Despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis, this Houston reporter found crowds still gathering to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day seemingly oblivious to health officials calls for social distancing. “The social distancing, all the news that is coming from all public health officials, I think it is important that we should listen to those messages,” said UTMB’s Gulshan Sharma.

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, older adults remain particularly susceptible to the illness. UTMB’s Vineet Menachery says this is typical of coronaviruses. “Age and your condition in life will really drive your susceptibility. You may be in your 40s, but if you have these chronic health conditions, you’re going to be more susceptible, just like you see with flu,” said Menachery.

UTMB’s Susan McLellan recently took time to answer listener’s questions on Houston Public Media. McLellan, sharing information about the importance of social distancing to dampen the spread of coronavirus.

A local report on actions taken by local entities to deal with COVID-19. The story Included information provided by UTMB on changes to the visitation policy and notice that the annual SHP Causeway FunD Run/Walk has been cancelled.

UTMB’s James Le Duc explains that efforts to develop a new COVID-19 diagnostic test has been a priority at the university and the test kit being develop will be ready for use soon at UTMB’s clinical laboratory.

Researchers are working to understand why the novel coronavirus leaves young children virtually untouched, which they say may hold vital clues as to how the virus works. “With respiratory infections like this, we usually see a U-shaped curve on who gets hit the hardest. Young children at one end of the U because their immune systems aren’t developed and old people at the other end because their immune systems grow weaker,” said UTMB’s Vineet Menachery. “With this virus, one side of the U is just completely missing,” MSN News and Democratic Underground also published this story.

If you are looking to improve your health, UTMB’s Victor Sierpina recommends that you consider adding cauliflower to your diet. Among the vegetable’s many benefits, it contains multiple antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals that promote health as well as two grams of protein per cup.

Information provided by UTMB’s Pei-Yong Shi is included in this story explaining why treating the novel coronavirus is so difficult. According to Shi, antiviral drugs are one approach to slowing down viruses like COVID-19.

The Galveston County Daily News, March 11, 2020 - School of Nursing celebrates 130th anniversary - Osler Club to set to meet - Volunteers needed

In this installment of their regular column, UTMB’s Megan Berman and Richard Rupp explain why vaccines play a major role in helping keep individuals with diabetes well.