What To Know

01.29.21

New strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerging in the U.K., South Africa, and Brazil have raised concerns about whether the current vaccines will fully protect people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. David Greenberg, an infectious diseases specialist at UT Southwestern, and Dr. Vineet Menachery, a virologist at UT Medical Branch at Galveston, are tracking the variants – and the vaccines’ response to them.

01.15.21

As the first wave of people receive the COVID-19 vaccines, a few cases of anaphylactic reactions have created concerns among people with severe allergies. Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, Chief of UT Southwestern’s Division of Allergy and Immunology, explains what might be causing these rare events, and advises how people with severe allergies should proceed.

12.18.20

The arrival of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines marks an important turning point in the pandemic. It also raises plenty of new questions, which UT Southwestern’s Dr. Julie Trivedi and Dr. Reuben Arasaratnam answer in this week’s episode of What to Know. The infectious disease experts also explain how vaccines will move the needle in this public health crisis.

12.11.20

Who hasn’t experienced at least a few restless nights during the pandemic? Dr. Joseph Takahashi, one of the world’s leading authorities on our body’s internal clocks, shares the science behind sleep deprivation, how it affects our bodies, and how we might put some of our fears to rest.

12.04.20

UT Southwestern’s COVID-19 surveillance testing program is designed to help schools, businesses, and local organizations uncover the virus in their midst by making rapid, regular, and accurate tests available. Rafael Martín, Vice President at UT Dallas, explains how the pilot program is helping reduce the spread on campus by identifying asymptomatic students early.

11.20.20

Promising results for COVID-19 vaccines have shined a spotlight on the evolution of clinical trials during the pandemic. Dr. David Gerber, Associate Director for Clinical Research at UT Southwestern’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, says the acceleration of the scientific process could represent a silver lining for patients, both now and in the future.

11.13.20

How do we balance the collective craving for a traditional Thanksgiving with concerns brought on by the surging pandemic? Registered dietitian Susan Rodder and Dr. Jaime Almandoz, a weight management expert, share strategies to enjoy the holidays while also maintaining your family’s health and well-being.

11.6.20

Who will get first access to a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available? Dr. Michael K. Gusmano, a bioethicist and public health scholar at Rutgers University and The Hastings Center, joins Dr. John Warner to discuss that question and other ethical dilemmas that have developed during the pandemic.

10.30.20

Holiday traditions will be put to the test this year, as families try to find ways to safely celebrate together. Dr. Trish Perl, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UT Southwestern, and Tony Roach, Managing Director for Customer Experience at Southwest Airlines, offer practical strategies for travelers and important reminders for those staying home for the holidays.

10.23.20

After battling breast cancer, Wendy Razook wanted a seamless reconstruction experience. She found it at UT Southwestern, where the plastic surgery team of Dr. Sumeet Teotia and Dr. Nicholas Haddock has refined the DIEP flap procedure to shorten surgery and recovery times and produce natural results.