HIV & Oral Health: Short Bites January 2024
By: Mark Schweizer, DDS MPH
Director of Development and Special Projects
Dental Director Southeastern AIDS Training and Education Center
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
[email protected]
As we begin a New Year, we are hearing a lot about respiratory illnesses and issues related to infection control. Over the next few months, I will be addressing these issues. If anyone has a topic they would like to submit for future Short Bites, please submit to me at [email protected]
Covid is not gone. As of January 2024, in the United States of American there have been 100,332,218 cases and 1,191,086 deaths. The number of current active cases is 333,416 per one million people. In the last 14 days there has been 20% increase in new cases and a 12% increase in deaths. This data is reported from the New York Times as results of Covid tests are no longer reported to the federal government so tests positivity rates may be less reliable. However, the increase in death indicates an increase in new cases. During the week of December 23, there were more than 29,000 patients admitted to hospitals with Covid, 15,000 admitted with the flu, and thousands more with RSV.
Vaccines are the key to preventing the severe effects of any of these infections. For information about the “priority” of healthcare workers for receiving the vaccination, review your state’s COVID-19 Vaccination plan. The rate of completed primary series for Covid is 69% and booster rates at 14% for those 18-64 and 43% for those over 65 years of age. The new Covid variant is JN.1 and there is no evidence that this strain and the other dominant strain HV.1 causes more severe cases of Covid or poses any more risk than other circulating variants according to the CDC. This strain often starts with a pattern of a sore throat, followed by congestion and a cough. Other symptoms remain similar to previous strains.
So, what do we do? If you have Covid-like symptoms get tested and follow a physician’s guidance. Consider the booster as there is evidence that the current vaccine booster will protect against new strains. Follow proper respiratory hygiene including mask wearing if indicated. Hand hygiene is critical for all respiratory illnesses. Consult with your medical provider if the use of an antiviral such as Paxlovid would be beneficial.
Stay informed!!!
