According to the World Health Organization, Covid cases overall worldwide remain relatively low but stable. The problem with this is that only 40% of countries are reporting ANY Covid data to the WHO and less than half of those are reporting any death data at all.
3 countries known to provide somewhat reliable data, the US, the UK and Italy, are all showing slight, but continuous increases in case numbers as well as hospitalisations and deaths. I say “somewhat” reliable because even in these countries, case reporting is dramatically reduced. Hospitalization and death data is the most reliable since it is trackable. Few people are testing for Covid and virtually no one is reporting anything if they are positive. To be quite honest, there is no longer anyone to report cases to anyway since most of these systems have been dismantled.
I wanted to point out the findings of 2 recent studies looking at cardiovascular deaths and disease and Covid infections.
The first was an autopsy study looking at people who died from Covid related complications, not necessarily from a cardiovascular complication of it however. They all had a history of cardiovascular disease of varying degrees and all of them had viral particles and inflammation identified in the plaques in their coronary arteries. The virus is known to activate inflammatory cells which contributes to plaques rupturing and leading to complete clots and subsequent heart attacks, strokes and microemboli all over the body.
The second looked at the incidence of heart attacks and strokes after Covid infections. Rates were dramatically higher than baseline (no history of infection and this included those who were vaccinated). Of even greater concern, heart attack rates remained higher for up to a year after they had Covid. Any infection can increase the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke because of the increased inflammation and stress, but the rates after Covid are 7x higher than after having the flu.
We know that the SARS-Cov-2 virus attacks the heart, as well as many other organs. Biopsy studies show that there are still live virus particles in various organs, even months after infection.
The bottom line with all this is that you want to continue to try to avoid catching this virus, or transiting it to someone else.
Do whatever you can to stay safe. We all hate masking, but there are some situations where it just makes sense. I was just on a trip to Nashville for a meeting and to visit my son Daniel who lives there. The number of people wearing masks, even the crappiest ones, was shockingly low. In fact, on our return flight, there was only 1 other person wearing a mask on the plane and she happened to be sitting next to us. Unfortunately, ther person sitting right behind us who was coughing, was not!
But be practical. If you are outside, masks are not necessary. Wear a good quality mask (N95 or KN95).
Please get your Covid booster if it has been more than 6 months since your last shot or infection. Since Covid is not seasonal, I would get this ASAP.
Please also get the flu vaccine. I would wait towards the end of October to ensure the best coverage throughout the whole Flu season which can last into April.
You can get both simultaneously.
I’ve been asked about the RSV vaccine. If you are healthy and under 65, I would probably hold off. I am not getting it. But for kids, if you are over 65 or anyone with immune issues, I would consider it.
Have a great weekend.
Stay safe and be well.
AC