The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 45 COVID patients today, up from 44 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 9 with the active virus today, same as yesterday
- 3 in ICU, same as yesterday
- 1 on ventilator, 0 yesterday
- 36 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 35 yesterday
Today’s episode was live from Kauffman Stadium for Opening Day for the Kansas City Royals.
Dr. Vincent Key, Kansas City Royals Head Team Physician
- The players are mentally ready and physically in good shape.
- From a player perspective, we are close to “pre-pandemic” protocols.
- Royals players came into Spring Training in good shape and were really prepared. There is always a concern ramping up players too quickly with hamstring and elbow injuries, but we’re in good shape.
- Outside of the pros, getting any athletes ready for sports involves preparation way before the season starts with stretching and workouts to get the body ready.
Dave Smith, Fan Care at Kauffman Stadium
- There are two first-aid stations around the ballpark and fans can come to them if needed, or for more serious conditions, the response teams will come to fans.
- The medical response teams are prepared for more serious conditions like cardiac, diabetic or heat exhaustion issues at the ballpark.
- Summer months are much busier with heat-related issues, but we are fully prepared to make sure fans stay healthy.
Michael Rippee, Sports Neurologist
- His job is to take care of injuries that happen during sporting events, as well as migraines, epilepsy, etc. that can impact athletes.
- Elite athletes want to get back on the field quickly, but we want to make sure they get back safely. There are also considerations when it comes to using medications that are not on any banned list for sports leagues.
- We also work with younger athletes and parents to make sure treatments and medications are right for them.
- RestIsNotEnough.com is screening website for participants for a new concussion trial planned. The trial’s goal is to evaluate a new potential medication that may help recovery from concussions.
- A good candidate might be someone who has sustained a concussion within the past month and are aged 18-60.
- Concussions can go beyond sports concussions. Snow and ice season led to a lot of concussions from falls. But we will now see more from falling off of ladders, bike accidents and car accidents.
Community Questions
- Is a fourth shot (second booster) necessary? The FDA has OK’d booster doses for those 50 or older. The goal is to reduce hospitalization and data shows that the booster can help reduce the severity of COVID. It is safe.
- Is cashless option for concession stands safer for COVID? As far as safety, if you are practicing good hand hygiene, it should be just as safe.
Friday, April 8 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. As one of professional golf’s biggest events, the Masters, is underway, Jessica Lovell will be live at the Sports Medicine and Performance Center to showcase new sports health technology for golfers.
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.
