This fall marks the second year that we’ve had Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines to offer older adults. Chances are you have received one, are eligible to receive one, or have older family/friends who qualify but are wondering what to do. I’ve been fielding lots of questions about the RSV vaccines from patients over the past several weeks… and this year we have more evidence-based answers than last year.
https://mccormickmd.substack.com/p/rsv-vaccine-a-primary-care-update
Why the vaccine may protect against dementia
Offit and other experts said there are two possible reasons that the shingles vaccine might protect against dementia. First, previous research suggests that herpes infection might play a role in the development of dementia.
Shingrix dramatically decreases the reactivation of the herpes virus that causes chickenpox. It’s 97 percent effective at preventing shingles in people ages 50 to 69 with healthy immune systems, according to the CDC.
Experts also hypothesize there might be something about the particular way Shingrix stimulates the body’s immune system against shingles that decreases the chances of dementia.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/07/30/shingles-vaccine-lower-dementia-risk/
Opinion: The U.S. is facing the biggest COVID wave since Omicron. Why are we still playing make-believe?
“The pandemic is far from over, as evidenced by the rapid rise to global dominance of the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. This variant is a derivative of BA.2.86, the only other strain that has carried more than 30 new mutations in the spike protein since Omicron first came on the scene more than two years ago. This should have warranted designation by the World Health Organization as a variant of concern with a Greek letter, such as Pi.”
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-01-04/covid-2024-flu-virus-vaccine
“A growing consensus is emerging that receiving multiple doses of the COVID vaccine before an initial infection can dramatically reduce the risk of long-term symptoms. Although the studies disagree on the exact amount of protection, they show a clear trend: the more shots in your arm before your first bout with COVID, the less likely you are to get long COVID.”
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/vaccination-dramatically-lowers-long-covid-risk/
“When I asked friends if they’re noticing coughs more or suffering themselves, they regaled and horrified me with their coughing fits. One had COVID-triggered asthma and an eight-month cough (under control now, thanks to two inhalers and a trip to the pulmonologist). Another was a lifelong mucous-heavy cougher whose tips included “Chest Physical Therapy” which uses gravity and chest/back percussion to get phlegm to loosen and drain (she lies prone hanging over her bed while “banging her back”).”
https://www.thecut.com/2024/01/how-to-treat-a-cough-that-lingers.html
We now have not only COVID but also Flu and RSV. Here are some steps which may help you avoid getting ill and spending more time with your family (that’s if you want to!)
Steps to consider:
Contagious Period from Symptom Onset
Treatment
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/its-the-holiday-season-here-are-simple
CNMRI: Neurology, Sleep Medicine, MRI 