Prepare, Prevent and Respond to COVID-19
This project supported through the CARES Act under the Family Violence & Prevention Services Act informing the community to prepare, prevent and respond to COVID-19
 Written by: PROVISION
Three years ago when the Covid-19 pandemic first afflicted the globe, no one thought it would impact the world as it has. Scientists were scrambling to make a vaccine that would help save lives and once they accomplished that, boosters were next. As people around the world would recover from this illness, it was unknown what was next. Years later, people are still suffering from ongoing symptoms of Covid-19. Post-acute conditions of COVID-19 (PASC), is also known as, “long Covid.” Individuals that have Covid-19 normally get better in a few days to a few weeks after infection. According to research, the virus can now infect various parts of the body and linger in the organs. This idea may provide evidence about the persisting illness of “long Covid” and indicate why it can be a real problem for many, including the health-care system, for some time to come. An estimate of at least 65 million people are living with long-term Covid, and the numbers are rising every day. It is often a debilitating illness that occurs in at least 10% of severe acute cases. In August of 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services reported that “no laboratory test can definitively distinguish post-COVID conditions from other causes.” However, long Covid or PASC can be defined as symptoms that linger or progress after the initial infection, lasting more than a few months. Conditions can include, but are not limited to: trouble breathing, stubborn cough, tiredness, headaches, sleeping problems, anxiety, heart palpitations, cognitive dysfunction, stomach problems and other conditions that interfere with everyday activities. We don’t know why people go through prolonged periods of Covid and research is still ongoing. There are doctors and scientists who consider that the cause could simply be the body’s response to a new germ. Common symptoms in children include pain in the muscles and joints, fatigue, difficulty sleeping or focusing, cough, and headaches. Oftentimes, it can be difficult for young children to describe these symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to gather information, so there could still be other symptoms in younger groups. If you think you or someone you know are dealing with long Covid, talk to a doctor immediately. Currently, doctors have no medication or therapy for treatment, but they can give you the best advice on how to manage your symptoms.
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Tusia: Judy Mata’utia
A tatou malamalama atili e faatatau i uiga o le taumulimuli le faatagaina, atonu o lea mafai ona maitauina ai nei uiga ae le’i faatupu teleina, ma atonu o lea mafai ai ona faia ni tulaga e ono puipuia mai ai tatou. Afai e te silafia o lo’o taumulimuli se isi ia te oe- i le lautele, i luga o le upega tafailagi, po’o faia i nisi tulaga faatekonolosi – e mafai ona e maua i le faalogona le mautonu ma le lamatia. E tatau ona faia ni la’asaga ma fuafuaga e puipuia ai oe po’o le a’apa atu i se isi e mafai ona fesoasoani ia te oe. O lea le taumulimuli le faatagaina?O ni faiga faifaipea e le mana’omia, o ni faiga faalavelave po’o nisi lava faiga e faasaga i se tasi ina ia lagona ai le fefe. E pei o soligatulafono e faatatau i sauaga tau feusuaiga, e faapena le taumulimuli le faatagaina – e faatatau uma lava i le fiamalosi ma le fiapulea. E eseese faauigaina o le tulafono o le taumulimuli le faatagaina i totonu o setete taitasi ma e faapena foi le tele o amioga eseese e maitauina ai le taumulimuli le faatagaina, e aofia ai:
Mo nisi faamatalaga e faatatau i le taumulimuli le faatagaina, faafeso’ota’i mai Le Mau i le (684)699-0272.  Written by: PROVISION Photo from: Department of Health, American Samoa Facebook
According to Samoa News, the Covid-19 Task Force will complete its work by the third week in January 2023 (Samoa News, 2022). When the emergency declarations end, American Samoa borders will be open beginning January 1, 2023. The Task Force agrees meetings are no longer necessary, but reporting requirements by local Government Agencies (i.e., DOH, LBJ Medical center, ancillary agencies, etc.) would still be required. The Task Force discussed the possibilities of having a close out event by January 17, 2023. During the pandemic domestic violence and sexual assault cases intensified since the outbreak of Covid-19. Council on Criminal Justice reported there was an 8% increase in U.S. Domestic Violence Incidents following stay-at-home orders. The Journal of Emergency Medicine reports cases increased by 25 to 33% globally. Since the beginning of COVID-19, American Samoa has implemented lockdowns, and air mobility restrictions, leaving many women trapped with their abusers. The increase in stories of violence during the pandemic were shared stories of abused victims who were trapped, and isolated from social contact. Support networks in American Samoa changed during the pandemic as families were not allowed to gather or share the same spaces. Victims were made to wear masks, which can trigger memories of being smothered by their abusers. Decreasing work hours for employees during the pandemic impacted many women’s ability to leave abusive situations. What we have learned during this pandemic is isolation has placed victims causing increased harm. The more time spent isolated with abusers has caused intensified interpersonal violence. Here are ways that we can help our local victims. First is to increase a victim and their family’s wellness. The Alliance has built in resilience tools in every webinar, training, and discussion within the community. This can be teaching them how to build words that are positive, finding a safe space to separate themselves from their abuser. Secondly, defining and creating safe living conditions. We share information on our website, and Facebook on how to Safety Plan. Third, not being able to access services. There are limited-service providers on the island, as well as community organizations. The Alliance has been able to build connections with service providers and we refer victims directly for assistance. It can be daunting for victims, but we also rely on other victims who can lend a helping hand. As reported, the pandemic has seen an increase in domestic and sexual violence. There are a myriad way how the pandemic impacted lives of victims. Yet, it is important to note during the pandemic we were able to determine how to improve or add to the needs of victims. Reference: Council on Criminal Justice (2022) New Analysis Shows 8% Increase in U.S. Domestic Violence Incidents Following Pandemic Stay-At-Home Orders. Retrieved on: 12/29/2022 from: https://counciloncj.org/new-analysis-shows-8-increase-in-u-s-domestic-violence-incidents-following-pandemic-stay-at-home-orders/ Yang, M (2022) Shadow pandemic of domestic violence. The Harvard Gazette. Retrieved on: 12/25/2022 from: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/06/shadow-pandemic-of-domestic-violence/ Written by: Tina Tofaeono
This is a time of year when loved ones travel far and wide to see each other and spend the holidays together. The holiday season of 2022 got off to a bumpy start with RSV and Influenza numbers on the rise and COVID-19 still looming in the background. The US is experiencing levels of RSV and influenza that are higher than usual, especially among children and COVID-19 continues to circulate across the United States. It’s important that we know the symptoms of each of these. The flu and COVID-19 have very similar symptoms and it can be very difficult to tell them apart. Some similar symptoms they share are: fever, chills, headaches, cough, muscle soreness, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, runny nose and sore throat. One symptom that is unique to COVID-19 is the loss of taste or smell. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs and breathing passages. RSV symptoms are: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing and a decrease in appetite. Most people with RSV recover in a week or two, but it can be serious for infants and older adults. The one thing the three of these illnesses have in common is they are all contagious, so people should be vigilant with wearing a mask. While nationwide mask mandates have expired, it’s still a good idea to have them on hand when you don’t feel well. If you’re not sure what you have, you can always take a flu or COVID test to rule those out. Currently, the only test available for differentiating flu, COVID, and RSV at home is the Labcorp Pixel test, where users swab themselves at home and send the sample in for lab testing. However, this test has a turnaround time of one to two days and hardly competes with an at-home test that has results in 15-30 minutes. If you think you may have RSV, Influenza (flu), or COVID and you plan on being around loved ones, it might just be best to mask up and/or isolate yourself to protect the ones you love this holiday season. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Written by: PROVISION
The glass is half-empty or the glass is half-full comes down to a matter of perspective, and your perspective can be the difference between gratitude and a bad attitude. How you see things can lead to you having a great day, a so-so day, or even a bad day. When it comes to turning your frown upside-down, gratitude is often the best medicine. Over the past two years, there has been a lot of reason for people to see things from a negative perspective in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Illness, death, isolation, loss of jobs, and business shutdowns were some of the trials people faced since the pandemic broke out in 2020. For many people all around the world, these trials sent attitudes spiraling downward and have left people divided on health and social issues as well as a glaring distrust of leaders in government, health, and private sectors. How can we hope to see things change for the better? An attitude of gratitude! When we start to see things from a positive perspective, there will be an impact on our own personal attitudes which can, in turn, have a positive effect on the people around us. You might ask, “Well, what is there to be so positive about?” To answer that question, let’s take a look at current statistics. In the Oct. 26 Epidemiological Update, the WHO said, “Globally, the number of new weekly cases decreased by 15% during the week of 17 to 23 October 2022 as compared to the previous week.” The number of cases have dropped significantly, and that is something to be thankful for. According to statistics, in October of 2020, the average number of people around the world dying from COVID-19 every day was 5,929. In October of 2021, the average number of daily deaths increased to 6,960. Last month, October of 2022, the average number of daily deaths decreased to 1,427. That is a huge drop in deaths caused by COVID-19 and another reason to be thankful. Isolation during the outbreak has had a serious impact on people with some claiming to feel Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms from being isolated. There are also signs that cases of domestic violence were on the rise during periods of isolation. Isolation and quarantine are no longer mandated but only suggested, so there’s another reason to be grateful. Even businesses have returned and the number of joblessness due to the shutdown has decreased and we can show gratitude for that. We can choose to stay stuck in the negative, where we focus on all the bad things that COVID-19 has brought on, or we can move forward to better days by being thankful for all that we have, displaying an attitude of gratitude. (o mea e 7 e mafai e so’o se alii po’o se tane ona faia) Tusia: Judy Mata’utia O le tele o alii latou te le faatiga, tau faamata’u pe sauaina o latou paaga. Peita’i e iai foi alii latou te faia mea nei. Ae e mafai e so’o se alii ona faia se mea e fesoasoani I le taofia o sauaga faalotoifale. O mea nei e fitu e mafai ona e faia e maua ai ni suiga ma faaitiitia ai le tulaga o sauaga;
Mo nisi faamatalaga atili e faatatau I auala e fesoasoani atu ai I le faaitiitia aemaise o le taofia o sauaga faalotoifale, faafesootai mai LE MAU A AMERIKA SAMOA E TETEE ATU I SAUAGA FAALOTOIFALE MA SAUAGA  Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA PRIME
Fetu was very scared of the COVID-19 virus. He heard that people who smoke, are overweight, have diabetes and heart disease suffered greatly from the illness. He knew he was not the healthiest person, even if he rarely went to the doctor when sick. So, Fetu followed all the recommendations made by the Department of Health: washed his hands all the time, sanitized his hands when there was no water, wore a mask, and avoided gatherings. When COVID started to spread in his village Fetu became very anxious. He kept his wife and children at home. They only left to work and to shop. The day he tested positive for COVID, Fetu felt helpless and fearful. Although the doctors gave him medicine and assured him that he would be okay, Fetu was scared. Fetu and his family were lucky. They all recovered from COVID within two weeks without having to be hospitalized. But the effects of the virus lingered and impacted Fetu’s ability to work in the plantation like he used to. He tired quickly, sometimes felt his focus drift off and his mind felt cloudy. His wife often couldn’t smell or taste things. His children were more resilient, but even they experienced fatigue and felt out of breath after normal physical activities. The worst impact was a persistent cough that would start unexpectedly. Researchers are now finding that coughing, fatigue, difficulty focusing, can last for months after testing negative. These long-term effects are called post-COVID syndrome or long COVID. An estimated one-third of COVID-19 survivors report experiencing a post-infection cough. It is one of the most common symptoms caused by the viral congestion in the lungs and airways. Chest pressure or heaviness in the chest may also be experienced. COVID infects the cells that line the mucous membranes in the lungs. These membranes produce phlegm that traps irritants in the airways, resulting in a scratchy feeling in the throat leading to a ‘wet’ cough. However, 50%-70% of COVID survivors report having a dry cough (American Lung Assoc, 7/14/21). In severe COVID-19 cases, the infected person may develop pneumonia which causes swelling and fluid build-up in the lungs. While most people recover from pneumonia without any lasting damage, pneumonia resulting from COVID-19 can be critical. Even after the disease has passed, lung injury may result in breathing difficulties experienced for months later, as Fetu did. The chronic coughing and chest congestion put him at a higher risk for developing pneumonia in the future. Researchers have identified three main factors that affect lung damage risk in COVID-19 infections (Woo-Jung, et al., 2021): Disease severity — whether the person has a mild or a severe case of COVID. Pre-existing health conditions – older people, those with weak immune systems, diabetics, people who are obese, people with heart disease and/or lung disease. Treatment – the kind of care and timeliness of that care can minimize the impact of COVID in the future. In 2021, the CDC recommended antiviral treatment to prevent severe illness, especially for those over 50 and those with pre-existing conditions. Monoclonal antibodies were also approved to help the body identify the virus and respond quickly with antibodies. Treatment should start within days of the first symptoms to be effective. According to the American Lung Association, recovering from lung damage takes time - scarring in the lungs may take three to twelve months to heal. While life has returned to normal, Fetu still feels a heaviness in his chest and deals with a chronic dry cough. He drinks a lot of water nowadays, and watches what he eats. COVID made him more aware of the value of his health – a positive side effect of his struggle to fully heal from the virus. Woo-Jung Song, Christopher K M Hui, James H Hull, Surinder S Birring, Lorcan McGarvey, Stuart B Mazzone, Kian Fan Chung (2021). Confronting COVID-19-associated cough and the post-COVID syndrome: role of viral neurotropism, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmune responses. Lancet Respir Med., 9: 533–44. Photo: Pacific Community Response. Dr. Paulo Vivili, SPC Public Health Director on COVID-19 retrieved: https://www.spc.int/updates/blog/2022/09/covid-19-pacific-community-updates#Response  Written by: Luana Scanlan, MBA PRIME
The first COVID vaccines were approved for use and mass distributed in the U.S. mid-2021. The first booster was approved at the beginning of 2022 as researchers found the original vaccines losing their effectiveness over time. Between 2019 and 2022 SARS-COVID 19 mutated thousands of times, but only four variants were concerning enough for researchers to develop specific vaccines to minimize their ability to cause severe disease (Epicentre.org.za). Recently the FDA and CDC approved an updated Omicron-specific COVID booster to target the dominant BA.4 and BA.5 strains circulating worldwide. The only bivalent boosters currently authorized are Pfizer for those 12 and older, and Moderna for those 18 and older. This is the first time these mRNA vaccines have been updated. The updated booster is bivalent meaning it’s half original strain, and half Omicron BA.4, BA.5 (Fryhofer, 2022). The booster provides antibody protection for at least six months and demonstrated effectiveness for up to nine months in people with or without past COVID infections. Estimated booster effectiveness against severe COVID-19 was 87.4% (Ng et al., 2022). The CDC recommends that everyone aged 12 and older receive the new booster but you must be ‘up to date’ with your vaccines first. You are up to date and fully protected if you have received the first two primary shots of any COVID vaccine product, plus at least one booster. If you’ve already had COVID, you should get the updated booster after you’ve recovered and at least 3 months after testing negative. In a recent California study, 56% of participants (N=210) who were infected with the Omicron variant were unaware of the infection, and only 10% reported symptoms, most of which were mild (Joung et al., 2022). 94% of participants had at least one COVID vaccine. Experiences like these may deter people from getting the updated vaccine. However, the CDC, FDA, World Health Organization recommend getting the new booster in preparation for future mutations. Like the flu, annual shots are recommended going into ‘flu season’. Each year the flu shot is modified for specific mutations in the flu virus. Experts predict that COVID will become the new ‘flu’ with annual shots recommended for protection. The following are the CDC’s current vaccination recommendations: AGE 1ST SHOT 2ND SHOT * 1ST BOOSTER UPDATED BOOSTER 6 mos.-4 years Primary series – any vaccine 8 weeks after 1st shot – Pfizer or Moderna 8 weeks after 2nd shot No recommendation 5 – 11 years Primary series – any vaccine 8 weeks after 1st shot – Pfizer or Moderna 5 months after 2nd shot 8 weeks after 1st booster (if Pfizer in 2nd shot must use for this booster) 12 – 17 years Primary series – any vaccine 8 weeks after 1st shot – Pfizer or Moderna 2 months after 2nd shot (Pfizer only) 8 weeks after 1st booster (Pfizer only) 18 – 49 years Primary series – any vaccine 8 weeks after 1st shot – Pfizer or Moderna 2 months after 2nd shot – either product 2 months after 2nd shot – either product 50 years and older Primary series – any vaccine Pfizer 21 days after 1st shot Moderna 28 days after 1st shot 2 months after 2nd shot – either product 2 months after 2nd shot – either product *CDC recommends NOT mixing products in your primary series – if you received Pfizer or Moderna in the first shot, you get the same product for the 2nd shot. Click on these links for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#footnote01 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines?adgroupsurvey={adgroupsurvey}&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__aBjvmN-gIV2HRvBB2cYQ7PEAAYAiAAEgJ7KfD_BwE Daignault, M., Gandhi, M. (2022). CDC’s Booster Recommendations May Not Provide Optimal Protection. Time (Sept. 6). https://time.com/6211075/covid-19-vaccine-omicron-boosters/ Fryhoffer, S. (2022). New Omicron boosters available from Pfizer and Moderna. AMA (Sept. 8). https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/new-omicron-boosters-available-pfizer-and-moderna-sandra-fryhofer-md Joung SY, Ebinger JE, Sun N, et al. Awareness of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Infection Among Adults With Recent COVID-19 Seropositivity. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2227241. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.27241 Ng OT, Marimuthu K, Lim N, et al. Analysis of COVID-19 Incidence and Severity Among Adults Vaccinated With 2-Dose mRNA COVID-19 or Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines With and Without Boosters in Singapore. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2228900. Image retrieved: https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALiCzsYyRJ7DBJfajeauDeK0RycWsZ5F6Q%3A1663090617374&q=covid-19%20pandemic%20images&ved=2ahUKEwiuhemrp5L6AhUHFjQIHaquAwwQmoICKAF6BAgDEAk&biw=1506&bih=748&dpr=2.55#imgrc=5A8vE-yczNbqVM  Written by: Luana Scanlan, MBA- PRIME Consultant
Depression is a common mental health disorder in the U.S. that can happen at any age. It develops because of physical changes to your brain and how it works. Risk factors for depression include a family history of depression, major life changes that involve stress, physical illnesses, and medications. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, restlessness; difficulty sleeping, focusing; fatigue or changes in appetite; thoughts of death or suicide. No two people experience depression in the same way. While these symptoms are like those resulting from life experiences such as loss, life threatening illness, etc. depression is different because it is persistent - time does not heal depression. The Mental Health American organization provides online screening tools for depression and related mental health conditions. Researchers analyzed data from the 2020 Korea Community Health Survey to assess links between COVID-19 and self-reported depression among adults (Byun, et al. 2022). They focused on compliance with three COVID-prevention rules: social distancing, wearing a mask indoors, and outdoors. The results suggest that compliance with COVID-19 rules supported mental health in the Korean population. People who did not comply with public health measures were more likely to be depressed. Not wearing a mask indoors was most often linked to depression. In participants with a high level of education, non-compliance was significantly associated with depression. The observance of public health rules in the early stages of future pandemics can minimize stress, frustration, anxiety, and depression. COVID-19 has also been causally linked to psychological problems such as panic disorder and anxiety (Qiu, et al., 2020; Hossain, et al., 2020). In patients infected with COVID-19, uncertainty about treatment and health outcomes affected their mental health (Hossain & Purohit, 2020). A recent study of survivors of COVID-19 infection reported the frequency of depressive symptoms twelve weeks after COVID-19 infection at 11–28% (Renauld-Charest, O. et al., 2021). In countries where mask wearing was recommended in the early stages of the pandemic the level of depression and stress was lower than in countries that did not emphasize mask wearing as a form of prevention (Wang, et al., 2020). The research suggests that compliance with COVID-19 public health policies can reduce related depression and support mental health (Zhao SZ, et al 2020). |
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