#coronavirus endemic

[gwarden123]

If anyone is worried about potentially getting COVID, getting vaccinated significantly lowers your chances of getting long COVID by nearly 70%. If you've had two or more doses of a COVID vaccine, you only have a 5% chance of getting long COVID, as opposed to someone who is unvaccinated, who has an 11% chance. So, not nothing, but it's also not an automatic sentence to permanent disability if you do happen to get COVID for any reason.

[recursive360]

⬇LINK⬇

☞ Covid isn’t over, but even the most cautious Americans are moving on...

--The Washington Post, 6/25/23

**😷 | Our Long National [Global] Nightmare. . .**

[suchananewsblog]

It's (Finally) Time to Stop Calling It a Pandemic: Experts

March 17, 2023 — It’s been 3 years since the World Health Organization officially declared the COVID-19 emergency a pandemic. Now, with health systems no longer overwhelmed and more than a year of no surprise variants, many infectious disease experts are declaring a shift in the crisis from pandemic to endemic. Endemic, broadly, means the virus and its patterns are predictable and steady in…

[iliveinprocrasti-nationn]

Yes, those are basic, broad-spectrum definitions (which don’t exclude Covid as a pandemic, but I digress). Still, you’re missing some key information that makes Covid not yet endemic, though I do think it could be eventually as the mismanagement of the pandemic has allowed the virus to mutate around our protections and develop enough strains to remain in the population. Some experts do think Covid is moving into an endemic stage, and that could be true. But not all experts agree it is at endemicity, and, from the facts, it looks like it might not be there yet.

Firstly, Covid is continuing worldwide. It is crossing international boundaries, it is affecting people on a worldwide scale, and it continues to be incredibly infectious. By your definition (or someone else’s definition, but you have no source there), Covid is still a pandemic.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. This script from the CDC defines a pandemic as “a disease event in which there are more cases of a disease than expected spread over several countries or continents, usually involving person-to-person transmission and affecting a large number of people”. That’s what Covid’s doing. Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health describes it similarly, adding that the World Health Organization “declares a pandemic when a disease’s growth is exponential… and each day cases grow more than the day prior”, also mentioning that the main requirement is “a virus covers a wide area, affecting several countries and populations.” Again, that describes Covid. Exponential growth in cases still occurs, especially when we go through waves like we have recently. Plus, it certainly follows the range requirement.

As for endemicity, Covid is not restricted in one or a few specific areas (like malaria is, for example). The script I mention above includes that in its definition; “Endemic is when cases are generally constant and occur regularly and in a specific location”. Unless your “specific location" is the entire world, Covid doesn’t fit this definition. There is no regional limitation save perhaps Antarctica and the like.

In a 2021 interview with Dr. Yonatan Grad (Melvin J. and Geraldine L. Glimcher Associate Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health), he states that Covid becoming endemic “essentially means that… there will be less transmission and much less COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, even as the virus continues to circulate”. By that definition, endemicity does sound nice in comparison to a pandemic. The truth of the matter right now, though, is that we’ve been in a wave where CDC-reported Covid-related hospitalizations are only now starting to fall after weeks (and that doesn’t take into account false negatives, counties/regions not reporting data, or hospitalizations from people with Covid-caused complications who are past their infection and so don’t test positive). In addition, hundreds of deaths are still happening weekly. The most recent update, September 16th, reported a 12.5% increase in deaths from the 10th-16th. The corresponding most recent update to the tracker graph had 615 deaths. The lowest point I can find on said tracker graph (other than the very first week of the pandemic) is the week of July 8th of this year (2023), with 473 deaths that week. A controlled endemic disease does not consistently produce hundreds of deaths a week, every week, for over 3 years.

Not convinced? Let’s look at an actual endemic disease: the flu. Waves are predictable, and controlled pretty efficiently. Barring pandemic years which had low spread due to precautions (wow, look at that, protective measures do work against viruses), the CDC report of the 2019-2020 season had an estimated 25,000 deaths. 2018-2019 had an estimated 28,000. This is an example of an endemic disease. Herd immunity works because of relatively efficient vaccines and safe practices, and there’s no out of control mutation that renders those or exposure-gained-immunity meaningless. Deaths are significant, but not out of control. The season followed its patterns.

The current severity of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is prompting hospitals to reinstate mask mandates to protect both staff and patients. Multiple hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have reinstated them in just the last two weeks. The U.S. government is still providing 4 free tests for households who order them. Studies increasingly show the harm a Covid infection does inside the body. This is a serious disease, we’re in a pandemic, and using overwhelmingly broad definitions instead of looking at the facts is neglecting science, your safety, and the safety of others. I hope you reconsider, but, even if you don’t even look at this, it’ll be worth it if even one person realises that the pandemic isn’t over.

“covid is back” my love, it never left. because we are still in a pandemic

[covid-safer-hotties]

NHS warns of potential 'quad-demic' as flu, norovirus, Covid and RSV cases on the rise - published Dec 5, 2024

Last year they feared a "triple-demic." This year they fear a "quad-demic." Do y'all have to face "quint-" or "sept-demic" before you start masking up to keep airborne diseases from spreading in public places?

Fears of a potential "quad-demic" are rising, with a 350% increase in flu cases and an 86% rise in norovirus cases in hospitals compared to the same week last year, the NHS England has said.

The health service has said it is "busier than it has ever been before" this winter, with cases of Covid-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) also increasing in hospital wards.

Those who are eligible, and NHS staff, are being urged to get their vaccinations without delay as virus levels rise, with pressure on hospitals expected to increase further over the coming weeks.

So, how bad are the difficulties faced by the NHS this winter? Here, ITV News takes a look at the latest figures.

What is a quad-demic?

A quad-demic is a way of describing the co-circulation of four "very common viruses" at this time of year – influenza virus, RSV, coronavirus and norovirus.

"The first three are respiratory viruses – they cause colds and more severe diseases of the lung; norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting," John Tregoning, a professor in vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, told ITV News.

"They are what are known as endemic viruses – there is low level circulation of them most of the time, as opposed to pandemics which are the massive outbreaks."

"Viral infections are more common in winter. They tend to peak in the last four weeks of one year and the first four weeks of the following one," he added.

How much are cases rising this winter?

New weekly figures, published for the first time this year, show a 350% increase in flu cases, and an 89% rise in norovirus cases in hospitals compared to the same week last year.

Rising Covid-19 and RSV levels are also a concern, with an average of 1,390 patients with Covid in hospital beds each day last week, and 142 children in hospital each day with RSV.

The NHS says the latest data shows it is going into winter under more pressure than ever before, with an average of 1,099 people in hospital with flu every day last week compared to 243 in the same week last year – the highest number of cases heading into winter for at least three years.

"We are still only at the start of December, so we expect pressure to increase and there is a long winter ahead of us," said NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis.

“For a while there have been warnings of a ‘tripledemic’ of Covid, flu and RSV this winter, but with rising cases of norovirus this could fast become a ‘quad-demic’ so it’s important that if you haven’t had your Covid or flu jab to follow the lead of millions of others and come forward and get protected as soon as possible," he added.

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also show tuberculosis (TB) levels in England increased by 11% last year, with 4,855 notifications of the disease in 2023, up from 4,380 in 2022.

How much pressure are ambulance services under?

Pressure on ambulance service is "incredibly high", the NHS said. The service transported 90,514 patients to hospitals in England last week, compared to 83,873 during the same period in 2023.

Meanwhile, 35,022 hours were lost to handover delays, up 87% from 18,703 this time last year. There were 413,426 calls to NHS 111 last week – with 73.1% answered within a minute, up 4.4% up on last year.

How crowded are hospitals?

An average of 96,587 adult general and acute hospital beds in England were occupied each day last week, the NHS has said, which is more than at this point in any other year.

The health service warns this could increase in the coming weeks, with problems discharging patients who no longer need to be in hospital continuing to have an impact on capacity.

An average of 11,969 beds each day last week were occupied by patients who were ready for discharge, taking up one in eight of all occupied adult beds.

Patricia Marquis, executive director for England for the Royal College of Nursing, said: “There is barely a spare bed in our NHS, with sky-high flu admissions and thousands stuck in hospital unable to be discharged due to a lack of capacity in social care.

“Before the cold weather hits, nursing staff and patients are desperately worried about what the coming weeks and months may bring.” Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “Services are already feeling the strain from a worrying spike in nasty winter bugs and bad weather.

"Flu, norovirus, RSV and Covid-19 are piling the pressure on already stretched services and staff, and this is likely to get worse as we head into the depths of winter."

In addition to high bed occupancy and a lag in hospital discharges, Ms Cordery warned social care and community services are "also under relentless pressure".

What are the NHS and government doing about this?

The NHS has put measures in place to manage extra demand during winter, including an upgrade of its 24-hour live data centres, strengthening same-day emergency care and offering more fall services for older people.

In September, an independent review by Lord Darzi warned years of underinvestment have left the NHS with an ageing estate and outdated tech, making it harder for staff to deliver the best possible care. The government and NHS are now engaging the public, patients and staff in the biggest-ever conversation about the health service.

More than 1.1 million separate visits have been made to Change.nhs.uk, with almost 9,000 ideas now live as part of the 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to deliver an NHS fit for the future.

Professor Powis said services like urgent treatment centres – an alternative to A&E where people are treated for more minor injuries and illnesses that GPs cannot address – and same-day emergency care will be "important this winter" in order to relieve pressure on hospitals.

“As always, the public have an important part to play in helping NHS staff over winter by, as ever, calling 999 in an emergency and using the NHS 111 service through the NHS App, online or phone, for advice on how to access the right support for non-emergency health needs," he added.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “We inherited an NHS that is broken but not beaten, and staff are already working hard to tackle an increase in admissions this winter. “We’re backing them with an extra £26 billion secured in the recent Budget and we’ve already resolved the industrial action to ensure A&Es will be strike-free for the first time in three years. “For too long, an annual winter crisis has become the norm. We will deliver long-term reforms through our 10 Year Health Plan that will create a health service that will be there for all of us all year round."

Streeting also encouraged anyone who is eligible to join the 27 million people who have already come forward to receive their flu, RSV and Covid jabs, claiming this is the "best way to protect yourself this winter".

Why are people at a bigger risk of infection during the winter period?

“Infection is a complex mixture of factors a lot of which is down to good or bad luck," said Professor Tregoning. "There are a mixture of behavioural, immunological and virological reasons.

"The simplest, and probably main reason is that in the winter, people will be closer together in confined spaces – in summer you might meet friends for a picnic in winter its more likely to be in your house. This close proximity accelerates the spread of viruses.

"We also, in the UK, have less exposure to the sun in the winter, and there is some level of protection provided by vitamin D. Infections can also happen more when we are tired or run down, and the winter months being colder may in some way leave our bodies a bit more exhausted tipping the balance in the favour of the virus.

"The winter party season may also contribute some spread if people are more run down and also mixing more closely."

Professor Tregoning added that viruses tend to travel in droplets, which are coughed or sneezed up, which evaporate more quickly during the summer, meaning the virus dries out and becomes less infectious.

However, there is some debate over exactly what makes infections more common at the end of the year, according to Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia.

He expresses doubt over low vitamin D levels being a significant factor, and says research he has been carrying out with colleagues suggests increased contact between people "doesn't have a great impact" on R0 (the basic reproduction number) to make an infection seasonal.

The drying of nasal membranes due to drier winter air can make it "easier for the virus to infect the lining cells", Prof Hunter added.

What precautions can people take?

Professor Tregoning advised people to follow the same guidance as during the Covid-19 pandemic – hands, face, space.

"Hand washing – particularly for norovirus, but also for the respiratory viruses will slow spread. Wearing masks (properly and using a proper mask) can reduce spread of respiratory viruses," he said.

"If you are feeling ill, reduce contact with other people, where possible. But this is not to say don’t mix with people, being sociable is equally important for our health. Meet in well ventilated spaces if possible."

“And if you are at risk get vaccinated. There are vaccines available for three out of four of the quad-demic. “One really exciting new innovation is that mothers can protect their children by getting an RSV vaccine during pregnancy. RSV is a really horrible disease in children, it leads to hospitalisation of tiny babies. You can give your baby the best possible start in life."

Professor Hunter added: “For most people, it would be very difficult to know whether you had flu, Covid or RSV. Norovirus is very distinct.

"In the early stages of illness it may not be clear how severe the illness may become, but it's best to stay at home, drink plenty and rest until you are feeling better. If needed take medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen or throat lozenges. If I have a bad throat I tend to make a drink with hot water, lemon and honey and sometimes I add whisky."

[theculturedmarxist]

There is a huge lobby for normalization of SARS Cov 2. Entire industries depend on the public’s return to normal consumer and working behaviors. As such, the rationalizations and reassurances to the public that SARS Cov 2 is a normal seasonal Coronavirus are relentless. These are constructed like homilies and catch-phrases, such as “we must learn to live with it,�� and, “it’s endemic,” with the implication of its endemicity referring to the abandonment of efforts which acknowledge its existence, such as testing.

It is a complete misconception that introduction of a virus to the immune system makes subsequent infections like a common cold, and that virulence is due to novelty. If nerves, organs, and immune systems could speak, they would tell a tale of exceptional inflammation, aging, and death, which we must turn to science to hear. Professor Fuhrer would be taken aback to find there are efforts to examine specific mechanisms which tell another tale than his own.

Here, I will give you, the reader, clear enumerations where SARS Cov 2 is unlike a common cold.

SARS Cov 2 triggers a unique, long-lived inflammatory overreaction unseen in Sepsis and influenza. https://genomemedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13073-023-01227-x

It caused cells of the immune system to react in a way to create further inflammation and activation of the immune system for an extended amount of time. For technical facets of this, please see the paper.

SARS Cov 2 sends T cells into the brain while lethal influenza does not.

SARS Cov 2 directly causes autoimmunity by reprogramming a special type of T cell called the T regulatory cell, which has never been observed before. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.589380/full

The human genetic line has not propagated any sarbecovirus elements therefore never has faced Sarbecovirus infection to the extent to evolutionarily adapt, except in the unlikely theoretical possibility of extremely negative selection (meaning infected humans did not create progeny.)

There are more exceptional facets but these are simple and digestible. There is also more to write about but I must make a confession. The status quo has morphed in such a way as to browbeat scientists into disavowing a harsh reality in order to acquiesce to corporate and business interests. As we see the average life expectancy decline, we have been left intellectually out in the cold. The truth tellers have been assaulted and crushed, and the individuals that comprise the public, in denial, will put off the realization of a below 70s life expectancy until each one approaches retirement in piecemeal, just as all the grains of sand in an hourglass do not fall at once.

[atlanticcanada]

Maritimers welcome lifting of COVID-19 as international emergency

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 global health emergency is over and as the news spreads, those in the Maritimes are reacting with a feeling of relief and a sense of optimism.

"It reflects what we are seeing in our region and in our own provinces and the country, that we are moving in a period of transition towards a time when we are really managing COVID-19 long term," says Dr. Heather Morrison, the chief medical officer of health for Prince Edward Island.  "But it is one of the health issues that we will be dealing with, but it is no longer a health emergency in the same way as it was."

The transition out of the pandemic represents a significant milestone moment but is tempered by a sense of loss, at last count 1, 832 Maritimers died from the virus.

New Brunswick has reported 879 deaths due to COVID-19, while Nova Scotia has recorded 853 deaths and PEI has counted 100 deaths.

New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health said the province welcomes the WHO's declaration and calls it an important moment in the global response to the virus.

"We know this is an important moment in the global response to the novel coronavirus, and signifies another important step in the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Jennifer Russell.

"However, it’s important to remember that while the emergency may be over, COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities and is still a significant health risk to many New Brunswickers."

At one time, the Maritime region was the envy of other jurisdictions and celebrated both nationally and internationally as a leader in the handling of the pandemic, and limiting the spread of the virus.

The virus has impacted our daily lives and the economy greatly has great suffered but despite the virus no longer posing as a global emergency, the virus is still around and continues to spread.

Infections, hospitalization and deaths are still occurring from the virus but not at the same levels we once saw at the height on the pandemic.

"We are moving into a period of what we call endemic, meaning there will be a certain level of virus circulating, just as we see other viruses circulate in our community," said Morrison.

We have learned a lot over the last three years about the virus said Dr. Morrison and it's important to keep track of that and the lessons learned, to be prepared for the next health emergency.

Nova Scotia's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang said Nova Scotians have done what was needed to keep each other safe throughout the pandemic and reduce the impact of COVID-19.

"Today’s news from the World Health Organization is very welcomed," said Dr. Strang. "While this is a historical moment, it doesn’t mean COVID-19 is gone. We need to continue to take the necessary measures to protect one another. The best thing you can do is stay up to date on your vaccines."

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/SWZv81t

[bookshopsbizarreblog]

You're right, we aren't "post covid." But we are post-pandemic. "Approaching 2020 levels" means it's actually dropping. Substantially. And while there have been some resurgences (July 31st saw a peak of around 706,000 cases), and none of this erases that there are still ~89,000 people suffering from it globally, that is a tiny fraction of ~44,240,000 who had it at its peak.

None of this is to say that we should be completely ignoring it, that there's no point getting the latest vaccines when they come out or wearing a mask if you feel sick. But those are things we should be doing anyways, even with things like the cold. Seasonal Influenza infects around a billion each year and leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths, far more than COVID has done this last year (though we haven't hit winter yet, and so can't give a full count for COVID this year).

It's unlikely COVID will ever go away. Even before the pandemic fully kicked off, virologists were predicting that it would become an endemic disease, one that comes and goes in waves much like the common cold does now. Anecdotally, this would likely be the case even if there were no anti-vaxxers. I got both my initial shots and the boosters, and have had COVID three times. The mutation rate of viruses makes them all but impossible to fully eliminate. So we will likely never have a post-COVID world. It's yet another issue we'll just have to deal with.

But "deal with" is a key phrase here. I'd hate to end on a hopeless note, and even if the frustration @brinnanza and thousands of others have expressed is missing some context, it is still a very useful resource for society to have. And infinitely better than sinking into the sea of "post-COVID" complacency. So, what can we do about it?

Honestly, the advice remains largely the same as it did during the pandemic, sans lockdowns and government mask mandates. If you're feeling sick, and have the option to stay at home, do so or wear a mask. If you notice that you're experiencing symptoms, get tested and report positive cases. Remind people that COVID isn't fully gone, and encourage friends and family to wear masks when they feel sick too! Even if it's not COVID, limiting the spread of any disease is a great goal. And wearing a mask is a small way of promoting a culture of conscientiousness, where we all pay a little more attention to how we effect others.

I should receive financial compensation every time someone says "post covid" we aren't post shit cases are ramping up so high we are approaching 2020 levels and people are becoming permanently disabled by long covid every goddamn day "post covid" you're about to experience post LIFE

[rikaklassen]

CW: discussion of the ongoing SARS-COV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Not happy about the CDC's decision to end any and all isolation guidelines. The recommendations are anti-science and anti-worker in the interests of the capitalist class. It's appalling business owners in the US (and Canada) rather chase profits of the next quarter rather than think about the long-term consequences of a labour force that is too disabled to work.

It's mind-blowing there haven't been a clean air revolution yet. Yes, we may not be able to do much about SARS-CoV-2 being endemic and constantly mutating; but there are some things we can do like better filtration, better air circulation, ceiling UV-C light disinfections, providing free or subsidized masks and respirators, paid sick leaves and so on. The working class deserves better and safer working conditions. And they should demand those.

While I may be Canadian and our recommendations are separate from American's, my best friend works in the service industry, more specifically, bars and restaurants, and many Americans cross the border for a myriad of reasons. And she is much closer to the border than I am.

I am really trying my best to make sure my friend is safe. She already has been reinfected a few times, and each time increases the risk of long COVID (eg. chronic fatigue, brain fog), cardiovascular disorders and other adverse health effects. I try to make sure she has the equipment she needs to mitigate reinfections, the safety net to take time off from work if necessary in the event of a reinfection. For her to attend and study at polytech acquiring a specialized skill so she could find a safer workplace.

Bestie deserves the world. It saddens me entitled customers, business owners, politicians, corporations and bureaucrats see her and many others as disposable. She deserves all the opportunities. Everything. The whole bakery.

I already send all of my paycheques and deposits to bestie. Every single penny I have. I shouldn't. She never asked; and she asked me to take care of myself first. But I gave her my words, and within my social circles, saying you will do something is taken very seriously and is seen as a promise. People will actually remind if you have said something and hold you to your words, even if you did not intend to make a promise in the first place.

I do give her everything I have anyway because my anxieties go away and I get peace of mind. Otherwise I just stay up all night ruminating.

People are tired of me constantly plugging PayPal, but here is her link: paypal.me/bglamours.

You're not obligated to donate. I will send anything I earned or received from families and the government to her regardless. But I have to try everything.

[12nb34]

📆 10 Nov 2021 📰 Pre-existing polymerase-specific T cells expand in abortive seronegative SARS-CoV-2

Individuals with potential exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) do not necessarily develop PCR or antibody positivity, suggesting that some individuals may clear subclinical infection before seroconversion. T cells can contribute to the rapid clearance of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus infections1,2,3. Here we hypothesize that pre-existing memory T cell responses, with cross-protective potential against SARS-CoV-2 (refs. 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11), would expand in vivo to support rapid viral control, aborting infection.

We measured SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells, including those against the early transcribed replication–transcription complex (RTC)12,13, in intensively monitored healthcare workers (HCWs) who tested repeatedly negative according to PCR, antibody binding and neutralization assays (seronegative HCWs (SN-HCWs)). SN-HCWs had stronger, more multispecific memory T cells compared with a cohort of unexposed individuals from before the pandemic (prepandemic cohort), and these cells were more frequently directed against the RTC than the structural-protein-dominated responses observed after detectable infection (matched concurrent cohort).

SN-HCWs with the strongest RTC-specific T cells had an increase in IFI27, a robust early innate signature of SARS-CoV-2 (ref. 14), suggesting abortive infection. RNA polymerase within RTC was the largest region of high sequence conservation across human seasonal coronaviruses (HCoV) and SARS-CoV-2 clades. RNA polymerase was preferentially targeted (among the regions tested) by T cells from prepandemic cohorts and SN-HCWs. RTC-epitope-specific T cells that cross-recognized HCoV variants were identified in SN-HCWs. Enriched pre-existing RNA-polymerase-specific T cells expanded in vivo to preferentially accumulate in the memory response after putative abortive compared to overt SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our data highlight RTC-specific T cells as targets for vaccines against endemic and emerging Coronaviridae.

There is wide variability in the outcome of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, ranging from severe illness to asymptomatic infection, to those individuals who remain negative according to standard diagnostic tests. Recent studies have identified SARS-CoV-2 T cell reactivity in prepandemic samples5,6,7,8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18 and isolated cases of exposed individuals who have not seroconverted with single-time-point screening4,16,19,20,21,22. We studied an intensively monitored cohort of HCWs with potential exposure during the first UK pandemic wave (23 March 2020), comparing those with or without PCR and/or antibody evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We postulated that, in HCWs for whom PCR and the most sensitive binding and neutralizing antibody tests remained repeatedly negative (SN-HCWs), T cell assays might distinguish a subset of SN-HCWs with a subclinical, rapidly terminated (abortive) infection. We hypothesized that these individuals would exhibit pre-existing memory T cells with cross-reactive potential, obviating the time required for de novo T cell priming and clonal expansion.

In SN-HCWs, and in an additionally recruited cohort of medical students and laboratory staff with stored prepandemic samples that remained seronegative after close contact with cases, we had the opportunity to compare SARS-CoV-2-specific memory T cells with those that were already present in the same individual before, or at the time of, potential exposure.

We included an analysis of the understudied T cells directed against the core RTC within open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) (RNA polymerase co-factor non-structural protein 7 (NSP7), RNA polymerase NSP12 and helicase NSP13, hereafter the RTC); these are putative targets for pre-existing responses with pan-Coronaviridae reactivity, because they are likely to be highly conserved due to their key early roles in the viral life cycle.

Consistent with this, in cases in which immunity against other viruses (including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and Japaneses encephalitis virus (JEV)) has been described in exposed seronegative individuals, T cells were more likely to target non-structural proteins, such as polymerase, compared with in individuals with a seropositive infection23,24,25,26,27.

[cakepursuedbyabear]

While, yes, the coronavirus could be considered endemic now, the pandemic isn’t actually over. The global health emergency associated with the disease ended, but the global spread and the continued emergence of new variants keep it classified as a pandemic.

Basically, the major regulatory agencies worldwide have decided that COVID is no longer an emergency but that there are still enough worldwide cases and uncertainty for it to be at the same epidemiological level as the flu.

this moderna commercial just went "the pandemic may be over, but covid 19 isnt going anywhere. covid is still among the top 5 leading causes of death"... wow... its almost like the pandemic isnt over.

[qocsuing]

Shanghai Residents Back to Work as China Limps Towards Living With COVID

Shanghai Residents Back to Work as China Limps Towards Living With COVID

Mask-wearing Beijing and Shanghai commuters crowded subway trains on Monday, with China's two biggest cities edging closer to living with COVID-19, as millions have been infected with the largely unchecked virus across the country.To get more news about citynews service, you can citynewsservice.cn official website.

After three years of ruthless anti-coronavirus curbs, President Xi Jinping scrapped the country's zero-COVID policy of lockdowns and relentless testing this month in the face of protests and a widening outbreak.

Health experts and residents worry that China's statistics, which show no new COVID deaths reported for the six days through Sunday, do not reflect the actual number of fatalities, and that the country's fragile health system is being overwhelmed.After the initial shock of the policy U-turn, and a few weeks in which people in Beijing and Shanghai stayed indoors, either dealing with the disease or trying to avoid it, there are signs that life is on track to returning closer to normal.

Subway trains in Beijing and Shanghai were packed, while some major traffic arteries in the two cities were jammed with slow-moving cars on Monday as residents commuted to work.

"I am prepared to live with the pandemic," said 25-year-old Shanghai resident Lin Zixin. "Lockdowns are not a long-term solution."

This year, in an effort to prevent infections from spiraling out of control across the country, the 25 million people in China's commercial hub endured two months of bitter isolation under a strict lockdown that lasted until June 1.

Shanghai's lively streets were a sharp contrast with the atmosphere in April and May, when hardly anyone could be seen outside.

An annual Christmas market held at the Bund, a commercial area in Shanghai, was popular with city residents over the weekend. Crowds thronged the winter festive season at Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing's Universal Studios on Sunday, queuing up for rides in Christmas-themed outfits. The number of trips to scenic spots in the southern city of Guangzhou this weekend increased by 132% from last weekend, local newspaper The 21st Century Business Herald reported.

"Now basically everyone has returned to a normal routine," said a 29-year-old Beijing resident surnamed Han. "The tense atmosphere has passed."

China is the last major country to move toward treating COVID as endemic. Its containment measures had slowed the $17-trillion economy to its lowest growth rate in nearly half a century, disrupting global supply chains and trade.

The world's second-largest economy is expected to suffer further in the short-term, as the COVID wave spreads toward manufacturing areas and workforces fall ill, before bouncing back next year, analysts say.

Tesla suspended production at its Shanghai plant on Saturday, bringing ahead a plan to pause most work at the plant in the last week of December. The company did not give a reason.

[thewitfire]

पैंडेमिक को एंडेमिक में बदलते समय में क्या होगा?

पैंडेमिक को एंडेमिक में बदलते समय में क्या होगा? #पैंडेमिक, #एंडेमिक, #कोविड19, #महामारी, #सुरक्षा, #स्वास्थ्य, #वायरस, #बचाव, #टीकाकरण, #मास्क, #सामाजिकदूरी, #वैक्सीन, #असुरक्षित, #संक्रमण, #विश्वस्तरीयमहामारी, #उत्तरदायित्व, #जागरूकता, #विश्वसेहतसंगठन

पैंडेमिक और एंडेमिक: दुनिया भर में कोरोना वायरस (Coronavirus) के मामले बढ़ते ही जा रहे हैं। अब तक कोरोना एक महामारी (pandemic) के रूप में दुनिया भर में फैल गया है जो अनेक देशों को अभी भी तबाह कर रही है। लेकिन अब बहुत सारे लोगों का यह सवाल है कि क्या एक दिन कोरोना वायरस स्थाई (endemic) बन जाएगा और लोगों को इससे रोज़ाना जूझना पड़ेगा। Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com कोरोना के अब तक के मामलों…

[cookingwithroxy]

The important distinction here is that even becoming endemic, with reported but controlled number of cases, Covid will never actually VANISH. It will remain as a strain we see regularly, just with people growing resistant enough to it that we do not have major deathtolls.

The point of treatment and vaccine was never to wipe out Covid entirely, but to remove it from being a 'novel' virus that people's bodies had no resistance to, and instead have it become an endemic virus, where our bodies could fight it off naturally, with only a few major cases or times where it spreads rapidly.

What all of that MEANS, of course, is that it will NEVER VANISH FROM THE WASTEWATER. You will see spikes, because you will see cases, but growing levels of resistance means more people will get 'asymptomatic' covid, where they just... Never feel any symptoms.

And I'm not making this up, this was openly talked about back in MAY, because the CDC announced the asymptomatic rate to be at 20%.

And all this? The lack of cases and everything? is a GOOD thing. This is a GOOD thing, where fewer people get sick, and life can actually go on.

[snugsodium]

The Time is Now: Philippines, the Best Place to Invest

Philippines: Bouncing back after the pandemic

The worldwide spread of the Covid-19 pandemic was devastating for everyone. Many lives were put on hold and business opportunities were postponed. Moreover, as the Philippines is a developing country, Filipinos faced massive difficulty since the country relies on exports business opportunities and tourism. However, after the dreadful events caused by the pandemic, the Philippines is rising back to a good start this year as it is projected that the year 2023 is off for an optimistic forecast.

Health experts are affirmative that the pandemic will surely meet its endemic state in the near future. According to the article written by Nicanor Austriaco via Inquirer.net last 2022, several worldwide scientific experts have hypothesized that COVID-19 will become endemic once a large enough proportion of the population has contracted the virus a few times. This assertion results from the finding that naturally acquired immunity seem to endure longer than vaccine-induced immunity, which deteriorates more quickly. They argue that while today's societies are already sufficiently protected from COVID-19 by vaccination, the public shouldn't be particularly concerned about the continuous spread of mild variants because these mild instances will actually hasten the shift to endemic COVID-19. In support of this claim, an infectious disease health professional, Dr. Rontgene Solante mentioned that the Philippines is already close to making the switch from a pandemic to an endemic stage of the coronavirus sickness.

These predictions are evident at the beginning of the year 2023, as the continuous recovery of business activities can be dominantly observed. Moreover, tourism is leading to a fast recovery as well since the lifting of the travel ban has been implemented.

The claims and forecasts of economic experts sealed the deal to finally declare that the Philippines has officially bounced back from the tragedy of the pandemic. The "worst is over," according to Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, and there are many reasons to be positive this year. Despite being a threat, the pandemic is essentially a thing of the past thanks to easily accessible vaccines. Furthermore, according to the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), this year's domestic economy would expand by 6-7 percent. Even among peers in the area, this growth rate is still among the greatest, if not the highest.

https://www.crownasia.com.ph/news-and-blogs/lifestyle-blogs/selected/the-time-is-now-philippines-the-best-place-to-invest

[tezlivenews]

Coronavirus: 'भारत में एनडेमिक स्टेज में कोरोना, सालभर आएंगे केस, वायरस के साथ जीना सीखना होगा'

Coronavirus: ‘भारत में एनडेमिक स्टेज में कोरोना, सालभर आएंगे केस, वायरस के साथ जीना सीखना होगा’

हाइलाइट्स भारत में कोरोना संक्रमण अब एनडेमिक स्टेज में पहुंच गया है सालभर आते रहेंगे कोरोना के केस, वायरस के साथ जीना सीखना होगा अब कई साल कोरोना के मामले आएंगे, लेकिन बहुत ज्यादा नहीं होंगे नई दिल्लीदेश में कोरोना अब एनडेमिक स्थिति में पहुंच गया है। डब्ल्यूएचओ की मुख्य वैज्ञानिक सलाहकार डॉ. सौम्या स्वामीनाथन के बाद देश के भी एक्सपर्ट मान रहे हैं कि कोरोना का फैलाव स्थानीय हो गया है। अब ��ह कई…