Medical College of Wisconsin Provides Advice to Slow the Spread of the Virus
Dr. Joyce Sanchez receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. (Picture by Dr. Sanchez)
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is providing their expertise on a variety of topics. One of the team's goals is to give the general public knowledge on COVID-19 vaccines' containment.
The professors and experts at the college debunked the myths about the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and provided accurate and positive information on the vaccines. Dr. Joyce Sanchez, the assistant professor of Infectious Diseases at the MCW, said that one of the tales is that the COVID-19 vaccines were rushed.
"This is not true," she said. "The COVID-19 vaccines use a type of technology called messenger RNA. The manufacturing of RNA vaccines went faster than previous vaccine types. For example, the flu vaccine takes several months every year to manufacture because it is required to grow in cells, which is a long process. Also, this technology has been studied for about three decades for other viruses."
Another myth Dr. Sanchez addressed was that the vaccine would give a person the flu or COVID-19.
"The vaccines do not contain any live virus and cannot give you the flu or COVID-19," Dr. Sanchez said.
Studies have demonstrated that the vaccines Pfizer and Moderna have about 95% efficacy in protecting people against getting COVID-19. The researchers have not yet determined whether the vaccines are effectively reducing asymptomatic infection or viral transmission to others. Dr. Sanchez believes that the preliminary data shows promise.
"We have good biological reasons to be optimistic, but more information is needed to know for sure and will be forthcoming when known," she said.
Dr. Sanchez wearing a mask while on the Medical College of Wisconsin campus. (Picture by Dr. Sanchez)
A topic addressed to the medical school was the seriousness of the new strain of COVID-19. In December of 2020, researchers found another version of the virus in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, and California. Dr. Sanchez said that it is normal for viruses to mutate.
"The areas where the new virus is shown have mutations in the spike protein. This protein is responsible for binding our cells, which has made them more contagious," she said.
Dr. Sanchez also noted that the new strain has not proven to be more deadly.
"However, if the virus spreads more quickly, then more people can get ill," she said. "Which can lead to increased hospitalizations and deaths. To date, we have not seen any evidence that these strains can escape the protection given by vaccines."
One way to stop the virus from spreading, according to Dr. Sanchez, is following the three W's: Wear a mask, Watch your distance, and Wash your hands.
"Get your vaccination when your turn comes," she said. "Even after getting vaccinated, continue to practice the three W's. It's not known if the vaccinated public will infect others."
Dr. Sanchez said that the three W's are essential to follow while traveling. Spring Break is coming up, and a lot of people are concerned about traveling. Dr. Sanchez said to look at the spectrum of risk while traveling.
"I put driving in the low-risk bucket," she said. "As you can control who you encounter and make safe choices to mitigate the risk of exposure. I put flying and public transportation in the moderate-high risk bucket, depending on the situation."
When it comes to flying, Dr. Sanchez suggests:
Contact the airline to learn about any accommodations made to limit the number of people on a flight, face-covering policies, and disinfection protocols.
Always wear a mask and keep the amount of time you eat or drink (mask off) to a minimum.
Bring alcohol-based disinfectant and disinfecting wipes.
Try to minimize the amount of time spent traveling (direct flight instead of an itinerary with layovers).
She also encourages the public to consider the health risks while being around loved ones.
"It is incumbent upon each of us to be responsible for ourselves and to consider those who we are in close contact with," she said. "This includes being at home, work, school, during travel, and in other situations that put us into close contact with others."
Dr. Sanchez and MCW believe it is important that the general public understands the guidelines and regulations to stop the spread of COVID. For more information from Medical College of Wisconsin, click here.