What it’s like to be infected with coronavirus
PAPER TRAILS Joyous Reunion For Little Rock Native And Nurse Who Cared For Her During Crippling Disease
A JOYOUS REUNION Things were not looking good for Alyson Brittain. It was 1989, she was 30 years old and the Little Rock native had been suddenly stricken by Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that left her paralyzed.
She spent about three months at Doctors Hospital in Little Rock. It was a scary time, but one nurse continually gave Brittain hope. Her name was Ceddie Persaud.
"I was so scared," Brittain recalled last week from Bentonville, where she lives. "But she was such a ray of light. She was so funny and she has this really precious personality. She would grab my hand because she knew I was nervous. Every time she came into that room, I felt at peace."
Brittain eventually made a full recovery. She lost touch with Persaud after leaving the hospital, but never forgot her.
In May, which happens to be National Nurses Month, Brittain came across a photo of herself in a wheelchair with Persaud behind her, smiling. She posted it on Facebook along with her memories of her time in the hospital. Brittain's friend Laura Powers shared the post and heard from a former coworker of Persaud's, who said she was living in Temecula, Calif. Soon after, Brittain and Persaud became Facebook friends.
But wait, there's more.
On Sept. 30, Brittain and Persaud were featured during a segment on "CBS Mornings" with correspondent David Begnaud. During the story, which was filmed in July, Persaud was led to believe she would be shown talking with Brittain during a video chat, but CBS had actually flown Brittain to California to surprise Persaud at home.
Yes, there were tears (even the hosts in the CBS studio were a little misty-eyed) as the two women finally met again face-to-face.
"Any time I'm on duty, I told the head nurse, 'I want to take care of Alyson as one of my patients,'" Persaud recalled during the broadcast.
"I just feel so blessed," Brittain said of being able to reconnect with her former caregiver. "She looks amazing, and it's been really interesting finding out the things that have been going on in her life over the years. It's been so special."
A CRYPTIC TRADITION "Tales from the Crypt," the annual presentation by the drama department at Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, starts at 2 p.M. Today at Little Rock's historic Mount Holly Cemetery, 1200 S. Broadway St.
Each year Parkview drama students research some of the notable people interred at Mount Holly and create a monologue or dialogue, which they present while dressed in period costume, highlighting the life of the person. Student guides lead visitors through the always popular event.
Admission is free, donations are accepted and the final tour begins at 4 p.M.
Email: sclancy@adgnewsroom.Com
What To Know About COVID, Flu And RSV Vaccines For Fall Virus Season
John Dora, pharmacy manager at the CVS in East Northport, administers a vaccine to Regine Compere, 42, of East Northport. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Fall respiratory virus season is here. For the next few months, cases of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, are expected to rise as people gather indoors for the holidays.
Infectious disease experts say October is the right month to consider getting the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for most people. Here is what you need to know:
It can take two weeks for a vaccine to be fully effective, experts said, with protection optimal for about three months.
"Right now is the right time," Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a recent press briefing about the respiratory virus season. "We want to be having those fun Thanksgiving holidays, those fun Christmas holidays together."
Amy Lynn Safaty, the pharmacy district leader at CVS who is based in East Northport, said she is seeing more demand for flu and COVID vaccines since the weather has cooled down.
"A lot of people can't think about vaccines until October," she said. "My recommendation is always to get the vaccine now because something important that people don't realize is it does take your body two weeks to develop antibodies ... So you're not fully protected for two more weeks."
The COVID vaccine's coverage is optimal for about three months, according to Andrew Pekosz, professor and vice chair of the W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
"After that, it starts to go down," Pekosz said during a Johns Hopkins-sponsored webinar on Wednesday. "But if you get a COVID-19 vaccine right now, you should be protected well through the expected surge in the fall."
"It's definitely patient preference," Safaty said. "It is safe to get multiple vaccines in the same arm at the same time."
She usually advises patients they might be a little sore in both arms or very sore in one arm depending on their decision.
Pekosz said studies have shown some people who plan to space out shots don't come back for the second one.
"It's best to get them both, I think, taken as close as possible to each other," Pekosz said. "Many people actually never go back to the pharmacy to get that second vaccine, whether it be the flu or the COVID vaccine."
Everyone over the age of 6 months should get both an updated flu and COVID vaccination this fall, according to the CDC. Even if it doesn't completely protect a person from getting COVID or the flu, it can lessen their symptoms and stave off serious illness. People at high risk of developing severe illness from flu and COVID — such as those over the age of 65 or have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease — are especially encouraged to get vaccinated. The group also includes people who are immunocompromised, living in long term care facilities or are pregnant.
After an unusually high summer surge, COVID cases have dipped across Long Island and the United States. There were 127 COVID hospitalizations in Nassau and Suffolk counties on Oct. 2 compared with 318 on the same day last year. Positive tests reported to the state, which only represent a portion of cases, were down to 196 on Sept. 30, from 322 last year.
Pekosz said there might actually be a silver lining to this summer's unexpected surge.
"The large number of summer cases may mean that our winter waves will be a little bit smaller because individuals infected in the summer will have immunity that should take them through December and into January," he said.
RSV and flu seasons are just getting started, experts said.
Adults 75 and older as well as those who are 60-74 and at increased risk for severe illness are recommended to get an RSV vaccine. People at increased risk include those with chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic lung or respiratory disease, chronic liver disease and other conditions. People should consult with their health care provider to see if they fall into this category.
Last year, when the vaccine was first introduced, the CDC originally recommended adults 60 and older receive a dose after a discussion with their health care provider.
The agency said a small number of people in clinical trials developed serious neurological conditions, including Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving the vaccination, but said an increased risk "cannot be confirmed."
Pregnant women can receive a maternal RSV vaccine to help protect their babies between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, is constantly mutating. KP.3.1.1 is currently the dominant variant in the United States, accounting for about 60% of cases, according to CDC estimates. It is part of the Omicron family.
Dr. Alan Bulbin, infectious disease director at Catholic Health's St. Francis Hospital, said infections caused by this variant have symptoms similar to other variants, including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, congestion and headache.
"No worse or different from predecessors," he said.
People can obtain free home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. The limit is four tests per household. People can order them by going to the site COVIDTests.Gov.
Fall respiratory virus season is here. For the next few months, cases of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, are expected to rise as people gather indoors for the holidays.
Infectious disease experts say October is the right month to consider getting the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for most people. Here is what you need to know:
To be safe at family gatherings, when should I get the COVID shot?It can take two weeks for a vaccine to be fully effective, experts said, with protection optimal for about three months.
"Right now is the right time," Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a recent press briefing about the respiratory virus season. "We want to be having those fun Thanksgiving holidays, those fun Christmas holidays together."
Amy Lynn Safaty, the pharmacy district leader at CVS who is based in East Northport, said she is seeing more demand for flu and COVID vaccines since the weather has cooled down.
"A lot of people can't think about vaccines until October," she said. "My recommendation is always to get the vaccine now because something important that people don't realize is it does take your body two weeks to develop antibodies ... So you're not fully protected for two more weeks."
The COVID vaccine's coverage is optimal for about three months, according to Andrew Pekosz, professor and vice chair of the W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
"After that, it starts to go down," Pekosz said during a Johns Hopkins-sponsored webinar on Wednesday. "But if you get a COVID-19 vaccine right now, you should be protected well through the expected surge in the fall."
Can I get shots in the same arm?"It's definitely patient preference," Safaty said. "It is safe to get multiple vaccines in the same arm at the same time."
She usually advises patients they might be a little sore in both arms or very sore in one arm depending on their decision.
Amy Lynn Safaty, CVS pharmacy district leader, advises patients they might be a little sore in both arms or very sore in one arm, depending on where they get their shots. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Should I get them at the same time?Pekosz said studies have shown some people who plan to space out shots don't come back for the second one.
"It's best to get them both, I think, taken as close as possible to each other," Pekosz said. "Many people actually never go back to the pharmacy to get that second vaccine, whether it be the flu or the COVID vaccine."
Who's recommended to get the COVID and flu shot?Everyone over the age of 6 months should get both an updated flu and COVID vaccination this fall, according to the CDC. Even if it doesn't completely protect a person from getting COVID or the flu, it can lessen their symptoms and stave off serious illness. People at high risk of developing severe illness from flu and COVID — such as those over the age of 65 or have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease — are especially encouraged to get vaccinated. The group also includes people who are immunocompromised, living in long term care facilities or are pregnant.
How high are COVID cases compared to last year?After an unusually high summer surge, COVID cases have dipped across Long Island and the United States. There were 127 COVID hospitalizations in Nassau and Suffolk counties on Oct. 2 compared with 318 on the same day last year. Positive tests reported to the state, which only represent a portion of cases, were down to 196 on Sept. 30, from 322 last year.
Pekosz said there might actually be a silver lining to this summer's unexpected surge.
"The large number of summer cases may mean that our winter waves will be a little bit smaller because individuals infected in the summer will have immunity that should take them through December and into January," he said.
RSV and flu seasons are just getting started, experts said.
Who should get the RSV vaccine and how has that recommendation changed?Adults 75 and older as well as those who are 60-74 and at increased risk for severe illness are recommended to get an RSV vaccine. People at increased risk include those with chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic lung or respiratory disease, chronic liver disease and other conditions. People should consult with their health care provider to see if they fall into this category.
Last year, when the vaccine was first introduced, the CDC originally recommended adults 60 and older receive a dose after a discussion with their health care provider.
The agency said a small number of people in clinical trials developed serious neurological conditions, including Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving the vaccination, but said an increased risk "cannot be confirmed."
Pregnant women can receive a maternal RSV vaccine to help protect their babies between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
What do we know about the latest COVID variants?SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, is constantly mutating. KP.3.1.1 is currently the dominant variant in the United States, accounting for about 60% of cases, according to CDC estimates. It is part of the Omicron family.
Dr. Alan Bulbin, infectious disease director at Catholic Health's St. Francis Hospital, said infections caused by this variant have symptoms similar to other variants, including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, congestion and headache.
"No worse or different from predecessors," he said.
How do I get free at home COVID tests?People can obtain free home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. The limit is four tests per household. People can order them by going to the site COVIDTests.Gov.
Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.
Schoolgirl, 14, Left Paralysed In Hospital After Collapsing With A Bout Of Tonsillitis
A SCHOOLGIRL was left paralysed in hospital after suffering from tonsillitis.
Emily, 14, began to lose her appetite and developed a cough in January, but her family put her symptoms down to the common illness.
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Sarah Anderson with her daughter Emily, who was left paralysed in hospitalCredit: Media Scotland
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The 14-year-old developed a dangerous condition after a bout of tonsillitisCredit: Media Scotland
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The schoolgirl receiving treatment in hospitalCredit: www.Gofundme.ComHowever, by the next morning, the teenager had collapsed and was rushed to A&E.
"We found out that not only was she dealing with tonsillitis, but also Covid and something called mycoplasma," mum Sarah Anderson told EdinburghLive.
Mycoplasma is a bacteria that can infect different parts of the body.
Most infections are mild, but they can cause serious complications.
"Because Emily was already dealing with tonsillitis and Covid, her immune system was so compromised that she then developed double pneumonia," Sarah said.
This then triggered a condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) - a rare disorder that affects the nerves.
Sarah, 49, described the situation as "the perfect storm" as the conditions were all right for GBS to kick in.
The mum said: "We had been having a normal Sunday.
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I've got FIVE-STONE growth hanging off my stomach but docs won't remove it"Emily had been out as we thought she was getting over the tonsillitis, but by tea time, she didn't feel like eating and had developed a funny cough.
"Then on Monday, Emily collapsed while heading to the bathroom.
Mum 'devastated' as 'perfect' toddler left brain dead just days after routine op to have her tonsils out"I called 111, and they heard her cough and told us to get to the hospital."
Sarah took Emily to Borders General Hospital in Melrose, Scotland, where she suddenly stopped breathing, so she was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh.
Doctors were able to stabilise her and diagnosed her with double pneumonia - a serious infection that affects both lungs.
"But they did mention that Emily's body was not behaving or reacting the way they would expect," Sarah, from Kelso, said.
She went to bed that night thinking her daughter was going to be OK.
Emily was still moving, albeit slowly, which she believed was due to her body being weak after multiple infections.
"But in the early hours of that morning, I headed into Emily's room and medics swung round and said, 'She's completely paralysed, her body is shutting down and we don't know why'.
"It was then she received her diagnosis of GBS, and it was a pretty bleak picture after that."
Emily's case was acute and life-threatening. If the medics hadn't diagnosed her when they did, she wouldn't have survived
Sarah AndersonMumGBS affects the senses, movement, breathing and heart rate and needs urgent treatment in hospital.
Symptoms include tingling, numbness, or pins and needles, followed by muscle weakness, and can result in partial or complete paralysis.
In Emily's case, she woke up feeling terrible on January 15 - and less than 48 hours later, she was paralysed.
Sarah said: "Emily's case was acute and life-threatening. If the medics hadn't diagnosed her when they did, she wouldn't have survived."
The schoolgirl received immunotherapy followed by six courses of plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange.
"That is where all of her blood is flushed out, and they separate the plasma from the blood and replace it with synthetic plasma," Sarah said.
"This is to take away the inflammation markers that her brain was sending to her nervous system to 'shut down'; then, it was pumped back into her body."
SLOW RECOVERYAfter nine days, Emily slowly started to move her eyes - communicating 'yes' and 'no' through her gaze.
She then moved her head, leaving her mum and the nurses in tears.
"That was the first sign of movement, and after that, it was a very gradual thing," Sarah said.
"She was like Sleeping Beauty; it was like watching her body slowly wake up.
"Emily was non-verbal for the first three months in the hospital and had to be fully ventilated until March.
"She learned to communicate through an eye gaze chart, where she would look through letters and spell out words for us, like the machine that Stephen Hawking used.
"Emily was getting tuition in critical care while she was recovering so she could do her school work."
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition that affects the nerves.
About 1,500 people develop it in the UK every year, and it is more common in adults and men.
It's not known exactly what causes GBS, but it's thought to be related to problems with the immune system as it usually begins with a few weeks of an infection, such as flu or a stomach bug.
Normally when you get an infection, your immune system attacks and kills the bacteria or virus.
But in GBS, the immune system starts to attack your nerves.
This can cause symptoms, including:
Some people's symptoms are so severe, they become paralysed and cannot move their legs, arms or face.
GBS is serious and requires urgent treatment in hospital, sometimes for several months.
Most people will be able to walk within six months and recover within a year.
Source: NHS
Despite being happy her daughter could move again, Sarah was devastated at the agony it was causing her.
Every movement translated as pain, as there was no protective covering on her nerves.
"It was very difficult to watch Emily go through it; her body couldn't process the difference between touch and pain," Sarah added.
"At one point, she was on 21 different drugs to try and manage the pain levels."
Emily was told she would be in hospital for a year, possibly 18 months, with another year's worth of recovery after being discharged.
But miraculously, she walked out one day shy of five months.
"They have no idea how she recovered as fast as she did - doctors said it was a bit of a 'medical miracle'," Sarah said.
"She never quit or gave up. Emily gritted her teeth and just went for it, she is an absolute legend."
'THE VERY WORST SECRET CLUB'Sarah is raising money for the Ronald McDonald House in Edinburgh, which supported her while her daughter was ill.
"It was like becoming a member of a very worst secret club, and once you do, you are a member for life," she said.
"It's an insight into a world that to my great shame, I had no idea how challenging it was to have a child in critical care.
"We had to bear witness to some terrible things while in there and we are one of the fortunate families who got to bring our child home.
"The Ronald McDonald House gave me a home for five months, they made sure I was okay on the bad days, and that is why we want to fundraise for the charity.
"We are raising funds to support the critical care unit with additional tech and we want to be able to sponsor a room for a year for another family."
You can donate here.
When to call 999 for adults and children
You should call 999 in life-threatening emergencies.
For adults, this includes:
For children, this includes:
Source: NHS
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