Coronavirus thread

[MusicTurner]

Often it's possible to find a source for a text excerpt by simply copying a big part of the text into the Google search function. In this case it's the WAPO.

Unrelated, but I once used that method to identify a hidden text source in an alleged 'letter to the editor' in a Danish newspaper: an entry looked suspicious, and by inserting that text in a Google translate into English, and searching for the resulting English text in Google, it turned out that the exact same, original source was an Asian newspaper in English, which the 'writer' had google-translated into Danish, because it was quick and easy.

[Karl Henning]

Do you have a link to this?

Obviously surgical masks limit spread. The essential questions is how much the actual face coverings people use, and the way they actually use them, reduce the numbers of people who catch the disease.

Link

[krummholz]

The pandemic has finally hit very close to home. Our lab coordinator went home sick Monday afternoon and has since tested positive for COVID. Although he says that he's feeling better (after sleeping for TWO DAYS), and expects to be back at work next week, he has at least a couple of strikes against him. First, age (over 65). But more importantly, a history of a very serious case of pneumonia two or three winters ago, a complication of Type A influenza, that landed him in hospital, in an ICU no less. He was later placed in a medically-induced coma and intubated, and was not expected to live. He survived, fortunately, but with severely scarred lungs. Even a year later, climbing a single flight of stairs at work left him breathless.

He doesn't need another respiratory infection, least of all one of the SARS variety.

[Karl Henning]

The pandemic has finally hit very close to home. Our lab coordinator went home sick Monday afternoon and has since tested positive for COVID. Although he says that he's feeling better (after sleeping for TWO DAYS), and expects to be back at work next week, he has at least a couple of strikes against him. First, age (over 65). But more importantly, a history of a very serious case of pneumonia two or three winters ago, a complication of Type A influenza, that landed him in hospital, in an ICU no less. He was later placed in a medically-induced coma and intubated, and was not expected to live. He survived, fortunately, but with severely scarred lungs. Even a year later, climbing a single flight of stairs at work left him breathless.

He doesn't need another respiratory infection, least of all one of the SARS variety.

Ouch!

[MusicTurner]

The pandemic has finally hit very close to home. Our lab coordinator went home sick Monday afternoon and has since tested positive for COVID. Although he says that he's feeling better (after sleeping for TWO DAYS), and expects to be back at work next week, he has at least a couple of strikes against him. First, age (over 65). But more importantly, a history of a very serious case of pneumonia two or three winters ago, a complication of Type A influenza, that landed him in hospital, in an ICU no less. He was later placed in a medically-induced coma and intubated, and was not expected to live. He survived, fortunately, but with severely scarred lungs. Even a year later, climbing a single flight of stairs at work left him breathless.

He doesn't need another respiratory infection, least of all one of the SARS variety.

A story where one hopes for a good outcome, when hearing about it ...

[André]

A story where one hopes for a good outcome, when hearing about it ...

+1

[Holden]

The pandemic has finally hit very close to home. Our lab coordinator went home sick Monday afternoon and has since tested positive for COVID. Although he says that he's feeling better (after sleeping for TWO DAYS), and expects to be back at work next week, he has at least a couple of strikes against him. First, age (over 65). But more importantly, a history of a very serious case of pneumonia two or three winters ago, a complication of Type A influenza, that landed him in hospital, in an ICU no less. He was later placed in a medically-induced coma and intubated, and was not expected to live. He survived, fortunately, but with severely scarred lungs. Even a year later, climbing a single flight of stairs at work left him breathless.

He doesn't need another respiratory infection, least of all one of the SARS variety.

Was he vaccinated?

I empathise with the breathlessness issue. I've been diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse (apparently I've had this for some time) and with regurgitation back into the left atrium my heart is not working as efficiently as it should, leaving me with shortness of breath on any form of uphill journey. Wearing a mask makes it even harder so I now have an exemption. This is not good for a basically fit PE teacher but I don't think Covid will be a problem for me.

Let's hope your lab coordinator is vaccinated and that this has ameliorated the affects of Covid.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

The pandemic has finally hit very close to home. Our lab coordinator went home sick Monday afternoon and has since tested positive for COVID. Although he says that he's feeling better (after sleeping for TWO DAYS), and expects to be back at work next week, he has at least a couple of strikes against him. First, age (over 65). But more importantly, a history of a very serious case of pneumonia two or three winters ago, a complication of Type A influenza, that landed him in hospital, in an ICU no less. He was later placed in a medically-induced coma and intubated, and was not expected to live. He survived, fortunately, but with severely scarred lungs. Even a year later, climbing a single flight of stairs at work left him breathless.

He doesn't need another respiratory infection, least of all one of the SARS variety.

I'm so very sorry to hear of one of your co-workers battles with Covid.  All the best wishes for him and well wishes to you, your co-workers and his family and friends.  This must be very frightening and stressful for all that care about him...and also scary for you and your co-workers as to how close to home it now is.  Love to you all and am hoping the best for all of you.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how things are going.

PD

[Karl Henning]

Mu variant in Colombia

[Mirror Image]

The pandemic has finally hit very close to home. Our lab coordinator went home sick Monday afternoon and has since tested positive for COVID. Although he says that he's feeling better (after sleeping for TWO DAYS), and expects to be back at work next week, he has at least a couple of strikes against him. First, age (over 65). But more importantly, a history of a very serious case of pneumonia two or three winters ago, a complication of Type A influenza, that landed him in hospital, in an ICU no less. He was later placed in a medically-induced coma and intubated, and was not expected to live. He survived, fortunately, but with severely scarred lungs. Even a year later, climbing a single flight of stairs at work left him breathless.

He doesn't need another respiratory infection, least of all one of the SARS variety.

Sorry to hear about this. Here's hoping he gets better.

I received my second dose of Pfizer today and, so far, the same symptoms as the first shot: a sore arm.

[Karl Henning]

Sorry to hear about this. Here's hoping he gets better.

I received my second dose of Pfizer today and, so far, the same symptoms as the first shot: a sore arm.

Well done!

[Mirror Image]

Well done!

Thanks, Karl. My dad will be getting his second dose tomorrow, so hoping his goes as well as the first.

[Karl Henning]

Thanks, Karl. My dad will be getting his second dose tomorrow, so hoping his goes as well as the first.

Good luck!

[krummholz]

Thanks everyone. I've yet to hear any updates from or about Bob, but am keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome.

[71 dB]

I received my second dose of Pfizer today and, so far, the same symptoms as the first shot: a sore arm.

Great! A sore arm is a very small price to pay for the protection.

[Mandryka]

Very interesting development in the UK - the JCVI, which is responsible for advising the government about the health implications of vaccines, have refused to endorse a general vaccination programme for 12 to 15 year olds.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jcvi-statement-september-2021-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-aged-12-to-15-years/jcvi-statement-on-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-aged-12-to-15-years-3-september-2021

[Mirror Image]

Great! A sore arm is a very small price to pay for the protection.

Indeed.

[71 dB]

Very interesting development in the UK - the JCVI, which is responsible for advising the government about the health implications of vaccines, have refused to endorse a general vaccination programme for 12 to 15 year olds.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jcvi-statement-september-2021-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-aged-12-to-15-years/jcvi-statement-on-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-aged-12-to-15-years-3-september-2021

In Finland 61.2 % of children aged 12-15 have got their first Pfizer vaccine dose.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Sorry to hear about this. Here's hoping he gets better.

I received my second dose of Pfizer today and, so far, the same symptoms as the first shot: a sore arm.

Good jab...pardon "job"!

Suggestion for you all,

To avoid stress, panic, wasting time, and avoiding feeling like an idiot....my suggestions--and I'm speaking from personal experience here:

1)  Make a copy of your Covid vaccination card (front and back)
2)  Scan your card (front and back) and save onto your computer and into the cloud
3)  Cut out front and back of card copy, tape together and then either have that laminated or (as a friend of mine did) use clear shipping tape to protect card copy
4)  Carry the copy with you
5)  Store the original someplace safe--and where you will remember putting it (like with your health records or jewelry box, etc.).

I had intended to do all of the above, but didn't get around to it.  I had kept the original in my purse (occasionally taking it out).  Tried to find it about a week ago.  Couldn't find it.  Thought that I had probably mixed it in with some paperwork on top of the dining room table....cue frantic hunt, etc.  And was starting to resign myself to the fact that it must have fallen out of my purse.  Trying hard not to panic, called the big pharmacy where I had had my shots and no, I couldn't get a replacement card.  Heart sank...but they did say that I could access my online record with them which I did and printed out a copy of my record with a QR code--which supposedly is better to have (better proof as it were) vs. the card.  That helped, but I didn't know if that would be good enough for all places or if I would have to sign into my account and bring it up on my phone [which also means remember the password to that company's account...yet another password!].

So, in any event, I found my card!  But I thought that I would share with you my story...and suggestions.

And, No. 6)  If you have a smart phone, you can probably download the store's app and access your records there.  I just signed in on their website on my computer and printed out the record there.

I'm sure that there are other ways and places that you can also access your records too...check with your local health authorities/state/primary care physician, etc.

And remember to bring your original card with you when you go to get your second shot and boosters!  And then make a new copy, etc.

Now that lunch is finished, I'm off to take my own advice!   

Best wishes,

PD

[Karl Henning]

Good jab...pardon "job"!

Suggestion for you all,

To avoid stress, panic, wasting time, and avoiding feeling like an idiot....my suggestions--and I'm speaking from personal experience here:

1)  Make a copy of your Covid vaccination card (front and back)
2)  Scan your card (front and back) and save onto your computer and into the cloud
3)  Cut out front and back of card copy, tape together and then either have that laminated or (as a friend of mine did) use clear shipping tape to protect card copy
4)  Carry the copy with you
5)  Store the original someplace safe--and where you will remember putting it (like with your health records or jewelry box, etc.).

I had intended to do all of the above, but didn't get around to it.  I had kept the original in my purse (occasionally taking it out).  Tried to find it about a week ago.  Couldn't find it.  Thought that I had probably mixed it in with some paperwork on top of the dining room table....cue frantic hunt, etc.  And was starting to resign myself to the fact that it must have fallen out of my purse.  Trying hard not to panic, called the big pharmacy where I had had my shots and no, I couldn't get a replacement card.  Heart sank...but they did say that I could access my online record with them which I did and printed out a copy of my record with a QR code--which supposedly is better to have (better proof as it were) vs. the card.  That helped, but I didn't know if that would be good enough for all places or if I would have to sign into my account and bring it up on my phone [which also means remember the password to that company's account...yet another password!].

So, in any event, I found my card!  But I thought that I would share with you my story...and suggestions.

And, No. 6)  If you have a smart phone, you can probably download the store's app and access your records there.  I just signed in on their website on my computer and printed out the record there.

I'm sure that there are other ways and places that you can also access your records too...check with your local health authorities/state/primary care physician, etc.

And remember to bring your original card with you when you go to get your second shot and boosters!  And then make a new copy, etc.

Now that lunch is finished, I'm off to take my own advice!   

Best wishes,

PD

Well said, PD!