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COVID-19 

How "Long COVID-19" is taking a toll on patients' mental health

Posted February 14, 2022 by Patrick Palmieri, PhD

 

The stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, but especially on those who have battled the virus and now have lingering symptoms.

Known as “long COVID-19” or “post-COVID syndrome,” some patients are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms for weeks or even months after recovering from the acute phase of infection — even when the virus is no longer detected in their bodies. Even patients who had mild cases and weren’t hospitalized…

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Why is it so important to get your flu shot this year?

Posted September 13, 2021 by Thomas File, MD and Shanu Agarwal, MD

 

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season.  

Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it.  

So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be…

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How to tell the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies

Posted August 30, 2021 by Shanu Agarwal, MD

 

At the first sign of a scratchy throat or cough, people can’t help but wonder whether they’ve contracted COVID-19 — and rightfully so.

But just because you have a sore throat and cough, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve contracted COVID-19. Pollen counts are high, affecting you or someone you know with seasonal allergies.

COVID-19and seasonal allergies both affect the respiratory system and share similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to…

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Coughing etiquette 101

Posted April 12, 2021 by Thomas M File, Jr., M.D. and Shanu Agarwal, M.D.

 

When you are suffering from a respiratory infection, you risk spreading the infection through your cough. In fact, each cough expels thousands of tiny, infectious droplets that travel up to six feet away.

Those droplets can be inhaled by others or land on their face. Droplets also can fall on and contaminate nearby surfaces, where they can be easily transferred to another’s hands.

Coughing etiquette, combined with facial coverings and social distancing, is the best way to…

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Top 5 Health Concerns in Northeast Ohio

Posted April 05, 2021 by Bitan Ghosh, M.D.

 

COVID-19 remains one of our region’s top health concerns as we navigate this pandemic. Community spread leading to new cases and unfortunate deaths have affected every one of us.

It’s important, however, that we don’t ignore other health concerns. Resuming care for regular health checkups, health screenings and management of chronic illness is critical to the overall health of our community.

Here are 5 major health concerns in Northeast Ohio that cannot be…

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The Effects of COVID-19 on Heart Health [Podcast]

Posted March 15, 2021 by Dr. Roger Chaffee

 

Healthy VitalsListen to this episode of the Healthy Vitals Podcast featuring Roger Chaffee, MD.

Listen now


Summa Doctors Address The Black Community’s Hesitancy With The COVID-19 Vaccine [Podcast]

Posted February 10, 2021

 

Healthy VitalsListen to this episode of the Healthy Vitals Podcast featuring Drs. Yoleetah and George Ilodi.

Listen now


5 unusual COVID-19 symptoms you need to know about

Posted December 28, 2020 by Shanu Agarwal, M.D.

 

Fever, dry cough and shortness of breath are the telltale signs of a COVID-19 infection. But, those aren’t the only symptoms that have been linked to the virus. Other symptoms include chills, muscle or body aches, sore throat, fatigue and congestion.

As we learn more about this dangerous virus and its full range of symptoms, doctors are uncovering yet another set that are unusual and uncommon. From lesions to vomiting to deadly blood clots, doctors are discovering COVID-19 is…

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Importance of flu shots—even in a pandemic

Posted October 05, 2020 by Vivek Bhalla, MD

 

With an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and influenza (flu) season now upon us, getting the flu vaccine should be at the top of your family’s to-do list this fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe both the flu virus and COVID-19 could be running rampant this season. That’s why many medical experts agree this year the flu shot is more important than ever before.

Influenza activity often begins to increase in October and peaks between December and…

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Summa Health's infectious disease specialist Dr. Thomas File offers the latest updates on COVID-19

Posted September 21, 2020 by Thomas M File, Jr., MD

 
We’ve learned a lot about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past six to eight months since the virus infiltrated our lives and bodies. We now know much more about how it’s spread, symptoms to watch for and how to treat some of them, as well as successful ways to protect ourselves from transmission. 

But, there’s still a long road ahead. There are many unknowns about the virus, including immunity and long-term effects. Summa Health sits down with…

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Myth vs. Fact: What you need to know to protect yourself from COVID-19

Posted April 09, 2020 by Michael J Tan, MD

 

New headlines and reports about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are infiltrating the Internet, TV, and social media channels daily, if not hourly. Much of this information is vital for our safety and protection against the virus. However, amidst this global pandemic, there are many myths being passed around that could potentially do more harm than good.

 

Summa Health is getting to the bottom of the most pertinent questions it is hearing to separate the myths from facts.…

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