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Moderate Respiratory Illness Activity in Iowa
The CDC tracks respiratory illness and there is moderate activity in Iowa according the data tracker. The weekly snapshot as of December 1, 2023 shows highlights including: “COVID-19 test positivity (percentage of tests conducted that were positive), emergency department visits, and hospitalizations have increased nationally. A group of Omicron variants (XBB and its sublineages) are the…
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CDC Update on Covid-19 Variant BA.2.86
I saw a news item headline which mentioned Covid-19 Variant. BA.2.86. The CDC website tracking respiratory variants has a definitive update as of November 27, 2023: “What to know about BA.2.86 The virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly changing over time. Sometimes these changes allow new variants to spread more quickly or effectively. If that occurs, the…
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CDC Educates About Covid-19 Variants
Sometimes I see news about Covid-19 variants. They typically sound alarming. The CDC has posted an update on Covid-19 variants that is reassuring. There will always be variants. Not all will be serious threats. According to the update: “While new variants like BA.2.86 and JN.1 attract attention, right now, 99 percent of SARS-CoV-2 variants are part…
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CDC on How to Get Flu, Covid-19, and RSV Vaccines
The latest update on how to get the respiratory viruses vaccines is updated on the CDC website. Highlights: “f you have insurance, these vaccines should be free to you in most cases. Adults without health insurance or adults whose insurance doesn’t cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine for free through the Bridge…
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CDC Update on Respiratory Viruses and the Covid-19 Vaccine
CDC posted an update on Covid-19 vaccination on October 13, 2023. In brief, the salient points: They save lives and prevent hospitalizations. The vaccines work. The side effects are mild or moderate. Scientific evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. They don’t make you magnetic and they don’t have microchips to track your…
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CDC Recommendations for Fall-Winter Immunizations
The CDC recommendations for Fall-winter immunizations were updated as of September 29, 2023. A few states require a physician’s prescription for the RSV vaccine. Information varies on the web on which states require a prescription for the RSV vaccine. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy website is clear on the matter–you’ll need a prescription. Most states…
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Covid-19 and Flu Vaccines Today
Today I got the new Covid-19 vaccine and the flu shot. I scheduled on line late last week and got right in. I didn’t have to wait long in line—and there were others getting the same vaccines. Sena will get them tomorrow. It’s up to you.
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Get Free At-Home Covid-19 Tests
As of September 25, 2023, 4 free at-home Covid-19 tests are available. See this link for more information.
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COVID-19 in the Rearview Mirror?
One way to think about the Covid-19 pandemic can be that it’s in our rearview mirror, which is one way of saying it’s behind us now. On the other hand, another way to think about it is that COVID-19 is in our rearview mirror because it’s tailing us. So, we can’t keep staring in the…
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How to Find Covid-19 Vaccine Availability By County
I’m finding out that maybe the best way to learn what the local public health issues are concerning Covid-19 infections as well as vaccine availability are through the county public health agency in my area. According to the Johnson County Public Health department, hospital admission rates in Johnson County currently low. I can search the…
