COVID-19 News and Updates
Hello all,
Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates. This week we discuss COVID-19 vs. springtime allergies, rising case counts in Maine, and further information on the treatments available for those who have contracted the virus.
COVID Communication:
COVID-19 and Springtime Allergies
As springtime is blooming throughout the state, so are spring allergies. Many healthcare providers have been reporting a lag in contact tracing and testing due to people mistaking early COVID-19 symptoms for their usual springtime allergy symptoms. It is important to remember that if you feel unwell you should be testing regularly to make sure you are not spreading the disease unknowingly, even if it feels like allergies.
Indeed, the most common early symptom people have been reporting this spring for COVID-19 has been a sore or scratchy throat. It is important to remind folks to test early and often to reduce spread and get proper treatment as numbers climb.
Links and Sources: Allergies, Cold, Flu, or COVID-19?, ABC News COVID-19 vs. Springtime Allergies, University of Maryland Is it Coronavirus or Allergies?
COVID in the News:
State of COVID-19 in Maine
COVID-19 has been on the rise throughout the state and beyond. Cases in the past few weeks have risen by roughly 40%-50% across both Maine and most of New England. We are still seeing a de-coupling of deaths and hospitalizations, but it is unclear as of yet as to whether or not that is due to a lag in deaths or better overall outcomes. Numbers are currently still better than what we were seeing during the January-February surge, but it is important to communicate that safety measures should be taken once again as the current variant is highly virulent.
Treatments Explained: Paxlovid, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Remdesivir
After the past several years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we now stand in a much better position to treat patients who contract the virus. We have developed several different anti-viral drugs that have a high success rate and help keep people from getting extremely ill, namely drugs like Paxlovid and Remdesivir, along with the monoclonal antibody treatments.
Remdesivir and Paxlovid are holding up well in the field, with no resistance yet being recorded and general availability throughout the state has been high. The monoclonal antibody treatments, though previously quite successful, are starting to show a decline in efficacy and are in overall shorter supply.
All of these treatments work best if they are used early on in infection, within the first five days, so it is important to test if you think you’ve been exposed or feel ill. Secondly, it is important to have a plan in place with your primary care doctor as to how you would acquire any of these treatments, and to determine which treatment would be right for you (particularly if you are high risk or already take regular medication).
Links and Sources: FDA Know Your Treatment Options for COVID-19, Harvard Health Treatments for COVID-19, CDC COVID-19 Potential Treatments, HHS Possible Treatment Options for COVID-19
Featured in the Field:
Dr. Siyab, MD
Dr. Siyab is a public health advocate and heart doctor who makes regular videos on COVID-19 addressing current information, combatting misinformation, and discussing COVID-19 and privilege.
You can find Dr. Siyab on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube.
Thanks again everyone for checking in this week. Stay safe, and remember to take care of each other. ~ Nina
Nina Duggan is Healthy Acadia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Project Coordinator. They share weekly updates about COVID-19 in the state of Maine and beyond, along with resources you may find useful on testing, vaccination, and best practices in preventative measures.
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If you or anyone you know have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the available vaccines please call or text our COVID-19 Peer Support Line at 207-271-6023, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.