COVID-19 Update, January 6, 2022

Let me start with a short but heartfelt apology for my long absence. Things have gotten crazy and time has been a vapor. I am sorry for the absence. While I was gone, lots of things happened so let's delve into some of the important things. Little of this will be new, just clarifications and reminders.

1. Let's start with the new variant out of France. So far we know very little, just as when all the variants start out. It doesn't seem to be spreading too quickly at this point so it isn't a real concern right now. And let's be honest, we have plenty of other things to occupy us right now, so let's back burner this one. We are monitoring it and if it becomes concerning you will know, but don't let it worry or frustrate you quite yet.

2. Don't let the expression "Flurona" confuse or concern you either. The headlines are really alarming, but the reality is the same as last winter. People are getting both the flu and covid. That, as you can imagine, makes you pretty sick. But, there is NO evidence that the two viruses are merging. I am not a virologist, but here is what I do know. When two viruses merge to make a new virus, it is called antigenic shift. This is different than what you see with variants within a virus. (such as Delta mutating to Omicron). What we are talking about with antigenic shift is virus A and virus B joining forces to make virus C. That typically happens when both viruses are from the same viral family. The flu and covid are not. When viruses are not from the same viral family, they are more likely to compete with each other than join forces. That is not to say they can't join up, but it is pretty rare. Most commonly, that is seen when the virus enters an animal, encounters another virus, and then comes back into humans. Such as swine flu, bird flu etc.. Again, not to say it is impossible, but it isn't every day either and there are no indications that that is happening right now.

3. Cases among children are on the rise. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "More than 325,000 child COVID-19 cases were reported for the week ending December 30, a 64% increase over the previous week and almost double the counts from 2 weeks earlier." Hospitalizations are up among children too. This is just math, as cases rise, so will hospitalizations.

4. A reminder that if you are getting a booster, it is best to do so with a different shot than you got originally. Keep in mind there are special cases to this, based on your individual risk, etc. but generally speaking, you want to get something different. About 5-6 months post your first round of shot(s) is the best time for a booster. Some research out of Israel indicates that three encounters with Covid results in the best immunity. Those encounters can be any combination of vaccine or actually acquiring it. At this point, it doesn't look like life-long immunity is in our future. This is true for all sorts of viruses so it isn't unexpected albeit disappointing.

5. If you get Omicron, you are then immune for about 10 weeks. Everyone responds a little differently (similar to with the vaccines) so you may be immune for slightly longer or shorter.

6. We should really be masking up again if you aren't. Remember, gaitor style masks are the least effective (well, they are more effective than masks that are around your chin). Masks that don't fit well are also not very effective. Can you blow out a candle while wearing your mask? That isn't a good fit. Is there a gap on the sides? Does it slide down your face when talking? Does it fog up your glasses? These are all signs your mask doesn't fit quite right. You need three layers and it needs to fit well. Obviously, the N95 style is best. Hand sanitizer and frequent hand washing should once again be a persistent part of your life. And of course, avoid touching your face as much as possible.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Winter is here. It's cold (wind chill of -27 here today) and it gets dark early and did I mention how cold it is? Oh yeah, and COVID is not only still here, but it is worse than ever. We could easily become discouraged and who could really blame us? At times like this, little things suddenly seem bigger and the morning feels like it comes earlier. Sure we don't have the misplaced optimism we had 2 years ago as we shuttered our doors and waved to each other as we began our "two-week" quarantine, but we are still here, and we are still together. There is still hope, and promise, and good in the world. People are still helping their neighbors, falling in love, and dreaming dreams. Hope is still alive and well. Sure, we are tired and grouchy but we are still here, doing our best, trying our hardest. We can do this. So let's give each other the benefit of the doubt, hold hands tightly and just keep pushing forward. Because together we are stronger and together we can do this.