Time-Traveling
Polio is back, thanks to Anti-vaxxers.
It’s troubling to me. An unvaccinated man in New York was recently left paralyzed by polio, and the virus was found in wastewater. This is the U.S.’s first outbreak of the incurable disease in more than 40 years. The polio vaccine is 99 percent effective at preventing paralytic polio. But now it’s remerging, thanks to the “insidious effect of vaccine disinformation and the backlash to COVID restrictions.” (Leana Wen, The Washington Post).
In the county where this was discovered, there is a 60 percent polio vaccination rate. Resistance to childhood vaccination is growing, and other diseases preventable by vaccines could re-emerge. Thank you, disinformation. Too many Americans believe their Freedom depends on shunning vaccinations for themselves and heir children, even though it means they may then spread infectious diseases to others. If this doesn’t stop, we will return to a darker past. (THE WEEK: September 2, 2022, p. 16).
Long Covid: Millions are Left Behind
It’s not in your head. It’s just not well understood and so it’s frequently dismissed. But a new study reveals that 16 million people in the U.S. are suffering from long COVID and up to 4 million remain out of work, worsening the current labor shortage. And, currently there is no proven treatment.
The vast majority are 30-50 years old and previously healthy. Their immune systems have gone haywire with antibodies attacking the body. This is followed by inflammation and hormonal disruptions, and possibly a hidden reservoir of virus. What can we do about long COVID while we wait? First off, drop the skepticism and denial.
The Biden Administration released a plan for tackling the long-term effects of COVID, and it makes the point that it is real, but the impact is not yet grasped. More than 80,000 new cases of the syndrome are currently being reported. This could deplete the workforce and strain our health-care system.
Meanwhile … most Americans have dropped all precautions and are blindly ignoring the risks of getting COVID. But the pandemic rages on, affecting the lives of millions of long haulers. (THE WEEK: September 16, 2022 (page 17).
And yet … I am hearing “It’s another flu” and “it will soon be like the flu” and try not to scream. It’s just not. But history will prove this in time.
Yeah, Fauci Has Been Wrong.
Now that he is retiring, there are currently several editorials that focus on Fauci. I will admit to being biased when it comes to him, as I chose to listen to him from the very beginning. However ….. it has been said, and I agree, that he projected too much certainty. He should have said, and repeatedly, that “we really aren’t sure.” I DID hear him say this …. but ….. obviously not enough.
FDA Approves First Omicron Boosters
Soon past Labor Day, Americans that have received two primary vaccine doses (such as Lynn and I) could get new booster shots. This is expected to be the last free COVID booster. They will improve the odds of severe illness or death. They have only been tested on mice; however, because the virus could mutate again before human trials are complete, pharmaceutical companies requested immediate FDA approval. All of this is fine with me. COVID is stubborn and smart, and it’s STILL a factor in American life). And STILL one step ahead of us.
What Lynn and I Will Do
The information is inconclusive as to how long we will have immunities due to our recent COVID infection . There is the possibility that if we get a booster too soon, our immune systems could go into overdrive. Our doctor recommended that we get the booster in early October. This sounds reasonable: our booster will take effect prior to our Fall California trips.
Boosters only work if people get them. Mask mandates are gone, and so is emergency funding. Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the last nationwide measures left. We’ll see what kind of winter we have.
Free is soon ending
Last August, the Federal Government stopped sending free COVID tests. Fortunately, Washington State is still providing them (up to 10 tests a month). They are good for up to a year, and I will keep ordering them every month as long as they are free.
A Conversation Worth Sharing
Go here to read a real-life story. It sure made me think a bit. The author Connie Schultz is a respected American writer and journalist.
Go to: COVID 19 – November 2022
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