This is a question from a COVID cautious retired nurse “Dire. I don't understand how this specific SARS virus is able to have so many variants. Do you know? It is the one fact, I don't understand.”
For those who have the genotype which means they are assymptomatic if infected, is it known if they can still get serious health problems from COVID? Brain, vascular, oran damage? Are they at less risk? Or will they just not see the freight train coming? An elderly neighbour with health issues is taking risks, while saying she has still not had COVID. No mask. A friend who has really been following COVID and active in getting knowledge to others is not masking at times when there is absolutely risk! Also not fit testing mask. Makes me sad.
For your first question: although SARS-CoV-2 has a lower mutation rate than influenza it is the larger number of global infections and high virus loads that help contribute to the large number of mutations we have seen. Most people are not annually infected with influenza, however without precautions many people are getting COVID twice or more per year. Each infection is a new opportunity to mutate.
Asymptomatic infection is less likely to lead to serious long term health issues, though I would not rule it out as impossible we are still leaning a lot about this virus and tracking asymptomatic infections and their outcomes is very difficult because most people have no idea that they were experiencing an infection. So determining damage done by an asymptomatic infection is very hard. All in all, I'd say it's likely very low risk for immediate health complications because symptoms are a hallmark of inflammation that can cause significant damage.
Not fit testing masks is really tough. I advise people to inhale and exhale sharply while wearing the mask and see if they can feel air coming in / exiting from the edges / sides of the mask.
It is definitely rising. It's difficult to tell by how much since test positivity tracking is spotty at best, but there are certainly higher rates than just a few weeks ago.
It’s unfortunate that the data is becoming more and more difficult to find. I’ve even heard that some wastewater surveillance sites are reducing testing due to lack of funding :/
It is very concerning, especially because COVID-19 infection can cause severe life-long complications. The current gaps in monitoring is a very serious public health issue.
Agree - any updates on the long COVID front? I know Metformin showed some promise. Just wondering when/if us OG long haulers from the first wave may get some relief.
Thank you for this. Thank you for all you do to get information to people. You have saved the health of many. We need more people like you.
This is a question from a COVID cautious retired nurse “Dire. I don't understand how this specific SARS virus is able to have so many variants. Do you know? It is the one fact, I don't understand.”
For those who have the genotype which means they are assymptomatic if infected, is it known if they can still get serious health problems from COVID? Brain, vascular, oran damage? Are they at less risk? Or will they just not see the freight train coming? An elderly neighbour with health issues is taking risks, while saying she has still not had COVID. No mask. A friend who has really been following COVID and active in getting knowledge to others is not masking at times when there is absolutely risk! Also not fit testing mask. Makes me sad.
For your first question: although SARS-CoV-2 has a lower mutation rate than influenza it is the larger number of global infections and high virus loads that help contribute to the large number of mutations we have seen. Most people are not annually infected with influenza, however without precautions many people are getting COVID twice or more per year. Each infection is a new opportunity to mutate.
Asymptomatic infection is less likely to lead to serious long term health issues, though I would not rule it out as impossible we are still leaning a lot about this virus and tracking asymptomatic infections and their outcomes is very difficult because most people have no idea that they were experiencing an infection. So determining damage done by an asymptomatic infection is very hard. All in all, I'd say it's likely very low risk for immediate health complications because symptoms are a hallmark of inflammation that can cause significant damage.
Not fit testing masks is really tough. I advise people to inhale and exhale sharply while wearing the mask and see if they can feel air coming in / exiting from the edges / sides of the mask.
Thanks LiL - seems like COVID is surging here in CA. Lots of first time COVID cases from what I’m hearing.
It is definitely rising. It's difficult to tell by how much since test positivity tracking is spotty at best, but there are certainly higher rates than just a few weeks ago.
It’s unfortunate that the data is becoming more and more difficult to find. I’ve even heard that some wastewater surveillance sites are reducing testing due to lack of funding :/
It is very concerning, especially because COVID-19 infection can cause severe life-long complications. The current gaps in monitoring is a very serious public health issue.
Agree - any updates on the long COVID front? I know Metformin showed some promise. Just wondering when/if us OG long haulers from the first wave may get some relief.
There is huge amount of ongoing research. I'll take a look and do a review soon.
Thank you! Appreciate all you do. Hope all is well!