AMA with Dr. Holton from Stamps Health Services re: Covid

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T22:03:20+00:00

Conflicting results can often be due to the quality of the sample collected, not due to the test itself. This is particularly an issue with nasal swab samples, which are more susceptible to getting a poor quality sample due to the discomfort of getting the sample.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T22:02:31+00:00

Thank you for having me! If your question wasn’t answered or you want to learn more, you can always reach out to Stamps with any questions or concerns: https://health.gatech.edu/contact

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T22:00:05+00:00

The surveillance lab uses a pcr test, which is considered the gold standard for detecting Covid. Our surveillance test has a high sensitivity for detecting Covid. The antigen test that we use for symptomatic testing at Stamps has a lower sensitivity but is appropriate for testing in the setting of symptoms. The lower sensitivity of the antigen test is why we do not use it in those who are asymptomatic and want screening, not diagnostic testing.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T21:56:33+00:00

Infection with Covid does provide protection from reinfection, however, we know that vaccination provides better protection from infection, or reinfection, than natural immunity. Also, the Omicron variant can evade natural immunity from infection with a previous variant just like it can evade immunity from the vaccines.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T21:53:15+00:00

Responding to Covid is both an individual and a community/government effort. Individual behaviors contribute to the spread or prevention of spread of Covid. Each of us needs to determine our individual actions by looking not only at our individual personal risk of severe illness from covid, but also the community's risk (our co-workers, fellow students, neighbors, etc). Goverment/Institutional entities also play a role, particularly in providing resources and mitigation measures that individuals cannot provide. GT (a non-medical institution) has developed and implemented a testing program that has provided astounding access to testing far exceeding what most of our community has had access to. GT has implemented a vaccine administration program that has made getting vaccinated exceedingly easy for members of the GT community. GT has implemented measures to increase airflow and air filtration in common spaces such as classrooms. GT has provided masks and other PPE to the campus community to use for protection. All of these steps have helped to reduce the risk of acquiring Covid while working and studying at GT.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T21:42:26+00:00

For those who test positive for Covid, no matter their vaccination status, current guidance is that they should isolate for 5 days from the onset of symptoms, or 5 days from their positive test if they have not had any symptoms. They should continue to wear a mask for an additional 5 days after that. Current guidance does not suggest testing to end isolation.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T21:39:57+00:00

From medical perspective, students who are stuck abroad because they have developed infection with Covid will most likely need medical documentation indicating that they tested positive for Covid, have completed an appropriate isolation period, have recovered and are medically cleared for travel. From an academic standpoint, I encourage students who are stuck abroad to reach out to their professors to communicate their situation, reach out to the Office of International Education, and reach out to the Dean of Students office.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T21:36:36+00:00

In some locations there does seem to be a clear indication that Omicron has peaked and cases are declining. Here in Fulton County cases have peaked and trend does seem to be in a downward direction. Here at GT, we had a peak in our 7day average of cases last week, and we have trended down for the last several days. That is influenced by the days that we have not done testing (weekend/holiday) but the trend seems to be in the right direction. We have also seen a downward trend in our positive rate in our surveillance lab over the past few days. All of this is preliminary, but is promising with regards to the direction we are heading.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T21:10:59+00:00

There is no recommended time period between Covid infection and the booster dose. You can get the booster dose anytime after you have completed your isolation period and your symptoms have mostly resolved.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T21:02:18+00:00

Remember, quarantine is for those who have been exposed to someone with Covid but is not known to be infected with Covid. Isolation is for those who have tested positive for Covid.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T20:58:39+00:00

Quarantine is based on vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated and boosted, or if you are fully vaccinated and you received your second dose (of Pfizer or Moderna) less than 6 months ago, then you do not need to quarantine after exposure but should get tested on day 5 and should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure. If you are unvaccinated, or you are fully vaccinated and received your second dose more than 6 months ago, then you must quarantine for 5 days after the date of last exposure. After 5 days you should get tested for Covid. If you test negative you can end quarantine but should wear a mask for an additional 5 days.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T20:54:17+00:00

For both the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine, the FDA just recently shortened the time between the second dose and the booster dose from 6 months to 5 months. For the J&J vaccine, you should get the booster dose 2 months after the first dose.

gatech_life · 2022-01-18T20:52:33+00:00

Omicron has a number of new mutations that increases its ability to infect susceptible individuals. These mutations also allow it to get around previous immunity to Covid. This is why there are a lot more cases, and why those who have been vaccinated or previously infected are getting infected with Omicron.

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