13/05/2024
We're seeing an increase in numbers of covid cases again. This reflects the sad reality that the virus is not leaving us ever.
For many people who have not had covid in the past, they are very prone to this new infection despite having had three to five vaccinations. The virus has mutated and is still mutating. And they will never stop mutating.
I have seen many patients who had mild covid in the past, but having severe disease again.
So the mantra for covid is "past performance is not predictive of future performance". Be careful.
For the young people, you will still be fine with low risk of hospitalization and pneumonia. But the threat of long Covid looms and I estimate it at 5% per infection regardless of the number of previous infections you have had. Ie every infection predisposes you to covid again.
For the elderly and those with the traditional risk factors, you may fall gravely ill. Please be careful.
Post #2
How to protect yourself against Covid?
It is pretty much the same playbook.
1. Mask and social distancing according to your comfort levels.
2. Having had the most updated vaccines is helpful. The vaccines of the past don't offer any protection now. You need the most updated to have at least some protection. If you are intolerant of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer / Moderna), look for Novavax vaccines. If you had minimal or no reactions to mRNA in the past, continue taking the mRNA vaccine.
3. Taking Paxlovid or monupiravir when you are sick can shorten your duration of symptoms, and lower down the risk of pneumonia or hospitalization. It can reduce the risk of long covid.
4. Very importantly, drink a lot of fluids when you're sick. The elderly are prone to getting dehydrated. Get them drinking. This may necessitate hospitalization. I dread this for the elderly or anyone.
