Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #109

[ilovewings]

It sure is. I was just starting to do things I did before the pandemic again, like going to restaurants and getting haircuts and so on. But here comes the most infectious virus known (BA.5).

It seems like this pandemic will never end- I believe it is worse than the pandemic of 1918- for one thing, though many many people died, those that survived didn't have something like long Covid --- if they survived I am presuming they were over it---I am not sure about how much the virus mutated then, or if they had the ability then to track the mutations like we have now.

 

[anneg]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/10/omicron-variant-ba5-covid-reinfection/

This is a great article, very comprehensive, (behind a paywall), that describes the state of our country today regarding behavior of the people in this country for this most part: they have thrown caution to the wind - also described as "the wild west".

We don't hear any politicians or the media talking about the ramping up of cases. Masks are a thing of the past--- if you look around, you would never know there is a pandemic, and a dangerous subvariant circulating in this country- people are getting reinfected.

My husband just returned from his family visit. I am wearing a mask, but still we are in close quarters. He and family members went out to dinners and other places where there were lots of people (sigh).

I set him up at a minute clinic for tomorrow for a PCR test- that is the best I can do. I am truly terrified I could get Covid from him.

It says that "The Washington Post is providing this news free to all readers as a public service." Worth reading IMO
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/10/omicron-variant-ba5-covid-reinfection/

 

[ilovewings]

It says that "The Washington Post is providing this news free to all readers as a public service." Worth reading IMO
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/10/omicron-variant-ba5-covid-reinfection/

Awesome: thanks for that link- it is well worth reading.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Papercrafts!! I LOVE paper crafts! So fun! Been doing it for years! It’s nice to meet another paper crafter!

Since I have Covid right now, I have to wait to get boosted again now. My last shot was 5 months ago, but I’m hoping the new improved one will be here soon enough - they say in the fall. I’m never leaving my house again, ever, without a mask.

I don’t have family here, and my mom is gone, so my friends are like my family - and my neighbors - they are wonderful and all vaccinated. I have a long time hubby too, and even though we are in a difficult spot right now with our relationship - we still look out for one another and he has been very helpful. He’s super careful and scared to death of Covid. In fact, he did not go to the dinner party I went to (where I got this bout of Covid) because he did not want to be around people in a closed environment. I should have listened to him, but I got lax! And I thought we’ll, since everyone was vaccinated we’d be ok. Wrong! Anyway, be careful out there people because this variant is more contagious than the ones that proceeded it. Wear your masks and social distance!

I hope you are doing ok. My throat is less sore today but am still very congested and any activity makes me kind of tight chested still. Mr HKP is still testing positive (fainter though) but his asthma is causing us a little concern. He is needing his blue inhaler at times which he rarely uses. He’s phoning the doctor tomorrow (here’s hoping he can reach one, v tricky here right now).

Its not helping that we have this heatwave. It’s 11pm ish here and 26 degrees in my bedroom with no air. Ofc we don’t have aircon. I think I might become surgically attached to my Olbas nose inhaler! The heatwave combined with rising cases will I think have a bad impact on the NHS.

Re the outside infections discussion, we believe he caught it from a co worker he was talking to outside. The guy tested positive that night and my husband tested positive a couple of days after (last Monday). So it def does seem v possible to be infected outdoors, unfortunately.

 

[jjenny]

I hope you are doing ok. My throat is less sore today but am still very congested and any activity makes me kind of tight chested still. Mr HKP is still testing positive (fainter though) but his asthma is causing us a little concern. He is needing his blue inhaler at times which he rarely uses. He’s phoning the doctor tomorrow (here’s hoping he can reach one, v tricky here right now).

Its not helping that we have this heatwave. It’s 11pm ish here and 26 degrees in my bedroom with no air. Ofc we don’t have aircon. I think I might become surgically attached to my Olbas nose inhaler! The heatwave combined with rising cases will I think have a bad impact on the NHS.

Re the outside infections discussion, we believe he caught it from a co worker he was talking to outside. The guy tested positive that night and my husband tested positive a couple of days after (last Monday). So it def does seem v possible to be infected outdoors, unfortunately.

BA.5 is super infectious. It is likely able to infect outdoors.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

BA.5 is super infectious. It is likely able to infect outdoors.

Yep. Living that one right now.

 

[Stunned]

How could it possibly cause cancer? It's a nose swab. You are better off staying away from people like this.

She’s my sister. It’s heartbreaking. She is also treating her own horrific skin cancer with herbal remedies her and her daughter make. Her sons have washed their hands of her.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/10/omicron-variant-ba5-covid-reinfection/

This is a great article, very comprehensive, (behind a paywall), that describes the state of our country today regarding behavior of the people in this country for this most part: they have thrown caution to the wind - also described as "the wild west".

We don't hear any politicians or the media talking about the ramping up of cases. Masks are a thing of the past--- if you look around, you would never know there is a pandemic, and a dangerous subvariant circulating in this country- people are getting reinfected.

My husband just returned from his family visit. I am wearing a mask, but still we are in close quarters. He and family members went out to dinners and other places where there were lots of people (sigh).

I set him up at a minute clinic for tomorrow for a PCR test- that is the best I can do. I am truly terrified I could get Covid from him.

V glad he has agreed to the pcr. I’ll be thinking of you, please keep us posted.

 

[jjenny]

She’s my sister. It’s heartbreaking. She is also treating her own horrific skin cancer with herbal remedies her and her daughter make. Her sons have washed their hands of her.

Oh boy. Herbal remedies aren't going to do anything for her skin cancer.

 

[ilovewings]

She’s my sister. It’s heartbreaking. She is also treating her own horrific skin cancer with herbal remedies her and her daughter make. Her sons have washed their hands of her.

That is so sad and must be so frustrating for you and all of her loved ones and friends.

 

[ilovewings]

V glad he has agreed to the pcr. I’ll be thinking of you, please keep us posted.

Thanks for your kind thoughts!!!!

 

[Stunned]

That is so sad and must be so frustrating for you and all of her loved ones and friends.

It is, I came down here (Fl) from my safe 21/2 year cocoon in NC with my nephew, her son, to check on her. Got Covid the first week here. My nephew fled back to safety (literally) after being here a week. I stayed. She needs help. More than I can give her, but still. In different times she has done it for me. And for some reason I can’t bring myself too walk away. Everything is delivered. My dime, she has nothing. And, so we go. I have a couple of safe (sane) family here that I can and do visit. After testing several times. They are my salvation. Thank God I got my bonus 12 tests.

 

[Lilibet]

The article links to this one, which includes the poster below: Coronavirus FAQ: Can I get COVID outdoors? (With printable poster on how to cut risks)
ETA: I guess I should go back to wearing a mask at the outdoor farmer's market, sigh.

View attachment 353656

Thanks for posting this @Gypsy Road and @anneg. It’s so frustrating, but I think most of us have seen this coming, although maybe not this quickly. Oregon, and my county in particular, is high risk. I sent this article to a friend who was planning a farewell picnic in our local park for friends who are moving away. She has already seen it and had decided to cancel the picnic and do something on zoom instead. Smart friend!

In early 2021 I had worked up a standup comedy routine about covid in 2020, using one-liners I had gathered online throughout 2020, including from our covid comedy thread. I've never had a chance to use it, so she asked if I’d like to do it for our zoom picnic (zoomnic?). I thought it might be woefully outdated now, but sadly a lot is still relevant. I end it with sentiments similar to what @Gypsy Road expressed so beautifully…

“What a wild and crazy ride the past two plus years have been...so far. But with all these crazy changes and cancellations of special events, let’s remember this...zoom parties and celebrations aren’t canceled, listening to music is not cancelled, quality time with our families is not cancelled, reading a book is not cancelled, sharing with friends is not cancelled, singing out loud is not cancelled, laughing has certainly not been cancelled. We may not be able to embrace each other, but let’s all embrace what we do have.”

Group hug!

 

[LaborDayRN]

I just tested positive. I’m not overly surprised with my husband having it. I woke up with a sore throat and aches in my legs (had those aches first time round) so took a test. Anyway, not so bad at this point. Oxygen 98%. And as he’s on the mend he can look after me!

I've been off the thread for a few days. I'm so sorry you've tested positive @HongKongPhooey
I'm so glad that Mr HongKongPhooey is feeling well enough to take care of you.

 

[LaborDayRN]

I went to a 4th of July dinner party and found out the next day someone thought they just had a cold and came to the dinner anyway. They never even bothered testing. They figured since they were vaccinated and boostered - they didn’t have Covid. One by one this week we are all now positive. I tested positive this morning with a home kit and I’m very stressed out. My last shot was 5 months ago. I am so mad at myself for letting my guard down, going to the party and not wearing a mask, My throat is the worst - very sore, and my ears feel very full along with a bad headache, coughing, and a weird sensation in my chest. Approximately how long does it take for this new variant to clear ? And do symptoms get worse after the initial onset? My throat has been on fire for 3 days now, but today was the first time I’ve tested positive this week.

I'm so sorry you're feeling so sick @Gypsy Road
Do you have someone at home to help you while you are ill? Are you able to contact your doctor by phone to see if you are a candidate for the oral antivirals?

 

[Gypsy Road]

I hope you are doing ok. My throat is less sore today but am still very congested and any activity makes me kind of tight chested still. Mr HKP is still testing positive (fainter though) but his asthma is causing us a little concern. He is needing his blue inhaler at times which he rarely uses. He’s phoning the doctor tomorrow (here’s hoping he can reach one, v tricky here right now).

Its not helping that we have this heatwave. It’s 11pm ish here and 26 degrees in my bedroom with no air. Ofc we don’t have aircon. I think I might become surgically attached to my Olbas nose inhaler! The heatwave combined with rising cases will I think have a bad impact on the NHS.

Re the outside infections discussion, we believe he caught it from a co worker he was talking to outside. The guy tested positive that night and my husband tested positive a couple of days after (last Monday). So it def does seem v possible to be infected outdoors, unfortunately.

Aw thanks. I got the Paxlovid and boy does it leave a yucky taste in my mouth, so I’ve been drinking tomato soup a lot to wash it down. Throat is less sore today, but I’m more congested and the pressure in my ears is annoying and very painful. Earlier, I took a hot bath with Epsom salts that had a lot of eucalyptus and spearmint oils in it, and it was very soothing - especially when I put my entire head and face under the water for a few seconds. It seemed to loosen the mucous up a little bit and relieve the ear pressure. I’ve stayed in bed most of the day, but had to muster up the energy to get up and take the litter box outside this afternoon, scrub it, dry it and add new litter because my house tigers (kitty cats) were getting pizzed off and hollering at me for not tending to their dirty box. I thought I was going to pass out from the Florida Heat and humidity. Got a bit of heaviness in my chest after the liter box ordeal. Was out in the heat in flannel pajamas and crazy hair washing that thing in my front yard. Thank goodness my neighbors who know me —- know they WILL see me in my pajamas and I don’t care. Back in bed now hoping that tomorrow will be a turning point. I hope you and Mr HKP get the doctor on the line tomorrow and that you both can get some relief! Rest up this evening and get a good nights sleep.

Oh! Thank you to the person who recommended the Chloraseptic spray! It is very helpful easing the sore throat pain. I also did a few gargles with warm salt water. Helped a lot.

Wishing wellness to everyone who is suffering,

 

[Gypsy Road]

Thanks for posting this @Gypsy Road and @anneg. It’s so frustrating, but I think most of us have seen this coming, although maybe not this quickly. Oregon, and my county in particular, is high risk. I sent this article to a friend who was planning a farewell picnic in our local park for friends who are moving away. She has already seen it and had decided to cancel the picnic and do something on zoom instead. Smart friend!

In early 2021 I had worked up a standup comedy routine about covid in 2020, using one-liners I had gathered online throughout 2020, including from our covid comedy thread. I've never had a chance to use it, so she asked if I’d like to do it for our zoom picnic (zoomnic?). I thought it might be woefully outdated now, but sadly a lot is still relevant. I end it with sentiments similar to what @Gypsy Road expressed so beautifully…

“What a wild and crazy ride the past two plus years have been...so far. But with all these crazy changes and cancellations of special events, let’s remember this...zoom parties and celebrations aren’t canceled, listening to music is not cancelled, quality time with our families is not cancelled, reading a book is not cancelled, sharing with friends is not cancelled, singing out loud is not cancelled, laughing has certainly not been cancelled. We may not be able to embrace each other, but let’s all embrace what we do have.”

Group hug!

GROUP HUG!!

 

[Gypsy Road]

I'm so sorry you're feeling so sick @Gypsy Road
Do you have someone at home to help you while you are ill? Are you able to contact your doctor by phone to see if you are a candidate for the oral antivirals?

I live alone currently, but hubby who lives near by (I know …strange…but it is what it is for now) he came by and dropped soups, Gatorade, snacks, a quiche, and macaroni containers by last night. He put them downstairs for me while I stayed in bed so not to come in contact with me upstairs in Cootieville. I got the Paxlovid at CVS and started taking it. Neighbors and friends have offered store runs as well and a friend brought me soup and left it at my front door.

 

[Gypsy Road]

dbm - double post! Sorry

 

[Gypsy Road]

DBM. Triple post! Sorry!