In Depth: Explaining the new symptoms associated with COVID-19

LOS ANGELES - SEGMENT A: COVID-19 and Strokes

Dr. Suzie Bash, Neuroradiologist with Radnet discusses with us the discovery that the incidence of strokes in the U.S  has doubled since the beginning of the Coronavirus crisis, and is seven times greater for younger people- those between about  30 and 50. 

She says neurologic symptoms caused by COVID-19 are fairly common. The doctor says that researchers believe that the increase in strokes is caused by an increase in blood clots brought on by the virus bringing on an inflammatory response inside blood vessels.

Dr. Bash discusses the signs of a stroke – represented by the acronym BE FAST:  Balance, Eyes(visual changes), Face (drooping), Arms (weakness or paralysis), Speech (disruption) and Time-critical to get care. She urges people with symptoms to get emergency help, and not put it off because of fear of contagion.

SEGMENT B: COVID-19 and Skin

Dr. Anna Guanche, a dermatologist in Calabasas, discusses some of the symptoms reflected on the skin in some cases of COVID-19.  

She shows us examples of what is being called “COVID toes” which are lesions or what appear to be bruises on the feet and toes. That symptom can reflect infection with the virus even if there are no other symptoms, so people should be aware they may be infectious.  Dermatologists from all over the country are adding cases that they have seen to a national registry.

Dr. Guanche also discusses the dermatological problems that people are encountering because of all the frequent hand washing and the use of strong antiseptic agents.  She recommends patting dry rather than rubbing, and using a moisturizer every time, or even slathering on petroleum jelly at night.

SEGMENT C: Coronavirus and Education

Jodi Redmond, the Founder of Aureus Prep discusses the impact of the pandemic on High School and college students trying to figure out what to do about next semester with the threat of not being able to be on campus still hanging over them. She says a number of parents and students she has counseled are opting to take a gap year next year and just wait things out.  

She says that any choice depends on the individual, but that students need to prioritize their own health, and just to be patient and not put too much pressure on themselves.

Redmond says that college may be unrecognizable going forward-  she thinks distance learning will definitely be continuing and she thinks many students will avail themselves of the opportunity for more flexibility and possible cheaper tuition.  

She also says college enrollment is already down  11% during the pandemic and she expects it to drop even further.

SEGMENT D: Wrap Up

We close on a New York firefighter and his stationhouse who serenaded a hospital full of first responders with a Jimmy Hendrix style rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”