Ask A Black Doctor

S2 Ep10: Fighting COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation and Heart Awareness

COVID-19 Vaccine & Damar Hamlin: Social media posts linking Damar Hamlin's collapse to the COVID-19 vaccine are unsubstantiated. His vaccination status is unknown, and doctors suggest commotio cordis (blunt chest trauma) as a possible cause for his cardiac arrest, not a heart attack. Commotio Cordis vs. Heart Attack: Commotio cordis is a sudden cardiac arrest from chest trauma at a specific heartbeat moment, requiring immediate 9-1-1 and CPR. A heart attack is due to blocked blood flow, where the person can still talk/breathe but needs hospital care. Vaccine Side Effects: Rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (heart inflammation) have been reported in teen boys and young men post-second COVID-19 shot, typically resolving quickly. Severe allergic reactions are also a remote possibility. Vaccine Safety & Efficacy: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, undergoing continuous testing. Vaccination and boosters prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, building immunity against the virus and its variants like Omicron. XBB.1.5 Variant: XBB.1.5, an Omicron subvariant, is spreading quickly but shows no evidence of causing more severe illness. More information is expected. Accessibility: OHA provides information in alternate formats. Contact 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us [COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us].  QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY:  "Why are we getting an influx of super sicknesses? Respiratory systems seem to be under attack (RSV, colds, Covid) what factors are contributing to this?" - Janita Jones  "Might be good to address the concerns of myocarditis and vaccines." - Holly Hinson  "Ideas & Community Care practices inclusive of immunocompromised people - how can we move forward without leaving a group of people behind?" - Emma Holland

S2 Ep9: Situational Update on COVID-19/Flu/RSV Pt. 3

Q1: Are respiratory viruses still a concern post-holiday season? Yes, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 circulate. Flu and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising, stressing hospital capacity, while RSV has declined. Q2: Why are high hospitalizations problematic? Hospitals are at capacity, exacerbated by staff shortages due to illness. This leads to long ER waits and potential lack of regular rooms. Q3: How can people reduce hospitalization risk? Prevent infection by wearing masks indoors, limiting gathering sizes (especially with high-risk individuals), staying home when sick, practicing cough/sneeze etiquette, cleaning surfaces, washing hands, and getting vaccinated (flu, COVID-19 shots/boosters). Seek immediate care for severe symptoms or if in a high-risk group. Warning signs for children include trouble breathing, bluish lips, chest pain, severe muscle pain, dehydration, altered consciousness, seizures, high fever (or any fever in infants under 12 weeks), worsening chronic conditions, or worsening/returning fever/cough. For adults, warning signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain/pressure, dizziness/confusion, seizures, no urination, severe muscle pain/weakness, worsening chronic conditions, or worsening/returning fever/cough. Q4: What is OHA doing about hospital staffing? OHA is working with Gov. Brown to ease staffing issues through an executive order providing flexibility and allowing medical volunteers. OHA has brought in contract nurses and respiratory therapists and seeks additional funding for supplemental staffing. OHA also uses the Health Alert Network (HAN) to update healthcare communities on surge response, supplies, guidelines, and prevention. Document accessibility: OHA provides information in alternate formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

S2 Ep8: Situational Update on COVID-19/Flu/RSV Pt.2

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory virus spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing. While usually mild, it can be severe for children under two, premature infants, those with cardiopulmonary disease, adults 65+, and immunocompromised individuals. 25-40% of first-infected children show bronchiolitis or pneumonia, but only 2% need hospitalization. Symptoms, appearing 4-6 days post-infection, include runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Infants may show irritability, decreased activity, or breathing difficulties. Due to racism-related stress, Black and African American women have a higher risk of premature births, increasing RSV risk for their babies. Awareness and prevention are crucial for the community. Preventative measures include staying home when sick, avoiding close contact with ill individuals, frequent handwashing (20 seconds with soap and water), disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and considering masks in crowded indoor settings. Staying updated on flu and COVID vaccinations is also recommended. For child-care questions, contact a healthcare provider or urgent care. For accessibility needs (disabilities or non-English speakers), OHA provides alternative formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

S2 Ep7: Situational Update on COVID-19/Flu/RSV

RSV, a common respiratory virus, spreads via droplets from coughs/sneezes. Most children have mild illness, but young children, especially those under two, premature infants, and those with cardiopulmonary disease, are more susceptible. Adults 65+ and immunocompromised individuals are also at higher risk. 25-40% of first-infected children get bronchiolitis or pneumonia, but only 2% require hospitalization. Symptoms appear 4-6 days post-infection, including runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Infants may show irritability, decreased activity, or breathing difficulties. Black and African American women have a higher risk of premature births due to racism-related stress, increasing RSV risk for their infants. Prevention is crucial. Take safety measures: stay home when sick, avoid close contact, wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, and consider masks in crowds. Stay updated on flu and COVID vaccinations. For concerns about your child's care, contact your healthcare provider or urgent care. For accessibility needs, contact OHA at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

S2 Ep6: Bivalent Vaccines & Addressing Mental Health

Bivalent Vaccine Key Facts: Moderna and Pfizer's updated boosters target current subvariants (BA.4 and BA.5) and the original COVID-19 strain. The FDA deemed them safe and effective after extensive trials, similar to annual flu vaccine updates. No prior boosters are needed. These vaccines are free, with no insurance or residency proof required. Side effects are similar to monovalent mRNA vaccines. Pfizer's booster is for ages 12+ (single dose, 2 months after initial series or last booster). Moderna's is for ages 18+ (single dose, 2 months after primary series or last booster). Addressing Behavioral & Mental Health during COVID-19: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 compassionate support from trained crisis counselors for various behavioral health crises, including thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or substance use. It's also for those worried about loved ones. While 911 dispatches in-person responders, 988 provides emotional support via call, text, or chat. 988 aims to be as well-known as 911 for behavioral health crises. For serious situations, 988 centers will collaborate with local mental health providers for appropriate interventions.