Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #105

[Bailey38]

It is heartbreaking. I remember my college years, parties, dorm living, dances, casual friendships. None of that is really part of campus life now. Sure, live in the dorm, straight to your room with your mask. Don't forget to get tested each week. Do you have your vaccine card?

My daughter had to eat alone, at a table in the cafeteria. Everyone at their own isolated table. No wonder she was done with "college life". Go to your room, alone, hook up to your online class. The whole experience was crushing her. The way she described it at Christmas made it sound more like solitary confinement in a prison.

She is working full-time now, living in an apartment. Maybe she will go back. Or not.

The same with my granddaughter, she completed her first entire year of college online, in her dorm room. Meals in the room, still paying full price for the education. She didn't return and waited until she was fully vaccinated, went to work at a fast food place. That was more educational for her than college, about the human race. The people screaming at her because they didn't think the cup size was correct (all the cups) , whatever they could do or insult the employees, they did. Treated horribly by customers. All drive through, dining area closed.

She had cried to me one evening a few years ago because she was 17 and never been kissed. I told her it could be the other way and she could be 17 and a baby on her hip. lol. She has met a wonderful young man, oddly enough a friend of her best friends boyfriend who saw her on their Instagram. They met, instantly fell in love. He's first generation Hispanic here in the states. They are the same age, he might be a few months younger.

They all caught COVID before Thanksgiving, all vaxxed. His father died, very hard to deal with at any stage of life, harder in youth, IMO. They have went forward to getting an apartment, he will continue his education and she got a job cleaning at the automotive plant for $20.00 an hour. Absolutely loves it, she said no one is screaming at her, she does her job and goes home. Four days a week, time and a half for 2 of the days.

This generation, it's going to be the one to watch I believe. They have a great deal of anxiety and have seen, experienced so much at one time. Things are changing, our lives aren't going to be the same again, or I should say lifestyle. She is doing a writing class online.

Who knows what's going to happen but these kids have seen a great deal in a short amount of time. Illness, death, seclusion, protests, politics, crime, 24 hour social media, and they are taking notes.

 

[WichitaFalls]

I’m currently on day 5 of symptoms with what I assume is omicron. I tested positive 3 days ago. And let me tell you, it’s been awful. And I am so annoyed that I have it. I’m vaccinated (was *thisclose* to qualifying for the booster when I got Covid, then *thisclose* to the 90 day wait between Covid and the booster when I got it again!!)

I’m not even sure the booster would’ve helped honestly. This variant doesn’t seem to care at all about vaccine status in terms of catching the virus. If it’s helping make it milder, all I can say is I would’ve been in the hospital if it’s really helping. I’m not convinced I won’t end up there anyway. It’s that bad. I’ll get a brief reprieve of a couple of hours when all of my meds are working semi-ok, but that’s it.

I really hate this virus. Everything about it.

I hate it too! I'm sorry you're sick and hope the worst is short lived and you feel better very soon.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I got Covid. The omicron variant. I'm vaxxed and boosted, Pfizer. Was boosted 10-24.

I never had a fever. No loss of taste or smell. It was like a bad head cold/upper respiratory infection.

The only difference between previous upper respiratory infections/bronchitis.... was the sore throat part. No pain in the tonsils or uvela. The area behind my tonsils felt like I was swallowing tiny shards of glass.

I had no follow up treatment after the positive test. There was no monoclonal antibodies or pharmacies that had any product to fill a prescription.

I have done my 5 days of isolation (starting with day zero). I am going back to work tomorrow. According to CDC guidelines. I feel ready to go back today.

well, it does sound as if you are not having some of the lingering effects that many have had, so that is good. Headaches and back aches seem to linger the worst.
Thanks for that effective description of the throat location and pains... helpful to know.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

My son started college this year. living in the dorm. Everything is normal. In person classes. Students must be vaccinated or test weekly.

He's happy, comfortable. Getting straight A's and had 16 college credits applied from his HS AP classes.

Things are what people make them. Do what you are supposed to do. Mask up, social distance, wash your hands.... All is well.

`I see both the super stressed kids, and the ones who are doing fine with all the issues......
In some ways, I do think kids in Florida have it much easier in that you can really be outside to refresh and regenerate....
I know how much less isolated I feel spending so much time outdoors.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

My brother tested positive with a rapid test this morning, after two weeks of coughing and a few negative tests. He had a PCR test appointment later today. This would be his second infection. He first had Covid last May, weeks after the first vaccine shot. He had a second shot in October and was about to get boosted. I hope he doesn't get worse. One of his coworkers' wives, who is pregnant with twins, is currently on a ventilator. She isn't vaccinated.

I'm trying to limit exposure, which isn't always easy. Since the vaccines became available to everyone, many employers don't encourage/allow working from home any more, even when it could be easily done. Quite predictably, cases here are through the roof with 80% increase from last week. Chances are that we're all going to get it if we can't isolate.

omg... heartbreaking.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I’m currently on day 5 of symptoms with what I assume is omicron. I tested positive 3 days ago. And let me tell you, it’s been awful. And I am so annoyed that I have it. I’m vaccinated (was *thisclose* to qualifying for the booster when I got Covid, then *thisclose* to the 90 day wait between Covid and the booster when I got it again!!)

I’m not even sure the booster would’ve helped honestly. This variant doesn’t seem to care at all about vaccine status in terms of catching the virus. If it’s helping make it milder, all I can say is I would’ve been in the hospital if it’s really helping. I’m not convinced I won’t end up there anyway. It’s that bad. I’ll get a brief reprieve of a couple of hours when all of my meds are working semi-ok, but that’s it.

I really hate this virus. Everything about it.

heavens... i do feel your hurt. I hope you will share your symptoms and progress.... As we get pummeled by this freight train...we do keep learning of changing symptoms. Some people I know have just had such bad hard and lingering symptoms. And others "just a cold".

 

[CharlestonGal]

I’m currently on day 5 of symptoms with what I assume is omicron. I tested positive 3 days ago. And let me tell you, it’s been awful. And I am so annoyed that I have it. I’m vaccinated (was *thisclose* to qualifying for the booster when I got Covid, then *thisclose* to the 90 day wait between Covid and the booster when I got it again!!)

I’m not even sure the booster would’ve helped honestly. This variant doesn’t seem to care at all about vaccine status in terms of catching the virus. If it’s helping make it milder, all I can say is I would’ve been in the hospital if it’s really helping. I’m not convinced I won’t end up there anyway. It’s that bad. I’ll get a brief reprieve of a couple of hours when all of my meds are working semi-ok, but that’s it.

I really hate this virus. Everything about it.

I'm sorry you got this wretched disease again. Are you eligible for monoclonal antibodies? Covid was kicking my @ss too, until I got those. It really, really helped. I was so miserable, too.

I don't like that the "mild" term is thrown around so loosely. It is not mild. It's literally incapacitating. Try to take care of yourself as best you can. And I pray you avoid the hospital, but get yourself there if you need too.

 

[happyday]

The mNRA vaccinations are not just like Flu shots, even though many keep making that comparison. But they are different and work differently and the mNRA max are more invasive, in that they include genetic material. Now they are saying that they can change a woman's menstrual cycle. And we know they can cause heart inflammation.

I don’t know, @katydid23. It’s been explained that anytime your immune system revs up, it can temporarily affect your menstrual cycle, like when you get sick with anything. I haven’t heard of any notable changes with my daughters or their friends or anyone I know. And the heart inflammation happens with actual Covid way more than with the vaccine. It’s definitely something to consider, but it’s rare. Fingers crossed though that so many people are getting this variant that it will burn itself out and get us out of this mess! I’d like to not have to get any more boosters!

My vaxxed and boosted parents in their 70’s just got over Omicron, and they said it was like an annoying cold for a week—even my stepdad who has asthma did fine. I do think the vaccines are doing their jobs, thank goodness.

 

[x_files]

things are getting real in Quebec

Quebec judge suspends unvaccinated man's visitation rights with child

Shocked it took so long. This should have been immediately after vaccinations were available.

The same with my granddaughter, she completed her first entire year of college online, in her dorm room. Meals in the room, still paying full price for the education. She didn't return and waited until she was fully vaccinated, went to work at a fast food place. That was more educational for her than college, about the human race. The people screaming at her because they didn't think the cup size was correct (all the cups) , whatever they could do or insult the employees, they did. Treated horribly by customers. All drive through, dining area closed.

She had cried to me one evening a few years ago because she was 17 and never been kissed. I told her it could be the other way and she could be 17 and a baby on her hip. lol. She has met a wonderful young man, oddly enough a friend of her best friends boyfriend who saw her on their Instagram. They met, instantly fell in love. He's first generation Hispanic here in the states. They are the same age, he might be a few months younger.

They all caught COVID before Thanksgiving, all vaxxed. His father died, very hard to deal with at any stage of life, harder in youth, IMO. They have went forward to getting an apartment, he will continue his education and she got a job cleaning at the automotive plant for $20.00 an hour. Absolutely loves it, she said no one is screaming at her, she does her job and goes home. Four days a week, time and a half for 2 of the days.

This generation, it's going to be the one to watch I believe. They have a great deal of anxiety and have seen, experienced so much at one time. Things are changing, our lives aren't going to be the same again, or I should say lifestyle. She is doing a writing class online.

Who knows what's going to happen but these kids have seen a great deal in a short amount of time. Illness, death, seclusion, protests, politics, crime, 24 hour social media, and they are taking notes.

That's a lot of stress to deal with little to no ability to go be a young college-aged kid.

 

[CharlestonGal]

Pfizer's Covid-19 antiviral pill was hailed as a game-changer, but supplies are scarce – KION546

The US Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of distribution and allocation. According to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, antiviral pills like Paxlovid and molnupiravir are distributed based on population.

Shireesha Dhanireddy, professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Harborview Medical Center, said the hospital system is meeting the need of patients, but that’s only because it’s using National Institutes of Health guidance, which prioritizes treatment for those at highest risk: the immunocompromised and the elderly and unvaccinated. This last category, the unvaccinated, may not sit right with some people.

“We’re using these medications judiciously and really giving them to the people that would most benefit from these therapeutics,” Dhanireddy said. “If we opened it up to vaccinated individuals, we would not have enough therapy.”

 

[Bailey38]

I don't know, she had a roommate at first who partied every night, came in at 4 in the morning with no mask, then with one pulled under her nose. She requested to be moved into a single room and it was granted.

Many kids partied and did just fine in college, maybe too carefree, it justed wasn't for her. She doesn't drink. I guess I make her sound like a wallflower, but she's far from one. Luckily she was able to go to China in 2019 with her school before all this came about. I say a prayer for all of them every night and all of us.

 

[Cool Cats]

FDA warns against using unapproved COVID-19 tests because of a 'high risk of false results'

Recall of Ellume at-home COVID antigen tests grows to more than 2.2M kits

The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to stop using a specific brand of COVID-19 tests, claiming there is a high chance they will produce false results.

In a statement, the agency is urging people to stop using the LuSys Laboratories COVID-19 Antigen Test and the LuSys Laboratories COVID-19 IgG/IgM Antibody Test.

The FDA said the tests may be sold under company names Luscient Diagnostics or Vivera Pharmaceuticals, or the trade name EagleDx.

"The performance of these tests has not been adequately established and the FDA believes there is likely a high risk of false results when using these tests," the FDA said in its statement.

 

[Cool Cats]

Blood donations are critical as Red Cross faces major shortage

If you've ever considered donating blood, now is the time to take action.
If you're not eligible to donate, you can volunteer at a blood drive as a blood donor ambassador or a transportation specialist.

The Red Cross is in critical need of blood, especially Type O-positive, Type O-negative and platelets.

Blood donations are absolutely critical right now as the United States faces the worst blood shortage in over a decade, according to the American Red Cross website.

Many factors are causing the shortage, including canceled blood drives due to illness and staffing limitations, and an active flu season. Weather-related closures have also prevented some blood drives from taking place.

A surge in Covid-19 cases have also contributed to the ongoing shortage, according to the Red Cross.

Additionally, there has been a 62% drop in college and high school blood drives during the pandemic. These drives made up 25% of donors in 2019 and now account for a mere 10%.

 

[MajorHoople]

Serial-vaxxer, 84, illegally gets himself jabbed TWELVE times in India | Daily Mail Online

"A pensioner in India illegally had twelve Covid-19 jabs in less than a year before being caught by the police.

Brahamdev Mandal had the dozen vaccines in just 11 months, and even had two within half an hour of each other on the same day.

The 84-year-old said he wanted to feel stronger during the pandemic, and claimed the multiple jabs rid him of his joint pain he has had for eight years.

The serial-vaxxer was able to sign up for extra jabs by using different people's ID and lying to health officials, and is now facing a string of charges."

"Amongst his jabs Mandal got two vaccines inside 30 minutes on the same day at Puraini health facility on April 13 last year.

Mr Mandal bragged: 'I have taken vaccines and I recommend everyone to take them.

'It's quite beneficial. The government has taken an incredible step, as it helps back pains too, you should take it.

'My oxygen level has improved and I haven't caught a cold since getting a jab.'

He claimed he got nine of the jabs using his own ID card.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Mandal said he travelled to various vaccination camps across the Madhepura district and even to at least two neighbouring districts."

 

[Cool Cats]

Are N95 and KN95 masks reusable and how should you store them?

Can you reuse N95 and KN95 masks?

Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, a physician who specializes in infectious diseases with OhioHealth told USA TODAY he recommends each person purchase a pack of N95's and rotate when they wear each mask.

"If you're rotating your masks, washing your hands and storing them well, you can get five to a little bit more uses with them," Gastaldo said.

Gastaldo said sanitizing your hands before touching the mask is crucial and storing them outside or "in heat" will help keep the mask dry and clean. Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, echoed Gastaldo's recommendation.

“For an N95, we’d recommend you switch (the mask) every day,” Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, told USA Today. “But, you can rotate them. If you have three masks, (for example), you could number them and switch them around.”

 

[Cool Cats]

What’s the Difference Between N95 Masks and KN95 Masks?

Both N95 masks and KN95 masks are made from multiple layers of synthetic material (typically a polypropylene plastic polymer) and are designed to be worn over the mouth and nose. Straps behind your ear help to hold the mask in place. Both masks must filter out and capture 95 percent of tiny 0.3 micron particles in the air (hence the “95” in the names).

But how are N95 masks different from KN95 masks? The main difference lies in how the masks are certified. “In general,” says Sean Kelly, founder of New Jersey-based PPE of America, “N95 is the U.S. standard, and the KN95 is the China standard.” Because of this, only N95 masks are approved for health-care use in the United States, even though KN95 masks have many of the same protective properties.

 

[LadyL]

Polish scientists find gene that doubles risk of serious COVID

 

[tabitha111]

The grapevine has one resident quarantined in her room due to Covid....and indoor dining still continues. bus trips to Walmart and other places....meanwhile the physcial therapist on site wanted to start me on some PT for my knee, but I told her to hold off for a few weeks. I don't feel comfortable going there or having them come to my apt (which was a choice she gave me) . They all wear cloth masks too, which makes it iffy.
Hope I am not boring you all with the news from the Retirement home! Trust me, I am pretty bored myself.

 

[WichitaFalls]

The grapevine has one resident quarantined in her room due to Covid....and indoor dining still continues. bus trips to Walmart and other places....meanwhile the physcial therapist on site wanted to start me on some PT for my knee, but I told her to hold off for a few weeks. I don't feel comfortable going there or having them come to my apt (which was a choice she gave me) . They all wear cloth masks too, which makes it iffy.
Hope I am not boring you all with the news from the Retirement home! Trust me, I am pretty bored myself.

I'm glad you keep us updated on news from the Retirement home. I (and I bet lots of us) feel invested in your health status and the health of those that live there in "your" retirement home. Stay safe!

 

[MimosaMornings]

Blood donations are critical as Red Cross faces major shortage

If you've ever considered donating blood, now is the time to take action.
If you're not eligible to donate, you can volunteer at a blood drive as a blood donor ambassador or a transportation specialist.

The Red Cross is in critical need of blood, especially Type O-positive, Type O-negative and platelets.

Blood donations are absolutely critical right now as the United States faces the worst blood shortage in over a decade, according to the American Red Cross website.

Many factors are causing the shortage, including canceled blood drives due to illness and staffing limitations, and an active flu season. Weather-related closures have also prevented some blood drives from taking place.

A surge in Covid-19 cases have also contributed to the ongoing shortage, according to the Red Cross.

Additionally, there has been a 62% drop in college and high school blood drives during the pandemic. These drives made up 25% of donors in 2019 and now account for a mere 10%.

The Red Cross has been calling me, so I’m going tomorrow to give blood. I used to give regularly, last time was February 2020.
Seems so long ago.