Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #111

[Stunned]

Well here was a new one on me. A couple of weeks ago my 7 year old grandson had Covid again! Shortly afterwards he got appendicitis. His Dr. Informed us he is seeing an upswing in appendicitis cases in under 10 year olds after Covid infections. Has anyone else heard this? I thought what next?

 

[mickey2942]

Yeah, I noticed something like that as well. I had Covid, for the first time right before Christmas . I had one positive test, and a second one a week later as well. I wasn’t that sick then. Basically like a bad head cold, slight cough and some fatigue .
Until I got Bronchitis and a major sinus infection. So that’s when I went to the urgent care walk in facility because I was getting sicker…. Coughing all night , etc. Eventually I had to go back for more antibiotics and stronger Prednisone. I was sick for a full two months. Not whining… really, I’d had bronchitis 10 years earlier and pretty much the same situation. I just think the Covid knocks down your immune system and whatever your weakness is, it’ll take advantage. And mine is sinusitis which can lead to bronchitis.

What struck me was, they didn’t care to test me for Covid. And had no inquiry about it, nor even showed any concern about it. Not a single person wore a mask in the entire facility. They basically brushed it off. So, I’m like, ok then. I guess it’s no big deal.
But still, I guess I’m a little surprised. The impression I got was they aren’t concerned with Covid. They didn’t care to test me. I guess they just took my word that I had two positive tests, then accepted my word that my last test was negative…… and that’s it.
I’m beginning to think the medical industry is beginning to classify Covid along the lines of the common cold or the flu.
Has anyone else had this type of experience? Thats really the impression they gave me. I just don’t think they’re concerned with Covid anymore. And this was my experience at two different medical facilities. JMO

That pretty much describes my experience as well. Heck, in 2020, I had co-workers who were off for SIX weeks with full pay.

Lucky me, I was so careful. So, I got to do the work of 3 or 4 people while they were home. Then, I get Covid, it was like my boss was annoyed that I told her! Like, sorry. And yeah, get back to work by Monday.

No one seemed to even care. Poor me. The doctor, asked me if I needed "anti-depressants" because I was exhausted. No, I am not DEPRESSED! I had Covid.

It was like, they cared about it 4 years ago, now it is, get over it. Whatever.

 

[neesaki]

That pretty much describes my experience as well. Heck, in 2020, I had co-workers who were off for SIX weeks with full pay.

Lucky me, I was so careful. So, I got to do the work of 3 or 4 people while they were home. Then, I get Covid, it was like my boss was annoyed that I told her! Like, sorry. And yeah, get back to work by Monday.

No one seemed to even care. Poor me. The doctor, asked me if I needed "anti-depressants" because I was exhausted. No, I am not DEPRESSED! I had Covid.

It was like, they cared about it 4 years ago, now it is, get over it. Whatever.

Right? I wore a mask to the store when I was still coughing just out of consideration for others. Not one other person in the store was masked, and didn’t even look twice when I coughed. Same at the clinics. No masks, and here I was coughing. No one cared.
And here I was all self conscious and paranoid about going out in public with a cough. Go figure.
But what a drastic change in perception in such a short period of time.

 

[weepingangel]

Local – NBC Boston

In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston and New England area.

www.necn.com

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Local – NBC Boston

In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston and New England area.

www.necn.com

Too bad, had no idea she was still competing. Looks like she's trying to make a comeback

 

[Mandala]

May I ask when you got your 3 vaccines @Mandala? I'm guessing in the beginning, and not any recent ones? The most recent one's formula (Sept 2023) was updated for what is currently going around and no longer contains the formula for the original strain, as that wouldn't be effective for what's currently going around. Hence the updated formula.

And they are effective, but for what they were designed to do.

They don't prevent infection which a lot of people think mistakenly. Below is one such statement of what they do. Bolding by me.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing the risk of severe infections, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID-19.

And from the CDC:

CDC data have demonstrated that original COVID-19 vaccines can help protect against being put on a ventilator and/or death for up to 2 years and bivalent COVID-19 vaccines also provide sustained protection against critical illness and death. Even with this sustained protection it is important that you get your updated COVID-19 vaccine since it can provide additional protection. Additional vaccine effectiveness data against emergency department/urgent care visits and hospitalizations will be shared as they become available.

Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.

COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness - What's New | CDC

Also note that since Covid is mutating at what feels like breakneck speed, today's virus isn't the same as the initital virus, which won't be the same as mutated Covid down the road. Due to that it's a good idea to stay up to date on vaccines IMO.

As for my feelings about it.. I HATE vaccines, or any meds, actually. But, I've been current on every Covid vaccine as I really don't want to deal with a ventilator, or a hospital stay, death, or brain fog as I really need my faculties about me.

Good points Gemmie. I’m unfortunately one of those people with an autoimmune disorder so I react badly to vaccines. I wonder why some vaccines can prevent infection altogether while others (like Covid) only reduce severity.
I also stopped getting flu shots but haven’t had the flu in years. Covid is just nasty .

 

[Gemmie]

Good points Gemmie. I’m unfortunately one of those people with an autoimmune disorder so I react badly to vaccines. I wonder why some vaccines can prevent infection altogether while others (like Covid) only reduce severity.
I also stopped getting flu shots but haven’t had the flu in years. Covid is just nasty .

(Bolding by me)

Boy, do I hear ya, @Mandala!!!! I don't like vaccines, period, but as you said, Covid is "just nasty" so I've gotten every single one as I'd like to remain a Novid. I used to call myself a Covid Virgin but kinda like what scientists are calling them (Novid's).

As for why manufacturers can't come up with a 'one and done' vaccine for Covid like they have for RSV for example... this site explains it very well:

All vaccines trigger immunity, but how long it lasts depends on several factors. One of them is the rate at which a virus replicates, says Hai Tran, associate director of Cedars-Sinai's Pharmacy Services.

"If a virus replicates quickly, it has a chance to produce more mutations, also known as variants. The more variants emerge, the harder it is to make a vaccine that will create lasting immunity, because the target keeps moving," she explains.

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/why-vaccine-boosters.html

And as you know... Covid has been mutating up the wazoo, and will continue to do so, unfortunately for us all.

 

[ilovewings]

Right? I wore a mask to the store when I was still coughing just out of consideration for others. Not one other person in the store was masked, and didn’t even look twice when I coughed. Same at the clinics. No masks, and here I was coughing. No one cared.
And here I was all self conscious and paranoid about going out in public with a cough. Go figure.
But what a drastic change in perception in such a short period of time.

When someone coughs around me I freak out- hoping that person does not have Covid. The only time I mask up is if I have a doctor or dentist appointment, in the waiting room I wear a mask and take it off when I go back to see the physician. I still do not go out to eat at crowded restaurants. I did not get the latest booster and feel I am unprotected so I take precautions within reason. I think too many people think Covid is in the rear view mirror: it isn't- the pandemic itself is over though.

 

[Gemmie]

What struck me was, they didn’t care to test me for Covid. And had no inquiry about it, nor even showed any concern about it. Not a single person wore a mask in the entire facility. They basically brushed it off. So, I’m like, ok then. I guess it’s no big deal.
But still, I guess I’m a little surprised. The impression I got was they aren’t concerned with Covid. They didn’t care to test me. I guess they just took my word that I had two positive tests, then accepted my word that my last test was negative…… and that’s it.
I’m beginning to think the medical industry is beginning to classify Covid along the lines of the common cold or the flu.
Has anyone else had this type of experience? Thats really the impression they gave me. I just don’t think they’re concerned with Covid anymore. And this was my experience at two different medical facilities. JMO

Sadly, I feel like people just want to move on from something extremely unpleasant to think about and is why we're seeing things like your experience. And it is NOT because Covid isn't a big deal. I don't think we're there yet, if we'll ever be IMO. I find the whole denial/rationalism mind-set around Covid absolutely mind-boggling.

I found an interesting article while looking for an answer to why society has pretty much moved on from Covid and found this article/Q&A. All the good info in the article (I need to respect the 10% MSM rule):

https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/16/health/pandemic-covid-19-denial-mental-health-wellness/index.html

Snippet here:

Pandemic denial: Why some people can’t accept Covid-19’s realities​

With so much information available about the severity of the coronavirus and the need to follow guidelines, some people still refuse to accept reality.

The denial manifests itself in many ways, whether that be refusing to wear a mask or attending large gatherings.
Using denial as a coping mechanism is not always a bad choice. Short-term, it gives someone the time to adjust to a situation. When it becomes a long-term crutch and puts others in harm’s way, it can be dangerous.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/08/health/quarantine-fatigue-is-real-coronavirus-wellness/index.html
There’s also a psychology term called rationalism, which people often confuse with denial. It’s a defense mechanism where people try to justify unacceptable behavior.

With over 30 years of experience in their profession, psychologists Eve and Mark Whitmore have spent recent years studying misinformation and confirmation bias. Eve Whitmore currently works as a clinical psychologist in Stow, Ohio, and Mark Whitmore works as an associate professor in the College of Business Administration at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

 

[Sundog]

If I was a young, healthy adult, I wouldn't be as concerned about covid at thsi stage, other than in some situations. Everyone has to assess their risk and act accordingly. But as an older adult with some medical issues, I have to assess risk factors differently as getting covid could have more serious side effects. Unfortunately, those of us who are older and/or immuno-compromised at various ages have to take more precautions. It's our bad luck.

In our region, right now flu is the major concern as infections have gone up by 30% over the last week. So that is a concern for seniors and immuno-compromised as the flu season and hospitalizations, etc. grows stronger.

I don't think I will get another Covid-19 vaccine until next fall as long as I don't need to travel by plane or some other risk factor is in the picture. Usually in the spring the numbers of both covid and flu decrease as people enjoy more activities outdoors and are not crambed in together like the winter months.

Again, everyone needs to assess their own risk factors and make decisions accordingly. I don't see any need for my neighbors or others in the grocery store to wear a mask if they don't feel it is necessary. I see a handful of people doing so to protect themselves from the high flu infections in the region, and some due to Covid, but very few which I think is understandable. Our universities are doing okay, and K-12 schools as well, no major breakouts of either covid or flu. So for the majority, it seems to be less of a risk.

The numbers of hospitalizations and deaths from Covid are what I pay attention to. And the age groups that go with that data.

JMO.

 

[Gemmie]

Well here was a new one on me. A couple of weeks ago my 7 year old grandson had Covid again! Shortly afterwards he got appendicitis. His Dr. Informed us he is seeing an upswing in appendicitis cases in under 10 year olds after Covid infections. Has anyone else heard this? I thought what next?

Yes, I've heard about it but only because I was talking to someone who had acute appendicitis after a covid infection, and they were discussing the possibility that it was due to having had Covid. So I had Goog'ed for it the other day and I ran across this:

Acute Appendicitis Following COVID-19 Infection in Pediatric Patients: A Single Center’s Study in Greece

Purpose: This study investigated the potential association between the previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive infection, as well as vaccination, and the presentation of acute appendicitis in pediatric patients. ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

And it's not just things like appendicitis... cancers, hearth disease, diabetes, etc. It's been discussed a lot throughout WS's Covid threads.

Here's one such medical article talking about "Possible cancer-causing capacity of COVID-19: Is SARS-CoV-2 an oncogenic agent?". For those that don't know what oncogenic is (I didn't), it's:

Oncogenes are important classes, or groups, of genetic mutations that cause cancer. They're mutated forms of genes that control how cells grow and divide.

Oncogenes

Oncogenes are one of two groups of genetic mutations that cause cancer. Understanding oncogenes is driving new cancer treatment.

my.clevelandclinic.org

 

[Gemmie]

Right? I wore a mask to the store when I was still coughing just out of consideration for others. Not one other person in the store was masked, and didn’t even look twice when I coughed. Same at the clinics. No masks, and here I was coughing. No one cared.
And here I was all self conscious and paranoid about going out in public with a cough. Go figure.
But what a drastic change in perception in such a short period of time.

I find a lot of the human race baffling to be honest.

Also, I wanted to say THANK YOU for wearing a mask out of consideration for others (even though a lot of others don't have that same consideration IMO).

I honestly think people are "over" dealing with Covid. It's not a pleasant subject and it's my belief people would simply prefer not to think about it, which isn't helping any of us, including them.

 

[mickey2942]

It will be interesting to see the future ramifications of "Covid Generation" in kids. Children now, are absolutely so germ conscious now. Even more than I am.

 

[IceIce9]

When someone coughs around me I freak out- hoping that person does not have Covid. The only time I mask up is if I have a doctor or dentist appointment, in the waiting room I wear a mask and take it off when I go back to see the physician. I still do not go out to eat at crowded restaurants. I did not get the latest booster and feel I am unprotected so I take precautions within reason. I think too many people think Covid is in the rear view mirror: it isn't- the pandemic itself is over though.

I mask up on airplanes and often I am the only person wearing a mask.

 

[Gemmie]

I mask up on airplanes and often I am the only person wearing a mask.

I mask up everywhere except my home (I live alone so don't have to worry about someone else's cootie breath in my home). I am also one of the few people I see wearing a mask when I venture out on rare occasions. It's not very comforting.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I mask up on airplanes and often I am the only person wearing a mask.

I was masking on airplanes long before Covid. My asthma/allergy specialist recommended it many years ago when I experienced more cough-variant asthma episodes than I do now. I was also prone to bad bouts of bronchitis following colds. Thankfully, I haven't had Covid and don't get colds or bronchitis any more. I'm sure part of it has to do with the fact that I don't leave the house very often these days, so I'm not exposed to illness.

 

[slowpoke]

I mask up everywhere except my home (I live alone so don't have to worry about someone else's cootie breath in my home). I am also one of the few people I see wearing a mask when I venture out on rare occasions. It's not very comforting.

I mask up most of the time when I am out, too. However, tonight I have a banquet to go to, so I know I will be worried about catching it!

Here where I live there are still others who wear masks, too, so I do not feel self-conscious nor looked at for opting to put on the face covering. (Admittedly, I do live in an area in Southern California where there are quite a number of Asians, who I’d say is the majority of mask-wearers—myself included)

 

[Gemmie]

I mask up most of the time when I am out, too. However, tonight I have a banquet to go to, so I know I will be worried about catching it!

Here where I live there are still others who wear masks, too, so I do not feel self-conscious nor looked at for opting to put on the face covering. (Admittedly, I do live in an area in Southern California where there are quite a number of Asians, who I’d say is the majority of mask-wearers—myself included)

Yeah, I don't eat around people since you can't eat wearing a mask. Due to that I stopped having Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners at my mother's house. She's not very happy about that but I've observed her and she's not as safe out in public (which is VERY often) around people. So.... I don't take off my mask around her which upsets her greatly. Oh well. I tried to ease the sting somewhat by telling her that it would be awful if both of us had Covid at the same time (from one of us infecting the other during a visit) and that I wouldn't be able to take care of her and her dogs if that was the case. That helped. A little. Until she forgot it. lol

Interesting about Asian mask wearers. Pre-Covid I'd sometimes see them walking the streets wearing masks. I didn't think to much about it. Then in the very beginning of Covid, when we were all going "What now?!??!", stocking up on food (and TP. lol), and just a lot of general confusion (IMO. YMMV). I went to my favorite/weekly Chinese restaurant and the owner told me "You should start wearing a mask". It was a real eye-opener for me. And a very foreign thing to even think about.

I was thinking... "A mask? In public? Won't people think that's weird?". Well, soon after masks became mandatory to enter some public places. Fast forward to today and like the Amex credit card commercial says... I don't have home without it!

 

[slowpoke]

Yeah, I don't eat around people since you can't eat wearing a mask. Due to that I stopped having Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners at my mother's house. She's not very happy about that but I've observed her and she's not as safe out in public (which is VERY often) around people. So.... I don't take off my mask around her which upsets her greatly. Oh well. I tried to ease the sting somewhat by telling her that it would be awful if both of us had Covid at the same time (from one of us infecting the other during a visit) and that I wouldn't be able to take care of her and her dogs if that was the case. That helped. A little. Until she forgot it. lol

Interesting about Asian mask wearers. Pre-Covid I'd sometimes see them walking the streets wearing masks. I didn't think to much about it. Then in the very beginning of Covid, when we were all going "What now?!??!", stocking up on food (and TP. lol), and just a lot of general confusion (IMO. YMMV). I went to my favorite/weekly Chinese restaurant and the owner told me "You should start wearing a mask". It was a real eye-opener for me. And a very foreign thing to even think about.

I was thinking... "A mask? In public? Won't people think that's weird?". Well, soon after masks became mandatory to enter some public places. Fast forward to today and like the Amex credit card commercial says... I don't have home without it!

Yes, pre-Covid I’d see Asians sometimes wearing masks here, too.

I hike regularly in nearby parks and trails, and it was (and continues to be) common for me to see Asian ladies wearing face coverings like this picture I’m including here—for sun protection.

So, covering faces for various reasons is done here, and so I fit right in! LOL!

sun protection hat/mask

 

[Gemmie]

Yes, pre-Covid I’d see Asians sometimes wearing masks here, too.

I hike regularly in nearby parks and trails, and it was (and continues to be) common for me to see Asian ladies wearing face coverings like this picture I’m including here—for sun protection.

So, covering faces for various reasons is done here, and so I fit right in! LOL!
View attachment 486062
sun protection hat/mask

I also see them using umbrellas on sunny days with no rain. I find all of that (mask wearing even pre-Covid, umbrellas, etc.) VERY smart IMO!!!