COVID-19 News and Updates
Hello all,
Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates. This week we are elaborating on the increasing body of information regarding long COVID and vaccination, as well as reported rhetoric around COVID-19 being similar to the flu after Pfizer’s statement about a yearly booster.
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If you or anyone you know has any questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the available vaccines please don’t hesitate to send me an email, or to call or text our COVID-19 Peer Support line at 207-271-6023.
I am always happy to answer any questions, and to help you or those you know locate a vaccination center.
COVID Communication:
Discussion of Annual COVID Booster and Why COVID Is Not the Flu
With the statement from Pfizer regarding the notion of a yearly COVID-19 booster has come a reported increased reluctance in getting vaccinated, several people likening the virus to the flu. While they are both contagious respiratory viruses, it is important to communicate that we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and that they are far from the same in both symptoms and virulence. Compared to the flu, COVID-19 can cause more serious illness, take longer before people show symptoms, and people may remain contagious for longer periods of time.
This plus the burgeoning body of data and first-hand accounts of the effects of long COVID mean that more and continued education is needed.
Links and Sources: CDC Difference Between Flu and COVID-19, John’s Hopkins School of Public Health COVID-19 Is Not the Flu, John’s Hopkins Medicine COVID-19 vs. the Flu 2022
COVID in the News:
State of COVID-19 in Maine
Case numbers and hospitalizations across the state remain low, with no new deaths reported on March 27th. Current hospitalizations stand at 92 people across the state with 17 in critical care.
Recent Studies Regarding the Effects of Long COVID
Dr. Elizabeth Marnik and her associate Sabina Vohra-Miller put out an excellent round up of several studies that have been recently published regarding the impact of long COVID. The increased risks of cardiovascular issues (such as stroke, dysrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, among others), neurological effects (tissue damage in areas of the brain associated with smell, reduced brain size and grey matter thickness, cognitive decline), and other symptoms previously discussed are quite substantial even in those who contract a mild case of COVID-19.
A recent review of nine different studies found that between 10%-35% of people who had a mild infection reported persistent symptoms, with fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, lung pain, and headaches being the most common even after 3 months post said mild cases. As this data becomes clarified, it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is not purely an issue of mortality, but also needs to be discussed as a mass-disabling event, with many of these symptoms being quite impactful on people’s daily lives and overall quality of life.
As cases of long COVID increase, the data is also becoming increasingly clear that vaccination does significantly reduce the chance of contracting long COVID symptoms (elaborated on below), making the need for full vaccination and booster shots clearer than ever.
Links and Sources: Full Round Up From Dr. Marnik and Sabina
Growing Evidence of Efficacy of the COVID-19 Vaccine Against Long COVID
As we are beginning to understand the potential impact of long COVID, experts are looking more closely at the effects of vaccination on reducing risk of contracting long COVID symptoms. More information is still needed, but it’s clear that vaccines do offer at least some protection from the symptoms.
In addition to significantly reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the first place, fully vaccinated people are proving to be less likely to develop these symptoms than unvaccinated people. In general it is difficult to compare studies regarding long COVID as parameters around what symptoms are counted and how long they need to last are not standardized, but vaccination so far is proving to reduce the risks of long COVID by as much as 50%-80% across the studies analyzed.
Additionally, in people who contracted long COVID prior to being vaccinated, roughly 30% of patients who then got vaccinated reported an improvement of symptoms. People who were vaccinated soon after a COVID-19 diagnosis were also less likely to report symptoms of long COVID than unvaccinated individuals.
It is important to note that all of the above data is regarding COVID pre-Omicron, and that data surrounding the recent variant is still being analyzed. In the end, the only sure way to not contract long COVID is to prevent infection.
Links and Sources: NPR Report on Long COVID and Vaccination, (also see above link from Dr. Marnik’s page)
Featured in the Field:
Vick Krishna
This week is an unusual account in that this is not a healthcare professional account, but rather an actor. Vick Krishna has created a wide array of creative COVID-19 engagement videos that routinely receive well over 2 million views and tens of thousands of people engaging in the comments section. Krishna presents several creative ideas for COVID communication across his platforms.
Most famous for his TikTok videos, you can also find his COVID-19 content on Instagram.
Thanks again everyone for checking in this week. Stay safe, and remember to take care of each other. ~ Nina
Nina Duggan is Healthy Acadia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Project Coordinator. They share weekly updates about COVID-19 in the state of Maine and beyond, along with resources you may find useful on testing, vaccination, and best practices in preventative measures.
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If you or anyone you know have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the available vaccines please call or text our COVID-19 Peer Support Line at 207-271-6023, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.