Episode 6: Delta variant
July 6, 2021
In recent weeks, the arrival of the delta variant in Nevada has caused public concern. On June 2, Washoe County announced the first case of this variant of COVID-19, and to date, a total of 65 cases and two deaths have been reported in the area, a number that is expected to continue to rise.
Will we go back to wearing masks? Can you get infected if you have already been vaccinated? In an interview with Noticiero Móvil, Renown Hospital internist and professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, Elieth Martinez, answered some of the questions about this new variant of the coronavirus.
What is a variant?
“We’ve heard different names for variants from different countries, but basically it’s the virus changing through a mutation, and when the virus has one or more mutations, that’s a variant. A change to the original virus,” said Dr. Martinez.
The delta variant
Or also called B.1.617.2, is a variant of the coronavirus that has been found in more than 80 countries since it was detected in December 2020 in India. The first case of the delta variant in Washoe County was reported on June 2, and in Nevada on April 26 of this year.
“This variant is more aggressive and easier to transmit from person to person, and we are also concerned that this variant may decrease the effectiveness of some vaccines,” the internist explained.
The symptoms, according to the doctor, are the same as those of the other COVID-19 mutations, including fever, tiredness and shortness of breath; however, she says that it is “even more contagious.”
Who is most affected?
Early in the pandemic, protecting the elderly and those with weak immune systems was a priority, however, the scenario has reversed.
“Now the most affected are young people and adults who are not yet vaccinated. We urge most adults who have doubts about the vaccine to get it as soon as possible,” she said.
Should a vaccinated person wear a mask to protect themselves from the delta variant?
“If a person is already vaccinated, there is no need to worry, the vaccines are highly effective, but it is also important to know that they are not 100% effective. It is possible for a vaccinated person exposed to the delta variant to have very minimal symptoms but still be able to transmit the virus to others.
I think in the next few weeks, we are going to see some changes with respect to the use of masks. For example, in Los Angeles County they are recommending its use even if you are vaccinated, now that the delta variant has arrived.
Also, it is important to complete the two doses of the vaccine, if one has only one dose and is exposed to a lot of people or enclosed areas, there is still a risk.
“The person is protected two weeks after the second dose,” reminded Dr. Martinez.
A third vaccine
Regarding a possible “booster” to reinforce the two doses, Dr. Martinez indicated that “there are studies with people who are getting a third vaccine but that still needs to be evaluated. What we have achieved with coronavirus has been done over time, so I hope we will have news on whether a third vaccine would work or not.”
Mass vaccination
The internist also noted that the percentage of vaccines needed to achieve mass immunity is 80%. Currently, 55% of the Nevada population has completed their vaccination.
To schedule an appointment to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.covid19washoe.com/
Episode 5: The race between vaccines and the variants
April 13, 2021
Claudia Cruz: Today the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was put on hold, after six people suffered blood clots. What do you know?
Elieth Martinez: As you said, the health agencies have recommended a pause with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, because of these six cases of people with clots. There is a lot of discussion in the health community whether there is a direct link between the vaccine and these clots. Almost 7 million people have been vaccinated with this vaccine, and the cases we have seen are six, so it is a minimal occurrence. The women who have been affected are between 18 and 48 years old and [became sick] within the first two weeks of getting the vaccine.
Clots are not something new, it is something we deal with every day. They are quite common among the population. Of course, there are people who are more at risk, for example, pregnant women, people with cancer, people who smoke, people who have recently had surgery, or women using contraceptives.
We have seen these six cases, but it is important to know that this is common even in people who have not been inoculated. But because these vaccines are new, health agencies are being more cautious.
Cruz: If one person has had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, what effects should one watch out for?
Martinez: Many of the symptoms of blood clots depend on where they are. For example, the common ones in the leg. You will see that one leg can be more swollen and inflamed than the other, and if you feel pain, it is better to go to the doctor, where an ultrasound is done to determine whether or not there is a clot.
If it is in the lungs, then you may feel pain or difficulty breathing.
If it is in the brain, the symptom would be a severe headache that does not go away with medication.
If you see these symptoms during the first two weeks with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should be alert.
Cruz: So, all vaccines are different?
Martinez: The technology that was used to prepare the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine is different than the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. But as I said, the cases of clots are minimal, so the vaccine is still efficient.
Cruz: In other regions of the country, mainly California, cases are increasing because of the new variants. Can you explain what you know?
Martinez: Yes, there are different variants, such as the one in South Africa, England, or Brazil. It is common for a virus to have different variants, that is why the flu vaccine is applied every year. But we are seeing that the vaccines are helping to combat these new variants in Nevada.
Cruz: What would you tell the community?
Martinez: Don’t be afraid. If you have had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine months ago and you haven’t had any side effects, you don’t have to worry. We must be alert with people who have been vaccinated within the last two weeks and who are “at risk.”
Cruz: There is a lot of misinformation, including that the vaccine has a microchip. Can you clarify that?
Martinez: No, the vaccine has no chip, it does not cause cancer, it does not alter people’s DNA. Since more people have been vaccinated, we are seeing fewer cases here in Reno hospitals.
Cruz: Almost 20% of the population has received the two doses, how many more people should be vaccinated to get back to normal?
Martinez: We are estimating that by June or mid-June, we should reach 75-80% vaccinated in the United States. I tell the community that, if they are fully vaccinated, they should visit their friends, go out more and enjoy, because the vaccines are working.
Cruz: If there is a group of people, where half are vaccinated and half are not, should we wear masks?
Martinez: It depends on the size of the group. If it is a small size, and if I am with people who are vaccinated, I do not need to wear a mask. If I am vaccinated and I am with a non-vaccinated person, I do not need to wear a mask either, but if this other person is high risk, such as an elderly person, I should still wear a mask.
Cruz: What about people who have already had COVID-19?
Martinez: We are recommending that people who have had COVID-19, get vaccinated at least two weeks after they have had the disease.
Cruz: Do you think the vaccine will have to be given annually?
Martinez: We really do not know how long this vaccine will protect us. We will have to see with the evolution of the vaccines. There are people even getting a third dose in studies.
Cruz: Here in Reno, there will be graduations, events, and festivals in the summer. How can we protect ourselves?
Martinez: We know that being outside in the fresh air is better than being indoors with infected people. To prepare for the summer, schedule your vaccination appointments and enjoy. And if you have not received the vaccine, keep wearing a mask.
Episode 4: Have you gotten the vaccine yet?
February 16, 2021
In Washoe County, people over 70 years of age and health care workers have already begun to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Listen to Dr. Elieth Martinez, an internist at Renown Hospital and professor of Medicine at UNR, and Claudia Cruz of Noticiero Móvil provide more information about the immunization process in Northern Nevada.
Claudia Cruz: Last time we spoke, you had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, tell us if you have received the second dose, and how was your experience?
Elieth Martinez: Our group was one of the first to receive Pfizer vaccine in December. Now we have Pfizer and Moderna. Personally, I did not have any symptoms, but I do know colleagues who had fever, chills, hot flashes, muscle pain, which occurred after the second vaccine. That is why we recommend that people get vaccinated on a Friday, for example, to be able to recover if they have any symptoms.
Cruz: What is the difference between the Pfizer vaccine and Moderna?
Martinez: There is not much of a difference, except that the Pfizer vaccine requires freezing. Also, the two Pfizer doses are given three weeks apart and the Moderna dose is given four weeks apart.
Cruz: Could you clarify what the vaccine contains?
Martinez: It is important to clarify that the vaccine does not contain the virus, but it has some ingredients that help the body to recognize and defend itself against a possible infection of coronavirus. But the vaccine does not spread coronavirus.
Cruz: Should preventive measures continue to be taken once the vaccine has been received?
Martinez: The body needs time to produce the antibodies that will recognize the virus. There have been cases reported where people have become infected with coronavirus after receiving the first dose or the second dose. As I said, the body needs time to develop a response that can fight the virus. We still don’t know if we can transmit this virus while vaccinated and if we do, it will be in a lower amount. But it is still important to keep using the mask and distancing.
Cruz: In order to get back to normal, how many people should be vaccinated?
Martinez: About 70% of the community should be vaccinated in order to develop resistance to the virus.
Cruz: If I get sick with coronavirus, have I already developed antibodies?
Martinez: When you get infected with the virus, the human body produces these antibodies. In the beginning, we did not know how long they lasted because there are different variants of the virus. We know that we have protection after being exposed to the virus, but the protection is not 100%. We are recommending that people who have already been infected get vaccinated in the same way.
Cruz: Tell us what is happening with the COVID-19 variants.
Martinez: Right now we don’t know if the vaccine we have is going to protect us from the new variants of the virus that have emerged around the world (e.g. Africa and England), but it will help reduce the chances.
Cruz: Who should not get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Martinez: The primary studies did not include children or people with cancer or pregnant women. But we do know that the vaccine is safe. It is a conversation that each person should have with their doctor.
Cruz: Finally, do you have any advice for our Latino community?
Martinez: For people to trust the science, to trust that the vaccine is safe. I want to tell the Latino community in Reno and Nevada to get vaccinated when they can since they have been among the most affected by the coronavirus. If any tech-savvy young people can help their grandparents find more information about appointments to receive the vaccine, that would be ideal.
Episode 3: We finally have the vaccines
December 15, 2020
In the third episode of our podcast where we spend half-hour chatting with Dr. Martinez, the internist provides some details on the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine in the state of Nevada, and updates on new information about the coronavirus pandemic.
Listen to the conversation between Dr. Martinez, an internist at Renown Hospital and professor of Medicine at UNR, and Claudia Cruz of Noticiero Móvil about Pfizer, the first vaccine to receive an emergency use authorization by the federal government.
Cruz: This week the Pfizer vaccine began to be distributed, which so far is the one authorized by the federal government. Tell us a little more
Martinez: We are very excited because a vaccine has finally arrived. We will start vaccinating health care workers and nurses. The number of vaccines that has arrived was divided among four different hospitals, so for the moment, we will prioritize emergency or intensive care workers.
Cruz: Other pharmaceutical companies have announced their vaccines, such as Moderna and AstraZeneca. What is the difference between the three of them?
Martinez: All three are 95% effective, but Pfizer’s vaccine requires a degree of freezing and most hospitals do not have those conditions. On the other hand, Moderna’s vaccine does not need that type of refrigeration for it to be effective.
Cruz: What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Martinez: You may feel tiredness, pain or swelling in the arm, headache, but that usually lasts two days at the most and is considered normal.
Episode 2: The Second Wave of COVID-19 Cases
October 27, 2020
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the state of Nevada. In Washoe County, there are nearly 12,500 positive cases and 193 deaths. Why are they still on the rise?
In this second podcast of our half-hour chats with Dr. Martinez, the internist explains some of the reasons for this high number and provides tips for continuing to take care of ourselves.
Listen to the conversation between Dr. Martinez, an internist at Renown Hospital and professor of Medicine at UNR, and Claudia Cruz of Noticiero Móvil about the increase in positive coronavirus cases in Northern Nevada.
Cruz: We are experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 cases, what are the causes?
Martinez: It is what we were predicting. We knew that cases were going to go up when Fall and Winter approached. First of all, because it is cold and flu season. This has caused more cases. Also, in Clark County and Washoe County, classes have continued, so it is easy for students to carry the virus home.
Cruz: How can we stop the spread of this virus?
Martinez: For now we recommend that people wear their masks. They can buy them in stores or make one out of cloth. The masks should not be shared and should cover the mouth and nose. We are trying to educate our community. For example, if two people who have contact wear a mask, the chances of transmission are lower. And of course, keep your distance.
Cruz: Is it true that after a person contracts coronavirus and recovers, he or she can still experience some symptoms?
Martinez: Each person is different and has his or her medical history. But there have been reported cases of people who after recovering present chronic tiredness, fatigue, headache, cough that does not go away, or difficulty in falling asleep.
Cruz: What are the treatments for a person infected with COVID-19?
Martinez: Right now there is no cure, but we do use treatments that help reduce the symptoms. We are using steroids that can reduce inflammation in the body and lungs. We just have to wait for the vaccine.
Episode 1: COVID and the Flu
September 15, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect Nevada, and in Washoe County, cases of new infections have increased. Elieth Martinez, an internist in Reno, spoke with Noticiero Móvil editor Claudia Cruz about new information in regards toCOVID-19.
Listen to the conversation between Dr. Martinez, an internist at Renown Hospital and professor of Medicine at UNR, and Claudia Cruz about the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic in Nevada, and the flu season.
Cruz: About 42% of Washoe County coronavirus cases are Latino, but there is still a level of disbelief about this virus. Tell us why this gap exists.
Martinez: The Latino community has indeed been more affected by the virus, but it’s because most of us have essential jobs and can’t stay at home. Many work in offices, in places where they sell food or construction. Also, there are cases where we may have our parents or elderly grandparents in the same house and it is very easy to transmit the virus that way.
Cruz: What can we do to stay healthy?
Martinez: This time of year we are entering the fall and the flu is already starting. I recommend to all my patients to go get that vaccine. The flu vaccine is not against the coronavirus.
Cruz: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Martinez: At first we saw that the main symptoms were cough, trouble breathing, tiredness, fever, chills, but I have treated patients who do not have any symptoms and they are coming out positive. We cannot be sure that all people will have the same symptoms.
Cruz: What is the importance of contact tracing?
Martinez: The importance is that this virus is easy to transmit and difficult to control. The app available for our smartphones is useful to alert us when we have been exposed to COVID-19 and suggests that we isolate ourselves or wear a mask.
Cruz: What have you seen at the hospital where you work?
Martinez: I work at Renown Hospital and there are different rules. For example, for patients hospitalized with coronavirus, family members are not allowed to visit them. People who don’t speak English use the phone to call someone to help them and talk to the doctor to translate how their condition is progressing. By law, doctors and nurses must use translators to communicate with non-English speaking patients.
Cruz: How does the coronavirus affect children?
Martinez: At first we thought it only affected adults, but as time goes by and as we have more information about this virus, we see that the coronavirus affects almost every organism. So we are still learning how COVID-19 evolves.
Cruz: Some people are against the COVID-19 vaccine and don’t even believe it is real. What advice would you give them?
Martinez: I would tell them that the vaccine is safe. One person can rarely have an adverse reaction to a vaccine other than pain or swelling in the arm.
Cruz: There is currently a race between countries and pharmaceutical companies to develop a safe vaccine. What do you think about this?
Martinez: Preliminary studies have to be done before recommending a vaccine to millions and millions of people. I don’t think a vaccine will come out this year, because time is needed to evaluate possible side effects. We have to first see the studies and opinions of specialists. So, for the time being, I only recommend that the population can be vaccinated against the flu.