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More from @nirav_mainecdc

Nirav D. Shah

@nirav_mainecdc

18 Dec

1/There are so many things going on with #COVID19 right now. In some respects, it seems like March 2020 again, even though it's not.

One reason COVID19 is bewildering right now is that no one is going the same speed on the highway.

2/On the highway, people driving faster than you are maniacs.

And people going slower than you are pokey.

3/Right now, in the face of Omicron, COVID is similar.

No two people conceive of their COVID risk in precisely the same way. That creates mismatches of perception, much like driving down a long stretch the highway.

Read 18 tweets

Nirav D. Shah

@nirav_mainecdc

17 Dec

@MEPublicHealth

1/This evening, @MEPublicHealth confirmed the first five cases of the #Omicron #COVID19 variant in #Maine.

This finding was not unexpected, given that 40 other states have already detected it. Nor was it welcome.

2/Based on what we know about #Omicron's increased contagiousness, it's more important than ever to get vaccinated.

Based on what we know about the potential for "immune escape", it's more important than ever to get a booster.

3/And based on what we know about its severity (perhaps equivalent to Delta), it's more important than ever to wear a mask in indoor public settings.

Of the three monoclonal antibodies available, one (sotrovimab) retains activity against #Omicron.

Read 5 tweets

Nirav D. Shah

@nirav_mainecdc

30 Nov

1/You have no doubt heard much lately about the recently designated #COVID19 #variant, #omicron.

I would like to distill what we know, what we do not know, and what this all means for you right now.

@WHO

2/On 11/26/21, the @WHO officially designated B.1.1.529 (#omicron) a "variant of concern."

It cited a "large number of mutations, some of which are concerning" and "preliminary evidence" of "an increased risk of reinfection with this variant.."

who.int/news/item/26-1…

@_nference

3/In short, scientists are concerned because #omicron exhibits an unusual number of mutations across the #SARSCoV2 genome, with >30 on the spike protein.

The spike is the part of the virus that allows it to gain access to human cells and reproduce. (h/t @_nference)

Read 20 tweets

Nirav D. Shah

@nirav_mainecdc

22 Nov

1/A recurring refrain I hear about #COVID19 #vaccines is, "Why should I get the shot since I can still get COVID after?"

I want to discuss why that isn't exactly an accurate assessment why it doesn't accord with the way that most of us think about risk in our daily lives.

2/Let's start with the core notion: that you can still get #COVID19 after being fully #vaccinated.

That is true. But the statement lacks critical context. While you can still get COVID after getting a vaccine, you are MUCH less likely to do so.

The relative risk matters.

3/At baseline, the #COVID19 vaccines have an effectiveness of around 80-90%.

Vaccine effectiveness is a measure derived from clinical trials and calculates the relative risk of being affected in a vaccinated population vs. an unvaccinated one.

cdc.gov/vaccines/covid…

Read 16 tweets

Nirav D. Shah

@nirav_mainecdc

18 Nov

1/We are all tired of #COVID19. But the virus, sadly, is not done with us.

If you're looking to help your fellow Mainers through this difficult time, there's something you can do: volunteer with Maine Responds (maineresponds.org).

2/Maine Responds is our state's public health #volunteer network.

Hundreds of your neighbors are using their skills to help the entire state’s #publichealth system.

And it's an impressive, well-oiled machine. Some quick stats 👇🏾

3/Since March 2020, Maine Responds has built a #COVID19 response team of 519 activated #volunteers.

They've donated 38,917 hours during 6,474 shifts.

The #volunteers have carried out 34 distinct missions - both one-time as well as sustained, long-term efforts.

Read 5 tweets

Nirav D. Shah

@nirav_mainecdc

9 Nov

1/Infection-induced (a/k/a 'natural') #COVID19 immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are again in the news.

This is a fascinating area of immunology, with numerous twists and turns.

cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…

@CDCgov

2/It can be hard to digest the data and make sense of the various studies. Thankfully, the @CDCgov is out with a new Science Brief that does just that.

I recommend this Brief for anyone looking for an overview of the current scientific evidence.

cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…

3/Here are the key details from the review:

- Fully vaccinated individuals and those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 each have a low risk of subsequent infection for at least 6 months.

Read 6 tweets

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