We may have dodged a Covid bullet but…
With every Covid surge in Europe, North America was soon after affected with its own surge. The most recent increase in Covid across the pond however seems to be regressing, and thus far, we have not seen any follow up surge over here. In fact, numbers of Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths are slowly creeping down.
Still, 325 people every day are still dying from Covid in the US, maintaining its 3rd place position as leading cause of death (after heart disease and cancer).
In Europe, BA5 has been overtaken by other variants like BA 1.1, which evade immune protection more, but have not caused more significant disease. The same seems to be happening here. The only place where cases leading to hospitalizations have gone up a bit in the last few weeks (by 11%) is NYC.
As far as total cases go, it is very difficult to say because most positive cases are going undiagnosed or unreported since most are done at home.
Although serious cases of infection may be not increasing, the incidence of patients being seen for long-haul symptoms is. So you should still try to avoid getting sick.
BUT, there are a lot of other bugs out there and there is a significant rise in the RSV, packing hospitals with really sick people, as well as a dramatic rise in the Influenza (which causes the Flu). These three are now being called the Tripledemic. There have already been almost 1000 deaths in the US from the flu, the worst start to the flu season since 2011. And we have all seen news stories about how RSV is having a major impact on kids. The problem with all these other infections is so bad in Boston that some hospitals, overrun with RSV and FLU, are curtailing elective surgeries.
Adenovirus infections, one of the common cold viruses, but this year, symptoms are particularly bad and long-lasting, is also on a dramatic rise. If you are sick, Covid negative and it is hanging around, it’s probably adenovirus. Other common bugs include other coronaviruses (there are 4 common ones other than SARS-COV-2) and rhinovirus.
Getting back to Covid, recently published studies show that the Bivalent vaccine booster has had an even better initial immune response than the original vaccine from 2 years ago. In addition, getting the booster reduces the severity of disease and need for hospitalization, although its ability to prevent being infected, especially with the newer variants, is significantly lower. Sadly, less than 10% of eligible people have actually gotten the bivalent Covid booster.
I understand Covid fatigue. I live it every day. But you do NOT want to get Covid if you can avoid it. The statistics on vaccine side effects remain very low. Far lower than the complication rate from getting the disease. I appreciate that it is a new vaccine, but it’s efficacy and ability to reduce disease and save lives is unquestionable.
Paxlovid. This is the antiviral which has been shown to be effective at reducing the severity and duration of infection but is only really necessary if you are elderly or have some significant medical conditions. And you should really consider taking it if you can get it early enough, within a few days of confirmed infection. If you are at risk, I would even consider taking it before confirmation if you have symptoms and a significant positive exposure. Recent studies also show a significant reduction in serious Covid related long haul problems such as cardiac arrhythmias, liver problems, lung issues or brain fog and cognitive effects. Side effects are very rare and its benefits are clear. The question of Covid rebound is a non issue. Rebound occurs at the same rate whether you take Pax or not!
There is no vaccine against RSV or Adenovirus, but there is against Covid and the FLU and you should get it. If you are over 65, also please consider the Pneumovax (against pneumococcal pneumonia). And everyone over 50 should get the Shingles vaccine series.
ALL of these infections are preventable with the practices we are all familiar with! So repeat after me…
MASK UP. Wear a good one and wear it where it makes sense.
DISTANCE when necessary and AVOID risky situations.
PRACTICE PROPER HYGIENE.
VENTILATE where possible.
VACCINATE
GET HEALTHY
FYI, I am reading a fascinating book about the relationship between viral infections and one’s health, in particular gut health.
“The Anti-Viral Gut: Tackling Pathogens from the Inside Out” by Dr. Robynne Chutkan, a well respected gastroenterologist. One of the statistics she mentions is how a study of many thousands of people showed that if you take an acid reducer, available over the counter in the US, you are 2-4x more likely to get Covid and have a worse outcome.
Be careful, but don’t be paranoid. See and be with people. We are social creatures and need one another.
Have a great weekend.
Stay Safe and Bw Well.
AC