Men’s health and COVID-19: reviewing the research
June 16, 2022 | Betsy Herbert | Department of Public Health
Have you avoided getting the COVID vaccine because you’ve heard it might cause problems with infertility, erectile dysfunction, and even climax? Actually, it’s not the vaccine that causes those issues. Getting the COVID-19 virus has been strongly tied to men’s reproductive and sexual health. Here’s the information you need to protect (and enjoy) yourself.
There have been rumors that the COVID vaccine can cause impotence. But the truth is there’s a possible link between being infected with COVID and infertility.
To invade our cells, COVID attaches to receptors that are found in lungs and as well as the testicles. A study of men infected with COVID showed problems with different testicular functions, including the production of sperm. This was attributed to the inflammation that occurs from the infection. What’s more, later studies have suggested that there may even be lasting negative effects on sperm production. So, want to be a dad someday? Get vaccinated!
Even if you’re not interested in becoming a dad, the COVID virus could still impact you. You may have heard that the vaccine can cause erectile dysfunction. But there is zero proof that that’s true.
What IS true? Studies throughout the pandemic have found that men are having problems with erections after having the virus. One study interviewed groups of men about their sex lives after testing positive for COVID. 28% of men surveyed after testing positive for COVID reported erectile dysfunction. Compare that to the group of men who didn’t have COVID, where erectile dysfunction was much lower, just over 9%.
Finally, rumors have been going around that the vaccine is linked to problems with climax. Again, false! But there are case studies reporting that after a COVID infection men have had issues ejaculating. Let’s face it, no one wants an anti-climactic climax.
PDPH recommends that you get vaccinated today to protect yourself and your loved ones from severe COVID. You may even think of it as an investment in future Father’s Days. Learn more about where you can get your vaccine today.
Protect yourself, protect your loved ones, protect your future; get vaccinated today.
Recharge your COVID-19 immunity with an updated booster this winter
January 6, 2023 Betsy Herbert, Department of Public Health
Time to batten down the hatches for another Philadelphia winter. While we may not see snow, we can count on colder forecasts. The cold means more people spend more time gathering indoors, so hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are likely to increase — just as they have in the last two years.
The next months are risky for seniors and people who have weakened immune systems. But, this winter, we have an advantage. The updated bivalent booster was made to provide protection from Omicron variants. The earlier vaccines have lost some of their effectiveness, but the updated booster can recharge our immunity.
The problem? The people who need this booster most may not know much about it or how well it works at keeping them safe. This time, the federal government isn’t sending as many teams to help vaccinate in community centers and nursing homes. Information about the booster may not be as widespread as it could be. We need all Philadelphians to help spread the word. Encourage older friends and family members to get the updated booster. It can help them get through the winter safely.
A big benefit for seniors
When it comes to getting very sick from COVID-19, age is the biggest risk factor. People 65 and older who get COVID-19 are four times more likely to be hospitalized. Their risk of death is even higher. But, there’s hope.
A new study shows that the updated booster gives vaccinated seniors strong protection against hospitalization from COVID-19. The seniors in this study got an updated booster dose after finishing the primary vaccination series. They were compared to seniors who only had the primary vaccine series. Even with multiple underlying health conditions, those who got the updated booster dose were up to 83% more protected from hospitalization.
More ways to protect ourselves
Of course, there are more ways to protect ourselves and others this winter. Wear a mask if you’re in a crowd, especially indoors. Test before you attend a gathering or spend time around people who are elderly or immunocompromised. If you feel sick, stay home.
First and foremost, get vaccinated. Vaccination with the updated booster is the most effective way to protect you, your loved ones, and your community from COVID-19.
Tell an older friend or family member. Check your vaccine status using the CDC’s Vaccine Up-to-Date chart. Find a booster dose near you.
For questions about boosters, vaccines, or anything else related to COVID-19, call (215) 685-5488 or email publichealthinfo@phila.gov.
Get the latest info about COVID-19 on our website
Free Air Purifiers for Early Childhood Education Centers and Schools!
April 3, 2023 | Betsy Herbert | Department of Public Health
One silver lining of the pandemic has been increased attention on improving our indoor air. That’s particularly important in schools and early childhood education settings. COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV are spread through the air, so air purifiers can help our children stay healthier in school, instead of being at home with an illness. With better ventilation and indoor air quality kids also feel better in and out of the classroom, which helps them do better in school.
With the mission of helping to provide better air quality, the Health Department began offering MedifyAir Purifiers to early childhood education centers at the beginning of the year. In the past two months, 384 air purifiers have been given to more than 280 childcare sites. The Health Department is now expanding the initiative to include Philadelphia K-12 schools.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter draws the air in and forces it through different layers of filter before returning the air to the room. These HEPA filters are rated to remove 99.9% of airborne particles. They will be particularly helpful in areas where children need to remove their masks, like cafeterias and other spaces where they eat. They’re also recommended for classrooms, playrooms/play areas, and gymnasiums.
Improving indoor air quality doesn’t only address student health, it also has added educational benefits, like helping to raise test scores and improve student behavior. It has been shown to reduce absences for both students and teachers. Research shows that even low levels of air pollution can hurt children’s brain development and their ability to learn. In large urban areas like ours, where air pollution is higher, improving air quality in the classroom creates a more equitable learning environment for our students.
Each air purifier will come with three high-grade HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters (a multi-year supply). Air purifiers with HEPA filters are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control to increase air quality in the classroom.
We’re dedicated to providing schools with the resources to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. If that effort also helps kids and teachers benefit from clean air, even better!
To request air purifiers for your school please complete this interest form. You can reach the Pediatric Partnerships Team at covid.schools@phila.govwith any additional questions. A member of our team will reach out to process your request. Product manuals for the two models the Health Department is providing, the MA- 50 and the MA-112, can be found at https://medifyair.com/pages/product- manuals
Sign up to see if you’re eligible to receive a free air purifier for your early childhood education center or school.
Accessing Vaccines and Treatments After the COVID-19 Emergency Ends
May 11, 2023 | Betsy Herbert Department of Public Health
It’s official. COVID-19 is no longer a national public health emergency. It ended on May 11, just six days after the World Health Organization announced the public health emergency had ended globally.
Does that mean the pandemic is over? After more than three long years, can we finally go back to the way things were? Well, no, not quite.
For a little more than a year now, the pandemic has been on a downward trend. Deaths due to COVID-19 have decreased and immunity to the disease has increased because of testing and vaccinations.
By ending the national and global public health emergencies, health officials are not saying the pandemic is over. But they are saying things have improved enough that we can move toward a new phase of the pandemic.
If you’re a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary
Medicare will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, at no cost for those enrolled in Part B or Part D.
Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and CHIP programs are required to cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. To locate vaccination locations near you, visit vaccines.gov.
If you have private or marketplace insurance
All forms of health insurance will cover COVID-19 vaccines, as long as you stay in network. If unsure of where you are in-network, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.
Finding vaccines
The federal government has a stockpile of vaccines purchased from pharmaceutical companies. The end of the public health emergency should have little effect on vaccine access. Supply of the federally purchased vaccines is expected to last through the summer of 2023.
Once the federal supply runs out, private insurance companies, Medicaid/Medicare Part B, and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) are required to cover vaccines for people they insure. Those who are uninsured will still be able to find free or low-cost vaccines.
We’re hopeful that COVID-19 is becoming more predictable and less disruptive. But we’re not there yet. We encourage you to stay safe and remain on guard. Yes, the end of the national and global public health emergencies are things to celebrate. But with caution.
Getting a COVID-19 test
Some free or low-cost tests are still available.
- If you’re sick and have private insurance or Medicare, your insurance should cover the test with a doctor’s referral.
- You can request COVID-19 tests at the preferred provider of your health plan. Call the number on the back of your insurance card for specific details on your plan’s copays and preferred providers.
- Medicare Part B will continue to cover lab-based testing with a physician’s prescription. Medicaid will cover free over-the-counter tests until September 2024.
- Visit a a testing site near you. Some sites require you to have a doctor’s referral, have symptoms, or make an appointment. Some may require that you be in the provider’s insurance network. Call ahead to make sure you have information and hours for the site.
- Visit a PDPH resource hub. Our five resource hubs will continue to give out free at- home test kits until supplies are gone.
Continue to test if you get sick and isolate if you test positive. Get vaccinated if you haven’t already. And if you have, follow up by getting COVID-19 boosters. Things are improving and will continue to improve if we all do our part and follow that course.
Finding treatment for COVID-19
Treatment can help you avoid serious illness, hospitalization, or even death from COVID-19. Contact your primary care provider to discuss whether you would benefit from a treatment like Paxlovid or Lagevrio.
- If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can visit an urgent care or a Test-to-Treat location.
- You can also find free or low-cost care using our primary care finder.
People who are enrolled in Medicare or Medicare Part D may have to pay a small amount (co-pay) for treatment.
If you have Medicaid or CHIP, medications will continue to be available free of cost for the rest of 2023. That will likely change in 2024.
If you’re experiencing an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.
Remember while the Public Health Emergency is over, it’s still helpful to stay on top of what’s going on with COVID-19 in Philadelphia.
Gather together safely this holiday season
November 20, 2023 | Betsy Herbert | Department of Public Health
The holidays are a perfect time to gather together for festive meals with people you love. You don’t want to spend it alone in the guest room with a plate of food left outside the door. Take precautions now against COVID-19 and enjoy the holidays with friends and family.
Test before you turkey, tofurkey, ham, or yam
Avoid unwanted surprises at this year’s holiday table by testing for COVID the day of your gathering. This is especially important if you plan on spending time with anyone who could become very sick from COVID, such as an elderly family member or friend, or someone with a weakened immune system.
Get free COVID test kits.
Every family should be well equipped with COVID tests this season and we have you covered. Pick up free rapid antigen at-home test kits, along with masks and hand sanitizer, at these Health Department resource hubs.
Resource hubs are open Monday through Friday. While you don’t need an appointment to pick up at-home tests, daily schedules vary at our resource hubs. Visit our testing calendar for timely updates and details.
You can also get free at-home COVID-19 tests through the mail. Starting November 20, every U.S. household is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 test kits. Need help placing your order? Call 800-232-0233. For TTY, call 888-720-7489.
If you have COVID symptoms or you’ve been exposed to COVID, you need to test. Find out all you need to know about when to test and what precautions to take with our isolation and exposure calendar.
Get vaccinated
It’s not too late to get an updated vaccine. The updated COVID-19 vaccine protects against the variants that are currently circulating. It’s the best way to make sure a case of COVID doesn’t turn severe.
Don’t forget flu and RSV, too
Holiday season is also respiratory virus season. If you haven’t gotten this year’s flu shot, now’s the perfect time to do so. If you’re 60 or older, you’re eligible for the respiratory synctial virus (RSV) vaccine, too. Speak with your healthcare provider about getting the vaccines at the same time. Find COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations at a location near you.
It’s a bustling and sometimes unpredictable time of the year. Take precautions ahead of time so that you can relax and enjoy the holidays at the table with family and friends.
RSV precautions include newly available immunizations
December 7, 2023 | Betsy Herbert, Department of Public Health
Winter respiratory virus season is here. While most people already know about colds and flu, it’s important to know about RSV or Respiratory Syncytial (sin-SISH- uhl) Virus, as well. It’s another common cause of colds and other respiratory infections.
RSV is a common seasonal respiratory virus. Even though RSV usually causes mild symptoms like a cold, it can sometimes be serious, leading to hospitalization and death in infants and older adults.
The good news is that, for the first time, we have immunizations to protect infants and older people from RSV.
Infants up to 12 months old, especially those who are six months and younger, are at high risk for RSV infection. Toddlers who were born prematurely, have weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, or were born with heart disease are also at high risk.
You can have your baby immunized with an RSV antibody during your baby’s first RSV season to prevent RSV. If you are pregnant, you can get a single dose of RSV vaccine during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to prevent RSV infection in your baby when they are born. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about getting protected. Most major chain pharmacies are carrying the RSV vaccine for pregnant people. The immunization available for babies is in short supply this year. Your baby’s doctor will be able to discuss that with you.
Adults who are 60 years of age and older are also at high risk for hospitalization and even death due to RSV. If you are older than 60, you can get a single dose of the RSV vaccine. The vaccine will protect you for at least two years. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about getting the vaccine.
You can get other immunizations, such as the updated COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine, at the same time as your RSV vaccine. Side effects can include pain or swelling in the injection site, fever, or tiredness. Speak to your healthcare provider about scheduling immunizations.
Symptoms and spread of RSV
Symptoms of RSV may include fever, runny nose, cough, wheezing, sore throat, headache, and tiredness. Like other respiratory viruses, a cough or a sneeze can easily spread RSV to nearby people, objects, or surfaces. People who touch those objects or surfaces can then get infected by the virus by touching their face.
What to do daily to avoid spreading RSV
To help prevent the spread of RSV:
- Clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wear a mask if you are around a lot of people in public areas and are worriedabout getting sick.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned or have questions about RSV. Call 911 or go to an ER IMMEDIATELY if you or your child have difficulty breathing, become dehydrated from not drinking enough fluids, or experience worsening symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from RSV is to take precautions to stop the spread of the virus. Take advantage of vaccinations available to you. For more information, call the Health Department at 215-685-5488 or email PublicHealthInfo@phila.gov.
Learn more about RSV. Get updates on the respiratory virus season.
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Betsy Herbert 