The number of COVID-19 patients being treated at The University of Kansas Health System is slightly higher today. 19 are hospitalized, up from 18 yesterday. Three patients are in the ICU, down from 7 Friday. 2 are on ventilators, same as yesterday. 30 other patients are still hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase. Doctors addressed news that the vaccine trial by AstraZenica has been put hold by saying they can’t comment on any of the specifics but pointed out pauses like this are not unexpected and is an example of the system working the way it should.
Dr. Louis Satterwhite, pulmonary and critical care physician at the health system joins us to talk about life in the ICU for COVID-19 patients and medical staff. His wife, Dr. Catherine Satterwhite, is Regional Health Administrator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She will also join the conversation to update the bigger challenges facing efforts to protect public health during this pandemic and heading into fall.
Dr. Louis Satterwhite described what it’s like for COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit, and says the ages are all across the board. He says they are starting to see some of the long-term impacts such as heart and lung problems as well as cognitive problems. He also addressed how long patients in the ICU or on a ventilator are infectious. He believes we won’t know the impact of opening schools for several months. He also does not think this is our new normal. He says the precautions we’re taking today are needed until a vaccine is available, though he thinks some of the precautions may always be with us.
Dr. Catherine Satterwhite described her role in public health as making sure good testing is available for the right people, helping schools open safely, and most importantly, helping states plan for vaccine distribution, which she calls a massive effort. That will also involve prioritizing those who get the vaccine. She advises college students to be extra cautious in wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings and being thoughtful in their daily activities. She says it’s very important not to delay medical care until the pandemic ends and how it’s vital to make sure both kids and adults are current on their vaccinations, including for the flu. She thinks we’re doing the right things at the right time right now to make for a better future.
Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System, says mask wearing and social distancing is definitely helping fewer people become ill enough from the virus to need hospitalization and cope at home. He discussed what the lower daily numbers mean as we head into the fall, but said the better indicator is the rolling 7-day average. He says COVID-19 will always be with us, but things are evolving quickly, and we should start to see some change in another six months.
Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, warns not to think you’re immune to the virus just because you’ve had it since we don’t know how long you might be protected. He said we all miss normal times but believes this will pass with treatments and vaccination. He’s convinced things will look a lot different a year from now, even thinking there may be fans in the stands for opening day 2021. He says we are better off today that we were three or four months ago.
Thursday, September 10 at 8:00 a.m. is the next morning media update. Dr. Jamie Wagner, DO, Division Chief Breast Surgery, Breast Surgery Oncologist and Dr. Ron Chen, Chair Radiation Oncology are back to Update COVID-19’s impact on cancer patients and their concerns about patients postponing screenings.
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