THE predicted tripledemic this fall and winter will bring us the flu and corona virus (Flurona) and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), a trifecta of infections. Big pharmas are now working on vaccines for RSV and now, a combination vaccine for both the influenza viruses (A&B) and the COVID-19 Omicron su-bvariants. The FC vaccines will be a two-in-one, a single jab for both the flu and COVID-19, annually.
Vaccine combos are not new; children’s vaccines, like MMR (Measles, 1963, Mumps, added in 1967, and Rubella, added in 1969); and DPT (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus) since 1984 are multiple combo vaccines. And they have been working wonders for decades, saving millions upon millions of children’s lives.
The FC combo vaccines could be available for the next flu season (2023). Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax are working on this vaccine combo.
‘As these viruses evolve, let us continue to be vigilant, masking up and social distancing (again) till we get national herd immunity…’
Hopefully, they would also develop a vaccine for RSV, and then make the FCR (flu-covid19-rsv) triple vaccine combo in the future. One needlestick for three.
In the meantime, one can (and should) get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, one in each arm, with your physician’s Rx.
XBB — new Omicron
Among the new Omicron su-bvariants, XBB is here, besides BQ.1.1, BQ.1.3, and BQ.2.3.20, thanks to the 100 million unvaccinated whose bodies are massive reservoir for the viruses, where they replicate and mutate to various variants and sub-variants. They are evolving to evade antibody protection from vaccines or antiviral medications. They are evolving to be more deadly to us. That’s the nature of viruses. According to the WHO, it is monitoring 300 sub-lineages of these viruses. XBB was first detected in India in August 2022, and now in the United States and 16 other countries and is able to evade antibody protection exceeding BA.5 and the SARS-CoV1 (the famous “SARS”) level, which causes severe disease. Remember the first COVID-19 and the Delta variant, which killed millions, the XBB could be as vicious, and will be closely monitored. The vaccines (1 thru 5) against COVID-19 do not guarantee a fully vaccinated individual against getting infected, but the vaccines (especially booster #3, the new bivalent one) will minimize the symptoms, the chance of needing hospitalization and death from the infection. As these viruses evolve, let us continue to be vigilant, masking up and social distancing (again) till we get national herd immunity, and this will happen only when all the 100 million get infected and obtain immunity from COVID-19 infection or from the COVID-19 vaccines.
Flu+bivalent booster
The CDC is strongly recommending for everyone eligible to get the flu shot and the COVID-19 bivalent booster (#3) as soon as possible. For those who missed the first COVID-19 booster or both the first and second booster, they may obtain the bivalent booster (#3) instead. The new bivalent shot is a reformulated one, designed to target the omicron su-bvariants, including the new ones. And clinical studies so far show they are safe and very effective in minimizing severity/hospital/and deaths. Many who have been infected, in spite of the vaccines, had minimal symptoms (like mild cough) only, and maybe a low-grade temp for less than 24 hours. For the vulnerable, Paxlovid pills (2 tabs twice a day for 5 days) have been most efficacious, when given within five days of the first symptom following a positive antigen test. Blood thinners and statin drugs must be stopped when taking Paxlovid.
CBD tea
While some sectors in the community, mainly the purveyors of cannabidiol compound found in cannabis plants, believe that CBD teas are beneficial to health, there are actually no serious scientific studies to prove these claims. These marketing schemes are not supported by science. Not to mention the fact that they are expensive, that cannabis may negatively affect male and female fertility, and that products containing trace amounts of THC can produce positive drug tests, which could be a potential problem with the police. Stick to green tea, black tea, chamomile tea, etc. for a simpler healthy refreshing drink. And talking about drinks, soft drinks of any variety are toxic to the body. They increase the risk for the development of metabolic syndrome, especially among children, but a lot of adults get it also. Stay away from this poison hiding behind its phosphoric acid fizz.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
