Health and Medicine | MedBlog | UT Southwestern Medical Center

Straight answers on Omicron, the fast-moving COVID-19 variant

The highly contagious Omicron variant came on quickly, creating more questions and confusion. UT Southwestern experts provide answers.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D. / James Cutrell, M.D.

January 20, 2022

My brother delayed his COVID-19 vaccine. His health, family, and business paid the price.

Unvaccinated people are more likely to get COVID-19 and be hospitalized for it. Anthony Darrell didn’t think it could happen to him – even though his sister, Sonja Bartolome, M.D., urged him to get the shot.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

September 22, 2021

Look beyond breakthrough infections to address COVID-19’s core problems

The increased focus on breakthrough infections, which remain rare and mostly mild, is obscuring the fact that vaccine hesitancy and resistance to mask wearing in public continues to fuel the pandemic.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

September 15, 2021

How to talk to COVID-19 vaccine holdouts: Calm fears, correct myths

Is there anything you can say to a reluctant friend or family member to persuade them COVID-19 vaccination is the right choice for them? The short answer is: 'yes,' says UT Southwestern's Sonja Bartolome. M.D.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

July 22, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines: The tough questions answered by a frontline doctor

The COVID-19 vaccines are ready in record time, but we know you have questions about how they work, safety, and side effects. So here are some evidence-based answers from one of UT Southwestern's medical professional who will be among the first in line to take the shot.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

May 19, 2021

My COVID-19 action plan: How to cope when the virus hits home

You can get COVID-19 even if you do everything right. Dr. Sonja Bartolome and her husband found that out this winter. Get their action plan to keep the rest of the family safe if the virus hits your home.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

March 4, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines: Separating myths from reality

COVID-19 vaccines represent our best chance of ending the pandemic, but a strong current of resistance and disinformation is sabotaging the effort to protect people from the virus. UT Southwestern's Sonja Bartolome, M.D., separates the vaccine myths from the realities.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

January 28, 2021

Fight COVID-19 fatigue and rising cases with a secret weapon: The Facts

As the pandemic enters its ninth month and cases rise again, now is not the time to give in to COVID-19 fatigue. UT Southwestern's Dr. Bartolome says the best way to fight it is by reinforcing the facts about the virus, and rededicating ourselves to safety measures that reduce its spread.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

November 4, 2020

Are we ready for some football? Risks for fans in the stands during COVID-19

Texas football fans have always gone to great lengths to support their teams. But the Season of COVID-19 is forcing them to call an audible and assess the risks of being a fan in the stands. Respiratory specialist Dr. Sonja Bartolome provides a game plan for safety.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

September 18, 2020

Which COVID test is best? Pros and cons of coronavirus detection methods

With more people getting tested for COVID-19, which method is the best? And do I really need to get a test? Check out this quick comparison of the three main types of coronavirus detection tests, the methods, the speed of results, and their overall effectiveness.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

September 3, 2020

COVID-19 and positivity: 7 encouraging signs amid the pandemic

Looking for a few rays of hope during the pandemic? UT Southwestern respiratory specialist Dr. Sonja Bartolome sees at least seven, including prevention measures taking hold in Texas.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

July 22, 2020

Summer travel advisory: How to have a safe vacation amid COVID-19

The surge in COVID-19 cases has raised real concerns about summer travel plans. Respiratory specialist Dr. Sonja Bartolome provides some specific guidelines and precautions to help make your vacation as safe as possible.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

July 1, 2020

COVID-19 and mask confusion: Separating myths from realities

Wearing a mask to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 pandemic should be a no-brainer, but misinformation and mixed signals have created mask confusion. Dr. Sonja Bartolome, a specialist in lung disorders and pulmonary disease, separates the myths from the medical realities.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

June 25, 2020

Summer fun in the sun: What's safe outdoors during COVID-19?

After months of COVID-19 shelter-in-place, Texans are eager to enjoy summer activities. Get quick tips to have fun and stay safe this summer.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

May 22, 2020

Tired of social distancing? Try NPIs on for size

If the mere sound of "social distancing" makes you groan, there is another, more technical term to try – and it might remind you of the ongoing importance of ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sonja Bartolome, M.D., explains the ABCs of NPIs.

Sonja Bartolome, M.D.

April 23, 2020