FDA Approves A New Vaccine for COVID-19

On Thursday, August 22, the US FDA approved a new vaccine for COVID-19 for the variant KP.2 that will provide protection against the circulating virus type KP.3.1.1. Three manufacturers will make their vaccines available this coming week (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax). The new vaccine is intended to provide protection for an average of 12 months, although protection among individuals varies greatly. Consult with your physician for your own need, and whether or not you need vaccination. The vaccines are for adult and pediatric populations.

I got covid again! (Days 5-8)

Day 5, August 7, 2024: The night of Day 4/5 was kind of rough. I only slept a few hours mainly due to congestion and cough.

Day 6, August 8, 2024:The symptoms began to subside, but the nasal congestion lingered. I slept during the day and night. I was glad I did so as I needed some rest.

Day 7, August 9, 2024: I began to feel better today. The sterile saline solution mist has been helping clearing up my nasal congestion. I began noticing that my sense of taste has almost 95% gone. I am not sure about my sense of smell, although I think it has been affected greatly as well. I did not realize that I had lost my sensation of tasting and smelling until today because earlier in this illness I did not have the appetite to eat. My sleep continued to be good.

Day 8, August 10, 2024: All my symptoms are, but gone today, except for tasting and smelling things. I went out for the first time since last Friday, August 2. I even took my dog for a ride in the car. My appetite came back today, but my sense of taste is still lacking and so does my smell sense. I plan to go back to work on Monday. The CDC current recommendations are to isolate for five days and return to normal life after five days if symptoms have decreased with no fever. Luckily, I've never had fever during this covid episode. When I was out today walking my dog, a boy was yelling to his friend across park telling him he had covid! I guess young people don't get it as bad as old folks like me.

Thankfully, none of my household (my wife, my three adult sons, and my two dogs) appear to have the virus, so far. In fact, my dog stayed with me the whole time downstairs, whereas the others came downstairs as needed and remained there for a short period. I used the half-bath and all of them refrained from using it. I tried whenever I could to cleanse my hands with alcoholic gel.  I also tried to limit my touch to surfaces with my bare hands as much as I could. I do not think there is a typical covid case as each one of us experiences it differently. The bottom line, remain vigilant and conscientious, and most of all considerate to others. If each of us isolate while sick, we will all win. The good old saying "an once of prevention is better than a pound of cure" applies nicely here, and if I may add "and being considerate to others by limiting contact with the outside is key to control this miserable disease." Lastly, I plan to get vaccination against this virus every six months from now on. I do not want to go through this misery again.

Interest in vaccinating children is on the decline

Fewer and fewer adults believe that it is "extremely important" for their kids to be vaccinated. In 2019, 58% of the adults surveyed indicated their strong believe in vaccinating their kids, and in 2021, this number increased to 64%. A recent survey regarding this matter showed that only 40% will do so now, a sharp decline from the past few years.

The First Shipments of Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Is Being Done Today (Pictures from TV)

 

A List of Some Important Vaccines

Adenovirus
Cholera
Cytomegalovirus
Dental Caries
Diphtheria
Gonorrhoea
Gram-negative Bacilli
Haemophilus Influenzae B
Herpes Simplex 1 and 2
Infectious Mononucleosis (EB Virus)
Japanese Encephalitis
Measles
Meningococcus A and C
Mumps
Norwalk Agent
Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3
Pertussis
Pneumococcus (14 different vaccines)
Poliomyelitis
Rabies
Respiratory Syncytial
Rotavirus
Rubella
Russian Spring-Summer Encephalitis
Smallpox
Streptococcus B
Tetanus
Tuberculosis
Typhoid Fever
Typhus
Varicella-zoster
Viral Hepatitis A
Viral Hepatitis B
Viral Hepatitis non-A, non-B
Viral Influenza
Yellow Fever

Vaccine for Breast Cancer

An experimental vaccine obtained from the patient own tissues have shown an 85% protection against ductal breast cancer in situ lasting (so far) for four years.

Vaccines in Wake County, North Carolina

HIV Update: New Antibodies Againt HIV Virus

A new research from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease is making headlines all over the world. The significance of this research is huge concerning the AIDS virus, HIV. Up until recently scientists were able to halt reproduction of 4 out of 10 HIV strains. The new research promised halting 9 out of 10 HIV strains. The way this is done is by blocking the ability of the HIV virus to "dock" on its receptors located on T cells (the natural fighters that protect human from foreign invaders). The way HIV gains access to these cells is by binding to specialized receptors (docking units) on the surface of the T cells, entering the cells, replicating inside the cells, and eventually destroying them. The ability of the new antibodies to block the virus entry 90% of the time will be a major win against this killer disease. The two newly discovered antibodies are known by VRC01 and VRC02. They will be used in treating the patients as well as generating vaccines against HIV.

Natural Immunity Against HIV/AIDS

Approximately 5 out of 1000 people have a natural immunity against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Most of those people with this natural immunity have a common gene known as HLA B57. This gene provides the person with a stronger defense system, specifically T killer cells. It appears the HLA B57 gene "makes" the thymus gland to produce stronger killer T cells. Unfortunately, people with this gene are more susceptible to develop autoimmune diseases, where their own body immune system begins to attack various organs. This finding may lead to a vaccine against HIV by 2020.

A New Vaccine for Malaria

On April 6, 2010, GlaxoSmithKline and Crucell NV announced their plan to develop a joint vaccine against malaria. GlaxoSmithKline independently from Crucell NV has developed RTS,S/AS which is a new agent to combat malaria. Crucell NV has its own technology known as AdVac. The AdVac technology supports the placement of a genetic material inside a carrier system such a viral envelop (e.g., the flu virus). By placing RTS,S/AS inside this vehicle, a vaccination against malaria is possible. Currently, GlaxoSmithKline is conducting its own clinical trial on its agent RTS,S/AS. The headquarter of GlaxoSmithKline is located in the RTP area in North Carolina.

Warning from Novartis---Vaccines

The CEO of Novartis warned countries that are trying to cancel their H1N1 vaccines contract with Novartis that there will be looked at unfavorably by the company. Novartis, a well known giant in the manufacturing of vaccines, had many contracts with different countries to supply them with H1N1 vaccines. But now, since the pandemic is over, countries are no longer interested in purchasing this vaccines. The CEO stated that in the future there "will be another pandemic", and those countries that honored their contracts this time will be treated more favorably by the company in the future.

H1N1 Vaccine: Unacceptable Adverse Events

The Canadian government announced today the withdrawal of thousands of H1N1 vaccine units from its market citing numerous adverse events that are beyond "norm". Meanwhile, four patients at Duke Hospital (Durham, NC) died today from complications due to "resistant" H1N1 infections.

Not All Swine Flu Vaccines are the Same!

According to the World Health Organization vaccines for H1N1 virus (the Swine flu) contains adjuvants when sold outside the United States. Vaccines given within the United States territory do not contain adjuvants.

Medical Donations: H1N1 Vaccine

Many of the third world countries cannot afford Swine Flu vaccination program to their citizens. They rely heavily on donations from wealthier countries, such as the United States, according to World Health Organization.

10/13/2009 H1N1 Public Vaccination Began

The United States initiated a vaccination program to its citizens against the Swine Flu virus infection on October 13, 2009. For most cases, children under 10 years old will need two vaccinations, whereas adults will be vaccinated once.

Higher Risk for Attracting H1N1--A Link to Seasonable Flu Vaccine: A Canadian Study

A Canadian study has suggested that people who received the seasonable flu vaccine has double the risk for attracting the H1N1 virus.

Vaccines are now available at your local drug store

Many pharmacies now offer vaccination for the flu virus. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer this service. Most likely they do.

Vaccination

In the months to come, vaccine against H1N1 virus will be available in the United States. Some will object to its use citing dangerous side effects. If there is anything positive man has done in medicine, one of them will be vaccination. Vaccines save lives. Vaccines are good for our health. Vaccines are not evil. Get vaccinated and protect yourself and your family. It is the Right thing to do.

Vaccinate Children and Their Parents

With the fear of H1N1 looming on the horizon and the school opening in August and September, perhaps the best way to combat the Swine Flu spread is to vaccinate school age children and their parents. I wonder if anyone out there will hear this call. We are all at risk of attracting the virus, and this could be our savior.

Pregnant Women Will Receive Swine Flu Vaccine First in the USA

Recommendations by US Health authorities has asked that pregnant women be vaccinated first due to its severity in this population.