COVID is back. Get ready, prepared and do not get caught by surprise.
We have had 3 Covid patients in the past week that 'got it' on an airline, coming back from Italy. Products you must have on hand!
As of the present date, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health crisis of immense significance. While substantial progress has been made in understanding the virus, developing vaccines, and implementing preventive measures, the situation remains dynamic and complex.
One of the primary concerns in the current COVID-19 situation is the ongoing threat posed by the emergence of new variants of the virus. These variants can potentially impact the virus's transmissibility, severity, and vaccine effectiveness. Vigilance in monitoring and responding to these variants is crucial to stay ahead of the virus and adapt vaccination strategies and public health guidelines accordingly.
Covid-19 Vaccination: is it right for me?
Vaccination efforts have been a cornerstone of the global response to COVID-19. While numerous countries have made significant progress in vaccinating their populations, vaccine distribution disparities and hesitancy continue to be challenges.
Further, it is becoming obvious that the COVID vaccines have limited durations of effectiveness. Through research done at the Stages of Life Medical Institute, looking directly at COVID-19 antibody levels, it was clear in 2021 that the vaccine would provide protection for as little as 90 days to a maximum of 150 days. Additionally, protection did not mean that an individual would not get sick, it simply meant that the severity of the illness would be reduced.
In a word, you can run, but you cannot hide. The riskiest places to be are airports, airliners, movie theaters and other tightly enclosed spaces.
Supplies to have on hand, if and when you get COVID-19
Hand washing will be the most effective way to protect yourself. The virus is largely fecal-orally transmitted, as is the nature of other COVID viruses. Yes, there are other COVID viruses, well known to the medical community, but particularly well known in the Veterinary community.
Masks may or may not provide any protection at all. This is a matter of personal preference, but wearing one may remind you to wash your hands frequently and not take any unnecessary chances.
Eating at restaurants should be done with caution. The virus does not survive well on hot foods, but can last a good while on cold foods. Wipe off your eating utensils, drink hot beverages and eat hot foods, preferentially.
You can catch COVID just as easily from a sick child as from an adult.
Do not share plates, portions of food or drink from the same glass.
Other than that, get re-inoculated if it has been 6 months or longer. If you are adverse to getting the shot, this is a free country, at least for the time being. Booster or not, we are all at risk.
Recommendations for those who get sick (Keep these on hand, just in case)
Over-the counter (Available with us at www.stagesoflifevitamins.com)
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Guaifenesin 400 mg by mouth (1 capsule, four times daily)
Licorice Root Extract (1 capsule twice daily
Lactoferrin Containing Colostrum (2 capsules four times daily)
Prescriptions, if your physician so agrees:
Plaquenil, hydroxychloroquine (200 mg, Take 2 tablets twice a day for the first day, then 1 tablet twice daily, for two weeks.)
Benzonatate (100 mg by mouth twice daily, as necessary, for excessive cough.)
Naprosyn (500 mg by mouth twice daily)
Paxlovid (I'm not real impressed with this one)
Our practice remained open, every day, during the COVID pandemic. We saw our patients in the office, in the most traditional manner. The only person that got sick during this period was me, and I got it while on vacation, not paying attention to the recommendations, above.
The hydroxychloroquine is an anti-inflammatory, works well within the first 20 minutes or so of ingestion. The Naprosyn works with it through a separate mechanism.
The over-the counter medications are incredibly effective, particularly if taken early in the disease. Have them handy, ready for use. I think we're winding up for a busy season.
David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM
1917 Boothe Circle
Longwood, Florida 32750
Tel: 407-679-3337
Fax: 407-678-7246
