a little malaise and fatigue after his second dose but no fever or other symptoms. He points out that the symptoms mean your immune system is ramping up and working as it should and regardless of your symptoms, you’ll still have the immunity the vaccine promises. He also says it’s still possible to become infected with the virus within 7-10 days of being vaccinated, so wearing a mask and socially distancing are vital. He urges everyone to be smart about watching the Chiefs in the Super Bowl this Sunday and avoid large group gatherings.
David Wild, MD, vice president of Performance Improvement, filled in for Dr. Stites, and went through the known side effects from the vaccine. He said it’s time to call your doctor if you have trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, dizziness or weakness. He said these are symptoms you would typically see within two hours of your injection. As for today’s numbers, he says it’s important to remember the total numbers of new hospitalizations here, and across the state, are not going down but have remained stable.
Derik Flerlage (Flur-log") outlined the vaccine rollout plan in Shawnee County, which includes Topeka. He said between the health department and local providers, more than 23,000 doses have been given so far. Like others around the state, they are facing a supply problem, but he hopes that will improve as more manufacturers are approved. He says they have the capacity to vaccinate thousands per week when the supply is there. He urges those who want the vaccine to register on the Shawnee County Health Department web site or call 785-251-4949.
Dr. Areola pointed out that Johnson County is in phase two of the vaccination schedule, which includes 150,000 people. With supplies at their current level, he says that will take a long time. He described how a person who is not affiliated with any of the area health systems can get on the list to be vaccinated by using the Johnson County Health Department web site or calling 913-715-2819. He says the site will also show where to get the vaccine. He said those 80 years and older are still a priority in the 65 and older group in Johnson County. He stressed appointments are best so nobody is waiting but said 80-year-olds will not be turned away. He says he’s been impressed with residents of the county who have for the most part followed the masking and social distancing guidelines.
Thursday, February 4 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Media Update. Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs will join us at the top of the hour to talk about staying safe in your bubbles for the Super Bowl game! KU Chancellor Dr. Doug Girod and Chris Wilson, VP of System Integration and Innovation will also join to update re-entry onto campus and answer questions about vaccinations.
ATTENTION: media procedure for calling in:
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