Recently, I had COVID-19 and I was fully vaccinated against the illness. While testing positive twice throughout 2022, my symptoms were non-existent. I felt magnificent!
During my 1970’s college years, I, young and unvaccinated, contracted a severe case of Influenza, shortened as the “flu”. Vividly, I remember asking GOD, “If HE will let me recover from the flu, I will be fully vaccinated every year that vaccines are available to the general public.” And, I have faithfully kept my promise for almost 50 years.
According to www.mayoclinic.com, “Covid is caused by an infection with Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first identified in 2019. Needlessly, the media has enjoyed alerting and scaring the public domain about the virus, while proving their medical knowledge is limited. Additionally, the flu (Influenza) is caused by an infection with the flu virus,” wrote Mayo Clinic’s medical personnel staff. “Covid spreads more easily than the “flu.”
Quarantine time is five days for the flu, compared to 10 days for Covid.
Within all Tennessee counties, the CDC (Center for Disease Control), publishes the weekly case numbers of Covid for the general public. This occurs every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and is posted online under the CDC website.
As an inclusive addendum, the symptoms of both viruses are astoundingly familiar, therefore citizens should visit their physician for a complete and thorough diagnosis. In a recent interview, Dr. Kevin Rhody of the local Family Medical Center explained that while Covid cases were declining, the flu cases were escalating everywhere, including DeKalb County.
“You can be fine at bedtime and wake up the following morning with the flu. It can appear around six hours after exposure,” Dr. Rhody continued.
Regarding the efficiency of the flu shot, Dr. Paula B. Roller, registered pharmacist at Webb’s Pharmacy in Smithville, answered our question, “The flu shot doesn’t give you, or keep you from getting, the flu. What it does is that it builds up your immunity to the flu and its symptoms. If you suddenly get the flu after being vaccinated, the shot keeps you from having severe symptoms (see below), similar to having Covid.
“No vaccine, including Covid or the flu, is 100 percent effective against all viruses,”
Roller explained further.
The shared symptoms of the flu and Covid include:
Feverish or having chills.
Cough.
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Fatigue and tiredness.
Sore throat.
Runny or stuffy nose.
Headache.
Vomiting.
Loss of taste or smell.
On a personal note, vaccinations seem to be the only partial remedy to extricate the two viruses, while being unvaccinated can cause more severe problems. (Ibid).
In conclusion, the vaccinations are a true medical and pharmaceutical gift to all Americans. Be thankful, not angry,
Open them thankfully and appreciably.
And always remember, “IF NOT NOW……WHEN?”
SIDEBAR:
The following information is from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in Atlanta, Georgia.
* Influenza activity continues to increase.
* Three influenza-associated pediatric (under age 18 years) deaths were reported this week.
* CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 2.8 million illnesses; 23,000 hospitalizations; and, 1,300 deaths.
* An annual Flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the Flu. Vaccinations help prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in persons who get vaccinated but still get sick with the Flu.
* CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older get a Flu vaccine annually.
* There are also prescription Flu anti-viral drugs that can be used to treat the Flu illness; those need to be started as early as possible. (Tamiflu, etc.)
THIS WEEK: BY THE NUMBERS IN THE UNITED STATES:
· 12.8% tested positive for the Flu.
· 5.5% hospital visits were respiratory illnesses.
· 1.0% of long-term care facilities tested positive for the Flu.
· 6,465 patients were admitted to hospital with the Flu.
· 9.0% deaths attributed to Covid, Flu, or Pneumonia.
· 5 total pediatric deaths.
