COVID-19 update, Thursday, March 11th

Mortality rates in the US, variants, vaccines and asymptomatic spread, COVID kidneys

1. There is some misinformation making its way around the internet - most commonly seen on Instagram that says the death rate in the US has not changed which is proof that COVID is fake. So when I saw this news update today I thought I would share it. The overall death rate in the U.S. increased by 15% last year because of the pandemic, with COVID-19 becoming the third leading cause of mortality. (Politico)

2. The COVID-19 variant that originated in New York (B.1.526) is more infectious than the original strain. (Gothamist) Remember that the longer variants are allowed to happen the more likely ones will develop that are impervious to the vaccines and the higher the risk of vaccine resistance (i.e. the virus can become immune the vaccine).

3. Pfizer is saying their vaccine is 94% effective in protecting against the asymptomatic spread of Covid. You may recall that a vaccine has three major goals: a)prevent death, b)prevent illness, and c)prevent spread. Different vaccines accomplish these goals at differing levels - the measles vaccine is quite good at all three, polio vaccine is great at a and b but not c. Because of the shortened timeline for the COVID vaccines, we don't know the answer to that question although the vaccine companies are testing it. Pfizer has released this preliminary data, which is quite promising, you can read a synopsis here https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/91350 but....it is still too soon to say this is 100% true so stay tuned for additional data.

4. We are seeing a large number of people who have COVID develop chronic kidney injury. This is more common among those with severe COVID but not exclusive to them. If you had COVID and notice kidney issues seek medical advice.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Today I was headed to the gym when my stomach grumbled and moaned and complained quite loudly of hunger. At first, I tried to ignore it and push onward....and then I came to my senses. So I turned the car around and went to get some breakfast. The irony of skipping the gym to eat was not lost on me. However...the importance of listening to our bodies and our needs wasn't lost on me either - and ultimately that won. It is not often that I skip the gym and it is even more rare to abandon the proverbial ship for food - lol, honestly, I can't recall ever doing that. But today it was exactly the right thing to do. It may not seem right on paper, but it was. Today, as you walk through all that your day has to offer, listen to your body. Don't ignore your needs and don't care if what you need seems foolish or ironic on paper. Being loving to yourself is the first step in being loving towards others. Rest when you need to. Eat when you need to. Cry when you need to. Drive in circles when you need to and love always.