The University of Kansas Health System is caring for 116 total COVID patients today, down from 122 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 39 with the active virus, 40 yesterday
- 7 in ICU, same as yesterday
- 3 on ventilators, same as yesterday
- 77 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 82 yesterday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer, The University of Kansas Health System
- Expiring mask mandates for air travel will put COVID trends to the test
- School mask mandates also expiring and families need to assess their risk, especially with who’s at home
- May see a bump in COVID cases when masks come off
- It appears a respite from the pandemic is coming. Let’s hope we can keep it that way.
Dr. Florence Aslinia, gastroenterologist
- 20 to 50% of COVID patients suffer GI symptoms. It also makes irritable bowel disease worse.
- Described the vital role wastewater testing plays in predicting the course of COVID infections
- No evidence that the COVID vaccine has any effect on the gut
- Says most people will be surprised to hear that probiotics have little to no effect in managing GI symptoms
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control
- Despite loosening mandates, masks still best way to keep kids in school for remainder of school year
- Hospitalizations slower to drop than case numbers
- Now is the time to beef up the public health infrastructure
- With a light at the end of the tunnel, don’t let up on vaccination efforts
Thursday, February 24 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Vaccinations that have protected the public’s health for decades are under attack. News accounts might make one think attitudes toward vaccination have dramatically changed. You may be surprised to learn what the survey shows. A reputable, non-partisan group wanted to know what Kansans think about vaccination and religious exemptions. The results recently released are powerful.
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.
