June 15, 2022

on and on it goes

Happy almost summer. I know other parts of the country are hot, but here in Seattle we are in the midst of “Juneuary.” Actually one of the coolest and rainiest on record. Fortunately, I learned about “Walls of Water” or tomato teepees many years ago. They are protecting and warming up my tomatoes and pepper plants so we may actually get ripe tomatoes after all. We expect summer to arrive July 5th.

Along with summer, come festivals and other celebrations. We all are craving being together. How careful should we be? My advice is general and should be considered individually. The variants of Omicron are more infectious. They also have enough variation that people who have had prior COVID infections are getting reinfected. The vaccines also have lost some effectiveness, especially the longer time has passed since your booster. If you haven’t gotten your second booster, I recommend it, especially if you are traveling or going to festivals.

New research compares 4 different COVID vaccines. The results are interesting. They show each have their own strengths. Novavax will probably be approved soon. It is a more traditional vaccine that some people hesitant of the mRNA vaccines may accept (or not). Moderna is also testing an updated vaccine that is focused on the Omicron variant.

More interestingly, completely different vaccines are being designed and tested. They are nasal sprays, not an injection. This type of vaccine has the advantage of preventing infection at the site of exposure. It stimulates IgA which is in mucosal tissue to fight infection. Quite different than the IgG antibodies in the blood that attack SARS-CoV-2 after it actually gets in the body. The nasal spray has the potential to actually decrease transmission more than other vaccines. Promising but it will still be a while before we have it.

Meanwhile, I’m concerned with a rise in deaths in people over 65 despite the vaccines. Mostly due to poor immune response that wanes over time (get your second booster!) as people age, along with their underlying health conditions. We must all remember to keep up our layered approach of masking and using ventilation as needed. It works. Those of us over 65 need to take the risks seriously.

Fortunately, there are treatments that work. Knowing how to access them is key. My state has good resources. Be sure and know how to access them where you live. The sooner you start treatment after a positive test, the better the meds work. Also, despite hearing about rebound infection after completing the meds, rebound is actually rare.

Wash your hands, cover your nose- when you might be exposed, remember good ventilation, get your second booster, and know how to get meds if you need them.

https://www.ruthlovettsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/WalloWater.jpg

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/how-long-does-covid-immunity-last-will-a-second-illness-be-worse-how-can-i-prepare/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-vaccine-booster-shot-infection-rate/

https://www.jwatch.org/na54905/2022/04/28/second-booster-covid-19-vaccination-early-results

https://www.mdlinx.com/news/research-scientists-publish-first-head-to-head-comparison-of-four-covid-19-vaccines/5nJja8DHWE1HL3P7wZ4jb2

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/covid-19-coronavirus-novavax-vaccine-results-south-africa-variant

https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20220509/nasal-sprays-for-covid-vaccine-being-developed

https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/11/effort-to-develop-covid-vaccine-nasal-spray.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/31/health/omicron-deaths-age-65-elderly.html

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/prevention-techniques-treatment-helping-keep-covid-numbers-down-statewide/

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-access-to-covid-antiviral-drugs-and-therapeutics-in-king-county-and-wa/

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/99224