Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #79

[10ofRods]

The main reason that older people die of CoVid, it seems, is that our immune systems start losing strength after age 60-65 (on average, obviously, some people it's older, some it's younger).

In order to combat CoVid, we need to have available T cells in our bone marrow (not just antibodies in our blood). The T cells are the memory system of immunity.

Each time we get a disease that creates antibodies, some T cells devote themselves to remembering how to produce those antibodies. So, we know that people who have had a different coronavirus in the past are very unlikely to have a severe course of CoVid. It's not easy to study this though and there are no cheap or even widely available tests for this.

As we age, the number of available T cells drops until there are no more left (average age of that is probably 85). Not only can the body not fight off new infections easily, it can't store memory of a new infection.

So, whether inside a nursing home or not, an elderly person has a much higher likelihood of dying from CoVid (or having a longterm set of symptoms or possibly even recurrences).

The number of total infections we've had in our lives (including, as I understand it, immune responses to vaccines) "uses up" the T cells - but if a new virus is closely related to one we've experienced, we do get a better response.

CoVid is a slow-mutating virus (fortunately) as compared to many rhinoviruses and to influenzas. Some people may have already had a prior version and therefore, despite being elderly, will be able to formulate a better immune response..

There are other effects from aging on immunity, but T cell immunity is key in fighting off CV. Our bodies need to be able to throw early responses at it and not move toward bradykine or cytokine storms (where the body attacks itself, basically, in attempt to kill the invader)

 

[musicaljoke]

Scotland begins a public campaign aimed at younger people and preventing CV.

It's somewhat dramatic. I hope it's effective.

Not much has been reported about CoVid during pregnancy, but that may be an issue for the 20-39 age group.

 

[Sundog]

After the difficulty in getting tests in AZ, the population seemed to take the attitude that if this was such an extreme health crisis, then there certainly wouldn't be roadblocks to getting tested. Once testing did become widely available, the Governor almost had to beg people to get tested, because the testing stations had no customers. I suspect that when, or if, a vaccine is available there will be very few takers. Not because of concerns over safety, but because the whole thing will have become background noise.

It's very possible that this could happen with the COVID vaccine, but I sure hope not. Last Friday, DH and I had our flu vaccine shots, and our pharmacist who we have been going to for years told us that they can't keep up with demand, that they have appointments scheduled for every 15 minutes through to November, and then they will keep scheduling. We were originally scheduled to have our flu vaccinations in early October, but they were running low at her pharmacy on the high-dose flu vaccines for over 65, so she held the last two she had after I called her to check last week, and we went in right away. Turns out there are two different kinds of high-dose vaccines this year, will have to do some reading on this, I only know which ones we received based on the paperwork, not sure about the other one.

So if so many more people are taking the flu vaccine more seriously this year than usual, perhaps this bodes well for the percentage of people who will choose to get the COVID vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

 

[tresir2012]

It's very possible that this could happen with the COVID vaccine, but I sure hope not. Last Friday, DH and I had our flu vaccine shots, and our pharmacist who we have been going to for years told us that they can't keep up with demand, that they have appointments scheduled for every 15 minutes through to November, and then they will keep scheduling. We were originally scheduled to have our flu vaccinations in early October, but they were running low at her pharmacy on the high-dose flu vaccines for over 65, so she held the last two she had after I called her to check last week, and we went in right away. Turns out there are two different kinds of high-dose vaccines this year, will have to do some reading on this, I only know which ones we received based on the paperwork, not sure about the other one.

So if so many more people are taking the flu vaccine more seriously this year than usual, perhaps this bodes well for the percentage of people who will choose to get the COVID vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

This is happening in UK too. Boots pharmacies have reportedly run out or have all appointments full. It was on the radio this morning. I will find a link.

Flu jabs limited due to high demand

They are having to limit it to vulnerable groups and over 65's so they don't run out. To me this means people will flock to get the Covid jab too once it is available. So they will have to limit it like this initially too. MOO.

 

[Simply Southern]

After hearing for months that “everyone” can easily get a Covid test and how difficult it was for me and other family members to get it - I personally believe that the general public in the US will not see a widespread “for all” vaccine roll out until at the earliest Spring of 2021.
JMO

In Viginia I was tested (PCR) the day I called, drive by. Had results next day by 9:15 am.

 

[Simply Southern]

This is happening in UK too. Boots pharmacies have reportedly run out or have all appointments full. It was on the radio this morning. I will find a link.

Flu jabs limited due to high demand

They are having to limit it to vulnerable groups and over 65's so they don't run out. To me this means people will flock to get the Covid jab too once it is available. So they will have to limit it like this initially too. MOO.

VDH is starting free flu clinics this week. All our schools offer free flu vaccine.

Central Virginia Health District provides free flu clinics

“But it also allows us to practice dispensing vaccines. So, it allows us to stay up to date on our skills and response capabilities as well," said Lindsey Cawood, Central Virginia Health District population health manager.

Here’s a full list of upcoming events:

• September 26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Daily Bread, 721 Clay Street, Lynchburg
• September 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jefferson Park, 405 York Street, Lynchburg
• September 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Daniels Hill, 317 Norwood Street, Lynchburg
• September 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bedford Christian Ministries, 217 Washington Street, Bedford
• October 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Diamond Hill, 1005 17th Street, Lynchburg
• October 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at College Hill, 811 Jackson Street, Lynchburg
• October 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bedford Christian Ministries, 217 Washington Street, Bedford

 

[Sundog]

In Viginia I was tested (PCR) the day I called, drive by. Had results next day by 9:15 am.

The Governor of Ohio has asked all colleges and universities that have a residential student component to conduct randomized COVID testing every week throughout the fall semester, and most higher ed institutions in Ohio are already doing this. So every week a few hundred randomly selected asymptomatic students, faculty and staff are asked to voluntarily get randomly tested. Sometimes the response rate is good, sometimes not so good.

Then came the notice that I was one of those randomly selected. It would be the PCR test, with results in 24-48 hours.
But when I found out that my health insurance would be billed (testing is free for those who don't have health insurance to cover the cost of testing), I decided to opt out of the asymptomatic COVID testing, as I decided that if I ever really feel the need for the testing in the future, who knows if the insurer would pay for it again if I were to have symptoms and really need the test.

 

[Sillybilly]

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[Lilibet]

I don't blame her for wanting to get out of DC and head for New England. Beautiful time of year to be there. She must be a very independent and healthy 84 year old.

She is relatively healthy and independent and I certainly don’t begrudge her a trip to New England this time of year. But what we want and what is safe are two different things. As I said, I hope everyone involved stays safe. But even these small, seemingly safe gatherings have been shown to spread the virus in my state of Oregon (link posted earlier), so I don’t think it’s any different elsewhere.
JMO

 

[Cool Cats]

VERY GOOD USA COUNTY MAP
TRACKING LAST 7 DAYS LAB TEST POSITIVITY

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ei8Iqf6U8AAkqV-?format=jpg&name=large

Jorge A. Caballero, MD
@DataDrivenMD
·Sep 27

 

[tresir2012]

This is some good news regarding younger school age children in Florida.... Florida does have an advantage of having many or most high schools set in an "outside corridor" style of architecture. College students cases are still surging, but school age doing pretty well!!

Florida schools reopened en masse. Feared COVID surge hasn't followed.

I really don't think they still understand how children catch, spread or become symptomatic or not show symptoms at all. This is good news and I think that UK primary schools (younger ages) have not reported enormous problems either AFAIK.

 

[tresir2012]

She is relatively healthy and independent and I certainly don’t begrudge her a trip to New England this time of year. But what we want and what is safe are two different things. As I said, I hope everyone involved stays safe. But even these small, seemingly safe gatherings have been shown to spread the virus in my state of Oregon (link posted earlier), so I don’t think it’s any different elsewhere.
JMO

Will they be socially distancing or wearing masks? And is there any bans or restrictions or gatherings there? Gatherings can go ahead safely following local rules.

 

[MimosaMornings]

In Viginia I was tested (PCR) the day I called, drive by. Had results next day by 9:15 am.

Wow, that’s awesome!
NC - no rapid tests available at CVS locally.
Family had to schedule via PCP-doctor or prescreened online with list of symptoms. We had three family members that did not pass the prescreening because they did not have a fever or cough. Two never got a test.
Also if you do not reside in the state - you do not qualify for a test. It took weeks for me to get approval since I wasn’t a resident and had no symptoms.
It seems to vary from state to state.
JMO

 

[Lilibet]

Will they be socially distancing or wearing masks? And is there any bans or restrictions or gatherings there? Gatherings can go ahead safely following local rules.

Aside from the fact that the state requires a 14 day quarantine for visitors from out of state, which I don’t think will be possible, the cottage is not large enough for social distancing. As I said in my original post, my personal opinion is that this is very risky, as is attending a high school reunion in yet another state. I have not addressed this with my cousin as it’s not my business, but I thought I could safely vent a little here. This is my opinion and I’m not sure why my concern for everyone’s safety is something to minimize and question. <modsnip>
JMO

 

[Cool Cats]

Who Should Get First Coronavirus Vaccine Shot? Experts Release Priority List

The advisory committee in the UK says that the first COVID-19 jabs should be for care home residents and staffs

Vaccine Priority (Representational picture) Pixabay

As per the committee, the experts have examined the data on who suffers the worst outcomes of COVID-19 disease and who are at the highest risk of dying from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As per the list, the priority should be:

• Older adults in a care home and care home workers
• Aged 80 and above, and health and social care workers
• all those 75 years of age and over
• all those 70 years of age and over
• all those 65 years of age and over
• high-risk adults under 65 years of age
• moderate-risk adults under 65 years of age
• all those 60 years of age and over
• all those 55 years of age and over
• all those 50 years of age and over
• rest of the population (priority to be determined)

 

[10ofRods]

The fact that CoVid can be spread far and wide with the infected person having no symptoms is, of course, one of the biggest challenges in reducing its spread (parents sending known-to-be-infected kids to school notwithstanding).

New research adds to growing evidence for asymptomatic spread of Covid-19

It's really hard to get out ahead of healthy young people who 1) spread without knowing it, 2) are more likely to be asymptomatic and 3) are very social.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Well, our school children are doing quite well with low covid numbers... But Gov DeSantis also opened up all the bars 100% !!

So looks like the good school numbers gave a good reason to celebrate!!!

https://nypost.com/2020/09/27/florida-bars-packed-after-state-lifts-covid-19-restrictions/

 

[10ofRods]

I recently spoke with a former female co-worker. She called to wish me a Happy Retirement. I had no idea she had Covid. She is in her early 60's. Stated it was 2 weeks of pure he77. Spent her time on the couch. Up to the bathroom only and to get a meal her grown children would drop at her door. They also dropped off a walker as she was so dizzy when she did get up they feared a fall given she lives alone. Described fatigue, aches and fever as intense. Started turning the corner at 2 weeks yet continued to test positive for 6 more weeks. She also stated she has no long term side effects that she is aware of. Obvious I have no link to provide.

Thank you for those details, Bravo. Really drives home the point that estimated quarantine times are only that - averages. It would appear that at least 20% of CV+ people are still positive 3 weeks later - and 10% still shedding virions 4 weeks after their positive test (and in some people, as with your coworker - longer than that).

Think of what that would mean if the CV+ person was asymptomatic and untested...lots of people would be infected, especially if that person rode public transportation or worked in a small office...

 

[10ofRods]

We follow CDC guidelines at Ohio universities as well. No testing necessary after meeting CDC guidelines. You don't need a negative test to return to class or work.

Which, of course, is really bad advice. <modsnip: politicizing>

That also means that Ohio's stats on active vs resolved cases is meaningless.

But - as long as faculty can social distance and wear masks (and I'd wear goggles if I were in a typical classroom), hopefully it will remain in the populations with the best immune systems.

Ohio's overall death rates have just crept higher than California's, but are still below the national average (however, New York and New Jersey really skewed that average - without them in the mix, Ohio would be at around the average death rate for the US - so far). Bears watching.

 

[10ofRods]

VERY GOOD USA COUNTY MAP
TRACKING LAST 7 DAYS LAB TEST POSITIVITY

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ei8Iqf6U8AAkqV-?format=jpg&name=large

Jorge A. Caballero, MD
@DataDrivenMD
·Sep 27

Great resource - thank you so much.