Fall tasks: (1) inflate tires; (2) flu shot, and; (3) COVID

With the seasonal change, already inflated the tires to max sidewall. Make steering and handling more precise at some discomfort over speed bumps and soon to be pot holes.

Pre-shutdown, last CDC maps show Dixie is starting to rise. Get it this week and should have maximum protection mid-November. Just in time for Thanksgiving. Medicare free.

COVID shot a week later. This makes diagnosis of any after effects simpler. No problems in the past but why worry. Medicare free.

RSV is harder to quantify. I get the impression it is less common than flu or COVID but during the shutdown, the CDC is closed if Kennedy hasn't already fired them.

Bob Wilson

 

Like immunity of gun manufactures for selling to anyone with a VISA car, this works for me. "Laissez les bons temps rouler,"

Bob Wilson

 

COVID is a well known killer. So pays your money and takes your chances, per Google:

Current treatments for COVID-19 are based on the severity of the illness and the patient's risk factors for severe disease. Options range from at-home symptom management for mild cases to prescription antiviral medications and hospital treatments for severe cases.

Outpatient treatments for mild to moderate COVID-19
For patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, antiviral medications are recommended to reduce symptoms and the risk of hospitalization.
Oral antivirals

• Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir): This is the preferred oral treatment for adults and some adolescents with mild to moderate COVID-19. It must be taken within five days of symptom onset and works by blocking the virus from replicating. Healthcare providers should check for potential drug interactions with other medications.
• Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): An alternative oral antiviral for adults if Paxlovid is not accessible or clinically appropriate. Like Paxlovid, it must be started within five days of symptom onset. It is not recommended for pregnant patients.

Intravenous antiviral

• Remdesivir (Veklury): This antiviral, given through an intravenous (IV) infusion for three consecutive days, is another option for high-risk patients. It is approved for use in both adults and children and should be started within seven days of symptom onset.

Hospital treatments for severe COVID-19
For patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19, additional treatments are available based on their immune system response and oxygen needs.

• Remdesivir (Veklury): This IV antiviral is also used for hospitalized patients.
• Corticosteroids: Dexamethasone is often used to reduce inflammation in severely ill patients who need supplemental oxygen.
• Immune modulators: These medications help to suppress an overactive immune response. Examples include:
  • Baricitinib (Olumiant): An oral medication.
  • Tocilizumab (Actemra): An intravenous medication.
• Convalescent plasma: For certain immunocompromised patients, plasma with high antibody levels from recovered individuals may be an option.

Home management for mild COVID-19
Most people with COVID-19 who are not at high risk of severe illness can recover at home with supportive care. This includes:

• Getting plenty of rest.
• Staying hydrated with fluids.
• Taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever and pain.

Prevention for immunocompromised individuals
A preventive treatment option is available for certain people with weakened immune systems:

• Pemgarda (pemivibart): This is a monoclonal antibody authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older. It is not used to treat COVID-19 but to prevent it and is given via an intravenous infusion every three months.

Treatments no longer recommended
As COVID-19 has evolved, some earlier treatments have been rendered ineffective against newer viral variants and are no longer authorized by the FDA. This includes most monoclonal antibody therapies, like bebtelovimab and sotrovimab, as well as unproven treatments like ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine​

Some have advocated vitamins and other prayer. I prefer modern, empirical medicine and will repeat my COVID vaccination.

Bob Wilson