|
(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
0 Comments
 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).  Written by: PROVISION
With Covid 19 variants on the rise, it’s important that we do our part. Get vaccinated, get boosted, wash your hands, social distance and mask up. Some businesses are not requiring masks, but if you feel sick or you’ve been around someone who has shown symptoms, mask up for those around you. Infectious Disease Specialist, Mark Rupp, M.D. said, “The original omicron variant is gone now. Currently sub variants of omicron are circulating, including BA.4, BA.5 and BA.2.12.1.” The two newer omicron sub variants, BA.4 and BA.5 are increasing. “These variants ebb and flow across the country. Now it’s our turn to be dealing with BA.4 and BA. 5 as the situation evolves.” The best way to prevent the new variants is to slow the spread of the virus. Once again, get a boosted, if you're eligible, get vaccinated, choose outdoor activities whenever possible, wash your hands, avoid close contact with others, wear a mask in public whenever possible and stay home if you're sick or have Covid 19 symptoms. Specific findings from a CDC systematic review found that physical activity is associated with a decrease in Covid 19 hospitalizations and deaths, while being inactive increases the risks. Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your health now and in the future. People who sit less and engage in moderate to vigorous activity develop some healthy habits. Being physically active is important for your mental health, and can have immediate benefits for your mood while reducing anxiety. Regular physical activity helps to reduce the risk of some chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Exercise can also improve sleep quality. Getting adequate sleep is not a luxury, it’s fundamental to good health. Emerging research also suggests physical activity may also boost immune function. One in four adults is inactive, meaning that they don’t get any exercise outside of their regular job. Only about one in four adults and one in six high school students fully meets the physical activity guidelines. Being inactive contributes to 1 in 10 premature deaths. Remember, any exercise is better than nothing at all. It's recommended to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. That doesn’t mean all at one time, you can break it up to what fits your schedule. The main takeaway is get out and get active! Image retrieved from: https://www.outsourcing-pharma.com/Article/2022/01/18/Pfizer-COVID-19-treatment-shows-promise-against-omicron-variant References: CDC, C. D. C. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/physical-activity-and-COVID-19.html. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/physical-activity-and-COVID-19.html Medicine, N. (2022). What COVID-19 variants are going around in July 2022? Retrieved 2022, from https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around-in-july-2022#:~:text=%22The%20original%20omicron%20variant%20is,Proportions%20on%20July%207%2C%202022.  Photo from: Written by Sosefina Iose
Since June 21st of this year, there have been approximately 31 deaths related to the coronavirus, about 6,353 individuals in American Samoa who have contracted the virus, and 6,251 individuals have recovered from the coronavirus. Acting Governor, Talauega Ale, is enforcing all of American Samoa to keep using their masks in enclosed settings and to remain a 6-feet distance from each other to lessen the possibilities of contracting the coronavirus. This Declaration of the ongoing outbreak will not affect any village councils to enact regulations imposing curfews or restricting public gatherings. It is enforced that whoever violates any of the requirements will be punished by up to 12 months in jail or pay a fine of $1,000. However, this is a note quoted from the declaration signed by Talauega E. V. Ale; “This Declaration will be effective June 27, 2022, and supersedes the Declaration dated May 27, 2022, and the amendments to that Declaration. It will be in effect for thirty (30) dates and expires on July 27, 2022. Exclusive authority for rendering all final decisions pertaining to the implementation of all prescribed mandates of this Emergency Declaration is vested in the Governor of the Territory of American Samoa and the GAR. Dated: June 24, 2022” Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, PRIME
During a pandemic, service providers can redirect social services and psychosocial support through online, phone, social distanced mechanisms. Several tools for communicating safety and reducing fear during pandemics were piloted prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Digital interventions have been confirmed to promote and enable safety behaviors (Decker, et al., 2020). Virtual interventions have been successfully tested to address gendered burdens and their impact specifically on women (Viveiros, et al., 2020). A few surveys indicate that victims prefer guided online support and found web-based interventions ‘supportive and a motivation for action’ (Hegarty, et al., 2019, Jewkes, et al., 2020, Koziol-McLain, et al., 2018). The following web-based applications can help victims establish safety: https://www.myplanapp.org/ myPlan – the app content, interface and implementation can be adapted for use in American Samoa. A study in Kenya demonstrated its high feasibility, and the acceptability of community-partnered technology-based safety planning interventions like this (Decker, et al, 2020). MyPlan has a ‘My Safety’ risk assessment section that converts responses to validated levels of exposure to danger. The ‘My Priorities’ section is an interactive visual aid to set priorities for safety – gauging importance between priorities such as privacy, severity of violence, wellbeing of children, social support etc. and emphasizes importance of safety and inclusiveness (Glass, et al., 2015, Decker, et al., 2020).
Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME. Photos from: (1) https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/face-mask-with-painkillers-royalty-free-image/1218077734?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=iptcurl (2)
In addition to developing effective vaccines to protect us against the worst symptoms of COVID-19, amazing scientists created drugs to treat symptoms before they progress into life-threatening complications. There are two types of drug treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA: Veklury or remdesivir, an antiviral drug, for adults and some children. Commonly known as remdesivir, this drug is delivered through intravenous therapy or an IV. The second is Olumiant which helps the adult immune system fight infection when hospitalized with COVID-19. These drugs are not substitutes for the COVID-19 vaccine, they simply provide additional support once you are infected and if you experience symptoms. There are several additional treatments approved under the national Emergency Use Authorization for public health emergencies such as a surge of COVID-19 infections. Monoclonal antibody treatments for adults and children contain antibodies to fight infection. These come in pill form and IV therapy to reduce the risk of experiencing the most severe COVID symptoms. Prevention treatments include Evusheld; bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody treatment; oral antiviral therapies include Lagevrio, Paxlovid, and Renal Paxlovid. As of May 23, 2022, the following therapeutics were reportedly in stock at the LBJ Hospital*: Bebtelovimab Paxlovid Lagevrio (molnupiravir) Evusheld As of May 20, 2022, the following therapeutics were reportedly in stock at the Amouli Health Center*: Bebtelovimab Paxlovid Lagevrio (molnupiravir) *Source: https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/ If you test positive for COVID-19, by either a health worker or using an at-home kit, you may be eligible for treatment. Visit your doctor to report symptoms you are experiencing. Based on your medical history, symptoms, and health risks you may receive treatment, or it may be determined that you are healthy enough to fight off the disease without treatment. Most people experience mild, cold-like symptoms which go away on their own within days much like the common cold. Rest, lots of water, social distancing, and healthy foods support the immune system’s ability to fight the virus. Again, treatment is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccines protect you against severe symptoms that would put you in the hospital, and possible death. Treatments provide added support to the immune system to fight the virus. Resources: Visit the Department of Health’s Facebook page for daily updates on test, vaccination, and treatment sites: https://www.facebook.com/americansamoadoh or partner sites for more information: https://www.facebook.com/ACTASONEamericansamoa https://www.facebook.com/AmericanSamoaAlliance https://omny.fm/shows/pacificmedianetwork/covid-19-messages-for-our-pacific-community   Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME Consultant; Photo from: https://www.samoanews.com/features/thousands-take-part-samoa-mass-covid-19-vax-drive-photo-caption
First and foremost, victim services must be categorized ‘essential services’ by the local government to ensure access to the women’s shelter, court, and protection orders. Secondly, advocates can organize community responses to stay-at-home orders:
The 2020 IPSOS Pub poll shows 1 in 5 Americans under age 35 sought professional counseling since the pandemic began which indicates a need to address the impact of social isolation among young people. Tools like the Daily Coping Toolkit (smartpatients.com) and the free COVID Coach app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobilehealth.ncptsd.covid&hl=en_US) focus on wellbeing in the face of COVID related environmental changes that impact mental health outcomes. Several domestic violence and mental health websites offer tools to apply ‘psychological first aid’ (PFA) to address health anxiety – stress directly resulting from COVID-19 and related impacts such as violence: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pfa-mobile/id551079424 The free PFA Mobile app was designed by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to assist first responders who provide psychological first aid or PFA. The app can be used by victim advocates and outreach workers. The PFA Pocket Guide includes a day-to-day Stress Assessment and other exercises to understand self-care, the stress from caring for others, personal factors and support systems. https://www.globalfirstaidcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/19-0420PS-PFA_Pocket_Guide_2020_EN_FA.pdf The ABCDE Handbook guides the lay-person in applying PFA in various crisis contexts. https://www.preventionweb.net/publications/view/67196  Written by: Kathy Fitisone, ASADSV Staff
After many months of closed borders followed by many months of exclusive repatriation flights, we have finally arrived at some sort of normalcy with flights to and from the mainland, albeit not as often or as regular as we are used to but nonetheless, the opportunity to travel exists. What still remains the same in our fight against COVID-19 is the process of quarantining for a certain period of time before being released out into the general population. Because the flight schedules are not set in stone and because many possible outcomes could cause the duration of quarantine to be longer than normal, there is the possibility that you may have to spend Christmas in quarantine. Bah-humbug you may say. Stop being such a Grinch. Look on the bright side of things to have a holly, jolly, merry Christmas.
If you must be in quarantine during Christmas, we ask that you make the most of it. Be thankful you are home. Many people wish they could be home for the holidays; you are one step closer and we are excited to have you home! American Samoa has been extremely fortunate to date to not have experienced the effects of COVID-19 encountered by so many countries throughout the world. We have seen our government leaders and various Government agencies at the forefront of this battle and they should be commended for putting procedures and policies in place that have allowed us to continue life as normal as possible with very minimal interruptions. We continue to ask everyone to adhere to the COVID-19 procedures of getting vaccinated and boosted, quarantining, social distancing, wearing a mask, and keeping hands and faces clean. Also keep abreast of updates from the CDC and the latest news regarding COVID-19. We as a community must continue to do our part – even if it means quarantining during Christmas. Merry Quarantine Christmas and welcome home! Ia manuia le Kerisimasi, malo le malaga manuia mai! |
AuthorWritten by staff or Alliance Partners |
RSS Feed
|
|
OUR LOCATIONS
Tafuna |
Nu'uuli |
Click to set custom HTML