INSIDER
Nationwide E. coli, Listeria outbreaks prompt health warnings
Read full article: Nationwide E. coli, Listeria outbreaks prompt health warningsA recent outbreak of E. Coli and Listeria is being reported across our nation. A local doctor is giving advice on what can be done to protect yourself against these foodborne illnesses.
A third case of West Nile virus pops up in Bexar County, officials say
Read full article: A third case of West Nile virus pops up in Bexar County, officials sayAccording to Bexar County officials, another mosquito has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, making this the third case for the county. Officials say the mosquito was found near Highway 90 and Cagnon Road.
COVID-19 summer 2024 update: University Health epidemiologist answers commonly asked questions
Read full article: COVID-19 summer 2024 update: University Health epidemiologist answers commonly asked questionsDr. Jason Bowling, a hospital epidemiologist with University Health and infectious disease specialist with UT Health San Antonio answers frequently asked questions about the COVID illness and the vaccine.
Doctors closely watching as respiratory viruses surge after holiday gatherings
Read full article: Doctors closely watching as respiratory viruses surge after holiday gatheringsMany will be heading back to the office for work this week after a long holiday weekend of celebration and gatherings. But doctors are warning those who are not feeling well to be cautious.
San Antonio doctors emphasize importance of precautions against respiratory viruses
Read full article: San Antonio doctors emphasize importance of precautions against respiratory virusesEven as the expected end of the respiratory virus season nears, doctors are asking people to continue safety practices.
āShe declined so fastā: Parents, doctors warn of RSV as cases increase across San Antonio
Read full article: āShe declined so fastā: Parents, doctors warn of RSV as cases increase across San AntonioThe CDC issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory to provide options for doctors to protect infants from RSV as there is a limited supply of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody immunization to help with RSV.
Latest San Antonio Metro Health data shows COVID cases have increased 387% since early July
Read full article: Latest San Antonio Metro Health data shows COVID cases have increased 387% since early JulyCOVID-19 is still present in Bexar County, and weāre seeing a sharp rise in cases as kids return to school.
Leading SA: UT Health San Antonio infectious disease specialist discusses Malaria, Measles risk in Texas
Read full article: Leading SA: UT Health San Antonio infectious disease specialist discusses Malaria, Measles risk in TexasDr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist with UT Health San Antonio, joined Leading SA to discuss what is happening and what families should know following confirmed cases of Malaria and Measles in Texas.
āDonāt be alarmed, but be awareā: Malaria is in Texas, local experts say
Read full article: āDonāt be alarmed, but be awareā: Malaria is in Texas, local experts sayA Texas man is one of five cases in the U.S. who contracted malaria locally, which means the mosquitos carrying the parasite are in the country for the first time in 20 years.
Bexar County officials continue to see low turnout for updated booster vaccine
Read full article: Bexar County officials continue to see low turnout for updated booster vaccineData from the San Antonio COVID-19 Dashboard shows us that only 15.1 percent of people in Bexar County have the updated booster.
University Health epidemiologist answers questions about influenza, flu shot
Read full article: University Health epidemiologist answers questions about influenza, flu shotWhy are so many children sick right now? Dr. Mandie Tibball Svatek, University Health pediatric hospitalist and UT Health SA associate professor answers some of parents' most asked questions.
University Health to begin offering Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent COVID-19 vaccine next week
Read full article: University Health to begin offering Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent COVID-19 vaccine next weekUniversity Health will begin offering the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent COVID-19 vaccine starting Tuesday to provide a new layer of protection against the Omicron variant.
Questions about new COVID-19 recommendations, vaccines and boosters? University Health epidemiologist has answers
Read full article: Questions about new COVID-19 recommendations, vaccines and boosters? University Health epidemiologist has answersUniversity Health director of hospital epidemiology Dr. Jason Bowling answers some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19, boosters, new vaccines and new CDC recommendations.
Your monkeypox questions answered with University Health epidemiologist Dr. Jason Bowling
Read full article: Your monkeypox questions answered with University Health epidemiologist Dr. Jason BowlingUniversity Health director of hospital epidemiology Dr. Jason Bowling addresses concerns about monkeypox symptoms, testing, transmission and treatments.
TRUST INDEX: If youāve had the smallpox vaccine, do you need one for monkeypox?
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: If youāve had the smallpox vaccine, do you need one for monkeypox?Questions about the monkeypox vaccine have flooded our KSAT Trust Index inbox: "Who needs it? Is it the same as the smallpox vaccine? Will the old vaccines still work?"
TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 reinfection happening sooner in many cases with new subvariants, doctor says
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 reinfection happening sooner in many cases with new subvariants, doctor saysThe primary COVID-19 strain right now is BA.5, an Omicron subvariant present in 88% of current cases -- the most infectious strain yet. KSAT viewers sent in questions asking about how soon you can be reinfected with COVID-19.
Feeling sick? Donāt rule out the flu, even though itās late April
Read full article: Feeling sick? Donāt rule out the flu, even though itās late AprilWeāve usually moved on from the flu in late April and are more focused on pollen allergies and other circulating viruses. However, this year is different.
Is it seasonal allergies or COVID-19? Here are some symptoms to watch for
Read full article: Is it seasonal allergies or COVID-19? Here are some symptoms to watch forThe Omicron variant and its subvariants have symptoms that mimic allergy symptoms. That leaves people wondering if they have allergies or COVID-19. An infectious disease expert explained some differences.
TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 infection can cause infertility, erectile dysfunction in men, studies show
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 infection can cause infertility, erectile dysfunction in men, studies showThe KSAT Trust Index team was asked to verify the claim that getting COVID could affect a man's sexual health, so we dove into some recent studies to find out.
TRUST INDEX: If youāve had COVID from multiple variants, you should still get the vaccine
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: If youāve had COVID from multiple variants, you should still get the vaccineThe KSAT Trust Index team answers the viewer question: "If I got COVID from the Delta and Omicron variants, should I still get vaccinated?"
Do home tests, vaccines work on omicron? Your COVID-19 questions answered from University Health Epidemiologist Dr. Jason Bowling
Read full article: Do home tests, vaccines work on omicron? Your COVID-19 questions answered from University Health Epidemiologist Dr. Jason BowlingUniversity Health Epidemiologist Dr. Jason Bowling answers commonly asked questions about the omicron variant, testing and vaccines.
Your questions answered about differences, effectiveness of N95, K95, surgical and cloth masks
Read full article: Your questions answered about differences, effectiveness of N95, K95, surgical and cloth masksUniversity Health Epidemiologist Dr. Jason Bowling answered some frequently asked questions about the effectiveness of different kinds of masks.
Supply of Bexar Countyās COVID-19 therapies running low, officials say
Read full article: Supply of Bexar Countyās COVID-19 therapies running low, officials sayThe availability of COVID therapies like remdesivir, monoclonal antibodies, and oral antivirals are running low. Local doctors are calling for more availability.
Some immunocompromised people will be eligible for 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine this month
Read full article: Some immunocompromised people will be eligible for 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine this monthSome immunocompromised people in San Antonio will be eligible to receive a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this month.
Texans getting COVID-19 vaccine boosters outpace those getting first shots as omicron bears down
Read full article: Texans getting COVID-19 vaccine boosters outpace those getting first shots as omicron bears downSo far this month, at least 1.2 million Texans have gotten booster shots ā nearly triple the number of people who received their first doses of the vaccine during the same time.
Texas scientists search for potentially virulent new omicron COVID-19 variant as state health officials push vaccination
Read full article: Texas scientists search for potentially virulent new omicron COVID-19 variant as state health officials push vaccinationSo much is unknown about the new COVID-19 variant: the severity of the illness it causes, whether it can resist vaccines and natural antibodies and whether itās more contagious than the delta variant that has burned through Texas and the U.S. for months.
Vaccine hesitancy persists along partisan lines, Bexar Facts poll shows
Read full article: Vaccine hesitancy persists along partisan lines, Bexar Facts poll showsConcerns about the delta variant and coronavirus vaccines are split along partisan lines, according to the latest Bexar Facts-KSAT-San Antonio Report poll.
University Health, Bexar County to offer drive-thru flu shots in September, October
Read full article: University Health, Bexar County to offer drive-thru flu shots in September, OctoberUniversity Health and Bexar County are partnering to make flu shots free and as convenient as possible this year by hosting four drive-thru flu shot events over the next two months.
San Antonio health professionals debunk 3 myths about COVID-19 and kids
Read full article: San Antonio health professionals debunk 3 myths about COVID-19 and kidsAs COVID-19 surges amid a continuous mask mandate feud, parents and others are sharing why they support or donāt support masks in area schools.
Already had COVID-19? Your antibodies wonāt protect you from getting the delta variant, SA doctor says
Read full article: Already had COVID-19? Your antibodies wonāt protect you from getting the delta variant, SA doctor saysWith another COVID-19 wave tearing through San Antonio, some people who were infected with the virus previously may be under the impression that their antibodies will protect them against the delta strain.
University Health epidemiologist answers common questions about COVID-19 delta variant, vaccines and masks
Read full article: University Health epidemiologist answers common questions about COVID-19 delta variant, vaccines and masksIn the video released on Friday, Dr. Jason Bowling addresses COVID-19 antibodies, breakthrough infections and why more kids are being hospitalized with COVID-19.
Leading SA: University Healthās Dr. Jason Bowling addresses concerns surrounding Delta variant
Read full article: Leading SA: University Healthās Dr. Jason Bowling addresses concerns surrounding Delta variantDespite the loosening restrictions, the COVID-19 pandemic is still far from over, especially with the Delta variant causing an uptick in cases and hospitalizations across the globe.
COVID-19 Delta variant concerns grow as data shows stagnant vaccination rate in Bexar County
Read full article: COVID-19 Delta variant concerns grow as data shows stagnant vaccination rate in Bexar CountyCOVID-19 vaccines are more available than theyāve ever been, but with a plateauing vaccination rate in Bexar County, experts are concerned about the potential havoc the Delta variant could cause.
Vaccine questions are great, but there are plenty of myths, says Dr. Jason Bowling of University Health
Read full article: Vaccine questions are great, but there are plenty of myths, says Dr. Jason Bowling of University HealthDr. Jason Bowling, director of Hospital Epidemiology at University Health, talks with Steve Spriester and Myra Arthur about COVID-19 vaccines and the questions that come with them.
Hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine? Call into KSAT on June 4 to get facts from Dr. Jason Bowling of University Health
Read full article: Hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine? Call into KSAT on June 4 to get facts from Dr. Jason Bowling of University HealthOn Friday, June 4, KSAT 12 will be holding a phone bank from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Dr. Jason Bowling, director of hospital epidemiology from University Health, to answer viewersā comments, questions and concerns.
āShot shivers?ā: San Antonio doctor assures recipients side effects are normal after getting COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: āShot shivers?ā: San Antonio doctor assures recipients side effects are normal after getting COVID-19 vaccineāVaccine armā or āshot shivers?ā Whatever you call your post-vaccine symptoms, doctors say the effects of the COVID-19 shot are entirely custom-made according to your immune system, and there is nothing to be feared.
Historically mild flu season could be bad news for next seasonās vaccine
Read full article: Historically mild flu season could be bad news for next seasonās vaccineMasking, distancing and travel guidelines have kept flu numbers low to non-existent globally, which leaves little data for researchers trying to predict which strains will be most infections next season.
āI want my loved ones to feel safe around meā: Thousands of Texas adults ready to get their COVID-19 shot
Read full article: āI want my loved ones to feel safe around meā: Thousands of Texas adults ready to get their COVID-19 shotSAN ANTONIO ā Monday is an exciting day for adults across the state of Texas as all adults are now eligible to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine. I want my loved ones to feel safe around me,ā Maria Hoag said. So really, the best vaccine, again, is the one thatās available to you right now,ā Bowling said. And I just feel safer being able to do the things Iāve been depriving myself from doing,ā Hoag said. Those interested can schedule their vaccine with University Health by clicking here.
6 myths about the COVID-19 vaccine that arenāt supported by science
Read full article: 6 myths about the COVID-19 vaccine that arenāt supported by scienceSAN ANTONIO ā We are a year into the coronavirus pandemic and nearly two months into the release of COVID-19 vaccines that have been issued to all 50 states. Because the vaccines use a technology called messenger RNA, or mRNA, thereās confusion and misinformation about what the vaccine does after itās injected into your arm. Posts claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women and sterilization in men appear to be targeting those who are pregnant, looking to conceive, or planning a family in the future. It will not turn into COVID-19 infection,ā said Dr. Jason Bowling, lead hospital epidemiologist at University Health System. An unfounded social media theory gained traction online claiming that there are microchips and tracking devices in the COVID-19 vaccine.
Trust Index: COVID-19 vaccine does not alter DNA, medical experts say
Read full article: Trust Index: COVID-19 vaccine does not alter DNA, medical experts saySAN ANTONIO ā Like so many other internet claims on the COVID-19 vaccine, the claim that the injection will alter your DNA has been widely shared and discussed on social media. Two medical experts, Dr. Bryan Alsip, chief medical officer at University Health System, and Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio, have said this claim is NOT TRUE . āThe mRNA does not enter the nucleus of our cells. The mRNA does not change a personās DNA through this process. Some San Antonio teachers, school employees to get COVID-19 vaccine this week through University Health
Is deworming drug Ivermectin deemed a safe, effective treatment for COVID-19 right now?
Read full article: Is deworming drug Ivermectin deemed a safe, effective treatment for COVID-19 right now?Thereās a question circulating right now around the country: Is the de-worming drug Ivermectin safe and effective to use as a COVID-19 treatment? We ran the question through our KSAT Trust Index, where our teams consult with doctors, researchers and experts about debated topics like this. Bowling said without finishing current clinical trials specific to COVID-19, thereās no way to determine safe doses, possible side effects, and of course, effectiveness. For that reason, combined with lack of FDA approval or emergency use authorization, the statement that āIvermectin is deemed a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 right nowā, is being labeled Not True on our KSAT Trust Index. If you have a picture, video, post or claim you want us to check out, submit it on the KSAT Trust Index website.
Tips on how to properly wear a mask
Read full article: Tips on how to properly wear a maskIf youāre not sure how to wear a face mask correctly with COVID-19, KSAT Community partner, University Health has some pointers. Bowling will discuss good mask etiquette and go over the following masks N95, surgical mask, cloth mask, masks with valves, bandana and a neck gaiter. Which mask works best? To learn more, click or tap here. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.
COVID-19 vaccine: Fact vs. Fiction
Read full article: COVID-19 vaccine: Fact vs. FictionFACT #1: The COVID-19 vaccine does not and cannot cause COVID-19. FACT #2: The mRNA (messenger RNA) used to create the vaccine does not alter your cells or your DNA. Itās important you complete both of those so you can get the full protection of the vaccine,ā Bowling said. The approved Pfizer vaccine is already being used all over the country, including in San Antonio. āVery important that if you get the Pfizer vaccine to start off with, you finish with the Pfizer vaccine.
When will we see a COVID-19 vaccine? UT Health infectious disease expert weighs in
Read full article: When will we see a COVID-19 vaccine? UT Health infectious disease expert weighs inSAN ANTONIO ā Itās a question that many people are asking -- when will we see a COVID-19 vaccine? Bowling also compared the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and the 1918 flu and discussed what the medical field has learned in the past century in terms of how to respond to diseases. But some differences that are important with that flu pandemic back in 1918 - they didnāt have any treatments. There were differences in how people approached 1918 pandemic flu. What are some of the lessons of the 1918 flu?
What you need to know about the upcoming flu season, considering COVID-19
Read full article: What you need to know about the upcoming flu season, considering COVID-19Are you considering getting the flu shot? This year, itās more important than ever to get a flu shot, according to medical experts. As we get deeper into flu season, why is it more important than ever to receive the flu shot this year? The flu vaccine is really important help prevent the flu virus from circulating.āHow is COVID-19 different from the flu? University Health System explained that the flu shot does not directly protect you from COVID-19, but it does protect you from the flu.
San Antonio doctor gives pros, cons of commonly used masks used during COVID-19
Read full article: San Antonio doctor gives pros, cons of commonly used masks used during COVID-19SAN ANTONIO Six months into the coronavirus pandemic, San Antonians are still researching the effectiveness of commonly used face masks, as well as their cost, comfort and practicality. Heres a breakdown of the pros and cons of N95s, surgical masks, bandanas, cloth masks and other commonly used face amouns, including the controversy over neck gaiters. Bowling said the neck gaiter is appropriate for outdoor activities, but that people should not wear it for protection indoors. Theyre not as protective as cloth masks or surgical masks, Bowling said. Surgical masksThese masks, which have been around for a long time, protect against large respiratory droplets, Bowling said.
How long is someone with COVID-19 contagious?
Read full article: How long is someone with COVID-19 contagious?SAN ANTONIO Once diagnosed with COVID-19, how long should someone isolate before safely resuming with their normal activities? People exposed to the virus are recommended to quarantine for 14 days, which is the incubation period of the virus. Bowling said the 10-day window was determined after researchers grew viral cultures of the virus to see how long it stays alive. So it gives you a little more comfort that that 10-day window is probably pretty accurate for most people that have COVID-19 disease.However, people can still test positive for the virus beyond that window, Bowling said. Now whats helpful in those research studies that are done in viral cultures is they show that the virus is no longer growing, so they no longer have transmissible virus, Bowling said.
Wearing a mask protects others and science proves it, UT Health experts say
Read full article: Wearing a mask protects others and science proves it, UT Health experts saySAN ANTONIO ā *This article was initially published on UT Health San Antonioās newsroom website and was republished on KSAT.com with permission from UT Health. āImagine how many senior adults, cancer patients or transplant recipients were spared from contracting COVID-19,ā Dr. Berggren said. Dr. Berggren recalled a story about a hair salon where workers, who later learned they were infected, cut patronsā hair. āWe protect others when we wear a mask,ā Dr. Berggren said. The numbers, both in San Antonio and in the 15 states studied, show it.
What you need to know about COVID-19 testing from UT Health experts
Read full article: What you need to know about COVID-19 testing from UT Health expertsSAN ANTONIO *This article was initially published on UT Health San Antonios newsroom website and was republished on KSAT.com with permission from UT Health. Tests will not be positive until there is an active infection, so testing too early could yield a false negative. COVID-19 tests are important tools for diagnosing infection, but there are limitations to any test, said Jason Bowling, MD, associate professor of infectious diseases. After exposure to someone with COVID-19, you are at potential risk for developing infection for 14 days after the exposure. Several testing sites are available throughout the San Antonio area and are listed on the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District website: List of Testing Locations in Bexar County.
Trust Index: Can hydrogen peroxide be used as a disinfectant to kill COVID-19?
Read full article: Trust Index: Can hydrogen peroxide be used as a disinfectant to kill COVID-19?Its a question many KSAT viewers have asked if it can be used as a disinfectant so we ran it through our KSAT Trust Index. Dr Berggren said hydrogen peroxide can in fact kill COVID-19, but that doesn't mean it's the best thing to use. So when it comes to using hydrogen peroxide as a COVID-19 disinfectant the KSAT trust index labels it, "Be Careful." Read our latest Trust Index stories:Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19Trust Index: Do vitamin deficiencies make you more susceptible to COVID-19? Trust Index: Despite what you see on Facebook, H-E-B is not imposing age limits in its storesKSAT Trust Index: Do San Antonio hospitals have enough personal protective equipment?
Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19
Read full article: Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19SAN ANTONIO Its a claim thats been circulating for weeks: getting the flu shot will increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Two renowned local doctors gave the same definitive answer and then explained why it's never been more important to get the flu shot. The flu shot will help prevent you from getting the flu," said Dr. Ruth Berggren with UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine. That message comes alongside an important reminder: the flu shot does not give you the flu. Read our latest Trust Index stories:Trust Index: Do vitamin deficiencies make you more susceptible to COVID-19?
Trust Index: Do vitamin deficiencies make you more susceptible to COVID-19?
Read full article: Trust Index: Do vitamin deficiencies make you more susceptible to COVID-19?So we ran it through our KSAT Trust Index, asking two local medical experts. That doesnt mean someone should go and start gobbling vitamin D. You can overdose on vitamin D. You should follow guidelines. If you have a claim, video or picture youd like KSAT to check out, submit it to the KSAT Trust Index website. KSAT Trust Index: Do San Antonio hospitals have enough personal protective equipment? Trust Index: Despite what you see on Facebook, H-E-B is not imposing age limits in its storesTrust Index: Can disinfectant injections and sunlight kill coronavirus?
Doctors discuss what you should know about the coronavirus
Read full article: Doctors discuss what you should know about the coronavirusSAN ANTONIO ā In response to growing concerns over the novel coronavirus in San Antonio, the Metropolitan Health District and the Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce hosted an educational panel about the virus. The point of the āCoronavirus: What you should knowā discussion was to educate the public amid rumors and misinformation. San Antonio: CDC planned to drop cruise passengers at mallResidents can call (210) 207-5779 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to the CDC, these symptoms include:Mild to severe respiratory illnessFeverCoughShortness of breathThe symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu. As you would with any other illness, make sure you wash your hands consistently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, CDC officials say.
Infectious disease specialist: U.S. has āno need to panic right nowā amid efforts to contain new strain of coronavirus
Read full article: Infectious disease specialist: U.S. has āno need to panic right nowā amid efforts to contain new strain of coronavirusSAN ANTONIO ā Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio, says the U.S. has āno need to panic right now" amid international efforts to contain the coronavirus that began in China. At least 17 deaths have been reported in China, where more than 500 cases are now confirmed. āLots of travel and transmissible diseases can lead to increased numbers of cases,ā Bowling said. āIt appears to be a respiratory disease,ā Bowling said. Bowling said technology helped unlock the genetic sequence of the new coronavirus strain.