Coronavirus

[nashhorn]

In general an antibody test is only going to test IgG levels. Trellis testing can be done but not as a routine.
Vit D (D3) is critical for a multitude of issues. I try and take 5000 units a day, unless I was at a beach all day of course. Many years ago during a business discussion with the head clinical pathologist at MD Anderson, supplements and Vit D came up. He made the comment that the ‘normal’ range being used for that assay, vit D, was a joke because essentially we have no idea what normal is. It simply has no substantive data. He said everyone should be taking it, at least 4000 units per day and 5000 would be better. When I asked can you over fo it he said that when someone came in as undernourished they administered 25,000 units via injection so up to 5,000/day was not going to hurt you.
Only other comment I would make on this is with that much 4-5,000, I have learned thru some study that vit K is essential for adequate absorption. On the Covid aspect zinc and magnesium are essential (imo) also. And of course there is a drug I take periodically as prophylaxis against Covid but it’s controversial.

 

[nashhorn]

Horn 2, you got a second case? We’re you vaccinated? Sorry if you posted it before but there as been so much back and forth on this I cannot remember who has and hasn’t. Also were both cases mild?

 

[Monahorns]

And of course there is a drug I take periodically as prophylaxis against Covid but it’s controversial.

What? NAC?

 

[mchammer]

Every Covid death is a horrible tragedy for those involved regardless of the odds and statistics. Statistically Covid isn't a big risk for kids, but to the few who have actually died from it, it's terrible. However, I still have to make decisions based on my own situation and risk assessment. If I had done it two months earlier, I would have gotten Pfizer and would be at a higher risk of getting sick and having to get a booster.

Yeah, but the delta surge in the US was late July to late September (slightly earlier in UK). Admit you were lucky not to get infected. See my post below for a fuller response to your “risk assessment “.

 

[horninchicago]

Yeah, but the delta surge in the US was late July to late September (slightly earlier in UK). Admit you were lucky not to get infected.

Guess I was lucky, too. But, still not getting jabbed until I decide I need to or my hand is, unfortunately, forced by the dumb *** in chief dictating ********. Guess I won't give up an airline career, but we'll see.

 

[mchammer]

Guess I was lucky, too. But, still not getting jabbed until I decide I need to or my hand is, unfortunately, forced by the dumb *** in chief dictating ********. Guess I won't give up an airline career, but we'll see.

Of course, if you are trying to avoid getting Covid, there is some amount of luck involved, regardless if you intend to get vaccinated or not. Also, in your case, I thought you already had it.

Specifically referring to Deez’s case, if you are holding out for 2 in the bush (avoid Covid and get the best vaccine) vs 1 in hand (getting vaccinated), that is a risk assessment. Choosing for 2 in the bush while at the same time delta is surging was a risky call. Absent of delta, it makes more sense.

Bottom line, Deez risked a lot just to get that better vaccine. To give you some perspective, delta ran through the home-schooled folks in my town. Multiple parents sent to the hospital, some on incubators. Just because you ran across a minefield without issues doesn’t imply it was a walk through the park.

 

[Monahorns]

Good analysis on COVID.

The UK's National "Crisis": Age-Adjusted Mortality Is at 2008 Levels | Mark Avis

 

[nashhorn]

No Mona, not NAC but hydroxychloroquine, I figured that would be clear when I said ‘a drug’ although I guess you could have inferred ivermectin.
Coincidentally my wife picked up some ivermectin pills while visiting EL Paso. If she were to catch it again I suspect she’d try it.

 

[nashhorn]

Saw a Dr describe the Moderna as the best vaccine AND that it should not require any booster. Then a few hours later I see the FDA come out with approval for a booster.
Btw, this is second Dr I’ve seen prefer the Moderna.

 

[Seattle Husker]

Saw a Dr describe the Moderna as the best vaccine AND that it should not require any booster. Then a few hours later I see the FDA come out with approval for a booster.
Btw, this is second Dr I’ve seen prefer the Moderna.

There was a UK (or Germany?) study that showed the anti-bodies remaining ~6 months after for Moderna were double Pfizer. I think that's driving the preference for Moderna. For everyone that has accepted that vaccinations have a role, expect that there will be at least 1 booster shot, like many other vaccines.

 

[nashhorn]

What you just said SH is why it’s nonsensical to be promoting a Moderna booster at this time. With double the ab count who’s to say it will dwindle at the Pfizer rate over longer time? Just too suspiciously unscientific, as has been so much of their responses.

 

[Horn2RunAgain]

Horn 2, you got a second case? We’re you vaccinated? Sorry if you posted it before but there as been so much back and forth on this I cannot remember who has and hasn’t. Also were both cases mild?

No vax

First case was severe enough to cause heart issues per my doc. In the winter I ride a spin bike NLT 3x a week, usually more. I felt like it was far more an infection type of feeling than a heart issue since my exercise regime didn't skip a beat with the same intensity

For months I was exhausted most days of the week. No explanation. Low energy 4 to 5 days a week

Second round was last December. Wife and I both caught it, 2 days of lethargy and sniffles. Then it was gone.

Eta.. each time I see my pcp he has me take an ekg. Last 2 times it's shown a blip, but in different manners. He's at a loss to explain why, but wants me to see a cardiologist, which I did after round 1. It was no help. I'm active, lift 6x a week year round, summer I work in the yard daily, winter I'm on the spin bike. Again, this feels like an infection as opposed to anything heart related. As stated last month, since I caught it the first time infections seem to happen often. I just deal with it

 

[mchammer]

Of course, if you are trying to avoid getting Covid, there is some amount of luck involved, regardless if you intend to get vaccinated or not. Also, in your case, I thought you already had it.

Specifically referring to Deez’s case, if you are holding out for 2 in the bush (avoid Covid and get the best vaccine) vs 1 in hand (getting vaccinated), that is a risk assessment. Choosing for 2 in the bush while at the same time delta is surging was a risky call. Absent of delta, it makes more sense.

Bottom line, Deez risked a lot just to get that better vaccine. To give you some perspective, delta ran through the home-schooled folks in my town. Multiple parents sent to the hospital, some on incubators. Just because you ran across a minefield without issues doesn’t imply it was a walk through the park.

It occurred to me that delta also helped differentiate the efficacy of the various vaccines, so waiting through delta did provide clarity on that subject. High risk, high reward move by @Mr. Deez . Maybe that is how he rolls.

 

[mchammer]

No vax

First case was severe enough to cause heart issues per my doc. In the winter I ride a spin bike NLT 3x a week, usually more. I felt like it was far more an infection type of feeling than a heart issue since my exercise regime didn't skip a beat with the same intensity

For months I was exhausted most days of the week. No explanation. Low energy 4 to 5 days a week

Second round was last December. Wife and I both caught it, 2 days of lethargy and sniffles. Then it was gone.

Okay, you are the first person who I know that got re-infected with Covid after being naturally immune.

 

[horninchicago]

No vax

First case was severe enough to cause heart issues per my doc. In the winter I ride a spin bike NLT 3x a week, usually more. I felt like it was far more an infection type of feeling than a heart issue since my exercise regime didn't skip a beat with the same intensity

For months I was exhausted most days of the week. No explanation. Low energy 4 to 5 days a week

Second round was last December. Wife and I both caught it, 2 days of lethargy and sniffles. Then it was gone.

So, you didn't take up an ICU bed for a more deserving Type II diabetic or heart disease patient. That was swell of you.

And, clearly, you didn't die.

 

[Horn2RunAgain]

Okay, you are the first person who I know that got re-infected with Covid after being naturally immune.

Had tested pos for antibodies in April 2020, caught it in December again. 2nd round was no biggie

Who knows, could have been a false positive in Dec because I didn't know anyone that tested negative then.

 

[Seattle Husker]

What you just said SH is why it’s nonsensical to be promoting a Moderna booster at this time. With double the ab count who’s to say it will dwindle at the Pfizer rate over longer time? Just too suspiciously unscientific, as has been so much of their responses.

I'd argue the FDA is being very scientific about whether they approve the boosters and for whom. This is why the FDA took heat from the WH when they approved the Pfizer booster for a limited population. FDA's response? Not enough data.

I don't fault Pharma for getting a booster ready. Afterall, they can't wait to develop a booster after the need arises given the lead time to develop it and test the efficacy. Pharma internally has a lower bar for volume of data before making their decisions to move forward with development of a booster than the FDA has for market approval.

Still, from what I've read this process is science heavy.

 

[horninchicago]

Had tested pos for antibodies in April 2020, caught it in December again. 2nd round was no biggie

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I had it in January 2020, then got sniffles and anosmia for 4 days in late March 2020. No big deal. The January event felt like the flu.

 

[Monahorns]

No Mona, not NAC but hydroxychloroquine, I figured that would be clear when I said ‘a drug’ although I guess you could have inferred ivermectin.
Coincidentally my wife picked up some ivermectin pills while visiting EL Paso. If she were to catch it again I suspect she’d try it.

I did not know you could buy hydroxychloroquine. I was using Quercetin, which I heard does similar things.

My next guess was Ivermectin.

 

[humahuma]

I think I had Covid back in March 2020, for a couple days it was hard to breathe and felt like a lb was on my chest. Before that I was working out, walking and my early years 44 doing sprint Triathlons. I am 58 just got back from cardiologist doing a stress test, came back positive. They said my heart was not transferring enough oxygen to my blood.

I felt that all along, I am thinking this the after effects of Covid. Anyone have any comments?

 

[horninchicago]

I think I had Covid back in March 2020, for a couple days it was hard to breathe and felt like a lb was on my chest. Before that I was working out, walking and my early years 44 doing sprint Triathlons. I am 58 just got back from cardiologist doing a stress test, came back positive. They said my heart was not transferring enough oxygen to my blood.

I felt that all along, I am thinking this the after effects of Covid. Anyone have any comments?

I'm 52 and have not experienced that. Sorry, I hope you get relief for that soon.

 

[OUBubba]

Saw a Dr describe the Moderna as the best vaccine AND that it should not require any booster. Then a few hours later I see the FDA come out with approval for a booster.
Btw, this is second Dr I’ve seen prefer the Moderna.

I think Moderna delivered a stronger load up front. Not unrelated, that brand had more nominal side effects.

 

[Vol Horn 4 Life]

My wife just got the notice today. Get the jab or get fired the first of December. I'm curious how Abbots EO that no entity can make a vaccine mandate in Texas will play with this.

She works for a very liberal company based out of Minnesota who said that they have huge government contracts and will lose those if employees aren't vaccinated. My wife works on none of those govt contracts. I'm starting to think it's time to lawyer up or call Abbotts office just to start.

 

[OUBubba]

I think I had Covid back in March 2020, for a couple days it was hard to breathe and felt like a lb was on my chest. Before that I was working out, walking and my early years 44 doing sprint Triathlons. I am 58 just got back from cardiologist doing a stress test, came back positive. They said my heart was not transferring enough oxygen to my blood.

I felt that all along, I am thinking this the after effects of Covid. Anyone have any comments?

Long haul covid symptoms are a crap shoot. My smell is not back fully and it's been a year. Good luck.

 

[Monahorns]

I think I had Covid back in March 2020, for a couple days it was hard to breathe and felt like a lb was on my chest. Before that I was working out, walking and my early years 44 doing sprint Triathlons. I am 58 just got back from cardiologist doing a stress test, came back positive. They said my heart was not transferring enough oxygen to my blood.

I felt that all along, I am thinking this the after effects of Covid. Anyone have any comments?

It's possible.

 

[horninchicago]

Long haul covid symptoms are a crap shoot. My smell is not back fully and it's been a year. Good luck.

Apologies in advance if this comes across as rubbing your nose in it, pun intended, like you do when OU beats Texas nearly every year (I know you don't j/k), but it only took me about 2 weeks to get mine fully back.

That sucks, sorry.

 

[Monahorns]

My wife just got the notice today. Get the jab or get fired the first of December. I'm curious how Abbots EO that no entity can make a vaccine mandate in Texas will play with this.

She works for a very liberal company based out of Minnesota who said that they have huge government contracts and will lose those if employees aren't vaccinated. My wife works on none of those govt contracts. I'm starting to think it's time to lawyer up or call Abbotts office just to start.

Whoa. I work for "a very liberal company based out of Minnesota" also. But I haven't received an ultimatum like that yet. I would be curious to know if we work for the same one.

In fact I talked to the corporate nurse yesterday and she said there isn't even an OSHA regulation yet and there may never be one because of the complications coming up with state EOs and push back.

I don't work specifically on a government project either. That may change the situation.

 

[Garmel]

My smell is not back fully and it's been a year.

Not being able to smell with the Okies around you does have its advantages.

 

[Seattle Husker]

My wife just got the notice today. Get the jab or get fired the first of December. I'm curious how Abbots EO that no entity can make a vaccine mandate in Texas will play with this.

She works for a very liberal company based out of Minnesota who said that they have huge government contracts and will lose those if employees aren't vaccinated. My wife works on none of those govt contracts. I'm starting to think it's time to lawyer up or call Abbotts office just to start.

I'll be curious how far you get. Not a lawyer but I believe that Abbott's EO was more of a virtue signal than anything else. Ultimately, companies can choose their own terms of employment. If they require the vaccine there is very little the government can do. Your wife's company isn't the only one, the company I'm consulting at has a large presence in Dallas. They communicated long before Abbott's EO that all employees in all 50 states need to be vaccinated as a term of their employment by the end of October. In At-Will employment states there isn't much the employee can do other than become a former employee if they choose to not get vaccinated.

Biden's EO was merely air cover for what companies really wanted to get employees back into the office. It allowed the airlines, the retail companies and many other industries to mandate vaccines without being the bad guy.

 

[Mr. Deez]

Yeah, but the delta surge in the US was late July to late September (slightly earlier in UK). Admit you were lucky not to get infected. See my post below for a fuller response to your “risk assessment “.

Specifically referring to Deez’s case, if you are holding out for 2 in the bush (avoid Covid and get the best vaccine) vs 1 in hand (getting vaccinated), that is a risk assessment. Choosing for 2 in the bush while at the same time delta is surging was a risky call. Absent of delta, it makes more sense.

Bottom line, Deez risked a lot just to get that better vaccine. To give you some perspective, delta ran through the home-schooled folks in my town. Multiple parents sent to the hospital, some on incubators. Just because you ran across a minefield without issues doesn’t imply it was a walk through the park.

Certainly there was luck involved. However, there are a few things to consider. First, as tragic as every Covid death was and is, though this virus may not be the flu, it's not the bubonic plague either (and is much closer to the flu than to the plague). The death rate of those my age and physical condition is very low. Even if I had gotten Covid, the chance of it being a major threat to my life or health was pretty remote, so I simply don't think I risked very much.

Second, I didn't trust the vaccine - not as an ideological matter but as a true matter of ignorance and skepticism. Compared to other vaccines, it was rushed, because everybody in the equation had every incentive (political and financial) to get it in arms ASAP. I wasn't interested in being a guinea pig and was more willing to let people who were frightened of the disease play that role.

Yes, I know everybody from the government to the pharmaceutical industry swore this vaccine was safe and effective and blabbed on about how thorough the research was, but nobody acted like it was either one. Most guidelines and rules show very little confidence in its effectiveness. They basically presume that it isn't very effective - still expect us to mask, distance, severe travel restrictions, etc. And of course, what was the first thing virtually every government did when the vaccines went into production? They gave the vaccine makers tort immunity. In other words, while these companies were swearing up and down that these vaccines were safe, in practice, they and the government were doing everything they could to ensure that the patient would get ****** and that they'd walk away with bad press but tens of billions of dollars in their pockets if it ended up not being safe. Sorry, but that didn't foster a lot of confidence from me or give me much sense of urgency, especially since the claims were coming from companies that frequently get caught bullshitting about their products.

Third, my lifestyle makes me pretty low risk for getting Covid. I live in the country. I don't have a job, and my wife's job is almost entirely remote. I'm virtually never in close quarters with anybody. Who the hell is going to give me Covid when I'm virtually never within about fifteen feet of another human being?

So the bottom line is that waiting may not have been wise for some, but I do think it was wise for me.