*** OFFICIAL *** COVID-19 CoronaVirus Thread. Fresh epidemic fears as child pneumonia cases surge in Europe after China outbreak. NOW in USA (18 Viewers)

[ignatiusjreilly]

Is there a reason you want to be in person?

Dude, are you trying to psychoanalyze me?!?!?! 

In all seriousness, I feel like a child's therapy session is going to lose something if it's virtual. And like I said, given what she charges, it feels like we're being cheated somehow. (Although not gonna lie, I don't mind not having to drive 35 minutes each way to the office).

I would actually be curious to know how widespread this practice is nowadays. I could certainly see some scenarios where virtual appointments might be better. At one point in our marriage, my wife and I were going to a couples counselor, and it was always super-hard to fit in appointments around our work schedules, childcare, etc. But I still think there's something missing when you try to get into deep stuff over Zoom.

 

[jobarules]

Older son has been going to a psychiatrist for the past couple years to get prescribed meds. We try to avoid going too often because she's expensive as hell and doesn't take insurance, but I had to make an appointment before he leaves for camp to ensure he has enough pills to get him through the summer.

Her assistant emails me today to confirm, and says, "And here is the Doxy link." And I realize, this woman is still doing all her appointments virtually.

Standard caveat that you don't know anyone's health/living situation (FWIW, she's very young -- I would guess mid/late 30s -- and seemingly healthy). Maybe she's a cancer survivor, or lives with an elderly parent, etc. But man, two years into the pandemic, to still be doing everything virtually ... And it's not like she's offering a telehealth discount.

My best guess is that she's doing it for the same reason a dog licks its nether region: Because she can.

Yep

 

[jobarules]

Dude, are you trying to psychoanalyze me?!?!?! 

In all seriousness, I feel like a child's therapy session is going to lose something if it's virtual. And like I said, given what she charges, it feels like we're being cheated somehow. (Although not gonna lie, I don't mind not having to drive 35 minutes each way to the office).

I would actually be curious to know how widespread this practice is nowadays. I could certainly see some scenarios where virtual appointments might be better. At one point in our marriage, my wife and I were going to a couples counselor, and it was always super-hard to fit in appointments around our work schedules, childcare, etc. But I still think there's something missing when you try to get into deep stuff over Zoom.

My son sees a therapist for his anxiety once a week, $50/session, 30 minutes away. It sucks but apparently there are waiting lists for child therapists now due to the pandemic so not much we can do. 

 

[Terminalxylem]

Older son has been going to a psychiatrist for the past couple years to get prescribed meds. We try to avoid going too often because she's expensive as hell and doesn't take insurance, but I had to make an appointment before he leaves for camp to ensure he has enough pills to get him through the summer.

Her assistant emails me today to confirm, and says, "And here is the Doxy link." And I realize, this woman is still doing all her appointments virtually.

Standard caveat that you don't know anyone's health/living situation (FWIW, she's very young -- I would guess mid/late 30s -- and seemingly healthy). Maybe she's a cancer survivor, or lives with an elderly parent, etc. But man, two years into the pandemic, to still be doing everything virtually ... And it's not like she's offering a telehealth discount.

My best guess is that she's doing it for the same reason a dog licks its nether region: Because she can.

There’s an argument to be made that virtually all counseling can (and should) be done remotely.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

There’s an argument to be made that virtually all counseling can (and should) be done remotely.

Interesting. What's the rationale?

 

[nirad3]

There’s an argument to be made that virtually all counseling can (and should) be done remotely.

I'd love to hear what that argument is because I'd be hard pressed to agree with it.  Not in the industry, but speaking from my own experience.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Just one data point, and an anecdote to boot:

I have had many colds (or what I thought were colds) in my life that hit me harder than my presumed bout with COVID. COVID symptoms were less than a week, whereas I've had six-week long "colds" marked chiefly by a lingering cough. Of course, for COVID I was double vaccinated and a month out from my booster when I caught it.

Never got those long-lasting colds checked out, could've been something else. Just went to work and muddled through with the symptoms ... and lots and lots of cough drops.

It was almost certainly post-viral bronchospasm, where sensitized airways after infection promote cough and/or wheezing.  It’s unclear how much this is due to the infecting agent vs. the host, but in any event, it responds to inhalers (ipratropium, steroid).

 

[AAABatteries]

Interesting. What's the rationale?

I'd love to hear what that argument is because I'd be hard pressed to agree with it.  Not in the industry, but speaking from my own experience.

I would assume for the safety of the therapist and the patient.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I'd love to hear what that argument is because I'd be hard pressed to agree with it.  Not in the industry, but speaking from my own experience.

It allows greater accessibility and privacy for patients (many avoid their appointments simply due to stigma or anxiety) in a more comfortable setting (home vs. office). Some patients are also threatening and manipulative in-person, which is diffused by a remote visit.

I realize both verbal and non-verbal cues can be lost over the medium, but counselors don’t really need physical proximity to provide their insight/assessment. Aside from radiologists and pathologists, there are few medical specialties more suited to telehealth.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I realize both verbal and non-verbal cues can be lost over the medium

The chief medical editor of my cardiology publication told me that, unless he needs to put his hands on someone, he prefers to see them over telehealth without a mask than to see them in person with a mask, because he thinks picking up on his patients’ facial cues is important and the masks robs him of his ability to do that.

 

[nirad3]

It allows greater accessibility and privacy for patients (many avoid their appointments simply due to stigma or anxiety) in a more comfortable setting (home vs. office). Some patients are also threatening and manipulative in-person, which is diffused by a remote visit.

I realize both verbal and non-verbal cues can be lost over the medium, but counselors don’t really need physical proximity to provide their insight/assessment. Aside from radiologists and pathologists, there are few medical specialties more suited to telehealth.

I guess I can see that, but for me (personal experience here), I much prefer to see a therapist in person.  Telehealth (again, for me) was less impactful.  

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Interestingly or coincidentally, my son who was patient zero in our house has now developed a mucusy cough and low grade (below 100) fever the last couple of days. Covid related or another bug from school?

 

[belljr]

My daughter did video zoom therapy for 6 months. I thought it was fine

 

[Doug B]

It was almost certainly post-viral bronchospasm, where sensitized airways after infection promote cough and/or wheezing.  It’s unclear how much this is due to the infecting agent vs. the host, but in any event, it responds to inhalers (ipratropium, steroid).

Once I got married, my wife sold me on the idea of -- gasp! -- going to an actual doctor for "just a cold" if that "just a cold" last multiple weeks.

Eventually, I discovered the joys of Advair. And better -- Tessalon Perles.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

My daughter did video zoom therapy for 6 months. I thought it was fine

I kind of derailed this thread into a discussion of the value of remote therapy. The main point of my original post was that I was surprised a therapist was still doing all her appointments virtually. I initially assumed it was due to Covid concerns, but now I'm wondering if maybe she just likes it better.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Once I got married, my wife sold me on the idea of -- gasp! -- going to an actual doctor for "just a cold" if that "just a cold" last multiple weeks.

Eventually, I discovered the joys of Advair. And better -- Tessalon Perles.

All our covid patients get as-needed Tessalon, as it seems less prone to throw people into coughing fits than guaifenessin.  (To be fair, the latter is an expectorant, not a cough suppressant).

I also appreciate medications that are creatively dispensed in things like troches, sachets and pulvules. Much more satisfying to take a perle than a pill.

 

[Terminalxylem]

The chief medical editor of my cardiology publication told me that, unless he needs to put his hands on someone, he prefers to see them over telehealth without a mask than to see them in person with a mask, because he thinks picking up on his patients’ facial cues is important and the masks robs him of his ability to do that.

Most of the cardiologists I know don’t care if they see anything above the neck, as they’re wrist and groin men.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I kind of derailed this thread into a discussion of the value of remote therapy. The main point of my original post was that I was surprised a therapist was still doing all her appointments virtually. I initially assumed it was due to Covid concerns, but now I'm wondering if maybe she just likes it better.

started off as covid and turned into remote like a lot of positions I assume. 

 

[Whyatt]

I kind of derailed this thread into a discussion of the value of remote therapy. The main point of my original post was that I was surprised a therapist was still doing all her appointments virtually. I initially assumed it was due to Covid concerns, but now I'm wondering if maybe she just likes it better.

My wife is a therapist in private practice.

Prior to Covid, insurance reimbursement was lower or not available for remote therapy vs. in office. The impression of both patient and therapist was remote was awkward and not as effective.

Obviously covid changed everything, reimbursement was matched (in many cases, copay eliminated), while patient and therapist became comfortable with remote. No surprise, safety and convenience of remote is the benefit.

As things stand now, many therapists are going full virtual. Insurance reimbursement continues but is a wild card. Most patients who have been virtual are staying that way, new patients maybe 70/30, virtual vs. office. And patient demand remains way ahead of therapists available.

 

[matttyl]

US will no longer require covid testing to fly into US.  

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Last year at this time, we were at 14,000 cases/day.  Now we are over 100,000/day.  We really had the original strain beaten, and then Delta and Omicron took over the world.

 

[arrow1]

Last year at this time, we were at 14,000 cases/day.  Now we are over 100,000/day.  We really had the original strain beaten, and then Delta and Omicron took over the world.

 

[shader]

Question - I got covid for the first time last Tuesday.  Was down for the count Tuesday thru Friday.  Started feeling much better Sat and although weak, I'm feeling pretty good today.

The problem is that I'm still testing positive.  I've seen where the CDC says you can end isolation 5 days after first symptoms, but is that accurate?

Any guidance on how to best end isolation would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Doug B]

The problem is that I'm still testing positive.  I've seen where the CDC says you can end isolation 5 days after first symptoms, but is that accurate?

Any guidance on how to best end isolation would be greatly appreciated.

That particular guidance was published when home antigen tests were difficult to obtain. The idea was that there needed to be a no-testing way to get people (esp in healthcare) back to work, and that the former guidance of an automatic 10 day isolation was too disruptive.

With that, it wasn't merely "end your isolation after 5 days". It's that plus masking in public for an additional 5 days. And since we now know it's got to be an (K)N95 mask or nothing ... that would be the minimum standard for those additional 5 days.

If you're asking me how to break isolation: If you're asymptomatic, but still testing positive on home tests, restrict your outings greatly. That means if you have to swing into the drugstore, or pick up takeout, or go get some quick groceries, fine -- do it with a tight N95, get in and get out. No dining out, no festivals, ball games, movies, crowds, bar rooms, etc. Only when you test negative on home tests can you "go back to normal", whatever your normal has been in recent months.

And yes, a small number of people do continue to test positive for a few weeks after clearing their COVID infection. Sucks to be them -- but know that it's a super-rare thing to continue testing positive like that for so long. Some article make it look like a 1 in 3 chance or something -- no, in fact, it's pretty remote.

 

[shader]

That particular guidance was published when home antigen tests were difficult to obtain. The idea was that there needed to be a no-testing way to get people (esp in healthcare) back to work, and that the former guidance of an automatic 10 day isolation was too disruptive.

With that, it wasn't merely "end your isolation after 5 days". It's that plus masking in public for an additional 5 days. And since we now know it's got to be an (K)N95 mask or nothing ... that would be the minimum standard for those additional 5 days.

If you're asking me how to break isolation: If you're asymptomatic, but still testing positive on home tests, restrict your outings greatly. That means if you have to swing into the drugstore, or pick up takeout, or go get some quick groceries, fine -- do it with a tight N95, get in and get out. No dining out, no festivals, ball games, movies, crowds, bar rooms, etc. Only when you test negative on home tests can you "go back to normal", whatever your normal has been in recent months.

And yes, a small number of people do continue to test positive for a few weeks after clearing their COVID infection. Sucks to be them -- but know that it's a super-rare thing to continue testing positive like that for so long. Some article make it look like a 1 in 3 chance or something -- no, in fact, it's pretty remote.

As always, you are awesome.

Still testing positive and have a slight cough - so I can't classify myself as asymptomatic just yet either.

I guess I'll continue to explore the depths of netflix a few more days!

 

[Osaurus]

As always, you are awesome.

Still testing positive and have a slight cough - so I can't classify myself as asymptomatic just yet either.

I guess I'll continue to explore the depths of netflix a few more days!

I re-tested after 9 days (felt fine after 4) and was negative, but I know one person who tested positive a month after initial symptoms.  

 

[parasaurolophus]

My list of anecdotal experiences re:mask wearing continues to grow. 

Another close contact with a Covid positive. Only person in the group that isn't positive. 

3m aura perhaps saving the day again 

 

[ericttspikes]

Anybody have anecdotal experience with Paxlovid? Worth taking vs side effects?

 

[Doug B]

Anybody have anecdotal experience with Paxlovid? Worth taking vs side effects?

@belljr's parents took it recently. He might have some scoop.

 

[belljr]

My mother and father took it because their doctor recommended it for being high risk. My brother in law took it because the doctor said it couldn't hurt.

I don't know of any side effects.

They all have 1 booster.   My dad was over it fairly quickly.  My mom's symptoms were worse and took a little longer.  My bil was mild for a few days.

Not sure if I can quantify if it "helped" cause I guess we just don't know

 

[Scoresman]

It's extra insurance against going to the hospital and/or dying.  If you're high risk it should be a no brainer unless you have existing liver or other issues. If your doctor says you're good to take it and you're high risk, I think its a no brainer.

 

[jobarules]

Lockdowns eviscerated kids immune systems

https://nypost.com/2022/06/14/kids-immune-systems-weakened-after-covid-lockdowns/

Good job locking your kids away and in masks for 2 years everyone!

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

Anybody have anecdotal experience with Paxlovid? Worth taking vs side effects?

Everything I've read indicates that it was never really tested on vaccinated people, which could explain some of the "rebound"  effect some are seeing after taking it.  If high risk or unvaccinated, if it were me I'd do it. Otherwise, not sure that there's any data showing how much it really helps. 

 

[ericttspikes]

Everything I've read indicates that it was never really tested on vaccinated people, which could explain some of the "rebound"  effect some are seeing after taking it.  If high risk or unvaccinated, if it were me I'd do it. Otherwise, not sure that there's any data showing how much it really helps. 

I ended up trying it. If for no other reason to be the family guinea pig for if/when my wife tests positive. 

Vaxxed/boosted. Went to my daughters national volleyball tourney on Navy Pier in Chicago. Teams from all over the country. Thousands of people. Maybe 1% masked. 8 hours a day for 3 days, yelling, screaming, cheering....inside. Had to be a super spreader event.

Tourney started Friday, by Sunday I had a drippy nose. No big deal. Could of been allergies, but due to the circumstances tested on Monday. My at home test lit up a bright red line. Not really surprised I got it, but surprised I was positive within 3 days of the start of the event.

Still didn't feel too bad, but let my doctor know and inquired about Paxlovid. He actually said being vaxxed and boosted I could ride it out, but it was available to me if I wanted. I decided to try it. So far I'm glad I did. I took my night dose last night, right as I started to feel really crappy. Could almost feel my chest filling with phlegm or congestion. Weird head/brain stuff. Eyes hurt. Ears hurt. Not a high fever, but sweaty. Wasn't feeling like allergies anymore, definitely sick.

The scary thing is how fast it progressed. From drippy nose to the feeling like someone sprayed expanding crack filler in my lungs and they were filling up by the minute. Heart racing. By morning I felt 100% better. Slight cough. Lungs feel clear. Still have a slight headache. 

Not sure if it was all Paxlovid, but it seemed to really help. I also realize the potential for relapse, but if Paxlovid made me feel like this after one dose, it seems to work for me. So far no side effects of stomach issues or mettallic taste. Slight weird taste after 6 pills, but not too bad. Fingers crossed.

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

I ended up trying it. If for no other reason to be the family guinea pig for if/when my wife tests positive. 

Vaxxed/boosted. Went to my daughters national volleyball tourney on Navy Pier in Chicago. Teams from all over the country. Thousands of people. Maybe 1% masked. 8 hours a day for 3 days, yelling, screaming, cheering....inside. Had to be a super spreader event.

Tourney started Friday, by Sunday I had a drippy nose. No big deal. Could of been allergies, but due to the circumstances tested on Monday. My at home test lit up a bright red line. Not really surprised I got it, but surprised I was positive within 3 days of the start of the event.

Still didn't feel too bad, but let my doctor know and inquired about Paxlovid. He actually said being vaxxed and boosted I could ride it out, but it was available to me if I wanted. I decided to try it. So far I'm glad I did. I took my night dose last night, right as I started to feel really crappy. Could almost feel my chest filling with phlegm or congestion. Weird head/brain stuff. Eyes hurt. Ears hurt. Not a high fever, but sweaty. Wasn't feeling like allergies anymore, definitely sick.

The scary thing is how fast it progressed. From drippy nose to the feeling like someone sprayed expanding crack filler in my lungs and they were filling up by the minute. Heart racing. By morning I felt 100% better. Slight cough. Lungs feel clear. Still have a slight headache. 

Not sure if it was all Paxlovid, but it seemed to really help. I also realize the potential for relapse, but if Paxlovid made me feel like this after one dose, it seems to work for me. So far no side effects of stomach issues or mettallic taste. Slight weird taste after 6 pills, but not too bad. Fingers crossed.

Hope you're feeling better today GB! 

Relevant to our convo, this one popped up on my feed this AM, thought I'd pass along:

Pfizer’s Paxlovid study fails to answer key questions over benefit for broader populations

summary blurb: 

Pfizer issued a press release yesterday saying its study of the antiviral in Covid patients who were not at risk for severe disease didn’t show their Covid symptoms got better faster, but it did seem to prevent doctor’s visits and hospitalizations. Too few patients were hospitalized to say whether Paxlovid kept vaccinated people out of the hospital. But as STAT’s Matthew Herper and Jason Mast point out, the data do not invalidate earlier results showing Paxlovid prevents hospitalizations and saves lives in patients at high risk of severe Covid. 

It may give doctors pause when prescribing for patients with no risk factors. “This reinforces that Paxlovid is not going to have a big role in vaccinated people except in people who are maybe at highest risk,” said Walid Gellad of the University of Pittsburgh. “Maybe in a bigger trial, it would be statistically significant, but the effect is small.”

 

[ericttspikes]

Hope you're feeling better today GB! 

Relevant to our convo, this one popped up on my feed this AM, thought I'd pass along:

Pfizer’s Paxlovid study fails to answer key questions over benefit for broader populations

summary blurb: 

Pfizer issued a press release yesterday saying its study of the antiviral in Covid patients who were not at risk for severe disease didn’t show their Covid symptoms got better faster, but it did seem to prevent doctor’s visits and hospitalizations. Too few patients were hospitalized to say whether Paxlovid kept vaccinated people out of the hospital. But as STAT’s Matthew Herper and Jason Mast point out, the data do not invalidate earlier results showing Paxlovid prevents hospitalizations and saves lives in patients at high risk of severe Covid. 

It may give doctors pause when prescribing for patients with no risk factors. “This reinforces that Paxlovid is not going to have a big role in vaccinated people except in people who are maybe at highest risk,” said Walid Gellad of the University of Pittsburgh. “Maybe in a bigger trial, it would be statistically significant, but the effect is small.”

Feeling good so far. Thanks. Lungs feel clear. No fatigue. Just a lingering headache and infrequent cough. Tough to tell what blunted my symptoms as fast as they started. The nature of the infection? My own immune response? Paxlovid? All the above? I’m just glad it did. It was bad for 8 hours and getting worse fast. Not sure I’d want to test what would happen without Paxlovid next time.

After 6 pills (2 courses) I did get the stomach issues side effect. Not terrible, but was hoping to avoid those.

 

[Doug B]

(NOTE: Recent figures in the Worldometers graphs have been getting some big adjustments as much as a full week after they first drop -- with some small adjustments peppered throughout the last few months. Accordingly, I've waited nine days to let the last-week Monday (June 6) numbers settle in. They may rise some more by next week's update, but it should be by a small amount.)

...

Updating numbers to see where things stood last week from a top-of-the-mountain view. All figures below are 7-day averages from Worldometers U.S. graphs here. In the United States: 

CASES
Thu 01/13/2022 - 825,409  <--OMICRON SURGE 2022 HIGH
Tue 02/01/2022 - 424,816
Thu 02/17/2022 - 116,942
Mon 02/21/2022 - 94,244
Mon 02/28/2022 - 62,205
Mon 03/07/2022 - 42,099
Mon 03/14/2022 - 32,909
Mon 03/21/2022 - 28,476
Mon 03/28/2022 - 28,480
Sat   04/02/2022 - 27,597 <--2022 LOW
Mon 04/04/2022 - 28,597
Mon 04/11/2022 - 33,921
Mon 04/18/2022 - 40,866
Mon 04/25/2022 - 52,578
Mon 05/02/2022 - 63,216
Mon 05/09/2022 - 81,379
Mon 05/16/2022 - 100,136
Mon 05/23/2022 - 110,696
Thu 05/26/2022 - 112,104  <--SPRING 2022 HIGH
Mon 05/30/2022 - 110,175  (100,159 on Thu 06/02/2022)
Mon 06/06/2022 - 106,603 <--provisional count
Mon 06/13/2022 - 92,630 <--provisional count

DEATHS
Sun  01/29/2022 - 2,756  <--OMICRON SURGE 2022 HIGH
Thu  02/17/2022 - 2,196
Tue  02/22/2022 - 1,964
Mon 02/28/2022 - 1,750
Mon 03/07/2022 - 1,306
Mon 03/14/2022 - 1,137
Tue  03/22/2022 - 784
Mon 03/28/2022 - 634
Mon 04/04/2022 - 579
Mon 04/11/2022 - 486
Mon 04/18/2022 - 374
Mon 04/25/2022 - 365
Mon 05/02/2022 - 337
Mon 05/09/2022 - 296
Mon 05/16/2022 - 288
Mon 05/23/2022 - 317
Fri 05/27/2022 - 345  <--SPRING 2022 HIGH
Mon 05/30/2022 - 315 (254 on Thu 06/02/2022)
Mon 06/06/2022 - 275  <--provisional 2022 LOW
Mon 06/13/2022 - 226  <--provisional count

...

CASES: 7-day average of confirmed COVID cases in the U.S. peaked at 825,409 on 1/13/2022, and was provisionally 106,603 on 6/06/2022. After adjustments, the 7-day average of cases continued to rise through May 22-23. Between May 23 and June 10, the curve stabilized somewhat, drifting between 102,000 and 112,000. Unfortunately, this week's trend won't be apparent in the reported numbers until next week.

DEATHS: With recent adjustments, the 7-day average dropped for 79 consecutive days from 2,756 on 1/29/2022 to 349 on Tue 4/19/2022. That number jogged up to 354 the following day, breaking the streak. 7-day average deaths had a spring 2022 peak on 5/27/2022 (345). Since then, the number has dropped below 300 and for now, has stayed there (275 on 6/6/2022). As with 7-day-cases, it will take another week of data to best reflect where 7-day-deaths are now.

...

For comparison: Low-water marks in the U.S. from summer 2021, 7-day averages after the initial thrust of vaccinations and before summer 2021's Delta surge.

CASES: 12,197 on 6/21/2021
DEATHS: 245 on 7/8/2021

 

[belljr]

Can we officially call this endemic now?  From the death count I say yes

 

[worrierking]

Researchers believe they have a rapid T-Cell test:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-022-01347-6

 

[Terminalxylem]

That particular guidance was published when home antigen tests were difficult to obtain. The idea was that there needed to be a no-testing way to get people (esp in healthcare) back to work, and that the former guidance of an automatic 10 day isolation was too disruptive.

With that, it wasn't merely "end your isolation after 5 days". It's that plus masking in public for an additional 5 days. And since we now know it's got to be an (K)N95 mask or nothing ... that would be the minimum standard for those additional 5 days.

If you're asking me how to break isolation: If you're asymptomatic, but still testing positive on home tests, restrict your outings greatly. That means if you have to swing into the drugstore, or pick up takeout, or go get some quick groceries, fine -- do it with a tight N95, get in and get out. No dining out, no festivals, ball games, movies, crowds, bar rooms, etc. Only when you test negative on home tests can you "go back to normal", whatever your normal has been in recent months.

And yes, a small number of people do continue to test positive for a few weeks after clearing their COVID infection. Sucks to be them -- but know that it's a super-rare thing to continue testing positive like that for so long. Some article make it look like a 1 in 3 chance or something -- no, in fact, it's pretty remote.

By the letter of the law, the CDC doesn’t recommend retesting. But if you happen to retest positive, I’m pretty sure the recommended isolation period is extended to 10 days. And I don’t think there is any guidance to keep retesting until negative.

I’d definitely err on the side of caution if I still had symptoms promoting spread, like coughing.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Can we officially call this endemic now?  From the death count I say yes

Death toll was never part of defining the pandemic.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Anybody have anecdotal experience with Paxlovid? Worth taking vs side effects?

My father-in-law tolerated it without any side effects, and it’s well tolerated in general.

Adverse events (all grades regardless of causality) in the PAXLOVID group (≥1%) that occurred at a greater frequency (≥5 subject difference) than in the placebo group were dysgeusia (6% and <1%, respectively), diarrhea (3% and 2%), hypertension (1% and <1%), and myalgia (1% and <1%).

The bigger issue is interaction with other meds.

 

[jamny]

Fauci tests positive.

 

[jobarules]

Fauci tests positive.

I still dont understand how Ive never gotten it and this guy does 

 

[belljr]

Death toll was never part of defining the pandemic.

Odd take since thats all we heard about for 2 years

 

[ZADO]

Fauci tests positive.

If a person gets infected, despite the fact that they've been vaccinated—we refer to that as a 'breakthrough infection'—does that person have the capability of transmitting the infection to another person? Namely, does vaccine prevent transmission?"

Now, Fauci said there have been some recent discoveries that suggest the vaccine might be able to do just that. - February 17, 2021

He must have the ''breakthru '' virus

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

Odd take since thats all we heard about for 2 years

All the docs/epidemiologists I follow define it by not just deaths but the rate of transmission/community spread plus whether or not it's predictable (like the flu yearly).  We are still having huge spikes of cases in an unpredictable pattern, as are other places in the world. But mainly, we have no clue what might happen next. 

 

[lod001]

Let me drop this nugget in here . Oh and ya can't say that site is a far right conspiracy site. I told ya all from day one that no one needed this garbage jab. The real truth keeps coming out while the max jabbed fauci (or was all his jabs faked - more likely since he knows how dangerous it is) has covid.

Basically the garbage doesn't work or fauci faked being jabbed and don't bother with 'grateful he's max jabbed' because it doesn't make a difference if you are or not...since it never worked,

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/severe-covid-19-rare-in-unvaccinated-people-survey-reveals/ar-AAYr5fF?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=fe99a34646494658b2510f63fc2a996f

 

[Terminalxylem]

Odd take since thats all we heard about for 2 years

Although death totals are important (for obvious reasons), what you heard was incorrect. 

 

[Terminalxylem]

I still dont understand how Ive never gotten it and this guy does 

You’re not alone - most of my coworkers and social circle haven’t had it either.