Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Aug 20, 2024 2:20:09 GMT
COVID infections continue to rise, a local doctor shares how to stay safe during the summer wave - Published Aug 18, 2024
TULSA, Okla. — Doctors are calling the recent spike in COVID infections the "summer wave." As school begins, a local doctor shared the best way people can keep themselves safe from the virus.
FOX23 spoke with a Tulsa doctor who said the new strain of COVID is a mutation from the most recent strain in the spring and it comes with new symptoms that we did not know about at the beginning of the pandemic.
Dr. John Schumann is the Executive Medical Director for Oak Street Health.
"13 people are reporting more of myalgias," said Dr. Schumann, "that's the medical name for muscle aches and pains than they are on the respiratory side."
Dr. Schumann said Tulsa is experiencing a new mutation of COVID.
"We've seen a spike in the number of COVID infections. The virus mutates and some of the surface proteins change. So, our immune system's ability to patrol and sort of look at the virus and control the virus isn't as strong," said Dr. Schumann.
Without the respiratory symptoms, it can be frustrating for patients and doctors.
Dr. Schumann said, "That's the thing about COVID; it's frustrating, challenging and somewhat beguiling. It presents differently in almost every person."
With the uptick in cases, Dr. Schumann said they keep track of the numbers. However, he doesn't think this will be as bad as when COVID forced everyone to social distance.
"Even though our immune system may not be ready to totally wall ourselves off or prevent infection from this new variant, we have some exposure that allows us to have a shortened course of illness or symptoms that aren't as severe," said Dr. Schumann.
Dr. Schumann said vaccines, booster shots, and simply washing your hands remain the top priority to help fight against the mutating virus.
TULSA, Okla. — Doctors are calling the recent spike in COVID infections the "summer wave." As school begins, a local doctor shared the best way people can keep themselves safe from the virus.
FOX23 spoke with a Tulsa doctor who said the new strain of COVID is a mutation from the most recent strain in the spring and it comes with new symptoms that we did not know about at the beginning of the pandemic.
Dr. John Schumann is the Executive Medical Director for Oak Street Health.
"13 people are reporting more of myalgias," said Dr. Schumann, "that's the medical name for muscle aches and pains than they are on the respiratory side."
Dr. Schumann said Tulsa is experiencing a new mutation of COVID.
"We've seen a spike in the number of COVID infections. The virus mutates and some of the surface proteins change. So, our immune system's ability to patrol and sort of look at the virus and control the virus isn't as strong," said Dr. Schumann.
Without the respiratory symptoms, it can be frustrating for patients and doctors.
Dr. Schumann said, "That's the thing about COVID; it's frustrating, challenging and somewhat beguiling. It presents differently in almost every person."
With the uptick in cases, Dr. Schumann said they keep track of the numbers. However, he doesn't think this will be as bad as when COVID forced everyone to social distance.
"Even though our immune system may not be ready to totally wall ourselves off or prevent infection from this new variant, we have some exposure that allows us to have a shortened course of illness or symptoms that aren't as severe," said Dr. Schumann.
Dr. Schumann said vaccines, booster shots, and simply washing your hands remain the top priority to help fight against the mutating virus.