As much as we might wish for an end to the coronavirus, it continues to rear its ugly head, mutating along the way. What’s new? A booster shot better suited to new versions of the virus, along with some evidence that a dose of Paxlovid to treat the virus may lead to a Covid recurrence.
As for the new Moderna and Pfizer booster shot, millions of doses should be ready for prime time in mid-September, reports The New York Times. And, they claim that it is better able to fight the Omicron BA.5 variant than the original shot. So, if you have not yet been boosted or are ready for yet another booster, you might consider holding out another month.
This new booster is expected to better strengthen your immunity to the virus. And, this is important. Scientists are expecting a new Covid-19 wave beginning in the Fall.
This all said, the administration’s position appears to be that if you are over 50 and have not yet gotten a booster shot, you should get it now. Covid infections are on the rise. I assume the administration is trying to keep Covid-19 infections at bay.
N.B.: Officials are warning against getting two booster shots in close proximity. If you get one now, don’t get one in September. There is a rare heart disease, myocarditis, that can be a side effect. Getting two shots in a row increases the risk of this side effect.
Experts also say that getting a second shot soon after the first is of no benefit. You already have your antibodies from the first shot. Those antibodies keep the second shot from working.
If you do get Covid, talk to your doctor about getting Paxlovid, especially if you’re over 60. Paxlovid, an anti-viral, is intended for people at risk of serious illness from Covid. It is designed to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. It’s the drug President Biden took to treat his virus. It should quell your symptoms, but with a big catch.
Some people who take the drug, and then test negative, experience a Covid rebound–they get Covid again a few days later!!! That’s what happened to President Biden, who tested positive, after taking Paxlovid and testing negative, but had no symptoms the second time round.
The government says not to be concerned if you take Paxlovid, test negative and a few days later test positive. And, no one is suggesting you need to take another round of Paxlovid if that happens.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Covid-19 roundup: What you should know
- Coronavirus: A new pill treats the virus
- Reconciliation bill would reduce Medicare drug costs
- 2022: Medicare Part D coverage and costs
- Government asks public how to improve Medicare Advantage
