August covid thread

[pixy0stix]

In case you were wondering, our county health department is still sending out official orders for home confinement (5 days) if you test positive for covid at the doctor's office. My husband received one yesterday.

[NewOrleans]

I was wondering how they decide to rename a variant. There was Alpha, Delta, Omicron… BA 4 and 5 are technically still Omicron but how come it’s not its own name? It’s changed enough to really elude immunity.

[Velar Fricative]

Aug 2, 2022 10:13:05 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

I was wondering how they decide to rename a variant. There was Alpha, Delta, Omicron… BA 4 and 5 are technically still Omicron but how come it’s not its own name? It’s changed enough to really elude immunity.

Per my understanding from the WHO below, it's likely because the new subvariants have the same clear lineage from OG Omicron, and none have reached that threshold of "Oh shit, this barely looks like Omicron now."

www.who.int/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants

However, I did see some scientists believe the subvariants could have been considered variants if we were dealing with the speed of evolution from 1-2 years ago. Omicron just mutates so much faster that I guess the consensus right now is to keep them under the Omicron umbrella. 

[rubytue]

Thought I’d bump the non-@ thread for something different.

It’s been 6 months since my first dose of evusheld. Was at my doctor today and that came up. We had a pretty long discussion about Covid, treatments, preventatives, etc. he said the guidance says to redose evulsheld at 6 months, so if I want it he can schedule it. But, he also said he “can’t strongly recommend it” because the current efficacy isn’t great anymore. So, you know, if you want it, we have plenty. If no, so big deal. And I just find this interesting. FWIW, I said sure, I don’t see the harm.

[sillygoosegirl]

So, hypothetically speaking, if you were going on a cruise and needed a negative COVID test to get on said cruise, would you mask for your cross country flight 8 days before the cruise?

Asking for a friend... actually my father-in-law, who is spending said 8 days with me and a bunch of other people. He is symptomatic and insists it's not COVID, even though the home test showed a line clear as day to 40-year-old eyes (but apparently not to his eyes). Shoulda taken a picture of it.

[rubytue]

Aug 10, 2022 21:24:40 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

So, hypothetically speaking, if you were going on a cruise and needed a negative COVID test to get on said cruise, would you mask for your cross country flight 8 days before the cruise?

Asking for a friend... actually my father-in-law, who is spending said 8 days with me and a bunch of other people. He is symptomatic and insists it's not COVID, even though the home test showed a line clear as day to 40-year-old eyes (but apparently not to his eyes). Shoulda taken a picture of it.

Not hypothetically, I would mask on any flight. Just did it a few weeks ago.  I’m sorry. 

[curbsideprophet]

Aug 10, 2022 22:20:31 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Aug 10, 2022 21:24:40 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

So, hypothetically speaking, if you were going on a cruise and needed a negative COVID test to get on said cruise, would you mask for your cross country flight 8 days before the cruise?

Asking for a friend... actually my father-in-law, who is spending said 8 days with me and a bunch of other people. He is symptomatic and insists it's not COVID, even though the home test showed a line clear as day to 40-year-old eyes (but apparently not to his eyes). Shoulda taken a picture of it.

When is his flight? I mean, I certainly wouldn’t let someone with a positive covid test come stay with me. He should stay home and just come right before the cruise assuming he’s past the quarantine guidelines and is feeling better.

I agree with this. I definitely would not let someone symptomatic with a positive test stay with me.

Transmission is so high everywhere right now I would wear a mask on any flight.

[sillygoosegirl]

Aug 10, 2022 22:46:49 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

Aug 10, 2022 22:20:31 GMT -5 mofongo said:

When is his flight? I mean, I certainly wouldn’t let someone with a positive covid test come stay with me. He should stay home and just come right before the cruise assuming he’s past the quarantine guidelines and is feeling better.

I agree with this. I definitely would not let someone symptomatic with a positive test stay with me.

Transmission is so high everywhere right now I would wear a mask on any flight.

The flight was several days ago now. He didn't have COVID symptoms or testing before the flight. He started having symptoms in between the flight and the cruise, several days into seeing us, a couple days before it was time to test for the cruise.

More than half the people I know personally who have flown recently have gotten COVID on their trip or right after returning. I understand a lot of people have given up on trying to avoid COVID entirely and want to get on with life, but I'm just so confused about not taking really basic precautions like masking in crowded indoor spaces during a surge, during the days leading up to a high stakes COVID test like this, where he knew it would ruin his vacation.

I absolutely should have pestered him ahead of time about precautions before agreeing to this trip, but it just didn't occur to me he would be this careless when testing was required to get on the cruise!

It really is like we are living in parallel universes.

[mrsukyankee]

sillygoosegirl , yup. My brother stupidly decided not to mask on his flight between NM & PA, while we did (one of few). He got Covid. We didn't. While he could have gotten it elsewhere, it's likely the flight that did him in. I would not fly without masking (and will do on our flight to Spain in Sept).

[rubytue]

I spent a lot of time on cruise critic before my cruise last month, and what sillygoosegirl talks about does no surprise me at all. OMG the number of people calling for testing to be dropped before a cruise (and some lines are starting to 😬) on the basis of “it does no good because airports are the problem” - but then, they won’t do the basics like wearing an N95-type mask in airports. Just resigned to “I’m going to get it on the plane, the testing won’t catch that, so it’s all so pointless.” And then all the “I wore a mask and still got it, masks don’t work, testing doesn’t work, vaccination doesn’t work. Eff it.” attitudes.

And I think back to where we were in 2020 with masks. When the CDC started saying to wear cloth masks (because it was better than nothing, and there were not better options readily available). But, I don’t think anyone has rolled that back since KN95, N95, KF94 masks actually became available. And yet, cloth masks are still considered by many to be a “mask.” Sorry folks, but especially now that people aren’t masking, if you aren’t wearing a rated mask, it’s not going to do much at all. Cloth masks protect others from your germs, but if you want to protect yourself, you need something with a filtration rating.

[TR]

I really hope they get the new boosters out soon. And just open it to everyone. I think we’ve seen there’s no huge rush of people getting them like initial vaccinations so it’s not like it would be keeping them from those who are most vulnerable.

[pixy0stix]

Aug 11, 2022 8:14:13 GMT -5 TR said:

I really hope they get the new boosters out soon. And just open it to everyone. I think we’ve seen there’s no huge rush of people getting them like initial vaccinations so it’s not like it would be keeping them from those who are most vulnerable.

I don't think it's a supply issue. It's whether or not you actually need a booster and aren't over medicating yourself. Boosters aren't meant to keep you from getting it. They're there to make sure you don't end up in the hospital.

[TR]

Aug 11, 2022 8:24:45 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Aug 11, 2022 8:14:13 GMT -5 TR said:

I really hope they get the new boosters out soon. And just open it to everyone. I think we’ve seen there’s no huge rush of people getting them like initial vaccinations so it’s not like it would be keeping them from those who are most vulnerable.

I don't think it's a supply issue. It's whether or not you actually need a booster and aren't over medicating yourself. Boosters aren't meant to keep you from getting it. They're there to make sure you don't end up in the hospital.

But if there’s not a supply issue and me not getting it at all is still a net positive and I don’t mind overmedicating myself I think I should have that choice lol

[aurora]

I'm annoyed that I'm still coughing 2.5 weeks after getting COVID. I otherwise feel fine and keep testing negative, and I have a history of lingering coughs after colds so it's not completely unexpected, but I just want to be done with this. And I hate having to explain "well, it's sort of COVID-related, but here's the whole story..."

[wanderingback]

Aug 11, 2022 9:02:55 GMT -5 TR said:

Aug 11, 2022 8:24:45 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I don't think it's a supply issue. It's whether or not you actually need a booster and aren't over medicating yourself. Boosters aren't meant to keep you from getting it. They're there to make sure you don't end up in the hospital.

But if there’s not a supply issue and me not getting it at all is still a net positive and I don’t mind overmedicating myself I think I should have that choice lol

Well from a science perspective "overmedicating" with vaccines means that your body/immune won’t respond appropriately to allow the vaccines to work properly.

I have no inside info, but I think the reason they didn’t authorize a 4th shot to everyone now is because the new formulation is supposed to come out soon. So getting a 4th shot now and then the new formulation in a month would not be beneficial at all.

You know I’m all about give me all the vaccines, so just explaining why "overmedicating" wouldn’t be helpful in this situation.

Covid is still so new, still learning a lot as well.

[TR]

Aug 11, 2022 9:08:11 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Aug 11, 2022 9:02:55 GMT -5 TR said:

But if there’s not a supply issue and me not getting it at all is still a net positive and I don’t mind overmedicating myself I think I should have that choice lol

Well from a science perspective "overmedicating" with vaccines means that your body/immune won’t respond appropriately to allow the vaccines to work properly.

I have no inside info, but I think the reason they didn’t authorize a 4th shot to everyone now is because the new formulation is supposed to come out soon. So getting a 4th shot now and then the new formulation in a month would not be beneficial at all.

You know I’m all about give me all the vaccines, so just explaining why "overmedicating" wouldn’t be helpful in this situation.

Covid is still so new, still learning a lot as well.

Well, that’s what I mean, the new formulation. I’d like the chance to get that from the outset vs the different levels of risk as long as there’s no supply issues.

[pixy0stix]

Aug 11, 2022 9:08:11 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Aug 11, 2022 9:02:55 GMT -5 TR said:

But if there’s not a supply issue and me not getting it at all is still a net positive and I don’t mind overmedicating myself I think I should have that choice lol

Well from a science perspective "overmedicating" with vaccines means that your body/immune won’t respond appropriately to allow the vaccines to work properly.

I have no inside info, but I think the reason they didn’t authorize a 4th shot to everyone now is because the new formulation is supposed to come out soon. So getting a 4th shot now and then the new formulation in a month would not be beneficial at all.

You know I’m all about give me all the vaccines, so just explaining why "overmedicating" wouldn’t be helpful in this situation.

Covid is still so new, still learning a lot as well.

Thanks for putting the science "why" behind it. All my brain could spit out this morning was over medicating. LOL!

[wanderingback]

Aug 11, 2022 9:25:42 GMT -5 TR said:

Aug 11, 2022 9:08:11 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Well from a science perspective "overmedicating" with vaccines means that your body/immune won’t respond appropriately to allow the vaccines to work properly.

I have no inside info, but I think the reason they didn’t authorize a 4th shot to everyone now is because the new formulation is supposed to come out soon. So getting a 4th shot now and then the new formulation in a month would not be beneficial at all.

You know I’m all about give me all the vaccines, so just explaining why "overmedicating" wouldn’t be helpful in this situation.

Covid is still so new, still learning a lot as well.

Well, that’s what I mean, the new formulation. I’d like the chance to get that from the outset vs the different levels of risk as long as there’s no supply issues.

Ahh yes, my understanding is that it will be available to everyone. I think it’s just a supply chain thing right now as it takes time to manufacture the doses.

[TR]

Aug 11, 2022 9:36:53 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Aug 11, 2022 9:25:42 GMT -5 TR said:

Well, that’s what I mean, the new formulation. I’d like the chance to get that from the outset vs the different levels of risk as long as there’s no supply issues.

Ahh yes, my understanding is that it will be available to everyone. I think it’s just a supply chain thing right now as it takes time to manufacture the doses.

Awesome. That’s all I want lol. The chance to get the new formulation as soon as I can.

[dancingirl21]

I received a call last night from the CDC National Immunization Survey. It was a good 20 minute survey that asked all kinds of questions about number of people in my house, Covid vaccination status, and specific questions about me and Covid (including vaccinations). It was very interesting and I’m glad to have been chosen to participate.

[rubytue]

Aug 11, 2022 9:08:11 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Aug 11, 2022 9:02:55 GMT -5 TR said:

But if there’s not a supply issue and me not getting it at all is still a net positive and I don’t mind overmedicating myself I think I should have that choice lol

Well from a science perspective "overmedicating" with vaccines means that your body/immune won’t respond appropriately to allow the vaccines to work properly.

I have no inside info, but I think the reason they didn’t authorize a 4th shot to everyone now is because the new formulation is supposed to come out soon. So getting a 4th shot now and then the new formulation in a month would not be beneficial at all.

You know I’m all about give me all the vaccines, so just explaining why "overmedicating" wouldn’t be helpful in this situation.

Covid is still so new, still learning a lot as well.

My mind went through this when I was debating my 4th shot, knowing I had Evusheld running around in me. It was this whole debate about if I’d “use up” (for lack of a better word) the evusheld mabs on the vaccine, leaving me with less mabs and no chance for the vaccine to work. I ended up talking this through with an MD buddy and a friend that works in MAB development. I ended up deciding to do it, but no one could actually tell me if my fear was justified. The best I got was that each exposure helps train thing a bit, but the problem with vaccinating too soon if that your own antibodies attack the vaccine and clear it before it has a chance to work. And everyone agreed with getting the 4th vaccine. 

[ssmjlm]

Found out yesterday that last week at a work conference someone had a heart attack and when they got to the hospital tested positive.

So they had everyone at the conference test. Someone tested positive, but still flew home. They had already arranged for anyone testing positive to stay at the hotel, work paid/per diem included, for the five day quarantine, but nope.

I joked and said "Dang, a 5 day hotel stay alone? Sign me up!"

[wanderingback]

I just got a reminder appointment for my follow up 2 year and final appointment for covid vaccine trial. Even though things still aren’t great in regards to covid with many unknowns it was a good reminder about how far we’ve come, how scientists and others have been working hard and how I am so thankful for vaccines.

I was in the placebo group for my trial and ultimately got a different manufacturer for my actual vaccine but they’ve still kept us on the schedule for monitoring with blood work. Glad I was able to complete the 2 years!

[NewOrleans]

www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/fall-outlook-covid-19-vaccines-variants-monkeypox

Given that the mRNA booster doses haven’t prevented Omicron subvariant transmission as well as hoped, this might not be the best strategy, he added.

It may be time to examine other approaches for boosters. Scientists are looking at longer-term strategies to develop a universal coronavirus vaccine that uses alternative delivery mechanisms via mucosa or skin, he said.

(And monkeypox update)

The virus could become a permanent fixture if it gets into animal populations. The next thing that happens is a pandemic, which is why ramping up production of the Bavarian Nordic modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine is so vital, he said. An older, more abundant vaccine used for eradicating smallpox may prove useful, if there’s a way to safely mix and match it with the MVA vaccine, he suggested.

[melmaria]

Updated Covid boosters could be available in 3 weeks: abcnews.go.com/Politics/updated-covid-boosters-weeks-white-house-predicts/story?id=88462014

[wanderingback]

Aug 18, 2022 10:23:30 GMT -5 melmaria said:

Updated Covid boosters could be available in 3 weeks: abcnews.go.com/Politics/updated-covid-boosters-weeks-white-house-predicts/story?id=88462014

I’ve been trying to find if they cdc and fda have meetings set up for approval. Anyone seen anything specific?

It’s so crazy that we’ve run out of money for funding covid stuff.
I know not related at all but when things like the war in Ukraine happen it seems like billions is automatically available (not arguing we shouldn’t help), but then other important issues money has run out. I know it’s not as simple as that but still makes one think.

[rubytue]

Aug 18, 2022 12:42:54 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Aug 18, 2022 10:23:30 GMT -5 melmaria said:

Updated Covid boosters could be available in 3 weeks: abcnews.go.com/Politics/updated-covid-boosters-weeks-white-house-predicts/story?id=88462014

I’ve been trying to find if they cdc and fda have meetings set up for approval. Anyone seen anything specific?

I sometimes check the calendar and I don’t see anything vaccine related until… Sept 22? 
www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/advisory-committee-calendar

[curbsideprophet]

Has there been any word on how long you need to wait for this booster after a previous booster?

[wanderingback]

Aug 18, 2022 17:34:49 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

Has there been any word on how long you need to wait for this booster after a previous booster?

No, they haven’t given guidelines yet.

[wanderingback]

Aug 18, 2022 14:33:55 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Aug 18, 2022 12:42:54 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

I’ve been trying to find if they cdc and fda have meetings set up for approval. Anyone seen anything specific?

I sometimes check the calendar and I don’t see anything vaccine related until… Sept 22? 
www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/advisory-committee-calendar

Oh yes thanks for the calendar, thanks for sending!
Yeah I see the same and that’s in regards to something for C Diff.