Cincinnati Enquirer: Powell's death shows importance of vaccination
UC expert discusses COVID-19 risks for multiple myeloma patients
Colin Powell, former secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, died earlier this week of COVID-19 complications. News reports state Powell was fully vaccinated but was also receiving treatment for a blood cancer, multiple myeloma, at the time of his death. Multiple myeloma weakens the body's immune system.
Bryan Hambley, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine's Division of Hematology and Oncology and a UC Health hematology oncologist, said other multiple myeloma patients can become more fearful and socially isolated following the death of a high-profile person like Powell.
"That can really increase depression as a side effect of treatment,” Hambley told the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Powell's death also highlights the importance for friends and family of immunocompromised patients like those with multiple myeloma to be vaccinated against COVID-19 "to protect their loved ones who may not form antibodies to the vaccine," Hambley said.
Featured photo at top of vaccination courtesy of Shutterstock.com
Related Stories
Cognitive decline reduced by MIND diet, study finds
September 19, 2024
National outlets including CNN, Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report highlighted research led by the University of Cincinnati's Russell Sawyer that found following the MIND diet for 10 years produced a small but significant decrease in the risk of developing thinking, concentration and memory problems.
Nationwide map shows area's risks of landslides
September 19, 2024
UC Associate Professor Daniel Sturmer talks to WVXU about a new national map identifying areas at greatest risk for landslides.
CDC issues new guidelines to help manage potential IUD pain
September 18, 2024
Some women have taken to social media with their experiences of pain when having an intrauterine device, or IUD, inserted. Now the Centers for Disease Control issued guidelines to urge health care providers to address the problem. Priya Gursahaney, MD, associate professor in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, recently appeared on Cincinnati Edition on WVXU to discuss the role that IUDs play in reproductive health care.