Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #94

[Yesiamapirate]

Interesting article regarding Michigan’s recent Covid surge. I am from Michigan.

Why does Michigan have high COVID-19 rates? Whitmer weighs in

From the article:
Whitmer said every three to four months state officials consult with national experts, and she had conversations with four experts this week — the week that Michigan became the worse state in the country in terms of COVID-19 cases per capita in the last seven days.
"Each one of them said a variation of the same kind of analysis about what we're seeing here in Michigan. No. 1, we did a really good job early on keeping our numbers low and because of that we've got fewer people per capita who have antibodies than a lot of other states do," she said. "So we were very successful early on, but right now that means in the wake of variants that are easier to catch, we have fewer people with antibodies. And that's why rushing to vaccinate is so crucial.“

For me it is interesting that our governor admitted that keeping numbers low saved lives, but now it is catching up with us because we have fewer people with antibodies. Vaccine roll out will help but it seems this surge is something we just ride out. I am thankful she is not considering more restrictions at this point. We are more restricted than many states and look where it got us. We are not any better off death and case rate per 1000 than other states that had fewer restrictions. MOO.

 

[Inthedetails]

Interesting article regarding Michigan’s recent Covid surge. I am from Michigan.

Why does Michigan have high COVID-19 rates? Whitmer weighs in

From the article:
Whitmer said every three to four months state officials consult with national experts, and she had conversations with four experts this week — the week that Michigan became the worse state in the country in terms of COVID-19 cases per capita in the last seven days.
"Each one of them said a variation of the same kind of analysis about what we're seeing here in Michigan. No. 1, we did a really good job early on keeping our numbers low and because of that we've got fewer people per capita who have antibodies than a lot of other states do," she said. "So we were very successful early on, but right now that means in the wake of variants that are easier to catch, we have fewer people with antibodies. And that's why rushing to vaccinate is so crucial.“

For me it is interesting that our governor admitted that keeping numbers low saved lives, but now it is catching up with us because we have fewer people with antibodies. Vaccine roll out will help but it seems this surge is something we just ride out. I am thankful she is not considering more restrictions at this point. We are more restricted than many states and look where it got us. We are not any better off death and case rate per 1000 than other states that had fewer restrictions. MOO.

If the early restrictions kept the virus from spreading, then continued restrictions would've keep the virus (and its many variants) from spreading. The early restrictions are not the culprit for the spread now, it's that people weren't willing to see the restrictions through, imo.

jmo

 

[weepingangel]

best of luck scoring those @Lilibet

Walgreens in Mass apparently are getting the j&j now so they had increased availability recently I guess.
So dh will need to make an account and check in there (@7am ) daily if he wants. I’d love him to get that, one and done. One less to worry about. I’m soooo done worrying.

When I scheduled our vaccinations online Friday for May 3, the calendar showed green for most of April and May all day. But now I wonder if that actually indicates vaccine availability. I’m going to call and find out if the calendar openings match reality.

I made the appointment with the private medical system that serves several rural counties in Southern Oregon. At least three hospitals and most providers are in this system, so it’s almost a monopoly along with one other system. I wonder if they get large allotments because of size. But I would hate to find out the week before our appointment that “Oops, sorry. We ran out.” Then I’ll join @weepingangel in the anxiety zone.

This is just practice before the “kids” get eligible in two weeks. One will need the Pfizer and a site that does under 18s (some don’t)
I’ll try and channel some patience. But we have a new baby in the family anydaynow, one now back in school part time (after much angst, more anxiety and not up for debate) and a high risk essential in da house.
I’m not so much worried about running out, moreso just selfishly hoping for ASAP ( me and millions of others I know )

Blast from the past! My dh (then boyfriend) had the knack for winning concert tickets from call-in radio shows. We went to quite a few in our broke student days. I was never able to get through the line, and I can still hear the busy signal.

It does feel the same trying to score an appointment, and that is a disappointment to me. I told myself I wouldn't get stressed about it and relaxed....and as soon as I did that, I managed to get an appointment.

The way I figured it, the batches of vaccines will keep coming and eventually everyone will get one. They won't run out, ykwim?

jmo

 

[Yesiamapirate]

If the early restrictions kept the virus from spreading, then continued restrictions would've keep the virus (and its many variants) from spreading. The early restrictions are not the culprit for the spread now, it's that people weren't willing to see the restrictions through, imo.

jmo

Inthedetails, you are absolutely right. I agree with you in that the restrictions did help and potentially would help now. But I get from the article that our governor is taking a different approach. Our numbers to date are worse than many less less restricted states, adjusted for population. Maybe that is the reason. MOO.
Why does Michigan have high COVID-19 rates? Whitmer weighs in

 

[Inthedetails]

Inthedetails, you are absolutely right. I agree with you in that the restrictions did help and potentially would help now. But I get from the article that our governor is taking a different approach. Our numbers to date are worse than many less less restricted states, adjusted for population. Maybe that is the reason. MOO.
Why does Michigan have high COVID-19 rates? Whitmer weighs in

I understand.

I wish it could have been different, but wishful thinking about the past doesn't help.

jmo

 

[Yesiamapirate]

I understand.

I wish it could have been different, but wishful thinking about the past doesn't help.

jmo

Sometimes it seems I am forever in search of the answer that will make sense. Not just in this subject but Covid in general. This awful virus has taken so many lives and changed countless others. My hope is that as time goes we really do learn what we could have done better to save lives. Bless you all!

 

[zencompass]

Studies are being conducted on fluvoxamine (an antidepressive drug normally prescribed for OCD, however could be "repurposed for Covid symptoms").

It doesn't prevent people from getting covid but certainly appears to lessen severe symptoms and posssibly prevent deaths.

Articles:

Fluvoxamine may prevent serious illness in COVID-19 patients, study suggests: Antidepressant drug repurposed for patients with coronavirus infection

Fluvoxamine may prevent serious illness in COVID-19 patients, study suggests Antidepressant drug repurposed for patients with coronavirus infection
Date:
November 12, 2020
Source:
Washington University School of Medicine
Summary:
Researchers have completed a clinical trial suggesting that the antidepressant drug fluvoxamine may help prevent deterioration in COVID-19 patients, making hospitalization less likely.

Fluvoxamine vs Placebo and Clinical Deterioration in Outpatients With Symptomatic COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed

 

[zencompass]

Dr. Gupta examines 'promising' drug Fluvoxamine that may help Covid-19 effects - CNN Video

 

[WildOrchid]

I am FINALLY scheduled to get my first vaccine this Tuesday. Remember the frustration and headache? If anyone wants a tip, inbox me. I don’t think I can share here.

 

[LadyL]

ugh - Letters to the editor: 'I feel like I'm fighting for my life' waiting for second COVID shot

 

[GRT]

For me it is interesting that our governor admitted that keeping numbers low saved lives, but now it is catching up with us because we have fewer people with antibodies. Vaccine roll out will help but it seems this surge is something we just ride out. I am thankful she is not considering more restrictions at this point. We are more restricted than many states and look where it got us. We are not any better off death and case rate per 1000 than other states that had fewer restrictions. MOO.

I never really thought of that but I can see where it could happen. I don't think anyone was initially worried about whether mutations would come along later and pose a greater risk to a citizenry that didn't have antibodies. I don't think I ever heard anyone predict that scenario.

I really think most leaders tried to do the best thing based on their understanding of what was happening.

If what Whitmer says is true, I think we better start focusing on sending the vaccine to states and countries that had the strongest restrictions because they could be at the greatest risk from the new mutations.

Am I understanding that correctly?

 

[margarita25]

Studies are being conducted on fluvoxamine (an antidepressive drug normally prescribed for OCD, however could be "repurposed for Covid symptoms").

It doesn't prevent people from getting covid but certainly appears to lessen severe symptoms and posssibly prevent deaths.

Articles:

Fluvoxamine may prevent serious illness in COVID-19 patients, study suggests: Antidepressant drug repurposed for patients with coronavirus infection

Fluvoxamine may prevent serious illness in COVID-19 patients, study suggests Antidepressant drug repurposed for patients with coronavirus infection
Date:
November 12, 2020
Source:
Washington University School of Medicine
Summary:
Researchers have completed a clinical trial suggesting that the antidepressant drug fluvoxamine may help prevent deterioration in COVID-19 patients, making hospitalization less likely.

Fluvoxamine vs Placebo and Clinical Deterioration in Outpatients With Symptomatic COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed

Dr. Gupta examines 'promising' drug Fluvoxamine that may help Covid-19 effects - CNN Video

Whaat? Wow.

 

[ilovewings]

ugh - Letters to the editor: 'I feel like I'm fighting for my life' waiting for second COVID shot

I am sorry to hear that your government is acting so irresponsibly--
i dont understand the thought process behind deviating from protocol
to such an extreme extent-- such a deviation would seem to leave
people needlessly exposed to this wicked virus

 

[zencompass]

Whaat? Wow.

New report describes positive results of generic drug in treating COVID | BioSpace

"This real-world evidence study provides additional independent confirmation that fluvoxamine is highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death from COVID,'' said Steve Kirsch, a Silicon Valley high-tech entrepreneur and the founder of CETF, a charitable organization that funds outpatient trials of existing drugs. "Repurposed drugs always have had the potential to be the fastest and least expensive way out of this pandemic. In this study, fluvoxamine was again shown to be 100% effective in the early treatment of COVID.''

 

[LadyL]

I am sorry to hear that your government is acting so irresponsibly--
i dont understand the thought process behind deviating from protocol
to such an extreme extent-- such a deviation would seem to leave
people needlessly exposed to this wicked virus

I guess they don't know wtf they're doing? it's going to be months before I can get vaccinated and my husband just got an email that someone at his work has Covid so I'm worried

 

[CrimeAway]

Some recent videos from the TWIV team:

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[ilovewings]

I guess they don't know wtf they're doing? it's going to be months before I can get vaccinated and my husband just got an email that someone at his work has Covid so I'm worried

I am sorry you have to go through this --- because your government is not doing the best it can for its citizens. Hoping so much for you and your husband that you can avoid the virus.

 

[margarita25]

I guess they don't know wtf they're doing? it's going to be months before I can get vaccinated and my husband just got an email that someone at his work has Covid so I'm worried

Sending positive thoughts your way, LadyL.

 

[epiphany]

The most common quests answered about side effects updated today is linked below.

Some interesting info that I wasn't aware of.

Is the Second Dose Bad? If I Feel OK, Is It Working? Can I Take Tylenol?

<snip> While it’s true that women may be more likely to report side effects than men, the higher rate of side effects in women also has a biological explanation. Estrogen can stimulate an immune response, whereas testosterone can blunt it. In addition, many immune-related genes are on the X chromosome, of which women have two copies and men have only one.

 

[Satchie]

Inthedetails, you are absolutely right. I agree with you in that the restrictions did help and potentially would help now. But I get from the article that our governor is taking a different approach. Our numbers to date are worse than many less less restricted states, adjusted for population. Maybe that is the reason. MOO.
Why does Michigan have high COVID-19 rates? Whitmer weighs in

I wouldn't compare number of cases per million population, I'd go by number of deaths. Every jurisdiction has different testing policies, whereas deaths are all counted. In that case Michigan is about average with the US as a whole. United States Coronavirus: 31,375,588 Cases and 568,427 Deaths - Worldometer

Another personal opinion: states with big cities will always be worse hit than states with smaller cities, eg Colorado, Conneticut, etc. Detroit's a huge city, which has had a low rate till now.

Where I am in Canada, it's similar, people have been careful for a year and transmission has been low, except for terrible numbers of death in nursing homes. People are claiming 'covid fatigue', like it's a real thing, and ignoring all the advice about social distancing, not visiting indoors etc, and now we're rapidly increasing numbers. I was just thinking earlier, some people will just have to get sick/know people who get sick, before they take it seriously again.

Fortunately, nursing home residents and elderly are vaccinated now, so hopefully they won't be the victims of other people's carelessness.

British Columbians hit the road despite long weekend health warnings