Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #111

[IceIce9]

Just found out a family I know has COVID. The little girl goes to preschool so I am guessing she brought it home to the rest of the family.

 

[Gemmie]

My mother (70s) has had all of her vaccines and boosters and is planning to get the next one offered to her this autumn/winter, and then as recommended after that. Yesterday she told me that lots of friends her age who have had all their shots to date are saying they will stop getting them now. Many have had a prior infection and they believe they have some immunity from that and a lot of them think they have had enough vaccines now and that that will suffice for the rest of their life.

I'm going to venture a guess (it's 100% true IMO) that it's because they aren't virologists/scientists/WHO/CDC, and because they aren't keeping current/reading a lot on the topic of Covid like we in this group do. Therefore their uneducated thinking on the subject is plain wrong. And I didn't mean uneducated as in a dig against them, I meant it as I said in my first sentence.... they aren't very knowledgeable on the subject (which is not at all surprising to me). And that scares the bejesus out of me because I have to share the planet with them and their actions are affecting all of us.

Another way to think about it is it's not the same virus after all the mutating it's doing. If it was, Pfizer/Moderna/et al wouldn't need to revise their vaccines to what's currently going around!

We found that those who had battled the BA.1-2 variant of Omicron in early 2022 had a 30-fold higher risk of contracting the BA.5 variant later in the year. That was exactly the opposite of what we, or anyone, would have predicted.

I don't know if I believe this is true as it's stated. Sure, the fact stated may be true (30-fold risk), but their REASON might not be true (those that had it previously were 30X more likely to get it again). It might be another reason not stated, or maybe not even considered, that there was a 30X reinfection rate. Perhaps it's simply because the virus has mutated soooo much since BA.1-2 till now so there are a lot (30X) more cases.

It's my belief it's because they are mutating to be more infectious. More infectious = more infections. Here's one such article (Paywall but all you need to see is the title, which says it all for me).

Covid-19 Variants Keep Getting More Contagious. Here’s Why.

Scientists say new virus variants are evolving to be better at evading our immune systems’ existing defenses​

Source

Does this surprising twist apply to the broader population?

I think it does per my statement above. Today's covid is not yesterday's covid (or last month's or last year's, or next month/year). It's mutating and changing. It's my belief that the 30X isn't about "if you had BA.1-2 you will be at a 30X risk of reinfection"... but more that the virus is changing, like the flu does annually (only covid seems to be doing it just about on a daily basis, unfortunately. )

What the findings do tell us is that older adults who have had a previous COVID-19 infection shouldn’t rely on that to protect them against reinfection this fall. To protect against severe illness, keeping booster shots up to date is recommended.

Amen and halleluiah!!!

We know the protective value of multiple COVID vaccines does not accumulate like money in a bank account. It’s the recency of our boosters that will determine our degree of protection.

Though imperfect, timely boosters are still our best shields. It’s time to think of them less like our childhood vaccines, where we expect to be protected for long periods of time, and more like annual flu vaccines where we need to be vaccinated for the strain that is circulating

Bolded and underlined part is how the general public needs to think about covid! Only we're not quite at annually since it's mutating so rapidly and spinning off new highly mutated variants.

and can only expect that protection to reduce symptomatic infection, last a few months but — importantly — help keep us out of hospital.

(...)

COVID-19 vaccine boosters are the best defence: Older adults shouldn’t rely on previous infection for immunity

We still have much to learn about many aspects of COVID-19 — including its lingering health effects and the mechanics of its endless mutations — but we do know one thing: we can’t let our guard down.

theconversation.com

I actually went to the source of your article as that's my preference (linked below). (The source came from the link in your article that says "We found that those who had battled the BA.1-2 variant of Omicron in early 2022 had a 30-fold higher risk of contracting the BA.5 variant later in the year.")

Things I noted from the sourced article:

• reinfected participants had lower serum neutralizing antibodies to ancestral and Omicron BA.1 (Gemmie's note - It's like I said above... ancestral and the 1st Omi strain aren't the same as what's currently going around (or will go around in the future)
• Our further exploration of humoral and T cell immunity after initial Omicron infection suggested that while many older adults did experience an increase in antibody levels and neutralizing antibodies after one Omicron infection, individuals with reinfections had weak humoral hybrid immune responses. (Gemmie's note - Good reason to stay current on vaccines!)
• Our results suggest that the generation of protective humoral hybrid immunity is influenced by the heterogeneity of immune aging as well as the specific SARS-CoV-2 variant of infection. (Gemmie's note - the red bolded part of the sentence is key)

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00325-5/fulltext

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Just found out a family I know has COVID. The little girl goes to preschool so I am guessing she brought it home to the rest of the family.

Local TV news channel WDIV has a feature a couple of times weekly called "What' Going Around". Data is collected from area hospitals, emergency rooms/urgent care, physicians' offices, and clinics. The report lists the most common conditions that are being treated in various medical facilities. During last night's report on the 6:00PM news, COVID was listed first for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, and Washtenaw counties. Allergies and asthma were also among the most common ailments. I can attest to that as it's ragweed season here, and my allergies/asthma have flared up. Symptoms usually last 2-3 weeks. I mostly stay indoors, and we keep windows/doors closed.

 

[killarney rose]

“ stuff” usually goes around here this time of year. Contagious viral illnesses, allergies, strep, etc. school has just started back, goldenrod will be in full bloom this month, and peanut harvest will soon be in full swing. It creates a lot of dust. All of those things are normal in the fall for us without even taking Covid or flu into consideration.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

A friend/former coworker has serious post-covid complications. Her partner posted this online today:

"Metabolic encephalopathy (encephalitis) ... Covid driven. A rare condition that has affected my household since the end of May. My partner endured 2 medical airlifts, ICU, step down ICU, 2 months of rehab in a nursing facility. She has been home for 3 weeks now. Major memory and cognitive deficiencies still present. She has to re-learn how to do everything from using the toilet to basic activities of daily living. We will know more about what her "new normal" is going to look like, perhaps a year from now. Covid is NOT the flu and remains virulent to susceptible folks today ... she will not survive another infection. Period. Please remain considerate of others with autumn approaching..."

 

[Gemmie]

A friend/former coworker has serious post-covid complications. Her partner posted this online today:

"Metabolic encephalopathy (encephalitis) ... Covid driven. A rare condition that has affected my household since the end of May. My partner endured 2 medical airlifts, ICU, step down ICU, 2 months of rehab in a nursing facility. She has been home for 3 weeks now. Major memory and cognitive deficiencies still present. She has to re-learn how to do everything from using the toilet to basic activities of daily living. We will know more about what her "new normal" is going to look like, perhaps a year from now. Covid is NOT the flu and remains virulent to susceptible folks today ... she will not survive another infection. Period. Please remain considerate of others with autumn approaching..."

@Auntie Cipation - First of all, I'm more sorry that you can imagine just hearing about what this person and her loved ones are going though. It's not only super scary to even consider, it's heartbreaking.

Would you be so kind as to ask your friend what her age is (ballpark is fine) and whether or not she had any underlying conditions? A yes/no for the last Q will suffice as I'm not meaning to be snoopy, but I would like a little more info before I tuck that info away into my brain for filing. Appreciate it.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

@Auntie Cipation - First of all, I'm more sorry that you can imagine just hearing about what this person and her loved ones are going though. It's not only super scary to even consider, it's heartbreaking.

Would you be so kind as to ask your friend what her age is (ballpark is fine) and whether or not she had any underlying conditions? A yes/no for the last Q will suffice as I'm not meaning to be snoopy, but I would like a little more info before I tuck that info away into my brain for filing. Appreciate it.

I understand the questions, @Gemmie but I'm not in regular contact with these folks so don't want to bother them with questions.

I estimate her age at around 65-70 and I know that yes there are some pre-existing conditions, just remembering back 20-25 years ago when I saw her regularly, though I can't/won't be any more specific than that. I mean, most of us have SOMETHING that could be considering an underlying/pre-existing condition, and the more we learn, the wider range of existing things covid can be affected by.

 

[Gemmie]

I understand the questions, @Gemmie but I'm not in regular contact with these folks so don't want to bother them with questions.

I estimate her age at around 65-70 and I know that yes there are some pre-existing conditions, just remembering back 20-25 years ago when I saw her regularly, though I can't/won't be any more specific than that. I mean, most of us have SOMETHING that could be considering an underlying/pre-existing condition, and the more we learn, the wider range of existing things covid can be affected by.

Thanks! This is most helpful. I can now file that info away in my brain. lol

 

[dmac55]

Early lab tests suggest new Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 may be less contagious and less immune-evasive than feared - CNN

US lab tests suggest new Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 may be less contagious and less immune-evasive than feared — CNN

Scientists around the world are fast-tracking lab experiments to try to understand the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant of the new coronavirus.

apple.news

 

[Betty P]

Early lab tests suggest new Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 may be less contagious and less immune-evasive than feared - CNN

US lab tests suggest new Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 may be less contagious and less immune-evasive than feared — CNN

Scientists around the world are fast-tracking lab experiments to try to understand the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant of the new coronavirus.

apple.news

It’s in the next county from us, so the docs are probably getting the data rolling in here. Fortunately I’m inthe NE part of Ohio where the hospitals and universities are good and do public health in a professional way.

 

[sds71]

Eugene Daniels
@EugeneDaniels2

From the FLOTUS Office: "This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware."

 

[Gemmie]

Eugene Daniels
@EugeneDaniels2

From the FLOTUS Office: "This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware."

Are you sure this is current? Do you have a link to the actual twitter post? I'm not finding it by searching for her name on the page (Ctrl-F to find text).

I know she had it a year ago:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/16/politics/jill-biden-covid/index.html#:~:text=Susan%20Walsh%2FAP-,First%20lady%20Dr.,symptoms%20late%20in%20the%20evening.

 

[Gemmie]

Eugene Daniels
@EugeneDaniels2

From the FLOTUS Office: "This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware."

I believe this info is a year old. I found the post the old fashioned way by Googling for it and found:

No wonder I couldn't find it by searching Eugene Daniels Twitter page.

The actual post is dated 8/16/2022 so over a year ago.

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[sds71]

I believe this info is a year old. I found the post the old fashioned way by Googling for it and found:

View attachment 444836

No wonder I couldn't find it by searching Eugene Daniels Twitter page.

The actual post is dated 8/16/2022 so over a year ago.

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CNN —
First lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid-19 Monday, the White House announced.

“This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware,” the first lady’s spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander said in a statement.

President Joe Biden tested negative, according to the White House.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/04/politics/jill-biden-covid/index.html

Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre | The White House

Following the First Lady’s positive test for COVID-19, President Biden was administered a COVID test this evening. The President tested negative. The

www.whitehouse.gov

 

[Gemmie]

CNN —
First lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid-19 Monday, the White House announced.

“This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware,” the first lady’s spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander said in a statement.

President Joe Biden tested negative, according to the White House.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/04/politics/jill-biden-covid/index.html

Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre | The White House

Following the First Lady’s positive test for COVID-19, President Biden was administered a COVID test this evening. The President tested negative. The

www.whitehouse.gov

THANK YOU! I looked there but it apparently hadn't been posted yet. It's there now. Wow, so twice now (that I know of).

So here's the thing.... recently it's been said that masks should be worn again, especially for someone Biden's age (and his importance as the president). So this worries me that she caught Covid again. I wish he'd start masking up around people again. I keep reading about spikes all over.

If you’re at high risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19, it’s time to dust off those N95 masks and place them snugly over your nose and mouth to protect yourself from a recent uptick of the virus, according to a growing number of experts.

That advice should go all the way up to 80-year-old President Joe Biden, said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist.

“Octogenarians comprise the highest-risk group for complications following Covid infection,” Reiner said.

“At least until the numbers start to drop again, it would be appropriate for President Biden to take some precautions and wear a mask in crowds.”

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/23/health/masks-covid-surge-wellness/index.html

 

[weepingangel]

Eugene Daniels
@EugeneDaniels2

From the FLOTUS Office: "This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware."

Shocked face

They should have been masking for the last month anyway *shrug*
Keep on catching the Covid over and over. I’m good.

 

[weepingangel]

No link but I saw recently the UK is bringing back Covid surveillance at some point? ( not sure what that includes, I assume cdc like stats )

Eta link

COVID surveillance to restart ahead of winter amid new variant concerns

The UK Health Security Agency said surveillance would resume to deal with a time of year when the NHS always faces increased demand due to seasonal illnesses - but there will be no ramping up of routine testing.

news.sky.com

 

[otto]

We've been hearing about the pros and cons of AI for several months. One of the pros is that AI should be able to solve medical issues faster and better than people. If that's true, AI should be working on a vaccine right now. However, I haven't heard anything about AI finding a way to eliminate covid.

 

[Gemmie]

We've been hearing about the pros and cons of AI for several months. One of the pros is that AI should be able to solve medical issues faster and better than people. If that's true, AI should be working on a vaccine right now. However, I haven't heard anything about AI finding a way to eliminate covid.

If used for the good I'm for it. But, I fear AI will be used in bad ways so it scares the heck out of me.

Not sure how it could be used to eliminate Covid when there's the human element thrown in (people do what they want to do or don't keep up on the facts to educate themselves). Well, except this group. I love how much everyone cares to share the most current and information filled info here.

 

[otto]

If used for the good I'm for it. But, I fear AI will be used in bad ways so it scares the heck out of me.

Not sure how it could be used to eliminate Covid when there's the human element thrown in (people do what they want to do or don't keep up on the facts to educate themselves). Well, except this group. I love how much everyone cares to share the most current and information filled info here.

I agree - very skeptical about AI, but one argument that is made in favour of AI is that it can be used in the fields of medical/health care.

If true, I'd like to see what AI has to offer regarding covid. If AI cannot contribute to the elimination of covid variants, then the 'health' argument for AI doesn't stand up. Annual vaccines to address annual strains is a human solution. AI should be able to determine one vaccine that works for all current and future covid mutations based on evolution of previous variants.