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CHI doctor/critical care expert discusses rising COVID-19 cases, ICU impact

Urges flu shots & other measures to stop spread
Posted at 10:30 AM, Nov 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-11 14:23:33-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Wednesday, Dr. Douglas R. Moore, a pulmonologist and critical care expert with CHI Health, discussed the increase in COVID-19 cases in Nebraska and the impact it's having on ICUs, hospital capacity, staff and their loved ones.

As patient numbers continue to rise in the state, Moore said staff has had to step up and sacrifice to provide the best level of care needed by patients and make sure they are always monitored. He praised the work of doctors and nursing staff who are working extended hours to meet personnel needs.

In regards to fighting the spread and preventing a capacity crisis, he urges people to continue socially distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks and getting flu shots. So far he hasn't observed an uptick in flu cases and wants things to stay that way so beds are available to people needing care.

When it comes to upcoming holidays, Moore's message to the community is to continue doing what's necessary to stop the spread. He said his family celebration of Thanksgiving will be limited to those in his home to avoid getting extended family members sick since he and his wife may have an increased chance of exposure.

Care-wise, he says CHI Health has standard care protocols based on the severity of symptoms but that it’s also carrying out clinical trials to test other methods for effectiveness.

Often the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, and whether someone suffers long-term symptoms linked to the virus, can be linked to other health deficiencies such as obesity, pulmonary diseases, diabetes and more he said.

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