Prevention & Wellness

Oct 21, 2021

Does Alcohol Kill Germs?

Two points must be made here. Don’t drink hand sanitizer. And, taking a shot of bourbon will not kill germs inside the body.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 21, 2021

Rapid COVID-19 Testing at Home Is Getting Easier

Recent announcements by the White House and the Food and Drug Administration are likely to make at-home, rapid COVID-19 testing easier and more feasible.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Oct 7, 2021

What Are Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids?

Pfizer submitted an emergency use authorization request to the Food and Drug Administration on Oct. 7 for the vaccine for the 5-11 age group. The FDA is expected to take at least several weeks to analyze the data before deciding whether to grant the drug maker’s request.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Oct 7, 2021

How Is the COVID Vaccine Dosage for Children Under 12 Different?

As with adults, youngsters would be given a two-dose regimen of the Pfizer vaccine with the injections coming 21 days apart. Sandra Kemmerly, MD, explains how the dosage differs.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 4, 2021

COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases

While most of the rise in recent cases can be attributed to unvaccinated people, there have been breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in those who are fully vaccinated.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Sep 21, 2021

Check-In for Your Appointments from Your Phone

Want to skip the registration desk for your doctor’s appointment? Many Ochsner locations are now offering low-contact arrival options.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 27, 2021

How to Celebrate Halloween During COVID-19

What parents and Halloween enthusiasts need to know about trick-or-treating safety and the safest ways to celebrate Halloween this year.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 14, 2021

What are the Flu Shot Side Effects?

For most patients, they will not experience any side effects from the flu vaccine. But like any medical product, vaccines may cause some mild side-effects that typically go away within a day or two.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 14, 2021

Tips For Keeping Your Baby Flu-Free

Pregnant or nursing women should make an extra effort to get the flu vaccine.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Cindy Boudreaux, RN

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 1, 2021

10 Flu Myths Revealed

If you are wondering about whether you should get the flu shot, we'll help you make your final decision. Here are 10 flu myths revealed.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 14, 2021

How to Clean a Moldy Refrigerator After a Power Outage

If your mold problem is limited to the inside your refrigerator, you can try to tackle it with a few DIY solutions before it gets out of hand.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 13, 2021

Mu COVID Variant: What You Need to Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently identified the Mu COVID variant as a variant of interest. Here is what you need to know.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Aug 24, 2021

I Can’t Smell Anything. Do I Have COVID-19?

Anosmia is the loss or altered sense of smell, and could be a symptom of COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Edward McCoul, MD, MPH

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 7, 2021

What Are Monoclonal Antibodies and Can They Treat COVID-19?

Monoclonal antibodies are designed to provide you with passive immunity to COVID-19 for a short period of time. They are not a substitute for vaccination.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 13, 2021

What Are Symptoms of Sepsis?

There are many ways to become septic, including exposure to dangerous bacteria or waiting too long to seek medical care for other infections, such as pneumonia.

By Abdul M. Khan, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Women's Health

Jul 13, 2021

Can Pregnant Women Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Following the guidelines from the FDA, no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine, even patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnant patients should discuss with their physician individual risk factors to make an informed decision about possible vaccinations.

By Joseph Biggio, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Jun 29, 2021

Are Headaches Signs of COVID-19?

While respiratory problems are more common, the CDC does list headache and stomach issues as possible symptoms of COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jun 16, 2021

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Causing Heart Inflammation in Children?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is looking into reported cases of a heart condition called myocarditis in patients who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

By Jake Kleinmahon, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

May 12, 2021

COVID Vaccine for Kids Under 16

The Pfizer vaccine for teenagers ages 12 to 15 is the same two-dose regimen currently being administered to those who are ages 16 and older.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Diana Peterson, MD, MPH

Health Trends

May 12, 2021

7 Things You Need To Know About Your COVID-19 Vaccine Card

If you received the COVID-19 vaccine, you know that you will receive a CDC vaccine card. But after you get this card, is there anything special you should do with it? Here are answers to some of your common questions on the COVID-19 vaccine card.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Apr 5, 2021

Do Fully Vaccinated People Need to Quarantine After COVID-19 Exposure?

The CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 if they are not displaying symptoms. These new guidelines are a step towards returning to pre-COVID-19 activities.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 1, 2021

What If I Get COVID-19 Between Vaccine Doses?

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two shots to get the most protection. But what happens if you get infected with COVID-19 between doses?

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 3, 2021

Is COVID-19 a Pandemic or Endemic?

What does pandemic mean, exactly? What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic? And what does “endemic” mean?

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Food & Fitness

Feb 24, 2021

Can Eating Healthy Fight COVID-19?

Nutrition is the foundation of good health because it supports our immune system.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Feb 24, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine and Dermal Fillers

Some people with cosmetic fillers experienced side effects after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. What does this mean?

By Jessica Chu, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Feb 1, 2021

When Will I Be Able to Smell Again After Having COVID-19?

Many COVID-19 patients have noticed changes in their senses and are left wondering: When will I be able to smell and taste again? Read on for the answer.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Feb 11, 2021

Should You Wear Two Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Face masks are one of the best ways to protect yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. As new variants of COVID-19 pop up across the United States, many are wondering if they can better protect themselves by wearing two face masks.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jan 29, 2021

The New COVID Variants: What You Should Do

Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and around the world.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Feb 25, 2021

How Long Does COVID Recovery Take?

If you suspect you have COVID-19, you may wonder how long the illness will last. While sick, what precautions should you be taking?

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jan 29, 2021

COVID-19 and Disabilities

The life-altering effects of COVID-19 have been tougher on people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders than anyone else.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 28, 2021

The Weird COVID-19 Symptoms

We all know the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, but these are not the only symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 can be “unusual.”

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Dec 17, 2020

What Are the Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

More than 37,000 people have received the COVID-19 vaccine during the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine trials with no significant side effects.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Dec 10, 2020

How Does the COVID Vaccine Work?

The COVID-19 vaccine will require one dose or two, depending on which vaccine you receive.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 19, 2021

Hepatitis A: What Is It?

Sometimes, people who are infected with hepatitis A have no symptoms. Adults are more likely than children to show symptoms, which can appear two to seven weeks after infection.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 28, 2020

Is COVID-19 Impacting Minority Populations More?

Health experts are pushing for more research on the impact of coronavirus on children, especially those with racial inequities.

By William Lennarz, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Are My Symptoms from Stress or COVID-19?

Everyone is on high alert when they experience the slightest of symptoms because of the coronavirus outbreak. But could stress be the culprit for your symptoms?

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

What are the long-term effects of COVID-19?

Since the onset of COVID-19, millions of people have contracted the disease. While many have recovered, they still may face some long-term effects post recovery

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

Is Vomiting a Sign of Coronavirus?

Some of the common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath and, possibly, a sore throat. But according to the CDC, vomiting may be a symptom, too.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Is Diarrhea a Sign of COVID-19?

We take a look at how COVID-19 can affect your gastrointestinal system.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

Can Mosquitoes Give You Coronavirus?

Mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases, so it’s only natural that you may be wondering if mosquitoes can carry coronavirus.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Dec 4, 2020

What Do My COVID-19 Test Results Mean?

During this time of uncertainty, you may decide that getting tested is the right course of action.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

How to Protect the Most Vulnerable in Shared Households

If you live in a small apartment or home during COVID-19, it is important to understand how to protect those in your home who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

COVID-19 Risk by Activity

If you are starting to venture out, participating in certain activities increases your risk of getting COVID-19. We share what activities are considered low, moderate and high.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 17, 2021

Why Wearing Face Masks Is Important

Face masks are absolutely necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the CDC recommends that anyone over the age of 2 wear one while in public settings.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

I've Been Exposed to COVID-19. What Should I Do?

Regardless of how you’re feeling, if you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, it’s extremely important to self-quarantine to protect others.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

Coronavirus and Pets

The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is very low. However, you should treat pets like you would any other human family member and follow certain guidelines.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 4, 2020

Safety Tips for Traveling this Summer

Before traveling this summer, you may have a few questions. First, it’s important to check the area where you plan to travel to see if COVID-19 is still spreading.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

What to do if you have COVID-19, but are asymptomatic

If you’ve tested positive for coronavirus, but you aren’t experiencing symptoms you may be asymptomatic. There are a few things you should know if you’re asymptomatic with COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Is Pink Eye a COVID Symptom?

Currently there is very little evidence that pink eye is a consistent symptom of the coronavirus.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Nov 1, 2021

Why Is It Important to Wear Face Masks?

No one wants to accidentally spread the virus to someone who might have severe complications if they catch it. If you wear a mask and practice social distancing when out in public, you can feel good about knowing you are part of your community's effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD