Covid boosters

M1

In case you missed it, on Wednesday the CDC recommended a second covid booster this spring for those over 65- I was able to get it today so they are ready to go with no delay. This will apply to many of as well as our loved ones. There have been stubborn outbreaks in our MC all winter so I was happy to see the recommendation and hope the facilities will offer it quickly also.

harshedbuzz

@M1

I saw that. I'm not looking forward to another jab but will take one for the team (aka 87-year-old-mom with COPD, CHF and a whole host of issues). The updated vaccine prevented me actually getting COVID after a 3+-hour exposure to my hair stylist who tested positive that evening.

I wonder if the change in CDC guidance about returning to school/work with COVID so long as one is fever-free and improving makes this even more important. Or if it's what most folks have been doing all along and we'll see no change.

Your thoughts?

HB

M1

Hard to know HB. I think the population as a whole has gotten pretty cavalier (at least that's very true around here) at the same time that this extremely contagious variant is circulating. Makes life harder for those of us who are at risk and who are caring for the vulnerable elderly. I'm sore all over this morning but not sorry, to me it's very worth it. jinxing myself here, but to my knowledge I have never yet been infected.

harshedbuzz

@M1 -

I have a dear friend with primary immunodeficiency who is struggling with "cavalier". She feels like everyone else has moved on and has no f's to give about those for whom COVID is not "just a cold". Between losing all 3 of her sibs and husband in the last 4 years, she's not in the most robust emotional state to begin with.

I suspect most folks aren't testing even when they should and that many weren't following the previous guidelines anyway.

HB

MN Chickadee

My kids' public schools have done this for quite a while now (return with covid as long as you're fever free) and have had massive outbreaks. It hasn't been a good practice but nobody cares anymore. Even the teachers are doing it because they can't find subs. Meanwhile we know that as long as one is testing positive one can probably spread it, and most people I know still test positive for a good 8-12 days so...... To me it clearly isn't the best advice but the CDC is bowing to public pressure to move things along, get badly needed workers back to work, and pretend like this isn't still killing off our most vulnerable. But I digress.

I was able to get my dad the spring booster yesterday, although his primary care clinic had no idea about the new guidance. They were going to refuse it and I told them to go look it up so the word isn't totally out yet. While most areas aren't spiking in covid right now it seems many states are going to maintain a decent simmer for the spring and getting the booster for our folks who can tolerate the side effects the next day is probably a good idea.

Iris L.

Norovirus is also on the upswing but there is no vaccine. Strong handwashing is a key preventative.

Iris

GothicGremlin

I'm steeling myself for the booster -- it's time for my second shingles shot too. Ugh. But yeah, I'm going to do it all next week, but I want a pain-free weekend first. 🙂

I'm with all of you - people are way too cavalier about this. I was at the gym last week, masked, of course, and some random guy came up to me and said "it's over!!" SMH

No way am I walking into memory care unmasked and/or unvaccinated. Going to the gym is risky (probably the riskiest thing I do), but it's a trade-off, and I try to keep myself as fit as possible - not as easy as it used to be! I just go at off times, and keep my distance from people -- and I wash my hands all the time. I've also never had covid, that I know of. (knock on wood)

BassetHoundAnn

I think it's important to mention that when one has the Covid shots and boosters, one becomes less likely to pass Covid on to others if you contract it. My mom contracted Covid during an outbreak at her memory care. The day before she tested positive I had spent the day in close contact with her, doing her hair, dressing her, taking her to the bathroom, etc. I never contracted Covid. I never tested positive for it nor did I have any symptoms. My mother also had no symptoms. Many residents at her MC were very sick.

My mom had a Covid booster just two months before.

Getting the Covid booster will not only keep your loved one safe, but it will help prevent the spread of Covid among all the good people who are helping them.

Quilting brings calm

I have had four shots, so I may need a booster. I don’t regret having those shots at all. Somehow I’ve managed to avoid testing positive when others around me have. My spouse has had it twice - and he’s had four shots too. My immune system seems better than his.

I am not masking( I happily will when asked), but I avoid crowds and am a few feet away from others when in public or groups. Since I don’t work, I’m not out every day either.

harshedbuzz

@Iris L. Ah, Norovirus. We often have a post-spring break outbreak locally in the schools from families returning from cruises and sunny vacations. Someone in DS's high school marching band picked it up ahead of a planned performance trip to Argentina and "shared". Of 155 traveling, 130 became ill. A few were sick enough to require IV fluids. Nasty stuff.

@GothicGremlin My immunodeficient friend went to the derm last week. She's been carrying on about the risk of seeing the dentist, but "needed" a peel and some Botox. SMH.

The derm came in without a mask and told my friend "it's just a cold now". Friend wears this ridiculous silicon N-95 respirator which is just really extra. DH says it makes her look like an insect. She went to the local Home Show to find someone to do a big landscaping project for her. She says no one took her seriously or said they "didn't do that kind of landscaping". I think they identified her as a potential crazy person based on that mask and refused to engage with her.

Good luck to you on your jabs. The second Shingrix is no joke.

My PCP is still pestering me about RSV. DH needs that and Tdap. Sounds like a terrific date night.

@BassetHoundAnn I'm glad the vaccine worked so well for you and your mom. Mom and I both avoided a positive after lengthy exposures just before Christmas.

HB