Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #112

[Gemmie]

I had a Covid shot at Costco on Tuesday, Moderna. The shot site was red, with a large bump and hot. I was sick last night and went to bed at 6, with a crushing headache, feeling alternatively hot and cold. Today, I have the wonderful affects of lower intestinal flu.

Perhaps they are unrelated to the vaccine? Either way, glad you got the vaccine but sorry you're feeling icky.

 

[Lilibet]

My dh and I got the Moderna shot yesterday at 4:00 pm. DH’s reaction started before mine, but I think mine was worse. He felt blah early on, then got a headache and felt feverish. But that was about it. I had all of that plus poor coordination. I kept dropping the little water thermos I keep by the bed and could barely make it to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I didn’t get out of bed until about an hour ago (6:30 pm) and I still have a headache. Overall, I’d say this was worse for me than Pfizer, which has also kept me in bed all day every time. But as I always say, it’s worth it!

We got our flu shot at the same time, but we never get a reaction to that, so i believe this was all Moderna.

 

[gremlin444]

I had a Covid shot at Costco on Tuesday, Moderna. The shot site was red, with a large bump and hot. I was sick last night and went to bed at 6, with a crushing headache, feeling alternatively hot and cold. Today, I have the wonderful affects of lower intestinal flu.

For two of my early shots, I had the huge hard red swelling at the injection site--like a 2" x 2" area. Luckily I haven't had that since. Instead, the collarbone lymph node on that side of my body swells up visibly and is hot and sore.

 

[gremlin444]

Ugh, I hate how the shot messes with your next menstrual cycle. Last period was Aug 28, got the shot on Aug 30, had weird ovulation and then......no period yet (and no, def not pregnant). Unfortunately the messed up hormone levels are making my long covid flare horridly with insane exhaustion and joint pain since the time I should have started my period.

 

[IceIce9]

I just finished a Costco trip, and they had a table set up where you could sign up for a COVID vaccination. No appointment needed.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Noravax were all available. You get to select the one you would like.

 

[Gemmie]

The article linked below discusses brain fog from Covid and Alzheimer's, which both involve neuroinflammation and the connection.

"The slowing and abnormality of intrinsic brain activity in COVID-19 patients resemble those seen in Alzheimer's and related dementias."
...
Both long COVID and Alzheimer's disease involve neuroinflammation, the activation of brain support cells known as astrocytes and abnormal brain activity. These factors can lead to significant cognitive impairments, making it difficult for patients to think clearly or remember information.
More here: MSN

 

[Gemmie]

Studies have reported cases of sensorineural hearing loss and sudden sensorineural hearing loss associated with COVID-19, which suggests an impact of COVID-19 on the brainstem. hearing loss could be one of the non-specific COVID-19 symptoms.
...

The study found that the risk of hearing loss or sudden sensorineural hearing loss was higher after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Compared to individuals who never had COVID-19, those who recovered from COVID-19 were at a 3.44 times higher risk of hearing loss and a 3.52 times higher risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

COVID-19 linked to increased risk of hearing loss in young adults, study finds

Researchers in South Korea found that young adults who recovered from COVID-19 are at significantly higher risk of experiencing hearing loss and sudden sensorineural hearing loss compared to those who never had the virus.

www.news-medical.net

ETA - Don't let the title make you think this can only happen to young adults. It's misleading as the study was done only with young adults, so of COURSE the results will be about young adults. The participants were between 20-38.

 

[gremlin444]

Studies have reported cases of sensorineural hearing loss and sudden sensorineural hearing loss associated with COVID-19, which suggests an impact of COVID-19 on the brainstem. hearing loss could be one of the non-specific COVID-19 symptoms.
...

The study found that the risk of hearing loss or sudden sensorineural hearing loss was higher after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Compared to individuals who never had COVID-19, those who recovered from COVID-19 were at a 3.44 times higher risk of hearing loss and a 3.52 times higher risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

COVID-19 linked to increased risk of hearing loss in young adults, study finds

Researchers in South Korea found that young adults who recovered from COVID-19 are at significantly higher risk of experiencing hearing loss and sudden sensorineural hearing loss compared to those who never had the virus.

www.news-medical.net

I know my low level tinnitus got much much worse once I developed long Covid.

Given that insurance companies are utter crap at covering hearing tests or hearing aids, this could be disastrous. Additionally, many studies have found that people with untreated hearing loss for long periods of time have increased risk of dementia.

 

[Gemmie]

I know my low level tinnitus got much much worse once I developed long Covid.

Given that insurance companies are utter crap at covering hearing tests or hearing aids, this could be disastrous. Additionally, many studies have found that people with untreated hearing loss for long periods of time have increased risk of dementia.

Sorry to hear that. Ringing in the ears sucks.

As for hearing loss increasing the risk of dementia... sometimes it's just social isolation and depression due to being hard of hearing. But, it's not always that as I've bolded below.

Social isolation and depression are both risk factors for dementia. Hearing loss may also mean that the areas of the brain that help us understand sounds and speech have to work harder to understand what sounds are. This additional effort may lead to changes in the brain that affects our memory and thinking abilities.

Hearing loss and the risk of dementia

Learn about the link between hearing loss and dementia as well as how to manage hearing loss.

www.alzheimers.org.uk

So at least if a person falls into the former category, and if the hearing loss doesn't depress them, and they don't isolate themselves... it sounds like it wouldn't necessarily increase their risk for dementia. At least that's how it seems to me but I am NOT a doctor, scientist, etc.

 

[gremlin444]

Social isolation and depression are both risk factors for dementia. Hearing loss may also mean that the areas of the brain that help us understand sounds and speech have to work harder to understand what sounds are. This additional effort may lead to changes in the brain that affects our memory and thinking abilities.

Hearing loss and the risk of dementia

Learn about the link between hearing loss and dementia as well as how to manage hearing loss.

www.alzheimers.org.uk

So at least if a person falls into the former category, and if the hearing loss doesn't depress them, and they don't isolate themselves... it sounds like it wouldn't necessarily increase their risk for dementia. At least that's how it seems to me but I am NOT a doctor, scientist, etc.

Yup, and it's the bolded part that worries me because of insurance being utter crap when it comes to hearing loss. I have really good insurance--but was told a hearing evaluation for me wouldn't be covered. And they only listed 2 hearing specialists I could go to--and both were at the VA hospital (and therefore I can't see them). TWO--and I live in Chicago and have BCBS PPO.

So if we have more people with earlier hearing loss and no coverage to get help for it, that's years of making those areas of the brain work harder.

 

[Gemmie]

Yup, and it's the bolded part that worries me because of insurance being utter crap when it comes to hearing loss. I have really good insurance--but was told a hearing evaluation for me wouldn't be covered. And they only listed 2 hearing specialists I could go to--and both were at the VA hospital (and therefore I can't see them). TWO--and I live in Chicago and have BCBS PPO.

So if we have more people with earlier hearing loss and no coverage to get help for it, that's years of making those areas of the brain work harder.

Here's what's been worrying me... it's not that Covid can cause deafness in some, and insurance won't cover it... It's that but it's ALL the things that it's doing to our bodies. The medical facilities are going to end up so jammed up with people would might have otherwise been healthy if not for a bout of Covid (or 2, or 3, or more... (I know someone on their 4th or 5th case, and talk about the health problems in someone who was otherwise healthy, until Covid that is. It's bad)).

And to go a step further... what if brain fog, lack of energy, etc., cause thousands to end up disabled and unable to work? What then? If they can't pay their bills they could end up on the streets, and there's already a huge homeless problem just about everywhere. Further, even if they somehow don't lose their homes, we NEED workers. It just feels like it's snowballing, IMO, and the whole thing scares the heck out of me.

And will Medicaid be able to continue with millions are going on it? I recently read this:

What will be the impact of COVID-19 on Medicaid enrollment?​

Medicaid could experience large increases in enrollment, especially as people losing employer-based coverage shift to Medicaid coverage. A model from Health Management Associates (HMA) estimates that Medicaid enrollment could increase from 71 million people to between 82 million and 94 million people.

Full article here: FAQs on COVID-19’s Potential Impact on Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations | American Academy of Actuaries
============================================================================================
Data show that Medicaid/CHIP enrollment is increasing amid the coronavirus pandemic, growing by 21.2 million enrollees or 29.8% from February 2020 to December 2022.

Full article here: Analysis of National Trends in Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment During the COVID-19 Pandemic | KFF.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

I got my autumn covid booster today. I opted for Pfizer Comirnaty (other choices were Moderna or Novavax). I seem to have aftereffects with Moderna -- not horrible, but a day or so of fever and chills and feeling yucky. No such effects with Pfizer so far, so I opted for that one. Haven't had a Novavax yet.

Afterwards, I realized I hadn't remembered to bring my vax card, so I asked the pharmacist for the lot number so I could write it on my card myself.

He said if I had presented my card, he would have only written Pfizer Comirnaty. When I asked "no lot number?" he said no because the state no longer requires them to report that.

I would still think they should document the lot number just in case that lot turns out to have problems. Maybe they have it in their own records but they sure didn't offer that info to me. Grrr.

Also, I had thought that starting next month there were requirements to resume reporting vax data (and test data) to the state, but when I mentioned that he said no. So another Grrr.

So far I only have a mildly sore arm, but it's only been about five hours. If I'm going to have any side effects, they will hit overnight or in the morning. Unlikely to have any, but I'm prepared just in case.

 

[sds71]

Well, thank goodness we’re done [touring] for a while, so I can go home and not have a mask on all the time. As a singer with asthma, I hate the masks, but I wear them. People give you dirty looks. I dare anybody to give me a dirty look. I would just say, “Hey, you know what? I’m Stevie Nicks. And if I get sick, my entire thing goes down. Forty families are out of work. So that’s why I have a mask on, .”

I can’t get [Covid] again. I mean, I’m old, so I’ll only be around for another 15 years. But you guys have another 30 or 40 years, so you should think about it.

Stevie Nicks: 'I Believe in the Church of Stevie'

In a nearly four-hour interview, Stevie Nicks talks Kamala Harris, longevity, why Fleetwood Mac are finished, making new music and much more

www.rollingstone.com

 

[mickey2942]

Report: 142 Montanans died from COVID, flu last respiratory illness season

Over 1,800 people in Montana had to be hospitalized with either influenza or COVID-19 during the last respiratory illness season from October to May.

missoulian.com

 

[weepingangel]

CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

Today, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (AC

www.cdc.gov

10/23/24 CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised​

 

[weepingangel]

CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

Today, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (AC

www.cdc.gov

10/23/24 CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised​

Just adding this recent CDC change as well

CDC recommends pneumonia vaccine for adults 50 and older

Getting the vaccine earlier could help alleviate racial disparities in pneumonia vaccination efforts, experts say.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[anneg]

CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

Today, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (AC

www.cdc.gov

10/23/24 CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised​

Thanks--this is interesting and makes sense. I like Mandy Cohen (CDC director). She was the DHHS secretary and led the Covid response in NC before she was tapped to lead CDC.

 

[Sundog]

CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

Today, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (AC

www.cdc.gov

10/23/24 CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised​

I plan to get the new Covid-19 vaccine early next week, so sounds like the CDC recommendation would be to get a second dose in late April 2025. I would think it makes more sense to wait and see what the prevalence of Covid-19 is in my area at that time, in order to decide whether or not to get another vaccine in the spring. Lots can change in six months. JMO.

 

[Gemmie]

Well, I guess I'll have to change my newly shared with y'all 3X a year strategy back to 2X a year. I saw this today:
October 23, 2024 - Today, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. These updated recommendations also allow for flexibility for additional doses (i.e., three or more) for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their healthcare provider (a strategy known as shared clinical decision making).
'

CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

Today, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (AC

www.cdc.gov

And since I've already been told by a nurse that my doctor's office doesn't go by what the CDC advises, but instead makes their own decisions about that... and that they didn't approve my 2nd vaccine for the year... no way are they going to approve 3. So back to 2X a year it is. Bummer...

I wanted to share the above CDC update in the event anyone else liked my 3X idea and were considering the same.

 

[Sundog]

I got the Covid-19 vaccine a week ago today, and got Moderna as I always have since the vaccines became available. After each of the Moderna vaccines I have had terrible side effects and had to pretty much stay in bed/resting for two days after the shot. This time was different. I only felt a very slight malaise, almost not noticeable. It was a great surprise that I didn't have to lose two days out of my week.