x
Breaking News
More () »

A shot of hope: Doctors reflect on vaccine and treatments a year after the pandemic

Doctors and a local psychotherapist reflect on how the virus impacts us.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — We've seen the worst from this pandemic, but a year later we're now seeing how science has given us the best.

Our WZDX News reporter talked to doctors and a psychotherapist about the positive impact on both our physical and mental health.

Doctors have credited science for seeing us through this pandemic with the vaccine, and treatment.

"Between Dexamethasone, and Remdesivir, and Casirivimab, and Monoclonal infusion the outpatients setting, all of those were great achievements to get to help the patients," says Huntsville Hospital Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Ali Hassoun.

Hassoun says scientists are studying more uses for the treatments and how it can be used after the pandemic. "There's already more research for oral treatment even. Oral treatment, and for COVID for example in the outpatient setting," says Hassoun.

The vaccine also providing a shot of hope in less than a year's time. "This is something that's going to end up needing a Noble Prize for it because, there's no such thing that we've seen to develop effective and safe, which is very, very important," says Hassoun.

Alabama Department of Public Health's Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Karen Landers, says efforts to mask, sanitize and separate have dramatically lowered flu infections.

"Our influenza activity has been the lowest that I recall in my career within the Alabama Department of Public Health.. we also had less respiratory syncytial virus in babies this year," says Landers.

A lot of people have struggled with mental health this year - but it has also brought more understanding and resources. 

"There has definitely been an increase in mental health awareness and mental education, and I think that is a positive for us because it helps remove the stigma," says Huntsville Psychotherapy & Counseling Services, Psychotherapist, Dr. Monretta Vega.

Before You Leave, Check This Out