CLEVELAND, Ohio — More than 3,600 American health care workers are believed to have died during the pandemic’s first year; and scammers are selling proof-of-vaccination cards.
Cleveland.com is rounding up some of the most notable coronavirus news making headlines online. Here’s what you need to know for Friday, April 9.
Pandemic death toll on health care workers
More than 3,600 American health care workers died during the pandemic’s first year, a year-long investigation by the Guardian and Kaiser Health News estimates.
The investigation, “Lost on the Frontline,” is thought to be the most complete accounting of U.S. health care worker deaths. The federal government has not comprehensively tracked this data.
The project found that nurses, support staff and nursing home employees, who handled everyday patient care, were far more likely to die in the pandemic than physicians.
Latest scam: fake vaccination cards
Beware of online scammers who are offering counterfeit or stolen vaccine cards showing proof of shots, according to press reports. Online stores, eBay listings and Facebook pages can be found advertising “vax-cards” or “blank vaccine cards.”
Airlines and other companies have recently said they may require proof of COVID-19 immunization so that people can attend events or travel safely. Selling fake vaccinating cards could violate federal and identity theft laws.
Long COVID affects 1 in 10, study suggests
One in 10 people have at least one moderate to severe COVID-19 symptom eight months after a mild course of the illness, according to a new Swedish study published in JAMA.
The symptoms were perceived to interfere with home, work or social life, and the most common symptoms were fatigue, and loss of smell and taste, researchers said.
The long-term study is looking at immunity after COVID-19, and has collected blood samples from more than 2,000 hospital employees since spring 2020. About 19% had antibodies against the coronavirus.
In the third follow-up in January, the research team examined self-reported long-term symptoms and their impact on work, social and home life for 323 participants who had mild COVID-19 at least eight months earlier and filled out a questionnaire.
Carbon dioxide levels could indicate COVID-19 risk
When excess carbon dioxide levels double indoors, the risk of COVID-19 transmission also roughly doubles, scientists reported this week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters. This suggests that measuring indoor carbon dioxide could be an inexpensive and effective way to monitor COVID-19 risks.
Infectious people exhale airborne viruses and carbon dioxide at the same time, meaning that carbon dioxide can indicate the number of viruses in the air, researchers said.
UA holds vaccination clinics for students
University of Akron students can receive a COVID-19 vaccine during a series of vaccination clinics for students. The on-campus clinics started Thursday.
Students who are 18 and older can receive the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine into next week, the university said. UA is partnering with Klein’s Pharmacy in Cuyahoga Falls to administer the vaccine.
Your coronavirus vaccine questions answered:
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Are you ‘less immune’ to the coronavirus if you don’t have vaccine side effects?
Can I still get my second dose of coronavirus vaccine if I develop COVID-19 symptoms after the first?
Can you mix and match two doses of coronavirus vaccine from different manufacturers?
Can you request one coronavirus vaccine if you have concerns about the other?
Coronavirus vaccine misinformation permeates social media: Here are the facts to counter six false claims
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If Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are for people 16 and older, what does that mean for children? What about minors with pre-existing conditions?
If the coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective, how will you know if you’re in the other 5%?
Is it OK to take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
Should cancer patients get the coronavirus vaccine?
Should you get the coronavirus vaccine if you’ve had a bad reaction to the flu shot?
Should you get the second vaccine if you contract COVID-19 after your first coronavirus vaccine dose?
What can families do safely if parents are vaccinated but their kids aren’t?
What if you contract COVID-19 in between your two coronavirus vaccine doses?
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Why do I need to keep a mask on if I’ve been vaccinated for coronavirus?
Will your COVID-19 vaccine be less effective if you need to wait longer for the second dose?
