#COVID-19 Updates

[ricisidro]

Watch: Webinar #176 -- "May trangkaso ka ba? Huwag mataranta." Updates on COVID-19.

#Philippines #influenza #flu #COVID19Updates

YouTube:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jun Isidro (@rcisidro)

[chaoticace22]

this summer is definitely something...

[sayruq]

[guttingyoualive]

Hey guys, sorry for not uploading as much. I’ve had art block. And even worse now, I believe I have covid (showing obvious symptoms: cough, sore throat, muscle pain, etc.) and I don’t think I’ll be posting again for a while…

Apart from that I want to thank all 73 of my followers for.. following me!

Im so glad there’s people that enjoy my content for what it is, it really gives me hope. But unfortunately I won’t be posting for a little while after this.

To everyone, whether you’re following me or not: please stay safe and mindful of your surroundings, I wouldn’t wish this disease upon my worst enemy. It’s absolutely horrible. I love you all. Goodbye. 💖

[pjunicornart]

Vent (cw: covid talk, general depression)

I've been looking at my recent symptoms individually, but in reality, the bigger picture is... I probably have Long Covid. I have been suffering for the past month, and now I'm scared that if this is my diagnosis, I may end up disabled. I wanna go through my symptoms, because I realize Long Covid has like... a million. So this is how it's affecting me.

Extreme Tiredness I can't even get out of bed anymore without feeling out of breath. Walking? Nope. My legs are so weak. Even if I wanna walk to the fridge to refill my water bottle I feel so out of breath. I used to be able to help out around the house for my mom, but now I feel useless because I can't do anything without feeling like I ran a mile. Showering has become such a chore that I can only do it once a week, if that! I feel like I'll pass out if I don't sit down in the shower (I will admit sitting in the shower with the water running down you feels nice, but still...).

Heart I've noticed my heart beat has increased in speed. This scares me a lot because a rapid heart rate could mean I'm not getting proper blood flow. Or... it could lead to heart disease and failure.

Lungs I can't take deep breaths anymore. If I try, my lungs have a spasm and I cough. I also can't laugh, because my lungs spasm.

Coughing Up Mucus This symptom is usually worse at night. I have really bad coughing fits and I cough up mucus. Sometimes, the mucus triggers my gag reflex and I feel like I'm gonna puke. The only remedy that I have found is sitting like I'm in a hospital bed... but it's not comfortable.

Sleeping I haven't been able to sleep properly for weeks. Sometimes it's the coughing fits that keep me up all night, other times I just can't fall asleep. During the day, I'm so tired and all I wanna do is take a nap. But my body won't let me. Even if I do get enough sleep, I'm still so tired.

Menstrual Cycle I missed my period. I still experienced the symptoms when you're about to get your period (tender breasts, heat flashes, etc.), but my actual period never happened. Nobody wants to have a period, but it's still necessary to make sure you're healthy.

I had to stop taking my anti-depressants because it made these symptoms worse, and didn't help at all! I don't think my body will allow me to take any prescription meds now, because it has such a severe reaction. I'm so angry and frustrated because I already feel like a burden, and now this happens? Am I gonna be considered disabled? Will I ever have a normal life again? Can I still pursue my dreams? I'm gonna be blunt - I want my suffering to end, by any means necessary.

Covid is not just a flu or cold. It's a serious condition which can destroy your whole body. The more you have it, the more of a chance you have at developing Long Covid. We're still very much in a pandemic. Wear a mask, be safe. I'm only 22, I should be enjoying my life. But instead, I feel like my life is leading towards being homebound, or committed to a hospital. I'm scared.

[gumjrop]

As the summer wave of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, households in the US will be able to order free virus test kits mailed to their homes, starting in late September.

According to COVIDtests.gov, managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, households will be able to order up to four COVID-19 nasal swab tests when the federal program reopens at the end of September. A specific date, however, is not yet announced. Per the website, “the COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year.”

“Tests will detect current virus strains and can be ordered ahead of the holiday season when family and friends gather for celebrations,” an HHS spokesperson said in an emailed statement to the Associated Press.

The announcement comes in tandem with the FDA approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, ahead of the fall and winter respiratory virus season. As of this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 keeps rising, along with emergency room visits since mid-May. Hospitalizations are rising, too.

The CDC also reports that COVID-19 has become endemic, which means that, while still posing significant health risks, we’ll be getting yearly updated vaccines to protect against mutations and waning immunity, just like annual flu shots.

According to data from the CDC, as of May 11, only 22.5% of adults got last year’s updated Covid vaccine. Only 14.4% of children ages 6 months through 17 years got vaccinated.

For this fall, the CDC recommended that all Americans aged 6 months and older get the new shots. CVS is currently offering appointments for the new COVID-19 vaccine starting no earlier than late August, and Walgreens is offering appointments that begin September 6. Those uninsured will likely have to pay out of pocket for the vaccine as the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Bridge Access Program comes to an end in August.

Uninsured minors aged 18 and under can still get free COVID-19 vaccines — and other free immunizations — as part of the Vaccines for Children Program.

[radskull-69]

UPDATEEEEE

sorry party people for not posting lately, I got my first Covid!!

I’ve been quarantined into my room for four days and I’m lowkey losing my mind, only human contact I get is when my mum or brotha brings me food.

also I’ve lost my sense of taste, like I can’t taste food anymore. Hopefully this isn’t permanent..

just had a breakdown after a shower and lobbed off some more of my hair (and realised I look like a crackhead that supports trump) and currently wearing a kfc hat to feel better

also, I watched The Boys the other week and LOVED it (Billy butcher is my fav) and since I’m losing my mind I’m rewatching it AGAIN

So yeah, I feel like I’m in limbo. I look good with a cap on at least

[ohwhale-exo]

AAAAA TAKING AN AT HOME COVID TEST AND THAT BITCH MIGHT BE POSITIVE!

IM GONNA KMS IF IT IS

(I’ve had it for 5 days already)

[pandemichub]

For the sake of guidance, I hope people will follow the highest precautions possible. The worst of SARS-CoV-2 is not limited to 2020, despite what is stated by politicians, media outlets and other public figures and professionals to whom it applies.

I want to inform readers the CDC has officially ended the 5 day isolation period for SARS-CoV-2 and this does not suddenly mean it is not contagious or that our protocols should be lapsed or relaxed. Spread is more rampant than ever. So please do not let this announcement and decision give a false sense of security.

Piece by the incredible Lucky Tran.

Note, please do not use the Washington Post as a source for quality coverage of the ongoing pandemic.

As others have said, if SARS-CoV-2 cannot be eradicated (I still hold out hope and think it imperative in fact), it means adjusting and adapting, not ignoring it, treating this virus and disease as harmless or of little harm and create hostile untenable conditions and daily situations for any efforts of prevention and control of it.

Of what I've read over the course of 4 years, SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate, kill and disable. This cannot last and will end in an ever escalating disaster if we continue to allow it. - Admin and mod

Additional: Immunity rates are a concern as are vaccination rates. The boast of vaccines administered does not often enough include a breakdown based on how many in the series per person (e.g. 1 dose, primary series, x number of boosters and how recently).

Vaccine rates vary by country, but in regard to the U.S. rates have been on a decline, thus compromising effectiveness on a population level.

[ricisidro]

SARS-COV-2 PCR percent positivity during the four-week reporting period from 24 June to 21 July 2024, increased from 7.4% in the beginning week of the reporting period to 13.0% in the last week across 85 countries.

Globally, JN.1 is the most reported variant of interest (VOI), accounting for 25.7%.

The number of new cases and deaths increase by 30% and 26% compared to the previous 28-day period. Over 186,000 new cases with more than 2,800 new fatalities reported.

As of 21 July 2024, over 775M confirmed cases and more than 7M deaths have been reported globally since the beginning of pandemic. 

https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/covid-19-epidemiological-update-edition-170

[unicornlovers10]

A few hours ago I tested positive for Covid, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to work on anything. I haven't really been able to work on much since last Thursday. I've basically had it for over a week. I'll let you peeps know if anything else changes.

[sayruq]

[horatio-fig]

This is probably a coincidence and nothing to do with the strikes but I still think it’s hilarious.

Bark is a freelancing website and whilst I have studied scriptwriting and have submitted a few things in the past, I am not on Bark as a freelance script writer. I used to ghost write Covid-19 information for websites and I didn’t even know I still had my bark account.

And the projects are all super vague.

Almost like they’re not real projects and someone just wants to get some statistics on how many non union writers there are out there. But like I said, I’m in the Uk, and a nobody, so this is probably just a very boring coincidence.

[ocean-sailor]

Update: mid March

Canadian Covid-19 Forecast: Mar 16 - Mar 29, 2024 🦠

See detailed provincial forecasts - pages 8-11 here: 🦠🦠

Measles Information: 💉 x 2 and 😷

Measles is an airborne virus that is highly contagious - 9/10 people will get it if exposed and unprotected. It spreads easily - from 4 days before and up to 4 days after the rash starts. Symptoms of measles include: fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, rash, diarrhea, red eyes, and feeling irritable or unwell.

Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and your community. The Measles vaccine is included in the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which is part of the regular childhood immunization series. After one dose, protection is 85-95% and after the second dose, it's 99+%. If you're not sure if you received the childhood vaccinations or if you're travelling or at risk, call and ask your healthcare provider if you are eligible for a booster (most people are). Recommended immunization schedule for all ages and more information 💉. (This is for BC, Canada, but it is similar worldwide).

Measles and Covid are both airborne viruses so clean air and good masking protocol will help protect you and prevent spread!

Air Quality Information:

Carbon dioxide is an odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas but it can be measured with a CO2 monitor that can also be used to measure potentially virus-laden air. Some public libraries have monitors available for loan. I have the Aranet 4.

Fresh outdoor air CO2 concentration is ~ 400 ppm.

Clean indoor air CO2 concentration is ~ 600-800 ppm.

A 15 minute exposure to Covid/other airborne viruses has a variable risk factor depending on air quality and mask quality. This is because the 'dose' of virus that you're inhaling matters. The seriousness of symptoms from viral infections is often due directly to the amount of the virus that gets into your body. You want to keep this as low as possible.

Air quality: from the safest to the highest risk -> fresh outdoor air -> clean indoor air -> poorly filtered indoor air. This risk can be lowered by opening windows/doors and using a good air filtration device (labelled HEPA filters or 'removes small airborne particles (in the size range of 0.1-1 um)' or has a 'high CADR for smoke' (vs. pollen or dust) or make a Corsi-Rosenthol Box (easy and affordable DIY). Ensure the device is the correct size for the room. Ideally, going outside is always best.

Mask quality: from the safest to the riskiest -> N-95/FFP2 respirator (94-95% effective when fits well) -> a surgical mask (~30% effective due to air leaking in around the sides) -> no mask😬. Please wear a well fitting mask properly - humans don't breathe through their chin. I like the 3M Aura 9210+. Note: if you're not in the medical field, you can wear the same mask until it's damp or isn't easy to breathe through as your concern is protecting yourself, not decreasing risk of spread between patients. This makes it much less expensive for the average person going to any indoor space. It's okay to rotate through your supply - letting them dry out between uses.

[gumjrop]

CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season

Media Statement

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2024 Contact: Media Relations (404) 639-3286

Today [June 27, 2024], CDC recommended the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines and the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines to protect against severe COVID-19 and flu this fall and winter.

It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same visit. Data continue to show the importance of vaccination to protect against severe outcomes of COVID-19 and flu, including hospitalization and death. In 2023, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and more than 75,500 people died from COVID-19. During the 2023-2024 flu season, more than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications.

Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation

CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter whether or not they have ever previously been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer later this year. This recommendation will take effect as soon as the new vaccines are available.

The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is always changing and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.

Last season, people who received a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who did not receive a 2023-2024 vaccine. To date, hundreds of millions of people have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine under the most intense vaccine safety monitoring in United States history.

Updated 2024-2025 Flu Vaccine Recommendation

CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, receive an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter. CDC encourages providers to begin their influenza vaccination planning efforts now and to vaccinate patients as indicated once 2024-2025 influenza vaccines become available.

Most people need only one dose of the flu vaccine each season. While CDC recommends flu vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating, September and October remain the best times for most people to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most people, but there are several considerations regarding vaccination during those months for specific groups:

Pregnant people who are in their third trimester can get a flu vaccine in July or August to protect their babies from flu after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.

Children who need two doses of the flu vaccine should get their first dose of vaccine as soon as it becomes available. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first.

Vaccination in July or August can be considered for children who have health care visits during those months if there might not be another opportunity to vaccinate them.

For adults (especially those 65 years old and older) and pregnant people in the first and second trimester, vaccination in July and August should be avoided unless it won’t be possible to vaccinate in September or October.

Updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines will all be trivalent and will protect against an H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus. The composition of this season’s vaccine compared to last has been updated with a new influenza A(H3N2) virus.

For more information on updated COVID-19 vaccines visit: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC. For more information on updated flu vaccines visit: Seasonal Flu Vaccines | CDC.

The following statement is attributable to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen:

“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”