COVID-19 Update: Wednesday, September 9th

Cytokine storm, flu shots, AstraZeneca, Sturgis Rally, and Fake projects

1. The cytokine storm may not be the issue. A new study in JAMA measured cytokine response in severe COVID patients compared to cytokine response in other diseases, using the same measure, and found that the cytokine concentrations in COVID patients were actually lower than what we see in other significant diseases. The cytokine storm is real and happens, but when compared to other significant diseases that also have cytokine storms, the concentrations are not elevated enough to explain what is happening. As a reminder, cytokine storms are inflammatory responses to illness or injury. Typically, helpful in repair and recovery. COVID impacts so many body systems that the response is more spread throughout the body, but still not in high enough concentrations to be the primary issue – according to the report. Worth noting that there is ongoing research regarding the Bradykinin storm hypothesis in the video making its way around social media.

2. Experts are encouraging people to get their flu shots in October. The flu and COVID can be impossible to distinguish early in the disease cycle, so as we enter flu season the potential for mistakes and stress on the system between those with flu and COVID patients can cause an undue burden. In addition, it is possible to get both viruses at the same time – having one weakens the immune system leaving you more susceptible to other infections. It takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect in your system (it is not instant). There have been some changes to the flu vaccine this year so make sure you discuss those with your provider. One thing in our favor this year is all the precautions we are taking, handwashing, mask-wearing, distancing, etc. are good for the prevention of the flu too.

3. AstraZeneca has paused their phase 3 clinical trials after a participant became ill. There are very few details currently available regarding the nature of the illness, but AstraZeneca said they were investigating the illness to determine if it were related to the vaccine. Events such as this are fairly common during vaccine development and most people are pleased to see that AstraZeneca has responded appropriately. They are currently the frontrunner in the COVID vaccine race. In related news, vaccine developers around the world have taken a vow to put the science and safety first despite the pressure to rush and any possible political influence. This seems to be an example of them doing so.

4. A new analysis of the Sturgis rally has linked 266,796 cases of COVID to the rally in South Dakota that included roughly 460k. State officials are disputing these numbers.

5. Beware of products claiming to prevent, treat, or cure COVID. According to a recent study, researchers found over 6 million tweets and over 200k Instagram posts of fraudulent products promoting or selling COVID-19 cures, preventions, tests, and treatments.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Yesterday I saw a commercial for a TV show (911) and in the commercial, a seasoned Fireman was giving advice to new firemen. He told them, to survive they needed to do three things: 1) spend their time and energy on things they could actually control/impact and none of it on things they couldn’t. 2) focus on one task at a time – whatever they were working on, focus on that, and don’t worry about what else needed to be done or what was next, and I can’t remember the third one. But it was outstanding advice. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done or frustrated by all the things that “aren’t right” but the energy spent on things we cannot change or have no control over is wasted energy. At least right now. This TV fireman had really good advice that we can all heed. Today, don’t give any of your energy to things you have no control over or impact on. Zero. Instead, focus all your energy on things you can actually influence. And work on one task at a time, focusing on it instead of being overwhelmed by the full “to do” list or what is next. Take it one thing at a time. Be stingy with your energy and time. Spend them on things that matter, in places where you can make a difference. Don’t cast your pearls to the swine because your time and energy are precious and should be spent in places that will value them and where you can make a difference. It’s ok to say no. In fact, it is an essential skill.

1918 sign posted in Oklahoma.