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January 14, 2022
With the current Omicron surge, people across the country are clamoring to get tested for COVID-19. Long lines at testing centers and shortages of over-the-counter rapid test kits have many wondering how to proceed.
January 07, 2022
We now know masks are one of the best ways we can protect ourselves and others against the COVID-19 virus. But with onset of the new Omicron variant, researchers are discovering that not all masks are created equal. Since the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, doctors say you may need to re-think which mask you wear in public.
January 06, 2022
Emily Spivak, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at University of Utah Health, answers common questions about monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19.
January 03, 2022
Now that hundreds of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the U.S., an abundance of safety data has been collected. While this data shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at helping prevent infection, extremely rare adverse reactions can occur.
December 20, 2021
Since the start of the pandemic, scientists and researchers around the world have been working to find ways to help slow down transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Due to advancements in science and technology, there is at least one highly effective way to help prevent severe sickness, hospitalization, and death from the virus—COVID-19 vaccines.
December 01, 2021
Different versions, or variants, of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) are emerging around the world. Although it sounds alarming, viruses always change via mutation. As scientists work to learn more about these variants and how they may impact the United States, Stephen Goldstein, PhD, shares information about what is currently known.
November 16, 2021
Recently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for children ages 5 to 11. As of today, 193 million people ages 12 and over have been safely vaccinated in the U.S. Although younger children are less likely to die or be hospitalized from COVID-19, recent statistics show why pediatricians and University of Utah Health experts support the vaccine for younger children.
November 12, 2021
Just like everyone else, older adults—people age 65 or older—deserve to be able to safely enjoy spending time with those who matter most to them. Hear from our geriatricians on the importance of getting vaccinated.
October 15, 2021
Por lo tanto, la pregunta sigue siendo: ¿es necesario vacunarse si ya ha contraído el virus y recuperado de la enfermedad COVID-19? Los expertos en salud de la Universidad de Utah, junto con los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), dicen que sí.
August 06, 2021
Some people are not getting the protection they need because they think myths about the COVID-19 vaccines are true. U of U Health presents eight simple tips to help distinguish COVID-19 vaccine fact from fiction.
July 22, 2021
With just weeks left of summer break, pediatricians and infectious disease doctors at University of Utah Health are urging parents to vaccinate eligible children before they head back to school to protect them from getting infected with COVID-19. Experts agree that COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to protect children from getting the virus and spreading it to other children, family, friends, teachers, and people in the community.
July 07, 2021
Desde el comienzo de la pandemia de Covid-19, la coagulación de la sangre se ha identificado como un efecto secundario del SARS-CoV-2 y, posteriormente, como un efecto secundario, extremadamente raro, de algunas vacunas Covid-19. El doctor Yazan Abou-Ismail, MD, hematólogo de University of Utah Health, responde preguntas sobre la asociación de los coágulos de sangre con COVID-19 y ciertas vacunas.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, blood clotting has been identified as a side effect of SARS-CoV-2 and later as an extremely rare side effect of some COVID-19 vaccines. Yazan Abou-Ismail, MD, a hematologist at University of Utah Health, answered questions about the association of blood clots with COVID-19 and certain vaccines.
June 01, 2021
The impact of COVID-19 among older adults in Utah looks a lot different today than in the fall and early winter of 2020. The number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have dramatically dropped among adults aged 70 and older since February 2021 following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. More than 80 percent of older adults have now been vaccinated in Utah.
May 24, 2021
Children age 12- to 15- years old can now get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine following Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration. Results from a Phase 3 clinical trial testing the COVID-19 vaccine in this age group suggest it is highly effective at protecting them from disease.
May 07, 2021
The CDC and the FDA recommended restarting use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on April 23, 2021, after a temporary pause. After carefully reviewing the data, the CDC and FDA determined that the benefits of getting the J&J vaccine far outweigh potential risks.
April 14, 2021
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC recognized face masks, physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick as important tools in helping reduce the spread of Sars-CoV-2. Combined with COVID-19 vaccines, these practices will help reach herd immunity and eventually get us back to “normal.” But it’s too early to relax now.
April 09, 2021
Vaccinations for COVID-19 are becoming widely available with the goal of achieving “herd immunity”—a point at which enough people are immune to COVID-19 that the virus can no longer spread. As immunity continues to build at different rates in different places, what do we need to know as we wait for the nation and the world to reach full herd immunity?
March 26, 2021
All Utahns 16 years and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Utah. University of Utah Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and bring an end to the pandemic. All COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.
March 25, 2021
Information about COVID-19 is constantly evolving as more is learned about the virus. Some information shared online and on social media is misleading, influencing the decision whether to get vaccinated or not. Sankar Swaminathan, MD, sets the record straight on some of the myths about COVID-19 vaccines.
March 09, 2021
With three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S., selecting one might seem difficult. U of U Health infectious disease specialist Sankar Swaminathan, MD, explains why the best vaccine is the first one that is made available to you.
February 23, 2021
Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is a big step toward protecting yourself, your family, and your friends from the virus that causes this potentially deadly disease. But as well as the vaccine works, we still have a long way to go before we can shop, socialize, and travel without using face masks and practicing social distancing. Here are a few reasons why.
February 17, 2021
Folks who've gotten through a COVID-19 infection might naturally question whether they need to get a coronavirus vaccination when their turn comes. Experts say they really need the shot anyway, because even after having COVID they might be vulnerable to reinfection.
January 22, 2021
The risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and experiencing severe illness increases with age. According to the CDC, older adults are at the highest risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and suffer the most severe outcomes.
January 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty and worries among vulnerable populations, including pregnant people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant people are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and death compared to non-pregnant people.
December 11, 2020
Older adults are at greater risk of hospitalization or dying if diagnosed with COVID-19. As Utah continues to see high transmission rates during the holidays, it’s more important now than ever to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus.
December 09, 2020
University of Utah Health is preparing to receive and distribute COVID-19 vaccines while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The vaccines will be rolled out in phases and provided based on availability.
March 26, 2020
As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made a checklist of important steps families can prepare for now if a family member or relative becomes infected.
March 10, 2020
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are all potential symptoms of both influenza and the coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19. Both diseases can cause mild to severe illness, and both can pose serious complications to high-risk groups. So how does someone know if they have the flu or COVID-19?
February 25, 2020
Our world was a much scarier place before vaccines. Polio, tetanus, and diphtheria are all among the afflictions that used to be major concerns for people everywhere. While these diseases do still exist, their infection rates and impact have been reduced to the point where most of us hardly give them a thought. That peace of mind is the result of vaccines.
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