Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #112

[gremlin444]

How do you differentiate which symptom belongs to the shot or Covid?

For 24-48 hours after the shot I feel like I have horrible flu. The lymph node on my left collarbone swells up to the size of an oversized grape. Every joint in my body hurts, I have severe chills, and I'm exhausted. And then it is immediately gone after the 48 hours. I have had 5 Covid shots total now--and this has happened every single time. I also feel that way now when I get a flu shot.

Unfortunately I've had Covid 3 times--the first time was nearly a year after my 1st two shots. And it has always started with a sore throat. Multiple lymph nodes, not just the one at my collarbone, are swollen. I run a fever. I have severe sinus congestion. On day five of the first time I got Covid, the skin on the bottom of my feet started peeling off.

As for long Covid....10 days after the first time I got it, I woke up with severe joint pain in my feet and hands and have had it every day since. Brain fog. Inability to eat some foods without stomach problems that never bothered me before.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

Auntie, so true. We all got notice after a Thanksgiving gathering that 4 people were positive for C. Many really had recognizable symptoms but still tested negative!! We are all somewhat perplexed. I, on the other hand, had virtually no symptoms, just attributing my tiredness to all the travelling/ driving I had done. But voila!! I do have it. I'm now on paxlovid, so hoping for. "mild".

I'm so sorry you have covid! I do hope your symptoms are mild but mostly I hope you escape without lasting effects.

The more I read as time goes on and studies are performed, is that every bout of covid, even mild covid, increases one's ongoing risk of things like heart issues in the future.

That's why, no matter how mild one's symptoms are, I think the most important thing is to avoid getting it (at all, if possible, or any more, if you've already had it).

I know hardly anyone masks anymore, but we NEED to normalize it whenever folks are indoors in groups. ESPECIALLY on planes and ESPECIALLY in medical offices.

I know hardly anyone stays home anymore (except those of us who are hermits anyway ), but we NEED to keep folks paying attention to their risks and exposures.

Want to take a chance on getting sick? Fine, go to that event unmasked. But then pay attention to your exposures for the next week or two. PLEASE don't go off to some other event, or to visit the new baby, the next day when you don't even know if you were exposed and might be sharing it with others.

The thing is, other pandemics are incoming even as I type. So these behaviors are not some government oppressive covid conspiracy overreach. They are the same protective measures you'll want to take for *every* airborne respiratory virus out there. Some things are more about fomites, some are only transmitted by bodily fluids, some by droplets. Each thing has its own best avoidance practices. But lots of airborne stuff out there (and incoming as I type) so masking, distancing, and isolating between exposures needs to become our normal precautionary behavior. IMO.

PS -- the next incoming airborne pandemic? The one that's still mutating to become human-to-human transmissible? It's got a 25-50% fatality rate for people, so will be NO JOKE if it gets that far. COVID fatality rate is something like 1/10th of one percent, if I recall. So don't think they are all the same.

 

[gremlin444]

Right now whooping cough (for kids and adults) and walking pneumonia are spreading like wildfire in my city. Everyone is wringing their hands, but no one ever says "hey, maybe we should mask for a bit!"

All members of my family mask anytime we are in public. My high school senior is one of a very few kids who mask at the high school, but given how much school he has missed due to Covid and long Covid he could care less what other kids think of him.

 

[Gemmie]

PS -- the next incoming airborne pandemic? The one that's still mutating to become human-to-human transmissible? It's got a 25-50% fatality rate for people, so will be NO JOKE if it gets that far. COVID fatality rate is something like 1/10th of one percent, if I recall. So don't think they are all the same.

Hi Auntie,

Do you have more info on this that you can share? I'd love to see a link so I can do some research. Please and thank you.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

Hi Auntie,

Do you have more info on this that you can share? I'd love to see a link so I can do some research. Please and thank you.

I'm referring to H5N1, the avian flu that is currently spreading fast through California cattle and birds, and in other states and countries as well. So far there are only a handful of human cases (currently 57 in the US H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation) and they have all presumably gotten it directly from a bird or a bovine. But as it spreads, it mutates, and is getting closer and closer to human-to-human transmission.

This is just where we were with covid in about February 2020, when the only folks in the US who had it had been in China themselves or a close family member had been, but there wasn't yet community transmission person to person outside of China. Until suddenly there was.

I've read that there is currently considered to be a 50% fatality rate for humans with H5N1, but as only the obviously and severely sick currently get tested, that number will most likely drop if/once we get to a point where much more testing is done, so I guessed it might go down by half, but that's just me guessing.

A bit of good news is that there is apparently a vaccine, though there are as yet nowhere near enough doses for everyone. But at least it exists and has apparently gone through all the testing and approvals etc.

I follow folks online who post about this a lot, but don't have more links at hand beyond that CDC tracking page. I'll post more here as I come across it, or PM you with it if other folks aren't that interested.

 

[Gemmie]

I'm referring to H5N1, the avian flu that is currently spreading fast through California cattle and birds, and in other states and countries as well. So far there are only a handful of human cases (currently 57 in the US H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation) and they have all presumably gotten it directly from a bird or a bovine. But as it spreads, it mutates, and is getting closer and closer to human-to-human transmission.

This is just where we were with covid in about February 2020, when the only folks in the US who had it had been in China themselves or a close family member had been, but there wasn't yet community transmission person to person outside of China. Until suddenly there was.

I've read that there is currently considered to be a 50% fatality rate for humans with H5N1, but as only the obviously and severely sick currently get tested, that number will most likely drop if/once we get to a point where much more testing is done, so I guessed it might go down by half, but that's just me guessing.

A bit of good news is that there is apparently a vaccine, though there are as yet nowhere near enough doses for everyone. But at least it exists and has apparently gone through all the testing and approvals etc.

I follow folks online who post about this a lot, but don't have more links at hand beyond that CDC tracking page. I'll post more here as I come across it, or PM you with it if other folks aren't that interested.

Thank you, Auntie.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Right now whooping cough (for kids and adults) and walking pneumonia are spreading like wildfire in my city. Everyone is wringing their hands, but no one ever says "hey, maybe we should mask for a bit!"

All members of my family mask anytime we are in public. My high school senior is one of a very few kids who mask at the high school, but given how much school he has missed due to Covid and long Covid he could care less what other kids think of him.

DH had been diagnosed with bronchitis about six weeks ago. His PCP prescribed a Z-pack, 10 days of Prednisone, and cough medicine. The bronchitis seemed to improve after 2-3 weeks but never really went away. It was not Covid. DH returned to his physician right before Thanksgiving and got a shot and a prescription for a stronger antibiotic. While Dr. B didn't call it "walking pneumonia", I used to develop something similar after a bout of bronchitis and this is what the allergy/asthma specialist called it. I improved after a Z-pack and Prednisone. Evidently, DH's PCP practice is seeing a lot of this with many patients returning because the original infection didn't clear with initial treatment. We were so glad that we didn't plan any Thanksgiving gatherings and stayed home the entire weekend. I seemed to have a mild cold that lasted about 72 hours. We plan to get our Covid boosters in a couple of weeks so we are protected for our winter vacation in late January.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

DH is now on his third antibiotic in efforts to nix walking pneumonia. Following his second visit to the doctor the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, he was put on amoxicillin for 10 days because a Z-pack and Prednisone had not aided in clearing the infection. Dr. B told DH to give it a week and if he wasn't better, to call for another antibiotic. As of Wednesday, DH is now on a 10-day regimen of doxycycline. What started as bronchitis the last week of October has turned into a stubborn case of walking pneumonia. DH doesn't feel unwell, but the nasty chest cough lingers. I've had this diagnosis in the past, and the residual tends to linger for several weeks.

DH retired four years ago (during the pandemic), but he has never been a homebody. He generally swims every other day, runs errands, and does most of the grocery shopping these days. He hasn't been swimming for over a month and has seriously curtailed venturing out of the house. We last went out to dinner on Halloween before his bronchitis really kicked in. We've both got cabin fever and are planning to go out for dinner this evening. It will be good for both of us to enjoy an evening out of the house. Based on many national and local news reports, walking pneumonia has seen an uptick since mid-October. Even though the illness isn't life-threatening, it can develop into something much worse without antibiotic treatment. Be well.

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pneumonia/what-is-walking-pneumonia

 

[gremlin444]

@BetteDavisEyes I'm so sorry to hear that! Walking pneumonia has been raging in my Chicago suburb for the last month and a half, with many people ending up being sick for 3-4 weeks--both adults and kids. My son's therapist (who has long Covid also) has been out for 3 weeks now with it.

 

[ilovewings]

DH is now on his third antibiotic in efforts to nix walking pneumonia. Following his second visit to the doctor the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, he was put on amoxicillin for 10 days because a Z-pack and Prednisone had not aided in clearing the infection. Dr. B told DH to give it a week and if he wasn't better, to call for another antibiotic. As of Wednesday, DH is now on a 10-day regimen of doxycycline. What started as bronchitis the last week of October has turned into a stubborn case of walking pneumonia. DH doesn't feel unwell, but the nasty chest cough lingers. I've had this diagnosis in the past, and the residual tends to linger for several weeks.

DH retired four years ago (during the pandemic), but he has never been a homebody. He generally swims every other day, runs errands, and does most of the grocery shopping these days. He hasn't been swimming for over a month and has seriously curtailed venturing out of the house. We last went out to dinner on Halloween before his bronchitis really kicked in. We've both got cabin fever and are planning to go out for dinner this evening. It will be good for both of us to enjoy an evening out of the house. Based on many national and local news reports, walking pneumonia has seen an uptick since mid-October. Even though the illness isn't life-threatening, it can develop into something much worse without antibiotic treatment. Be well.

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pneumonia/what-is-walking-pneumonia

I am sorry to hear DH isnt feeling well and now has walking pneumonia-----hoping this new antibiotic
will be the right one----

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I am sorry to hear DH isnt feeling well and now has walking pneumonia-----hoping this new antibiotic
will be the right one----

Doxycycline seems to be doing the trick. DH isn't coughing much any more and says he feels well enough to go out to dinner this evening and maybe swimming tomorrow. He said he might just do some exercises in the heated therapy pool and sit in the steam room for a while. He misses his pool buddies, and they are probably wondering why he hasn't been swimming for more than a month. Besides the two daily doses of doxycycline, DH has also been using guaifenesin (Mucinex) to loosen mucus.

 

[ilovewings]

Doxycycline seems to be doing the trick. DH isn't coughing much any more and says he feels well enough to go out to dinner this evening and maybe swimming tomorrow. He said he might just do some exercises in the heated therapy pool and sit in the steam room for a while. He misses his pool buddies, and they are probably wondering why he hasn't been swimming for more than a month. Besides the two daily doses of doxycycline, DH has also been using guaifenesin (Mucinex) to loosen mucus.

Sounds like he is on the road to recovery- wishing him well- take care and be well

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

@BetteDavisEyes I'm so sorry to hear that! Walking pneumonia has been raging in my Chicago suburb for the last month and a half, with many people ending up being sick for 3-4 weeks--both adults and kids. My son's therapist (who has long Covid also) has been out for 3 weeks now with it.

We are hearing the same thing. Many folks seem unable to recuperate from whatever the bacteria or virus is that is causing the walking pneumonia. Those who seek medical treatment are having to return for another antibiotic because the original prescription isn't working. Thankfully, DH is much improved with the doxycycline and left a while ago for his first trip to the pool in nearly five weeks. He is planning to walk in the lap pool as he doesn't want to start out with his usual 30-minute swim. He might also sit in the steam room for 10-15 minutes. It's been a long haul, that's for sure. I'm glad that I've managed to stay well despite us being at home together 24/7. I had a runny nose and sneezes for about three days that could have been a mild cold or allergies, but I never really felt unwell. Once DH is completely over the walking pneumonia, we will get our Covid injections. We've already gotten our flu shots this year.

 

[Teche]

We are hearing the same thing. Many folks seem unable to recuperate from whatever the bacteria or virus is that is causing the walking pneumonia. Those who seek medical treatment are having to return for another antibiotic because the original prescription isn't working. Thankfully, DH is much improved with the doxycycline and left a while ago for his first trip to the pool in nearly five weeks. He is planning to walk in the lap pool as he doesn't want to start out with his usual 30-minute swim. He might also sit in the steam room for 10-15 minutes. It's been a long haul, that's for sure. I'm glad that I've managed to stay well despite us being at home together 24/7. I had a runny nose and sneezes for about three days that could have been a mild cold or allergies, but I never really felt unwell. Once DH is completely over the walking pneumonia, we will get our Covid injections. We've already gotten our flu shots this year.

Have you taken the RSV immunization? My internist told me that she’s treated many older adults with RSV.

 

[Gemmie]

Not very good stats.

A December 2 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that in the U.S., for example, just under 20% of eligible people have gotten the updated vaccine, which has been updated to better match currently circulating variants of the virus.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/12/06/g-s1-37016/coronavirus-faq-booster-vaccine-covid?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20241206&utm_term=9862447&utm_campaign=goats-and-soda&utm_id=61807542&orgid=132&utm_att1=

 

[Gemmie]

Brand new (unused) disposable masks generally have a shelf-life between two to three years. We recommend you check the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and use. These types of masks can deteriorate over time (even if they are unused) due to improper storage and handling.

We recommend contacting the manufacturer with specific questions regarding the use of your masks beyond the expiration date.

Disposable face masks are designated as “one-time use” masks and are not meant for repeated use. You should not continue to use disposable masks that become wet or dirty.

Damaged face masks should not be worn because holes and tears make the mask ineffective. Each time you put on a mask, check the condition of it first; look for any holes or tears and make sure the straps are in good condition and not too stretched out – you want a snug fit without large gaps around the edges.

Oregon Health News

content.govdelivery.com

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Have you taken the RSV immunization? My internist told me that she’s treated many older adults with RSV.

Neither DH nor I have gotten the RSV or Shingles vaccines. Our respective primary care physicians haven't encouraged either, but we both got the two-part pneumonia vaccine when it became available. We get flu shots every fall and have gotten at least one Covid injection each year since the original four during the pandemic. DH usually has a mild reaction to the Covid shot, so we scheduled them for next Thursday after we run some errands and don't have to go out again until Sunday. His mild symptoms - low grade fever and fatigue - last about 48 hours during which time he sleeps a lot. I sometimes have a sore arm but no other side effects.

 

[Lilibet]

Neither DH nor I have gotten the RSV or Shingles vaccines. Our respective primary care physicians haven't encouraged either, but we both got the two-part pneumonia vaccine when it became available. We get flu shots every fall and have gotten at least one Covid injection each year since the original four during the pandemic. DH usually has a mild reaction to the Covid shot, so we scheduled them for next Thursday after we run some errands and don't have to go out again until Sunday. His mild symptoms - low grade fever and fatigue - last about 48 hours during which time he sleeps a lot. I sometimes have a sore arm but no other side effects.

We haven’t gotten the RSV or Shingles vaccines either, although we intended to get them a few weeks after our flu and covid shots in early October. I think we’ll aim for next week since our calendar is empty.

 

[sds71]

A 2020 paper that sparked widespread enthusiasm for hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment was retracted today, following years of campaigning by scientists who alleged the research contained major scientific flaws and may have breached ethics regulations. The paper was pulled because of ethical concerns and methodological problems, according to a retraction notice.

The paper in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (IJAA), led by Philippe Gautret of the Hospital Institute of Marseille Mediterranean Infection (IHU), claimed that treatment with hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug, reduced virus levels in samples from COVID-19 patients, and that the drug was even more effective if used alongside the antibiotic azithromycin.

But scientists immediately raised concerns about the paper, noting the sample size of only 36 patients and the unusually short peer-review time: The paper was submitted on 16 March 2020 and published 4 days later. On 24 March, scientific integrity consultant Elisabeth Bik noted on her blog that six patients who were treated with hydroxychloroquine had been dropped from the study—one of whom had died, and three of whom had transferred to intensive care—which potentially skewed the results in the drug’s favor. Larger, more rigorous trials carried out later in 2020 showed hydroxychloroquine did not benefit COVID-19 patients.

https://www.science.org/content/article/infamous-paper-popularized-unproven-covid-19-treatment-finally-retracted

 

[weepingangel]

Covid etiquette question. How do (would?) you deal with a service person coming into your house, when (if?) you still mask under riskier situations - work, indoor in some public spaces etc but 98% people don’t. I won’t be asking them to mask. But not sure if I should explain myself “I’m Covid cautious” . I don’t want to offend them or think I’m sick. Though most people don’t seem to worry about it much. My previous experience with service people occurred when I could open windows and keep distance so I wasn’t really concerned. This is for a pet appointment so I suspect there will be closer contact than say the appliance delivery / repair guys lol.

Adding-lots of winter respiratory stuff is going around locally. Rsv, bacterial pneumonia and whooping cough raging.

Thanks !