Health
Baylor College of Medicine recruiting participants for COVID-19 impact study
HOUSTON – (April 16, 2020) – The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our daily lives, often increasing stress and anxiety and putting added pressure on relationships. Population scientists at Baylor College of Medicine are recruiting people across the U.S. to share their experiences and how the pandemic is impacting their health and well-being in an online survey.
“COVID-19 has caused major disruptions in all aspects of American life. It is important to understand how these disruptions are affecting people’s health and well-being to inform public health messaging and mobilization of community support to help individuals and families cope,” said Dr. Hoda Badr, principal investigator of the study and associate professor of medicine – epidemiology and population sciences at Baylor.
Participants will be asked to complete a one-time online survey to answer questions about how the pandemic is affecting daily life, health behaviors, emotional well-being and family relationships. The survey also asks about coping behaviors and desires for support and information. Because this is a national survey, Badr and her team hope to examine whether the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic differ for certain subgroups based on demographics (e.g., race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status), geography (e.g., rural versus urban locations, states with stay at home orders versus those that do not), health history and caregiving responsibilities.
Data collected from this study will guide healthcare providers so they can better assist individuals and families to cope with the impacts of the pandemic. The results also could identify health disparities and inform policy discussions about how best to support vulnerable individuals and families. Participants must be 18 years or older. All survey submissions are confidential. For questions regarding the study, contact [email protected].
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AIDS Services of Austin is now Vivent Health
Transition enhances and expands services for people at risk for and living with HIV/AIDS in Austin
MILWAUKEE, WI—April 15th, 2020—Vivent Health today announced that AIDS Services of Austin (ASA) is now part of Vivent Health, a national HIV health care provider committed to serving everyone affected by HIV/AIDS through comprehensive, integrated prevention, care and treatment programs and services. With locations in Colorado, Missouri, Wisconsin and now Texas, Vivent Health has the scale and resources to enhance care for the Austin community. Current ASA board of directors will join the Vivent Health local advisory council.
As the newest member of Vivent Health, the Austin location will remain committed to providing the only integrated HIV/AIDS care in Austin and will significantly expand programs and services to build healthier lives for Central Texans at risk for and living with HIV/AIDS. The expansion includes building an in-house pharmacy, adding five new mental health therapists, increasing food pantry services to five days a week and serving 1,000 new patients. The HIV Medical Home model, for which Vivent Health is nationally renowned, is an integrated, patient-centered model of care that helps people with HIV live long, healthy lives.
“ASA has an impressive record of providing effective treatment and prevention programs and services for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Austin,” said Michael J. Gifford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vivent Health. “We are excited to join forces with them to expand and evolve the services they currently offer so together we can deliver the best outcomes for the people in Austin. We are stronger, and together, will help people with HIV thrive in pursuit of our vision of a world without AIDS.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, becoming Vivent Health has allowed Austin programs and staff to act with agility, ensuring the delivery of essential services at a time when they are needed most. While the pandemic has placed added stress on our patients and clients, Vivent Health has made efforts to relieve that stress via our radical response efforts that ensure the delivery of essential services for everyone affected by HIV. Although we have modified operations, we continue to find solutions to deliver care, treatment and prevention services to all our patients and clients.
“We are excited to bring the HIV Medical Home model of care to the Austin community so the people we serve can thrive,” said Paul Scott, former Chief Executive Officer for ASA and now Vice President, Texas for Vivent Health. “Honestly, we couldn’t have joined the Vivent Health family at a better time.” “Our current programs and services will increase in the months to come, including offering a pharmacy and expanded PrEP services which will allow us to stay committed to the health and well-being of anyone impacted by HIV/AIDS in central Texas well into the future.”
Now a part of Vivent Health, ASA staff working under modified COVID-19 operations were able to recently secure housing for someone living with HIV who was discharged from a hospital so that he could continue to focus on adhering to his HIV medications. Under the Vivent Health COVID-19 Radical Response, virtual work solutions and program mobilization are allowing staff to continue meeting the needs of clients in difficult circumstances. The organization is also able to make investments in infrastructure and technology to ensure access to services, and has made a commitment to continue paying all employees during the pandemic, ensuring the team can remain dynamic and effective in allocating staff resources where they are most needed.
In recent years, Austin has seen an increase in the demand for programs and services as a record number of people are living with HIV/AIDS. In Austin, there are currently 6,063 people living with HIV/AIDS and 17 percent of people living with HIV who do not know their status, according to AIDSVu. In addition, one out of six people living with HIV in Austin are not getting the care they need.
Vivent Health currently has 15 locations in four states: Colorado, Missouri, Wisconsin and now Texas. Michael Gifford will continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Vivent Health, and Paul Scott will serve as Vice President, Texas, continuing to lead the organization’s response to HIV/AIDS in the region.
People living with or at-risk for HIV/AIDS in Austin, donors, and other public health stakeholders who would like to learn more about ASA becoming Vivent Health
VIVENT HEALTH
Vivent Health is a nationally recognized leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Vivent Health is best known for its high-quality HIV patient outcomes and operates the only HIV Medical Home in America recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HIV Medical Home model of care offers integrated health and social services including medical, dental, mental health and pharmacies, along with case management and social support provided by a team of professionals dedicated to patient care. Vivent Health is also a leading provider of innovative and aggressive prevention services that help at-risk individuals remain HIV negative. Vivent Health operates in 15 locations in Colorado, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin, and serves tens of thousands of people at-risk for HIV, and more than 8,000 people living with HIV annually. To learn more about Vivent Health go to www.viventhealth.org.
Professor points out 13 behaviors to adapt as society battles COVID-19
MUNCIE, Indiana – As society digs into its battle against COVID-19, a health researcher at Ball State University recommends behaviors that to adapt as soon as possible to avoid illness.
“Our society is more diverse than ever, and we have developed a tolerance for a variety of behaviors due to greater amalgamation of cultures, traditions, etiquettes, and norms,” said Jagdish Khubchandani, a health science professor. “In general, we tend to ignore unhealthy and unsanitary behaviors in the guise of other peoples’ choice, personality type, family habits, or culture.
“During and after the current pandemic crisis, we need greater awareness, collective action, and common civic behaviors driven by scientific evidence on transmission of emerging infectious disease agents such as coronaviruses. We must also not hesitate from educating or questioning family members, colleagues, and the general public on behaviors that pose danger to self and the society.”
Given the current evidence on mechanisms of transmission and action of COVID-19, Khubchandani offers up 13 behaviors and habits to be embraced:
- Take regular showers. While people are sheltering in place, some may neglect daily routines, but showering is a must because COVID-19 can live on surfaces for days.
- Keep your clothes clean. Don’t wear the same clothes for many days. Do laundry frequently.
- Stop nail biting, thumb sucking, and rubbing eyes.
- Stop scratching your head, face, or body.
- Wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid eating them immediately in aisles, stores, or car.
- Don’t litter the inside and around your house. This could increase risk for household members, while littering around the community can burden the sanitation workers. Recent instances of people throwing used masks and gloves in public places will increase risk for waste management workers and trash pickers.
- Clean your car. Dispose of leftovers and edibles, trash, masks, and gloves.
- Maintain hygiene while growing your hair, beard, or nails or using hair and face accessories.
- Cover your face when you sneeze or cough.
- Wash your hands after using restrooms, coming back from public places, after grocery shopping, pumping gas, using elevators, or using high traffic door knobs or electric switches.
- Clean your desk space, cell phone, and computer devices.
- Don’t rely on carryout or delivery as your sole source of food for every meal every day, and be sure to eat enough and consume healthy foods.
- Don’t reuse wipes, masks, gloves, and personal care devices without cleaning them.
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About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 22,500 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
Follow Ball State University:
Website: www.bsu.edu
Twitter: @BallState
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/
Instagram: @ballstateuniversity
Ball State Magazine: https://magazine.
What to do after testing positive for COVID-19
HOUSTON – (April 13, 2020) – If you test positive for COVID-19, it is essential to know the proper steps to take to monitor symptoms and keep from infecting others.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends home isolation for positive COVID-19 patients who are not hospitalized,” said Isabel Valdez, physician assistant and instructor of general internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. “They can leave isolation after having three days without fever, cough or shortness of breath and if at least 7 days have passed since the first sign of symptoms. The CDC specifies that patients should be fever-free without the use of medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen in order to end the isolation period.”
Valdez recommends the following steps if you test positive for COVID-19 or are caring for someone with COVID-19:
- If you begin experiencing coronavirus-related symptoms, contact your primary care provider for instructions on testing and treatment recommendations. Avoid going to a clinic or emergency room without calling in advance – there may be certain procedures the facility requires be followed for your safety and that of others.
- Isolate yourself and remain home – this lessens the risk of passing the virus to others.
- If you are in a home with others, remain in your own room and use your own bathroom that is separate from everyone else.
- Monitor your symptoms and temperature. If you develop a high fever, call your doctor.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Remember to toss the tissue after and do not reuse it. If you cough or sneeze into your hands, wash and disinfect them immediately.
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
- Limit interactions with others in the home by staying at least 6 feet away, especially if you live with vulnerable people.
- Limit outside visitors to the home.
Caring for someone with COVID-19
- Everyone in the home should continue to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Caregivers and everyone else in the home should wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth.
- Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used areas and objects such as doorknobs, phones, keyboards, faucets and tables.
- If the infected person ventures from their room, they should keep their distance of at least 6 feet, and any space they use needs to be cleaned and disinfected.
- If you are the caregiver, remember to track your own temperature and symptoms. If you begin to experience a cough or fever, call your doctor for advice.
Treating symptoms of COVID-19
Valdez explains that the recommendations for treating symptoms of coronavirus include taking over-the-counter fever-reducing medicine like acetaminophen. She adds that the CDC and FDA have not advised against using medications like Ibuprofen at this time. Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns about using these medications.
“If Ibuprofen is the only thing available in the home, it’s safer for the patient to take what they have at home than for them to go out to the store to buy new medication and expose the virus others,” Valdez said.
Valdez recommends other options for treating and monitoring symptoms:
- If you are allergic to acetaminophen or cannot take it for medical reasons, it is fine to use ibuprofen in the meantime.
- To treat a cough, Valdez recommends taking over-the-counter medicines like dextromethorphan.
- If you have lung conditions and use an inhaler, use the inhaler as directed.
Many who have tested positive for COVID-19 are able to monitor symptoms and be cared for at home, but Valdez warns that there are a few situations where the person with COVID-19 needs to seek emergency medical attention:
- If lips turn pale and blue – this is a sign that their oxygen is dropping.
- If they are confused or cannot be aroused or wakened up.
- Severe trouble breathing that causes pressure or pain in the chest or the inability to form a complete sentence.
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Preventing Suicide During COVID-19 Pandemic
By Jagdish Khubchandani and Robert Cramer
President Trump recently brought suicide to the forefront of national discussion. While coronavirus is estimated to kill thousands of Americans, suicide is a perennial public health problem that social distancing might acerbate. For that reason alone, continuing to talk about the issue is critical.
However, the way we talk about suicide matters. Phrases such as “commit suicide” have fallen out of favor because they convey stigma about mental health and suicide.
That stigma may worsen things for people experiencing suicidal thinking by sending messages of blame and discouraging them from seeking help. Guidelines exist to promote responsible reporting and public discussion about suicide.
National and global leadership’s tone about the topic is not sensible, and the narrative is not evidence-based. Sensationalizing suicide, and irresponsibly trying to predict “tremendous” suicide death “in the thousands,” only serves to stoke fear and anxiety, potentially intensifying suicide risk.
The fact of the matter is that assessing the veracity of these basic claims is difficult. Will suicidal thinking, attempt, and death rise during or immediately after the pandemic or a recession?
Politicians’ statements and relying on recession-based data also presume we will end up with lingering economic strain.
What do we know about pandemics, economic strain, and suicide rates?
We could locate only one study addressing the direct matter of pandemic and suicide, which has considerable limitations. Two other recent events we may be able to draw on for insight reach conflicting conclusions.
There is modest evidence that suicide rates may drop or remain steady after major events like 9/11.
On the other hand, there is some evidence of an increase in recession-related suicide rates. All of these studies are tempered by recent evidence suggesting the field of suicide prevention does little better than a 50/50 coin flip in predicting suicide.
So where do we
go from here?
The best approach is a public health prevention model. We need to implement safeguards, from communities, organizations, and all the way down to individuals to prevent the worsening of suicide-related behavior in times of unique pandemic and economic stress. A few considerations and strategies during the pandemic are:
Social connectedness
Theories of suicide and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approach to suicide prevention repeatedly highlight the importance of social connection. Social isolation, on the other hand, can worsen suicide risk. Fortunately, technology-based and old-fashioned ways of staying connected exist.
Suicide prevention literature also shows that sending caring contacts can help us feel connected.
We may send letters or postcards, even electronically, especially to persons we know to be quarantined or otherwise isolated. Those in need of connection can always reach out via the National Lifeline (800-273-TALK) or CrisisText (Text “Home” to 741741). We also acknowledge these suggestions may not be possible where challenges exist for vulnerable populations.
Crisis call center funding
and support
A public health approach relies on crisis call centers. Interestingly, evidence supports persons reaching out to call centers are often seeking social support or connection.
Federal, state, and county governments should act swiftly to ensure staffing and funding support as part of any comprehensive pandemic or economic recession planning. More practical guidance on crisis call centers has also been offered.
Firearms
Firearms represent the most common lethal method of suicide deaths. Since the pandemic hit the United States, gun sales have spiked considerably.
Research has shown firearm owners often believe gun ownership is not associated with suicide and that policies such as safe gun storage may help reduce suicide risk.
These studies point to important strategies for suicide prevention such as developing public awareness and education materials through social media and radio platforms, as well as implementing safe storage of firearms. Partnering with firearm sellers in storage and suicide prevention efforts seems to be a promising avenue.
Financial policymaking
A team of United Kingdom researchers provided a roadmap of factors that may impact suicide during times of economic crisis. They highlighted pathways to suicide, beginning with perceived threat of job loss and actual loss (of job, home, etc.) leading to relationship conflict and deepening debt.
The financial stresses contribute to poor mental health and coping. In our time of pandemic, and economic loss, policymakers should invest in funding of welfare, unemployment insurance, and other measures to stem the impacts of job and financial loss.
As the U.S. government has just passed an economic stimulus package, it remains clear that strong financial supports to individuals, families, and small businesses are vital when placed in suicide prevention terms.
Enhancing resources for stress coping in the home
Current shelter-in-place orders can certainly hinder our stress coping strategies. We can take a few practical de-stressing steps to limit fear and anxiety. First, in creating a personal schedule, news consumption should be limited to one time per day and from reliable, accurate sources. Healthy eating, regular sleep, and other basics are vital to managing stress at home.
A wide variety of enjoyable activities are still possible such as spending time in nature, walking with friends at appropriate social distance, movies, music, and so forth (see here for pleasurable events ideas).
Mindfulness shows solid evidence in helping treat conditions such as depression and anxiety. A few free online resources include mindfulness for health care professionals and Mindful.org for easy to implement techniques.
Teletherapy
Many insurance companies recently expanded coverage for telehealth, including teletherapy. Publicly available resources exist to help find affordable therapists via telephone or web access.
For health service providers treating patients via distance, crisis response planning for persons experiencing suicidal ideation or other high risk problems should include removal of lethal suicide methods like guns. Further valuable telehealth crisis response planning information has been offered.
Moving Forward
The coronavirus poses economic, health, and other challenges for us all. Suicide is certainly a pressing matter within the discussion. We are all in the suicide prevention effort together. Stay connected, support others, share helpful resources, and advocate for smart public discourse and policy.
Rob Cramer, PhD, is an associate professor and Belk Distinguished Scholar in the Department of Public Health Sciences at UNC Charlotte.
Jagdish Khubchandani, PhD, MPH, MBBS, is a professor in the Department of Health Science at Ball State University.
Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin Launches Dedicated Respiratory Care Sites
EDITOR’S NOTE: Respiratory Care Sites are by appointment only. Patients must be pre-screened by an Ascension Wisconsin provider before visiting a respiratory care site.
Southeast Wis. – Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin launched 13 Respiratory Care Sites this week, including seven in Southeast Wisconsin, that are dedicated to caring for COVID-19 suspected or confirmed patients. These sites are designed for patients with acute respiratory illnesses to receive care in a controlled and safe environment to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to otherwise healthy patients during the pandemic.
“The goal of these respiratory care locations is to treat those who need immediate care but are neither critically ill nor need to be seen in the emergency department,” said Dr. Patricia Golden, primary care medical director, Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. “Clinicians and associates at these locations are specially trained in the use of personal protective equipment and disinfection that will occur during and between each patient visit.”
South Region Locations
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Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee – Cathedral Square | 734 North Jackson Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
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Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – St. Joseph Campus | 3070 N51st Street, Suite 106, Milwaukee, WI 53209
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Ascension Medical Group – Oak Creek | 8020 S Howell Ave. Oak Creek WI
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Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee – Grafton Clinic Lab | 2061 Cheyenne Court, Grafton, WI 53024
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Ascension All Saints – Four Mile Road | 2408 4 Mile Road, Racine, WI 53402
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Ascension All Saints – Spring Street Urgent Care | 3807 Spring Street, Racine, WI 53405
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Ascension Medical Group – Marsho Clinic |1703 North Taylor Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081
SERVICES OFFERED:
Respiratory Care services offered on site include an in-person, full evaluation of acute respiratory concerns, specimen collection for influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with additional lab and X-ray services available as needed.
SCREENING REQUIRED:
Patients seeking care will need to undergo a respiratory illness screening process before visiting or gaining entry to a respiratory care site, to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care.
HOW TO BE SCREENED:
Patients are screened for respiratory illness care by a registered nurse by calling their local Ascension provider office or by a physician via Ascension Online Care (ascension.org/OnlineCare). Patients who do not have an Ascension provider can call a local Ascension Medical Group clinic for screening, to establish care and have an appointment scheduled.
“Patients who need to be seen will be given an appointment at one of our Respiratory Care Sites, where they can be safely evaluated and treated, including imaging and lab where appropriate,” adds Dr. Golden. “Patients who do not need to be cared for in-person will receive an appointment at a drive-through testing location if needed, along with a stay-at-home recommendation and a care management plan. This plan may include a regular touch base with their provider through our telehealth service, Ascension Online Care, or by phone.”
Ascension Wisconsin has established a dedicated hotline for COVID-19 questions. This can be accessed toll free, 24/7 by calling 1-833-981-0711. Direct access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension can be found here: healthcare.ascension.org/
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About Ascension Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, Ascension operates 24 hospital campuses, more than 100 related healthcare facilities and employs more than 1,300 primary and specialty care clinicians from Racine to Eagle River. Serving Wisconsin since 1848, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., operating 2,600 sites of care – including 150 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities – in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Food storage safety
Trying to stay home to flatten the curve? That might mean more time in the kitchen preparing meals. Roberta Anding, assistant professor and performance dietitian for the Comprehensive Health Care Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine, answers some questions about food storage to help prevent food-borne illnesses.
How long can deli meats be refrigerated?
Sealed packages of deli meat are safe in your refrigerator for two weeks, but when they are opened, plan to use them within 3 to 5 days
How long can most meats be frozen?
This depends on the meat. Some meats, such as bacon and sausage, can be frozen for 1 to 2 months. Ground beef remains safe to use for 1 to 2 months in the freezer as well. Steaks and pork chops, since they are not ground, can be frozen for about 3 to 4 months.
If you don’t’ plan on using the fresh meat within 3 to 4 days, play it safe and freeze right away.
Can I freeze eggs?
Eggs can be frozen, just not in the shell. Crack them and mix the yolk and the white together and then freeze in an ice cube tray. Each frozen cube is equal to about one egg.
How long can I store dairy and/or formula?
Some highly perishable foods like dairy may go bad prior to the dates on the carton, especially if the food has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees. Keeping the temperature in your refrigerator at or below 40 degrees can help to keep your foods safe for a longer period of time.
When purchasing milk, some brands will use ultra-high temperature pasteurization, which has the advantage of a longer shelf life, longer than six months. These milks are found on the pantry shelfs and not in the refrigerator case. Organic milks in the refrigerated cases also can be ultra-high temperature pasteurized and can have an extended shelf life as well but must stay refrigerated.
How long can I store food I have cooked?
Promptly refrigerate leftovers in shallow dishes. Do not let leftovers cool off before putting them in the fridge. The longer the food sits out, the more likely it is to harbor bacteria. Food should be refrigerated within two hours of serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or consider freezing leftovers to extend their food safety window.
How should I reheat frozen foods?
Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is correct.
When heating up leftover soups or gravy, bring it to a boil.
Find more information on food safety here and watch a video with food safety tips here.
For more information, visit www.foodsafety.gov.
Versiti creates special hotline and electronic form to enable recovered COVID-19 patients to donate convalescent plasma
Milwaukee, Wis. – April 9, 2020 – Versiti blood centers, among the first in the U.S. to begin collecting convalescent plasma, is actively seeking recovered COVID-19 patients to donate convalescent plasma. The plasma would be used by Versiti’s hospital partners to treat the most severely affected coronavirus patients. Potential donors are asked to call a special hotline that has been created:
1-866-702-HOPE (866-702-4673) or they can visit versiti.org/
“The recovered donors must be proven to have had a COVID-19 diagnosis through a positive lab test result by a physician or laboratory,” said Versiti Senior Medical Director Dan A. Waxman, M.D. “That individual must then be symptom free for 28 days, or if symptom free for 14-27 days, they must provide results of a negative test.”
This blood-related treatment – approved by the FDA as an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) – could offer hope to the thousands of patients who continue to be diagnosed.
“One plasma donation can be divided to treat multiple patients,” said Dr. Waxman. “And one patient may require more than one plasma transfusion.”
The plasma treatment would transfer the antibodies that the recovered patient created, into critically ill patients currently receiving care.
The plasma donations, which take 30-40 minutes, will be collected by appointment from qualified donors at Versiti donor centers.
The donation process is the same as with other plasma donations, and will be performed using an apheresis machine, which separates the blood components.
Though blood group AB is the universal plasma donor, any blood type donor who has recovered from the virus is eligible to donate as part of the program.
ABOUT VERSITI
Versiti, a national leader in blood health innovation, was formed with the mission to improve the health of patients and enable the success of our health care partners nationally. We provide innovative, value added solutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, transplantation, and blood-related diseases to meet the needs of each of our customers. The collective efforts across Versiti result in improved patient outcomes, expanded access to care and cost efficiencies for health care systems nationwide. For more information, visit versiti.org.
Assisting the elderly throughout COVID-19
HOUSTON – (April 9, 2020) – People all around the world are encouraged to stay home to contain the spread of coronavirus, and experts have especially urged older adults, who are at a higher risk of complications from the virus, to stay inside to protect themselves. Dr. Angela Catic, assistant professor in the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine, provides insight on how to help older adults in the community during the global pandemic.
Stay connected
Not all elders will be willing to connect digitally, as it may be a major challenge for them. Some may not have the proper equipment, while others may have hearing and visual difficulties or cognitive impairments. Technology is not a necessity if it will add more stress to an already stressful time. Instead, call your loved ones on the phone or send letters and postcards. Children can send drawings to their grandparents as well. Others may visit their elderly loved ones by waving and speaking through the window.
If the older adult wants to use technology, give simple explanations to help them log in. Something like FaceTime on a smartphone, if they have one, may be easier to explain since it has less steps than Zoom or other video conference services on the computer.
Help with groceries and errands
Family members can offer to run errands or get groceries. If this is not an option, neighbors and peers in the area can drop off groceries to their elderly neighbors. Many community and faith-based organizations also are offering food delivery so people do not need to leave the house. If they have difficulty doing this on the computer, stores may allow them to call to place grocery orders over the phone and can provide more information on senior hours.
“If there are alternatives to going to the stores, like neighbors, family or delivery, I would encourage them to do that to further minimize their exposure to others during this time,” Catic said.
Empower older adults to stay home
Explain that the best way to prevent significant spread of the virus is by keeping distance from one another. Empower them to feel that this is a step they can take to safeguard their own health and that of those they love. Educate them and explain that this is a new virus, so no one is immune, and we are lacking a vaccine. Make them feel empowered by explaining that they are helping the community by staying inside.
“Staying home is not inaction, it’s action,” Catic said. “Discourage them from going out if they can stay home.”
Try not to use the phrase social distancing. Instead, say ‘physically distant, socially connected.’ Many older adults are feeling isolated, but if they are distancing at home, they can still connect through the phone, letters and postcards.
Set a routine
Catic encourages people of all ages to follow a routine and think of ways to engage mentally and physically. Exercise at home with walks around the house and gentle stretching. Museums, libraries and other institutions across the world have opened up virtual exhibits to experience at home.
If older adults have regularly scheduled doctor’s appointments, contact the doctor’s office ahead of the visit. Many doctors are converting to telephonic and video visits to protect patients from increasing their risk of exposure for non-urgent issues.
“We don’t want older adults to feel abandoned. Their doctors are available to care for them while taking steps to reduce potential exposure to the virus,” Catic said.
Multigenerational households
Some people live in multigenerational households, which makes distancing difficult. All family members should minimize social contact. This is important for everyone in the home, not just older adults. Catic offers tips for family members to protect their loved ones in the house.
- It is important for everyone in the family to be diligent about practicing infection prevention measure, including washing hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and disinfecting high-touch surfaces several times per day.
- As there is evidence that asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus, members of the household could consider wearing cloth face masks in the home to reduce this risk.
- Multigenerational families could consider physically distancing at home, staying six feet away from older adults. This may be especially relevant in young children who may not be able to be as vigilant about infection prevention measure.
“While multigenerational households may prevent some additional challenges given that older adults are high-risk for coronavirus, there is the benefit of families being able to assist one another during this challenging time,” Catic said.