During last Thursday’s AdventHealth Morning Briefing, Dr. Vincent Hsu, an epidemiologist and AdventHealth’s infection control officer, lauded the declining hospitalization rates for COVID-19, and is cautiously optimistic that a vaccine may be approved before the end of the calendar year.

“We are at war with the virus,” Hsu said. “There is a pretty good possibility we may see a vaccine approved or at least get an Emergency Use Authorization by the end of this year. Things are looking good from that standpoint. But you’ve got to get this deployed … before we’ll see herd immunity, and that’s going to take many weeks and months.”

At the peak of the pandemic, AdventHealth had more than 700 COVID-positive patients hospitalized in seven Central Florida counties. The number has declined to roughly 270. Watch the full episode here.

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

Keeping You Safe

How to Safely Expand Your Social Bubble – After several months of strict social distancing, you may be considering expanding your social bubble to gather in person with others outside your household. Since COVID-19 is still highly contagious, there are some important things to consider before getting together. Whether you’re considering gathering a group for an occasion or you’re just missing friends and family in general, consider these tips before making your plans.

Flu: Myth vs. Fact – Every flu season, as many as 20% of Americans get sick with a virus that causes seriously uncomfortable, even lethal complications. Getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from an avoidable illness. While we don’t know whether this year’s influenza will be better or worse, make sure you know the truth and how you can reduce your risk. Here are four often-repeated flu myths and facts.

Keeping You Informed

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar visits AdventHealth Orlando – Alex Azar, U.S. Secretary of Health and Humans Services, visited AdventHealth Orlando on Friday to announce an expansion of support for living organ donation, to include compensation for lost wages, childcare, and elder care through the Health Resources and Services Administration. Watch the event here.

Freestanding ER coming to Port Orange – Construction is officially underway on AdventHealth’s newest freestanding emergency department in Port Orange. Expected to open in 2021, this 18,400-square-foot facility will be equipped with 24 beds, full laboratory and imaging services, a trauma room, bariatric room, and two dedicated pediatric-friendly rooms to make ER visits less stressful for young patients. Read the full story here.

Expecting Mother Recovers from COVID-19 & Delivers 11 Pounds, 12 Ounces Baby –

Shelia recovered from COVID-19 in July and planned on delivering at a birthing center because she was worried about coming into a hospital during the pandemic. At 42 weeks, Shelia’s birthing plans changed, and she needed a C-section. Meet baby Kobe who entered the world at a whopping 11 pounds, 12 ounces at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs! “The nurses were a real blessing,” Sheila said. 

Important Resources

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

  • Back to School Resource Hub – AdventHealth is prepared to support schools, daycares, parents, and caregivers as we navigate the new normal. BackToSchoolResourceHub.com is a new website dedicated to providing helpful resources for back to school concerns and important information regarding COVID-19.
  • AdventHealth Safe Business Program – AdventHealth is here to help as a trusted health care provider committed to safely care for Central Florida. We are working with local businesses to help them safeguard their employees and customers and continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Helpful tips can be found at AdventHealthCFLSafeBusiness.com.  
  • 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.
  • Health Coverage Support – If you or someone you know has recently lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 crisis, free help is available from certified navigators through the Primary Care Access Network at CoveringCFL.net.

Convalescent Plasma Need – AdventHealth is actively recruiting potential plasma donors and currently has supplies to meet all treatment requests. Convalescent plasma is one of the important resources our physicians are using to help COVID-19 patients recover. Please visit OneBlood’s website and donate plasma if you qualify.