Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #111

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cujenn81 said:
WOW! I am shocked to hear this because they've always been a GODSEND for me when I've had bronchitis in the past. I guess it just goes to show how vastly different medications can affect different people.
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I was going to say that when I was working in clinics about half of our patients said Tessalon Perles worked for them and about half said they did not work at all.

Then I found this which confirms my guesstimate:

www.drugs.com

Tessalon Perles for Cough Reviews - Drugs.com

Reviews and ratings for Tessalon Perles when used in the treatment of cough. 179 reviews submitted with a 5.2 average score.
www.drugs.com www.drugs.com

Tessalon Perles for Cough User Reviews
Tessalon Perles has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 165 reviews for the treatment of Cough. 41% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 49% reported a negative experience.
 
IceIce9 said:
I was going to say that when I was working in clinics about half of our patients said Tessalon Perles worked for them and about half said they did not work at all.

Then I found this which confirms my guesstimate:

www.drugs.com

Tessalon Perles for Cough Reviews - Drugs.com

Reviews and ratings for Tessalon Perles when used in the treatment of cough. 179 reviews submitted with a 5.2 average score.
www.drugs.com www.drugs.com

Tessalon Perles for Cough User Reviews
Tessalon Perles has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 165 reviews for the treatment of Cough. 41% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 49% reported a negative experience.
Click to expand...
Interesting! I wonder why response is 50-50.
 
Auntie Cipation said:
My nearest "full-service" town is a burg with less than 3000 people. When I moved to the area nearly 30 years ago there were more businesses than there are now but none were national chains except the Black Bear Diner (maybe even that was only regional).

Over the years a few chain stores appeared -- Subway, a Starbucks "affiliate", a Quiznos that didn't last. Then about 15 years ago a Rite Aid came. One of our mom-n-pop pharmacies was going away due to retirement, the other was pushed out by the Rite Aid.

I was a county library employee at the time, and we joked how Rite Aid wouldn't last in our town, and fantasized about what the town could do with the empty building -- becoming our new library building was of course our first choice, replacing our tiny and decrepit library building.

So I checked with some amusement when the recent list of closures came out, but our store isn't on it. Although with your experience, I will stay alert to the possibility it might close anyway. Although local folks rather rely on it, if the company HQ has a minimum business criteria, it's quite possible our town does not meet their threshholds.

We do have one other pharmacy in our community, attached to our little hospital. Of course people use the Rite Aid as a regular store as much as a pharmacy. I bought toothpaste and a new toilet brush there just yesterday, even though I vowed to boycott the store when it first opened, and I did so for several years, but eventually gave in to the convenience.

And once covid vaxxes were no longer free to the public, I think Rite Aid was the only local place providing them -- I never checked the hospital pharmacy, maybe they do too.
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Another rural area resident here, although we’re a metropolis compared to you. We’ve already been through our preferred pharmacy closing when the local-to-the-PNW Bimart stores closed their pharmacies and transferred all prescriptions to Rite-Aid in our town (Walgreens in most other towns). It was such a mess that we transferred all our prescriptions to a local pharmacy in the next town five miles away that delivers MWF. So far so good, but I hold my breath every year that they will remain a preferred provider for Part D Medicare. The local pharmacy a block away from us went off the preferred list several years ago. Rite-Aid in our town of 22,000 hasn’t closed yet, but it will be a disaster if they do, leaving only the one local pharmacy. Only Rite-Aid gives flu shots, etc. I expect mail order will be our only option at some point.
 
cujenn81 said:
WOW! I am shocked to hear this because they've always been a GODSEND for me when I've had bronchitis in the past. I guess it just goes to show how vastly different medications can affect different people.
Click to expand...
Tessalon Perles worked well for me, too. The only thing that I didn't like about them was the weird sensation that I always had a hair in my mouth. I suppose that stemmed from the numbing effect that the medication had to prevent the cough reflex.
 
I've been home recuperating from foot surgery. I was told yesterday I need a new screw put in after the latest X-ray. Surgery will be next Wed.
I thought I would get the all clear to go back to work next week! I had scheduled a Covid shot and flu shot yesterday since I have a public facing job. I was ready to gear up for battle.
I'm laying around, so I figured I could get both at the same time if I felt poorly afterwards.
I was given Moderna, all others have been Pfizer.
Feeling really good today.

Thank you all for keeping this thread going. I read along all the time to truly know what's going on out there in the big scary world.

Happy and Healthy Holidays!
 
charminglane said:
I've been home recuperating from foot surgery. I was told yesterday I need a new screw put in after the latest X-ray. Surgery will be next Wed.
I thought I would get the all clear to go back to work next week! I had scheduled a Covid shot and flu shot yesterday since I have a public facing job. I was ready to gear up for battle.
I'm laying around, so I figured I could get both at the same time if I felt poorly afterwards.
I was given Moderna, all others have been Pfizer.
Feeling really good today.

Thank you all for keeping this thread going. I read along all the time to truly know what's going on out there in the big scary world.

Happy and Healthy Holidays!
Click to expand...

I’m so sorry you need more surgery! But it’s great the Moderna isn’t making you feel icky. Keep us posted about how you‘re doing.
 
Regarding testing -
With holiday season underway, COVID ticks up in Boston area specifically this part
“When it comes to testing, Doron suggested that people who are experiencing symptoms should take multiple at-home tests over several days. Now that several years have passed since the first COVID-19 infection, many people have been vaccinated or previously infection, which means it’s likely fewer antigens will be detectable in newly infected person’s system.”
 
weepingangel said:
Regarding testing -
With holiday season underway, COVID ticks up in Boston area specifically this part
“When it comes to testing, Doron suggested that people who are experiencing symptoms should take multiple at-home tests over several days. Now that several years have passed since the first COVID-19 infection, many people have been vaccinated or previously infection, which means it’s likely fewer antigens will be detectable in newly infected person’s system.”
Click to expand...

This is good to know. I have suspected that some of my friends and coworkers have received false negatives from COVID tests.

In several cases I personally know someone who has a spouse who tested positive for COVID, then they developed the same symptoms a few days or a week later. But then tested negative for COVID.

Now some of my friends who have tested negative still isolate themselves since they know they have COVID symptoms. But a few coworkers have tested negative after their spouse has been diagnosed so they assume they don’t have COVID and don’t isolate. They say it is just a bad cold since they had a negative COVID test.
 
weepingangel said:
Regarding testing -
With holiday season underway, COVID ticks up in Boston area specifically this part
“When it comes to testing, Doron suggested that people who are experiencing symptoms should take multiple at-home tests over several days. Now that several years have passed since the first COVID-19 infection, many people have been vaccinated or previously infection, which means it’s likely fewer antigens will be detectable in newly infected person’s system.”
Click to expand...

Can anyone explain to me why previous vaccination/infection means *fewer* antigens detected?

I would have assumed there would be *more* antigens but perhaps harder to tell whether they indicate current infection or previous or vaccine.

Also, from my reading, approx. 40% of covid infections are asymptomatic. And while at first I saw something suggesting asymptomatic cases are less contagious, I've since seen more compelling suggestion to the contrary.

It makes me so angry that even the medical and public health systems are completely ignoring this factor in their thinking and public recommendations.

IMO it's the high rate of asymptomatic cases that make covid so much more dangerous than, say, influenza, where, except for immediate prior to symptoms appearing, there is little or no risk of catching it from someone who doesn't realize they are sick. And people who feel quite sick tend to stay home and away from others, unlike this "ignore your symptoms and go out in crowds anyway" approach many take to covid.

Grr! (and MOO)
 
IceIce9 said:
...Anyway, I switched to Meijer pharmacy and I have been very happy with their staff and efficiency. I have been getting my flu shots and COVID vaccinations at Meijer too.
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Thank you. DH has gotten his prescriptions at Meijer for years because his PCP told him that Meijer provided most statins for free. We both went there for flu shots one year and also got one Covid shot there when we couldn't get appointments at Rite Aid.

I read this a couple of days ago and decided that I will switch my prescriptions to Meijer. CVS to change how it prices prescription drugs with new pharmacy reimbursement model

I had to pay for a refill this week because Rite Aid closed and switched my meds to CVS unbeknownst to me. Generics have been free at Rite Aid since I turned 65 and on Medicare. Rite Aid and Meijer are preferred pharmacies with our BCBS health insurance; CVS is not, and they charge for generics. Kroger is also a BCBS pharmacy, but we have never used the pharmacy at Kroger and don't really like the store. Next time I need one of my meds, I will ask my physician to contact Meijer.
 
charminglane said:
I've been home recuperating from foot surgery. I was told yesterday I need a new screw put in after the latest X-ray. Surgery will be next Wed.
I thought I would get the all clear to go back to work next week! I had scheduled a Covid shot and flu shot yesterday since I have a public facing job. I was ready to gear up for battle.
I'm laying around, so I figured I could get both at the same time if I felt poorly afterwards.
I was given Moderna, all others have been Pfizer.
Feeling really good today.

Thank you all for keeping this thread going. I read along all the time to truly know what's going on out there in the big scary world.

Happy and Healthy Holidays!
Click to expand...

Glad to hear you didn't have any side effects from the Moderna vaccine. I got the Moderna vaccine about two weeks ago and I was in bed ill for two full days. I'd forgotten about how bad the side effects were when I got Moderna last time, it had been such a long time. Same side effects for me each time I get Moderna. I might try Pfizer with next year's annual covid vaccine (which is what I assume we are getting now since they say this is no longer a booster).
 
Sundog said:
Glad to hear you didn't have any side effects from the Moderna vaccine. I got the Moderna vaccine about two weeks ago and I was in bed ill for two full days. I'd forgotten about how bad the side effects were when I got Moderna last time, it had been such a long time. Same side effects for me each time I get Moderna. I might try Pfizer with next year's annual covid vaccine (which is what I assume we are getting now since they say this is no longer a booster).
Click to expand...
Personally I aim for every six months, knowing that the vaccine's protective effect will have worn off by then.

Hopefully longer lasting vaccines will be available soon. And more preventive of infection and longterm effects, rather than just lesser acute symptoms, please.
 
Sundog said:
www.foxnews.com

Western Massachusetts reports RSV uptick as child pneumonia outbreak hits Ohio

An uptick in RSV cases is happening in western Massachusetts, leading some children to suffer from mild cases of pneumonia, according to a report.
www.foxnews.com www.foxnews.com

Looks like western Massachusetts is also experiencing an uptick in pneumonia among children with RSV.

And still not winter yet, three weeks to go before officially winter.

Makes me rethink the issue of getting the RSV vaccine as a senior. If RSV infects not only the upper respiratory track, but the lower respiratory track, a lung infection could occur. Will check with my doctor during an appointment I have in two weeks to see what he thinks.
Click to expand...

I got the RSV vaccine about 2 weeks ago. I also recently got the newest Covid vaccine, a flu vaccine and a pneumonia vaccine.

I got the RSV vaccine last. I had a painful reaction to the RSV vaccine, with localized pain, warmth and swelling, which lasted for several days. I have had many vaccines over the years, but I can't recall a reaction as painful for any of them. I have asthma, and am over 65, so I consider it important to be vaccinated for respiratory diseases. Still, I am not sorry I got the RSV vaccine, as RSV is circulating and would be serious for me. My lung doctor strongly recommended the RSV vaccine, and thought it was as important as the Covid and flu vaccines.
 
A new Omicron variant—JN.1—may be on the rise.

According to updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 levels are spiking in the U.S.

Recent data shows a 17.6% rise in COVID-related hospital admissions, as well as a 25% rise in COVID deaths. Test positivity and emergency room visits have also increased, at less drastic rates.

Last Friday, the CDC published an update on the JN.1 Omicron subvariant. The strain now makes up between 15% and 29% of current COVID cases. In late October, JN.1 made up less than 0.1% of cases.

According to the CDC, this rise indicates that JN.1 may be more transmissible than other strains.

However, the new report stressed that “we do not know to what extent JN.1 may be contributing to these increases or possible increases through the rest of December.”

 
Got this in an email so no direct link, but there are a lot of supporting links within:

(ETA - that email came directly from the CDC (cdc.gov) as I signed up for newsletters from them.)

Respiratory Illnesses Are on the Rise. There Is Still Time to Get Vaccinated

Respiratory illness activity is rapidly increasing across the United States, yet vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain low. Millions of people may get sick in the next month or two, and low vaccination rates means more people will get more severe disease. Getting vaccinated now can help prevent hospitalizations and save lives.

CDC is reaching out to healthcare providers and clinicians to encourage them to recommend all patients receive all respiratory immunizations they are eligible for. On December 14, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to raise awareness about respiratory illness activity and urge action. To increase vaccination coverage, COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to people who are uninsured or underinsured through the Bridge Access Program.

Respiratory illness activity is rising

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly. Since the summer, public health officials have been tracking a rise in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which is caused by COVID-19. Influenza activity is growing in most parts of the country. RSV activity remains high in many areas. In some parts of the country, hospital beds for children are already nearly as full as they were this time last year. If these trends continue, the situation at the end of this month could again strain emergency departments and hospitals, as it did in winter 2022-2023. Strain on the healthcare system could mean that patients with other serious health conditions may face delays in receiving care.

On December 14, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to healthcare providers and public health officials highlighting the increased respiratory disease activity occurring in the United States, particularly in the southern part of the country, and internationally. The HAN noted that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV could lead to more severe disease and a strained healthcare system for the rest of the season. These low rates can also lead to more days of missed work and school.

There’s still time to get vaccinated. Talk with your trusted healthcare provider about which vaccines you and your loved ones need to stay healthy this holiday season and into the new year. Find out more.

Here's the link thanks to @Lilibet! I know you have it in your post, but I wanted to make sure mine complies to the TOA. Thanks again!

 
Last edited:
Gemmie said:
Got this in an email so no direct link, but there are a lot of supporting links within:

(ETA - that email came directly from the CDC (cdc.gov) as I signed up for newsletters from them.)

Respiratory Illnesses Are on the Rise. There Is Still Time to Get Vaccinated

Respiratory illness activity is rapidly increasing across the United States, yet vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain low. Millions of people may get sick in the next month or two, and low vaccination rates means more people will get more severe disease. Getting vaccinated now can help prevent hospitalizations and save lives.

CDC is reaching out to healthcare providers and clinicians to encourage them to recommend all patients receive all respiratory immunizations they are eligible for. On December 14, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to raise awareness about respiratory illness activity and urge action. To increase vaccination coverage, COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to people who are uninsured or underinsured through the Bridge Access Program.

Respiratory illness activity is rising

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly. Since the summer, public health officials have been tracking a rise in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which is caused by COVID-19. Influenza activity is growing in most parts of the country. RSV activity remains high in many areas. In some parts of the country, hospital beds for children are already nearly as full as they were this time last year. If these trends continue, the situation at the end of this month could again strain emergency departments and hospitals, as it did in winter 2022-2023. Strain on the healthcare system could mean that patients with other serious health conditions may face delays in receiving care.

On December 14, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to healthcare providers and public health officials highlighting the increased respiratory disease activity occurring in the United States, particularly in the southern part of the country, and internationally. The HAN noted that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV could lead to more severe disease and a strained healthcare system for the rest of the season. These low rates can also lead to more days of missed work and school.

There’s still time to get vaccinated. Talk with your trusted healthcare provider about which vaccines you and your loved ones need to stay healthy this holiday season and into the new year. Find out more.
Click to expand...

Here’s the link… https://m.emailupdates.cdc.gov/rest...ILzGqTdIjUC8h1chmUz5HDmjTGOd3f1uUIdsAh4P.html
 
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