Articles By Kathryn H. Dao, M.D.
A Guide to Self Care of (Mild) COVID19
There is guidance published on how to manage moderate to severe cases, but very few blueprints detail what to do with “mild” infection. The first day, I developed congestion and cough, with a sore throat. As the day progressed, I started to have chills, low grade fevers, and myalgias. The postnasal drainage was overwhelming, and when I tried to swallow, it felt like swallowing broken glass. Isolating in my room, I was left to deal with my symptoms.
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Freeze Tag
A beloved childhood game I enjoyed was Freeze Tag. Players would run to avoid being tagged by the person who was “It”. If you were tagged, you had to “freeze” in your spot until someone was brave enough to come un-tag you. The game ends when everyone is frozen or if people quit. For over 2 years, I have been living in a real-life “Freeze Tag” game and able to dodge COVID19, until now. Sitting in my room symptomatic and frozen in isolation, I ruminated about my patients who had COVID19 and their experiences. I wanted to share with you three stories of three variants.
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Best of 2021: Rebuttals
Since the COVID vaccine rollout, more people have been eligible to receive the vaccine. However, not everyone chooses to get one. I have heard many reasons (aka excuses) from my patients who are vaccine hesitant.
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Prolonging the Controversy of Hydroxychloroquine
Since the start of the pandemic, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was forced into the limelight for the prevention/treatment of COVID-19. When it was found to be ineffective for COVID-19 and might cause potential harm, the drug came under closer scrutiny for its safety profile.
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Redefining Aging
I was thrilled that the American College of Rheumatology put together the Community Aging Hub and multiple sessions to help rheumatologists identify gaps in care for older patients with rheumatic diseases. My friend and colleague, Dr. Una Makris, taught me the 5 M’s of aging that should be assessed in our patients.
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Prolonging the Controversy of Hydroxychloroquine
Since the start of the pandemic, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was forced into the limelight for the prevention/treatment of COVID-19.
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Interview Season
We are at that time of year when rheumatology fellowship programs across the nation are exploring potential candidates to train. Program directors work hard to attract the finest candidate, hoping to shape a future leader; applicants want to impress programs with their experience and desire a place where opportunities are available to explore their potential. So how does a program choose from a large pool of qualified applicants to fill just a few seats? What should applicants look for in a program to ensure a good fit?
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How Do You Measure Success When It Comes to SLE?
EULAR 2021 opened with a grand debate to answer this essential question: should clinicians treat to remission or to Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS)?
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Combination vs. Sequential Therapy for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis
Combination disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy may not be only for rheumatoid arthritis; combining disease modifying agents may be the path to better renal response.
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Future Therapeutics for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lessons Learned - RNL2021 Highlights
In case you missed it, RheumNow Live 2021 delivers what it promises: a good consistent program pack with high energy interactive learning.
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