Health Sciences In The Media

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are reporting having what are now known as "pandemic dreams." Michael Grandner, director of the Sleep and Health Clinic at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, answers questions from four people about where their dreams have taken them over the past year.

"Outside is protective, but it’s not a total risk eliminator," said Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease epidemiologist and adjunct professor at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. "When we’re seeing transmission outdoors, it’s people who are close to each other, talking face to face. The three key factors to consider are distance, duration, and intensity," she says.

While all of the COVID-19 vaccines being administered in Arizona have been proven safe and effective, experts say, some of the claims of vaccine side effects may not be true. Dr. Lori Fantry, an infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, said while the COVID-19 vaccines are known to have common side effects like chills, fatigue, a headache or a sore arm, there are claims circulating that likely aren't legitimately from the vaccine itself.

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are trying to find out if vaccinated people can spread the coronavirus. The study, called PreventCOVIDU, is enlisting 12,000 students from more than 20 universities across the country to determine if fully vaccinated people need to continue wearing masks or social distancing. Dr. Elizabeth Connick, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is leading the research site.

Mary Putz, a third-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, is pursuing her dreams of becoming a pediatric doctor. With a $35,000 scholarship, the Arizona Lottery is helping her reach that goal.

A cross-border investigation of children's susceptibility to asthma and other childhood illnesses in the United States and Mexico is the focus of a new study led by researchers in the Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. The study is funded by a $15.3 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Elizabeth Connick, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is leading a team of researchers to begin a separate study of the Moderna vaccine. The goal of PreventCOVID is to recruit 12,000 students, at 20 universities nationwide, including UArizona. They are trying to determine if masking and social distancing are still needed for those who have been vaccinated.

Dr. Joe Gerald, associate professor and director of the public health policy and management program at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, discusses the state of COVID-19 in Arizona.

According to the AZDHS dashboard, only 10.9% of the Hispanic population in Arizona has been vaccinated when they make up 30% of all COVID cases. "Just look at all the ZIP codes that have had the most devastating, highest percentage of hospitalizations, cases and deaths from COVID, and then make those neighborhoods a priority,” said Dr. Shad Marvasti, director of public health, prevention and health promotion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

Diseases linked to cigarette smoke and pollution may be increasing amid the pandemic. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mainly caused by smoking, cigarette smoke and pollution, is the third leading cause of death in the world. Dr. Francesca Polverino, a professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is trying to find a way of treating it by looking specifically at emphysema.