Mask up everyone! NOW!

[AntivaxHunters]

If you've let your guard down with Covid you need to put that guard back up.
Cases across the country are spiking as immunity from vaccines begins to wane.
Please stay safe out there by avoiding crowds, masking. socially distancing, and using such things as "online ordering" for grocery delivery or pickup.

Remember, Covid cases right now are severely under-reported because home tests aren't counted. The facts and figures are substantially higher than what's being told because of it.

Be vigilant. Be safe. The next life you save may very well be your own.

COVID reinfections set to spike in U.S. as new variants evade immunity
Yahoo News link

Snip....."Two mutants matching that description, BA.4 and BA.5, are now taking off in the U.S. — and experts say they will soon outcompete the earlier versions of Omicron (BA.2 and BA.2.12.1) that have already been causing hundreds of thousands of new (and mostly unreported) infections every day for weeks on end.

“The next chapter of the pandemic ... is a story of immune escape,” Dr. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Translational Institute, recently predicted.

And experts say the U.S. is not doing enough to keep up.

Combined with waning vaccine protection and disappointing booster uptake among the elderly, the virus’s new trajectory — toward greater transmissibility, evasiveness and possibly pathogenicity — could affect vulnerable Americans in the months ahead."

[Tree Lady]

1. It's very frustrating everyone wants to go

Back to normal and because of that cases are way up. I am still masking in stores but can't get my husband to anymore so I keep thinking he will give it to me.

[Butterflylady]

42. Keep up with your boosters. Just got my 4th shot yesterday.

Wishing you good health.

[Tree Lady]

120. Thanks we are getting second booster

Shots on Thursday. At least he gets his shots. We waited extra month because leaving for Canada in mid July and wanted shot to be at its strongest.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

162. My 5th jab is due end of August.

I miss faces...

[Maggiemayhem]

187. Will we be able to get a fifth one? I am older and compromised. I got fourth shot in March.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

209. I just assume we will. there is no more room on the card though.

[notinkansas]

64. "so I keep thinking he will give it to me".

I hear you. My husband attended a funeral luncheon - 80+ people at a restaurant. He got sick and indeed passed it on to me. We did at home covid tests at the onset of symptoms which were negative, but I have since read that those tests do not detect the presence of covid until several days after the onset of symptoms. So I'm not really sure what he brought home. And now he plans to attend a family reunion hosted in his brother's home. This family of nine siblings who have several children of their own and grandchildren. Additionally there are likely to be people traveling from different parts of the country to attend. I fear for what he may bring home this time. I am not happy about this - is a huge understatement.

[uponit7771]

72. Being vaxed allows back to near normal, very little evidence of the contrary

[AntivaxHunters]

113. There's lots of evidence to the contrary

But there's also this which is fascinating.
Remember though not everyone has the ability to be vaccinated. This includes kids, & immunocompromised people

Link to tweet

?s=20&t=Ad6B7000X0qWGCMXIj1x6Q

[NullTuples]

158. Nope. 42% of Jan-Feb deaths were vaxxed. They made bad choices.

Vaccines can protect you. But people were assuming it was like a shield and returned to life as normal. They ate indoors in restaurants, went to church & de-masked to sing, went to other indoor events inappropriately masked. In short they exposed themselves to such viral loads the vaccine protection couldn't keep up.

They died.

[uponit7771]

174. How many of those were in the at risk group? tia

[NullTuples]

201. It's an overall population figure. They were out dining & partying w/o masks.

[gldstwmn]

173. Fully vaxxed 2 weeks past Covid here. People are getting it left and right.

[uponit7771]

175. That's known, everyone on earth is going to get it but vaxed lowered chances of dying of it or ..

... getting critically ill or sick.

There's no evidence proffered so far that shows the opposite

[gldstwmn]

178. I took Paxlovid. Actual miles may vary.

[Demovictory9]

181. almost no one is wearing masks around me too (southern Calif)

[pstokely]

184. what area?

would any return of mandates make any difference?

[Demovictory9]

207. oc

[Dorian Gray]

185. Do what you can to protect yourself

My daughter and husband both got covid, and I managed to escape. (I had my second booster about a month before they got it.) I did not isolate or mask around my young daughter; I assumed I would get covid and it would be on the mild side bc of recent booster. But I never got it. (Tested with 2 PCRs and daily rapid antigen tests for duration of their infections.)

We have access to therapeutics now. Getting a case of covid isn't ideal. You should do what you can to protect yourself. But also, if you're vaccinated and boosted, you wear a mask in crowded places, you are mitigating the damages and protecting yourself the best you can. Make a plan if you get it. (Where will you get a PCR test quickly and how will you get prescription for Paxlovid?)

Good luck. No need to panic.

We can get through this. We have tools.

[tanyev]

2. Never stopped.

😷

[geardaddy]

25. Me either

Always mask up indoors in public and outdoors in crowds.

[StarryNite]

52. Me either.

Went grocery shopping early this morning. I had a fairly long list so I was in the store for about 40 minutes. My husband and I were the only ones wearing masks.

[Hortensis]

145. Us neither. Over 1M dead. NOT ONE GOT IT FROM US. nt

[SheltieLover]

149. Me either!

[mgardener]

172. We wear our masks in stores

My 2 adult children who mask and are vaxxed got it.
Both have no pre existing conditions and were sick.
Daughter got paxlovid steroids and antibiotic and was OK
Son did not go to doctor, severe sore throat cough and lost sense of taste and smell for a week.
Both said the cough was horrible

[SoonerPride]

3. No sale. I haven't worn a mask since January.

I am 4x vaxxed.

I will be fine.

But thanks anyway.

[Native]

68. And reports from Africa say these 2 new variants are much weaker.

[Dorian Gray]

186. Not quite true

They have a greater immunity escape, but it seems as though so many people have antibodies, that hospitalizations and deaths are decreasing. THANK GOD.

The science is complicated. People who are in ill health and who have comorbidities do need to take precautions.

We should all arm ourselves with the best tools we can. Vaccines. Boosters. Masking. Good air quality. Outdoor events. Plan for Paxlovid. Etc.

There is no need for panic, though. We have the tools!

[uponit7771]

69. +1, no evidence the vaxed should go back to alert level 1

[Zeitghost]

76. Same here.

Fully vaxxed, fully recovered from Omicron. So is everybody else in my life. I have a fully functioning immune system and am generally healthy. For those who do not share my circumstances, I fully understand and support the health decisions they make.

[Thtwudbeme]

84. And thank you! For helping

Spread it.

[Thtwudbeme]

89. Uh huh

I have seen that exact comment on other social media sites…never from a Dem.

[SoonerPride]

91. Poor thing.

[beaglelover]

130. I'm with you, as usual!!

[USALiberal]

133. Why are you scared of wearing masks??

[beaglelover]

144. Where did they say they were scared of wearing a mask?????

[paulkienitz]

152. I am also 4x vaxxed. But if you get the wrong combo of variant and genetics, that don't mean squat.

[progressoid]

180. So was my father.

4x vaxxed and he still got covid. Thankfully not as severe as it could have been but still bad. Its been o er a month and he's still weak. Will likely affect him for the rest of his life.

[paulkienitz]

202. and we're only starting to learn about the long term disabling effects of the disease

The world is going to have an ongoing health problem just from people who once had covid, even if nobody catches it again. All kinds of scary outcomes are starting to be noticed in people's long-term health after the acute disease has ended... not just things like reduced aerobic capacity, but things like weaker immune systems, proneness to strokes and heart attacks, lasting internal organ damage... for many, covid may end up being a lifelong condition. And as far as they can tell, vaccination reduces the likelihood of these awful outcomes, but maybe only by about half.

So even a mild case that seems to go away quickly may bite you later on. But there's a simple way to avoid this risk: keep masking!

[dawg]

4. The vaccines still protect against severe outcomes, but aren't very effective against infection.

I finally caught Covid, and I did so about two weeks after receiving my second booster.

So far, I've had a very mild case thanks to the vaccines and Paxlovid. But don't think that the vaccines alone are enough to protect you.

Mask up!

[AntivaxHunters]

8. Yes & no

It comes down to immunity level. If someone got their 4th vaccine shot 3 weeks ago then they're more protected than someone who received it months ago.

The problem we're beginning to see now is "long haul Covid". The symptoms from which are devastating as you can see in the article I posted.

Thank God you have a mild case. My mom wasn't so fortunate and lost her life to Covid.

[dawg]

14. Yes and ... yes!

We received the fourth shot two weeks before being exposed to a non-symptomatic person (who was also vaccinated and boosted once).

None of the three of us avoided Covid. At least two of the three of us were symptomatic.

Hopefully, none of us will experience long Covid, but I guess the jury is still out on that.

But we wouldn't even be worrying about that if we'd just kept up our masking and distancing protocols.

[wnylib]

57. I have lost two relatives, a brother and an uncle.

I am concerned now because I got my 2nd booster on March 31. So July will be the 4th month after being boosted. I have read that after the 4th month is when the booster effectiveness drops. Unfortunately, that is when the newest variants are likely to reach my community.

Right now, my county's infection rate is ranked as very high with the BA2 variant. (I think that is the right term for it. I am losing track of the variant numbers ) So I am glad to be boosted now. But I will be more vulnerable again right when the next wave arrives.

I wear a mask indoors everywhere and outdoors in crowds. But I am almost the only one who does. On Saturday, there was a combined farmer's market and Pride celebration in town. 3 city blocks of heavily crowded booths filled with items that people handled in such close quarters that they inhaled each other's breaths just standing on line.

I was the ONLY person at the entire event who wore a mask. I wanted only 3 items at 3 different booths and waited until the people at those booths thinned out before going to them.

Everyone seemed oblivious to or indifferent to the covid risks, regardless of county infection rates and increasing hospitalizations.

[haele]

104. Long COVID gets re-triggered with this varient.

Laz has Long COVID; since March of 2020, he had seizures and short bouts of brain fog (we call them Bobs so the kids had a concept to describe what was going on that wouldn't scare or frustrate them). His driver's license was pulled until he could go six months without symptoms

We thought it was under control between therapy and meds since last December, but then he caught Omicron four weeks ago (forgot to wear a mask at a public event, as he was boosted and thought he was still safe).

His first return seizure was May 30, and his Bobs are back. There went permission to drive again. His independence has been snatched away from him.

His Neurologist can't see him until September, so he's going to spend all summer without any further tests or changes in treatment that could alleviate his Bobs or give him hope.

Long COVID can't be cured.

And yes, we have the "Best medical service in the world".



Haele

[Just A Box Of Rain]

118. Long Covid that involves...

what is called "post exertional malaise" (PEM), which is the exacerbation of symptoms (and "crashing" with fatigue and brain fog after activity, is precisely the same as the post-viral illness called ME/CFS.

At this juncture ME/CFS is a devastating lifelong illness. There is no cure or even an understanding of the mechanism.

One of the worst non-lethal illness a person can get. Living hell.

LC looks exactly like ME/CFS.

LC doesn't only strike those who get gravely ill from Covid. It also strikes people who experience mild symptoms.

Mask up people.

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

5. Sorry, stopped wearing masks 6 months ago. Still stay away from stores, crowds and do hand washing

Got all the Moderna doses and boosters. Haven't heard of anyone here getting sick for ages, spend most of my time outdoors.

[AntivaxHunters]

6. Smart by staying away from stores

And remember, just because you've not heard of people getting sick in months doesn't mean it's not happening.
Immunity is beginning to wane. Be safe. Long haul Covid is real and not fun.
Be pro-active. The risk isn't worth it.

[dawg]

11. It isn't that immunity is starting to wane. The virus has evolved.

The new variants blow right through the vaccines. (They still protect against severe outcomes.)

Three of us were exposed. All double-boosted, with the fourth shot being fairly recent. It should have been at peak effectiveness.

All three contracted Covid.

[AntivaxHunters]

13. It's technically both

But yes, viral mutations are definitely outpacing science. No questions asked.

[USALiberal]

16. So the masks annoy you? Scared? Nt

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

80. Enough hysteria, I dont live in fear. Ur masks wont save you if you hang around the infected herd.

[AntivaxHunters]

114. Hysteria?

I lost my mom to Covid. What a very disrespectful comment to those of us who have loved ones.
And many people can't be vaccinated.

[Hortensis]

146. How about discussion of how this killer virus was spread to 1M+ now-dead people?

And how it's still being spread and still killing?

HERE'S EVEN MORE WORTH DISCUSSION: How about all the other, more lethal pathogens out there trying to cut loose? And what'll happen when one does (inevitable!) and over half the people in America INITIALLY take pride in being among the herd who refuse to stop its spread. Before it's too late to contain?

[ShazzieB]

148. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, dear.

Bye!

[billh58]

154. Civil discourse

doesn't take much effort. Wearing a mask is a personal choice, and staying away from those who don't is a measure of self-defense. At age 81 I wear a mask for mainly two reasons: to protect myself, and to protect those around me in the event I become infected and don't know it.

Hope you will continue to contribute to DU, and take care.

[Scrivener7]

121. Lol. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.

Look up a few posts for a good description of the devastation of some forms of long Covid, which can result from even a mild case.

I still mask. Feel free to think me "hysterical."

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

137. You can, I simply stated my view, FUCK THIS SHIT, I WILL NOT BE ATTACKED!

[Scrivener7]

141. Gracious!

[tazkcmo]

183. Exit, Stage right. nt

[Ferrets are Cool]

128. Wow, where have I heard those words before.

So, you have completely isolated yourself from mankind? Really?

[Scrivener7]

142. You seem upset.

[tazkcmo]

182. Do you look both ways before crossing a street?

A mask is the simplest and an effective preventive anyone can take. Living in fear is a covid deniers trope and I'm amazed to see it used here on DU.
Aside from rude, you're also extremely insensitive to other people's loss. Pitiful.

[Torchlight]

87. lol ok nt

[Fla Dem]

29. Hadn't heard for a while, but

in the past 3 weeks, have heard of 4 older (60 - 70 year olds) folks within my circle of family and friends getting the virus.

My sister who received all 4 vacs, was laid up for a week in May. Took her almost 2 weeks after testing negative to begin feeling like herself. I do worry about her and long term effects because she also got the virus the same week she got her 1st shot.

[Scrivener7]

122. EVERYONE around me has gotten it recently. What some call "hysteria" is simply

caution.

[AllyCat]

48. Cases at our hospital are back up to March numbers.

So far not too many who are really sick.

[uponit7771]

70. Yeah, the unvaxed and volenerable need to take precautions, that's a known known

[Ms. Toad]

92. Mask wearing is more important than hand washing. n/t

[StarryNite]

98. I think so too.

But the great thing is we don't have to pick one, we can and should be doing both.

[Ms. Toad]

101. True - but I was responsing to someone who has chosen to do one -

hand washing, but not mask wearing.

If you feel you have to pick one, mask wearing is more important. As to COVID, hand washing is mostly theater. (Hands do play a far more significant role in transmission of other diseases . . . )

[ProfessorGAC]

131. By About 4 Orders Of Magnitude

It's been known for a long time that the early "cruise ship" findings about virus viability on surfaces was badly flawed.
The transmission by host expulsion & target inhalation is more than 9,000 times more likely than by surface transmission.
Clean hands, though, have kept colds well below typical for 3 cold seasons. So, there was still some benefit from this continued awareness.

[Ms. Toad]

156. Yup - but that awareness comes at a cost.

Quite a few people (1) believe it is more important in preventing transmission of COVID and (2) those fixated on fomite transmission spent a significant amount of effort on relatively useless disease prevention means - and then are at risk for burning out on the more important means.

[Iggo]

192. I accept your apology and expect better from you in the future.

[Marthe48]

7. I haven't stopped masking

isolating, social distancing. And I won't change those habots. I'm tired of it, but I'm doing my best not to catch traitor's plague.

In the last month, 3 families I know got Covid. Some have been having a rough time, others had mild bouts. My next door neighbors got it, not vaxxed, mild cases. I don't know if the other families were vaccinated, I imagine they are. One family had members that were pretty sick.

[AntivaxHunters]

10. "Traitor's plague"

10/10 will use! Nice!

[Marthe48]

26. I've called it that for awhile

It is what it is

[CTyankee]

36. Me neither. We're elderly and don't go out a lot, tho. However, I mask up in the supermarket and any

other place I visit. I feel safe.

[Marthe48]

49. With changes on policy

I thought it was better to make a choice and stick to it. Otherwise, I feel like I'm part of a lab experiment

[CTyankee]

54. Just think about seasonal flu, which has been largely supressed because of masking.

You are part of the solution on health issues not Covid related.

I'm old and I wanna stick around as long as I can!

[Marthe48]

56. Keep on! Excelsior!

My only goal lately is to see my grandkids graduate from H.S. I've got most other things checked off the list

[CTyankee]

60. My list never gets finished, it seems. I check one thing off and another pops on...

I figure as long as I am physically and mentally able I shouldn't stop. And I get new ideas all the time!

[Marthe48]

77. I admire you

I was thinking of big ticket items, like travel. Closer to home, I have my moments lol

[CTyankee]

78. I will probably die broke, but I plan to spend down what I have on travel.

I've never been to Barcelona and I'm planning a trip there for 4 days, one day to travel by train to Paris (one that stops in towns I would never see otherwise), and spend 4 days there. In Paris I want to attend the Paris Ballet at the Garnier, a beautiful theatre where Chagall painted his wide praised but very controversial ceiling. I haven't been to the ballet for years!

[Marthe48]

100. Sounds wonderful

I went to Iceland in February with my kids. All the walking and the cold about killed me. If I go anywhere again, I'll probably stick to warmer places with less walking.

[CTyankee]

117. Consciously day dream it.

I walk it through my brain just to try it on, see how it fits...if nothing more, you've had a nice time just exploring...

[AllyCat]

62. We have friends who were fully vaxxed and got it in March

They are still sick and moving into long Covid

[RAB910]

9. Looking at other sources, I think this article is a bit alarmist

I think there is some concern, but from what I have seen so far, it's not as bad as this article would lead you to believe

[AntivaxHunters]

12. It's as bad as what the article states

Long haul Covid is very real.

Link to tweet

?s=20&t=mnyNBoXU0GUz-TvsN-AnsQ

[RAB910]

15. The article is not talking about long haul Covid. It's talking about two new variants of Omicron

At least here in NJ case counts and infection rates are going down. The two variants are present but they are still a small percentage of the cases

[AntivaxHunters]

18. What I'm saying

is that Covid has many aspects to it. It's not only about preventing death but also long haul symptoms.
Remember, case counts are incredibly inaccurate right now because at home tests are not counted.
Next month--
"By July, BA.4 and BA.5 will likely be dominant nationwide."

Two mutants matching that description, BA.4 and BA.5, are now taking off in the U.S. — and experts say they will soon outcompete the earlier versions of Omicron (BA.2 and BA.2.12.1) that have already been causing hundreds of thousands of new (and mostly unreported) infections every day for weeks on end.

[RAB910]

20. If this is as bad as this article claims, why are we not seeing other similar articles or warnings

from agencies like the CDC or WHO?

[pandr32]

53. They faced so much pressure to change their guidelines

Business and political pressure helped cow the agency reporting.

[RAB910]

63. I think we should deal in facts not speculation or conspiracy theories

that's the flawed process that created all the anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers

[uponit7771]

71. +1

[TheProle]

73. Facts:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-cases.html

[RAB910]

75. There is a lot of data at the link

is there something you want to focus on?

[TheProle]

93. Not specifically.

I thought it would be a helpful resource for some who are a little lost in the recent Covid landscape.

[pandr32]

107. You can do a search on this.

Here is one of many results.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/24/business/workers-covid-isolate.html

[RAB910]

115. This is behind a paywall, for me

[pandr32]

134. How about this one?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2022/04/01/covid-19-fallout-ruinous-effects-of-politicization-of-public-health-agencies-such-as-the-cdc/?sh=34b286e53526

[RAB910]

190. The author seems to be doing a lot of second guessing which he then tries to claim

is political pressure. I think the author, and many others, fail to appreciate the novel nature of the situation we are dealing with.

I also think there is the belief that "follow the science" is some magical recipe, which it's not. The reality is public health is about making policy and it involves taking ALL factors into consideration.

[AntivaxHunters]

111. CDC - Omicron sub-variants BA.4, BA.5 account for 21% of COVID variants in U.S.

Omicron sub-variants BA.4, BA.5 account for 21% of COVID variants in U.S.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/omicron-sub-variants-ba4-ba5-account-for-21-25-of-covid-variants-in-us-cdc/ar-AAYsnd6

[RAB910]

119. Did you notice these two paragraphs?

The European Union's disease prevention agency said on Monday the new subvariants are spreading more quickly than other variants, which could lead to more hospitalizations and deaths as they become dominant in the continent.

"I'm very concerned," said Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's vaccine research group in Rochester, Minnesota, adding that data from South Africa shows the subvariants are better at circumventing immunity provided through vaccines and previous infections.

They start out quoting the EU's version of the CDC then whiplash you to some doctor in Minnisota


What's more disturbing is if you go to the source material from the EU, it's nowhere near as alarming as the articles you posted make it out to be

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/implications-emergence-spread-sars-cov-2-variants-concern-ba4-and-ba5

[AntivaxHunters]

125. It is alarming

And here in Denver, the entire metro area was just put into the "high risk" category.

This isn't over. Mask up. Stay away from crowds. Social distance.

14 Colorado counties at worst COVID-19 level https://kdvr.com/news/coronavirus/14-colorado-counties-at-worst-covid-19-level/

[RAB910]

191. Covid has become regional

here in the north east the numbers are dropping

[liberal_mama]

205. Yes, I am glad to see that numbers in my county in New York are improving, but for how long?

Last time, we got about a 6 weeks of lower numbers after original Omicron declined until next wave of new Omicron started.

[Scrivener7]

123. The trick is to mask before it overruns your area.

[louis-t]

17. Some of the home tests are being counted.

The iHealth rapid tests are being counted. You have to scan a qr code and download a video, then report your results thru your phone.

[AntivaxHunters]

19. Vastly under reported

[louis-t]

23. I agree. A lot of people don't even test.

Asymptomatic cases mostly aren't counted either, unless it's someone that tests regularly for work or whatever.

[wiggs]

21. Agree. Trying to do my part in not spreading in our family and others. Seems like more

friends and colleagues are getting it than ever before. nt

[Gore1FL]

22. I've never stopped masking.

I never thought wearing one was that big of a deal.

[NJCher]

140. same here

It's such a small thing to ask. I don't understand why anyone would put themselves at risk just because they can't be bothered to wear a mask.

[Withywindle]

167. +1 it's not a big deal at all

Just some fabric on your face, easy peasy. I'm pretty used to it by now and I have a whole bunch of stylish ones that I actually like as a fashion accessory. It costs me nothing whatsoever to do, so if it helps even a little, why wouldn't I?

[Auggie]

24. I haven't stopped :)

[area51]

85. +1 n/t

[JCMach1]

27. Caught it on my Kenya visit. Evaded my immunity and my boosted vaccine

It didn't help that literally everyone there had it and was in denial about it.

If people I general are unmasked you will probably catch it too

[Joe Nation]

28. I've had two boosters

The most recent in April. I am still at risk. WEAR A MASK FOLKS.

[Ocelot II]

30. I'm continuing to do pretty much what I've been doing

for the last two years: Mask indoors, avoid crowds, outdoor restaurants only. Vax plus two boosters. I've made it this far, why take chances?

[moreland01]

31. Larimer County, CO

My county's Covid dial is now in HIGH as of 2 days ago. You wouldn't know it, however. It's not reported in our local paper, The Coloradoan. I look at the County's Covid dial daily and have watched it inch up to HIGH over the past month. Nobody seems to care anymore. All you can do is protect yourself.

https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/larimer-county-positive-covid-19-numbers#/app

[IronLionZion]

32. I never stopped masking indoors around people

I went to an indoor concert on Friday and it was mandatory masks for everyone. I like that. My office and gym mandated everyone be vaccinated and boosted. People have been terminated for refusing to comply.

But I don't wear masks outside or when there aren't many people around. Let's face it. A common method of transmission are churches, house parties, and crowded bars/restaurants, and I don't do much of that.

Being an introvert is saving my life.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

33. Was 2nd Boosted on May 20th

Those who have not been boosted, GET THEM!

[roamer65]

38. 2nd boosted April 22.

I agree!!!

I will take the new booster in October.

[TNNurse]

34. Went to the grocery store Monday.

The numbers of masked people has dwindled. That day it only included me. It does not bother me to wear it for as long as I am in a store. I have changed my possible response to anyone who says something about it. For quite awhile it was "Why do you care what I am doing?". Now, I might try, " I survived cancer, not going to let this get me if I can do this small thing".

Of course, I am 72yo white haired woman so I doubt anyone will say anything, but I am ready if they do.

[cilla4progress]

51. Good on ya, Nurse!

I've never been confronted (and it's not unusual for me to be one of the few masked, indoors).

My plan though is if ever confronted I'm going to say, "dunno. Woke up with a cough and fever, so, I'm thinking about protecting YOU, as much as MYSELF"!

😂

[TNNurse]

82. I considered that option as well.

Something like " I just keep getting this stuff"

[appalachiablue]

35. Still masking. One of the best, most practical ideas

for remembering masks was posted here by BigmanPigman:

- Keep a MASK NEAR THE DOOR to remember to wear one when going out. Good idea, hang a mask on a doorknob or a nail nearby.

[twodogsbarking]

37. Wear it every store I enter, since March 2020.

In addition to personal protection it is a courtesy to those who have to work there.
They are exposed to so many people in a day.

[appalachiablue]

43. Same here, I only forgot to pull up my mask

when entering a store a couple of times, but I caught it quickly. I don't need a case of Covid if it can be avoided or Long Covid- curtains.

[samnsara]

39. i always carry mine and if the situation warrants it i mask up..

..always at medical appts and i wont go into a crowded store or restaurant. Hubby works with the public and always wears his mask at work. We just took our 4th shot and this time it left a sore arm...

[Desert_Leslie]

40. N95 Always

ALWAYS wear a mask indoors. I have masks in my car. I really love the EnvoMask -- made in New Hampshire. Has an elastomeric (gel) seal around your face. N95 -- higher, really. I feel secure with it on.

On the pretty rare occasions we get together with friends, we only eat on patios -- never inside a restaurant.

Hubs and I have never had Covid ... and we're doing everything humanly possible to never ever get it.

Long Covid? NO THANKS.

[LuckyCharms]

155. I use the Envo as well, with

the Holo(?) head gear.

I love that mask...it's so comfortable.

[Pinback]

165. I'll look for that mask - thanks.

The 3M Aura N95 has worked best for me so far, and I’ve tried a few. Glasses don’t fog up, and the rubber strip across the top (with flexible metal nose band) plus generous lower flap to cover the chin and a solid panel across the middle make for a very breathable but safe mask.

The Envo Mask sounds like a good option. I’m always open to others. Thanks.

[chia]

41. I know more people who've had Covid in the last couple months than in all of 2020-2021

I saw my ortho doc yesterday, he and his household just recovered from Covid. I asked if it was his first time getting it and he said yes - he'd been so careful for so long but it finally got him. I'm hearing that a lot: "It finally got me."

[SoonerPride]

81. And did they need to be hospitalized?

[chia]

88. No, none of them. Not my point, though.

My point is that more people I know are catching it now than in the last two years.

I think what's happening is that the vaccine protection is wearing off in a significant part of the population that was vaccinated but not boosted, or only had one booster and that most people are back to pre-pandemic behaviors, so they're exposing themselves to greater risk than a year ago or more. People are going on vacation, they're going out to eat indoors, they're going to family reunions, etc.

[SoonerPride]

90. My point is that the vaccines work.

We will never achieve Covid zero.

Get vaccinated and return to life.

[Ms. Toad]

94. Ignoring disease prevention is getting harder and harder to defend from a scientific basis.

We already know a substantial number of people get long COVID (even when they have mild cases). Having had COVID increases the risk of heart consequences for at least 6 months, and diminishes brain matter, and causes brain fog for as long as we have been able to measure. We now also know that it increases the risk of getting shingles for 6 months, including in a younger cohort which is not yet eligible for Shingrix, and there is increasing consensus that the inflammatory process involved in long COVID increases the long-term risk for cancer.

As we have time to study, we will only find more long-term consequences.

Prevention of disease, not merely avoidance of death or immediate severe consquences is the only path consistent with the growing body of science.

You can return to life and still maintain a focus on disease prevention by masking indoors.

[SoonerPride]

95. We aren't getting to Covid zero.

Not now.

Not ever.

That’s scientific fact.

[Ms. Toad]

99. Did I say we were?

What I said is that, from a public health perspective, we need to continue to focus on taking steps to minimize infection.

Pretending COVID no longer exists (or that the only bad thing that can happen is death or immediate severe illness) ignores the growing body of science and invites a growing list of known long-term consequences. Refusing to tolerate a minor inconvenience now invites significant personal and public health consequences in the future.

[SoonerPride]

102. So here's the deal

1. Vaccines eliminate most adverse risk from all but a vanishingly small set of people
2. Wearing a mask minimizes spread, but who am I protecting? The unvaccinated? Yeah, well, no sale.
3. Covid is here to stay. It will be with us until the end of time.
4. Each person can assess their risk tolerance. If people on DU wish to wear masks to the end of time that is fine. Bully for you. Bu I am done with them.

So is the vast majority of the country. Including Democrats.

[Ms. Toad]

103. 1. The people who are suffering long-term consequences - or will suffer the long-term consequences

we are increasingly discovering is not "vanishingly small." The most recent estimates are between 37% and 49% (https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2022/04/global-data-reveal-half-may-have-long-covid-4-months), higher if you limit it to those hspitalized.

2. You are protecting yourself - and all of the rest of us. That includes the unvaccinated - because the variant-making-machine doesn't care whether it is cooking in a vaccinated body or an unvaccinated body. We live in an integrated society - the diseases cooked up in those who choose not to be vaccinated (or who cannot) will impact all of us. So by minimizing spread, you are protecting all of us.

3. I have made no assessmesnt, ever, as to whether COVID is here to stay.

4. You are ignoring the science, and choosing to help perpetuate the long-term consequences of COVID. It is akin to buying a gas guzzling vehicle and saying, "It's my choice. It doesn't hurt anyone else."

[Johnny2X2X]

108. So almost half hospitalized have symptoms 4 months down the road

That's not surprising, if you were hospitalized you had it very severe. The hospitalization rate for Covid is at most a couple %, probably closer to 1/2 of 1% now considering positive tests aren't being reported.

How do people not hospitalized fair with long covid? In checking the studies, it's 30% that get long flu symptoms, so not as much as Covid although the death rate for flu is probably now a bit higher than Covid. The mortality rate of Covid is now lower than most flus in the US.

The bottom line is if you're vaccinated, Covid is much less a danger to you. We've got better ways to treat it. I'm not saying "it's just the flu", but I think we've come far enough to start comparing it to the dangers of flu season. At least for now. And for the record, we should be masking up now, but also we should be masking up during flu season too.

[Mariana]

147. The story at Ms. Toad's link says:

Long COVID prevalence among hospitalized patients was 54% (95% CI, 44% to 63%), while it was 34% (95% CI, 25% to 46%) for outpatients.

[Ms. Toad]

157. Not almost half of hospitalized -

Almost half of ALL (between 37% and 49%, depending on the study). Among those hospitalized, those experiencing long COVID were more than half. And in some of the studies of long-term consequences, the individuals were not even aware they had had COVID - so as to some of the risks, it makes no difference whether there is current testing. The risks are based on disease-created antibodies.

COVID is much less of an IMMEDIATE threat to you. It is way too early to suggest it is less of a danger. We have only been studying it 2 years - and we are finding more and more long-term consequences. The most recent two I'm aware of is shingles (including among the population too young to be vaccinated) and cancer. This is on top of an increased risk of strokes, heart incidents, loss of brain matter, and both memory/mental health brain disorders.

Those kind of risks are not associated with the flu. So it is far too early to start comparing it to the dangers of the flu season. Influenza has been around pretty much forever, and we don't see those kinds of risks created by the flu. We have collected the long term COVID risks noted above above based on 2 years of data. The number of long-term consequences we establish will only increase in the future.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

179. Not true.

You are ignoring the risks of Long Covid.

Good luck with that.

[Scrivener7]

124. I know a number who did not need to be hospitalized but who have long Covid now.

One friend had a mild case. After it, she has had events where she wakes up in places and doesn't know how she got there. She's having a very hard time at work because her job requires intense concentration and she just doesn't have it. She is thinking she'll have to take a leave before she gets fired for screwing something up.

But hey, masks are annoying.

[AllaN01Bear]

44. i never quit wearing mine .

[Butterflylady]

45. Doctors and family are the only times I venture going anywhere.l

Live in a 65 and over building. Only wash and mail take me out of my apartment. I am just fine with staying indoors and away from others as I live in a very red part of PA.

Edit: just got my 4th shot yesterday.

[kimbutgar]

46. My son got a positive test last week and his day program was cancelled all this week because

So many participants tested positive. My husband since last Thursday is not feeling well but he’s tested twice negative but I read some viral load doesn’t show up in tests. I also am not feeling my usual self. But it might be an old fashioned cold. No fevers with any of us.

I mask everywhere I go. My husband wasn’t masking up at work if he was outside.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

47. I am still wearing my mask most places

[intheflow]

50. Please remember to overtip your delivery driver if you can.

People doing delivery for GrubHub, DoorDash, etc., are paying a lot more for gas to get us our food, which cut into their pay. Remember, they are making the deliveries (picking up and dropping off all over town) so you can stay safe in your home. Please - if you can - remember the gig workers and help them out.

[haele]

127. Always do that. Minimum $7.00 for pickup deliveries,

$12 if they also "shop" (ShipIt, Instacart).
I'We're disabled, so shopping is often not an option on bad days

I'm lucky I can pay that much. I really feel for those on limited and fixed incomes who could benefit from delivery services. So I do as much as I can for those who are helping my household thrive.

Haele

[wryter2000]

55. I never stopped masking

However, I did go back to shopping. I want to continue, but I will be more careful about distancing.

[StarryNite]

58. Could be more breakthrough infections combined

with the treatments we have now being less effective...not a good combination.

Masking up is so important.

[lambchopp59]

59. Subject tangent

Wearing a mask throughout 12 hour shifts, damn does that get tiresome: Now although I'll keep a cloth earloop mask handy for the grocery store, even have caught myself shirking the habit lately in the crowd of maskless faces. I've long thought such a practice as simply more sanitary in the food market. Glad to see most food prep staff masked up.
Then the other laughable extreme: some wearing the thing strapped on walking or driving all alone, without another soul in sight. That's precaution turned to paranoia.
Here's my gripe:
I seriously dislike the earloop masks. Good for short term wear,, such as the grocery market. Many still wear them at the hospital, one other in my department also develops ear irritation from extensive wear.
But finding the tie-on's requires perseverance.
Get a load of how whiny the anti-maskers sound to essential personnel required to keep the damn things on.

[LuckyCharms]

153. Wait a second...

I wear a mask all of the time while driving.

I don't know why people have a problem with this, and need to judge others for it.

A laughable extreme?

I wear a non-conventional fitted N95. It takes me 3 minutes to fit properly.

Do you expect me to take it off and then put it back on again at each of the 10 places that I stop at while running errands?

"Then the other laughable extreme".

Jesus Fucking Christ.

[lambchopp59]

159. Then you're not isolated. Yes there is a laughable extreme:

It was on a long journey last week on the I-5 observing this. No stops for hours.
Sorry for perceived offense.
I don't wear masks to protect myself. I wear them for essentially the same reason surgeon's do: to protect the patient. In my case, contact with several very ill COVID patients per day, I'd be a "typhoid Mary" otherwise.
After a 12 hour day wearing them I can't wait to rip the damned thing off my face, even if it's just for a minute.

[LuckyCharms]

164. My point is this...

Why would it be my business if someone chooses to wear a mask while driving?

Why should I judge them?

I'm not in their shoes.

I don't know anything about their health status. I don't know who they are. I don't know their names.

Maybe it's just me, but I would tread very lightly when feeling the need to mock people when you know nothing about them, or nothing about their situation.

Example: Someone who has been hyper vigilant for 2+ years has a mask on while driving. They read your words of ridicule. They then have second thoughts about wearing a mask while driving, even though they have perfectly valid reasons for doing so.

These people are in their own goddamn vehicles FFS. Maybe they are just coming from a chemo treatment. Maybe they just had a death in the family and they simply forgot to take their mask off. Maybe the mask makes them feel safe. You don't like the ear loops? OK, maybe they happen to like them.

You, me and everyone else is just trying to get through life in one piece. Making someone feel bad about their health choices seems very mean spirited to me.

[lambchopp59]

194. Enough.

You're admonishing someone who straps on PPE repeatedly, 15X or more per day to enter extremely contaminated zones, doffs it all and scrubs my hands and face so much I can't rub in enough moisturizer to prevent painful cuticle cracks that take days to heal.
Point taken, now enough about this

[lambchopp59]

196. Addendum

BTW, this hyper-vigilance is the subject of some laughter between Healthcare workers who are sick of the extremists on either side of this ridiculousness forced upon us. We've also, BTW, all suffered through COVID infections regardless of the most careful PPE usage. I had a case that left me with long COVID symptoms for months
The anti-vaxxer, anti-masker extremists are not by any stretch a laughing matter.
After all the loss of colleagues, countless deaths despite our extraordinary efforts, years now of coming home completely exhausted and isolation from our spouses and loved ones for months until after the vaccine came along.
Do you really belive in the trenches of dealing with all that, a little chuckle is badly needed and going to happen at expense if the hyperrvigilance.
I apologize I inadvertently triggered your hypersensitivity and thank you for being mask compliant.
Now please stop with the attempts to sow division among those on the same team. If you are really that sensitive about it, direct your angst towards those who actually would do physical harm to you about this. I've been hysicslly assaulted twice now for requesting anti-maskers put back on their mask.
All this is tough on all of us and I've been ridiculed for mask wearing myself. When I pointed at the mask and said to the jerk "this isn't about protecting me" the look of shock that washed over that jerks face was mercurial as he backed his children away from me.
So again, I apologize for triggering your sensitivity. It was inadvertent.

[LuckyCharms]

198. No need to apologize for my sensitivity.

My brother suffered a horrible death from Covid, and so did a friend of mine.

I know plenty of Healthcare workers who do not share your sentiment.

Enough? You're telling me to shut up?

Do I type my opinions in such a way that leads you to believe that I'm someone who takes commands from people?

Good luck.

[lambchopp59]

203. Please get help.

PTSD has a tendency to lash out at anyone for minutae. It's a free country, free speech, I'd never presume to blatantly tell anyone anything so rude, I may suggest a redirection.
Yes, I've shared a secret here. Yes, Healthcare workers PRIVATELY get a chuckle at a lot of defense mechanism based, far darker humor than that, and those who are internalizing it all won't last long. Any humorless healthcare setting is one that tears itself to shreds-- I've seen it happen. Those you claim never have a chuckle ... I have a bridge to sell you.
I'm not convinced at this point your rant is genuine concern and something else is deeply eating at you.
Some subconscious revealing, carefully guided subsatance enhanced therapy may be helpful.
Jeezus. I only intended to fuss about the unavailability of tie on masks.
Please lighten up.

[LuckyCharms]

204. Bye now.

[liberal_mama]

199. I don't understand why it's a laughable extreme

It takes several minutes to get my N95 mask fitted properly, so why would I take it off in the car in between errands? Also, why would I take it off repeatedly and possibly contaminate it. I've seen people making fun of people for wearing a mask in their cars all the time (since the beginning of the pandemic) and I just don't get why. It's not paranoia, it's properly wearing a mask. I put my mask on when I leave the house and 99% of the time, I don't remove it until I am back in my house. Occasionally, I might have to briefly take the mask off if I need to have a drink of water, but I usually don't.

[SuperCoder]

61. Thank a Trump supporter today!!!!!!

They are to blame for this mess.

Either way, I haven't stopped masking up and I am fully boosted. I don't trust any part of our existing CDC to disseminate the correct information. According to professional epidemiologists, covid never stopped.

When the CDC begins pushing back against well-known experts in the field, you know you have a problem.

[spinbaby]

65. I flew yesterday

On the bright side, a lot more people were masked in airports than when I last flew six weeks ago. On the downside, it was still only about 10%. I felt very lucky to be seated by an empty middle seat with a masked person on the other side of that empty seat. I wear a KF94 mask for travel.

[BumRushDaShow]

66. Have been watching FDA VRBPAC's meeting to discuss/vote on EUA amendments for Moderna for ages 6- 17

since 8:30 am ET this morning -

And data specifically for Moderna ages 6 months - 5 years + Pfizer 6 months - 4 years will happen tomorrow -

Slide decks available here - https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/advisory-committee-calendar/vaccines-and-related-biological-products-advisory-committee-june-14-15-2022-meeting-announcement#event-materials

Some slides that I thought were interesting to highlight (from this slide deck (PDF)) -




And this is showing how the variant mutations of Omicron was a game-changer and have recently targeted children far more than early in the pandemic (from the same slide deck as directly above) -




And this one points out many of the "misconceptions" about this virus and children (which I have been screaming about for 2 years) with data in this slide deck (PDF) -

[leftyladyfrommo]

67. My niece just had it. She has RA so she had 2 shots

and at least 2 boosters and she wasn't very sick at all. She works at a doctor's office and 3 people were out.

I just got my booster about a month ago so I am hopeful I can stay well.

[Another Jackalope]

74. This is neither alarmist nor a "conspiracy theory"

It's a straightforward, commonsense application of the Precautionary Principle.

[link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precautionary_principle]:

When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.

or:

Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures. to prevent [the damage].

We all know that the required science is established and certain.
We all know that death is irreversible.
We all know that airborne transmission of coronavirus is a threat.

When one's life is at stake statistics become much less important, at least until the risk of death or extended, debilitating illness is much lower than it is right now.

Wear a damn mask when in the presence of people outside your domestic bubble. This is not rocket surgery.

[musette_sf]

79. Keeping stocked up on KN95s and KF94s

Just traveled from SFO to San Diego. Shocked at the percentage of people masking at SFO - a generous estimate would be about 20%.

I attended a conference and I was again shocked at the low percentage of people masking. Yes, they had health screening via Clear, which is now evidently in the COVID screening business. But with a thousand ppl from all over the country, I remained masked. I’m almost 70, the husband is over 70, and although we are fortunate to be in good health, I am taking as few chances as possible.

[Celerity]

83. Sorry, but no. I am in a completely different situ than most here anyway.

We (wifey and I):

Live in Sweden (almost no one masks here, no new surge, only surge in close to a year was the original Omicron in Dec/January)

We are both:

Young (25yo)

Very healthy and extremely physically active

We both have had

5 rounds (total of 6 jabs) of clinical trial investigational variant tweeted vaccines, the last one (actually last 2 jabs, as it was a 2-fer), as on May 23rd we got the brand, brand new (they can now spin up up subvariant tweaks in around 2 weeks with these new short analogue vax types) Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 tweaked stick, mRNA-1283.529.4.5 (you can tell Gen 2 short analogue Moderna jabs by the 1283 number, instead of 1273) short analogue (lasts longer, normal storage temps needed, and smaller doses), lower dose (15 or 30 µg, we were given 30 µg) Moderna jab.

We also (first time ever) were given a Pfizer jab (30 µg as well) as we are in the max dosage possible experiment arm cohort of the trials, and thus eligible for the new same day, cross brand double up protocol.

The first 4 Moderna jabs were all 1273, gen one, variant tweaked. The first 2 jabs were mRNA-1273.351 for Beta (aka the South African variant), then the first booster was mRNA-1273.617 for Delta (only stick that gave us bad side effects, nightmarish, but gone in 36 hours), then the 2nd booster, mRNA-1273.529 for Omicron, were all at 100 µg dosages.

So..... Nope, not masking, only if some crazy new variant comes along.

Respect to all who have never stopped masking, but we just are not going to roll like that atm, and have not for ages (well over a year now, other than a brief time when OG strain Omicron hit).

[Tommymac]

166. You do understand you can still be a carrier, even if you never have symptoms and are fully vaxxed?

Masks are worn MAINLY to protect others.

If you do understand this, well then, I don't understand your attitude.

[Celerity]

171. The odds are extraordinarily low (for the reasons I listed in detail) that either of us will carry

viral loads necessary to transmit the virus to others. This is based off science.

We are both tested regularly as part of the panel study and our jobs, and have only once, (long before any vaxxes were out, and ironically when both of us were masking), all the way back over 2 years ago, in April or very early May 2020, been infected (we both had completely asymptomatic origin strain, which is how we partially qualified for the experimental vax study we have been in for the past almost 18 months).

It is chalk and cheese to compare us to most of the others on here, there are too many major differences (country of primary residence, age. health, number and type of jabs, etc).


There is no surge here, not even close,

here are the daily cases per day, from Folkhälsomyndigheten (our public heath agency)

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/09f821667ce64bf7be6f9f87457ed9aa

[Ms. Toad]

96. I've been continuing to mask -

and the rates are about 4 times the level at which I would feel comfortable unmasked (once we hit 50/100,000 over 14 days).

BUT it isn't true that cases are universally spiking. The US is not uniform in terms of COVID waves In my county, we seem to have hit the peak at the end of May - with cases decreasing since then. We're down from 400 cases/100,000 over 14 days to 300 cases/100,000 over 14 days. (Now - there is a slight upturn from 298,000 to 303,000 in the last few days - but the tail end of a reporting week is hard to judge since those numbers are often adjusted in the next reporting.)

[Elessar Zappa]

97. I'll wear mine if a venue requires it.

Otherwise no.

[Raftergirl]

105. I always wear a mask (N95) anywhere indoors.

I flew at the beginning of May right after mask mandate was thrown out by a Florida judge. I was one of the few who never took my mask off on all the flights I took and in the airports. I’m sure if I wasn’t wearing a mask I would have gotten CV.

So, I mask and do what I want now. Been to several live shows at theatre and so far so good. Going this Saturday to see To Kill A Mockingbird.

I don’t wear a mask outside but eating out only outdoors at restaurants- so far so good.

Been to a few outdoor parties and so far so good.

Had several hair cut and color appointments and mani/pedi appointments (so I’m in the salon for at least 3 hours) since Omicron and even though I am practically the only one wearing a mask - so far so good.



I am a huge believer in mask being crucial in preventing CV infection.

I even played indoor tennis all fall/winter/spring with my mask on.

Now we have moved outdoors so I’m not masking.

I had my last booster over two months ago and so far so good.

My husband is as careful as I am but does a lot more stuff (volunteering mostly) than I do, but so far so good with him, too.

Case numbers and hospitalization are falling in NYS now and deaths didn’t rise much at all during this latest wave.

[Sunsky]

109. I haven't stopped wearing a mask

I have a few important upcoming events and covid isn't one of them. I'm vaxxed and boosted but I just cannot afford to be sick or miss deadlines right now. I still wear my mask and take other precautions.

[Hekate]

110. Never stopped, really

[Quixote1818]

112. I'm waiting to just before school starts up again to get my next booster since I

have limited contact with the public currently. I want to make sure I have maximum protection through the late fall when it really gets going.

[Scrivener7]

135. I was thinking of doing the same. I've had 5 vaccines this year (3 covid, 2 shingles)

and I must have a kick-ass immune system because I got sick with every one of them.

I say I'm waiting to be strategic, but really I'm just putting off getting sick again.

[Quixote1818]

160. Here is some info on this I found earlier

https://www.wcax.com/2022/04/08/should-you-get-2nd-covid-booster-now-or-later/

[Scrivener7]

161. That's the best digest of the information I've seen! I didn't realize that for healthy

people they mostly recommend if you are over 65.

Thanks for that.

[Ferrets are Cool]

126. Never stopped. All I have started doing is double masking again.

[beaglelover]

129. Number of cases is irrelevant. It's whether or not hospitalizations are dramatically increasing

which is important and why they use that metric here in Los Angeles to determine if masks are mandated or not.

Me, I use one of the testing centers in my town to guage the level of infection at the moment. Maybe because of home testing or maybe not, but there's rarely been more than 2 cars in there at a time in the past 4 months. When we had the last surge, the cars were around the block, probably for close to 1/2 mile.

I'll mask up if it is required. Until then, I've had my 2nd booster and have been living a normal life again for over a year. Going to the office 3 days a week, the gym 4 times a week, normal shopping and eating out about 5 times a week.

[Faux pas]

132. I

never stopped wearing mine, I don't trust the hump humpers in my area.

[orleans]

139. i really never stopped masking

i even pop on a mask at a fast food drive thru

then use hand sanitizer after i pull away

[BrightKnight]

143. My brother in law was hospitalized with Delta and again two weeks ago w Covid.

The 2nd time he was hospitalized with Covid it was mostly cardiac issues. He was fully boosted. Other people in the house are sick but not bad.

I think the Omicron variants are more upper respiratory without the Covid pneumonia. It is still Covid and it affects other stuff too.

[Farmer-Rick]

150. The CDC isn't helping to stop the spread.

They have lifted mask mandates even on airplanes.

And the 5 days of quarantine are a joke.

My son caught it despite being vaxed and boosted. He stayed home from work for 5 days and had to go back on the 6th. His employer pointed out the CDC rules. Sure enough 2 days later he's coughing and exhausted. He takes 2 at home tests and they are both positive. He's been spreading COVID to all the restaurant's customers for the last 2 days now.

He's at home again. His cough is a little better but he's exhausted all the time. It's been 12 days since he tested positive the first time. If he had stayed home for 2 weeks he wouldn't have been out and about giving it to everyone.

[paulkienitz]

151. there's a popular narrative that covid is in some sense ending...

and it isn't true any more than it was true the last time people started telling each other covid was ending.

Covid ends when we stop it, not when we ignore it and wait for it to go away!

[Ace Rothstein]

169. COVID isn't going to be stopped.

That's why people aren't wearing masks anymore. We know COVID isn't going anywhere and we aren't going to mask up for eternity.

[Iggo]

200. June 15, 2020 was the first time it ended around these parts.

It’s a cycle. We’re good, we’re good, we’re good, and then white people need to go to the beach. We’re good, we’re good, we’re good, and then white people need to go to the beach.…

(I’m lookin’ at you, Orange County…lol.)

[Takket]

163. why the hell isn't the CDC allowing people to get boosters?

[Aussie105]

168. A virus that kills quickly isn't a 'good' virus.

Natural selection works on any virus, make the host sick and killing it quick is counterproductive as far as spreading wide goes.

Viruses mutate genetically, changing their characteristics, and weaker strains have a better chance of passing to other hosts.

Study of the Myxoma virus released in Australia to control rabbit plagues showed that clearly.
Different stains developed, the less severe ones became the dominant strains.

The long term outcome is that Covid will become endemic, make you sick but not kill you. Unless of course, you are in the vulnerable young/old age groups. Or have pre-existing conditions.

Wife and I are older, double vaxed and double boosted.
We never stopped wearing masks out in public.
We have trimmed down our shopping trips to the bare minimum, week to a week and a half.

So far so good.

[C Moon]

176. I do. I admit I stopped for a good while, but I'm back in the game!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

177. I mask up, social distance, wash hands regularly, isolate when I can (no going out if possible)

And vaccinated +boosters. I really don't think I can do much more than that.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

188. A friend who just moved to Eugene, OR, texted us yesterday and

said she caught covid, and asked us if we had any extra test kits. We were going to send her one, but she texted us back later and said she had gotten one.

Thank you, President Biden.

[DemocraticPatriot]

189. I have never stopped masking or social distancing, even though fully vaccinated...

but seeing anyone else wearing a mask here in Michigan has become more and more rare...

[obnoxiousdrunk]

193. This is why

I love coming to DU. DU is 98% masked. I feel safe.

[liberal_mama]

195. I've never stopped wearing an N95 or KF94 mask everywhere. I live in New York State and

and we keep getting surges and high transmission in my county. We have a lot of maskless covid spreaders in my area, unfortunately. I'm vaccinated, but I sure don't want long Covid. I know several people who have it and it's really bad. I am immune compromised with diabetes and lupus and my child is diabetic and has cancer, so I really appreciate the people who wear masks to protect people like us. It makes me happy that so many people on DU still wear them. We have some very kind and compassionate people here.

[Shrek]

197. I've been vacationing in England and Scotland the last 2 weeks

Very, very few masks here, even on buses and the Underground, and in pubs they are non-existent.

Heading home tomorrow and I don’t expect to see many in the airport.

[liberal_mama]

206. Has anyone been following Dr. Bob Wachter on Twitter? He's always trying to minimize and justify

doing Covid risky activities. He was even making fun of his own wife for trying to take Covid precautions. Well, his wife got Covid and now she's got Long Covid and this guy's posts are completely shameless. I wonder how many people are either dead or permanently damaged because of Dr. Wachter. His latest Tweet thread about his wife's lingering symptoms and the comments people are leaving are very interesting.

Link to tweet

[gldstwmn]

208. I just wanted to share that I visited the

Denver Federal Center today. It's the largest compound of federal offices outside Washington D.C. Guess what? Masks are required.