Physicians statewide gathered today to discuss an alarming COVID-19 trend. The story of hospital capacity has remained the same even though the pandemic continues to impact our communities. What has changed in the last year is the story of patients. Those on ventilators are no longer older individuals but young adults ranging in age from 18 to 40.
Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone says, “As of last Sunday, we are at the highest level of COVID patients being hospitalized in the state for the year. We are at 528 patients being hospitalized.” He says the difference between now and last January when there were 1,000 people hospitalized is elective surgeries were canceled. He says hospitalizations in Lancaster County have remained steady for the last few weeks between 80 and 90 patients.
Acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue says it looks like the U.S. is beginning another surge and Nebraska is a hot spot. There is another trend. He says, “About 40 out of every 100,000 not fully vaccinated people are being hospitalized with COVID-19 each week where as only 4 out of every 100,000 fully vaccinated people are being hospitalized.”
Dr. Brian Boer is a Section Chief in Critical Care at Nebraska Medicine and doesn’t mix words. He has this message for those not vaccinated. He says, “You are a massive burden to our health care system. We are happy to take care of sick people and get you well and we recognize that people make bad choices and may choose not to get vaccinated, for example, but it is really crushing our health care system at this point.” He says health care providers are quitting or becoming traveling nurses. That is stretching their provider resources.
Several doctors stated hospitals are not able to take transfers of critically ill COVID-19 patients or others due to space limitations. Some are being admitted to V.A. facilities because that is the only place that has space.
The physicians are sending out one more plea – get vaccinated and don’t hesitate in getting the booster.