Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Updated data for Apr 19-25 is available at alberta.ca/coronavirus-in…. (1/10)

There are currently 1,220 people w/COVID-19 in hospital incl 47 in ICU. Over the last week, 32.6% of new non-ICU admissions were incidental, 65.3% were due to COVID-19 and 2.1% were undetermined. For ICU, 24.2% were incidental and 75.7% were due to COVID. (2/10)

Between Apr 19-25, an avg of 9 deaths/day related to COVID-19 were reported to AB Health. The individuals whose deaths were reported in the last week were aged 32-103. My sympathies go to their loved ones & everyone who has lost someone, no matter the cause. (3/10)

Vaccination remains the single most effective tool at reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization & death. Even against BA.2, they are effective at preventing those worst-case scenarios. That is why we urge Albertans to get every dose they are eligible to receive. (4/10)

We’re also working to improve access to Paxlovid for those who can benefit most. With any medication it’s important to consider the benefit vs potential side effects. (5/10)

For someone at high risk of severe outcomes, such as an older person with no vaccine protection, the benefit of early treatment in reducing that severe outcome risk is large, balancing out the risk of side effects for most in this group. (6/10)

For those w/lower risk, benefit of Paxlovid is less as they have lower risk to begin with. This is true for most, even if they have a condition like diabetes, because vaccines still offer protection. That means Paxlovid's side effects may be worse than COVID risk. (7/10)

ABs w/immunocompromising conditions are eligible because their immune systems respond differently to vaccines than others. ABs living in LTC or DSL, regardless of vaccination status, may also benefit from oral antivirals given their older age & medical complexity. (8/10)

Albertans who have symptoms of COVID-19 & meet criteria listed at ahs.ca/covidopt should book a test. If you test positive, call 1-844-343-0971 to be assessed for outpatient treatments such as Paxlovid. (9/10)

As has been the case since day one w/COVID, we need to use different tactics to address it. These may differ depending on our comfort levels & risk tolerance, but may incl being vaccinated with every dose, staying home when sick & wearing masks in crowded spaces. (10/10)