1/22 I think we need another reality check about the state of COVID. The reality is that we are still ok and there is good news to found; as long as we keep perspective. 2/22 Good news point #1: The vaccines continue to work and work well for their intended purpose; to keep us out of the hospital and alive!

1/9 How about some "anti-fear" data about vaccines and the immunocompromised. 2/9 In a study published a few days ago which examined 453 cancer patients, the response to vaccines was protective and in fact, a booster provided a very robust response.

1/55 Coronavirus, blame, and accountability. Notice I did not write “Coronavirus: blame and accountability.”

It seems in today’s world; these three words can be interchanged as if they are not only synonyms but actually the same words. 2/55 There have been so many mistakes made during the past 2 years and there should be accountability and lessons learned which help us improve, however, it is clear that blame is easier to tweet. (I guess since it has fewer characters.)

1/44 “Here we go again.” You can hear that voice in your head (or rather see it in the media of all forms).
-Reports of cases rising in Europe.
-China in lockdown.
-A “new” variant.

STOP! 2/44 Making predictions in this pandemic is a fool’s errand; but that doesn’t stop fools from trying all over social media. Apparently, we need a stress inducing distraction to our stress-filled daily lives.

NO, YOU DON’T!

1/7 Babies and COVID. We can protect them.

(itv.com/news/2022-01-1…)

UK data is demonstrating more of what we already know. The < 4 yo admissions are significantly higher. This data outlines how that increase is driven by the youngest infants. 2/7 Even within this increase, the hospitalizations are not requiring ICU admission and they are short in duration (saving grace).

There is more good news for this population. We have the ability to protect them.

1/46 I’ve spent some time being thoughtful and esoteric; today is about data, evidence, and perspective.

Let’s examine the pediatric situation in the country. It’s bad. No question. We, and others, are seeing a record number of admissions. 2/46 Most data sites haven’t been updated yet for this week, so I expect them to be staggering when they update on Friday. But, as always, let’s move beyond the clickable headlines and dive deep.

The percentage of ICU admissions is significantly lower, by half.

1/34 I think we need to develop new DSM-5 diagnoses: PPSD or Post Pandemic Stress Disorder. It’s related to PTSD. We all have it. We are seeing it everywhere. However, I think it is worth a bit of analysis and hopefully, some, re-calibrating in the face of Omicron. 2/34 First, by definition, here is a link to the criteria required to diagnose PTSD. (brainline.org/article/dsm-5-…) It’s worth clicking on this and reading through all of it.

1/48 Well, I’m back to writing about COVID. Long 🧵 As I stated in previous posts on COVID, writing is a form of self-therapy as I work through my anxieties, frustrations, anger, disappointment, and ignorance. 2/48 I took the past couple of months off of social media because the need for therapy was greater when I was on social media than when I was off.

1/ Things are better as we wait for our smell and taste to return to normal. Apparently, my post about coming down with a couple of breakthrough cases was taken by many as a rallying cry that vaccines don’t work. Of course, my view is the opposite; but I do realize my bias. 2/ I live my professional life looking at the worst-case scenario, hoping to predict the decline in physiology early enough to intervene.

"To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.”
— Bertrand Russell
Fear is not a motivational strategy for vaccine uptake; data and knowledge are far better. Here is just a little mid-week positive energy for those already vaccinated (with 2 doses) and a bit of motivation for those still sitting on the fence. The source of data is from Ontario, Canada. (covid19-sciencetable.ca/ontario-dashbo…) This isn't about masking, ventilation, waning antibody levels, or hygiene theater; this is vaccination at work.

1/ Reflection, introspection, and frustration. I don’t know if anyone else has had enough, but I know I have. I’m done. I’m done with doom scrolling about COVID. I’m done with falling into the fear cycle which dictates that enough is never enough; the “what about?”-isms. 2/ (Boosters for the elderly and highest risk…but what about completely healthy 30 year olds. Vaccinations for 5-year-olds…but what about infants?) I’m done with unvaccinated adults dictating the path of this infection for children.

1/ I usually avoid directly responding to individual examples of misinformation. I find it to be too tiring and most importantly I am reminded of the Twain quote: “Don’t argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” 2/ But I do feel the need to highlight one foolish statement by an infamous “MD Senator”. (news.yahoo.com/rand-paul-clai…)

I will just remind everyone of my posts about ivermectin in which I tried to present a balanced approach to the data.

1/ Any cyclist knows the “false flat”. An optical illusion that makes you think the road is flat; but you are still climbing and suffering. Your eyes tell you it's flat, maybe even a little downhill. Your heart hopes it's flat. 2/ Your legs have their own opinion, and your lungs are in agreement. A false flat is a hill in repose. After my 52 mile ride this morning in Houston, I know it was flat the whole time since it is still Texas.

1/ Quick update and then a few points to clarify:
Update: RSV has started to turn the corner. Hospitalizations are starting to come down. Unfortunately, COVID is now replacing them, but at least one is running its expected course. 2/ Some small positive news to report. (dshs.texas.gov/.../2020-21-RS…...)
Points to make:
1. Boosters are not failures and therefore should not be feared.
2. Vaccines are not antibiotics, vitamins, or therapies.
3. Our immune system is incredible.

1/ It is important to remember of one important fact: the delta variant is a VARIANT of SARS-CoV-2 virus; it is NOT a new virus. It still plays by the same rules. It still enters the body the same way. It still causes the same pathophysiology. 2/ It is still the exact same virus as we have been dealing with for the past 18 months (maybe more). It has changed a few amino acids within the receptor binding domain of the spike protein making it more infectious; but it has not fundamentally changed.

1/ Today, I was going to examine the myth of fertility effects of the vaccine; but then Israel reported a “probable” link of vaccination to myocarditis so change of plans. 2/ Let’s revisit the entire entity of cardiac findings post vaccination as well as what COVID does to the heart.

I had written about how the inflammatory response following vaccination may be the culprit in the rare cardiac findings being observed.