COVID19-084 – April 11, 2021

Dear Patients:

Spring is here and it ushers in the feeling of rebirth. "Hope springs eternal." The spirit of hope, by its very nature, spawns our ability to heal. Hope and all that is associated with it - desire, expectation, ambition - power the "Law of Action." It pushes us to go forward in the face of fear, which is the definition of courage.

Hope, of course, is not a strategy. Nonetheless, it is empowering and can be the engine that drives planning and strategy, as it inspires intention that springs us forward into action. If you intend something to happen, you are that much closer to seeing that something become a reality.

Let me share a personal story of how hope can work. My middle daughter was pregnant and at only 26.5 weeks, on January 30, her water broke, putting both her and her baby at risk. I have told you before that I am a proud alumnus of the University of Maryland.

The high-risk OB team there, led by an internationally known physician, Dr. Turan, sprang into action. The team had a plan: proven interventions, plus monitoring and bed rest as an in-patient in the hospital for as long as possible, until delivery. All we could do was hope that the plan would work. Each day and week that the mother carries the child and delivery is delayed, the risk of potential problems with the baby decreases. Since much of this is out of anyone's control, all we could do was hope for the best and have a plan for what we could control.

Part of the plan, as a family, was being there for our daughter, son-in-law, and 5-year-old grandson, in any way we could, so they felt supported. This aspect of care is probably one of the strongest medicines known. My grandson, Bennett, was born on March 15 at 32 weeks and 5 days, and healthy for his gestational age.

Hope, and all that comes with it - determination, longing, wishing - got my daughter and son-in-law through this next part of their journey and they used these emotions to develop a plan. They alternated spending 24 hour shifts with Benny in the NICU, so he was never without a parent (grandparents and visitors are not allowed due to COVID). They held him skin-to-skin as much as possible, they worked to feed him every 2 to 3 hours and took over as much of his care as allowed by the medical team. That was the plan, powered by hope, to get Benny home as soon and as healthy as possible. And what we all hoped for actually happened. After 23 days in the NICU, he was able to come home this past Wednesday with a clean bill of health.

Click photo to enlarge

I am so proud of my daughter and son-in-law; the last 10 weeks have been physically, mentally, and emotionally depleting, probably the toughest time in their lives. They found the inner strength to create and follow a plan that they hoped would work, and it did.

As a reminder, I am no longer sending out daily updates and instead, I am updating you periodically as things change. Just like yesterday, face masks, social distancing, hand washing and/or sanitizer whenever you need to leave your safe zone. Stay home if you display any symptoms.

I continue to enjoy writing these updates. Initially, these were only sent to my patients, however, I have been humbled to learn that, through social media, these writings have been forwarded and re-forwarded to many. This has brought me great joy to know that this simple act of sharing facts, thoughts, opinions, and hopes have touched you in some way. Hopefully, I have been able to reassure you, maybe make you smile and laugh, soothe your worries, and comfort you. And maybe, just maybe, I have helped you to be in the moment!

About COVID-19:

Which vaccine should I take? Answer: the first one available! Currently, in Maryland, anyone who is 16 or older can register.

Will the vaccine give me protection from the variants? Answer: Yes, to some degree. Everyone should get the vaccine, even if they have had a prior COVID infection.

Do I still need to wear a mask after I have been vaccinated? Answer: Yes, when out and about for sure. If you are with people who have been fully vaccinated and are at least 14 days from the second vaccine or 28 days after the J&J, then no need.

Why are we seeing surging numbers? Answer: Because we are letting our guard down. When you are out in the general public and out of your clear safe zone, keep your distance, wash your hands and wear your face mask.

Why should younger people get the vaccine if they typically are going to do well if they get COVID? Answer: To minimize the spread to others, especially older unvaccinated people and to avoid getting COVID which can lead to post-COVID "long hauler syndrome," which is the equivalent of chronic fatigue syndrome.

After one is fully vaccinated, can you asymptomatically become infected and spread COVID?

Answer: This is possible, but of low likelihood. A vaccinated person could, sub-clinically, get the infection and shed virus; the frequency and degree of virus shed are not known but this does not play a major role in transmission. Nonetheless, all the more reason to continue mitigation outside your safe zone. So, wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance. And of course, if you are feeling poorly, self-isolate.

On a musical note: from one of my favorite shows, Wicked

The people in our life make a difference in our lives. I love this schmaltzy song!

On a lighter note:

As a reminder, I am no longer sending out daily updates and instead, I'm updating you periodically as things change. Just like yesterday, face masks, social distancing, hand washing and/or sanitizer whenever you need to leave your safe zone. Stay home if you display any symptoms.

Reach out. Stay connected. Stay home. Save lives. The power of one. Be well.

Feel free to forward this on: spread the word, not the virus.

HAO

24/7

Harry Oken, M.D.

Adjunct Professor of Medicine

University of Maryland, School of Medicine

Office 410-910-7500

Fax 410-910-2310

Cell 443-324-0823

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