As we approach end of 2024 — COVID-19 💉🦠😷🏥

[countessalmirena]

For most people, COVID is not a current issue on their minds. COVID belongs to 2020 - 2022… but it’s still an ongoing problem that lies underneath the everyday.

If you’re under 75 and not immunocompromised, you are able to be vaccinated once every 12 months. (I consider this ridiculous. Six months after vaccination, protection has dropped to practically nil.)

If you’re 75 or over, or are immunocompromised, you can continue to receive a vaccination every six months.

Current COVID situation

COVID is on the rise again - particularly in Victoria. 

❝Health experts say waning immunity from previous vaccinations and the adaptation of COVID-19 variants are reasons COVID-19 cases are again rising.

"It's just reaching that tipping point where there's enough susceptible people in the population and enough pressure from the virus to start to see numbers go up again," Dr Looker said.

"And each new variant is slightly better at escaping previous immunities than the older subvariants."❞

New vaccine

The latest vaccine - approved to be available from 9th December - protects against at the dominant variant of the virus. If you’re eligible for your next booster, this is the one to get. Read more about it on The Conversation.

Stay safe.

[imastawka]

I read a similar article recently.

We are not due for a booster just yet (6 monthly) and have now started wearing masks again.

Masks are very rarely seen in these here parts.

The number of hospitalisations is very scary.

Thanks for sharing.

[twyngwyn]

interesting aside:

COVID caused cancer tumours to shrink in mice – new study

[countessalmirena]

It is fascinating; the induced monocytes - if synthesised in the laboratory - could be a major tool in the fight against cancer.

I’m due this December for my booster. Mum will also be due on the same day for her 6-monthly booster. In the meantime, P2 masks and hot days will make me feel horrible when out - but I’d rather perspire and feel faint than get COVID.

[springyzone]

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@imastawka wrote:

I read a similar article recently.

We are not due for a booster just yet (6 monthly) and have now started wearing masks again.

Masks are very rarely seen in these here parts.

The number of hospitalisations is very scary.

Thanks for sharing.

---

I do see masks on people quite regularly but it has got to the point where, when I see them, I steer clear of those people as I take it as a sign they may be contagious with something-maybe covid, maybe the flu.

The only way these things are spreading is because people who are contagious are going out and about as usual. I read that less than 50% of people in a survey said they would test for covid if they had symptoms.

Maybe we are going like UK, where it is almost impossible to buy testing kits now.

But I had covid about this time last year. I never had one single sick day with it ( Ihad a clear running nose one day and felt a momentary chill run through me for a few seconds, which is why I tested) but I stayed home till I was testing neg and that took several days.

We're in the lead up to Christmas. The shops will be more crowded, there will be more parties and so on. We really need people to test themselves if they have symptoms and stay home.

But they won't, so masks are a good idea for anyone concerned.

It worries me for those who really are not well. At the moment, a niece's partner has cancer and is undergoing treatment. He can't afford to be getting extra infections right now so we have suggested a mask at all times.

[brickworksmarket]

Whenever I see people wearing masks I wonder if they are immune suppressed, have an infection or just over cautious.

For me I have been told to wear a mask whenever in a crowded area due to taking immune suppressants and find it easier to just avoid those areas instead. If needed I will wear one as a common cold can require me to take antibiotics to get over it.

Covid is not something I worry about and honestly don't know if I have had it and no longer take the vaccine although it is recommended but not required. Unlike the vaccination for the flu as it is more important as it is a lung infection which I need to avoid at all costs.

My partner works in aged care and whenever there is an outbreak which is every other week she wears all the correct gear and has worked well so far. 

It would be good if more people where responsible when it came to not spreading covid but in reality it is just easier for those like me to just avoid those areas that are high risk. Plus most I speak to get it from family and friends as you tend not to be as careful as when out and about.

[springyzone]

Whenever I see people wearing masks I wonder if they are immune suppressed, have an infection or just over cautious.

Yes, there is that aspect as well. You never know why someone has a mask but I try not to go too close in any case. Better for them too if they are immune suppressed.

Mind you, half the time you would never know where you pick up some infection from.

I saw a photo of Melbourne city the other day, it came up on my facebook and in it a woman with a mask was crossing a road, walking a dog.

A lot of people, especially from US, were having a go, asking why she was brainwashed enough  to wear a mask. I usually ignore the posts but I did hop on to say maybe she had an infection she didn't want to pass on or maybe she had a lowered immune system and wanted to avoid catching anything. Honestly, you'd think it was a crime to wear a mask with some people.

[brickworksmarket]

Although I can't mow the lawn anymore I will wear a mask when brushcutting. Likely looks strange but as I have a lung condition from a job I did many years ago wearing a mask is needed to avoid dust as much as possible. 

Whenever someone mentions that people still wear masks I point out the reasons why they may and like I was in the beginning there are things you never think about for having to wear one.

[shoppingbag*]

The naysayers annoy me.  If someone wants to wear a mask then they have a reason for doing so, and do not have to explain or justify that to anyone.

[shoppingbag*]

Too many people that I know think that Covid has passed, however I can see a very probable second outbreak in this country.  Too many stopped having vaccines and do not intend to have future ones.