I thought I was being so careful — think again.
I received the first two Covid vaccines and the booster. I thought I’d wait on the second booster as the science wasn’t clear.
Some experts suggested waiting as a new variant may be looming, and another booster wouldn’t protect us against it.
Plus, the second booster may weaken our defenses against a new strain.
I decided to wait.
Monday night, I felt a tickle in the back of my throat. I attributed it to my allergies that had been present.
Tuesday morning, I realized it was more than allergies. I took my temperature, and sure enough — 100.2.
Today is day three of fever, chest congestion, and coughing.
I’m strong, healthy, and vaccinated. Because of this, I’ve been maskless when grocery shopping and out hiking, playing pickleball, and other activities.
Still, I’ve been cautious and, when available, dining out on a patio rather than indoors. I’ve also kept several feet between me and others when possible.
One perhaps reckless activity I partook in was an indoor pickleball class with 14 other maskless players. Could that have been when I contracted the virus?
My point is — do not let down your guard. The virus is still running rampant.
This morning, the news reported that cases are again soaring, and hospitalizations are up.
The headline was this ‘Very, Very Contagious’ Coronavirus Subvariant is Causing Cases to Rise Again.
I agree it is a sensational title — yet we must take this seriously.
A new, highly transmissible omicron subvariant is the cause of the rise in cases. The reported cases are three times higher than they were in March.
The seven-day average for hospitalizations is also up by 20%, with the CDC reporting an average of 2,215 admissions over the last seven days.
Before vaccination and even after one vaccine, I was relentless in my practice of mask-wearing, keeping my distance from others and, washing my hands, wiping down my kitchen counters and groceries as I unpacked them.
We’re tired of the damn Covid. It’s been a long haul.
Thank goodness for the vaccines, yet it is not a cure-all. Still, the vaccines are credited with the lower death rate over last year’s high numbers.
“Roughly, 66% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated,” according to the CDC.
Plus, the current dominant variants appear to be less deadly. Still, cases are rising quickly.
The dominant omicron subvariant BA.2 makes up almost 62% of cases. However, another subvariant, BA.212.1, appears to be even more transmissible.
This latest one is spreading about 24% faster than BA.2.
Is it time to return to masking up?
Just when we thought travel was back in our lives, and sports and other events were safe.
The latest report is that Covid vaccines will most likely be recommended annually, just as the flu shots are.
I’ve also learned that we are contagious from 1–2 days before symptoms appear. No wonder we’re spreading this virus.
We remain contagious for 5–7 days after contracting it. A Covid test may show a positive result for up to two weeks following the end of the contagious period.
However, according to the CDC, “there’s virtually no risk of transmission after seven days.”
Today, doctors are overloaded, and it is so difficult to have a conversation that may help us make a wise decision as should we take an anti-viral medication once tests show we are positive.
I had plans to fly to California to spend Mother’s Day with my son. Now that trip is off. I am very disappointed.
Coronavirus and its subvariants have turned our lives upside down, and it will continue to.
My trip cancellation is minor compared to the tragedies others have endured.
Do not let your guard down. Covid is here, highly contagious, and will be around for a long time.
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