Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #111

[ilovewings]

Interesting, but scary article outlining how Covid-19 leaves its mark on the brain.

Just a few of the findings from studies:

Shrinkage of brain volume

In mild to moderate case individuals: changes commensurate with 7 yrs of aging

In severe case individuals: may result in cognitive deficits and damage to brain equivalent to 20 hrs of aging

Drop in IQ

more:

Mounting research shows that COVID-19 leaves its mark on the brain, including with significant drops in IQ scores

Two new high-profile studies add to the increasingly worrisome picture of how even mild cases of COVID-19 can have detrimental effects on brain health.

theconversation.com

That is so depressing.

 

[Gemmie]

But not everyone that has had Covid is negatively affected. DH and I both had it in the fall of 2020. We were and are fine. I know that there are people left affected, but not all of us.

That is very good to know.

 

[slowpoke]

But not everyone that has had Covid is negatively affected. DH and I both had it in the fall of 2020. We were and are fine. I know that there are people left affected, but not all of us.

I also had Covid, at the end of summer 2022. My husband caught it in Europe then gave it to me rolleyes: gee, thanks, hubby).

I think I am fine, too. Or at least, I don’t notice any lasting after-effects or problems. My husband, however, thinks his taste buds have been altered.

But then, I read some loss of taste and smell is natural with aging, especially after age 60–which is the age group we are in, so who knows.

So, too, regarding the brain issues. It seems like it’d be difficult to separate cognitive decline in Covid cases for senior individuals—determining whether Covid is solely responsible, or due to other causes? MOO

 

[Auntie Cipation]

But not everyone that has had Covid is negatively affected. DH and I both had it in the fall of 2020. We were and are fine. I know that there are people left affected, but not all of us.

I agree with @Cool Cats that not everyone gets long covid. But there is no consistent manifestation of it for anyone to really know if they will develop long covid effects or not.

I mean, for some people, some of their covid symptoms simply remain after their acute infection. That's pretty easy to identify.

But for others, they might unknowingly have an increased susceptibility to heart or lung issues, or a lesser ability to fight off colds and flus, or cancer, or almost any disease.

Think about it -- how would any of us know we have damaged blood vessels or a compromised immune system -- it could take years until that becomes noticeable.

I agree it's really discouraging. Personally I think something like this was bound to happen sooner or later, given our blatant lack of recognition of and action on our population/environmental issues. But I do really wish it hadn't become so politicized (at least in the US) such that we didn't even do what we could to minimize the impacts.

I fear that even as enough people become compromised that effects become noticeable out in society, there won't be a way to affirmatively link those effects to covid. Or maybe there will be a scientifically-observed correlation but yet again those who have been turned against science will refuse to believe it. (I will not be surprised if the recent rash of airplane maintenance incidents is a result of brain fog or similar effects in the pool of mechanics and inspectors. Maybe not, but maybe so.)

IMOO

 

[IceIce9]

DH and I stopped at Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace on Saturday before we went out for dinner. I was surprised to see that there was some food sampling going on as I thought they discontinued the practice for good following the pandemic. There was a sampling display for Nino's Corned Beef and Barley soup, and a Boar's Head representative was handing out samples of a pre-cooked ham that will be featured for Easter. I was not interested in sampling either, but it seems that many folks enjoy tasting foods when offered. I know that Costco resumed food sampling once the pandemic was over, but I hoped that local markets where we shop would do away with the practice for everyone's health and well-being. Is there food sampling/tasting where you go for groceries?

Our Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Costco have been offering samples for probably a year now.

Costco at least has taken measures to keep everyone safe. Servers wear gloves and only set out samples when customers come to their stand. I’ve seen several customers get scolded by the employees for touching the serving tray, other employees constantly remind customers to “only touch the one you take”

One server was handing out pizza squares on small plates, and a customer reached over the nearest plates to reach one in the back. Apparently he thought it was the biggest piece. The sever scolded him loudly and said, “Now I have to dump the whole thing in the trash” and proceeded to do so.

 

[Sundog]

I agree with @Cool Cats that not everyone gets long covid. But there is no consistent manifestation of it for anyone to really know if they will develop long covid effects or not.

I mean, for some people, some of their covid symptoms simply remain after their acute infection. That's pretty easy to identify.

But for others, they might unknowingly have an increased susceptibility to heart or lung issues, or a lesser ability to fight off colds and flus, or cancer, or almost any disease.

Think about it -- how would any of us know we have damaged blood vessels or a compromised immune system -- it could take years until that becomes noticeable.

I agree it's really discouraging. Personally I think something like this was bound to happen sooner or later, given our blatant lack of recognition of and action on our population/environmental issues. But I do really wish it hadn't become so politicized (at least in the US) such that we didn't even do what we could to minimize the impacts.

I fear that even as enough people become compromised that effects become noticeable out in society, there won't be a way to affirmatively link those effects to covid. Or maybe there will be a scientifically-observed correlation but yet again those who have been turned against science will refuse to believe it. (I will not be surprised if the recent rash of airplane maintenance incidents is a result of brain fog or similar effects in the pool of mechanics and inspectors. Maybe not, but maybe so.)

IMOO

I think the airline industry, like most others, is having a hard time recruiting and keeping mechanics and other employees. Covid has changed the workforce - demographics, work ethic, etc. I don't know how people are surviving without working regular full time work weeks and staying with their jobs, but I think it is affecting the quality of lots of products and services. Covid really changed a lot of things, including American productivity in so many fields. I wonder what it will take to get things back to the level of productivity and work ethic that we had prior to Covid.

 

[Cool Cats]

I think the airline industry, like most others, is having a hard time recruiting and keeping mechanics and other employees. Covid has changed the workforce - demographics, work ethic, etc. I don't know how people are surviving without working regular full time work weeks and staying with their jobs, but I think it is affecting the quality of lots of products and services. Covid really changed a lot of things, including American productivity in so many fields. I wonder what it will take to get things back to the level of productivity and work ethic that we had prior to Covid.

Huge changes.

People working from home, doctors and psychotherapists seeing people on-line not in person, more business out-sourcing such as hiring outside companys to do your work and take your calls.

Example....

Hospitals hiring companies to monitor patient's vital signs in a separate building, cable companies hiring companies to bury people's cable lines, US companies subverting your phone calls over to India telemarketing companies.

Medical practices including specialists, oncology, surgery schedulers, medical
billing, medical referrals, making medical apointments, practically anything medical where no one answers the phone and you have to leave a message then not getting called back that day....sometimes not at all.

ETC....

2 Cents

 

[cujenn81]

You remember those coworkers that came to work sick? Of course they spread it to me and ended my COVID-free streak despite all of my valiant attempts to avoid it. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary weekend and it has KICKED MY BUTT big time. I’ve had nearly every symptom—cough, fever, aches, chills, vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue. I went to the doctor on Friday and convinced them to give me Paxlovid. I’m finally feeling a bit better… but still pretty run down and I plan to stay home for the rest of the week to fully recuperate.

The only side effect I’ve had with Paxlovid is the godawful taste it leaves in my mouth. The taste only goes away when I have something else in my mouth or about 8-10 hours later (so, around the time I’m supposed to take my next dose). It’s BRUTAL. Like rusted metal.

 

[Cool Cats]

You remember those coworkers that came to work sick? Of course they spread it to me and ended my COVID-free streak despite all of my valiant attempts to avoid it. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary weekend and it has KICKED MY BUTT big time. I’ve had nearly every symptom—cough, fever, aches, chills, vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue. I went to the doctor on Friday and convinced them to give me Paxlovid. I’m finally feeling a bit better… but still pretty run down and I plan to stay home for the rest of the week to fully recuperate.

The only side effect I’ve had with Paxlovid is the godawful taste it leaves in my mouth. The taste only goes away when I have something else in my mouth or about 8-10 hours later (so, around the time I’m supposed to take my next dose). It’s BRUTAL. Like rusted metal.

I would be so ....... pissed off .....

I feel for ya!

 

[ilovewings]

You remember those coworkers that came to work sick? Of course they spread it to me and ended my COVID-free streak despite all of my valiant attempts to avoid it. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary weekend and it has KICKED MY BUTT big time. I’ve had nearly every symptom—cough, fever, aches, chills, vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue. I went to the doctor on Friday and convinced them to give me Paxlovid. I’m finally feeling a bit better… but still pretty run down and I plan to stay home for the rest of the week to fully recuperate.

The only side effect I’ve had with Paxlovid is the godawful taste it leaves in my mouth. The taste only goes away when I have something else in my mouth or about 8-10 hours later (so, around the time I’m supposed to take my next dose). It’s BRUTAL. Like rusted metal.

So sorry you are sick with evil Covid-- too bad the CDC has relaxed guidelines for people
With the virus--- so now we can expect more people with the active virus to go to work
Without a worry in the world and infect more people. That side effect of Paxlovid
You refer to sounds dreadful. Take care and get well soon.

 

[Teche]

You remember those coworkers that came to work sick? Of course they spread it to me and ended my COVID-free streak despite all of my valiant attempts to avoid it. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary weekend and it has KICKED MY BUTT big time. I’ve had nearly every symptom—cough, fever, aches, chills, vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue. I went to the doctor on Friday and convinced them to give me Paxlovid. I’m finally feeling a bit better… but still pretty run down and I plan to stay home for the rest of the week to fully recuperate.

The only side effect I’ve had with Paxlovid is the godawful taste it leaves in my mouth. The taste only goes away when I have something else in my mouth or about 8-10 hours later (so, around the time I’m supposed to take my next dose). It’s BRUTAL. Like rusted metal.

I hope you recover quickly. At least you didnt lose your sense of taste. Haha.

 

[neesaki]

You remember those coworkers that came to work sick? Of course they spread it to me and ended my COVID-free streak despite all of my valiant attempts to avoid it. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary weekend and it has KICKED MY BUTT big time. I’ve had nearly every symptom—cough, fever, aches, chills, vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue. I went to the doctor on Friday and convinced them to give me Paxlovid. I’m finally feeling a bit better… but still pretty run down and I plan to stay home for the rest of the week to fully recuperate.

The only side effect I’ve had with Paxlovid is the godawful taste it leaves in my mouth. The taste only goes away when I have something else in my mouth or about 8-10 hours later (so, around the time I’m supposed to take my next dose). It’s BRUTAL. Like rusted metal.

I’m so sorry. I will never understand how people like that can be so inconsiderate of the well being of others. But unfortunately it seems that they are everywhere. I hope you get well soon.

 

[weepingangel]

Long Covid blood clues could prompt future trials

The UK's largest study of Covid patients treated in hospital found signs of active inflammation.

www.bbc.com

 

[slowpoke]

I got another Covid vaccine shot this morning! Last one I got was in October.

My hubs and I were able to do a walk-in at Kaiser Permanente, of which we are members. They were only administering Pfizer, which was fine by me.

So far, my arm is sore but otherwise I feel ok. Which is weird, because up to now I’ve always felt kinda sick after getting the shot. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be feeling it. Crossing my fingers I won’t!

 

[Auntie Cipation]

I got another Covid vaccine shot this morning! Last one I got was in October.

My hubs and I were able to do a walk-in at Kaiser Permanente, of which we are members. They were only administering Pfizer, which was fine by me.

So far, my arm is sore but otherwise I feel ok. Which is weird, because up to now I’ve always felt kinda sick after getting the shot. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be feeling it. Crossing my fingers I won’t!

I got a covid booster yesterday as well. It had been six months so I figured it was time. I got it at my local Rite Aid pharmacy, which I think is the only place to get them locally anymore, except maybe for hospital inpatients and skilled nursing residents.

They asked if I wanted Pfizer or Moderna, so I chose Pfizer since, like you (hopefully), I don't seem to get side effects with that one, whereas I had fairly strong side effects from the Moderna shots I've gotten.

I didn't think to ask about Novavax. Don't know if that's available here. Maybe next time I'll ask.

Now, 20ish hours later, my arm is sore but not horribly so (I could even sleep on that side last night when/if I wanted), and I'm not noticing any other side effects so far. I think 12-24 hours after the shot (ie now) would be the most likely to feel any aftereffects, so I'm guessing this is as bad as it'll get.

 

[slowpoke]

I got a covid booster yesterday as well. It had been six months so I figured it was time. I got it at my local Rite Aid pharmacy, which I think is the only place to get them locally anymore, except maybe for hospital inpatients and skilled nursing residents.

They asked if I wanted Pfizer or Moderna, so I chose Pfizer since, like you (hopefully), I don't seem to get side effects with that one, whereas I had fairly strong side effects from the Moderna shots I've gotten.

I didn't think to ask about Novavax. Don't know if that's available here. Maybe next time I'll ask.

Now, 20ish hours later, my arm is sore but not horribly so (I could even sleep on that side last night when/if I wanted), and I'm not noticing any other side effects so far. I think 12-24 hours after the shot (ie now) would be the most likely to feel any aftereffects, so I'm guessing this is as bad as it'll get.

I ended up having kind of a rough night. I felt feverish, and had body aches. Better now, but not back 100%.

It's funny how everyone's body reacts differently from the same vaccine, isn’t it?

 

[Teche]

I got a covid booster yesterday as well. It had been six months so I figured it was time. I got it at my local Rite Aid pharmacy, which I think is the only place to get them locally anymore, except maybe for hospital inpatients and skilled nursing residents.

They asked if I wanted Pfizer or Moderna, so I chose Pfizer since, like you (hopefully), I don't seem to get side effects with that one, whereas I had fairly strong side effects from the Moderna shots I've gotten.

I didn't think to ask about Novavax. Don't know if that's available here. Maybe next time I'll ask.

Now, 20ish hours later, my arm is sore but not horribly so (I could even sleep on that side last night when/if I wanted), and I'm not noticing any other side effects so far. I think 12-24 hours after the shot (ie now) would be the most likely to feel any aftereffects, so I'm guessing this is as bad as it'll get.

Is this the newest one? If so, I need to get it.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

Is this the newest one? If so, I need to get it.

I don't think there's been any recent change. I expect the new formulations, when there are any, might come out in the autumn, similar to flu vaccines.

In fact, when I looked at my covid vax card, I noticed that my shot from yesterday was from the *exact same batch* as my shot in October. A sign of how few people are getting the vax in my area, I guess.

 

[anneg]

Is this the newest one? If so, I need to get it.

As @Auntie Cipation said, the shot is the same as we got last fall, but the CDC recommends that older and vulnerable people get the shot again this spring since the protection from the fall shot has waned. DH and I plan to get the shot soon and will get the updated shot in the fall.

 

[Teche]

As @Auntie Cipation said, the shot is the same as we got last fall, but the CDC recommends that older and vulnerable people get the shot again this spring since the protection from the fall shot has waned. DH and I plan to get the shot soon and will get the updated shot in the fall.

Thanks for the clarification. I will schedule my COVID-19 vaccine.