Tag: COVID-19

Doctors at the University of Kansas Health System on Monday discussed an uptick in diabetes cases among people who have had COVID-19.

Dr. David Robbins, director of the KU Diabetes Institute, said they don’t have the answer yet to whether the coronavirus causes diabetes. They have seen up to 14.5 percent of severe COVID-19 cases also developing diabetes.

One possible explanation has been that those who became sick with COVID-19 already had a tendency to be prediabetic, and they would have gotten diabetes anyway, according to Dr. Robbins.

Another theory is that diabetics may already have a high level of inflammation, which is why they may be hit harder by COVID-19.

Dr. Robbins said the coronavirus affects people of color and minorities more often than Caucasians, but he doesn’t know why.

Most of the diabetes patients in America have Type 2, with an onset at middle age, he said. The disease slowly comes on, and sometimes is not discovered until the patient has a routine checkup.

Dr. Robbins said while you can’t change your genetics and the fact you’re getting older, you can stay thin and exercise. Doing that will reduce the risk of getting diabetes as much as tenfold, he said.

He tells patients to stay away from processed foods when they shop, and to eat vegetables and lean meats.

COVID-19 patients who come into the hospital with low blood sugar are less likely to have complications and have a shorter stay, Dr. Robbins said.

“Any exercise is helpful,” he said. “Walk a little, eat a little less, to reduce your risk.”

“The vaccine works extremely well with diabetes, so we’re encouraging all patients to get that as well,” he said.

To see more information about COVID-19 and diabetes, visit https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/3832220300228398.
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COVID-19 case numbers reported

The University of Kansas Health System reported eight active COVID-19 patients on Monday morning, a decrease of five from Friday, according to Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control. Of the eight patients, two were in the intensive care unit, a decrease of two since Friday. One patient was on a ventilator, a decrease of two since Friday. There were another 15 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of two since Friday. There is a total 23 patients, a decrease of seven since Friday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 38 COVID-19 cases on Monday, March 29, from Friday, March 26, for a cumulative 18,057 cases. There was a cumulative total of 285 deaths reported, no change since Friday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 163,868 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 60. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,327.

The state of Kansas reported 301,862 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday, March 29, an increase of 429 cases since Friday. There were a total cumulative 4,902 deaths reported, an increase of 11 deaths.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Monday night reported 30,331,794 cases in the United States, with 550,036 total deaths reported nationwide.

Vaccinations available Tuesday

On Monday, Wyandotte County started Phase 5 in the state’s vaccination plan, that allows everyone 16 and older to get a vaccination. Wyandotte County residents may walk in to the three vaccination centers or may make an appointment. Visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

The vaccination sites are open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave., the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway and the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th (near 18th and Ridge).

Those Wyandotte County residents in Phases 1 to 4 also may walk in to a Health Department vaccination site, or may sign up for a vaccination at WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

Those who walk in to get vaccines should bring an ID and something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as mail. For more information about vaccines at the UG Health Department, visit https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-vaccines-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/.

There are also pharmacies giving COVID-19 vaccinations in Wyandotte County by appointment, when available. These include Price Chopper and Hen House pharmacy at 76th and State Avenue, and 81st and State Avenue (see https://www.ballsfoodspharmacy.com/), and Medicine Shoppe pharmacy at 65th and Parallel by appointment when available (see https://www.facebook.com/The-Medicine-Shoppe-Kansas-City-281548241870522). CVS pharmacy also has announced that it will offer COVID-19 vaccines at one of its stores in Kansas City, Kansas. Registration is at CVS.com.

COVID-19 tests scheduled

Free COVID-19 tests are available from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 30, at All Saints parish, 811 Vermont, Kansas City, Kansas. Appointments are not needed. This is part of the Wyandotte County Health Care Task Force initiative. People may get tested whether or not they have symptoms. Free groceries are given to those who get tested, while supplies last.

Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Tuesday, March 30. For more information, visit https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19. To see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

The Health Department is offering saliva COVID-19 tests to the public. Tests from the Health Department are free for those who live or work in Wyandotte County.

The tests are open to asymptomatic people as well as those who have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. Check with the UG Health Department’s Facebook page to see if there have been any changes in the schedule. Bring something that shows that you live or work in Wyandotte County, such as a utility bill.

COVID-19 testing also is available at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave.,, by appointment. The tests are listed on the Go Get Tested site at www.gogettested.com/Kansas. The WellHealth tests need appointments., which can be made at the website.

The Health Department’s general contact page is at https://www.wycokck.org/Health/Contact.aspx. Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

Testing sites are at https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19.

Saliva testing is now offered at the UG Health Department. For more information, visit https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/02042021-ugphd-saliva-testing-available.pdf.

The University of Kansas Health System COVID-19 update page is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/265130208445513.

A weekly vaccine report for the state of Kansas is at
https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/123/Vaccine-Historical-Document-22521?bidId=.

The UG COVID-19 webpage is at https://alpha.wycokck.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information.

The KDHE’s COVID-19 webpage is at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/.

The KC Region COVID-19 Hub dashboard is at https://marc2.org/covidhub/.

The Wyandotte County page on the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 website is at https://bao.arcgis.com/covid-19/jhu/county/20209.html.

The Johns Hopkins Data in Motion, a presentation on critical COVID-19 data in the past 24 hours, is at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/covid-19-daily-video.

The Centers for Disease Control has several ideas on how to have safer holidays.

According to the CDC, getting a vaccination can help protect people from COVID-19.

Two weeks after their last shot, those who are fully vaccinated may be able to start doing some things they had stopped doing because of the pandemic, the CDC stated.

Those who have been fully vaccinated can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask, the CDC stated. They can also gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household, for example, visiting with relatives who all live together, without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, according to the CDC.

The CDC stated those fully vaccinated people who have been around someone who has COVID-19 do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless they have symptoms. However, if they live in a group setting such as a correctional or detention facility or group home and are around someone who has COVID-19, they should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if they don’t have symptoms, according to the CDC.

For those who have been fully vaccinated, there are still a number of guidance recommendations that haven’t changed, according to the CDC.

According to the CDC, people should still wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces in many situations. This applies in public, in gatherings with unvaccinated people from more than one other household, and in visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk, the CDC stated. Vaccinated people should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings, according to the CDC.

The CDC stated they’re still learning how effective the vaccins are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Early data showed the vaccines may work against some variants but could be less effective against others, according to the CDC. They’re also still learning how long the vaccines will protect against COVID-19.

It’s also recommended to delay domestic and international travel.

The safest way to observe religious holidays is to gather virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet apart from others, the CDC recommended.

In addition, the CDC recommends enjoying traditional meals with those who live with you, practicing religious holiday customs at home, preparing and delivering a meal to a neighbor, watching virtual religious and cultural performances and attending religious ceremonies virtually.

Wearing a mask will make holiday celebrations safer, according to the CDC.

Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect others and yourself, the CDC stated. Wear the mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under the chin and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face. Wear a mask indoors and outdoors, the CDC recommended.

Also, the CDC recommended staying at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.

Indoors or outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, the CDC stated. People without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others, the CDC stated.

Also, the CDC recommended that people avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

As much as possible, avoid crowds and indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors, the CDC stated. If indoors, try to bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible.

The CDC also recommended washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially recommended after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and before eating. Make sure to dry hands completely using a clean towel or by air drying. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth, according to the CDC.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

The University of Kansas Health System reported 13 active COVID-19 patients on Friday morning, a decrease of one from Thursday, according to Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control. Of the 13 patients, four were in the intensive care unit, an increase of one from Thursday. Three patients were on a ventilator, an increase of one since Thursday. There were another 17 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of one since Thursday. There is a total 30 patients, a decrease of two from Thursday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 21 COVID-19 cases on Friday, March 26, since Thursday, for a cumulative 18,019 cases. There was a cumulative total of 285 deaths reported, no change since Thursday. The case numbers are not updated on Saturday and Sunday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 163,791 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the same as Saturday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 64. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,324. Some jurisdictions in the nine-county area are not reporting figures on the weekends.

The state of Kansas reported 301,433 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Friday, March 26, an increase of 406 cases since Wednesday. There were a total cumulative 4,891 deaths reported, an increase of 10 deaths. The state reports its figures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Saturday night reported 30,262,123 cases in the United States, with 549,335 total deaths reported nationwide.

Vaccinations available Monday

On Monday, Wyandotte County will start Phase 5 in the state’s vaccination plan, that allows everyone 16 and older to get a vaccination. Wyandotte County residents may walk in to the three vaccination centers or may make an appointment. Visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

The vaccination sites are open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave., the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway and the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th (near 18th and Ridge).

Those Wyandotte County residents in Phases 1 to 4 also may walk in to a Health Department vaccination site, or may sign up for a vaccinate at WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

Those who walk in to get vaccines should bring an ID and something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as mail. For more information about vaccines at the UG Health Department, visit https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-vaccines-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/.

There are also pharmacies giving COVID-19 vaccinations in Wyandotte County by appointment, when available. These include Price Chopper and Hen House pharmacy at 76th and State Avenue, and 81st and State Avenue (see https://www.ballsfoodspharmacy.com/), and Medicine Shoppe pharmacy at 65th and Parallel by appointment when available (see https://www.facebook.com/The-Medicine-Shoppe-Kansas-City-281548241870522). CVS pharmacy also has announced that it will offer COVID-19 vaccines at one of its stores in Kansas City, Kansas. Registration is at CVS.com.

COVID-19 tests scheduled

Free COVID-19 tests are available from 8 a.m. to noon Monday, March 29, at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 9301 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. Appointments are not needed. This is part of the Wyandotte County Health Care Task Force. People may get tested whether or not they have symptoms. Free groceries are given to those who get tested, while supplies last.

Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Monday, March 29. For more information, visit https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19. To see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

The Health Department is offering saliva COVID-19 tests to the public. Tests from the Health Department are free for those who live or work in Wyandotte County.

The tests are open to asymptomatic people as well as those who have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. Check with the UG Health Department’s Facebook page to see if there have been any changes in the schedule. Bring something that shows that you live or work in Wyandotte County, such as a utility bill.

COVID-19 testing also is available at 8 a.m. Monday at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave.,, by appointment. The tests are listed on the Go Get Tested site at www.gogettested.com/Kansas. The WellHealth tests need appointments., which can be made at the website.

The Health Department’s general contact page is at https://www.wycokck.org/Health/Contact.aspx. Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

Testing sites are at https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19.

Saliva testing is now offered at the UG Health Department. For more information, visit https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/02042021-ugphd-saliva-testing-available.pdf.

The University of Kansas Health System COVID-19 update page is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/265130208445513.

A weekly vaccine report for the state of Kansas is at
https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/123/Vaccine-Historical-Document-22521?bidId=.

The UG COVID-19 webpage is at https://alpha.wycokck.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information.

The KDHE’s COVID-19 webpage is at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/.

The KC Region COVID-19 Hub dashboard is at https://marc2.org/covidhub/.

The Wyandotte County page on the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 website is at https://bao.arcgis.com/covid-19/jhu/county/20209.html.

The Johns Hopkins Data in Motion, a presentation on critical COVID-19 data in the past 24 hours, is at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/covid-19-daily-video.