The University of Kansas Health System is caring for 134 total COVID patients today, down from 155 on Friday. One COVID patient died overnight. Other significant numbers:
- 55 with active virus, 58 Friday
- 11 in ICU, 17 Friday
- 6 on ventilators, 8 Friday
- 79 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 97 Friday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer
- COVID numbers are improving, but still just under the peak of previous waves
- Number of deaths in the unvaccinated is 20 times higher than the vaccinated
- Vaccines are much safer than COVID and much safer than long haul effects
- The days of little to no restrictions are coming but not here yet.
Dr. Gregory Nawalanic, psychologist
- Many still fighting anxiety and depression over COVID, but things are improving
- Men sometimes forget important occasions because they don’t always attach the same emotional significance to memories as women
- Strive for a partner who makes us a better version of ourselves rather than just seeking to be in a relationship
- Accept that there are strengths and weaknesses with each other and don’t try to change the other person
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control
- A booster shot takes 10-14 days to become fully effective
- Too soon to know if we’ll need a booster every six months
- Getting fully vaccinated now will help us feel more comfortable as restrictions are lessened
Tuesday, February 15 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. University of Kansas Chancellor Dr. Doug Girod joins us. We’ll find out how the campus is coping with COVID and see how KU basketball fans responded to his ultimatum to wear masks during games.
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.
