Author: JasonGraziadei
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Acute Care Hospital Phase 2 Reopen Attestation
For more information:
COVID-19 Update from the Swim Across America Infusion Center at NCH
Ugne Aleknaite and Gretchen Buchmann from the Swim Across America Nantucket Infusion Center at NCH provide an update on how their department has continued to provide care and services to some of our most vulnerable patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
NCH President & CEO Gary Shaw on “Nantucket Pulse” Program
Nantucket Cottage Hospital President & CEO Gary Shaw appears on the latest edition of Nantucket Community Television‘s “Nantucket Pulse” program.
Understanding Links Between COVID-19 and Obesity
Key Takeaways
- Obesity is a disease that affects the body in multiple ways
- Patients that are hospitalized for COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU care if they also have obesity
- Mitigate the risk by limiting exposure to other people who may have coronavirus
Obesity is not a risk factor for becoming infected with COVID-19 that we are aware of today. However, new data suggests that patients who have obesity are more likely to require intensive care for COVID-19.
“Once you have the virus, we’re seeing patients with obesity need more ICU care,” says Angela Fitch, MD, FACP, FOMA, associate director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center.
“While obesity has not always been considered a disease in the U.S., it is, and we are seeing it as a common comorbidity among COVID-19 patients with the severe form,” says Matthew Hutter, MD, director of the Weight Center and president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
Dr. Fitch and Dr. Hutter share four specific risk factors that link obesity with severe COVID-19 and how to mitigate risks.