There are existing drugs, and new ones in development, that could help combat COVID-19. UTMB’s Pei-Yong Shi explains that antiviral compounds can prevent a virus from entering cells or interfere with its reproduction, slowing or stopping an infection.

Over 22,000 people signed an online petition calling for Austin’s popular South by Southwest festival to be cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. “It’s a tough call,” said UTMB’s Philip Keiser. The Austin American Statesman also published this story.

UTMB’s Vineet Menachery contributes to this story from New Zealand on the similarities between seasonal influenza and COVID-19.

For example, emerging and reemerging viral diseases expert Thomas Ksiazek at UTMB told Business Insider that hand sanitation is one of the most important ways to stay safe. Commuting on a packed train during rush hour is the antithesis of social distancing, which Ksiazek claims has been one of the most effective ways of curtailing the spread and transmission of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China where COVID-19 first originated. Also covered by other Business Insider affiliates including Business Insider Nordic, Yahoo! News and MSN Canada.

This week, Megan Berman and Richard Rupp look at lessons learned from the recent measles outbreak in Samoa. Over 5,700 people were stricken with measles and 87 died of the infection.

Given some experiences in the past, Victor Sierpina explains his concerns about those calling for Medicare for all.

The Galveston County Daily News, February 26, 2020 - Tickets on sale for St. Vincent’s Clinic benefit concert - UTMB to host ‘Out for Health’ - Clear Lake campus happenings

Local reporting on a vaccine developed by scientists at UTMB working with Baylor College of Medicine found to be effective against SARS. The vaccine never progressed to human testing because it was not completed until 2016. Some now believe it could be useful against COVID-19.

The St. Vincent’s House clinics, as well as five Teen Health Clinics in Galveston, will become part of UTMB’s EPIC electronic records system after receiving $1.45 million from the Sealy & Smith Foundation. The gift will allow for better coordination between health care providers.

Victor Sierpina highlights research work conducted by students enrolled in UTMB’s complementary and integrative medicine elective. The students chose the course to learn non-drug methods to address patient mental health issues and primary care problems.