COVID 2022:
So now its 2022 and as its name suggests Covid-19 is going into its 3rd year of existence.
Let’s summarize what we have learned and how this information can be helpful going forward.
I would also like to address some of the numerous myths out there.
COVID-19 VACCINES:
First off: The biggest deal is the vaccines, we have learned a lot. They are safe and very effective. 90% of people dying from Covid now are unvaccinated, what more do you need to know?
My hesitation regarding mRNA vaccines is now gone. I think one should always have a healthy skepticism but once science proves the point we should move on. After millions of vaccinations the jury is in. They are safe and effective.
Some people still need to be careful about which one they get but every one should get something.
I was a little hesitant regarding younger people because of the unknowns with the mechanism of action of the mRNA vaccines but now I am comfortable with children being vaccinated. I don’t know why Moderna has not been authorized below 17 yet, it could be they are still trying to figure out the dose, since Moderna’s dose is larger in the basic shot.
Women who has been vaccinated pass protective antibodies to their babies in breast milk.
FACT: The recommendation for a Booster has now been changed to 5 months from the last vaccination.
Patients who have already received the initial series and a booster may be eligible for an additional booster if their immunocompromised status warrants it.
FACT: Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine gives most people a high level of protection against COVID-19 and can provide added protection for people who have already had COVID-19. One study showed that, for people who already had COVID-19, those who do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more than 2 times as likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get fully vaccinated after their recovery.
Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Getting sick with COVID-19 can cause severe illness or death, and we can’t reliably predict who will have mild or severe illness. If you get sick, you can spread COVID-19 to others. You can also continue to have long-term health issues after COVID-19 infection.
FACT: COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. So they cannot alter your DNA.
FACT: Covid vaccinations have no effect on male or female fertility and do not change a woman’s menstruation. In addition they are recommended for pregnant women.
MYTH: Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will cause you to test positive on a viral test.
FACT: None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. You may test positive on some antibody (blood) tests which are used to see if you have developed immunity from previous infection or vaccination.
At this point we know that the vaccines are safer than the antiviral medicines that have been given EUA, don’t put yourself in the position of needing one.
If you are asymptomatic and think you were exposed to Covid but got a negative home test you can get a PCR test after 5 days.
If you are symptomatic just follow the guidelines for quarantine.
At this point it seems that almost everyone knows someone who is positive for Covid unlike this time last year.
Here are some of the differences I have noticed between the Delta and Omicron variants:
Last year the Delta was much more severe, possibly because fewer people were vaccinated. It was more likely to infect and damage the lungs and cause pneumonia. People were sicker for longer.
Omicron on the other hand often starts with a sore throat and pressure around the eyes like a sinus infection headache. It may feel like a bad flu for a couple of days but it doesn’t seem to cause the high fever, loss of taste and smell and severe respiratory symptoms that Delta does. Vaccinated people do very well with it. 90% of people who end up admitted to hospital have not been vaccinated.
The biggest problem with Omicron is that it spreads like wild fire, it is even more contagious than the flu!
In other news, FYI:
Concierge Program:
The annual discount ends January 31st.
The Laurel office will be open Saturday February 5th.
Concierge can be seen any day by special appointment.
We are still giving Booster and initial vaccination shots.
You will need to bring proof of vaccination when you come to the office.
Happy New Year!
