Interview with deaf pediatrician on Covid-19 in schools
Hello, Dr. Zach Featherstone. You’re a pediatrician at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine. How are you doing so far?
Dr. Zach Featherstone, Deaf Pediatrician:
I’m good. I’m tired from taking care of so many, but I am remaining optimistic. Right now I’m good.
Alex:
I really appreciate your time here with us. I have three questions related to the coronavirus pandemic and children. My first question is on the record amount of children who are in the hospital because of coronavirus. It is said that as of Saturday, there are 1,902 children currently hospitalized. What goes through your mind when you see that number?
Dr. Featherstone:
To be honest, it makes me feel sad. We could have prevented this but I guess not enough people received vaccinations. Also we didn’t stay committed to wearing masks all the way. So there are more infections. And the new Delta variant -- we sign it this way. It’s contagious. It’s sad because I’ve been working at the hospital and I’m seeing more and more, including newborn babies, become infected. It’s hard.
Alex:
Children who are under 12 years old can’t get the vaccine. They are not eligible. Can you explain why and can you explain when they can be vaccinated?
Dr. Featherstone:
It’s a good question and many people ask me this. The reason why is because adults and children have different immune systems. So you really have to study it well. And with children you have more risks so you have to make sure the vaccine studies and the data shows that it is safe and good. When the vaccines went out, the vice president of Pfizer said that he hoped to receive EUA -- emergency use authorization -- from the FDA around October. So I’m hopeful.
Alex:
I understand that there are differences in their bodies and the time that it takes. Now, schools are going to start soon, and some have already opened. In just a few weeks. If parents or guardians of children ask you about your advice on how to keep their children as safe as possible? What do you tell them?
Dr. Featherstone:
It’s a good question. Really, it’s three things. The most important thing is to wash your hands frequently. Whenever you touch a door, when you go to the school, to the bathroom, before eating, wash your hands well. The second is to wear masks. Some states haven’t issued a mask mandate. But I still strongly recommend wearing masks. The third thing is if you are sick or your child is sick, don’t be tempted to bring them to school. Stay home and protect others who are at school. Because recently there was a situation at Reno in Nevada where there was a girl who was infected and the parents knew about it, but they still sent her to school. Then there was an outbreak with 80 affected. So be smart. Wear your masks and wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick.
Alex:
It’s really back to the basics. That is what we have been advised to do, from last year when the pandemic started. To wash our hands, wear masks, and socially distance. Now we have the vaccines and the Delta variant.
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So I’m wondering -- I want to add this question -- what advice would you give to teachers, school aides, administrators, dorm staff, or others who may feel nervous? They may be vaccinated but they are hearing about breakthrough cases and they don’t want to cause issues with kids. What advice would you give?
Dr. Featherstone:
The biggest priority is to protect yourself and other people. That includes getting vaccinated. Two shots. Don’t just get one shot and feel content. Get both shots. Today, 50% of the country have been fully vaccinated. 60% has one shot, but you need two. It’s interesting because right now 99% of all people who are currently hospitalized with coronavirus are not vaccinated. It means that if you are vaccinated, you might still become sick, but it won’t be severe or cause you to become bedridden. So that’s the best advice I can give, to get vaccinated and be smart with wearing masks and washing your hands. Give others space too.
Alex:
Getting vaccinated is the best line of defense against the coronavirus. You’re sharing the same as what the medical community is saying strongly. I think that’s all. Do you want to add anything before we end this interview?
Dr. Featherstone:
No, thank you for your time. I want to make sure to remind all people to be sure to stay with the light.
Alex:
Thank you Dr. Zach Featherstone. And I hope you keep on with the energy to serve our community and stay with the light!
Dr. Featherstone:
Thumbs up.
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