Does Vaccination Promote Covid-19 Infection?

Antibody Dependent Enhancement Theory is something floating around out there and I wanted to address what we know about this. This theory suggests that the antibodies we form against the spike protein from vaccination do not actually neutralize the virus, but they actually assist in its transport into cells where it can replicate. And it replicates at a massive rate, making up to 1 trillion copies of itself in a single person.

Although in vitro (in the lab), there is some limited evidence that this may occur, in real life, this is simply not born out. If it were the case, we would be seeing many more vaccinated people getting sicker, being hospitalized and dying. And that is simply NOT happening. In fact, what we are seeing is that this is now the pandemic of the unvaccinated.

Studies looking at billions of people (2.5 billion as of this week) and billions (almost 6 billion) of doses of the vaccine, from many countries, clearly support the fact that vaccination is safe and is the single most important means of controlling the spread of this virus. Can you still get infected? Of course but it is much less likely, you are ill for a much shorter time and you are significantly less likely to need hospitalization or even potentially die. In addition, and more importantly, you are infectious to others for a shorter period of time since the virus is eliminated faster.

The Delta virus is more infectious with more significant disease, however, vaccinated people remain significantly protected. I posted last week about how protection from having had Covid is better than the protection from vaccination but the combination of a shot after having been ill  is even better. 

We are not animals being studied in a lab (some would argue that this is all one big scientific and social experiment) or cells in a petri dish. What happens in real life is what matters the most. And in real life, it is clear that vaccination, along with proper masking and distancing is key to surviving this disease, since we WILL all get it eventually, and learn to live with it since it will probably NEVER go away, just like Influenza.

We need to worry less about a third shot, and continue to encourage all those over 12 who have not been vaccinated. It IS safe. It IS effective. 

It’s not perfect, but it is the most potent tool in our arsenal to protect us.

Remember that it is not “mask or vaccine”. It’s “do it all”.

VACCINATE

MASK

DISTANCE and VENTILATE

HYGIENE

GET HEALTHY. I have a blog coming up on some overlooked but crucial lifestyle activities which boost your immune system, like sleep.

Stay safe and be well.

AC

Just because you have a fever, aches, a runny nose or a headache doesn’t mean you have Covid. Although that disease is front and center in most people’s minds today, we need to not forget about other things. I say this because someone I know recently went to Urgent Care with all those symptoms but her initial Covid rapid test was negative. Given that, I was surprised that they did not test her for the flu. It’s a simple swab, just like the Covid swab. She had classic symptoms. High fever (102), muscle and joint aches and a headache

It may be early fall, but it is not too soon to think about the flu, nor is it too soon to remember to get vaccinated for the flu. EVERYONE should get a flu shot this year. We had significantly less influenza last year because of all the isolation, masking and hand sanitizing, but it is very likely to come back with a vengeance this fall and winter. Imagine getting both the flu and Covid simultaneously!

Because of the pandemic measures, we also saw a lot less RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, which typically affects kids in the winter. But we had an outbreak in the summer, when things really opened up. As an ENT, I also saw a lot less tonsillitis, tonsil abscesses, mono I and even sinus infections last winter and spring, all of which also shot up in the summer.

Although it makes sense to test for Covid often and repeatedly, we can’t forget all the other things out there.

What the drop off in all the typical seasonal infections proves is that masking, distancing and basic hygiene practices are all very effective measures at controlling the spread of communicable diseases, including Covid.

So please get tested if you have symptoms or are you’re concerned about a suspicious or known positive contact but continue to also do all the basics:

VACCINATE. Not just for Covid, but for the FLU and, if over 50, get the SHINGLES shot also! If over 65, also consider getting the PNEUMOVAX against pneumococcal pneumonia.

MASK UP. It DOES make a difference for many reasons. Of course the quality of the mask matters, but it’s not just about protecting you and everyone else. It is also about reminding everyone that there is still a serious pandemic going on out there. It’s a visual reminder that we are still grappling with this disease actively.

DISTANCE and VENTILATE. 

HYGIENE. Wash your hands. Sanitize when needed. Sneeze into your sleeve. If you’re sick, stay home, Covid or not…. Don’t endanger anyone else.

GET HEALTHY!!!

Have a great weekend.

Stay safe and be well.

AC