LONG week on call @HamHealthSci. Lots of calls about #VITT post AZ vaccine. I'm transparent w my patients - I believe empowerment leads to earlier detection, better outcomes, less stress. So I'm grateful to @heysciencesam for creating tools to help me be transparent with YOU!

If you've had AZ 4-28 days ago, be on the lookout for the following symptoms. If you have them, seek medical attention! (Sam, thx for making the doctor in this graphic look JUST LIKE ME #GenXZeneca #WomenInMedicine)

How do migraine sufferers know if this is a VITT headache? VITT headache often worse, more persistent, or has diff features than your usual headache. It might go with visual changes. When in doubt: seek care. We're educating clinicians about VITT here: https://covid19-sciencetable.ca/sciencebrief/vaccine-induced-immune-thrombotic-thrombocytopenia-vitt-following-adenovirus-vector-covid-19-vaccination/

Qs from folks about WHERE to seek care: mild symptoms not interfering with function? Contact your own family doctor, go to a walkin, call TeleHealth. But the symptoms below are more severe - head to the emergency department please. Tell them when you got your shot.

The symptoms of VITT are tough because they seem maddeningly "common." I like @heysciencesam's breakdown of what's normal and what's not. Note that VITT symptoms START 4-28 days after vaccine. You may have "normal" symptoms in the first 3 days. If they persist... seek care.

At this point in the pandemic our nerves are shot. We don't want to hear more bad news. I have ++ empathy for those who've taken AZ - you made the RIGHT choice for you AT THE TIME. Science is evolving now, and hiding that science does nobody any good.

Downplaying VITT, or conflating facts about this new (7 week old!) disease with decisions about vaccine policy is not wise - it might lead folks to minimize symptoms or delay care. As a blood clot doctor, my #1 goal is to mitigate the impact of VITT. Period.

I also have ++ empathy for those who are SCARED right now. I also have medical anxiety. People I love made the decision to take AZ. @heysciencesam's beautiful graphic about managing VITT-related anxiety is perfect. Please take it to heart.

After this work week - maybe the most mentally and emotionally draining of my career - I have nothing but love for those struggling with COVID, those struggling with vaccine concerns, and those staggering through this pandemic trying to keep body & soul together.

Happy Mother's Day, Ontario. I need to get some rest, but will send out a little more info tomorrow.