Covid 19

Dear AAPI Mississippi members:

The year 2020 that was expected to be a milestone year for various reasons shockingly turned into a nightmare with the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases in over 150 countries. Covid-19 came as an uninvited, unpleasant guest from China and its invisible phalanges gradually strangled lives, destroyed economies, caused several hundred millions across the continents to lose jobs and businesses, causing extreme poverty and homelessness. In March of 2020, the impact was painfully felt in the United States and there were two options- either to succumb to the pandemic or to support the community in this time of need.

As president of the AAPI Mississippi I had the privilege of connecting throughout the year with members, many of whom had questions about the AAPI Mississippi and our initiatives. It came as no surprise that these inquiries focused almost exclusively on COVID-19 and it’s impact.

Across the country, our members are navigating uncharted waters, trying to find a way through a storm that has completely disrupted our lives and our livelihood. While the journey continues to be hard, I have found great encouragement in the resourcefulness and resilience of our members. We are a diverse group of Professionals, but we share some common traits, including curiosity, creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity. These qualities will serve us well in the months ahead.

We will get through this crisis together, and I believe that we will emerge from it even stronger. We will adapt, innovate, and learn from one another as we advance patient care. 

Along the way, the AAPI Mississippi will continue to equip you in a variety of ways with the information and resources that you need. One way we will do this is by keeping you connected, both with AAPI MS leadership and with one another, during this unusual season of social isolation. I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to connect with us via our website, Facebook page and by email.

And be sure to click on the photo below to link to the latest issue of the AAPI Journal which is dedicated COVID 19 

As a chair of the jouurnal’s Publication Committee, I would like to thank all the national members and local members for their contributions, both as authors and advertisers.

Udaya Shivangi

President, AAPI Mississippi

Recaps on COVID

1– Vaccinated people can transmit the Virus

The Omicron variant is coming on fast! Vaccinated people as a rule suffer milder symptoms if infected. Some may even be asymptomatic – but they can still transmit COVID.

2- The CDC currently advises 5 days of isolation followed by 5 days of mask wearing for anyone asymptomatic but testing positive. Also for anyone recently exposed to Covid. If you are exposed please stay home .

3- Do not come to the doctor’s office if you have COVID confirmed, URI symptoms or you are exposed to anyone with COVID – make a phone appointment

4- Keep a pulse oximeter with you and if you have COVID or URI symptoms please check vitals, you may have “happy hypoxia” that is, you have low oxygen that needs steroid treatment of which you may not be aware, so please monitor closely

5- Avoid large gatherings. Although it is hard to enforce, the State of Mississippi currently has a ban on enclosed gatherings of more than 10 people. And remember – certain age specific kids are not vaccinated – they are vulnerable

6- If you are sick, stay home!

Arrange for someone to deliver groceries or medications to you when you have Covid. The Omicron variant is very infectious: masks reduce but don’t eliminate transmission 100 percent –

7- Keep your mask on whenever you are outside or with someone else. And especially when shopping in an enclosed space.

8- COVID not only can kill you, it can leave you paralyzed or result in the loss of your legs or arms due to an arterial clot . It can damage your kidneys, cause irreversible damage to your lungs and can cause heart damage.

All this can be avoided with vaccination and staying home when you are exposed or you have Covid

Don’t spread infections! Please do the following:

Stay safe
Get vaccinated
Don’t spread
If you are sick, Quarantine
Be safe
Protect your community
Get your shot
Get your shot
Get your booster!

And above all do not lie and sneak into the Doctor’s office and expose all the staff wto the virus. If you have URI symptoms, even if your COVID test is negative early on. assume you have COVID and quarantine. You do not need a doctor to treat mild COVID. Use supportive care: hydration, Tylenol , isolation and good nutrition. Protect your community.

Raise awareness- we are in this together

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