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.
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