COVID-19 Update: Thursday, August 13th

COVID in kids, Russia, Hair Loss, Gaiters and Delays

1. As more children are exposed and get the disease we are learning more about how it impacts children. As you can imagine that also translates to more research coming out related to children. Today, a meta-analysis (review of all the studies out there) looked at 5829 pediatric patients and found non-specific systems such as cough and fever were present in most of them. That is different than we previously thought. 20% were asymptomatic, 33% were mild cases, 51% were moderate. In children under 1, 33% had vomiting and 14% became critically ill. This study can be found in PubMed, a publication of the NIH and included pediatric patients who were ill between December 25th – April 30th. Expect the information and what we know about COVID in kids to change quickly over the next few months.

2. Russia has announced the first registered vaccine for COVID-19. The vaccine is named Sputnik V. They have conducted phase II clinical trials but have not done phase 3 trials which are, typically required prior to registering a vaccine. They waived those requirements in Russia back in April. They have not yet released any scientific data about the vaccine. They are planning to start mass vaccinations in October.

3. Some COVID patients seem to be experiencing hair loss.

4. Gaiter style masks are currently a topic of debate with some questioning if they do any good. A study published in Science Advances suggest they may hurt instead of help. The study had some limitations so I wouldn’t throw out gaiter style masks just yet but stay tuned.

5. As schools and colleges return to class the demand for testing is expected to grow. Expect possible shortages in testing supplies and delays in both testing and results.

FINAL THOUGHTS: It’s funny how easily we can take something for granted. Being without power, internet or cell service for three days revealed to me how dependent I am on the internet and how much I take it for granted. Consider prior to the pandemic how we took “normal” for granted. Today I want to challenge you to appreciate the little things. Revel in the small pleasures, take nothing for granted but look at your life with gratitude. It can be difficult to be thankful in the midst of so much unknown but today, each time you find yourself worrying or mourning what has been lost, balance that with gratitude for what you do have. I am starting the day thankful for power, for internet service, for the health of my family and for a really great cup of coffee. I am thankful for like minded people and for those who challenge me to think deeper. I am thankful for people who will listen to reason and those who will speak truth and light into my life. Consider all that you have to be thankful for, focus on that today.

Today's photo from 1918 is a family photo from Ohio. Check out that cat.