Coronavirus prep

1458459461463464498

Replies

  • ahoy_m8
    ahoy_m8 Posts: 3,053 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    As I said in an earlier post, I'm still considering what I think about the US government's shortening of quarantine/isolation times.

    As I've listened to non-US-government experts speak about it, I'm wondering if there's an unspoken element here.

    (Trigger warning, to some, maybe . . . cynicism ahead: )

    We've seen people on this thread express the sentiment that anyone in the US who wants a vaccination can get one, for free, so that those who don't want one need to stop holding up the vaccinated people from getting on with things just to protect the unvaccinated-by-choice. (I'm not saying I agree with that: I'm saying I've heard it expressed.)

    If the transmission risk is truly substantially lower after the 5 days post symptom onset, I wonder if that kind of "the unvaccinated are on their own now" thought might be somewhere in the fog at the back of this shorter isolation recommendation.

    Yes, I know: There's risk even post-vaccination to the immune compromised, those with co-morbidities, very young children not able to be vaccinated; even mild cases can produce terrible consequences for some subgroups; long Covid remains a risk; etc. I'm still not saying I think the change is the right decision.

    I'm just wondering whether, perhaps without anyone in or outside government thinking/saying it explicitly, this frustration with precautions that are now significantly protecting the unvaccinated is part of the picture.

    I'm not saying we're there yet, but we're certainly approaching the future point where the risks of Covid infection/consequences are much more similar to the flu than they were at first . . . but only to the vaccinated. As we approach that point (someday), things like hospital/health care capacity and overall economic robustness will begin to be larger fractions of the "greatest good for greatest number" picture, concern for the unvaccinated for their own sake maybe a smaller fraction.

    Yes, that's cold and hard. Keep in mind, this post is mostly wondering/speculating about implicit biases, thought processes, motivations . . . I'm not expressing personal opinions about what ought to happen, or saying that anyone is necessarily explicitly thinking in these cynical terms. We're all frustrated, impatient . . . including government decision-makers, who are (believe it or not) humans, disciplined though they may be about striving to keep that out of their official decision-making.

    Interesting thought. If true, it worsens problem of unvaccinated people hogging hospital resources and making quality care harder to get for cancer patients and the like.
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,496 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Anyone do the math on the half billion test kits the US government is going to send out "free" It's less than 2 per person.

    Publicity stunt, sort of like using a piece of used bubble gun to fix a leak in the Hoover Dam IMO.

    They aren't just going to mail them out to all US citizens...you'll have to go to a website to request them. I'm not sure how many you'll be able to request at a time, but a considerable percentage of the population is not going to request any. So, maybe there will be more for people who want them.

    I'm not saying it's adequate, and I'm not saying it's NOT a publicity stunt, but you may be able to get more than 2 per person. I haven't seen details yet on how many requests you can make.

    Understand one has to request. Still half a billion sounds like a big number. When you break to down to tests per eligible person it's a small number, i.e., publicity stunt.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,204 Member
    ythannah wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    We've seen people on this thread express the sentiment that anyone in the US who wants a vaccination can get one, for free, so that those who don't want one need to stop holding up the vaccinated people from getting on with things just to protect the unvaccinated-by-choice. (I'm not saying I agree with that: I'm saying I've heard it expressed.)

    Well. Realistically we're protecting our health care resources from getting overtaken by the unvaccinated-by-choice.

    Of course.

    As I said, I was not agreeing with that idea, let alone advocating it, just saying it had been expressed here and elsewhere. (To be explicit: I don't believe that we're collectively at the point where vaccinated people can get on with it, and let unvaccinated people flounder on their own. That would be a bad plan for all of us. Further - exasperated though it makes me - I don't think it's currently morally justifiable to let the unvaccinated sink or swim on their own even if it didn't hurt the rest of us - though I didn't say that in the PP.)

    Right now, the health care system (in the US among other places) is overburdened to the point where that in itself is a threat to everyone (regardless of whoever is taking up all those beds, even though in practice it's currently predominantly the unvaccinated). That was part of the point of the later paragraph that you didn't quote, that said that down the road, we'd still have to worry about overburdening the health care system, even if/when the disease risk to the vaccinated is more similar to risks associated with the flu.

    If I believe or advocate something, I would say so. When I say "some people have said this", that's not a stealth way of expressing my opinion, though I guess some people may cloak controversial opinions in that way.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,301 Member
    edited December 2021
    With the NHS is working at 94% apx bed occupancy and covid tests results coming in higher than at the peek last wave when bed occupancy was 89%. Protecting healthcare everywhere is the only thing to do. I think I heard this morning, again the temporary Nightingale wards are being put up at some major hospitals to cover any need for extra beds! I do wonder where the staffing is going to come from when so many of our care staff who have worked tirelessly over the best part of two years are now falling ill to this latest variant because its so easily transmitted.

    Yesterday I heard 1000 persons were admitted to hospitals in the UK, might just be England now we have devolved governments, sorry for this uncertainty. If the admissions to hospitals for any reason remain at this level the issues of bed blocking and all other complicating factors, as well as the finite numbers of staffing and beds will be exceeded at some stage.

    Apparently, England is relying on the boosters to protect us unlike other countries. Tests, lateral and the other are in short supply here too so the pcr's are said to be being kept for essential staff, its "Another fine mess, we've got into". Please can we have joined up international thinking.
  • ythannah
    ythannah Posts: 4,371 Member
    33gail33 wrote: »
    There are no tests to be had here, so testing everyone before they go back to work isn't feasible. Our situation at the moment:

    - No PCR tests except for those who fit a narrow criteria, they are telling us to rapid test (except there are no rapid tests available unless you want to pay $100's of dollars for them online, or line up for 4 hours for a chance of the FEW free ones they are handing out)
    - Isolate for 5 days if you are a close contact of a confirmed case (except there is no way to confirm a case)
    - Get a booster shot (except you can't get an appointment for weeks)
    - Avoid people and crowds to avoid spreading the virus, but also go ahead and catch the virus it is inevitable and no big deal.
    - Since we can't get tests just assume that if we have symptoms we have Covid.

    And long term care home residents (plus likely other high risk individuals) getting a FOURTH shot 84 days after their third.

    And mandating third shots for LTC staff, probably other health care workers as well. And probably the rest of us eventually... until we all get fourth shots too, then those will become mandatory... AND WHEN WILL IT END?
  • ythannah
    ythannah Posts: 4,371 Member
    nooshi713 wrote: »
    I’m a healthcare worker and I am asking that everyone tell all their friends and family to stop coming to the ER for minor illnesses and for testing. Make an appointment for a test and if you can’t get one, just stay home.

    The hospitals are getting overwhelmed and the wait times are insane because of all the frivolous ER visits for tests in people with minor illness or no symptoms. Nurses and doctors are getting burnt out with the insanity of it all.

    Unless you’re very sick, stay home!!

    Luckily here testing was not the responsibility of hospitals, it was done by the public health unit. I think there was a test site on the hospital campus but separate from the main facility. Hospitals do test their own patients, but don't perform general public testing.

    Historically there has been a lot of rather frivolous use of ER services, due in part to the large number of people who have no family doc. That dropped way down during Covid. I had to go to ER twice since March 2020 and it was eerily quiet, not the same experience at all.

    I'm sorry things are so crazy for you and your colleagues. Hopefully things get better soon.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,281 Member
    Here in Australia they are now making it mandatory for health care workers to have a booster shot within 2 weeks of eligibility - currently 4 months after your 2nd one

    Boosters are available for all people over 18.

    I guess it is possible a few healthcare workers are under 18 (it means all staff in health care facilities, not just medical/ nursing staff - so cleaners, clerical staff etc) but rest of us all need booster shot now too.

    I am getting mine on 5th Jan.
  • SModa61
    SModa61 Posts: 3,098 Member
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SModa61 wrote: »
    Can't remember what I have share (and not) or when. Anyhow, today, the 27th is the first morning with zero sore throat since Dec 11th. Have had 3 negative COVID tests and of the 8 family members that got this cold, everyone who has tested has tested negative (4 out of 8, three of which were the sickest including me). This cold was the cold from H*ll and finished off with an ear infection (husband - eye infection, daughter - pneumonia). With that in mind, my parents almost 85 and 87 were on the fence about the family meal on xmas day. Then, my sister found out 11 year old daughter may have been exposed in school on Monday. Parents backed out. The rest of us went forward with us home testing on Xmas morning before all meeting up.

    Flash forward. My children and families were coming early to open presents in the morning. Get 9 am call. Daughter, et all, were in a 10 car crash due to freezing rain on an untreated winding steep hill. Thankfully, all the humans were fine, unlike the car that did its job by being destroyed while protecting the contents. My DH takes off in the car to help. The family was traveling in their pajamas for the fun morning with my <2 grandson and it is 30 degrees and freezing rain. Some lovely family took them in while the police dealt with the crash. They were given a warm home and hot tea. I am so thankful to this family for opening their home on xmas morning to provide aid to strangers, especially in these crazy times. With my husband's help, 3 hours later they were able to join us, 10 of us in total all tested for COVID.

    Back to the topic of COVID celebrations. Our neighbor in our townhouse cluster celebrated xmas eve, but all in the garage (remember it is +/- 30 degrees out). Nice and fiancee in California are COVID positive. Nephew in the anti-vaxer part of the family has an enlarged heart, potentially from the J&J vaccine. Hubby is trying to fly back to Florida next weekend to see his mom. I hope their is still a flight and he does not get sick....... I have lots of home test kits. I am making sure I have easy access.

    Oh, I should share that I went shopping for spare kits (had already used the kit I already had in home and was negative) during the stretch were I had zero voice from the cold from h*ll. Picture the face of the Walgreens cashier as I pointed to my throat, unable to make a sound, and held up a note to her asking for "BinaxNow COVID test kit". I was sold two kits very quickly.

    Stay healthy all. I need a better 2022. I am ready for 2021 to be over!

    I'm in Italy and also got this cold at the beginning of Dec. It lasted 2 weeks and I have never coughed so much (day and night) in my life. I was cold for several days and walked around in a blanket--when I wasn't in bed. So tired. The phelgm just kept coming and it was a pudding texture. A bad headache with my head all stuffed up. I thought it would never end. I went through a whole roll of Scottex with my runny nose. I don't wish this on anyone. My doctor kept saying "It's not COVID, just a cold". It was HELL.

    Were you tested for COVID? Unless you are tested I don't know how your dr. could say it is "just a cold."

    Did you read @SModa61's post 2 pages ago? She said everyone with this "cold" got tested many times and the COVID test was always negative. My doctor is my BIL. He's worked to exhaustion during the epidemic and diagnosed hundreds of cases of COVID. He has also had to sign numerous death certificates. I trusted him to know if I had COVID or not.

    I have another friend (no she and I have not been in proximity too each other). Same exact cold from hell. She has also taken a number of home COVID tests. All negative. To backtrack to my family's case, daughter did negative home test, negative PCR test, negative flu test, and negative strep test.

    That said, my annual physical is Jan 22. I may be asking for an antibody test cause this bug its just crazy. Voice is still slightly deficient and slight scratchiness kicks in at times on my throat (at 20 days). Daughter also is still scratchy at times and daughter is 10 days ahead of me........
  • SModa61
    SModa61 Posts: 3,098 Member
    I had a cold like that before covid also. No fever. My sinus headaches and congestion in my head was awful. I had to sleep sitting up. But I have heard that the quick tests may not be as effective in catching the O strain. More likely false negatives than the other way around.

    Our workplace is going to do onsite testing starting in January. It looks like this is to comply with the OSHA mandate for unvaccinated folks to be tested weekly. Not sure what test they are going to have or how it all plays out with HIPPA either. I was really happy to hear that most of our employees (90%) at one point are vaccinated altho I think requiring the booster is just around the corner?

    At this point if it's been over 8 months since you were vaccinated seems like you might also need to be tested weekly.

    I heard that same information on the news about the home testing with the Omicron. It does make me wonder about my "cold", but daughter did also get PCRed and was negative so maybe we are correct that this is just that cold that you don't want. I joked (yes, a big joke as I am not that stupid) that I might prefer COVID.
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    Here in Australia they are now making it mandatory for health care workers to have a booster shot within 2 weeks of eligibility - currently 4 months after your 2nd one

    Boosters are available for all people over 18.

    I guess it is possible a few healthcare workers are under 18 (it means all staff in health care facilities, not just medical/ nursing staff - so cleaners, clerical staff etc) but rest of us all need booster shot now too.

    I am getting mine on 5th Jan.

    Me too!
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    SModa61 wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SModa61 wrote: »
    Can't remember what I have share (and not) or when. Anyhow, today, the 27th is the first morning with zero sore throat since Dec 11th. Have had 3 negative COVID tests and of the 8 family members that got this cold, everyone who has tested has tested negative (4 out of 8, three of which were the sickest including me). This cold was the cold from H*ll and finished off with an ear infection (husband - eye infection, daughter - pneumonia). With that in mind, my parents almost 85 and 87 were on the fence about the family meal on xmas day. Then, my sister found out 11 year old daughter may have been exposed in school on Monday. Parents backed out. The rest of us went forward with us home testing on Xmas morning before all meeting up.

    Flash forward. My children and families were coming early to open presents in the morning. Get 9 am call. Daughter, et all, were in a 10 car crash due to freezing rain on an untreated winding steep hill. Thankfully, all the humans were fine, unlike the car that did its job by being destroyed while protecting the contents. My DH takes off in the car to help. The family was traveling in their pajamas for the fun morning with my <2 grandson and it is 30 degrees and freezing rain. Some lovely family took them in while the police dealt with the crash. They were given a warm home and hot tea. I am so thankful to this family for opening their home on xmas morning to provide aid to strangers, especially in these crazy times. With my husband's help, 3 hours later they were able to join us, 10 of us in total all tested for COVID.

    Back to the topic of COVID celebrations. Our neighbor in our townhouse cluster celebrated xmas eve, but all in the garage (remember it is +/- 30 degrees out). Nice and fiancee in California are COVID positive. Nephew in the anti-vaxer part of the family has an enlarged heart, potentially from the J&J vaccine. Hubby is trying to fly back to Florida next weekend to see his mom. I hope their is still a flight and he does not get sick....... I have lots of home test kits. I am making sure I have easy access.

    Oh, I should share that I went shopping for spare kits (had already used the kit I already had in home and was negative) during the stretch were I had zero voice from the cold from h*ll. Picture the face of the Walgreens cashier as I pointed to my throat, unable to make a sound, and held up a note to her asking for "BinaxNow COVID test kit". I was sold two kits very quickly.

    Stay healthy all. I need a better 2022. I am ready for 2021 to be over!

    I'm in Italy and also got this cold at the beginning of Dec. It lasted 2 weeks and I have never coughed so much (day and night) in my life. I was cold for several days and walked around in a blanket--when I wasn't in bed. So tired. The phelgm just kept coming and it was a pudding texture. A bad headache with my head all stuffed up. I thought it would never end. I went through a whole roll of Scottex with my runny nose. I don't wish this on anyone. My doctor kept saying "It's not COVID, just a cold". It was HELL.

    Were you tested for COVID? Unless you are tested I don't know how your dr. could say it is "just a cold."

    Did you read @SModa61's post 2 pages ago? She said everyone with this "cold" got tested many times and the COVID test was always negative. My doctor is my BIL. He's worked to exhaustion during the epidemic and diagnosed hundreds of cases of COVID. He has also had to sign numerous death certificates. I trusted him to know if I had COVID or not.

    I have another friend (no she and I have not been in proximity too each other). Same exact cold from hell. She has also taken a number of home COVID tests. All negative. To backtrack to my family's case, daughter did negative home test, negative PCR test, negative flu test, and negative strep test.

    That said, my annual physical is Jan 22. I may be asking for an antibody test cause this bug its just crazy. Voice is still slightly deficient and slight scratchiness kicks in at times on my throat (at 20 days). Daughter also is still scratchy at times and daughter is 10 days ahead of me........

    I told my BIL that I was dragging after this cold, and was afraid it'd take forever to recover (frustration with Christmas coming). He gave me diverse vitamins mixes and I started to feel better immediately. After a week I was back at the pool, and now I'm totally normal again (or as normal as I ever get).
  • SModa61
    SModa61 Posts: 3,098 Member
    SModa61 wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SModa61 wrote: »
    Can't remember what I have share (and not) or when. Anyhow, today, the 27th is the first morning with zero sore throat since Dec 11th. Have had 3 negative COVID tests and of the 8 family members that got this cold, everyone who has tested has tested negative (4 out of 8, three of which were the sickest including me). This cold was the cold from H*ll and finished off with an ear infection (husband - eye infection, daughter - pneumonia). With that in mind, my parents almost 85 and 87 were on the fence about the family meal on xmas day. Then, my sister found out 11 year old daughter may have been exposed in school on Monday. Parents backed out. The rest of us went forward with us home testing on Xmas morning before all meeting up.

    Flash forward. My children and families were coming early to open presents in the morning. Get 9 am call. Daughter, et all, were in a 10 car crash due to freezing rain on an untreated winding steep hill. Thankfully, all the humans were fine, unlike the car that did its job by being destroyed while protecting the contents. My DH takes off in the car to help. The family was traveling in their pajamas for the fun morning with my <2 grandson and it is 30 degrees and freezing rain. Some lovely family took them in while the police dealt with the crash. They were given a warm home and hot tea. I am so thankful to this family for opening their home on xmas morning to provide aid to strangers, especially in these crazy times. With my husband's help, 3 hours later they were able to join us, 10 of us in total all tested for COVID.

    Back to the topic of COVID celebrations. Our neighbor in our townhouse cluster celebrated xmas eve, but all in the garage (remember it is +/- 30 degrees out). Nice and fiancee in California are COVID positive. Nephew in the anti-vaxer part of the family has an enlarged heart, potentially from the J&J vaccine. Hubby is trying to fly back to Florida next weekend to see his mom. I hope their is still a flight and he does not get sick....... I have lots of home test kits. I am making sure I have easy access.

    Oh, I should share that I went shopping for spare kits (had already used the kit I already had in home and was negative) during the stretch were I had zero voice from the cold from h*ll. Picture the face of the Walgreens cashier as I pointed to my throat, unable to make a sound, and held up a note to her asking for "BinaxNow COVID test kit". I was sold two kits very quickly.

    Stay healthy all. I need a better 2022. I am ready for 2021 to be over!

    I'm in Italy and also got this cold at the beginning of Dec. It lasted 2 weeks and I have never coughed so much (day and night) in my life. I was cold for several days and walked around in a blanket--when I wasn't in bed. So tired. The phelgm just kept coming and it was a pudding texture. A bad headache with my head all stuffed up. I thought it would never end. I went through a whole roll of Scottex with my runny nose. I don't wish this on anyone. My doctor kept saying "It's not COVID, just a cold". It was HELL.

    Were you tested for COVID? Unless you are tested I don't know how your dr. could say it is "just a cold."

    Did you read @SModa61's post 2 pages ago? She said everyone with this "cold" got tested many times and the COVID test was always negative. My doctor is my BIL. He's worked to exhaustion during the epidemic and diagnosed hundreds of cases of COVID. He has also had to sign numerous death certificates. I trusted him to know if I had COVID or not.

    I have another friend (no she and I have not been in proximity too each other). Same exact cold from hell. She has also taken a number of home COVID tests. All negative. To backtrack to my family's case, daughter did negative home test, negative PCR test, negative flu test, and negative strep test.

    That said, my annual physical is Jan 22. I may be asking for an antibody test cause this bug its just crazy. Voice is still slightly deficient and slight scratchiness kicks in at times on my throat (at 20 days). Daughter also is still scratchy at times and daughter is 10 days ahead of me........

    I told my BIL that I was dragging after this cold, and was afraid it'd take forever to recover (frustration with Christmas coming). He gave me diverse vitamins mixes and I started to feel better immediately. After a week I was back at the pool, and now I'm totally normal again (or as normal as I ever get).

    @snowflake954 are "diverse vitamin mixes" what we would call multi-vitamins? Can you explain more on what this is? They might be helpful in many scenarios.
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    SModa61 wrote: »
    SModa61 wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SModa61 wrote: »
    Can't remember what I have share (and not) or when. Anyhow, today, the 27th is the first morning with zero sore throat since Dec 11th. Have had 3 negative COVID tests and of the 8 family members that got this cold, everyone who has tested has tested negative (4 out of 8, three of which were the sickest including me). This cold was the cold from H*ll and finished off with an ear infection (husband - eye infection, daughter - pneumonia). With that in mind, my parents almost 85 and 87 were on the fence about the family meal on xmas day. Then, my sister found out 11 year old daughter may have been exposed in school on Monday. Parents backed out. The rest of us went forward with us home testing on Xmas morning before all meeting up.

    Flash forward. My children and families were coming early to open presents in the morning. Get 9 am call. Daughter, et all, were in a 10 car crash due to freezing rain on an untreated winding steep hill. Thankfully, all the humans were fine, unlike the car that did its job by being destroyed while protecting the contents. My DH takes off in the car to help. The family was traveling in their pajamas for the fun morning with my <2 grandson and it is 30 degrees and freezing rain. Some lovely family took them in while the police dealt with the crash. They were given a warm home and hot tea. I am so thankful to this family for opening their home on xmas morning to provide aid to strangers, especially in these crazy times. With my husband's help, 3 hours later they were able to join us, 10 of us in total all tested for COVID.

    Back to the topic of COVID celebrations. Our neighbor in our townhouse cluster celebrated xmas eve, but all in the garage (remember it is +/- 30 degrees out). Nice and fiancee in California are COVID positive. Nephew in the anti-vaxer part of the family has an enlarged heart, potentially from the J&J vaccine. Hubby is trying to fly back to Florida next weekend to see his mom. I hope their is still a flight and he does not get sick....... I have lots of home test kits. I am making sure I have easy access.

    Oh, I should share that I went shopping for spare kits (had already used the kit I already had in home and was negative) during the stretch were I had zero voice from the cold from h*ll. Picture the face of the Walgreens cashier as I pointed to my throat, unable to make a sound, and held up a note to her asking for "BinaxNow COVID test kit". I was sold two kits very quickly.

    Stay healthy all. I need a better 2022. I am ready for 2021 to be over!

    I'm in Italy and also got this cold at the beginning of Dec. It lasted 2 weeks and I have never coughed so much (day and night) in my life. I was cold for several days and walked around in a blanket--when I wasn't in bed. So tired. The phelgm just kept coming and it was a pudding texture. A bad headache with my head all stuffed up. I thought it would never end. I went through a whole roll of Scottex with my runny nose. I don't wish this on anyone. My doctor kept saying "It's not COVID, just a cold". It was HELL.

    Were you tested for COVID? Unless you are tested I don't know how your dr. could say it is "just a cold."

    Did you read @SModa61's post 2 pages ago? She said everyone with this "cold" got tested many times and the COVID test was always negative. My doctor is my BIL. He's worked to exhaustion during the epidemic and diagnosed hundreds of cases of COVID. He has also had to sign numerous death certificates. I trusted him to know if I had COVID or not.

    I have another friend (no she and I have not been in proximity too each other). Same exact cold from hell. She has also taken a number of home COVID tests. All negative. To backtrack to my family's case, daughter did negative home test, negative PCR test, negative flu test, and negative strep test.

    That said, my annual physical is Jan 22. I may be asking for an antibody test cause this bug its just crazy. Voice is still slightly deficient and slight scratchiness kicks in at times on my throat (at 20 days). Daughter also is still scratchy at times and daughter is 10 days ahead of me........

    I told my BIL that I was dragging after this cold, and was afraid it'd take forever to recover (frustration with Christmas coming). He gave me diverse vitamins mixes and I started to feel better immediately. After a week I was back at the pool, and now I'm totally normal again (or as normal as I ever get).

    @snowflake954 are "diverse vitamin mixes" what we would call multi-vitamins? Can you explain more on what this is? They might be helpful in many scenarios.

    One thing that really helped right after the worst was over was B-Total Advance B12--it's in a liquid form in little glass bottles with a plunger that you push and mixes a powder with the liquid.

    Then he gave me XSport by Pharmaguida -a mix of vitamins in liquid form for people that do active sports. There's vit C, B2, PP, B6, B12, magnesium, zinc, ciclodestrine, isomatulosio, and maltodestrine.

    Then, Nature Mix Energia by Aboca, again in liquid form for physical and mental energy. It has ginseng, red fruits, honey, concentrated blueberry, black berry, and other things too hard to translate.

    Then a multi vitamin for over 50, Supradyn by Bayer. It's a tablet that dissolves in water. It has 21 vitamins with ginseng, vit D, and minerals. I'm still taking one of these daily.

    I'm starting to hear of others with this cold. People that I haven't had contact with.
  • SModa61
    SModa61 Posts: 3,098 Member
    SModa61 wrote: »
    SModa61 wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SModa61 wrote: »
    Can't remember what I have share (and not) or when. Anyhow, today, the 27th is the first morning with zero sore throat since Dec 11th. Have had 3 negative COVID tests and of the 8 family members that got this cold, everyone who has tested has tested negative (4 out of 8, three of which were the sickest including me). This cold was the cold from H*ll and finished off with an ear infection (husband - eye infection, daughter - pneumonia). With that in mind, my parents almost 85 and 87 were on the fence about the family meal on xmas day. Then, my sister found out 11 year old daughter may have been exposed in school on Monday. Parents backed out. The rest of us went forward with us home testing on Xmas morning before all meeting up.

    Flash forward. My children and families were coming early to open presents in the morning. Get 9 am call. Daughter, et all, were in a 10 car crash due to freezing rain on an untreated winding steep hill. Thankfully, all the humans were fine, unlike the car that did its job by being destroyed while protecting the contents. My DH takes off in the car to help. The family was traveling in their pajamas for the fun morning with my <2 grandson and it is 30 degrees and freezing rain. Some lovely family took them in while the police dealt with the crash. They were given a warm home and hot tea. I am so thankful to this family for opening their home on xmas morning to provide aid to strangers, especially in these crazy times. With my husband's help, 3 hours later they were able to join us, 10 of us in total all tested for COVID.

    Back to the topic of COVID celebrations. Our neighbor in our townhouse cluster celebrated xmas eve, but all in the garage (remember it is +/- 30 degrees out). Nice and fiancee in California are COVID positive. Nephew in the anti-vaxer part of the family has an enlarged heart, potentially from the J&J vaccine. Hubby is trying to fly back to Florida next weekend to see his mom. I hope their is still a flight and he does not get sick....... I have lots of home test kits. I am making sure I have easy access.

    Oh, I should share that I went shopping for spare kits (had already used the kit I already had in home and was negative) during the stretch were I had zero voice from the cold from h*ll. Picture the face of the Walgreens cashier as I pointed to my throat, unable to make a sound, and held up a note to her asking for "BinaxNow COVID test kit". I was sold two kits very quickly.

    Stay healthy all. I need a better 2022. I am ready for 2021 to be over!

    I'm in Italy and also got this cold at the beginning of Dec. It lasted 2 weeks and I have never coughed so much (day and night) in my life. I was cold for several days and walked around in a blanket--when I wasn't in bed. So tired. The phelgm just kept coming and it was a pudding texture. A bad headache with my head all stuffed up. I thought it would never end. I went through a whole roll of Scottex with my runny nose. I don't wish this on anyone. My doctor kept saying "It's not COVID, just a cold". It was HELL.

    Were you tested for COVID? Unless you are tested I don't know how your dr. could say it is "just a cold."

    Did you read @SModa61's post 2 pages ago? She said everyone with this "cold" got tested many times and the COVID test was always negative. My doctor is my BIL. He's worked to exhaustion during the epidemic and diagnosed hundreds of cases of COVID. He has also had to sign numerous death certificates. I trusted him to know if I had COVID or not.

    I have another friend (no she and I have not been in proximity too each other). Same exact cold from hell. She has also taken a number of home COVID tests. All negative. To backtrack to my family's case, daughter did negative home test, negative PCR test, negative flu test, and negative strep test.

    That said, my annual physical is Jan 22. I may be asking for an antibody test cause this bug its just crazy. Voice is still slightly deficient and slight scratchiness kicks in at times on my throat (at 20 days). Daughter also is still scratchy at times and daughter is 10 days ahead of me........

    I told my BIL that I was dragging after this cold, and was afraid it'd take forever to recover (frustration with Christmas coming). He gave me diverse vitamins mixes and I started to feel better immediately. After a week I was back at the pool, and now I'm totally normal again (or as normal as I ever get).

    @snowflake954 are "diverse vitamin mixes" what we would call multi-vitamins? Can you explain more on what this is? They might be helpful in many scenarios.

    One thing that really helped right after the worst was over was B-Total Advance B12--it's in a liquid form in little glass bottles with a plunger that you push and mixes a powder with the liquid.

    Then he gave me XSport by Pharmaguida -a mix of vitamins in liquid form for people that do active sports. There's vit C, B2, PP, B6, B12, magnesium, zinc, ciclodestrine, isomatulosio, and maltodestrine.

    Then, Nature Mix Energia by Aboca, again in liquid form for physical and mental energy. It has ginseng, red fruits, honey, concentrated blueberry, black berry, and other things too hard to translate.

    Then a multi vitamin for over 50, Supradyn by Bayer. It's a tablet that dissolves in water. It has 21 vitamins with ginseng, vit D, and minerals. I'm still taking one of these daily.

    I'm starting to hear of others with this cold. People that I haven't had contact with.

    Thank you snowflake! Never hurts to have ideas that boost recovery. Myself, I am functioning at 99+% already. I just have some lingering loss of voice and bits of scratchy throat. Not bad at all, just odd for there to be any remaining evidence of the cold.
  • lemurcat2
    lemurcat2 Posts: 7,885 Member
    edited January 2022
    ythannah wrote: »
    nooshi713 wrote: »
    I’m a healthcare worker and I am asking that everyone tell all their friends and family to stop coming to the ER for minor illnesses and for testing. Make an appointment for a test and if you can’t get one, just stay home.

    The hospitals are getting overwhelmed and the wait times are insane because of all the frivolous ER visits for tests in people with minor illness or no symptoms. Nurses and doctors are getting burnt out with the insanity of it all.

    Unless you’re very sick, stay home!!

    Luckily here testing was not the responsibility of hospitals, it was done by the public health unit. I think there was a test site on the hospital campus but separate from the main facility. Hospitals do test their own patients, but don't perform general public testing.

    Historically there has been a lot of rather frivolous use of ER services, due in part to the large number of people who have no family doc. That dropped way down during Covid. I had to go to ER twice since March 2020 and it was eerily quiet, not the same experience at all.

    I'm sorry things are so crazy for you and your colleagues. Hopefully things get better soon.

    Testing isn't the "responsibility" of the hospitals here either, it's just a place where some can get it. Anecdotally I have also heard of people with only mild suspected illness (or maybe a fever) going to the ER for a test, and I find that really odd and not considerate of those who actually need the ER.

    The issue, I suppose, is that depending on where you are in the US it can be really hard to get a test. I've found them available at pharmacies no problem so far (I've only taken one), but the various testing sites seem to have long lines. And here in Chicago a lot of people can't use the drive-through ones (which seem to have the easiest availability) bc many don't have cars, so are going to these pop-up testing sites that often seem to be a mess.

    I'm not sure why the huge rush on testing sites at the moment -- maybe people who need documentation of a positive or negative result for some reason or maybe they don't want to pay for an at-home test but really want to know if symptoms are due to covid vs a cold? I do think part of it -- as well as the rush for tests at ERs that nooshi mentions -- could be media-driven, sadly, although it also could be people unable to find or assuming they cannot find at home tests and who wanted to know it was safe interact with others during the holidays.
  • The_Enginerd
    The_Enginerd Posts: 3,982 Member
    lemurcat2 wrote: »
    ythannah wrote: »
    nooshi713 wrote: »
    I’m a healthcare worker and I am asking that everyone tell all their friends and family to stop coming to the ER for minor illnesses and for testing. Make an appointment for a test and if you can’t get one, just stay home.

    The hospitals are getting overwhelmed and the wait times are insane because of all the frivolous ER visits for tests in people with minor illness or no symptoms. Nurses and doctors are getting burnt out with the insanity of it all.

    Unless you’re very sick, stay home!!

    Luckily here testing was not the responsibility of hospitals, it was done by the public health unit. I think there was a test site on the hospital campus but separate from the main facility. Hospitals do test their own patients, but don't perform general public testing.

    Historically there has been a lot of rather frivolous use of ER services, due in part to the large number of people who have no family doc. That dropped way down during Covid. I had to go to ER twice since March 2020 and it was eerily quiet, not the same experience at all.

    I'm sorry things are so crazy for you and your colleagues. Hopefully things get better soon.

    Testing isn't the "responsibility" of the hospitals here either, it's just a place where some can get it. Anecdotally I have also heard of people with only mild suspected illness (or maybe a fever) going to the ER for a test, and I find that really odd and not considerate of those who actually need the ER.

    The issue, I suppose, is that depending on where you are in the US it can be really hard to get a test. I've found them available at pharmacies no problem so far (I've only taken one), but the various testing sites seem to have long lines. And here in Chicago a lot of people can't use the drive-through ones (which seem to have the easiest availability) bc many don't have cars, so are going to these pop-up testing sites that often seem to be a mess.

    I'm not sure why the huge rush on testing sites at the moment -- maybe people who need documentation of a positive or negative result for some reason or maybe they don't want to pay for an at-home test but really want to know if symptoms are due to covid vs a cold? I do think part of it -- as well as the rush for tests at ERs that nooshi mentions -- could be media-driven, sadly, although it also could be people unable to find or assuming they cannot find at home tests and who wanted to know it was safe interact with others during the holidays.

    He in my area (Southern CA) at home tests were all sold out. My sister was able to test her family when they had that nasty cold that many have been getting, but she has access to them from work as a nurse at a long term care facility.
  • The_Enginerd
    The_Enginerd Posts: 3,982 Member
    edited January 2022
    SModa61 wrote: »
    I had a cold like that before covid also. No fever. My sinus headaches and congestion in my head was awful. I had to sleep sitting up. But I have heard that the quick tests may not be as effective in catching the O strain. More likely false negatives than the other way around.

    Our workplace is going to do onsite testing starting in January. It looks like this is to comply with the OSHA mandate for unvaccinated folks to be tested weekly. Not sure what test they are going to have or how it all plays out with HIPPA either. I was really happy to hear that most of our employees (90%) at one point are vaccinated altho I think requiring the booster is just around the corner?

    At this point if it's been over 8 months since you were vaccinated seems like you might also need to be tested weekly.

    I heard that same information on the news about the home testing with the Omicron. It does make me wonder about my "cold", but daughter did also get PCRed and was negative so maybe we are correct that this is just that cold that you don't want. I joked (yes, a big joke as I am not that stupid) that I might prefer COVID.

    Quite a few friends and family had a nasty cold that lasted the better part of a week, tested negative. Symptoms did sound worse than many of the break through cases. Also quite a few that did have their Christmas plans sidelined due to popping positive for COVID.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    nooshi713 wrote: »
    I’m a healthcare worker and I am asking that everyone tell all their friends and family to stop coming to the ER for minor illnesses and for testing. Make an appointment for a test and if you can’t get one, just stay home.

    The hospitals are getting overwhelmed and the wait times are insane because of all the frivolous ER visits for tests in people with minor illness or no symptoms. Nurses and doctors are getting burnt out with the insanity of it all.

    Unless you’re very sick, stay home!!

    Great PSA.

    Here in Massachusetts, 91% of the total population has had at least one shot and 75% are fully vaccinated, yet our little suburban hospital is overwhelmed and looking forward to help from the National Guard.

    None of us have symptoms, but wanted to know how to get tested in case we develop some. I'm with the VA, so checked for my other family members. Possibly they'd use the free test service at CVS. We can't get same day, or next day, or at the closest store, but there are appts available two days out in the next town over.

    https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

    I also ordered a two kit test from Amazon, which will arrive in a few weeks.

    https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KZ6TBNY/

    And now I see I can request a free at-home kit from my state:

    https://www.ondemand.labcorp.com/ma-testing
  • debtay123
    debtay123 Posts: 1,327 Member
    Here in my little area of Georgia(USA)- I was able to go to an After hours or Urgent Care clinic--- I went at 8:15 in the morning and there were already 20 people ahead of me. they took my phone number (I wanted a CoVid test due to close exposure)and told me to go home -it would be about 6 hours before they could see me. They called me about 2:30 to come back to the Clinic- they did the rapid antigen test and within the hour. I had the result(Negative- Thank God) then I was home. I think it is just in different areas where folks are having a hard time getting tested. I am in a smaller city in Georgia and It went Great! Praying it works out better for others- I just think the RUSH for the Holidays is part of it also!!!!