COVID-19 Archives - Health BeatHealth Beat

When is a Cough Serious?

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Coughing is a normal reflex and often does not signify a serious underlying medical condition. However, a cough could be connected to a more significant health issue and should be evaluated by a doctor when it is:

Severe
Worsening over time
Occurring frequently over several days or weeks

A cough can be either “acute,” meaning that it lasts less than three weeks, or “chronic,” meaning that it lasts longer. Some causes of acute cough, such as the common cold or exposure to airborne irritants, are not necessarily causes for concern on their own, but others, such as pneumonia and influenza, are potentially life-threatening for some people, such as older adults, infants, and people with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.

In many cases, chronic coughing is also not indicative of a major, life-threatening health problem, such as when it is caused by mild allergies or asthma. However, it may be a cause for concern when it is severe, frequent, or accompanied by one or more other symptoms, including (but not limited to):

Coughing up blood
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss

These symptoms could indicate that a cough is associated with a serious underlying medical condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary embolism. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

You can receive diagnostic care and specialized treatment for your cough at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

COVID-19 Variant BA.2.86: What You Should Know

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detected a new variant of COVID-19 called BA.2.86. While many details about this variant are not currently known, it is believed (though unconfirmed) that it can potentially cause infections more easily in people who have previously had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated against the virus.

Cases of BA.2.86 were first detected in Denmark and Israel before initially appearing in the United States. The presence of this variant was also preliminarily detected in a wastewater sample collected by the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), one of multiple monitoring systems used by the CDC to detect COVID-19 variants and better understand their spread throughout the United States.

BA.2.86 has a large number of mutations compared to other variants of COVID-19, raising concerns that it may be more resistant against the immunity provided by vaccines and other treatments. However, it is believed that, based on the mutation profile of this variant, current treatments such as Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio, as well as the new vaccines to be made available to the public this fall, will still offer effective protection. Additionally, most of the United States population carries COVID-19 antibodies due to prior vaccination, infection, or both, which will likely continue to provide protection against severe illness due to the virus.

BA.2.86 spreads in the same way as other COVID-19 variants, which means that it can generally be prevented in the same ways. Aside from staying up to date with your vaccinations, some steps you can take to protect yourself and others include:

Washing your hands
Staying home and getting tested for COVID-19 if you feel sick
Seeking treatment if you test positive
Wearing a high-quality mask that fits over your nose and mouth
Improving ventilation in your home and work space

You can get vaccinated and treated for COVID-19 at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

What You Should Know About The Novavax Adjuvanted COVID Vaccine

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Novavax vaccine, Adjuvanted was recently authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 12 years of age and older. It is the fourth vaccine to receive authorization in the U.S. along with Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine packages harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus alongside another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future.”

Adjuvanted is found to be 90% effective against COVID. It is used for primary vaccinations, meaning it has not been authorized for use as a booster.

The vaccine is given in two doses, three weeks apart. It is given as an injection in the muscle. Mixing Adjuvanted with other COVID-19 vaccines is not recommended at this time.

As with other vaccines, there are side effects associated with Adjuvanted. The most common side effects include:

Pain or tenderness at the injection site
Injection site redness or swelling
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea/ vomiting
Fever
Chills

Myocarditis and pericarditis, conditions caused by an inflammation of the heart, have occurred in a few clinical trial participants.

Although potential side effects can occur after receiving a COVID vaccine, the CDC advises that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Vaccines remain the most effective form of protection against infection.

It is important to remember that information about COVID-19 is constantly changing as we learn more about the virus. We encourage you to visit the CDC for updates.

COVID-19 In Children

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Recent reports have shown a dramatic increase in the number of children testing positive for COVID-19 in the United States, especially as the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads across the country.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported the week of January 13^th, which is four times the amount we experienced during last winter’s surge.

Due to the rise in pediatric cases in the U.S., Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to provide parents with a list of signs and symptoms to look for in their children.

In most cases, COVID-19 symptoms in kids are milder than the symptoms experienced by adults and in some cases, children display no signs at all.

Some of the possible symptoms of a COVID-19 infection in children include:

Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose or congestion
Shortness of breath
Fever
Chills
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue

Some children may also experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or loss of taste or smell.

Even though most children who become infected do not experience severe symptoms, some may develop a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (or MIS-C). This condition is characterized by inflammation in various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, eyes, skin, brain, or gastrointestinal organs. Recent research has shown that children between the ages of 2 and 15 infected with COVID-19 may develop MIS-C. Onset of symptoms typically occur between two to six weeks after the child is exposed to coronavirus. Possible symptoms of MIS-C include:

Skin rash
Abdominal pain
Cracked lips
Swelling of the hands or feet
Bloodshot eyes

The best protection against serious illness for COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. It is recommended that all children, ages five and up get a vaccine. For details, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Differences Between COVID PCR and Rapid Tests

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

What are some of the differences between a COVID PCR test and a rapid test?

Here are a few:

1. PCR or Polymerase chain reaction tests detect RNA ( the virus’ genetic material).
2. Rapid tests or antigen tests detect proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens.
3. A PCR test is considered to be highly accurate. It is the most sensitive test method available at this time.
4. According to the CDC, antigen test sensitivity “varies depending on the course of infection, but generally moderate-to-high at times of peak viral load.”
5. Most PCR test specimens are processed in a lab.
6. Rapid test samples are applied to a test strip.
7. The turnaround time for PCR test results on average can be 1- 3 days (This may vary depending on a facility’s capacity to process specimens)
8. The turnaround time for rapid test results ranges from 15- 30 minutes.

Remember getting tested for COVID is very important to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID, you should get tested regardless of vaccination status.

Tips On How To Gather And Travel Safely For The Holidays

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced the emergence of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the variant is likely to spread more easily than the original virus. Therefore, it is important for people to exercise safety and caution, especially while traveling and gathering during the holiday season.

If you plan on traveling or socializing, it is important to follow these safety guidelines provided by the CDC to protect your health and the health of others:

Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Test to prevent spread to others (Getting tested can give you information about your risk of spreading COVID-19).
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
Do not travel if you have been exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or if you test positive for COVID-19.

The CDC is also recommending that you delay travel if you have not been fully vaccinated. Other travel and socialization recommendations include keeping gatherings small and consider staying at a hotel if you are visiting loved ones out of town.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce the spread of the virus and minimize the severity of the disease.

It is important to keep in mind that you are considered vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or two weeks after a single dose of getting Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. If you do not meet these requirements, you must continue to take the same precautions as those who are unvaccinated.

By following these recommendations, we can stop the spread of the virus, protect our health, and safely enjoy the holidays.

Vaccine Booster Eligibility

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

COVID-19 vaccines are found to be effective in lowering the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, the efficacy of the vaccine may decrease over time. To help strengthen and prolong protection from COVID, vaccine boosters or additional shots are recommended for individuals who are fully vaccinated but may be at an increased risk for infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for those who fit certain criteria.

According to the CDC, individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, are eligible for a booster if they are:

65 years or older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work or live-in high-risk settings

Booster shots for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine are recommended six months after receiving your second dose. You can get any of the vaccines authorized in the U.S.

If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, you are eligible for a booster if you are 18 years old or older. Getting any of the boosters authorized in the U.S. two months after vaccination is recommended.

Side effects to booster shots may vary, the CDC states, “Reactions reported after getting a booster shot were similar to that of the 2-shot or single-dose initial series. Fever, headache, fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot or single-dose initial series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur.”

What You Need To Know About The Delta Variant

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

It is common for viruses to change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur. These variants can affect the strength, symptoms, or transmission rate of the virus. There have been multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 identified in the United States and globally throughout this pandemic. One variant that you may be hearing more and more about is the Delta variant.

The highly transmissible delta variant of the COVID-19 virus was first identified in India and has now been reported in at least 104 countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta variant is now the dominant strain of the virus, representing 51.7% of new COVID cases in the United States as of the week of July 3.

The Delta variant is a cause of concern to health authorities because it is thought to be the most transmissible variant yet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Delta variant is estimated to be approximately 55% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was first identified in Britain last year. Officials believe it is more contagious because of its ability to partially evade the antibodies made by the immune system after a coronavirus infection or vaccination.

Many health experts fear the variant will cause a surge in new cases this fall, hitting the unvaccinated the hardest. Currently, only 48% of adult Americans are fully vaccinated, well below the 70% most believe is needed to achieve herd immunity. In fact, areas in the U.S. with low vaccination rates are already beginning to see delta-driven outbreaks, and the number of COVID-19 cases has begun to climb again nationally.

The good news is that data suggests that several widely used shots, including those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, appear to retain most of their effectiveness against the delta variant.

Jamaica Hospital urges everyone eligible to get vaccinated if they have not already done so. Vaccination is the best way to stop the spread of all the variants and reduce the odds that new, even more, dangerous variants emerge.

How COVID-19 Can Affect Your Mental Health

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Many people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 over the past year and a half have reported a variety of long-term symptoms. The conditions that have received the most attention focus on either the physical effects of the virus, such as shortness of breath or fatigue or cognitive deficits, such as confusion or memory loss. For some, however, there are other lingering symptoms that can affect their mental health.

Recent research has concluded that nearly one person in five diagnosed with COVID-19 now also suffers some form of a mental health disorder. This can include:

Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia

Other patients may experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Patients experiencing PTSD typically have spent time in a hospital, more specifically in an intensive care unit, or were on a ventilator.

While it is difficult to determine is if these mental health symptoms emerge in patients as a result of neurological reaction to the virus or are due to the stresses of contracting the virus, it is important to raise awareness of the issue and provide resources to get these individuals the necessary help.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Post-COVID Care Center, located in our MediSys Hollis Tudors Center at 2001-16 Hollis Avenue, offers comprehensive range of services for those living with lingering effects of the virus, mental health services delivered by highly qualified psychiatrists. To make an appointment, please call 718-736-8204.

Do You Have Post-COVID Re-Entry Anxiety?

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Michael Hinck

As more individuals across the United States are getting vaccinated, many of the places that were forced to close due to the pandemic are slowly beginning to re-open and other social distancing restrictions are being lifted.

For some, these are signs that the country is returning to a degree of “normalcy” and is reason for excitement. For others however, the lifting of these restraints can evoke feelings of uncertainty, stress, fear, and anxiety.

Those who are experiencing these emotions might be living with a condition referred to as “Re-Entry Anxiety”, which is characterized by the stress encountered while attempting to return to a normal lifestyle. Those who experience reentry anxiety may have feelings of uneasiness about returning to work or school, are uncomfortable at social gatherings regardless of the size, and avoid human contact such as handshakes or hugs.

Re-entry anxiety is not an uncommon condition. According to experts, nearly 50% of Americans admit to feeling anxious about resuming in-person interactions after it is acceptable to do so. The same research also concluded that those who were vaccinated expressed the same level of concerns as those who have not yet been vaccinated. History has also taught us that the number of people presenting with mental health conditions, such as agoraphobia or obsessive compulsive disorder tend to increase following public health crises, such as after the recent SARS and Ebola outbreaks.

There are a few things those dealing with re-entry anxiety can do to ease themselves back into social situations, these include:

Giving yourself permission to be anxious – Don’t judge yourself for whatever feelings you may be having. Understand that your feelings are natural, normal, and shared by many.

Starting small –Rather than thrusting yourself into an overwhelming environment, start gradually with brief, one-on-one interactions with a trusted friend. Try going for a short walk or sitting at an outdoor café.
Confronting your fears – If you are feeling anxious about something, it is best to address the issue as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to overcome it.
Creating a bucket-list – Think about the things you have missed that bring you the most happiness. Setting a goal to do these things once again can shift your focus from anxiety to optimism and joy.
Buddy-up – If you know someone who has similar levels of anxiety, work through your anxieties together. You can support each other and provide the strength to get through the otherwise difficult re-entry process.
Focusing on the facts – By relying on trusted sources, such as the CDC and state and local health departments will help you make informed decisions about the best and safest course to reintegrate yourself into normal activities.

While some may find these tips helpful, it is important to understand that there is no right or wrong way to overcome re-entry anxiety. We all had different experiences that affected how we coped during the pandemic; therefore everyone may have different factors that determine their reentry process.

For some, reentry might require professional assistance. The good news is help is available. There are many individual or group therapy options available either in-person or via telemedicine. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s outpatient mental health center, please call 718-206-5575.