Aug. 4 - Your questions about the delta variant answered, Nursing’s pandemic research
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Looking up at the stairway enigma at Engineering Hall. Photo by Ian Parker
Editor's note: UCI experts will be answering your questions about COVID-19, vaccinations, variants and the future of work. Submit your question by sending an email.
Q&A with David Souleles, director of UCI’s COVID-19 Response Team
Does the vaccine I received protect me from the delta variant?
Yes. Current data indicate that the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use are also effective against severe disease and death from variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, including the delta variant.
I’ve heard about delta, but should I also be concerned about other variants?
As long as a substantial number of people remain unvaccinated, the COVID-19 virus will continue to be transmitted between people. When the virus spreads, new variants can also emerge, as we’ve already seen. And as new variants emerge, they have the potential to be more transmissible and to cause more serious illness. That’s why, right now, the most important thing people can do to reduce the risk of new variants emerging is to get vaccinated. If the virus has nowhere to go, it will have no ability to mutate and result in new variants.
Are some vaccinated people more at risk from the delta variant than others?
Only a small portion of fully vaccinated people get infections, even with the delta variant, according to the CDC. And these rare infections tend to be mild. However, people with weakened immune systems, including people who take immunosuppressive medications, may not be fully protected, even if vaccinated. Those people should consult with their healthcare providers about how to reduce their risk.
Are vaccinated and unvaccinated people who get infected equally contagious?
Recent data released by the CDC following an outbreak of COVID-19 on the East Coast suggests that vaccinated people infected with the delta variant can still spread the virus to others. Public health officials and researchers are working to learn more about this.
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Ad for UCI Health wins regional Emmy award
A UCI Health television commercial titled “Journey” won a 2021 regional Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Pacific Southwest Chapter. Inspired by true events and starring real UCI Health workers, the ad was honored in the “Commercial – Single Spot” category. The Emmy went to Redbear, which produced the ad. The Pacific Southwest Chapter serves television professionals in San Diego, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara and several other cities.
Nursing’s role in pandemic research
Nurses don’t just deliver healthcare. They also do research, contributing to our understanding of COVID-19. At UCI’s Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, they have been studying a wide range of topics, including the basic science of the disease, “long-hauler” symptom predictors, the psychosocial characteristics of vaccine hesitancy and the mental health effects of the crisis on the general population.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
California sees significant rise in vaccinations as employers issue mandates
The Los Angeles Times reports that California has seen a substantial increase in the number of people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 over the last two weeks, a turnabout that comes as more and more municipalities, businesses and venues are moving to require the shots for employees and, in some cases, even customers.
Should I mask? Can I travel? What about hugs? How delta Is changing advice for the vaccinated
The New York Times surveyed a range of experts about how delta is prompting changes in everyday life. The most important lesson? Vaccination is the most important step to staying safe.
UCI IN THE NEWS
Cities in Japan, Southern California showing the world that hydrogen is the future
ABC 7, Aug. 3
Cited: Jack Brouwer, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center
Why Covid took off in California, again
The New York Times, Aug. 4
Cited: Andrew Noymer, professor of public health
Why Older People Are So Much Happier
Elemental, Aug. 4
Cited: Susan Charles, professor of psychological science
#UCICONNECTED
Actor and writer Kelly Perine, MFA ’98, produced a short film urging viewers who are hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine to get the shot. UCI makes a cameo in the film.
#UCIconnected spotlights student, alumni, faculty and staff photos, essays, shoutouts, hobbies, artwork, unusual office decorations, activities and more. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected hashtag.
COVID-19 NOTIFICATION AND RESOURCES
New campus cases
Four on-campus employees and one on-campus student tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. For more information, visit the UCI COVID-19 dashboard.
Remember to upload your vaccine record
Vaccination is a critical step toward our campus's fall return. Help our community by uploading your vaccine record.
Potential workplace exposure
UCI provides this notification of a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure. Employees and subcontractors who were in these locations on the dates listed may have been exposed to the coronavirus. You may be entitled to various benefits under applicable federal and state laws and University-specific policies and agreements. The full notification is available on the UCI Forward site. If you have been identified as a close contact to a COVID-19 case, the UCI Contact Tracing Program will contact you and provide additional direction.
UCI Forward - information on campus status and operational updates
UCI Health COVID-19 Updates - important information related to UCI Health