CR: COVID-19 --Political Talk

[Nivek 16772]

I have joined the ranks of the polluted.   Tested positive and then I split from my family and went to a guest house.  My doctor failed me.  I reached out early and got stonewalled since I was out of state and I stupidly missed out on some treatments.   Now in week 2, I am getting worse.   Local doc told me that there is no test to tell me when I am no longer infectious, so I could just return home and hope for the best.  That sounds like a bunch of crap to me and explains why we have spread this shit around so much.  We need to understand when people are free to interact without risk infecting them.  Not based on a hunch, but based on an actual fucking test.

 

[Nivek 16772]

On 6/27/2022 at 11:05 AM, Brisketexan said:

Oh dear lord, if they come out with a BS-95 mask, I'll end up mute.

BS-95 will reduce the birth rate as well and marriages and wall street will crumble.  

[Skipper 6012]

44 minutes ago, Nivek said:

I have joined the ranks of the polluted.   Tested positive and then I split from my family and went to a guest house.  My doctor failed me.  I reached out early and got stonewalled since I was out of state and I stupidly missed out on some treatments.   Now in week 2, I am getting worse.   Local doc told me that there is no test to tell me when I am no longer infectious, so I could just return home and hope for the best.  That sounds like a bunch of crap to me and explains why we have spread this shit around so much.  We need to understand when people are free to interact without risk infecting them.  Not based on a hunch, but based on an actual fucking test.

 

If you have been sick for 7+ days, take a couple of rapid tests, and don't even see a faint line on either of them, you are almost certainly not still infectious.  That's why docs that know this stuff were pissed at the official policy of day 5 and no symptoms for return to work.  They claim if rapid still shows positive then still infectious.  

I had a dentist appt when I had it and called and explained situation this was their policy as well.  I ended up pushing it back a day because still had a faint line day before visit.  By next day it was gone.

[Nivek 16772]

@Skipper I am showing robust lines and today puts me at 10 days.

I don’t mind the isolation. I am annoyed with the lack of clarity on the antigen test. I don’t want a “i am pretty sure you are not infectious” when i should get an “you are or are not a disease vector”

[jimmyjazz 45430]

Are you still symptomatic?

[Skipper 6012]

8 hours ago, Nivek said:

@Skipper I am showing robust lines and today puts me at 10 days.

I don’t mind the isolation. I am annoyed with the lack of clarity on the antigen test. I don’t want a “i am pretty sure you are not infectious” when i should get an “you are or are not a disease vector”

Look at Dr. Michael Mina's twitter feed. He is a testing guru. His position is pretty clear that if you are still showing positive on a rapid test, you still have live virus in your system and can transmit.

[Captainant 27250]

8 hours ago, Nivek said:

@Skipper I am showing robust lines and today puts me at 10 days.

I don’t mind the isolation. I am annoyed with the lack of clarity on the antigen test. I don’t want a “i am pretty sure you are not infectious” when i should get an “you are or are not a disease vector”

Shit it's been 10 days for you?? My last test about 16 hours ago was immediately a bright line the second the test solution hit it, even before it got to the control strip.

How long did your symptoms last? Or are you still symptomatic?

[lemonlime 5503]

On 6/27/2022 at 9:45 AM, lemonlime said:

It was just a ruined vacation.   But people are just so stupid.  We're having a surge of cases, and everyone's like well less people are dying from it.  So let's spread it all over the fucking place.  And who gives a fuck about the economic impact of people out from work.  The same people who wanted to kill Grandma so they could eat at Applebees, are fine with Applebees not being able to find enough workers because everyone's out sick, or having to cancel their vacations.  It's bizarro world.

And more ruined vacation plans.  I was supposed to visit some family for the first time in ages over July 4th weekend, but they tested positive Monday.  And then I made alternate plans to head to the beach with a friend, but she tested positive yesterday.  Everyone fucking has it now.

[Nivek 16772]

3 hours ago, Captainant said:

Shit it's been 10 days for you?? My last test about 16 hours ago was immediately a bright line the second the test solution hit it, even before it got to the control strip.

How long did your symptoms last? Or are you still symptomatic?

I am still symptomatic,  I was worse on days 1-2 and 7-9.   Same, the positive hits before the control.  

[Nivek 16772]

3 hours ago, Skipper said:

Look at Dr. Michael Mina's twitter feed. He is a testing guru. His position is pretty clear that if you are still showing positive on a rapid test, you still have live virus in your system and can transmit.

That is what I was thinking as well.   

[Bozo_Casanova 26188]

Paxlovid seems to work pretty well, but the “Paxlovid mouth” side effect is … not great.

[Bozo_Casanova 26188]

On 6/27/2022 at 5:00 PM, jimmyjazz said:

Pics of wife?  Or her mom?

Roman?

<:-)

[DixonHur 11017]

33 minutes ago, Nivek said:

I am still symptomatic,  I was worse on days 1-2 and 7-9.   Same, the positive hits before the control.  

Have you tried injecting bleach? 

[jimmyjazz 45430]

34 minutes ago, Nivek said:

I am still symptomatic,  I was worse on days 1-2 and 7-9.   Same, the positive hits before the control.  

Jeez, I'm sorry to hear this.  Keep us updated.

[Nivek 16772]

4 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

Jeez, I'm sorry to hear this.  Keep us updated.

Thanks,  I am very fortunate to be able to isolate.  My neighbor had contracted it and isolated in his home to the best of his abilities and after nearly 20 days he managed to infect his daughter who reacted with a high fever based on the last update.  The lack of clarity and direct messaging about when one is not infectious and shedding the virus seems to be the real key to why we are having this bullshit wave after wave especially considering how the virus can remain infectious to humans outside of the body for upto 14 days after in our cars, homes, and offices.   

 

[Skipper 6012]

28 minutes ago, Nivek said:

The lack of clarity and direct messaging about when one is not infectious and shedding the virus seems to be the real key to why we are having this bullshit wave after wave especially considering how the virus can remain infectious to humans outside of the body for upto 14 days after in our cars, homes, and offices.   

 

I mean I know there were some early studies showing it can "technically" stay active for that long but evidence is beyond clear the virus is spreading via direct person to person contact in non-ventilated areas.  Nobody is actually getting this thing from a lunchroom counter someone touched days ago like people originally feared the first couple of months.    The virus is spreading wave after wave because it (i) has become more and more immune evasive meaning it is infecting those with both natural and vax antibodies and (ii) because most people have antibodies, for many it is extremely minor and people are spreading it without knowing they are infected and also (iii) it's not showing up on rapid tests until day 2-3 of symptoms for many so many test negative then spread it.   Basically when you combine those factors it is what it is and it's going to spread. 

[Immaculate Vibes 114]

Time to dump the military mandates. There’s no real scientific reason to maintain them at this point. Vast majority have natural immunity, at soldier age they’re at extremely low risk of serious illness, and the vaccine is for a strain that is 2 years old. 
 

Adversely affecting recruiting 

Edited June 29, 2022 by Immaculate Vibes

[DixonHur 11017]

8 minutes ago, Immaculate Vibes said:

Time to dump the military mandates. There’s no real scientific reason to maintain them at this point. Vast majority have natural immunity, at soldier age they’re at extremely low risk of serious illness, and the vaccine is for a strain that is 2 years old. 
 

Adversely affecting recruiting 

Tell me you've never been in the military without telling me you've never been in the military

[Neonmoon 38127]

IV promoting more anti-vaccine rhetoric 

I’m shocked. 

Oh, if you feel like responding, please know, my response will continue to be “get fucked”

[Tuco 5076]

1 hour ago, Immaculate Vibes said:

 

Adversely affecting recruiting 

Sounds to me it's increasing the IQ of the average recruit.

[GreenspointTexas 9547]

Wait, people are still afraid to get vaccinated? Lmao

[4th&Five 41444]

Don’t confuse fear with stupidity. 

[Sawbonz 27301]

3 hours ago, Nivek said:

My neighbor had contracted it and isolated in his home to the best of his abilities and after nearly 20 days he managed to infect his daughter

Was his daughter isolating as well?

[justhookit 4174]

1 hour ago, Sawbonz said:

Was his daughter isolating as well?

This. I mean at this point I pretty much assume that 1 out of 15 people I come into contact with have it. I just had it so it’s not a big concern and actually wasn’t a big concern before I got it. This variant is contagious as fuck and trying to figure out who you got it from is pretty much a fool’s errand unless you are locking yourself inside your house. 20 days would be way, way outside the norm.

[Nivek 16772]

17 hours ago, Skipper said:

I mean I know there were some early studies showing it can "technically" stay active for that long but evidence is beyond clear the virus is spreading via direct person to person contact in non-ventilated areas.  Nobody is actually getting this thing from a lunchroom counter someone touched days ago like people originally feared the first couple of months.    The virus is spreading wave after wave because it (i) has become more and more immune evasive meaning it is infecting those with both natural and vax antibodies and (ii) because most people have antibodies, for many it is extremely minor and people are spreading it without knowing they are infected and also (iii) it's not showing up on rapid tests until day 2-3 of symptoms for many so many test negative then spread it.   Basically when you combine those factors it is what it is and it's going to spread. 

I guess what I am poorly stating is that we heard this initially, it was recently repeated to me here in NE Texas, and yet it seems that this is just more information that was not really updated.   So if that is indeed accurate, then the potential for a single person extends to 10-20 days of infection plus 7-14 days of secondary contact infection.   That is a long time.   

[Nivek 16772]

14 hours ago, Sawbonz said:

Was his daughter isolating as well?

She is 7 yrs old, so she was being isolated from both her dad and from the world during that time.   But of course nothing is exact since she wasn't living in a bubble.  

 

[HenryJames 65852]

RIP @Sawbonz. 

[Anastasis 23329]

Triple horn never popped his head back in. Zelenko had some form of cancer for years. 

[Incredulity 11446]

48?

Thats a old looking 48

[Nivek 16772]

Day 13: Still positive and still isolated.  Talked with a physician yesterday who told me it was fine to return home when my symptoms are minor.  And that my kids are old enough not to need enough hugs all the time or be near my face.   This isn't exactly true.   So according to her, I am fine.  Even though I am still positive on day 13.  When I asked about going to a dentist for a routine cleaning I was told to put that one off.   I could put the dentist at risk.   Apparently, I am not a risk to my children and wife, but I am to my dentist.   Granted they are different situations but the idea that this risk is acceptable but that risk is not seems a bit absurd seeing how they are both predicated on me being infectious to a degree.   I was also advised due to lightheadedness when standing, that I should not exercise.

Current symptoms: I get lightheaded when standing too long (showering, cooking) and my concentration is shit, and I for the past 2 days, I have needed naps, mild cough, congestion.  

I wish people would not downplay this thing.  Losing my ability to stand, go for a walk, stay awake, read seems a bit more than a minor thing to me.  

[Willfully Horn 7911]

On 6/29/2022 at 2:44 PM, Immaculate Vibes said:

There’s no real scientific reason to maintain them at this point. Vast majority have natural immunity, at soldier age they’re at extremely low risk of serious illness, and the vaccine is for a strain that is 2 years old. 

The military functions really well when any given member is out for a week every three to four months.

[Foosters 17688]

Someone please vet my family's revised covid travel plans:

I started feeling slight tickle in throat on Tuesday. Was around my family all day.

On Wednesday morning I was with my wife/kid before work. Tested positive at work on Wednesday afternoon. Came home wearing N95 and went straight to bedroom. No interaction with family since Wednesday morning.

Wednesday evening my wife and kid both took antigen and PCR tests that came back negative.

Tonight, the wife and kid are taking another round of PCRs with results back in 90 mins.

Tomorrow, assuming negative PCR, they will get on a flight. They also plan on taking antigen test in the morning before leaving for airport. They're headed to family reunion with good deal of extended family all staying under the same roof.

We playing with fire here?

[NameAlreadyInUse 5102]

Eh, my first thought was I need your game.  I'd pay a lot to test positive if it meant I could skip a family reunion.

[Sawbonz 27301]

5 hours ago, Nivek said:

Day 13: Still positive and still isolated.  Talked with a physician yesterday who told me it was fine to return home when my symptoms are minor.  And that my kids are old enough not to need enough hugs all the time or be near my face.   This isn't exactly true.   So according to her, I am fine.  Even though I am still positive on day 13.  When I asked about going to a dentist for a routine cleaning I was told to put that one off.   I could put the dentist at risk.   Apparently, I am not a risk to my children and wife, but I am to my dentist.   Granted they are different situations but the idea that this risk is acceptable but that risk is not seems a bit absurd seeing how they are both predicated on me being infectious to a degree.   I was also advised due to lightheadedness when standing, that I should not exercise.

Current symptoms: I get lightheaded when standing too long (showering, cooking) and my concentration is shit, and I for the past 2 days, I have needed naps, mild cough, congestion.  

I wish people would not downplay this thing.  Losing my ability to stand, go for a walk, stay awake, read seems a bit more than a minor thing to me.  

Man that sucks. I hope you feel better soon. 

[NameAlreadyInUse 5102]

5 hours ago, Nivek said:

Day 13: Still positive and still isolated.  Talked with a physician yesterday who told me it was fine to return home when my symptoms are minor.  And that my kids are old enough not to need enough hugs all the time or be near my face.   This isn't exactly true.   So according to her, I am fine.  Even though I am still positive on day 13.  When I asked about going to a dentist for a routine cleaning I was told to put that one off.   I could put the dentist at risk.   Apparently, I am not a risk to my children and wife, but I am to my dentist.   Granted they are different situations but the idea that this risk is acceptable but that risk is not seems a bit absurd seeing how they are both predicated on me being infectious to a degree.   I was also advised due to lightheadedness when standing, that I should not exercise.

Current symptoms: I get lightheaded when standing too long (showering, cooking) and my concentration is shit, and I for the past 2 days, I have needed naps, mild cough, congestion.  

I wish people would not downplay this thing.  Losing my ability to stand, go for a walk, stay awake, read seems a bit more than a minor thing to me.  

Hate that you are going through this, and hate even more how little information is still available about what the right MEDICAL answer is here. Hope you recover quickly Nivek!

[Bozo_Casanova 26188]

5 hours ago, Nivek said:

Day 13: Still positive and still isolated.  Talked with a physician yesterday who told me it was fine to return home when my symptoms are minor.  And that my kids are old enough not to need enough hugs all the time or be near my face.   This isn't exactly true.   So according to her, I am fine.  Even though I am still positive on day 13.  When I asked about going to a dentist for a routine cleaning I was told to put that one off.   I could put the dentist at risk.   Apparently, I am not a risk to my children and wife, but I am to my dentist.   Granted they are different situations but the idea that this risk is acceptable but that risk is not seems a bit absurd seeing how they are both predicated on me being infectious to a degree.   I was also advised due to lightheadedness when standing, that I should not exercise.

Current symptoms: I get lightheaded when standing too long (showering, cooking) and my concentration is shit, and I for the past 2 days, I have needed naps, mild cough, congestion.  

I wish people would not downplay this thing.  Losing my ability to stand, go for a walk, stay awake, read seems a bit more than a minor thing to me.  

That's terrible. I'm on Day 5. Really hope this resolves for you soon. 

[gmr548 16427]

On 6/29/2022 at 2:44 PM, Immaculate Vibes said:

Time to dump the military mandates. There’s no real scientific reason to maintain them at this point. Vast majority have natural immunity, at soldier age they’re at extremely low risk of serious illness, and the vaccine is for a strain that is 2 years old. 
 

Adversely affecting recruiting 

I think it's great we're moving to significantly raise the average IQ of American soldiers.

[achooloco 1060]

On 6/29/2022 at 3:40 PM, Skipper said:

I mean I know there were some early studies showing it can "technically" stay active for that long but evidence is beyond clear the virus is spreading via direct person to person contact in non-ventilated areas.  Nobody is actually getting this thing from a lunchroom counter someone touched days ago like people originally feared the first couple of months.    The virus is spreading wave after wave because it (i) has become more and more immune evasive meaning it is infecting those with both natural and vax antibodies and (ii) because most people have antibodies, for many it is extremely minor and people are spreading it without knowing they are infected and also (iii) it's not showing up on rapid tests until day 2-3 of symptoms for many so many test negative then spread it.   Basically when you combine those factors it is what it is and it's going to spread. 

those factors are definitely the driving force but also people are going back to being fucking idiot dickheads. I hit my day ten and second negative test (with no symptoms after day 3) so day later we went to AC, NJ for a quick getaway before this wknd rush. Anyway, this morning while at the coffee shop in one of the casinos, this dumb bitch coughed at least 8 or 9 times. This wasn't a water down the wrong pipe kinda cough, those are hella embarrassing to me since the pandemic started but figure that happens to all of us at some point. You aren't sick, just got caught with something in your throat that you got to get it out. No biggie.

No, these were deep guttural dry throat chest coughs. She tried doing the smaller ones in her elbow but the 8-9 big ones were unstoppable and unmistakeable. We all got to eat but send the fucking kids, do room service, or order your shit and stand aside away from folk; don't just cough it up at your table in a full coffee shop. Gave her the stink eye and glad she saw it, fucking dumbass.  And i know i'm probably exposed left and right from others on the subway or at the casino tables themselves but when it is that blatant and you're that reckless around others, you can fuck right off. Even if it wasn't covid, she sounded sick as hell, go fucking isolate.

[NWBuck 8536]

11 hours ago, HenryJames said:

RIP @Sawbonz. 

Protocols of Zelenko?

[Neonmoon 38127]

6 minutes ago, NWBuck said:

Protocols of Zelenko?

He a quack that promoted regiment of HCQ, zinc, and Ivermectin. The Rogan Bros ate it up 

[NWBuck 8536]

17 minutes ago, Neonmoon said:

He a quack that promoted regiment of HCQ, zinc, and Ivermectin. The Rogan Bros ate it up 

No, I got that... I was making a reference to another debunked historical document that mouth breathers continue to venerate.

[Biff Tannen 45439]

Just tested positive after wife was positive last week.  She's doing better, but I've had congestion and scratchy throat for 3 days.  Also, I've had 4 shots (due for 2nd booster in Sept) and already had the delta variant.  This shit is just not going away.  

Luckily, this is another excuse to not go back into the office and it seems like we at least have deaths mostly under control.  Just annoying at this point though.

[Mrs Whiggins 13049]

I think it's going to grab me eventually. I will be on tap for the flu/covid/pneumonia shot in two months and I'm aiming to make it until then but I won't be surprised if I don't.

[Nivek 16772]

Day 18:  Update.  Tested negative yesterday for the first time.  I was excited and started packing.   Then retested and was positive.   Same thing happened again today.   On the second test, I swabbed a little longer than the first test.  

Issues: Weak, I get fatigued rather quickly.  Getting more tests and gas was tiring two days ago.  Cleaning the front seats and dash of my car was tiring yesterday.  I still get lightheaded when standing more than 4 minutes.    Concentration is getting better.  TV is really really shit.  I cannot believe people pay for this.  Did it change or did I?   It is so awful.   /rant-off.   Night sweats.    

Improvements:  Congestion has decreased, while I get fatigued easily, I am no longer as tired and not needing naps during the day anymore.   Very mild cough.  

Now the dilemma, how to interpret the past two days of variable testing.  Maybe the CVS (FlowFlex) kit is unreliable?  I have not had such variability with other kits (iHealt, BinaxNow, etc.).   

[Captainant 27250]

11 minutes ago, Nivek said:

Day 18:  Update.  Tested negative yesterday for the first time.  I was excited and started packing.   Then retested and was positive.   Same thing happened again today.   On the second test, I swabbed a little longer than the first test.  

Issues: Weak, I get fatigued rather quickly.  Getting more tests and gas was tiring two days ago.  Cleaning the front seats and dash of my car was tiring yesterday.  I still get lightheaded when standing more than 4 minutes.    Concentration is getting better.  TV is really really shit.  I cannot believe people pay for this.  Did it change or did I?   It is so awful.   /rant-off.   Night sweats.    

Improvements:  Congestion has decreased, while I get fatigued easily, I am no longer as tired and not needing naps during the day anymore.   Very mild cough.  

Now the dilemma, how to interpret the past two days of variable testing.  Maybe the CVS (FlowFlex) kit is unreliable?  I have not had such variability with other kits (iHealt, BinaxNow, etc.).   

I'd go to a pharmacy to get a real PCR test and get to the bottom of things

[Bama Chick 28596]

I hope you don’t but have you spoken to a pulmonologist or ID doc about the possibility of Long COVID?

[Nivek 16772]

4 hours ago, Captainant said:

I'd go to a pharmacy to get a real PCR test and get to the bottom of things

I should go this route.  

5 hours ago, Bama Chick said:

I hope you don’t but have you spoken to a pulmonologist or ID doc about the possibility of Long COVID?

My lungs are clear.  I have mild asthma from time to time, and I am currently breathing strong.  Doc confirmed it both visits (one today).  I only had chest congestion for a few days and I started on prednisone and that helped clear it up.   

The doc seemed to downplay the symptoms I complain about the most (standing >4 minutes without getting lightheaded, concentration issues).   Not Ironically the clinic I was at has a protocol where they might see some covid patients inside or others in their car.   They had me use the car.  Then told me I could go be with my family and I am probably fine.   But being lightheaded and fatigued doesn't seem so fine to me.   

Other fun stuff was my first visit to the clinic I was the only person there.  Today I was in a line.   The local walmart was sold out of test kits and I only saw a single person wearing a mask and it was below her nose.    This little town is going to get hit hard.

 

[jimmyjazz 45430]

Great.  Another spike.  My first vacation in 3 years is coming up in . . . 5 weeks.  NYC.  Haven't been there in a long time.  Will probably die first.

[Bama Chick 28596]

My lungs are clear.  I have mild asthma from time to time, and I am currently breathing strong.  Doc confirmed it both visits (one today).  I only had chest congestion for a few days and I started on prednisone and that helped clear it up.   
The doc seemed to downplay the symptoms I complain about the most (standing >4 minutes without getting lightheaded, concentration issues).   Not Ironically the clinic I was at has a protocol where they might see some covid patients inside or others in their car.   They had me use the car.  Then told me I could go be with my family and I am probably fine.   But being lightheaded and fatigued doesn't seem so fine to me.   
Other fun stuff was my first visit to the clinic I was the only person there.  Today I was in a line.   The local walmart was sold out of test kits and I only saw a single person wearing a mask and it was below her nose.    This little town is going to get hit hard.
 

The lingering symptoms you are describing are textbook Long COVID. If the doc is downplaying those, look for a second opinion from a specialist.

[Nivek 16772]

16 hours ago, Bama Chick said:

The lingering symptoms you are describing are textbook Long COVID. If the doc is downplaying those, look for a second opinion from a specialist.

That is what it seems to be to me as well.  I read a CDC article that was fairly helpful in some respects.  Now, what I cannot get a clear definitive answer on is when a person who is long suffering is no longer infectious to others.  My parent's friend has long covid, with serious mental and stability issues, he is 73, but the disease hospitalized him.   He tests negative, but continues to suffer from mental issues more than a year later.  He also just got reinfected.   Because, Florida folks act Florida.  

My latest thinking seems to lean towards that the kits are probably fine, but that I may be at the sensitivity threshold.  I guess I will know if that is real or not in a few days.