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From the Front Lines of COVID-19
November 30, 2022
Research reveals how a potentially fatal COVID-19 complication damages lung tissue
Mechanisms involved in the rapid, severe progression of fibrosis in the lung tissues of COVID-19 patients, a potentially fatal complication of the virus that damages and scars the lungs, have been uncovered by researchers led by UTHealth Houston.
October 18, 2022
Substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds report long-term COVID-19 complications
A substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds with severe COVID-19 illness are reporting long-term complications from the virus, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
October 7, 2022
UTHealth Houston study finds pediatric firearm injuries increased during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers at UTHealth Houston saw an increase in pediatric firearm-related injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite also seeing a decrease in total pediatric emergency department (ED) visits over the same period, according to a poster presented at the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim, California.
October 4, 2022
Method for detecting waves of COVID-19 infections can shape critical public health decisions during a pandemic
A method that combines case investigation data from local health departments and hospitalizations records from local institutions allows for the objective detection of new waves of infection during a pandemic, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
September 29, 2022
Among people with obesity, nearly 30% gained significant weight during the COVID-19 pandemic due to mental health factors
Stress, anxiety, depression, and lack of sleep contributed to weight gain over the COVID-19 pandemic for people with obesity, according to researchers at UTHealth Houston and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
September 22, 2022
Tao receives grant to construct vaccine knowledge base
A four-year, $1.2 million grant that will help create a vaccine knowledge base has been given to researchers at UTHealth Houston, which is a subcontractor on a larger, $3.7 million grant awarded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
September 8, 2022
UTHealth Houston OMS treats COVID associated avascular necrosis of the maxilla
For the better part of two years, 72-year-old William Baker’s health journey has been an uphill climb. With a COVID-associated avascular necrosis of the maxilla, he was referred to James C. Melville, DDS, and UTHealth Houston Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to treat his rare side effect.
August 8, 2022
Children infected with a mild case of COVID-19 can still develop long COVID symptoms
While research has revealed that children and adults hospitalized with COVID-19 are more susceptible to developing long COVID symptoms, a new study by researchers at UTHealth Houston found that children infected with COVID-19, but not hospitalized, still experienced long COVID symptoms up to three months past infection.
The study was published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.
July 20, 2022
Anti-inflammatory compound shows potential in treating patients with severe COVID-19
An anti-inflammatory compound may have the potential to treat systemic inflammation and brain injury in patients with severe COVID-19 and significantly reduce their chances of death, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston and other institutions.
July 15, 2022
Inpatient Otolaryngology Consults in the COVID-19 Era
During consultations with head and neck surgeons, a significantly higher proportion of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were treated for nosebleeds compared to patients who tested negative for the virus, according to researchers at UTHealth Houston.
June 28, 2022
Awake prone positioning does not offer benefit in reducing intubation for COVID-19 induced acute respiratory failure
A large multicenter, randomized clinical trial revealed no difference in the risk of endotracheal intubation requirement at 30 days between awake prone positioning and standard positioning for patients with COVID-19 who suffered from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, according to research published in JAMA by researchers at UTHealth Houston.
May 31, 2022
COVID-19 antibodies can last up to 500 days after infection
Adults infected with COVID-19 develop circulating antibodies that last for nearly 500 days, according to a new study led by researchers at UTHealth School of Public Health.
The findings were published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
May 11, 2022
School of Biomedical Informatics researchers develop AI-based COVID-19 predictive models
A team of researchers from UTHealth Houston created an artificial intelligence model to predict which COVID-19 patients might be more at risk for severe illness, according to an article that was published recently in the Lancet Digital Health.
March 18, 2022
Natural COVID-19 antibodies lasts seven months for children, according to new study
Children previously infected with COVID-19 develop natural circulating antibodies that last for at least seven months, according to a new study led by researchers at UTHealth Houston.
January 31, 2022
HRSA grants $10.3 million to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates for three minority, low-income populations in Texas
A one-year, $10.3 million dollar grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) was awarded to increase COVID-19 vaccinations through the development and mobilization of existing community-based health and outreach workforces in the state by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston).
October 26, 2021
More than 75% of Texans have COVID-19 antibodies, one of the world’s largest assessments finds
A year after launching one of the world’s largest COVID-19 antibody surveys, Texas CARES, public health experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are estimating that over 75% of Texans have COVID-19 antibodies.
July 23, 2021
Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences addresses COVID-19 health disparities in Texas
Projects of the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences include several initiatives to address testing disparities in vulnerable and underserved populations across the state, including in the Houston metro area, in South Texas, and in East Texas and West Texas, which have higher rates of uninsured and African American populations.
July 22, 2021
Houston COVID-19 patient enrolls in biobank repository to help others suffering from chronic coronavirus symptoms
To create a COVID-19 biobank in April 2020, physicians and researchers in the Department of Neurology were able to quickly expand the department’s BioRepository of Neurological Disorders to collect samples and data from coronavirus patients hospitalized at Memorial Hermann Health System hospitals.
July 9, 2021
Cizik School of Nursing leadership student creates helpful COVID-19 resources
“This past year, we’ve all been bombarded with information from so many different places,” said Steinhauser. “While much of this information may have come from well-meaning people, having a nurse as your information source meant you could trust what you were hearing. My experience as a nurse gave me the ability to synthesize the information and distill it into readable, easy-to-understand pieces.”
June 3, 2021
Preclinical research reveals that new IgM antibodies administered intranasally to fight COVID-19 more potent than commonly used ones
A nasal therapy, built upon on the application of a new engineered IgM antibody therapy for COVID-19, was more effective than commonly used IgG antibodies at neutralizing the COVID-19 virus in animal models, according to research recently published by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB Health), the University of Houston, and IGM Biosciences, Inc.
May 13, 2021
CDC, FDA authorize emergency use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 12 and up
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 and up.
April 16, 2021
Report shows mental health concerns rising among children and teens during the pandemic
In addition to the physical health problems caused by the pandemic, there has been a heavy mental health toll from months of lockdown and upheaval - particularly for children and teens.
April 6, 2021
COVID-19 research sparks new collaboration, innovation
In vivo research with the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus requires a specialized BSL-3 laboratory – defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a lab with a biosafety level for working with microbes either indigenous or exotic that may cause “serious or potentially lethal disease through respiratory transmission.”
March 24, 2021
Reaching the hard to reach: How one team is helping Houstonians get vaccinated
or the last several months, the employees of the UT Physicians Healthcare Transformation Initiatives (HTI) team have dedicated their nights and weekends to the vaccination effort.
March 22, 2021
UT Physicians team provides COVID-19 vaccinations for patients with disabilities
When the opportunity was available to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to patients with disabilities on Saturday, Mar. 6, UT Physicians care providers worked together to offer a convenient drive-thru service at the vaccine hub of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). UT Physicians is the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
March 15, 2021
More than 20% of Texans may have COVID-19 antibodies, serological assessment finds
Four months after launching the nation’s largest COVID-19 serological testing assessment, Texas CARES, researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have compiled preliminary data estimating that 14% to 24% of Texans have COVID-19 antibodies.
February 27, 2021
An epidemiologist breaks down the numbers on Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine
“You may be quick to compare Johnson & Johnson’s figures to those of previously authorized vaccines, such as Pfizer or Moderna, but a 66% percent efficacy rate of preventing symptomatic illness is worth celebrating,” said Katelyn Jetelina, PhD, an assistant professor at UTHealth School of Public Health in Dallas.
February 2, 2021
New grant will allow researchers to house COVID-19 data
A $4 million subcontract grant for scientists to collect COVID-19 data from virus researchers across the country in order to develop a data coordinating center has been awarded to researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Biomedical Informatics.
January 28, 2021
COVID-19 variants: What do we know?
After nearly a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts have reported mutations of the virus originating in both the U.K. and South Africa. Luis Ostrosky, MD, infectious disease expert with UT Physicians, breaks down what the public should know about these and similar variants.
January 25, 2021
State and local officials emphasize vaccine’s critical role in crushing COVID-19
In one of the Houston neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus, state and local public officials, together with leaders from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and The University of Texas System, gathered at UT Physicians Multispecialty-Jensen on Saturday, Jan. 23, to encourage everyone to roll up their sleeves and receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
January 21, 2021
New antibody therapies found to potentially fight COVID-19
Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB Health) have discovered a potential new antibody therapy for COVID-19. The study was published in Nature Communications.
January 19, 2021
Taking a swing at COVID-19: Olympic heavyweight champion advocates for vaccinations
“During this pandemic, I would wake up every day and say a prayer that I would see on the news there was a vaccine,” said George Foreman, Olympic gold medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion. “I’m so happy with the advances science has made to battle this virus.”
January 12, 2021
Researchers receive DOD funding to expand study of investigational drug to prevent ARDS in COVID-19 patients
Researchers evaluating whether an investigational oral drug, vadadustat, can help prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients were awarded $5.1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to expand the Phase II clinical trial at UTHealth.
December 22, 2020
As a year like no other draws to a close, the power of gratitude can bring healing
While acknowledging that many aspects of daily life were dramatically altered in 2020, a mental health expert with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) shares that reminiscing on the moments that brought joy in this last year can help with both mental and physical wellbeing.
December 17, 2020
Starting over: Learning to walk, talk, and enjoy life after COVID-19
Elizabeth Silva, 47, is more grateful than ever to spend the holidays with her family this year – just a few months ago she couldn’t move or speak after spending weeks in an intensive care unit (ICU) battling COVID-19.
December 16, 2020
Maximizing safety during the holidays if you can’t achieve the NBA-style social bubble
Some families have chosen to create a COVID-19 social bubble to celebrate the holidays this year, after the National Basketball Association leveraged the technique during its most recent season.
But since creating a bubble requires two weeks of diligent quarantine, testing, and temperature checks for anyone planning to be included, if you’re planning to gather for Christmas, the time has passed to start preparing.
December 14, 2020
Stay-at-home orders tied to an increase in harmful alcohol consumption, study finds
Binge drinkers increased their alcohol consumption by nearly 20% during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, according to new research by public health experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Their study, published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, is one of the first to analyze the association of stress caused by the pandemic and dangerous alcohol consumption.
December 14, 2020
Strategies for prioritizing your mental health this holiday season
This year we’ve been laser-focused on physical health to protect ourselves and others from the ongoing pandemic, but it’s also critically important to prioritize the state of our mental health. Keeping a positive mindset during the holidays will be more important than ever this year, since the holiday season is sure to be anything but normal.
December 11, 2020
Preparing for the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine
After nine months of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon after an advisory panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted to recommend emergency use authorization for Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine in the United States.
November 24, 2020
'This is how we can help' – Couple shares story as COVID-19 clinical trial participants
“I don’t feel so great,” my husband, Brandon, said to me one Saturday afternoon – the last thing I wanted to hear after spending the last seven months tuned into COVID-19 media coverage.
November 24, 2020
Is holiday travel worth the risk? Experts say with rising community spread, it isn’t.
The holiday season is here and many are eager to spend long-awaited time with loved ones to end a challenging year.
But now with coronavirus rates soaring across the country, even in rural areas, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises against holiday travel.
November 24, 2020
Thanksgiving food safety tips
To keep you safe while preparing your Thanksgiving feast, consider the following tips to avoid food poisoning and possible COVID-19 exposure.
November 19, 2020
This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for nurses
Nursing is and always has been a noble profession that requires skill, compassion, patience, and stamina.
This past year, the contributions of nurses were underscored with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The men and women who devote their lives to caring for others are putting themselves and sometimes their families at significant risk to fight for their patients’ well-being.
November 4, 2020
Providing a safe environment for psychiatric patients during pandemic
The very heart of inpatient care for psychiatric patients is socialization, group therapy, shared meals, and a standard two people per room. Then COVID-19 hit with the accompanying public health warnings to isolate, socially distance, and wear masks. UTHealth HCPC had to walk the line between the two.
November 2, 2020
Researchers seek volunteers for COVID-19 vaccine study
A Phase III clinical trial to assess if a potential vaccine is effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 is now open for enrollment by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) in collaboration with Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
October 30, 2020
Pandemic has you stressed? Nerve-relaxing injections could help relieve migraines
“I was officially diagnosed in 2005 with chronic migraines, but they have been a part of my life since childhood. I have tried several different medications over the last 15 years, but since the injections, my migraines are finally almost all gone,” Ankrom said.
October 30, 2020
UTHealth COVID-19 Center of Excellence introduces core research arm
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) COVID-19 Center of Excellence’s newest development is the core research arm, a collaborative effort with experts from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics, and UTHealth School of Public Health.
October 23, 2020
Woman recovering from COVID-19 shares experience as monoclonal antibody clinical trial participant
When Christina Loville tested positive for the coronavirus, she was terrified. She decided to channel her fear into researching COVID-19 treatments, where she discovered a local clinical trial led by experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
October 19, 2020
UTHealth, DSHS public health experts collaborate on nation’s largest COVID-19 serological testing assessment
DSHS worked with UTHealth to develop and fund the antibody survey to broadly describe the experience Texans are having with COVID-19. With antibody testing purchased by the state, funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the expertise of UTHealth researchers, the collaboration aims to learn more about the number of people who have been infected in Texas, follow how infections spread over time, understand risk factors for the disease, and inform planning for future health care needs due to COVID-19.
October 16, 2020
UTHealth experts give mental health tips to cope with pandemic stressors
The tenets of maintaining good mental health remain unchanged, but COVID-19 made them more difficult to actualize in daily life. The key to success is flexibility.
October 14, 2020
Pregnant Hispanic patients more likely to contract COVID-19 than other racial-ethnic groups
Pregnant Hispanic patients were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 than other racial-ethnic groups and most were asymptomatic, according to research by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
October 13, 2020
Is it worth the risk? A guide to navigating holiday travel during the pandemic
The holiday season is quickly approaching and many are eager to spend long-awaited time with loved ones to end a challenging year. But the critical question underlying travel during the COVID-19 pandemic lingers: Is it safe?
October 6, 2020
How to trick-or-treat safely during a pandemic
No doubt, the coronavirus has turned life on its head, causing us to adapt to a new normal. With fall around the corner and favorite pastimes like Halloween fast approaching, parents need to pause to consider how trick-or-treating might look a little different this year.
September 30, 2020
$5 million NIH grant awarded to reduce COVID-19-related disparities in vulnerable populations
To help reduce COVID-19-related health disparities in vulnerable populations in Texas, a multi-institutional team of researchers led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) will identify disease hotspots and testing deserts in three racially diverse areas, and then develop and evaluate intervention strategies to increase COVID-19 testing.
September 25, 2020
First Houston post-coronavirus clinic part of new UTHealth COVID-19 Center of Excellence
Bringing together expertise and access to the best clinical care, research trials, discovery science, and public health knowledge, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has established the UTHealth COVID-19 Center of Excellence.
September 24, 2020
Team assessing if dual-antibody injection prevents COVID-19 illness
A combination antibody treatment for preventing COVID-19 illness in individuals who have had sustained exposure to someone with the virus is being studied by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). The clinical trial is enrolling patients at Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.
September 23, 2020
Double-lung transplant for COVID-19 patient performed by team of UTHealth physicians
Just 12 hours after undergoing a double-lung transplant, 70-year-old Francisco Medellin was sitting up in a chair pushing bike pedals – a seemingly simple act that was the culmination of hard work by a dedicated multidisciplinary team from McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
September 23, 2020
Preparing for asthma attacks during a pandemic
Cooler weather, pumpkins, and falling leaves – all things that kick off the most wonderful time of year, the holiday season. But for asthma sufferers, this could mean trouble because experts see an increase in asthma attacks toward the end of September.
September 15, 2020
UTHealth joins NIH trial to test antibodies and other experimental outpatient treatments for mild COVID-19 pneumonia
A study on the effectiveness of multiple treatments, including laboratory-made antibodies, at preventing mild COVID-19 from advancing to severe illness in the outpatient setting is underway by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). The clinical trial is enrolling patients at Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.
September 10, 2020
Could the time of day impact the effectiveness of COVID-19 treatment?
For months, experts have warned against the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to treat COVID-19 symptoms. But could the timing of when this drug is taken play a role in its effectiveness?
September 4, 2020
Young Houston woman recovers from COVID-19 after participation in two UTHealth clinical trials
“The day after receiving the plasma, I asked the nurse if I could try to sit upright in bed, something I hadn’t been able to do for the last several days,” Hajjar said. “So, we tried and I was able to do it, and not long after, I was able to stand up by myself.”
September 2, 2020
Separation anxiety and back to school: Facilitating a smooth return during COVID-19
Going back to school each fall brings a mix of excitement and nerves for both parents and children. This year, in addition to the normal routine of navigating school supplies, books, and course schedules, parents also have to consider something new: the mental health effects of COVID-19.
August 21, 2020
Grant launches research into COVID-19 symptoms among cancer patients
An interprofessional team is studying COVID-19 symptoms among people with and without cancer through new grant awarded to Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Assistant Professor Meagan Whisenant, PhD, APRN. Faculty from across the UTHealth campus and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are participating in the research project.
August 20, 2020
UT Physicians offers corporate COVID-19 testing
While many offices continue to enforce work-from-home protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many more that are open for business where employees are expected to report to a physical building. Offices where it’s “business as usual” are concerned about keeping their workforces safe and healthy during these uncertain times.
August 18, 2020
Team is first in Texas to join NIH-sponsored hospital study investigating efficacy of convalescent plasma for COVID-19
Using a multimillion-dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health, physician-scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) will investigate whether convalescent plasma infusions for hospitalized patients can prevent the progression of COVID-19 in one of the first randomized clinical trials in the country.
August 14, 2020
Breastfeeding 101: Tips for new moms during the pandemic
August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to highlight the beautiful and natural bonding experience between a mother and child. However, nursing an infant has its own set of challenges – some which are new due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pamela D. Berens, MD, an obstetrician with UT Physicians and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, offers advice for new or expecting moms during these unprecedented times.
August 14, 2020
Managing your child’s diabetes during COVID-19
These days it’s hard not to worry about whether a quick outing to the grocery store will result in catching COVID-19. But for parents with children who have preexisting health conditions such as diabetes, it can be especially hard not to worry about whether their child is at a higher risk of becoming severely ill from the virus.
August 12, 2020
Maternal obesity increases risk of potentially deadly hypertensive disorders early in pregnancy
Pregnant obese women were more at risk of experiencing early and late-onset hypertensive disorders, and that risk progressively increased in women with higher body mass indexes (BMI), according to a study led by researchers at UTHealth.
August 12, 2020
Combating child weight gain during COVID-19
The infamous “Quarantine 15,” a reference to packing on the pounds during the pandemic, is affecting even the youngest of Americans, according to UT Physicians pediatricians, who are seeing the evidence in front of them via telemedicine appointments.
July 22, 2020
Review report outlines rehabilitation strategies for COVID-19 patients
Early rehabilitation of COVID-19 survivors is important to reduce long-term complications, according to researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
July 17, 2020
COVID-19 patient at LBJ Hospital recovers after convalescent plasma transfusion
A Harris Health LBJ patient credits a century-old treatment now being used to help coronavirus patients fight off the infection – convalescent blood plasma transfusions – with helping her recover.
July 14, 2020
Sharrief named to citywide COVID-19 response team
Anjail Sharrief, MD, MPH, was appointed to a citywide COVID-19 response task force.
July 14, 2020
Researchers study whether vadadustat, an investigational therapy, could mitigate acute lung injury in COVID-19 patients
Physicians are studying whether vadadustat, an investigational therapy, could protect the lungs of COVID-19 patients by triggering the body’s protective response to low oxygen levels in a randomized Phase II clinical trial at UTHealth.
July 1, 2020
The heart of teamwork: cardiothoracic and vascular surgery providers remain committed to patients
Through the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UT Physicians leadership and infection specialists, the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth will proceed with the operations of their clinics to continue caring for our shared patients and community.
July 1, 2020
UTHealth researchers study lung physiology and immune function in children, which could be protecting them from severe COVID-19
Differences in lung physiology and immune function in children could be why they are more often spared from severe illness associated with COVID-19 than adults, according to pediatric and adult physicians at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Baylor College of Medicine, who teamed up to investigate the disparity.
July 1, 2020
Grant to fund COVID-19 research with Hispanic families
The study will seek to understand where parents and teens get information about COVID-19, their beliefs about the disease, and how socio-economic factors are affecting their health behaviors. The overall impact of COVID-19 and other stressors on mental health will also be examined.
June 22, 2020
UTHealth joins trial of arthritis drug’s effect on COVID-19-induced cytokine storm
A drug is being studied for its effectiveness in treating a type of severe immune overreaction seen in patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). The clinical trial is enrolling patients at Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.
June 15, 2020
UTHealth experts outline signs of mental illness in teens as a result of current events
There are certain signs parents can look for which may indicate an adolescent has an issue that needs to be addressed. Things, like yelling or storming out without a specific reason, a decrease in patience, and regressing in behavior, are all indications that a young person may be suffering from something beyond typical teenage moodiness. Other clues are spending too much time alone and drastic changes from being cheerful one moment to losing hope and being sad the next.
June 12, 2020
Larwood helps health care community through HTX CovidSitters
For dental student Sunny Larwood, volunteering at HTX CovidSitters is an easy way to help health care workers facing hardships related to COVID-19.
June 5, 2020
Autopsy research aims to advance COVID-19 knowledge
The study collated and summarized the findings of autopsy studies around the United States to provide correlation with clinical information and create discussion on the best treatment strategies to fight the pandemic.
June 4, 2020
UTHealth researchers to develop real-time COVID-19 contact tracing app
With the continued spread of COVID-19 across the nation, prevention and control are of the utmost importance. To aid in that process, contact tracing is an essential tool used for controlling pandemic disease outbreaks. It involves identification and follow-up of all individuals who may have come into contact with an infected person. By utilizing GPS-enabled devices, contact tracing becomes a more reliable resource. GPS-enabled devices enable use of real-time location traces of users. When that is accompanied by self-reported symptoms and case status confirmation, contact tracing is a very promising social distancing tool. Furthermore, it provides a large-scale, data driven opportunity for contact investigation.
June 3, 2020
McGovern Medical School students step up to relieve burdens for front line physicians
Just a few weeks ago, some sounds like "s" and "th" were difficult to pronounce for 6-year-old Owen McKay, who was diagnosed with an articulation disorder when he was 4 years old. Now, he can say them both well, thanks to his daily tutoring sessions with a McGovern Medical School student.
May 21, 2020
School of dentistry professor donates face shields 3D-printed by niece
When Department of Endodontics Associate Professor Scott Makins, DDS, MS, learned of an unusual new source for face shields, he bought hundreds of them for faculty and staff to use when treating emergency patients at UT Dentists, the faculty group practice at UTHealth School of Dentistry.
May 19, 2020
Procurement goes straight to the manufacturer to secure PPE for clinical staff at UTHealth, UT Physicians
Procurement Services, led by its Assistant Vice President Eric Williams, reallocated eight staff members, about 14% of the department, to follow leads to find PPE materials on the global market, and converted space into a warehouse to store them – essentially filling the role distributors used to play prior to the epidemic.
May 8, 2020
Experts at UTHealth successfully treat severe case of COVID-19 in 3-week-old infant
In one of the first reported cases of its kind, a 3-week-old infant in critical condition recovered from COVID-19 due to rapid recognition and treatment by physicians from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). The case was published April 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
May 5, 2020
Sewing hope: Dental hygiene student Kristen Valenzuela has a passion for helping the community
For Kristen Valenzuela, a second-year dental hygiene student at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry, finding ways to give back to the Houston community during the COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate was a no-brainer.
April 30, 2020
UTHealth facilities department doubles housekeeping, disinfection efforts to keep staff safe
Those returning to campus can rest assured common areas, restrooms, and high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons and door knobs are being frequently disinfected, thanks to Facilities, Auxiliary Enterprises, and the Department of Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management (SHERM).
April 29, 2020
New research app will help trace the spread of COVID-19
A dashboard developed by experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Biomedical Informatics takes a new look into local, national, and global cases of COVID-19 to offer better insights from currently available data. The dashboard provides analyzed data of the amount of confirmed cases, mortality rates, and testing analysis.
April 23, 2020
How UTHealth public health students are helping the community during COVID-19
The Student Epidemic Intelligence Society (SEIS) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health provides volunteer public health support to health departments and other public health entities during infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other public health emergencies.
April 21, 2020
UTHealth team designs face shields for those on front lines of COVID-19 response
With cake collar material, a three-hole punch, a scrapbooking paper trimmer, and the drive to protect those on the front lines of health care, a team from UTHealth has designed a face shield that can be used by thousands of providers in the Texas Medical Center.
April 21, 2020
UTHealth joins forces with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and NIST on COVID-19 search engine effort
UTHealth is one of just four institutions in the country working with NIST on the TREC-COVID initiative. The Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI2), the National Library of Medicine (NLM), and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) are also part of the joint effort.
April 17, 2020
Tracking COVID-19: New research app will help trace the spread of the virus
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the U.S., a new free research app is hoping to slow the outbreak of the disease by tracking symptoms of millions across the country. To bring the app home to Texans, researchers at UTHealth have joined the national research project led by Harvard University.
April 17, 2020
UTHealth, Memorial Hermann seek plasma donations from survivors of COVID-19
“For the donor, the process of donating plasma is the same as donating blood. Different machines are used to extract the plasma, but the process is the same and we take about the same amount of blood – 200 mL, or about a cup,” said Wang, who is also an attending physician at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
April 10, 2020
UTHealth experts encourage healthy eating for the body and mind during stay-at-home orders
Planning a constant pipeline of healthy meals and snacks can feel overwhelming, especially when all you want to do is eat junk food because of the stress of such an uncertain time. As a father of two, Wesley McWhorter, MS, RD, a chef and dietitian with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, knows how tricky meal planning during this time can be.
April 10, 2020
Ostrosky wins ‘Safety Geek of the Week’ award
For a needed moment of levity, Environmental Health and Safety presents the infamous “Safety Geek of the Week” award each week to the person who went above and beyond the call of duty.
April 10, 2020
Nurses' jobs change daily with COVID-19
Elda Ramirez, PhD, ENP-BC, directed student nurses at the George R. Brown Convention Center who cared for people displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, but in her 30 years as an ED nurse, she has never seen anything like COVID-19.
April 7, 2020
Thousands trained, fit tested for respiratory protection, other PPE with the help of SHERM, Occupational Health
PPE comes in many different types, shapes, sizes, and it can often be confusing to determine what protection is most appropriate for each individual and scenario.
April 7, 2020
Together, UTHealth is addressing the coronavirus pandemic
Despite the incredible changes in our world, UTHealth remains steadfast in our mission to provide excellent education, research, and patient care. Although we had planned to launch our second annual UTHealth Giving Day today, April 7, we feel it is more important, in this time of uncertainty, to focus on current health needs. With this in mind, rather than concentrate on a single day of giving, we are focusing on ways the UTHealth family is addressing the coronavirus pandemic and preparing for future health challenges.
April 3, 2020
Medical experts answer common questions about COVID-19
As new data on COVID-19 continues to roll out on a daily basis, questions are asked about who’s at risk, how it’s being transmitted, and what additional precautions people need to take. Experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) help break it down.
April 3, 2020
Student Health Services and Employee Assistance Programs provides wellness initiatives and resources to help the needs of the UTHealth community
As the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve, UTHealth provides a number of integrated health care services to help address the needs of students, trainees, faculty, and staff. The wellness and safety of the UTHealth community is the highest priority.
March 30, 2020
Medications in the time of coronavirus
As cases of COVID-19 mount, the search is on to identify existing medications that can quell the symptoms or even prevent them.
March 27, 2020
People with diabetes need to be especially proactive with self-care
Endocrinologists and diabetes educators with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) are encouraging people with diabetes who are staying at home due to COVID-19 to redouble their efforts to eat properly, exercise, and monitor their blood sugar levels.
March 27, 2020
COVID-19 linked to cardiac injury, worse outcomes for patients with underlying heart conditions
COVID-19 can have fatal consequences for people with underlying cardiovascular disease and cause cardiac injury even in patients without underlying heart conditions, according to a review published today in JAMA Cardiology by experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
March 27, 2020
Stricter, immediate intervention critical for keeping COVID-19 cases manageable for health care facilities, according to UTHealth modeling
They estimated that if strict interventions began immediately, the number of coronavirus cases could grow to approximately 3,500 by the anticipated end of the infection, which would be approximately May 12 in the Houston area. The end of infection is defined as when there is no significant person-to-person transfer of the virus.
March 27, 2020
Facts versus fiction: Experts break down COVID-19 myths
Experts with UTHealth weigh in on the most common myths about COVID-19.
March 26, 2020
Consortium on Aging: Older adults need to stay in touch to avoid loneliness during social distancing
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the U.S., social distancing is now the byword for prevention. But for older adults who may already be experiencing loneliness, further isolation could be bad for their health.
March 26, 2020
Experts advise pregnant women about COVID-19
Pregnancy can be an exciting time. However, being pregnant during a pandemic is understandably a little concerning. Experts say the information regarding pregnancy and COVID-19 is minimal, but that doesn’t mean there is a major cause for concern.
March 23, 2020
Top Harris County, Texas, areas where residents are most likely to need hospitalization, ICU care for COVID-19
Areas of Harris County, Texas, where residents are most at risk for hospitalization and critical care needs due to COVID-19 have been mapped for the first time by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston (UTHealth).
March 23, 2020
Researchers identify top Harris County, Texas, areas where residents are most likely to need hospitalization, ICU care due to COVID-19
Harris County areas that include East Little York-Settegast, Deer Park-Channel View, and Downtown-East End have the highest concentrations of residents over the age of 60 or with chronic diseases and are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. These residents are the most likely to require hospitalization.
March 22, 2020
Don’t take the bait: UTHealth experts share tips to avoid COVID-19 related phishing scams
Exercise caution for any email with a COVID-19 related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.
March 20, 2020
Creating a new normal for children during the uncertainties of COVID-19
A pediatric psychologist with the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) explains what parents can do to maintain a sense of normalcy for their children during this time.
March 20, 2020
Take care of you: UTHealth experts share mental health tips during a pandemic
A certain amount of anxiety is normal when facing the unknown, and that anxiety can be helpful in making sure the community safeguards itself the best it can from COVID-19, by washing hands frequently and following CDC guidelines to protect yourself, family members, and the community.
March 19, 2020
UT Physicians gives advises health care workers on how to deal with outbreak stress
Professional burnout can occur at any point in your career, but it’s extremely common during times of excessive stress – like an outbreak. Our employees are managing the front lines of the pandemic bravely, but we understand the anxiety that comes with it can be great.
February 7, 2020
UTHealth School of Public Health holds coronavirus expert panel
In response to increasing concerns of 2019-nCoV (coronavirus), public health experts from the southeast Texas region and UTHealth School of Public Health gathered on Wednesday, Feb. 5, to discuss what is known, unknown, and what to anticipate about this new strain of coronavirus.