Coronavirus prep

snowflake954 wrote: »

My husband and I just got the booster. Our doctor (BIL) said to get it now. So far COVID is stable here, in Italy, and people that need to, mask on public transport and doctors offices, hospitals, etc. We also got our flu shot in November, and neither of us have even had a cold since then. I only mask up on public transport. Wash hands as soon as I get home--a little more aware.

I'm definitely going to be getting the flu shot from now on. I never really thought about it before because it's always been talked about as more of a thing that old people need to get, and it's rare for me to get the flu. Plus that one flu shot in the 70s that paralyzed people put me off the idea, but that was a long time ago. Also isn't there a bacterial pneumonia shot?

However I'm still uncertain about the bivalent booster. The last I heard it was never tested on people, only mice. Maybe that has changed by now but if it isn't fully FDA approved I'm not going to get it. I waited until the original vaccine was fully FDA approved to get it also. But since I just got over COVID it will be months before I'm supposed to get a booster anyway.

kshama2001 wrote: »

@siberiantarragon yikes! My partner has what he thinks is a cold but as soon as I press Post I am going to find the thermometer and check his temp.

I never got a fever. I don't know if this variant causes fever as much as some of the previous ones.

paperpudding wrote: »

I am back to just pre covid measures - ie normal hand washing etc.
I only wear a mask if going into the hospital for any reason or into Aged Care facilities.
Both still legal requirements here.

Have had 4 covid vaccines and a mild case of covid last year.

We don't have any mask mandates anymore but from now on I'm going to wear them indoors during the respiratory illness season when practical -- in stores, on public transportation, walking through my building, etc. This is not just for COVID but also flu, because honestly the flu was way more dangerous for me than COVID was. COVID was just extremely unpleasant but the doctor said my case wasn't actually dangerous because it wasn't going to my lungs. But flu led to bronchitis, which could have killed me if I waited to get antibiotics. I'm not going to wear masks at social events though, which does increase the risk of getting sick, but I see this more as a risk mitigation measure than trying to completely eliminate risk, which is not possible anyway.

Honestly though most of the times I get sick in general it's because my partner brings it home from work and spreads it to me. He only goes to the office one or two days a week, but apparently that's enough. So I'm not sure what to do about that. The next time he gets sick I might attempt to quarantine us separately in our apartment, but our apartment is essentially two rooms (bedroom and living/dining/kitchen area, plus a bathroom) so not sure how possible that will be. I also will be more diligent about disinfecting surfaces, etc. When he got COVID I resigned myself to getting it so we didn't take any precautions to prevent him spreading it to me, but now I wonder if taking precautions would have at least made it milder, since I probably got a pretty high initial viral load.

ythannah wrote: »

I still had lots of energy and was actually very physically active. Our province lifted isolation requirements the day after I tested positive so I was out on the trails doing 5 mile walks every day.

Just so you know it's not recommended to exercise a lot when you have COVID for two reasons: a) increases the risk of long COVID, and b) increases the risk of getting a blood clot. There were actually young people who died because they started exercising too soon after recovering from COVID and got a blood clot and died. I think they were running rather than walking but even so. I've been taking it very easy with exercise because I've seen a lot of accounts of people who started getting long COVID symptoms right after they restarted their exercise routine.

lynn_glenmont wrote: »

There are pneumococcal vaccines, recommended by the CDC for all previously unvaccinated adults over the age of 65, plus any 65+ adults who previously a certain version of the vaccine. It's a single vaccine (not annual, like the flu) or a single series of two shots, depending on which version of the vaccine you get. I plan to get it when I reach that age, and in the meantime get a flu vaccine every year.

Oh ok. I should make sure my MIL got it though because she had some respiratory problems that almost killed her several years ago.

The upside of covid distancing and remote working has been that it's been three years since I got a bad cold or bronchitis. I'm enjoying the lack of communicable diseases so much that I'm still wearing a surgical mask (or surgical mask + cloth mask) in most indoor spaces, and a surgical mask for medical appointments, the subway, or anything else I deem an especially high-risk environment.

Until last month I would have said the same thing. And I didn't take that many precautions, obviously I locked down with everyone else in 2020 and wore masks when it was required (also a face shield during the early lockdown days). But I went back to bars, parties, concerts, etc. as soon as it was allowed and didn't wear masks at social events. I went out more than I did before COVID because of FOMO. I also didn't get the vaccine until August 2021 and never got any boosters. But for whatever reason I didn't get sick at all from December 2019 to December 2021 (actually my partner got an illness that was very similar to COVID in January 2020 and I didn't even get that). I was in the hospital twice in October 2021 and July 2022 and didn't even get sick then. I got some annoying non-COVID cold thing in December 2021 (I got it from a holiday party where everyone got the same thing, but nobody tested positive for COVID) and a mild case of what I think was RSV this October. But I was really surprised I went three years without getting anything bad and thought that taking vitamin D3 regularly was what had improved my immune system so much. Then as soon as I started working out, within weeks apparently my immune system collapsed (I have another thread on MFP where I'm trying to figure out why that happened and people are saying I might have some variant of ME/CFS or weak lungs that get easily stressed by exercise). I'm still planning to wear masks more often but not sure if it will fix the problem since my partner is usually the one who spreads whatever illness to me in the first place.

paperpudding wrote: »

n Tasmania, cases are up again and I've seen more people wearing masks again in non-mandatory environments. At the end of this month, the state govt run PCR testing sites will be shut, and people will require a medical referral for free PCRs.

Here in South Australia you can still get free PCR if you have symptoms.

However these free no referral needed ones only check for Covid.

It is better to get a multi valent PCR - which then checks for other respiratory diseases such as influenza, whooping cough, RSV - as of course there is also treatment for them which you wont get if your only result is "negative for Covid"

You do need form signed by Dr though - which can be organised over the phone.

Tas has been testing for flu, RSV and covid at the PCR testing centres. Locally the state govt had set up respiratory clinics (as well as the testing only )centres for those experiencing severe flu/covid/cold symptoms...they were good, kept most of those with bad symptoms out of doctor surgeries.

kshama2001 wrote: »

siberiantarragon wrote: »

snowflake954 wrote: »

My husband and I just got the booster. Our doctor (BIL) said to get it now. So far COVID is stable here, in Italy, and people that need to, mask on public transport and doctors offices, hospitals, etc. We also got our flu shot in November, and neither of us have even had a cold since then. I only mask up on public transport. Wash hands as soon as I get home--a little more aware.

I'm definitely going to be getting the flu shot from now on. I never really thought about it before because it's always been talked about as more of a thing that old people need to get, and it's rare for me to get the flu. Plus that one flu shot in the 70s that paralyzed people put me off the idea, but that was a long time ago. Also isn't there a bacterial pneumonia shot?

lynn_glenmont wrote: »

There are pneumococcal vaccines, recommended by the CDC for all previously unvaccinated adults over the age of 65, plus any 65+ adults who previously a certain version of the vaccine. It's a single vaccine (not annual, like the flu) or a single series of two shots, depending on which version of the vaccine you get. I plan to get it when I reach that age, and in the meantime get a flu vaccine every year.

The upside of covid distancing and remote working has been that it's been three years since I got a bad cold or bronchitis. I'm enjoying the lack of communicable diseases so much that I'm still wearing a surgical mask (or surgical mask + cloth mask) in most indoor spaces, and a surgical mask for medical appointments, the subway, or anything else I deem an especially high-risk environment.

I got sick after a flu shot in the 80s and stopped getting it yearly once I was out of the military. But when the epidemiologists were pleading with us to get the flu vaccine the fall after the start of Covid, I started getting the flu shot yearly again. No reactions. Also, I'm getting shots in the glute now so no more sore arm (or glute.)

Yeah, I've had older relatives who always got sick after their annual flu shot, and eventually their doctors agreed they didn't need to get them anymore. The only reaction I ever had to the flu shot was some soreness near the injection site, and that seemed a small price to pay to reduce the chances of getting the flu, which was pretty miserable the one time I had it before I started getting the annual vaccine.

33gail33 wrote: »

cwolfman13 wrote: »

33gail33 wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

Speaking of sore arms post shots, I recently completed a 6 month course of Lupron, where I had one shot per month, preferably in different parts of the body. I had the first in my arm, the second in my thigh, and the rest in my glutes, because THERE WAS NO SORENESS WHATSOEVER IN MY GLUTE.

When I got my latest COVID booster last month I requested it in the glute and she said she could not do that. This was not due to privacy concerns, as we were in a little room. Also, apparently when it comes to giving injections, the glutes are much higher than I thought. Probably I was thinking of Gluteus Maximus and they are injecting in the higher Gluteus Medius.

So now I am going to try to get my flu shot at my doctor's office so I can get this in my glute.

You definitely can't get a rabies vaccine in the glutes, the antibody response is lessened. I don't know about other vaccines but I imagine it would be similar.

Does Lupron trigger an antibody response, or is it something different? If not maybe that is why the glute is an acceptable spot for it.

Typically they don't want to give vaccines in the glutes because there is a major nerve trunk running through and it's pretty easy to hit something like the sciatic nerve and mess you up pretty good.

With the rabies vaccine it's because of the risk of vaccine failure. It's well documented that the antibody response is lower. (And if there is one vaccine you don't want to fail it's rabies - believe me I have had it )

ETA: I have had the vaccine, not rabies.

Yep, I had the serious too. Wasn't actually exposed afterall... turns out the cat likely licked a mushroom or toad it shouldn't have and was acting normal again before I even left the ER lol but I'm up to date on my rabies shots!

I'm very sorry your sleep cycle is really off. I hope in other ways you are feeling easier.

I've recently read, it can be possible to reset your sleep cycle, though yours is more than a couple of hours adrift from the majority of us. Its a matter of letting the body know when its supposed to be awake, when you wish to be starting your day.

Three things, take 15 deep as you can manage deep breaths on waking. Doing this will start different systems into action.
Drink 15 oz of room temperature water, could be stood over night. do this over half of to and hour, this counteracts the effects of nighttime dehydration.
Now get into the morning light, preferably be out in sunlight for 15 minutes as early as you can manage. I'm up before the sun for the time being. I did the school run, walking part without my glasses this morning when the sun was up.

Good luck.

Cleaning is exercise. You are moving as you do it, you could be reaching up for cobwebs, reaching down for something dropped, moving your arms when cleaning windows or a dusting, moving items about, anything from a pencil to a pile of laundry, it all takes more effort than sitting watching the tv. Its varied and true you could say done with "light effort" or something but if you are doing things for two or three hours, it all builds up. Alternatively have you thought of counting your steps, there are gadgets to do it for you. Is it 12000 which is said to be a number to aim for. I can't remember the average step count of the average UK post delivery person its probably a little higher. Its not necessarily as repetitive as a gym session some would say its more effective for all that.

True I responded to SModa61.

Chronic conditions are related to long covid, long covid shares much of the symptoms found in CF and other long term depleting conditions, different people's symptoms are expressed differently. I felt accrediting "work within the home" as one way of taking exercise was essential, even if as SModal61 was doing in a parents, assisted living apartment, sheltered housing, in the UK.

If the only exercise you have energy or time to do is "house work", probably seen as menial therefore seemingly dismissed by many overtly healthy folks, being active to your personal level has to be better than being confined to you bed. By choosing "house work", for those with limited mobility in my view would show, they have an interest in their quality of life, they are not giving in to what ails them.

Please SModa61, I am not inferring you are deplete in any way, you like many have much to do. I took the opportunity to say, "house work", any activity has it benefits for those who's health is very poor or who's time is restricted. I'm sure you were intending to be read as restricted choosing to help parents over going to the gym. I wonder if you cross/miss posted. I wish everyone health, without health we are nothing, from my experience.

Long covid has many similarities to those found by CF suffers, and those with other similar disabilities. Understanding on the medical functioning of the immune system is strongly suggesting having a stronger immune system by consuming many and various veg and to some extent fruits, even in supplement form to provide the body with the quality of minerals and vitamins at levels to support, as well as restore the immune function to the persons personal usual level of immunity can reduce the severity of the long covid or other severely depleting conditions such as CF. This paragraph is a much simplified version.

Please do your own research, keep to accredited medics, even check their qualifications. Always do what is best/right for you. By this I mean, your understanding of the information you find chimes with your inner feelings and everything you feel internally, to help you achieve better health at any age, "go for it". Please don't miss out on the chance of feeling better and getting your life back.

Best Wishes to all.


Then live well. Be well and enjoy everyday.

kshama2001 wrote: »

I'm sorry lockdown was so triggering for you. Are you in therapy? I started in April 2020. It's been 100% virtual, which I love.

Yes I've been in therapy since October 2021 and mine is all virtual too. I also have a psychiatrist and take medication although it hasn't been going well. It just feels like things are never going to get better. I feel dead inside and like nothing is real and nothing matters, and I think I am probably stuck that way forever.

I would answer your "what was the point" question but I fear you might feel invalidated by that and since I don't want to diminish your difficult experience, I won't.

Well that's a better reaction than all the people who called me a "murderer" and a "N*zi" for questioning lockdowns (even though I followed all the lockdown rules despite disagreeing with them, and a lot of the people trashing me broke the rules). Now I see the NY Times saying some of the same stuff I was saying back in March 2020, so what does that make them?

SModa61 wrote: »

@siberiantarragon My parents made it all the way to this past October without getting it. Then the bivalent shot came out and their assisted living set up a clinic. Everyone wanted it, so everyone shoved themselves together waiting to get the shot. 27 out of the 75 residents ended up getting COVID, directly or indirectly from that day......

Wow. That's...ironic.

Were they ok?