In the seventh episode of “Media hora con la Dr. Martinez,” this past Tuesday, Oct. 5, Noticiero Móvil editor Claudia Cruz spoke with pediatrician Crystal Castañeda and internist Elieth Martinez about the new cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County and how it affects children.
Dr. Martinez pointed out that the patients who are being most affected by the coronavirus now are the unvaccinated and the young. She also shared that many times people who have not been vaccinated, change their minds when they become infected.
“I ask all the patients why they did not get vaccinated. Some were afraid. Others say that the vaccine has not been carefully studied or they don’t believe in it. Others say they never get the flu vaccine and never get sick. What I can say is that the people who have died, the days before they always say that they would have gotten the vaccine or told their relatives to get the vaccine,” Dr. Martinez said.
She further added that it is necessary to have both doses of the vaccines (this is the case for individuals who received the first Pfizer or Moderna one) because “the first one helps the body to recognize the virus and the second one helps the immune system to be stronger. There are vaccines, usually taken in childhood, that produce many antibodies and require only one dose. And there are other vaccines, such as the flu, which are recommended every year, because the virus changes,” she said.
As an essential medical practitioner, Martinez said she’s already received her third Pfizer vaccine, that is the “booster,” and also got her flu shot this year.
Dr. Castañeda explained that an increase in cases of COVID-19 has been seen in children mainly because “they have returned to school.” The symptoms they may present are nasal congestion, cough, and diarrhea. She also pointed out that “it is especially affecting children who are overweight, have asthma or high blood pressure.”
She highly encouraged parents to vaccinate their children. “Vaccinate them if they are over 12 years old. The effects of the vaccine are less severe than COVID-19. Sometimes children may feel body aches or fatigue for a few days, but for children who have had COVID-19 those symptoms can last for months,” she said.
Dr. Castañeda also provided information for pregnant women. “I recommend that they get the vaccine. I met a mom who was healthy and went into the hospital for COVID-19 after giving birth to her baby. She was completely healthy and got sick. The risk of getting a vaccine while pregnant is almost nothing, there is no risk of infertility or losing the baby,” said Dr. Castañeda.
“We know that there is no definitive cure for the coronavirus, but as Latinos we always look for natural things, we know that honey helps with coughs, and I also advise using elderberry and going for walks because our mind affects our body,” she concluded.
Watch the entire conversation in Spanish from Facebook here: