Thread by @ScienceUpFirst

🔴 LIVE NOW: #TakeScience into Fall Townhall

Join in the conversation below and RT this thread featuring @SabiVM, @DrCora_C, @janinemccready, and @tylerblack32 . Hosted by @heysciencesam.

Register to ask questions on Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Watch live on Facebook: facebook.com/scienceupfirst…

Q: What are new best practices for gathering during COVID?

A (@janinemccready): What are your local case rates looking like? Is your group vaccinated? Is anyone symptomatic? If your group is mixed vaccination - incl. children - it’s better to have the event outdoors.

@janinemccready Can I hug family members if everyone is vaxxed?
A (@DrCora_C): It goes back to what @janinemccready said - see what the situation is in your local area, and if everyone is fully vaxxed. Consider the balance b/w benefits socializing and the risk of illness.

Is a negative test (rapid or PCR) enough to get together with my big family?
A (@SabiVM): A negative test does give a sense of security, but all tests have limits. It’s still possible to test negative when you are sick. A negative test is not a 100% guarantee of safety.

@SabiVM Does Delta have diff symptoms?
A (@janinemccready): Generally similar symptoms as always (things like runny nose, cough, fever), and vaxxed people generally get mild symptoms. Even I can’t always tell the difference between mild COVID and other viral diseases without a test.

How risky is COVID for unvaccinated kids under 12? Babies specifically?
A (@DrCora_C): Children under 12 months are not at a high risk of severe disease. However, children in schools are most likely to spread COVID or bring it home.
[1/2]

A (@DrCora_C) cont: But vaccines are highly effective. You need to assess your family's risk - is your child vulnerable? Most children will have mild symptoms.
[2/2]

@DrCora_C This can be stressful for people making the decision. How do you manage this?
A (@tylerblack32): Give yourself a moment to appreciate how hard this is. The science has been evolving since the beginning and it’s hard to keep up. [1/2]

@DrCora_C @tylerblack32 A (@tylerblack32): If you’ve been vaxxed and following advice, you’re doing your part. There are other risks than the risks of the virus. You can follow your heart. [2/2]

@DrCora_C @tylerblack32 I have young grandkids. Are there specific measures I should take to keep them safe?
A (@SabiVM): Taking precautions like wearing a mask when hugging or being together are great. You’re keeping the kids safe, but still enjoying being together!

@DrCora_C @tylerblack32 @SabiVM Is it true that vaxxed and unvaxxed spread to the same extent?
A(@janinemccready): No. You’re much less likely to get COVID, and then less likely to pass it on because you’re infectious for a shorter amount of time. It’s very rare if you’re fully vaxxed to get severe disease.

@DrCora_C @tylerblack32 @SabiVM @janinemccready A(@janinemccready): [cont'd] There is new data from Ontario that shows the vaccines are great at preventing both infection and severe disease, even after 6mo.

A (@SabiVM): To add onto that, there are studies coming out to see if the viral load of vaccinated people is as contagious as that of unvaxxed folks. So not only do they have a smaller viral load, but people are studying if it’s as infectious.

@SabiVM Q: How long are children infectious for?
A: @DrCora_C - 10 days. Most of the contagion happens in the first week. The 2 or 3 days *before* symptoms is when most of the tx seems to happen. That’s why it’s so tough. Any *little* bit of sickness is a good reason to not go out.

When should someone get tested?
A (@janinemccready): As soon as you notice symptoms. If your test is negative & your symptoms resolve, great! If the symptoms get worse, you can get re-tested. The tests are very sensitive, but there are rare cases of missing early viral load.

@janinemccready How do I stay safe at Taekwondo?
A (@SabiVM): What an amazing child to be even asking this question. If it’s indoors, the best thing to do is be masked with a good-quality mask that’s well-fitted. Parents can also advocate for the adults to be vaxxed, and ventilation improved.

@janinemccready @SabiVM @tylerblack32 - Children get it. They want to help their families and communities. Let’s stop using them as political foils. One of the big pieces of misinfo is that children are suffering because of us “making them do this”

I’m fully vaxxed, but still anxious. How do I manage this?
A(@tylerblack32): It will take time for our brains to adjust to how we assess threats. We are anxious about things we can’t control. But we can control ourselves, and what we do to protect ourselves. [1/2]

A(@tylerblack32) (cont.): It’s okay to admit that this is tough, and to take care of yourself! Lean on your supports and your comforts. [2/2]

@tylerblack32 Should vaxxed people share indoor space with unvaxxed people, without a mask on?
A (@janinemccready): Still wear a mask if possible.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready When can I go on vacation abroad?
A (@janinemccready): Depends on you, your vaccine status, and where you want to go. We’re going to look at places with high vaccination rates and good control strategies. Vaccines turn this deadly disease into a cold.
[1/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready A (@janinemccready): If I was a single adult that never saw anyone unvaccinated, I might travel now! [2/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready How safe is going to a hockey game?
A (@DrCora_C): Think of the risk. Is a vaccine passport required? Are you or those around you vulnerable? Vaccine passports change the game (pun intended!) to make events more comfortable.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C Why isn’t a prior infection counted for vax passports?
A (@SabiVM): A previous infection *may* give you immunity, but in some cases you may not. Data from CDC: unvaccinated ppl had higher rate of reinfections. Vaccination is really important, even if you’ve had prior infection.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM What are medical exemptions for COVID vaccines?
A (@SabiVM): If you had myocarditis/pericarditis after the dose 1, the recommendation is to wait for further research before dose 2. If you’ve had myo/pericarditis not from the vaccine in the past 5 years, talk to your doctor. 1/2

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM A (@SabiVM) (cont.): You should also speak to an allergist if you’ve had an anaphylactic reaction to dose 1. Those are the only two medical exemptions right now. [2/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM How do I encourage and/or support a loved one who is resistant to getting the vaccine?
A (@tylerblack32): Depends on how locked-in this is. 1st thing - leave enforcement to govts and public health. Nobody gets convinced by judgment. [1/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM A (@tylerblack32): Start with concerns, look with them for evidence. We know debunking works! People who are less inclined by the science, they might be convinced by a personal story (like yours!) [2/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM How do you respond to someone concerned about long-term effects?
A (@DrCora_C): You have to connect before you can communicate. Building trust is important. For long-term effects, you need to show curiosity, and acknowledge the question without judging. [1/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM A (@DrCora_C) (cont.): Where is this fear coming from? Are they worried about effects on fertility, etc? Show them how vaccination can be positive for their lives. This is a choice they need to make personally, not philosophically. [2/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM @SabiVM: I also want to add from a racialized perspective. We *have* to acknowledge our legacy of racism and discrimination in Canada. There is a valid reason for distrust in many communities. [1/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM .@SabiVM: Trust takes a long time to build back, so these convos take time! BIPOC organizations are so important for this, because it’s v. often about the messenger, not always the message. [2/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM I’m double-vaxxed, do I need a flu shot?
A (@janinemccready): We’re already seeing different viruses circulating, so yes, getting a flu shot is a good idea. A flu shot won’t interfere with your COVID vaccine at all, no matter when you get it.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM Getting therapy is so hard. What mental health resources are there?
A (@tylerblack32): Tricky w/o knowing your jurisdiction. Sometimes there are niche ones for particular populations in particular places. [1/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM A (@tylerblack32): Lots of lip service to mental health supports, but we do really need more support. Mental health is our health, so let’s advocate for it! [2/2]

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM What can parents do to support their kids right now?
A (@tylerblack32): Give your kids a break if they’re struggling. Listen to what they’re saying, and ask how to help instead of trying to solve everything without having a conversation. School is a big stressor right now.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM What's the deal with Ivermectin or Molnupiravir?
A (@cora): Ivermectin is not. There are some other drugs, but they are not miracle cures, and… *not without side-effects*. Best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM @cora .@janinemccready To add: There’s only early data on the Merck drug and it looks good, but treatments like this need be given really early in the disease. Usually by the time I see patients in the hospital, it’s too late.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM @cora Final Q: What coping strategy you’re taking with you into fall and winter?

@tylerblack32: Astro-photography! I also focus on re-prioritizing my energy during this stressful time.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM @cora Final Q: What coping strategy you’re taking with you into fall and winter?

@Sabinavm: I *try* to… decompress from social media, and spend more time with my family (get those extra hugs in!)

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM @cora @Sabinavm Final Q: What coping strategy you’re taking with you into fall and winter?

@janinemccready: Do things I feel like I have control over. I try to make things better for those around me. It gives me purpose. I also like getting outside, going for walks and connecting with my kids.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM @cora @Sabinavm Final Q: What coping strategy you’re taking with you into fall and winter?

@DrCora_C: I’ve started doing a pep-talk. I say: Your job isn’t to convince people, it’s to support people as they make the decision to protect themselves. It’s hard, but it’s the right thing to do.

@tylerblack32 @janinemccready @DrCora_C @SabiVM @cora @Sabinavm Final Q: What coping strategy are you taking with you into fall and winter?

@heysciencesam: I watch Drag Race (@canadasdragrace)!

.@StanKutcher closes: We will all get through this, together. Be kind and compassionate with one another.

"A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."