Ask A Black Doctor

COVID-19 Vaccine & Damar Hamlin: Social media posts linking Damar Hamlin's collapse to the COVID-19 vaccine are unsubstantiated. His vaccination status is unknown, and doctors suggest commotio cordis (blunt chest trauma) as a possible cause for his cardiac arrest, not a heart attack. Commotio Cordis vs. Heart Attack: Commotio cordis is a sudden cardiac arrest from chest trauma at a specific he...

Q1: Are respiratory viruses still a concern post-holiday season? Yes, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 circulate. Flu and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising, stressing hospital capacity, while RSV has declined. Q2: Why are high hospitalizations problematic? Hospitals are at capacity, exacerbated by staff shortages due to illness. This leads to long ER waits and potential lack of regular...

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory virus spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing. While usually mild, it can be severe for children under two, premature infants, those with cardiopulmonary disease, adults 65+, and immunocompromised individuals. 25-40% of first-infected children show bronchiolitis or pneumonia, but only 2% need hospitalization. Symptoms, appe...

RSV, a common respiratory virus, spreads via droplets from coughs/sneezes. Most children have mild illness, but young children, especially those under two, premature infants, and those with cardiopulmonary disease, are more susceptible. Adults 65+ and immunocompromised individuals are also at higher risk. 25-40% of first-infected children get bronchiolitis or pneumonia, but only 2% require hosp...

Bivalent Vaccine Key Facts: Moderna and Pfizer's updated boosters target current subvariants (BA.4 and BA.5) and the original COVID-19 strain. The FDA deemed them safe and effective after extensive trials, similar to annual flu vaccine updates. No prior boosters are needed. These vaccines are free, with no insurance or residency proof required. Side effects are similar to monovalent mRNA vaccin...

Featuring Dr. Roberta Hunte, Dr. Mariotta Gary-Smith & Sherly Paul.

Featuring Dr. Roberta Hunte & Sherly Paul. As mentioned in the episode Trust Black Women Loretta Ross Undivided Rights

Oregon schools prioritize limiting virus spread. For 2022-23, schools will follow health and safety recommendations and requirements, including vaccination, masks, physical distancing, ventilation, handwashing, and staying home when sick. Vaccination (6 months+) and masks in indoor settings are key for safety. Monkeypox risk in schools is low; those diagnosed should stay home. Anyone can get mo...

As of July 27, 2022, Oregon reported 53 hMPXV cases since June 16, part of a global outbreak affecting 65 countries. CDC urges healthcare providers to watch for rash illnesses consistent with hMPXV, regardless of patient history. While anyone can be affected, the current outbreak largely impacts gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, so OHA prioritizes empowering the LGBTQIA+ commu...

As of July 13, 2022, 11 hMPXV cases were reported in Oregon, part of a global outbreak affecting over 11,000 cases in 65 countries. CDC urges healthcare providers to watch for rash illnesses consistent with hMPXV, regardless of patient background. The virus spreads via prolonged, close contact, often skin-to-skin. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that progresses from f...

Featuring Dr. Roberta Hunte, PhD, Dr. Kim Heller, Dr. Mariotta Gary-Smith and Ngozi Olemgbe

Vaccines for children under 5 (Pfizer-BioNTech: 3 doses, 6 months to under 5 years; Moderna: 2 doses, 6 months to under 6 years) are now authorized and proven safe/effective by clinical trials, FDA, CDC, and other review groups. While severe COVID-19 is less common in children, hospitalization rates soared during Omicron. Vaccination protects against infection, sickness, and Long COVID. Common ...

Juneteenth, "Freedom Day," is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S., marking June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers announced freedom in Galveston, Texas. It's considered "America's second Independence Day." This year, Oregon celebrates its 50th Juneteenth as an official state holiday. The in-person celebration provides healing and a chance to highlight t...

OHA COVID-19 vaccine site: covidvaccine.oregon.gov; OHA Facebook; Safe+Strong; Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz; REACH webpage and Facebook. Q1: Best COVID-19 practices? Vaccination and boosters protect against severe disease. Monitor local virus spread. High-risk individuals should minimize indoor gatherings, wear high-quality masks, and plan for testing and treatment. Q2: Booster eligibil...

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising, with test positivity up from 7% (April 20) to 12.3% (May 23), and daily cases more than doubling. Most cases are unreported. Hospitalizations are increasing but OHA is optimistic they won't overwhelm the system, projecting a peak of 321 around June 10, far less than Delta and Omicron waves. Vaccination and boosting remain the best protection. Moni...

Even mild COVID-19 increases the risk of cardiovascular problems for at least a year. Researchers found a 72% increased risk of heart failure, even in those under 65, nonsmokers, and those without risk factors like obesity or diabetes. COVID can also cause myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) and stress cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disorder affecting blood pumping). A "cytokine storm," where...

Nutrition significantly impacts COVID-19 risk and severity. A study of 593,000 adults showed eating more fruits, vegetables, and legumes reduced COVID-19 risk by 9% and severe COVID by 41%. While no specific diet prevents COVID-19, healthy eating is crucial. Focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, lean animal proteins, and water. Minimize processed foods. For eating out, vacc...

Long-term COVID, also known as post-COVID syndrome or PASC, refers to conditions experienced 28+ days after COVID-19 infection. Symptoms affect 10-30% of patients, even those with mild or no initial illness. It has potentially impacted 23 million Americans. Prevention: Vaccination and boosting are key. High-risk individuals should consider N95 masks. When to see a doctor: Don't ignore persist...

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and depression due to social isolation, economic hardship, loss, or contracting the virus. A study of 154,000 COVID-19 patients found they were 39% more likely to be diagnosed with depression and 35% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety. To improve mental health during the pandemic, engage...

COVID-19 treatments are available for some people, but they are in short supply and prioritize high-risk individuals. Unlike vaccines, which build immunity, treatments fight existing infections. Treatments include oral antiviral medications (Paxlovid, Molnupiravir), an injected antiviral drug (Remdesivir/Veklury), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Treatments are most effective when taken soon a...

National Public Health Week and National Minority Health Month in April highlight general public health and the health of communities of color. This year's theme, "Give your community a boost!", encourages COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. A second COVID-19 booster is now approved for some adults and immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older, four months after their first booster. Federal ...

Resources: OHA COVID-19 vaccine site: covidvaccine.oregon.gov; OHA Facebook; Safe+Strong site; Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz; REACH webpage/Facebook. Spring Gatherings & Holiday Safety Q1: Is it safe to gather now? With many vaccinated/recovered and low COVID-19 cases, gathering is safer. However, indoor, unmasked gatherings with many people increase exposure risk (2 in 100 assumed infect...

COVID-19 isn't over. While "endemic" means a disease is present but doesn't cause widespread death or disruption (like the flu), COVID-19 hasn't reached that point. Public health officials can't predict its patterns, and we've seen surges in both warm (Delta) and cold (Omicron) weather. We hope widespread immunity from vaccination and natural infection will reduce transmission, hospitalization,...

Pregnant people face higher risks from COVID-19, including severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. It also increases risks of stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, and preterm birth, and has been linked to newborn ICU admissions. COVID-19 can damage the placenta and lead to fetal oxygen deprivation. Stillbirths from COVID-19 are uncommon but occur. A CDC study found pregnant people with COVID-19...

For Spring Break, protect yourself from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted. When in large crowds, wear a mask, distance yourself, and wash hands. Outdoors gatherings and good ventilation indoors add protection. If traveling, bring a high-quality mask (N95/KN95) as federal law requires them on public transport, airports, and planes until April 18. Check CDC's community-level map for your...

Tomorrow, March 12, OHA will pause quarantining in schools and childcare, and lift most indoor mask mandates except in healthcare settings. Quarantine means staying away from others after exposure; OHA will no longer require it if asymptomatic. Isolation (staying away after testing positive) remains 5 days, plus 5 days masking. Masks are still required in healthcare, public transport, airports/...

OHA lifts indoor mask mandates for schools and public on March 12, 2022, due to rapidly declining hospitalizations and cases. Businesses and venues can set their own mask rules. Masks are still recommended for high-risk individuals (unvaccinated, immunocompromised, 65+, those with underlying conditions, or living with someone in these categories). Masks are still required in healthcare settings...

Flattening the curve" means slowing a virus's spread to prevent healthcare system strain. This is achieved through measures like handwashing, masking, and physical distancing, practices recommended by the CDC since 2007 for pandemics. These measures successfully slowed COVID-19 in Oregon, leading to a relatively flat curve. "Zero COVID" countries like China and New Zealand also saw success wit...

Oregon health and education departments offer guidance on keeping in-person learning safe during COVID-19, addressing common questions. Safety in Schools: Omicron & Spread: Following health recommendations like face coverings, physical distancing, and handwashing significantly reduces spread in group settings. Combining these tools is highly effective. Outbreak Decisions: School districts dec...

On Feb. 11, 2022, additional COVID-19 resources include vaccine, testing, booster, and scam information from OHA, CDC, Medline.gov, FTC, Oregon DOJ, and HHS. Viral tests (Antigen or NAATs) detect current SARS-CoV-2 infection; antibody tests detect past infection/vaccination. NAATs (e.g., PCR) are most accurate, detecting early infection, with results in 2-5 days. Antigen tests are faster but le...

Omicron's impact on vaccine effectiveness against severe infection is being studied, but booster doses appear to offer better protection. Vaccination is the best defense. For infants, research on Omicron's risks is ongoing; 1% of admissions in those under 4 resulted in death, but the small sample size makes interpretation unclear. To protect children, follow COVID-19 protocols: masking, social...

The Omicron variant, identified on Nov. 26, 2021, is more transmissible than the Delta variant and has mutations that may impact vaccine effectiveness. Its rapid spread in South Africa and mutations in the spike protein, which current vaccines target, are major concerns. Variants emerge due to the virus mutating in areas with low vaccination rates, often caused by vaccine inequity (lack of acce...

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st, unites people globally to fight HIV, support those living with it, and remember those lost. Founded in 1988, it was the first global health day. To detect HIV, get tested. If positive, antiretroviral medications can reduce your viral load to undetectable levels, preventing transmission and maintaining health. Early testing is crucial for awareness and ...

Even fully vaccinated people can contract COVID-19, leading to breakthrough cases. This doesn't mean vaccines aren't effective; they significantly reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe breakthrough cases. Additional vaccine doses are recommended for eligible groups. Other precautions like mask-wearing, han...

For kids aged 5-11, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is a new, smaller 10-microgram dose, unlike the 30-microgram dose for ages 12+. Find locations at GetVaccinated.Oregon.gov, by calling 211, or asking your child's doctor. Pharmacies may also offer it but call ahead. Side effects, typically lasting under 48 hours, include injection site pain, body aches, headaches, or fever, indicating the vaccine...

Last year, flu transmission was low in the U.S. due to physical distancing, masks, and staying home. This year, these habits are changing, increasing flu transmission risk, especially among school-aged children. COVID-19 is more transmissible than the flu. CDC data (2009-2019) shows Black people, particularly children under 5, have higher rates of flu hospitalization and ICU admission. This di...

Despite widespread vaccination, the Delta variant poses a new threat, especially to younger populations. This Halloween, embrace outdoor activities like pumpkin patches and corn mazes, which were previously off-limits. Prioritize safety during trick-or-treating: wear masks, sanitize hands, and maintain distance. For indoor gatherings, ensure all attendees are vaccinated, and take precautions li...

In this episode Dr. Dube and DJ Ambush are joined by Lafonda Grant, Charles Lott and Lionel Coleman as they discuss their pandemic experiences and the steps they've taken to remain safe and healthy.

Additional Resources: OHA COVID-19 vaccine website, OHA COVID-19 vaccination rates by race and ethnicity, OHA and Oregon Department of Education Guidance for Caregivers, Parents and Families, CDC Youth Sports Communication Toolkit, OSAA communications (Masks, Officials, Vaccination Mandate), AAU Basketball COVID-19 event procedures, Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz, REACH webpage and Facebook,...

COVID-19 has seen a rise in substance use and overdoses. Black individuals experienced a 45% increase in overdose deaths in 2020, nearly double that of white individuals, with Oregon showing higher rates for Black people and American Indian/Alaska Natives. Methamphetamine use has also surged tenfold among Black people from 2015-2019, contributing to overdose deaths. Disparities arise from raci...

A study will explore the reported changes in menstrual cycles after COVID-19 vaccination, as many people have experienced early, late, or missed periods, causing concern. No causal link has been found yet. The study will collect data from Clue and Natural Cycles apps, comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated women aged 18-45 to understand changes in period length, frequency, regularity, and bleedi...

Q1: How are COVID-19 cases increasing among children? A1: Pediatric COVID-19 cases have surged since July 2021. Black children's case rate is triple that of white or Asian children, and even higher for Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native children. Of 36,080 statewide pediatric cases, 1,104 were among Black children. Over half were symptomatic, 1% hospitalized, and over a third w...

For 2021-22, Oregon schools prioritize local health decisions while adhering to state recommendations and requirements. Key tools against COVID-19 include vaccination, masks, distancing, ventilation, handwashing, and staying home when ill. Unlike last year, schools will operate full-time in-person, with remote learning only for isolation/quarantine. Testing programs (diagnostic and screening) a...

COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: FAQs Safety: Rigorously tested, FDA-authorized, safe, and effective in preventing infection, hospitalization, and death. Fertility: No evidence of infertility; vaccines don't alter DNA or interact with reproductive organs. Safe for those planning children. Fetal Antibodies: Vaccinated mothers pass antibodies to fetuses, especially in the third tri...