by It’s not like I didn’t know it, but this Covid business is no joke.
I heard a conversation on NPR this afternoon about the new omicron variants, especially BA2.12.1, which spreads about 50% faster each week than the original omicron variant. A “bump” or surge will likely happen in a month or two. These new variants have “mutations that allow them to re-infect people who have already had an omicron infection.” The good news, I guess, is that there isn’t evidence that these new variants cause more severe disease than the previous omicron. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like vaccination will offer a lot of protection against infection against them, though it still gives “excellent protection against severe disease and hospitalization.”
I am double vaxxed and double boosted, receiving the second booster mid-March. I hate to think how sick I would have gotten without that protection.
A day or so after I started taking Paxlovid, I saw a headline: U.S. Seeks ‘Urgent’ Data on Covid Relapses After Using Pfizer’s Drug. In this ever-evolving Covid drama, there is always more to learn. The theory seems to be that the five-day course isn’t enough for everyone’s immune system to handle whatever leftover virus remains at the end. They start replicating, thus making us sick again. Or, as a friend said, “You can’t trust that bitch Covid.”
I took the final dose of Paxlovid two days ago. While I felt somewhat better almost immediately after starting it, today is the first day I’m not blowing my nose constantly. The metallic taste that appeared five days into Covid (a common symptom said the lovely CVS nurse) seems to have finally abated. My energy is still sub-par, which I know is also a common experience.
I wish having had it conferred more than temporary, at best, immunity. (I just heard yesterday about someone who has gotten it three times.) I was angry at the people who proclaim they’re “done with Covid” before I got sick. I knew that Covid wasn’t done with us and that the more they took off their masks, the less safe I became. While Covid may become endemic for much of the population, until there are widely available treatments, I don’t foresee that becoming true for people my age or those who are immunocompromised. It’s an interesting way to face one’s last years.
I’m not giving up on socializing but what that will look like as the months and years go on is anybody’s guess. I know I’m not planning on eating in an indoor restaurant again anytime soon.
I started this blog in March of 2020, and I still invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. There is no way I could have imagined then that such a thing as a Corona Support system — blog or otherwise — would still matter more than two years later. In the first post, I wrote: “We don’t have to feel so alone. It is my hope that this space can help us feel less isolated.” More than twenty-four months later, I can’t tell you how much it means to me to be in this community with you as I recover from Covid. Thank you for your support. It makes a difference.
Ruth Neuwald Falcon 
Ugh, Ruth. Not the best news, at all. so happy to hear you are improving, but the long term Covid forecast is rather bleak. I am double vaxed and double boosted, but this reminds me the distancing amd masking must go on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ruth, may each day bring you more healing. Sending hugs and love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ruth–so very glad that you are feeling better. I am sending love and hugs your way. These variants are devastating…and the fatigue is real…it is a surreal time with so many competing responses. Navigating it all seems to have become more, not less, complex. Know that we are cheering you on, and grateful that you were as protected as you could be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ruth — so happy you are recovering. I’m curious: do you have any idea where you picked this terrible grunge up? The people I’ve known who have had it, for the most part, still don’t understand how/where they contracted it after being vaxed and boosted. In any event, take good care and here’s hoping that you only have to go through this once! Warm regards, Misha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ruth,
It is true, you do not walk alone~
Best to you,
Ann Bradford
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it’s one thing we’ve all learned about Covid in the last 2+ years, it’s that the science, treatment, and responses are constantly changing. I feared two years ago what this might mean for the last few productive years of my life, and I agree that my fears were not unfounded. Scientists do not really agree, and new variants and issues emerge monthly. I’ve lost many social skills, and sadly now have no interest in traveling or attending concerts. It leaves me little hope to explore, travel, and enjoy new things. Sorry to say, the world seems quite bleak right now.
Ruth, I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Last night I explored online which pharmacies stock paxlovid in case we need it. I found some in our area (my pharmacist had told me it’s almost impossible to get in the Portland area). Mixed messages abound. Let’s all stay as healthy as we can. Sending love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ruth, dear sister, you created a community of sorts at a time of it being needed. Thank you.
My own sense is that we are stuck with damn COVID variants for a long time to come. I want, wish, pray for you for no long-term COVID symptoms of any sort.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I Wish you all the Best in a Fast Recovery. May I suggest something–your own immune system can help a lot. So I advise focusing on how to naturally boost it’s functioning on your own behalf. The info is available online from reliable sources. Plus it’s easy to employ these diet, lifestyle changes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ruth,
I am relieved to hear that you are feeling better. I am also worried that all the mask mandates are being lifted, with all the people who are immunosuppressed, and those who cannot be vaccinated at this time for reasons beyond their control. Let’s hope that this wave isn’t as bad as the delta variant.
Best wishes for a full recovery,
Janina
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been thinking about you, looking for your blog, not realizing that 200 emails somehow went into junk! Sorry you got covid. It’s really spread all over. No way to be careful enough? Glad you got the paxlovid and that it helped. I’d better up my walking to be ready. What a world. I’ve drafted something for your blog about sharing health issues, but maybe it’s redundant, and anyway needs much chewing to be presentable. I wish you a refuah shlema.
Jude
LikeLiked by 1 person