UTHSC In the Media


Delays and false negatives: coronavirus testing still lags in Memphis

The Commercial Appeal

Top officials in Memphis and Shelby County are calling for more people to get tested for coronavirus, even if they have mild symptoms. But problems in testing persist, and current capacity is still less than what’s needed to control the virus, according to one of the key people involved in the testing effort, Dr. Scott… Read More


Unprepared for COVID-19: Did Memphis, state missteps early on cost us?

In the Media Icon

In a pattern repeated over and over across the nation, Memphis and Shelby County’s official response to the initial wave of novel coronavirus appeared confused, even chaotic.There were critical shortages of tests. Far too few health investigators. Substantial delays in test results and daunting challenges getting the public to take social distancing seriously.


Paid workers and volunteers are sought in Tennessee’s coronavirus response

The Commercial Appeal

Out of work? The Tennessee Medical Reserve Corps wants you to apply to help the community respond to the COVID-19 pandemic — whether you’re a medical worker or not.


Experts: Smartphone screens can ‘host’ coronavirus

In the Media Icon

Health experts have warned that the novel coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, can linger on the screens of smartphones for more than three days. In a report, Rudra Channappanavar, an immunologist at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, said touchscreen phones “were particularly dangerous.”


Malaria drug used in worst COVID-19 cases here; doctors watch closely

In the Media Icon

Hospitals here are using the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine with the antibiotic azithromycin to treat advanced COVID-19 cases, but with great caution.“I used it a couple of hours ago. We tend to, as you do with any medication, weigh the potential pluses and minuses,” said Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, an infectious disease expert caring for COVID-19 patients… Read More


COVID-19 drives demand for Tylenol up

In the Media Icon

There’s a lot of information out there about the coronavirus. Some of it is true and some is false. There have been claims circulating that ibuprofen has a bad effect on the progress of patients with COVID-19. Local 24 News turned to the experts for an answer.


How prepared is Memphis for a grim — but realistic — COVID-19 peak?

The Memphis Business Journal

The news was suddenly bright: An updated model released Monday projected that Tennessee’s hospitals could handle the anticipated rush of COVID-19 patients — with plenty of beds, ICU beds and ventilators to spare.


Wellness in times of Plague: Physician Wellness during Covid-19 pandemic

In the Media Icon

We all know that we are living in interesting times. And by interesting times I mean scary, confusing, disorienting, unpredictable, overwhelming and exhausting. Information is changing minute by minute. Recommendations given yesterday are contradicted today and changed yet again tomorrow. Personal protective equipment is difficult, if not impossible, to find.