COVID-19 Update: Friday, January 15th

Mutations, the role of gut flora, immunity, long COVID, Johnsons and Johnson, and children.

1. More major mutations have been found. There is the new Brazil variant which has already found its way to the UK and Ohio is reporting two significant variants that would have originated in the US. Thus far, none of these seem to be more lethal, but all seem to make the virus more easily transmissible. Think of the protein spikes as a lock on a door. When the door is unlocked it is easier to enter. The lock opens and closes - but the mutations make it so that the door is unlocked longer and longer - making it easier and easier for the virus to invade not only the body but get into your cells where it begins its work.

2. New research published in the journal Gut suggests that the flora in your gut determines (or at least contributes to) how severe your COVID response will be. You can read that study here https://gut.bmj.com/content/gutjnl/early/2021/01/04/gutjnl-2020-323020.full.pdf

3. About 32% of people who get COVID will experience Long-COVID (the name given to people who continue to have COVID complications for months after "recovery").

4. The rate of COVID in children (those 18 and under) is now representative of the population as a whole. The new variants have made it more common among children. While children/schools are not considered a major spreader of the virus (that distinction seems to be reserved for asymptomatic people) children do now seem to be getting the virus at the same rate as adults per an MMWR report. Younger children (those under 10) are still less prone to get it than children over 10 and children are still experiencing less severe cases. Here is that report https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7003e1.htm?s_cid=mm7003e1_w

5. Studies have shown immunity lasting anywhere from 3 months to 8 months for about 90% of those who get COVID. Currently, the scientific and medical community is working on a presumption of 5 months. Everyone responds a little differently so if you get it there is no way (other than having regular antibody tests done) to know precisely how long you will be immune, but our current understanding is about 5 months. That will of course change as we learn more.

6. New guidance for those with relapsing or progressive MS can and should get the COVID vaccine - according to the latest recommendations. You can read more about that here https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance

7. Johnson and Johnson have released data regarding their vaccine which is 90% effective and only requires one dose. I will be reviewing those findings and share more with you about that on Monday.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Life is not easy. Daily we face challenges and trials that have nothing to do with COVID and everything to do with life. Having people in our lives who we can go to for wise counsel, information, venting, or comfort is important. Being humble and kind even when circumstances are challenging is also important. Today, as I encourage you to remove yourself from all the noise over the weekend, I also ask you to make sure you are surrounded by good counsel, I encourage you to walk humbly and in kindness. And make sure you let people know how much you value them. Rest, renew, recover. I will see you on Monday.