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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI just can't shake my uneasiness about the relaxing of Covid precautions
I worry about the variants, like the ones in India, right now. There's one confirmed case of the Brazilian variant in Genesee County, MI. If there's one, there's more. I know cases in my county are down by 32% but that doesn't ease my worry about the variants.
Admittedly, I have control over what I do, and I will continue to follow every single precaution. For me, Pfizer offers about a 90% protection. It protects against the South African variant, but the best I've read is it 'most likely' protects against the Brazilian variant. Who knows how effective it is against whatever has developed in India, which sounds pretty contagious and deadly.
My former plans for my remaining years of independence involved lots of travel, including long train trip and a cruise - maybe to spend a month in Wales. I haven't seen my grandniece, who lives in North Carolina, in almost 2 years but her parents are avid anti-vaxxers which means who know when/if I'll ever see her, again. So now my foreseeable 'future' involves continuing self isolation and worry.
Ghaaaaaaaaaaa...........................
Oh well. I think all of the self isolation is wrecking havoc with my thinking process and I needed to unload some angst. Time to stop whining, take a dose of CBD and pull myself together. I've got a lawn to mow, today.
Hugin
(33,031 posts)Granted, vaccination is the one action a person can take which is wholly self-protective (although, there is controversy about this and it may protect others as well)
But, until someone sounds the all's clear on protective measures I will continue to use them as the order of the day.
Now, however, I will spend some more time with family and friends who have been isolating in separate 'pods' over the last year.
Many of the guidelines I may continue even after COVID-19. Such as using a mask when I'm doing tasks where respiratory diseases and allergens may be an issue. Exactly like I wear a hat in the Sun and drink filtered water.
I LIKE not being sick.
Ms. Toad
(33,980 posts)The only three studies I am aware of demonstrate that vaccination prevents infection. If it prevents infection, it also prevents transmission. There are no contrary studies (showing for example that it ONLY prevents the severe consequences of infection).
But you are correct that precautions such as masking and social distancing are independent of the protection from vaccination.
Hugin
(33,031 posts)Last edited Wed Apr 28, 2021, 01:24 PM - Edit history (1)
the current supposition about the appendix is that although of little use (and maybe potentially a threat to the individual) it does serve the purpose of acting as a reservoir of 'good gut bacteria' for the community. Restoring them after a local epidemic of a digestive disease causes the flushing of those beneficial critters along with the disease out of the systems of many in the community. They 're-catch' the good from those who either haven't had the disease or didn't have a severe enough bout with it to lose their reserve.
Anyway, meta community immunology is an interesting concept.
Ms. Toad
(33,980 posts)For a long time tonsilectomies were routine. My spouse's parents had on kid with tonsilitis, so they decide to yank all 7 kids' tonsils just to get it over with. Now they try to avoid it because they play an important role in the immune system.
Interesting about the appendix - and you appear to be correct. That may help explain why I have recalcitrant c. diff. I got it after using clindamycin after oral surgery. It took most of a year to beat it back into submission, and it still pops back up about twice a year. I had my appendix out when I was pregnant with my daughter, since they couldn't risk a rupture in someone 5-month pregnant.
Hugin
(33,031 posts)a GI surgeon demanding it's removal as the 'body's mask'.
Probably, if Doctor Former Guy said they should.
They are that petty.
Goonch
(3,597 posts)"There is limited research available on how currently authorized vaccines perform against the variants. However, the research that is availablealthough generally preliminarysuggest that several vaccines are fairly effective at protecting against both the original version of the virus and the range of variants emerging around the globe.........."
https://www.advisory.com/en/daily-briefing/2021/04/16/variants-vaccines#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20one%20study%20of,1.351.
MissMillie
(38,525 posts)My family had a gathering for Easter, but only for those vaccinated. Alas, I was not vaccinated. I don't go anywhere except for groceries once/month, but I get why they were hesitant to include me.
Playing things safe in this atmosphere is the best way to protect the ones you love.
If its working, why stop?
agingdem
(7,804 posts)2020-2021 first time in years no flu of any kind .. no pneumonia or bronchitis.. no awful cough.. and no allergies..and I do go out..groceries, UPS, post office, etc.
Ms. Toad
(33,980 posts)when I dramatically cleaned up my anti-disease hygiene to avoid being ill and needing to postpone surgery. (I had bosses who pretended they were not ill, and came to work spewing all sorts of crap all over the office. I was not about to postpone surgery due to avoidable illnesses)
Lars39
(26,104 posts)Family is wanting a Mothers Day get together. 17 people outside, with a toddler, at least 4 religiously stupid people who don't even believe in flu shots, and two college aged. Oh, and one of those four normally regularly travels to Belgium, and one of the 'stans, and another really likes to get in your face to talk. We're leaning pretty heavy to not go, CDC or no. I'll join you in screaming.
I'm really looking forward to kayaking and biking when the weather cooperates.
RussBLib
(9,002 posts)especially since so many here in the US refuse to take the vaccine. It will likely continue to mutate. If we are lucky, it will mutate into a less-harmful organism, but in the meanwhile, we will continue to mask up in common areas. And wearing the mask is also very likely for the precipitous drop in the flu this year. It also works for allergens.
We need Trump in jail and to charge several GOP'ers with aiding and abetting the Jan 6 insurrection. I think that will help calm down the anti-mask hysteria, in a convoluted way.
Maraya1969
(22,459 posts)nor will it cause hospitalization unless in an extremely unlikely situation. So at this point I can say it may be just like the flu.
I was very cautious over the entire last year. But now that I am vaccinated I feel so free. I am not afraid anymore. I still wear masks when it is appropriate but I have gone to restaurants and been with people without a mask on. I do remember when I started to go out though I was very concerned and it took me awhile to get used to my new freedom.
You have to do what feels safe for you though. I wish you the very best.
malaise
(268,638 posts)I expect several liars to be in public places and spaces
Siwsan
(26,241 posts)Either because they haven't had a chance to get vaccinated, or just don't believe it in - I don't want to risk that. I saw what my friend went though as she died of Covid. Causing that in another, however unwittingly, is not something I want on my Karma card.
I think places of business should be able to ask for proof of vaccination OR wear a mask. One or the other. I know nothing about what goes on in developing an app, but the CDC must have records of who has been vaccinated, and maybe there's be a way to get a link to a CDC developed app, proving you have been vaccinated.
Hugin
(33,031 posts)I couldn't live with myself, if I'd caused sickness in someone else.
That sentiment is pervasive among my circle of people I care the most about.
Empathy.
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your friend from this blight.
Peregrine Took
(7,412 posts)It would make getting around easier especially if it was something you could get from a government agency making it official.
After presenting your vac card you receive the pin.
davsand
(13,421 posts)I'm not even looking at the mutations or any of that. What worries me is the reality that even if everybody gets vaccinated (whoch we know is not gonna happen) there are still gonna be a persentage of people who did evrything they were supposed to and still get sick. It's exactly like being on the pill, in that, you know you an still get pregnant but the risk is much lower...
I will continue to mask, handwash, and social distance because I do not want to roll the dice on NOT being one of that small percentage who still get sick.
YMMV.
Laura
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Politically it would be devastating to do otherwise.
I personally hate wearing the mask and distancing. As do most people. Iv faithfully done so and will continue to do so as long as people are waiting for the vaccine. Since my family is fully vaccinated Im just do so to be a team player. The vaccine I took means that even if exposed Im 95-99% protected from even getting the virus. And on the very small chance I do get it my chance of being hospitalized or dying are basically nil. I can live normally with those odds.
So far the vaccine seems to be effective against variants and boosters may well be necessary. But I get a flu shot every year.
Others may not feel as sanguine as me and I respect that. But it is not politically possible to get 80% of the population vaccinated then tell them restrictions have to remain.
Siwsan
(26,241 posts)Made worse by the fact that a few days after her 'socially distanced' memorial service, I came down with a cold. Despite believing I was being as careful as humanly possible, I slipped up. It was an incredibly mild cold, but the scariest I've ever had.
I'm double vaccinated and will get a booster as soon as it's recommended, but I'm also 'getting up there' in age so my normally very robust immune system is, no doubt, losing steam.
Fortunately, I don't mind wearing a mask, at all. I've actually enjoyed making a small collection. I have no doubt there will be sporadic spikes, in the future, so even if I do ever reach a comfort point, I'll be carrying a mask with me, at all times.
I don't remove my mask, when I get in the car, until I've fully sanitized my hands. And then I keep reminding myself to ignore that my nose is itching until I can get home and give my hands a good wash. I still haven't even gone out and gotten a take-away for dinner. I'm trying to work myself to the point where I can go to my favorite brew house, which has a huge outdoor seating area because I'm super craving some Flint City Tacos.
And I take only limited comfort in the 'so far' aspect of this situation. But, again, 15 months of self isolation has given my overactive imagination far too much opportunity to freak me out.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)But I think your last paragraph touched on an important point. Humans are a social species. Isolation is not mentally healthy for us.
Have a nice day.
Leith
(7,807 posts)Every time - and everywhere - restrictions were lifted, new covid infections soared.
I have had both shots. Once my 2 week "settling in" period is over, I will venture out to the grocery store with my mask firmly in place and hand sanitizer where I can reach it at all times.
kcr
(15,313 posts)Stay safe.
Siwsan
(26,241 posts)But in every direction there are pink to VERY red areas where more people listen to Tucker Carlson than to Dr. Fauci.
Chakaconcarne
(2,429 posts)At least to keep you away from any serious symptoms.
Baitball Blogger
(46,672 posts)Too many conservative right-wingers, and I hope to meet up with my family a few weeks after the Reunion date. Not worth it to me to attend an event of old relationships where I get to see how much has changed, and possibly expose myself to someone's carelessness, and ruin my close family gathering.
Besides, I'm close enough to the venue that anyone that really wants to see me, can come out my way for a visit.
Siwsan
(26,241 posts)There are a few people I'd love to see again but unless it is held outdoors, I don't think it's worth the risk.
My graduating class had something like 560 people in it. The last reunion I went to, less than 100 showed up. Some people have moved, far and wide. Some people have died. Some people don't have that great a memory of high school. All in all, the risks probably outweigh the benefits.