During the COVID-19 crisis, KSAT 12 News is interviewing experts like Ruth Berggren, M.D., associate professor of infectious disease and director of the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, to separate fact from fiction about the new coronavirus. In two live interviews, Dr. Berggren answers the following questions: Is COVID-19 an “airborne” virus? How long does COVID-19 live on surfaces?…
Hand sanitizer is flying off store shelves due to coronavirus and people are resorting to making their own. Some recipes online call for vodka. Dr. Fred Campbell, General and Hospital Medicine, discusses why people should not use vodka when making their own sanitizer. “As far as I know, Everclear — because of its high concentration of alcohol — would be the only agent that’s going to be an…
Dr. Fred Campbell, an internal medicine specialist with UT Health San Antonio talks about what precautions are needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and other viral diseases like the flu, their symptom similarities and the use of facemasks with KENS5.
News of the coronavirus outbreak in China came just before the new year. With cases of the coronavirus confirmed in the United States including San Antonio, many are searching for ways to avoid getting sick. Dr. Maria Fernandez Falcon, a pediatrician with infectious disease expertise at UT Health Physicians, shares these coronavirus facts and tips to help keep you and your loved ones healthy., , What is the coronavirus?, Coronavirus is named for the crown-like spikes on its surface. Sometimes, coronaviruses that infect animals evolve and become a new human coronavirus. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. The current virus is called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness called COVID-19, first detected in Wuhan, China,…, , What steps can you take to avoid coronavirus?, The most likely form of transmission is through: • Droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing. • Close personal contact with someone with coronavirus (touching or shaking hands). • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. The CDC recommends the following to prevent the spread of any respiratory viruses, including coronavirus…, , What are the symptoms of coronavirus?, At this time, the CDC believes that symptoms of the coronavirus may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Patients with coronavirus have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: • Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Unfortunately, in more severe cases, coronavirus infection can cause: • Pneumonia • Severe acute…, , What should you do if you think you may be infected with coronavirus?, If you have recently traveled or been exposed to someone who traveled to or from Wuhan, China, and are experiencing fever, cough or difficulty breathing, immediately contact your health care provider. Be sure to call ahead before going into your doctor’s office or emergency department to prevent any potential spread of the virus., , How is coronavirus treated?, Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent infection and there is no specific antiviral treatment for coronavirus. People with coronavirus should immediately receive care from their health care provider to relieve their symptoms. This information has been obtained from resources offered by the CDC, WHO and the Texas Department of State Health Services. For more information about…
Dr. Amelie Ramirez discusses the importance of the 180+ clinical trials happening at the Mays Cancer Center, and their positive impact for a city with a high Hispanic population. She also talks about the benefit of patients enrolling in clinical trials and the positive effects for ethnic groups. San Antonio has a special role to play when it comes to clinical trials. Due to the lack of minorities…
UT Health San Antonio continues to expand its cancer research programs through scientific breakthroughs and by recruiting the brightest minds from around the world. Together with the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, San Antonio has become a great force in the cancer-fighting world. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) on Feb. 19 awarded 55 new grants,…
In this short video, Jason Bowling, M.D., a specialist in infectious diseases talks about the coronavirus and the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Bowling discusses where the virus started, who is at risk and how you can prevent getting sick. He explains the fatality rate and what’s being done to combat the virus.
The MMR vaccine is an important consideration for women who are planning to become pregnant. Dr. Jason Bowling, from UT Health San Antonio, explains its importance. The vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Rubella poses serious risks for pregnant woman and their unborn babies. According to Dr. Bowling, “If a pregnant woman gets rubella, they could have a miscarriage, they could…
Dr. Jannine Cody of UT Health is a great example of how a mother’s love can benefit families around the world. Her daughter was born with a rare, largely unstudied, genetic abnormality. Determined to learn more, Dr. Cody formed a family support group, called the Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society. The registry includes 2,000 families in the United States. Dr. Cody leads a center that…
By: Andrew Dinh, D.O. , Primary Care, UT Health Hill Country The flu, properly known as “influenza,” is a contagious illness caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and, at times, the lungs. The common cold infects the same areas, but it is caused by a completely different virus. Cold viruses are much more common than flu viruses and can occur year-round. Flu activity typically increases…, How can you tell if it is the flu or a cold?, The flu comes on suddenly and strong, with symptoms that typically include: Fevers of 100°F or higher Exhaustion Body chills Body aches Headaches Cough Loss of appetite Cold symptoms come on slowly and are less severe. They typically include: Runny nose Nasal congestion Sore throat Sneezing Cough , Think you may have the flu? Here is what you should do., Both a cold and the flu are very contagious. As soon as you feel symptoms, take these precautions to protect your friends, family and community: See your primary care doctor for a flu test. Cover your sneezes and coughs. Disinfect surfaces and common items in your home. Wash your hands often. Stay home or wear a medical mask when going out. A quick, in-office test performed by your primary care…, What should I do if I have the flu?, People with the flu tend to be most contagious within the first three to four days after their symptoms appear. Therefore, plan to stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicines. Most people who become sick with the flu will usually recover in less than two weeks. Here is what you can do if you have the flu: Follow your doctor’s…