Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #111

[Gemmie]

I feel so stupid! I was just going to run into Walgreens to pick up my online order do it quickly and leave. I didn't have a mask with me and I felt like this time will be fine. What did you know that right behind me in the line was a mother with a very very sick child picking up some Robitussin and the poor kid was crying. I have a feeling he had covid! Darn! I sure hope my luck hasn't run out.. lesson learned I will never do that again.

Hopefully it was just a cold.

 

[Dhighsmith]

Just now noticed this thread, read few new comments, not sure what information has been previously shared and discussed here or elsewhere so thought I might ask first before duplicating info or speaking out of turn. I have long history with Epstein Barr Virus (chronic active), which has been associated by NIH and CDC to the symptoms of Long Covid. I’d be glad to share info I’ve learned, if anyone interested, many doctors fail to test for EBV or even test properly. There’s a lack of understanding according to my Infectious Disease specialist and that really complicates issues making severity of virus worse as in my case. I’m currently awaiting to be accepted into program for stem cell transplant treatment.

 

[Gemmie]

Just now noticed this thread, read few new comments, not sure what information has been previously shared and discussed here or elsewhere so thought I might ask first before duplicating info or speaking out of turn. I have long history with Epstein Barr Virus (chronic active), which has been associated by NIH and CDC to the symptoms of Long Covid. I’d be glad to share info I’ve learned, if anyone interested, many doctors fail to test for EBV or even test properly. There’s a lack of understanding according to my Infectious Disease specialist and that really complicates issues making severity of virus worse as in my case. I’m currently awaiting to be accepted into program for stem cell transplant treatment.

Welcome to the thread.

It has been discussed after searching for EB. I see no reason for you not to post your info since I'm sure there's people interested in the topic, and some of those posts go back several years. Not everyone has been on this thread since day one. I know I haven't. I, like you, stumbled upon it late in the game.

 

[margarita25]

Just now noticed this thread, read few new comments, not sure what information has been previously shared and discussed here or elsewhere so thought I might ask first before duplicating info or speaking out of turn. I have long history with Epstein Barr Virus (chronic active), which has been associated by NIH and CDC to the symptoms of Long Covid. I’d be glad to share info I’ve learned, if anyone interested, many doctors fail to test for EBV or even test properly. There’s a lack of understanding according to my Infectious Disease specialist and that really complicates issues making severity of virus worse as in my case. I’m currently awaiting to be accepted into program for stem cell transplant treatment.

Huge welcome!

Very interested!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

COVID-19 took a toll on heart health and doctors are still grappling with how to help

Well into the pandemic's fourth year, how profound a toll COVID-19 has taken on the nation’s heart health is only starting to emerge.

www.detroitnews.com

St. Louis — Firefighter and paramedic Mike Camilleri once had no trouble hauling heavy gear up ladders. Now battling long COVID, he gingerly steps onto a treadmill to learn how his heart handles a simple walk.

“This is, like, not a tough-guy test so don’t fake it,” warned Beth Hughes, a physical therapist at Washington University in St. Louis.

Somehow, a mild case of COVID-19 set off a chain reaction that eventually left Camilleri with dangerous blood pressure spikes, a heartbeat that raced with slight exertion, and episodes of intense chest pain. Doctors were stumped until Camilleri found a Washington University cardiologist who'd treated patients with similar post-COVID heart trouble.

“Finally a turn in the right direction,” said the 43-year-old Camilleri.

He started to see a little improvement –- only to have a recent reinfection knock him down again.

Well into the pandemic's fourth year, how profound a toll COVID-19 has taken on the nation’s heart health is only starting to emerge...

 

[anneg]

COVID-19 took a toll on heart health and doctors are still grappling with how to help

Well into the pandemic's fourth year, how profound a toll COVID-19 has taken on the nation’s heart health is only starting to emerge.

www.detroitnews.com

St. Louis — Firefighter and paramedic Mike Camilleri once had no trouble hauling heavy gear up ladders. Now battling long COVID, he gingerly steps onto a treadmill to learn how his heart handles a simple walk.

“This is, like, not a tough-guy test so don’t fake it,” warned Beth Hughes, a physical therapist at Washington University in St. Louis.

Somehow, a mild case of COVID-19 set off a chain reaction that eventually left Camilleri with dangerous blood pressure spikes, a heartbeat that raced with slight exertion, and episodes of intense chest pain. Doctors were stumped until Camilleri found a Washington University cardiologist who'd treated patients with similar post-COVID heart trouble.

“Finally a turn in the right direction,” said the 43-year-old Camilleri.

He started to see a little improvement –- only to have a recent reinfection knock him down again.

Well into the pandemic's fourth year, how profound a toll COVID-19 has taken on the nation’s heart health is only starting to emerge...

I was curious about when his original Covid infection occurred. Red font by me:

"Camilleri first developed shortness of breath and later a string of heart-related and other symptoms after a late 2020 bout of COVID-19."

Infections that occurred earlier in the pandemic were more likely to cause Long Covid than the more recent Omicron variants.

https://www.science.org/content/article/people-catch-omicron-are-less-likely-get-long-covid

Of course, vaccinations have played a role too.

MOO

 

[mickey2942]

Still working on getting better after Covid. The exhaustion is the problem. I used to dance, run, do yoga, bike, hike. Now, I get up, do a bit, take a 2 hour nap, in the middle of the day!

I work remotely now, brain fog is real. And doctors basically roll their eyes at the mention of "long covid'.

 

[Gemmie]

Still working on getting better after Covid. The exhaustion is the problem. I used to dance, run, do yoga, bike, hike. Now, I get up, do a bit, take a 2 hour nap, in the middle of the day!

I work remotely now, brain fog is real. And doctors basically roll their eyes at the mention of "long covid'.

I'm sorry that your local doctors aren't taking long covid as real. It's REAL! Is there a way to figure out of any local doctors are believers of long covid and switch over to them?

On the flip side/other extreme... I went to urgent care a couple of years ago and explained how if anyone didn't, and couldn't, have covid, it was me (anyone that recalls all the extreme things I do, and the fact I rarely leave home, and have had NO ONE inside my house in the last 3.5 yrs, will probably nod your heads in agreement. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. lol).

This doctor went on and on and on about how what was going on with me was either covid, or long covid. He said he didn't hear anything wrong with my chest (breathing and a cough was one of the issues, long term fever was another (on day 9 at that point)). He said "no antibiotics for you, your lungs sound fine" (I NEVER ask for meds, and will frequently turn them down if something will go away on it's own with just several days of dealing with it).

I could NOT get him to entertain the idea the chances were slim to none that if anyone didn't, and hadn't had covid, it was me!!! I had to go to a different urgent care, where they not only listened to me, they performed various tests and determined that I had 2 things going on simultaneously. One was my lungs, the other a UTI. Antibiotics knocked out the high temps immediately! The first guy said when I asked how long before the fever could go away... "As long as it takes, it could be weeks, maybe longer". I think I'd be dead by now if I hadn't gone to see someone else, either that or so messed up physically for letting things go unchecked for so long that I permanently messed up my body.

My advice is to try to find a doctor somewhere between your non-believer, and mine that wouldn't entertain the fact it it just might be something other than Covid!

I wish you the best of luck. You deserve someone that listens and believes, as I did.

 

[IceIce9]

Still working on getting better after Covid. The exhaustion is the problem. I used to dance, run, do yoga, bike, hike. Now, I get up, do a bit, take a 2 hour nap, in the middle of the day!

I work remotely now, brain fog is real. And doctors basically roll their eyes at the mention of "long covid'.

One of our local hospitals has a “Long COVID” speciality clinic for patients who have been diagnosed with long COVID.

Long COVID is real.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

While not the only reason that DH and I canceled our January 2024 cruise, here is a discussion about how Covid, among other illnesses, is prevalent on cruise ships. Covid Alive And Well

I've received two reminder calls for my appointment with my PCP on Tuesday. Patients are requested to "bring a mask", but the robo call doesn't say that masks must be worn. I always have a mask in my purse, so I'll be prepared if I have to wear one in the office. This is a routine 6-month visit during which I plan to ask about what vaccines I should have this fall. I always get a flu shot and will get another Covid booster if it's recommended. I also want to know about the RSV vaccine and whether I should consider it, too.

 

[Gemmie]

While not the only reason that DH and I canceled our January 2024 cruise, here is a discussion about how Covid, among other illnesses, is prevalent on cruise ships. Covid Alive And Well

SBMFF

Absolutely not surprised. I've always called cruise ships petri dishes, and that goes back decades. People are in too close of quarters, with no way off for days (unless a scheduled stop), which is a bit unsettling for me.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

SBMFF

Absolutely not surprised. I've always called cruise ships petri dishes, and that goes back decades. People are in too close of quarters, with no way off for days (unless a scheduled stop), which is a bit unsettling for me.

When passengers disembark the ship at various ports of call, they come in contact with locals, passengers from other cruise vessels, and non-cruise visitors to the location. While in port, passengers visit historical sites, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, etc. and return to the ship, having been exposed to many other people from who knows where and with who knows what possible contagious illnesses.

When we first started cruising in the mid-'80s, we were in our thirties and weren't overly concerned about possible health risks when traveling, which we did frequently. Now in our 70s, and having lived through the pandemic, we are much more concerned about being exposed to a variety of illnesses, especially in crowded venues.

 

[dmac55]

I went to Walgreens this morning to get the flu and RSV vaccines, and made a comment to the pharmacist about how I couldn’t wait for the updated Covid booster to be available next month, hoped it would be approved, etc

He said he knew nothing about that and he was pretty sure he would know about it, if it was a real thing
Say what?

Oh, it’s real alright… and for what it’s worth, my sources (Websleuths), are better than his
New Covid vaccines are on the way as 'Eris' variant rises - Reuters

New Covid vaccines are on the way as 'Eris' variant rises — Reuters

A new COVID vaccine is due out next month, but health experts and analysts say it is likely to be coolly received even as hospitalizations from "Eris", a variant of the Omicron form of the coronavirus, rise around the country.

apple.news

 

[Gemmie]

I went to Walgreens this morning to get the flu and RSV vaccines, and made a comment to the pharmacist about how I couldn’t wait for the updated Covid booster to be available next month, hoped it would be approved, etc

He said he knew nothing about that and he was pretty sure he would know about it, if it was a real thing
Say what?

Oh, it’s real alright… and for what it’s worth, my sources (Websleuths), are better than his
New Covid vaccines are on the way as 'Eris' variant rises - Reuters

New Covid vaccines are on the way as 'Eris' variant rises — Reuters

A new COVID vaccine is due out next month, but health experts and analysts say it is likely to be coolly received even as hospitalizations from "Eris", a variant of the Omicron form of the coronavirus, rise around the country.

apple.news

It doesn't sound like he's keeping up on (important) things going on in his industry. That would make me question other things he tells people. Like drug interactions, etc. I'd want someone that keeps current. It doesn't sound like he is.

 

[weepingangel]

Shovels break ground on new veterans facility in Holyoke

Three years after a COVID-19 outbreak there killed at least 76 veterans, and several investigations, lawsuits and an oversight reform law later, shovels broke ground on a new home.

www.wcvb.com

 

[ilovewings]

Still working on getting better after Covid. The exhaustion is the problem. I used to dance, run, do yoga, bike, hike. Now, I get up, do a bit, take a 2 hour nap, in the middle of the day!

I work remotely now, brain fog is real. And doctors basically roll their eyes at the mention of "long covid'.

I am sorry you are still having problems related to covid and sorry to hear some docs don't
Get it---

 

[anneg]

Shovels break ground on new veterans facility in Holyoke

Three years after a COVID-19 outbreak there killed at least 76 veterans, and several investigations, lawsuits and an oversight reform law later, shovels broke ground on a new home.

www.wcvb.com

From the article (BBM):
The $482 million facility will house 234 long-term care beds for the state's medically vulnerable veteran population, according to Gov. Maura Healey's office. The new home is expected to be completed in summer of 2028.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I had a nice visit with my PCP this morning. Since my last visit in February, the entire office has undergone a major "facelift" with the previously open reception area now enclosed, fresh paint throughout the office, lots of new art, a new TV in the waiting room. Everything looks fresh and bright. I told Dr. K that I was very impressed with the new digs. We chatted about several different topics, and I specifically asked about various vaccines. She definitely recommends a flu shot and the new Covid booster that should be available within the new several weeks. Since I don't have COPD, and my cough-variant asthma is due to seasonal allergies and well-controlled with inhalers, she said the new RSV vaccine isn't necessary. DH and I will plan on getting our flu vaccine in October and the Covid booster in November.

I asked the nurse if they were seeing Covid patients, and she said that they went several months without any Covid patients but that there has been an uptick in cases in recent weeks. I mentioned that we decided to cancel our January 2024 cruise due to ongoing cases on ships. She told me that a patient asked for a prescription for Paxlovid because she was going to France and wanted to be prepared in case she caught Covid. The answer was, "No", because there are many variables for prescribing Paxlovid - different dosages, contraindications due to certain health issues, medication interactions, etc. Bottom line is that if you think you have Covid, or test positive with a home kit, it's best to see a physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

 

[ilovewings]

I had a nice visit with my PCP this morning. Since my last visit in February, the entire office has undergone a major "facelift" with the previously open reception area now enclosed, fresh paint throughout the office, lots of new art, a new TV in the waiting room. Everything looks fresh and bright. I told Dr. K that I was very impressed with the new digs. We chatted about several different topics, and I specifically asked about various vaccines. She definitely recommends a flu shot and the new Covid booster that should be available within the new several weeks. Since I don't have COPD, and my cough-variant asthma is due to seasonal allergies and well-controlled with inhalers, she said the new RSV vaccine isn't necessary. DH and I will plan on getting our flu vaccine in October and the Covid booster in November.

I asked the nurse if they were seeing Covid patients, and she said that they went several months without any Covid patients but that there has been an uptick in cases in recent weeks. I mentioned that we decided to cancel our January 2024 cruise due to ongoing cases on ships. She told me that a patient asked for a prescription for Paxlovid because she was going to France and wanted to be prepared in case she caught Covid. The answer was, "No", because there are many variables for prescribing Paxlovid - different dosages, contraindications due to certain health issues, medication interactions, etc. Bottom line is that if you think you have Covid, or test positive with a home kit, it's best to see a physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Great post about your visit with your PCP-- sounds like your PCP is on top of it!!!
As far as Paxlovid, there are so many contraindications to so many meds, a person really has to do research before deciding to take it. Good advice: see your doc before making a medical decision----

Interesting that cases are ticking up a little bit here in this area. I still think the cases are pretty low here but it is good to have that info. I have gone over a year without a booster- I do feel pretty vulnerable so I will most likely get the new vaccine when it comes out.

 

[anneg]

Re Long Covid: interesting new article by Eric Topol (pretty technical tho)

Long Covid: Mitochondria, the Big Miss, and Hope

This week there was news on Long Covid in two very different directions—emergence of strong data to support mitochondrial dysfunction as the basis for the condition in some people—and learning how the $1.15 billion allocation to the NIH RECOVER initiative has largely been wasted. In this edition...

erictopol.substack.com

"This week there was news on Long Covid in two very different directions—emergence of strong data to support mitochondrial dysfunction as the basis for the condition in some people—and learning how the $1.15 billion allocation to the NIH RECOVER initiative has largely been wasted. In this edition of Ground Truths, I’ll review this news and offer a plan to get clinical trials testing treatments into high gear."