Governments Asking the Vulnerable to Fend for Themselves Against SARS-CoV-2

It seems many governments are determined to expose as many of their citizens to the Omicron variant as possible on the assumption that Omicron is mild.  As states and countries rush to drop #COVID19 mitigation measures such as masking and social distancing against CDC and WHO guidance, it is more important than ever for the elderly and the immunocompromised to learn how to fend for themselves (in consultation with their doctors). 

1.     Vaccines and boosters are still the #1 method to protect against #COVID19 but a second booster may be recommended as the first booster wanes after 4 months.  Not enough elderly in the USA are vaccinated.  

2.     For the 10M Americans who are immunocompromised or at high risk, it could be helpful to get Evusheld monoclonal antibody treatment pre-infection as a prophylactic.  Prescription necessary. 

3.     Test using at-home rapid antigen test kits, and rapid PCR test facilities at the first sign of symptoms or suspicion of exposure

4.     It is important for everyone to line up scarce monoclonal antibody treatments such as sotrovimab and bebtelovimab for post-exposure treatment to reduce hospitalizations. Remdesivir has also proven to be effective against Omicron.   Paxlovid and molnupiravir are 2 antiviral pills that may reduce the chance of hospitalization.  Typically these therapeutics must be taken within 5 days after exposure to be effective.  Prescription necessary.

Many governments are assuming that the Omicron variant will be mild enough to manage on an endemic basis.  The data does not really support this. Without any mitigation measures, COVID-19 cases and deaths are soaring in Denmark.  


Even with increased mitigation, Japan is having a tough time reining in Omicron and it will suffer more deaths through this “mild” cycle than it has throughout the history of this 2-yrs old pandemic.  Protect yourself since your government and some fellow citizens don’t want to.  





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Tale of Two Chinas and COVID-19

Could Florida be the Next Epicenter in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

US Gives Up Controlling the Pandemic