Last week on the AdventHealth Morning Briefing, Dr. Vincent Hsu discusses COVID-19 hospitalizations within our system and the third doses for immunosuppressed patients. AdventHealth continues to see record COVID-19 hospitalizations with about 1,620 patients across AdventHealth’s Central Florida hospitals.

“This is, unfortunately, a crisis of unprecedented proportions,” said Dr. Vincent Hsu, executive director of invention prevention and epidemiologist. “This is two times the amount of COVID patients we had during the winter peak.” 

AdventHealth has adjusted to the influx of patients in recent weeks through extensive and sophisticated plans such as deferring non-emergent elective surgeries and repurposing beds in procedure areas for sick patients and expanding ICUs into other parts of the hospital, according to Hsu.

Hsu also encouraged the community to get flu shots this year and said it’s possible to get flu and COVID inoculations at the same time.

Watch the briefing here.

Below are insights on the latest COVID-19 information, and more details on AdventHealth’s response efforts and community involvement.

Keeping You Safe – COVID-19 Update

Myth Busters: COVID-19 Vaccine – Dr. Steven Smith, AdventHealth Chief Scientific Offer, addressed some of the myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and share insight into the vaccine trials process. As coronavirus variants continue to spread, it’s even more important to get your vaccine and encourage your loved ones to do the same. The vaccine has been proven safe and effective and is available at no cost to you. Watch the full video here.

From the Front Lines: ICU Update – Dr. Amay Parikh, the critical care physician at AdventHealth Orlando, had a conversation with Channel 9´s Vanessa Echols, about what we are seeing in the ICUs. Watch the video here.

From the Front Lines: AdventHealth Centra Care Kids – Dr. Emeline Ramos, the pediatrician at AdventHealth Centra Care Kids, had a conversation with Channel 9’s Vanessa Echols, about what AdventHealth is seeing in urgent care and what to do if your child shows symptoms. Watch the video here.

AdventHealth Provides Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for COVID-19 Infections – With COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations still rising AdventHealth continues to provide monoclonal antibody treatments for eligible patients. Monoclonal antibodies can reduce the severity of COVID-19 in high-risk patients, helping them to avoid hospitalization or to become intubated in the intensive care unit (ICU). At this time, patients must be diagnosed with COVID-19 and not currently hospitalized or have been exposed through close contact with an individual with COVID, are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated or who are not expected to mount an adequate immune response such as someone with an immunocompromising condition or on immunosuppressive drugs. To learn more, including the full criteria, click here or call the AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ Call 877-847-8747). 

The third Dose Approved for Those with Weak Immune Systems – The FDA amended the EUAs for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to allow transplant recipients and others with severely weakened immune systems to receive a third dose of the vaccines at least 28 days after getting their second shot. The FDA did not mention the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The CDC released a detailed list of those who should receive an extra dose. Those who meet the current criteria should consult with their physician. AdventHealth is developing plans for team members that are immunocompromised.

AdventHealth Research on Third Dose Efficacy in Transplant Patients – Dr. Bobby Nibhanupudy, medical director of the abdominal transplant program at the AdventHealth Transplant Institute, said preliminary tests on a small group of transplant patients found little antibody response or cellular reaction to the first two doses of the vaccines. AdventHealth will work with a biotech laboratory to study bloodwork and track the impact of a third vaccine dose in volunteer transplant patients. Read the full article here.

COVID-19 Testing – COVID-19 testing and treatment is available 7 days a week at all AdventHealth Centra Care locations. Antigen test results are also available in as little as 15 minutes after sample collection. PCR testing results are available within 2 to 3 days. Find a location near you and reserve your spot in line with this online booking tool.Only go to the emergency room if you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.

Teacher Recovers From COVID-19 After 72 Days in the Hospital – At 42, Terry Greear was an active, healthy, physical education teacher and soccer coach in Orlando. Then he contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to an area hospital. By the next day, he was in intensive care with pneumonia in both lungs. On Jan. 24, he was intubated, transferred to AdventHealth Orlando and placed on ECMO for 30 days. During that time, he had three chest tubes inserted to help inflate his lungs, a tracheostomy for the ventilator, a feeding tube and several blood transfusions. By late February, doctors got him off ECMO, and in mid-March, he was transferred to AdventHealth Winter Park for intensive physical therapy. Greear recovered and returned to work last week and is now urging everyone eligible to get a vaccine. See his full story in the Orlando Sentinel and on CNN.

Important Resources

We encourage you to use the following resources for your top COVID-19 questions and concerns:

  • COVID-19 Vaccines: Vaccines are readily available at multiple locations: visit Vaccines.gov or Centra Care.
  • COVID-19 Testing: Rapid COVID testing is offered at all Centra Care locations. Only go to the emergency room if you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. Find a location near you and reserve your spot in line with this online booking tool.
  • Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub – AdventHealth launched a Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub and includes everything from FAQs, latest news and information on the AdventHealth vaccine team and our scientific committee. Visit www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to learn more about the vaccine.
  • If you have questions about COVID-19 or wonder if you should be tested, call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747). You can also find information at www.CoronaVirusSignsAndSymptoms.com.
  • Donation Hub – For ways you can help, including sending notes of encouragement to our caregivers, as well as virtual volunteering opportunities, please click here.
  • Mental Health – If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional help during this uncertain time, the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community. Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help.
  • Virtual Visit Options – AdventHealth Virtual Visits are available now for primary care, pediatrics and specialty care, as well as physical therapy. In the comfort of your home, you can speak with a medical provider by a video visit or phone call.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!

Be Well,

Rebekah

Rebekah L. Hurd

Government Advocacy Manager

AdventHealth – Central Florida Division

M: 407-353-3039