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 heartbeat moment, requiring immediate 9-1-1 and CPR. A heart attack is due to blocked blood flow, where the person can still talk/breathe but needs hospital care. Vaccine Side Effects: Rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (heart inflammation) have been reported in teen boys and young men post-second COVID-19 shot, typically resolving quickly. Severe allergic reactions are also a remote possibility. Vaccine Safety & Efficacy: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, undergoing continuous testing. Vaccination and boosters prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, building immunity against the virus and its variants like Omicron. XBB.1.5 Variant: XBB.1.5, an Omicron subvariant, is spreading quickly but shows no evidence of causing more severe illness. More information is expected. Accessibility: OHA provides information in alternate formats. Contact 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.  QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY:  "Why are we getting an influx of super sicknesses? Respiratory systems seem to be under attack (RSV, colds, Covid) what factors are contributing to this?" - Janita Jones  "Might be good to address the concerns of myocarditis and vaccines." - Holly Hinson  "Ideas & Community Care practices inclusive of immunocompromised people - how can we move forward without leaving a group of people behind?" - Emma Holland 

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 rooms. Q3: How can people reduce hospitalization risk? Prevent infection by wearing masks indoors, limiting gathering sizes (especially with high-risk individuals), staying home when sick, practicing cough/sneeze etiquette, cleaning surfaces, washing hands, and getting vaccinated (flu, COVID-19 shots/boosters). Seek immediate care for severe symptoms or if in a high-risk group. Warning signs for children include trouble breathing, bluish lips, chest pain, severe muscle pain, dehydration, altered consciousness, seizures, high fever (or any fever in infants under 12 weeks), worsening chronic conditions, or worsening/returning fever/cough. For adults, warning signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain/pressure, dizziness/confusion, seizures, no urination, severe muscle pain/weakness, worsening chronic conditions, or worsening/returning fever/cough. Q4: What is OHA doing about hospital staffing? OHA is working with Gov. Brown to ease staffing issues through an executive order providing flexibility and allowing medical volunteers. OHA has brought in contract nurses and respiratory therapists and seeks additional funding for supplemental staffing. OHA also uses the Health Alert Network (HAN) to update healthcare communities on surge response, supplies, guidelines, and prevention. Document accessibility: OHA provides information in alternate formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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, appearing 4-6 days post-infection, include runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Infants may show irritability, decreased activity, or breathing difficulties. Due to racism-related stress, Black and African American women have a higher risk of premature births, increasing RSV risk for their babies. Awareness and prevention are crucial for the community. Preventative measures include staying home when sick, avoiding close contact with ill individuals, frequent handwashing (20 seconds with soap and water), disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and considering masks in crowded indoor settings. Staying updated on flu and COVID vaccinations is also recommended. For child-care questions, contact a healthcare provider or urgent care. For accessibility needs (disabilities or non-English speakers), OHA provides alternative formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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 hospitalization. Symptoms appear 4-6 days post-infection, including runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Infants may show irritability, decreased activity, or breathing difficulties. Black and African American women have a higher risk of premature births due to racism-related stress, increasing RSV risk for their infants. Prevention is crucial. Take safety measures: stay home when sick, avoid close contact, wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, and consider masks in crowds. Stay updated on flu and COVID vaccinations. For concerns about your child's care, contact your healthcare provider or urgent care. For accessibility needs, contact OHA at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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 vaccines. Pfizer's booster is for ages 12+ (single dose, 2 months after initial series or last booster). Moderna's is for ages 18+ (single dose, 2 months after primary series or last booster). Addressing Behavioral & Mental Health during COVID-19: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 compassionate support from trained crisis counselors for various behavioral health crises, including thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or substance use. It's also for those worried about loved ones. While 911 dispatches in-person responders, 988 provides emotional support via call, text, or chat. 988 aims to be as well-known as 911 for behavioral health crises. For serious situations, 988 centers will collaborate with local mental health providers for appropriate interventions.

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 monkeypox, though it's currently spreading among men who have sex with men. Contact OHA for accessibility needs.

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+ community with information, testing, prevention, and treatment. hMPXV spreads person-to-person through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact, contact with lesion fluid, or large respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, and muscle aches, followed in 1-3 days by a rash (flat patches to fluid-filled bumps, then scabs) lasting 2-4 weeks. Symptoms appear 5-21 days post-exposure (usually 7-14). Transmission is possible from symptom onset until rash resolution, but it's not easily caught, typically requiring prolonged, close contact. Sexual partners, family members, and healthcare workers of an infected person are at higher risk. If you suspect hMPXV, contact your healthcare provider or local public health authority. If going to an ER or urgent care, inform staff about your concern; they'll ask you to wear a mask and cover rashes. For accessibility needs (disabilities, non-English speakers), OHA provides alternate formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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 flat patches to fluid-filled bumps, scabbing over 2-4 weeks. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days post-exposure. Transmission is possible from symptom onset until rash resolution. While anyone can be affected, the current outbreak disproportionately affects gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; OHA is focusing efforts on empowering this community. If you suspect hMPXV, contact your healthcare provider or local public health authority, and inform staff if visiting an ER or urgent care.

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 side effects include redness/pain at the injection site, tiredness, or fever; consult a healthcare provider for other symptoms. Vaccinating a child who already had COVID-19 is safe and increases protection. To calm children during vaccination: offer sweet solutions, breastfeed, use pain-relieving ointment/cooling spray, be honest and calm, use comforting words (pressure, poke), bring comfort items, distract with stories/songs, encourage deep breaths, and provide comfort afterward. Contact OHA (1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us) for accessibility needs

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 the REACH program's achievements, including over 150 partnerships and establishing Multnomah County's first drive-thru vaccine clinic, vaccinating over 22,309 people. Key Oregon Juneteenth events include a Health Fair at Wattles Boys and Girls Club (plant starters, vaccines, food, games), North Portland's 50th-anniversary celebration (discussing displacement in Vanport and Albina), and Gresham celebrations at Vance Park, hosted by Play Grow Learn, with an afterparty in Downtown Rockwood. For Juneteenth events, REACH asks: What does Black Joy, Liberation, and Healing look like to you? What's your special message about Juneteenth? What COVID challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? Share responses on REACH Facebook or Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz. While statewide COVID-19 cases are leveling (11.7% test positivity on June 13), these numbers are likely undercounted due to at-home testing and lack of reporting. Outdoor gatherings are safer. High-risk individuals should wear masks indoors. Vaccination and boosting are paramount for protection. Mask-wearing outdoors depends on personal risk and comfort. The FDA and CDC are considering Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for children under 5 this week. If approved by the Western States Scientific Study Review Pact and Governor Kate Brown, vaccines could be available in Oregon next week. Parents should check with pediatricians, local public health, or trusted providers. Call 211 for assistance finding a vaccine provider.

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 eligibility for children 5-11? FDA, CDC, and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup authorized a single pediatric Pfizer booster for children 5-11. Non-immunocompromised: Booster 5+ months after second dose. Immunocompromised (after third primary dose): Booster 3+ months after third dose. Boosters increase Omicron antibodies significantly. Primary vaccination is crucial. Q3: Vaccines for children under 5? No date yet, but FDA's vaccine advisory committee meets June 15 to consider Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) requests. Expect more info this month. Accessibility: OHA provides alternate formats (translations, large print, braille). Contact Health Information Center: 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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. Monitor local trends; Multnomah County suggests masking indoors. High-risk individuals should contact providers for testing/treatment plans, minimize indoor social gatherings, and wear high-quality masks. Case increases are slowing, possibly nearing a peak. Increased flu cases in children after mask mandates lifted on March 19 are due to easier spread of respiratory viruses. A single booster dose is now authorized for children aged 5-11. Vaccinations for children 6 months to five years are not yet available. For accessibility, contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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 the immune system attacks healthy tissues, is the most serious risk. Other heart problems include coronary artery disease and heart attacks. If you experience shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, or leg swelling after COVID-19, contact a healthcare provider. Stroke risk also increased by 52%. The virus enters cells by binding to ACE2 receptors, present in lungs, nerve cells, stomach, intestines, heart, and blood vessel lining. This binding can trigger blood clotting throughout the body. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clots in veins, can lead to pulmonary embolism if clots travel to the lungs, a serious and often fatal condition. Older stroke patients with a COVID-119 history have a higher risk of VTE; a 64% higher risk if hospitalized with COVID-19 and 21% higher if not hospitalized. Black stroke patients had the highest VTE rate. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), continue your current medication unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. Monitor blood pressure if taking corticosteroids, oral birth control, immunosuppressants, mental health medications, or some cancer medications. Decongestants and NSAIDs (naproxen, ibuprofen) can increase blood pressure. If you're on blood pressure medication and get COVID-19, talk to a healthcare provider. Call 911 for chest/back pain, numbness/weakness, vision loss, or difficulty breathing/speaking. People born with heart defects are at higher risk of critical illness or death if hospitalized with COVID-19, with increased risk for ventilator need or ICU treatment, regardless of age or other health conditions. Having another underlying health condition significantly increases risk.

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 persistent symptoms like loss of smell, depression, anxiety, or insomnia, especially if they disrupt daily life. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms like new chest pain or difficulty breathing. The OHSU Long COVID Program (833-647-8222) offers coordinated care. Disability: Long COVID can be considered a disability under the ADA if it substantially limits major life activities or bodily functions. Diagnosis: There's no single test for long COVID. Doctors confirm previous infection and rule out other conditions. Treatment is symptom-based. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, and chest pain; cognitive issues, muscle pain, headaches, and rapid heartbeat are also common. Helping others: Listen with compassion, ask what they need, and be direct about what you can offer. Schools can provide accommodations for children with post-COVID conditions. Variants: Omicron is the current variant of interest, highly infectious but generally less severe. Vaccination and boosting remain crucial for preventing severe disease.

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 in enjoyable exercise, eat healthy, limit junk food, caffeine, and alcohol, prioritize sleep, stay connected with loved ones, and monitor news and social media consumption. Behavioral health is a broader term encompassing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, problem gambling, and other addictions. Mental illness affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood, impacting daily life. It's influenced by genetics, environment, early life relationships, traumatic events, lifestyle, and brain structure. Recovery is often possible with early treatment. For mental health support, contact the Mental Health Call Center at 503-988-4888. Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid members can visit the Mental Health & Substance Abuse provider directory or call 503-988-5887. Uninsured individuals can contact agencies on the County Contracted Addiction Services Provider Agency List or call 211. Primary care providers and community organizations like CAIRO, African Family Holistic Health Organization, and Catholic Charities also offer support. While 2020 data showed a decrease in suicide rates in Oregon, national data indicates an increase among Black adults and children over the past decade. The Racial Equity Support Line (503-575-3764, weekdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. PST) offers support for those affected by racism. The Safe + Strong Helpline (1-800-923-HELP (4357)) and website provide resources. Additional suicide prevention resources: 24/7 Suicide Prevention National Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text “OREGON” to 741741 Senior Loneliness Line: 503-200-1633 If someone is suicidal, talk privately, ask directly, take them seriously, encourage them to contact the Lifeline or Crisis Text Line, and stay with them while they do so. Young people face unique challenges during the pandemic, including isolation, missing milestones, racial injustice, and bullying, which can lead to low self-esteem and behavioral problems. Support from family and friends is crucial. YouthLine (1-877-968-8491; text teen2teen to 839863) offers teen-to-teen crisis help (4 p.m. to 10 p.m. M-F PDT) with adult support 24/7. Other resources include Therapy for Black Girls and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (703-524-7600). Coping with "change fatigue" from continuous disruptions (pandemic, social issues, inflation, war) can be managed by finding a new rhythm and establishing small routines, such as consistent meal and sleep times. April is National Minority Health Month, focusing this year on "Give Your Community a Boost" and combating COVID-19 misinformation. The FDA’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity promotes vaccination and boosting through videos featuring diverse communities. For accessibility, OHA provides information in alternate formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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 after a positive test and symptoms appear. They do not replace vaccination, which remains the best protection. The federal "Test to Treat" program connects high-risk individuals to testing, prescriptions, and treatment at one location, particularly for those without a doctor. Eligibility for treatments is determined by a healthcare provider based on medical profile and vaccine status. Not all treatments are recommended for everyone, so consult your doctor. For medication questions, contact the FDA. If uninsured, the Oregon Health Plan covers COVID-19 care and more.