COVID-19 Update: Friday, June 4th
- Ginger Cameron, PhD
- Jun 4, 2021
- 3 min read
Numbers, Covid-Kids, Covid-origins, length of immunity and variants.
It's been a hot minute so I thought I would offer some updates, I hope you are well.
Numbers are much much better - back to what we were seeing this time last year. We are not in the clear, but things are definitely better. See the charts below for a snapshot.
From January - March 2021 we saw an increase in the number of children ages 12-17 who were hospitalized from COVID. About 1/3 of all children in this age group who got COVID ended up in the hospital. About 5% required ventilation but none have died thus far. Again, we are talking about a small number in total (204 hospitalizations) but the increase is attracting attention and brings with it some questions. You can read the full report link
There is lots and lots of speculation over the origins of COVID so I want to just offer a refresher on this and some perspective. As individuals, the origin of the disease will not make a lot of difference to us personally. It doesn't change where we are, what we need to do, or what we have done. This is not to say it isn't important to know - it is. And while nationally it may matter, on a personal level it won't make much difference. The three running theories are: 1) it was made in a lab and intentionally released by... (different countries believe differently regarding who may have intentionally done this. some say China, quite a few think the US did it). It is standard practice of something new/unknown or unusual to be evaluated to see if it is natural or man-made. Initially, reviews did not support this theory. Currently, there is no definitive proof that supports this theory. Could this change? Sure. But right now there is no proof that this was a man-made virus. Theory 2) the virus was contained in the lab in Wuhan and was released either accidentally or intentionally. There are some theories that they may not have even known they had the virus. Again, we don't currently have proof of this. Could it be true? Of course. (personally, I believe this is probably true, but again - what I believe is irrelevant given we don't have definitive proof). Theory 3) wild exposure most likely from a wet market or other animal exposure. There is also no definitive evidence of this. The fact is that we just don't know. I want to encourage you, while your form your thoughts and what you think (certainly our theories make for lively discussion) but let's just remember that right now there is no evidence supporting any of this - or at least no evidence that the public has seen. Be patient and let this sort itself out, it doesn't change what we are doing day-to-day.
Immunity should last a year or more (possibly a lifetime) according to two new studies (links below). Doesn't seem to matter if it is natural or vaccine initiated. This is very good news. But remember, some people won't develop immunity and therefore won't be protected despite getting vaccinated or having had Covid. We don't know why this is but it is true of all diseases/vaccines.
Variants continue to emerge, one originated from dogs, the supposed one in Vietnam is actually a strain of the one in India. Currently, we have 4 VOCs (variants of concern): UK, India, South Africa, and Brazil variants.
FINAL THOUGHTS: I hope that you have started resuming life as usual. I hope you are getting out and seeing people. I hope that you are well and caring for yourself and others. I hope that you see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and that you have wonderful plans for the hot weekend. I hope you are safe and secure where you are. I hope COVID has moved to the background of your life and that you are rested and at peace. Most of all, I hope that you are full of hope.
Links:
Charts:
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