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David Katzman, MD & Jennifer DeLaney, MD Internal Medicine Specialists |
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We wish you a happy holiday season and a joyous new year!
In observance of the holidays, our office will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31.
If you need medical attention during this time, you may contact your doctor by phone or email:
Dr. Katzman: 314-504-0274 or katzman@personalphysicianstl.com
Dr. DeLaney: 314-276-9033 or delaney@personalphysicianstl.com
If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Happy holidays!
Dr. Katzman, Dr. DeLaney, and staff
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How to Enjoy Happy Holidays
Jennifer DeLaney, MD |
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After almost 2 years of separation, we understandably crave a little togetherness with friends and family, however the risk for breakthrough infections is much higher than it was only a few months ago. Rates of infection locally have tripled in the last 6 weeks.
The new Omicron variant makes two shots only 30% effective in preventing breakthrough infection. Three shots are needed to be fully vaccinated.
We recommend getting boosted now!
In addition, to minimize risk at your holiday gatherings, follow these tips:
1) Make sure all guests are vaccinated and boosted.
2) Do rapid tests on all guests immediately before the party.
3) Keep gatherings small.
4) The better the ventilation, the lower the risk: outside is best, but if weather doesn’t cooperate, open windows and keep the kitchen and bathroom fans operating continuously.
6) High risk people should wear a mask when not eating including those who are over 65, have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, or have chronic kidney, heart, or lung disease.
Following these tips should help you have a safe and healthy holiday season! |
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While data is still being gathered on whether Omicron is less severe than the Delta variant or not, it does appear to be 2-3 times more infectious than Delta. The best thing to do is to avoid getting either strain by proper mask wearing. Surgical masks and cloth masks are not sufficient enough to protect you. KF-94s, KN-95s and N95s are again necessary. Please go to this link for brands that are not counterfeit and fit most people well.
We have a supply of KN-95s at the office. Please stop by to pick one up! (No need to call first, but please keep in mind we're at lunch from 12-12:45)
These masks can be used more than once. The CDC recommends limiting reuse to 5 times as the straps may begin to stretch out too much to get an effective seal. A mask should be changed sooner if it is wet or visibly soiled, breathing's getting more difficult through it, or you notice other signs of breakage (elastic bands have snapped or stretched, the nose clip has snapped, the material itself is torn, or the foam around the facial seal, if applicable, has worn away). Remember, the point of the mask is to trap the virus, so try not to touch the face of the mask and wash your hands after removing the mask. It's recommended to place it in a paper bag between uses. Also, if you prefer to allow for decontamination between uses, it's best to wait 3-5 days before rewearing the same mask. So if you can, have a few to rotate between. Hopefully, this will all help to keep Covid infection at bay. |
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Please visit our website if you have missed any past newsletters. The newsletter archives can be found by hovering your mouse over the "Medical Links" tab. |
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