Medical Discussion of Coronavirus

[CordMcNally]

Oh very interesting. I had just assumed it was mostly microthromboembolic hits to lungs, heart, brain and other organs from the awful coagulopathy we see so often in COVID. Are there specific unrelated disease processes that you suspect or more of a general feeling that this isn’t lining up quite right?

I think there’s going to be a significant psychosomatic component to this.

[Panscan]

How long until it's on the epic problem list

"Long-hauler syndrome"

[Anne]

Oh very interesting. I had just assumed it was mostly microthromboembolic hits to lungs, heart, brain and other organs from the awful coagulopathy we see so often in COVID. Are there specific unrelated disease processes that you suspect or more of a general feeling that this isn’t lining up quite right?

I assumed the same.

[Rando]

The “studies” I’ve seen on long haul syndrome have been mainly anecdotal with no control groups. My guess is that there is a subset that has cellular damage possibly from thromboembolism, but others that may be depression or chronic fatigue. Often the reported symptoms are non-specific like brain fog or spaciness. Some is probably what you see after any serious or prolonged illness and not specific to COVID.

Anyway my point was more if you think this is a real thing the J&J vaccine would theoretically be inferior.

[molar roller]

I had covid 6 wks ago, day before my vaccine appointment. I wasn't planning to get the vaccine yet, but as the restrictions are being relaxed for vaccinated people (my wife is) , I'm considering it. Appts are scarce, might not be a bad idea to book ahead.
For those who had covid relatively recently, what are your plans? Are you waiting for cdc recommendations? Getting Moderna /Pfizer? J&J?

[HikingDO]

I had covid 6 wks ago, day before my vaccine appointment. I wasn't planning to get the vaccine yet, but as the restrictions are being relaxed for vaccinated people (my wife is) , I'm considering it. Appts are scarce, might not be a bad idea to book ahead.
For those who had covid relatively recently, what are your plans? Are you waiting for cdc recommendations? Getting Moderna /Pfizer? J&J?

I had Covid in December, and got my first Pfizer vaccine 2 weeks ago. My disease course was basically asymptomatic, so I wasn’t sure how long I’d have antibodies, so I didn’t want to wait past the three month mark. No side effects with the vaccine except maybe a slight sore arm, so I’m glad I got it. It was the same for me, I got Covid less than a week before I was due for my vaccine.

[FIREshrink]

I think there’s going to be a significant psychosomatic component to this.

Sure, but more or less than any other viral illness? I vote more. I thought I read there were numerous elevated inflammatory markers even in those with mild or asymptomatic infection... I need to read up on this.

[CordMcNally]

Sure, but more or less than any other viral illness? I vote more. I thought I read there were numerous elevated inflammatory markers even in those with mild or asymptomatic infection... I need to read up on this.

More...but also there hasn't been a viral illness (in my lifetime) that has had this much press and media attention and sensationalism. That typically doesn't help these situations.

[cyrano7]

I had covid 6 wks ago, day before my vaccine appointment. I wasn't planning to get the vaccine yet, but as the restrictions are being relaxed for vaccinated people (my wife is) , I'm considering it. Appts are scarce, might not be a bad idea to book ahead.
For those who had covid relatively recently, what are your plans? Are you waiting for cdc recommendations? Getting Moderna /Pfizer? J&J?

I had Covid in October. A fair bit of fatigue for a couple weeks, but my initial symptoms were brief (half day or so).

I just had my first dose of the vaccine a week ago (Pfizer). Initially I was waiting because I felt bad taking a dose from someone else who might not have any immunity, but the surgery center next to my practice had extra availability so I went for it. Just a sore arm.

[Tim]

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/04/fauci-troops-who-opt-out-of-covid-vaccine-are-part-of-the-problem.html

1/3 of military opting out of vaccines.
Philosopher Fauci (new title to acknowledge editorial moral philosophy from science) expressed his opinions. I find it curious that he used the term “inadvertently”. Seems like they made an intentional decision. Apologies for getting off track.

The vaccine rejection rate might be the best estimate of the public’s acceptance of vaccines.

“Scientists initially estimated that 60 to 70 percent of the population needed to acquire resistance to the coronavirus to banish it. Now Dr. Anthony Fauci and others are quietly shifting that number upward.”

Lost in the shuffle seems to be 18+ with comorbidities. 1B in every priority based on science. It seems that 65-70 (pick your number) are also being pushed aside. Second shots are delinquent or 3 million. Now “teachers” seem to have been elevated in the priority.

Yes we (as a country) need time to accomplish a plan, but I don’t have a clue what the plan really is. This is not an execution issue now, we don’t have clear targets.

If we make this so difficult with moving targets, and only hit 2/3’s acceptance, what next?

This seems to be evolving to a messy process. I see no reason why to resist a “Friends and Family Plan”. Tap into connections for notorious “remaining shots” for 16 and over. “Honey, bring the kids, they have three shots left”.

I wonder if Philosopher Fauci would agree?

[Tim]

Two problems:
1. The prominent display of needles is everywhere on the messaging for getting vaccinated.
2. I have a relative that has a serious aversion to anything that involves a shot.

I assume physicians have dealt with this. Even though he can rationally discuss and completely understands the need (protect his mom and has lost a brother), that doesn’t change the real fear and aversion to needles. It is basically a mental trauma and impossible to overcome. This is not new, been present since childhood I found out.

I saw this article.

https://news.yahoo.com/ouch-fear-needles-may-keep-093010690.html

Reluctance for the vaccine is the reason given, but it maybe fear of needles. A sucker for getting the shot won’t work for sure. The anxiety is real.

Any suggestions addressing the fear and do you consider this when patients express reluctance to get vaccinated?

[Panscan]

End of day they're getting a needle stuck in their arm by a healthcare worker which has a net health benefit for them. I think if you fundamentally understand that and the purpose of what is being done it should help. Obviously we are not doing this for fun, I don't want to be stabbed any more than the next person, nor do I enjoy needles.

Look away but I think confronting the reality that you're getting a needle in your arm and you will be ok and move on with your life is crucial for getting over it. It's like if you get on a plane and take a pound of sedatives and wake up at the gate, you haven't really addressed anything.

I guess for me I have a hard time understanding these things. Maybe a traumatic encounter as a child contributes or etc, but if you're an adult and you fundamentally understand that this is for the good, it's hard to understand. It's like when adults vehemently refuse to eat certain foods (excluding allergies), like tons of people are deathly against eating seafood. What is going to happen? Worst case scenario you don't like it and you move on with your life. Sometimes I think these things can only be developed as children and carried into adulthood, like these heavily irrational beliefs such as vehemently hating a food.

[Lordosis]

It has not been approved yet in children.

[Tangler]

Look the other way. Lay down before the shot if he has a vagal response. Perhaps drink a shot of wiskey first (just kidding) but joking with him a little combined with the above two suggestions can be helpful.Depends on the person and as long as he realizes you are not making fun of him but just trying to help him smile and think about something else. It takes less than 30 seconds, worth it, and there are a lot of vaccines that are also worth it in his future.

[jfoxcpacfp]

It has not been approved yet in children.

I think the relative is an adult, but has had the fear since childhood. I don’t understand why those who have an aversion to needles cannot take it orally (like polio vaccine). I am sure there is a scientific reason but I am ignorant on this topic, of course! Can you help?

[Lordosis]

I think the relative is an adult, but has had the fear since childhood. I don’t understand why those who have an aversion to needles cannot take it orally (like polio vaccine). I am sure there is a scientific reason but I am ignorant on this topic, of course! Can you help?

I was being factious.

The stomach degrades it is the short answer.