COVID-19 Virus

[Scott]

Where I live, Iowa, cases are getting worse and worse daily! This second wave is horrible! I just got back to work after spending 2 weeks off work at home after testing positive. For reference I am 31 and I work at a car dealership with about 100 other employees total. it. It was a mild case for me with some fatigue and total loss of smell and taste but now that I'm recovered I feel a little thankful to have been only a mild case and to spend so much time with my pets at home. My husband, also 31, tested negative, never had symptoms and had to stay home with me. Still don't know how he managed that!

So sorry you contracted Covid, glad your course was mild with fast recovery. One just never knows, seems your husband is fortunate!

Second wave promises to be devastating, and we are just at the entry level. Stay safe and well!

 

[Laurasea]

Where I live, Iowa, cases are getting worse and worse daily! This second wave is horrible! I just got back to work after spending 2 weeks off work at home after testing positive. For reference I am 31 and I work at a car dealership with about 100 other employees total. it. It was a mild case for me with some fatigue and total loss of smell and taste but now that I'm recovered I feel a little thankful to have been only a mild case and to spend so much time with my pets at home. My husband, also 31, tested negative, never had symptoms and had to stay home with me. Still don't know how he managed that!

Itzjbean I'm so glad you recovered, and only had a mild case! Is your smell and taste bsck to normal?

Caaes are thtu the roof in Florida to, daily 5,000 to 6000 new cases...

 

[itzjbean]

Where I live, Iowa, cases are getting worse and worse daily! This second wave is horrible! I just got back to work after spending 2 weeks off work at home after testing positive. For reference I am 31 and I work at a car dealership with about 100 other employees total. it. It was a mild case for me with some fatigue and total loss of smell and taste but now that I'm recovered I feel a little thankful to have been only a mild case and to spend so much time with my pets at home. My husband, also 31, tested negative, never had symptoms and had to stay home with me. Still don't know how he managed that!

Itzjbean I'm so glad you recovered, and only had a mild case! Is your smell and taste bsck to normal?

Caaes are thtu the roof in Florida to, daily 5,000 to 6000 new cases...

Taste and smell are still coming back about 2 weeks later, with my smell coming back slower, I can smell about 65%!

 

[Laurasea]

Itzjbean, that is no fun not being able to taste or smell...i hope you get a full recovery!

" Prof Mauro Giacca, from King's College London, says many aspects of Covid are "unique" to the disease, indeed "it is different from any other common viral disease".

He says the virus does more than simply kill lung cells, it corrupts them too. Cells have been seen fusing together into massive and malfunctioning cells - called syncytia - that seem to stick around.

And Prof Giacca says you can have "complete regeneration" of the lungs after severe flu, but "this does not happen" with Covid.

"It is quite a peculiar infection," he said."
Above copied from article linked below.
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-54648684

 

[Squeekmouse]

Cases are surging here in Illinois... The Mayor of Chicago has cancelled Thanksgiving and ordering a lockdown starting Monday.

Lucky for me, I'm not in Chicago. Also I just got tested negative for Covid yesterday, so I'm happily going to my parent's for Thanksgiving where I shall sing and speak loudly and do a lot of hugging.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

CT is back at stage two..50% seating and resturants/bars need to close at 9:30. Positivity rate has flucuated between 3.8 and 6.4. (4.8 yesterday) over 300 hospitalized and 400+ testing positive..11 more deaths.



Jim

 

[noodles123]

Cases are surging here in Illinois... The Mayor of Chicago has cancelled Thanksgiving and ordering a lockdown starting Monday.

Lucky for me, I'm not in Chicago. Also I just got tested negative for Covid yesterday, so I'm happily going to my parent's for Thanksgiving where I shall sing and speak loudly and do a lot of hugging.

I don't mean to be a buzzkill here, but just remember that if you are exposed unknowingly, it can take up to 14 days from that point of exposure for a test to show positive, even though you are contagious before a positive result
.
So, a negative test only counts when ruling out current symptoms (e.g., if you have a sore throat and cough, you can get a COVID test as long as you have had those symptoms for a few days, and if it is negative, it is unlikely covid)...

That having been said, if you just randomly go get a negative test (in order to feel better about visiting people), that doesn't mean you don't have it (as it remains undetectable for a number of days).

That is why they require people exposed to known cases to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of test results (because negative test on day 10, could become positive on day 11,12,13,or 14---even though the person had been infected for over a week prior). If a test was sufficient, people wouldn't need to quarantine after exposure.

 

[Scott]

Highly populated California counties have regressed to the most restrictive "purple" tier. Weather permitting, my family will arrange an outdoor "picnic style" Thanksgiving at a public park. Each household will bring their own food, no sharing. At least 6 feet physical distancing will be maintained, this seems the best solution short of cumbersome Face-Timing. We'll take it one holiday at a time, though December will likely bring higher rates of Covid nationally.

 

[Laurasea]

my neighbor had cold symptoms went to doctor yesterday. Today rushed to the hospital with breathing problems.. so worried...but i don't have details
Our state went up close to 7, ooo cases yesterday

 

[Laurasea]

Finally some demographics , younger folks take note. It matches what I've found

The average Utahn hospitalized with COVID-19 is 54 years old.

Here’s maybe another surprise: Only about half (51.6%) of hospitalized Utahns have one or more confirmed preexisting conditions.

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/11/14/who-is-utahs-hospitals/

 

[Squeekmouse]

I don't mean to be a buzzkill here, but just remember that if you are exposed unknowingly, it can take up to 14 days from that point of exposure for a test to show positive, even though you are contagious before a positive result
.
So, a negative test only counts when ruling out current symptoms (e.g., if you have a sore throat and cough, you can get a COVID test as long as you have had those symptoms for a few days, and if it is negative, it is unlikely covid)...

That having been said, if you just randomly go get a negative test (in order to feel better about visiting people), that doesn't mean you don't have it (as it remains undetectable for a number of days).

That is why they require people exposed to known cases to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of test results (because negative test on day 10, could become positive on day 11,12,13,or 14---even though the person had been infected for over a week prior). If a test was sufficient, people wouldn't need to quarantine after exposure.

Wise words, and thank you for the words of caution. I actually had a couple of symptoms so my doctor recommended the test. My symptoms seem to be all clear now and the test was negative, so that's all good. My husband and I have also more strictly quarantined ourselves for the 2 weeks prior to Thanksgiving to be extra safe. My father-in-laws health isn't great, so I would never want to take ANY chances around him. I have a strong respect for what Covid can do (and is doing) to some people.

All of that said, even so, I refuse to live my life in fear. I'm taking every reasonable precaution (wearing masks, disinfecting anything that comes in the house, etc etc), but I can't stand the idea of government officials mandating what we must wear and what we can or can't do. Laws are passed by legislatures, not be a single government official. If someone wants to go out maskless and hanging out with friends, so be it. Driving, smoking, and drinking are all more likely to kill a twenty-something person and yet they are free to do these things as much as they like. I may think it's foolish and irresponsible to do any of these things, but I will fight for their right to do them anyway. I hope and pray that they don't expose their older, more vulnerable family, of course.

Ok... stepping off my soap-box. Sorry for the ranting.

 

[Laurasea]

Florida had ten thousand new cases yesterday.....
We are nearing a million cases State wide
Over 17 000 deaths
I wish we would at the very least have a mask mandate.....

 

[Jen5200]

WA has now added a month of increased restrictions as our case load is going up - reducing restaurant capacity, gyms, all gatherings, and that kind of stuff. We have had a mask mandate forever, so that just carries on. Masks have somehow become part of the wardrobe....I have so many now - sigh. We hadn’t really opened up very much so it doesn’t feel like much of a change.

I’m currently trying to convince my in-laws that it would be better to cancel Thanksgiving dinner since the governor has said no gatherings with family outside your household. Apparently it doesn’t apply to them and 10 people from 4 households is okay . I find it insanely frustrating because as long as everyone applies this logic - no one actually stops doing things, and we keep having increases in spread between households.

This pandemic is starting to make me grouchy

 

[noodles123]

My mom wants me to go out to see them but we all work in schools and my parents are older (plus there would be another family member in the mix besides me).

Unfortunately, even though I won't go to their house, I bet a million other mothers convince their children that the rules don't apply (which make it feel like it was all for nothing at times...because many people aren't following the rules when it counts). Then again, I am fighting that defeatist mindset, because I also think people use that negative thinking to justify bending the rules etc...but it is frustrating because I WANT to see my family...just don't think it's safe on a larger-scale. I'll probably be having a pity party instead WAHH

 

[T00tsyd]

My mom wants me to go out to see them but we all work in schools and my parents are older (plus there would be another family member in the mix besides me).

Unfortunately, even though I won't go to their house, I bet a million other mothers convince their children that the rules don't apply (which make it feel like it was all for nothing at times...because many people aren't following the rules when it counts). Then again, I am fighting that defeatist mindset, because I also think people use that negative thinking to justify bending the rules etc...but it is frustrating because I WANT to see my family...just don't think it's safe on a larger-scale. I'll probably be having a pity party instead WAHH

I am the Mother with 2 daughters. I have one with a 1 yr old who has just started day nursery and is considered to be my 'bubble' who we are allowed to mix with. I see her about once a week or so - distanced. The other is 2 hrs away with school age kids and we haven't seen each other since early August when things had relaxed for a while. I have already decided to have Christmas on my own - not because I am frightened but I actually think it takes the pressure off my girls. They are so worried at infecting me and my chances are nil for recovery, that I don't think it's fair to come across all needy on them.

I am currently shielded and from what I see that's not going to change before Christmas and if it does it will be too late for altering plans, so I am already getting my Christmas delivered in case next month is just crazy. We have decided to cut presents except for the kids to make life easier and have promised to catch up later. I don't see that we have much choice.

 

[Scott]

My mom wants me to go out to see them but we all work in schools and my parents are older (plus there would be another family member in the mix besides me).

Unfortunately, even though I won't go to their house, I bet a million other mothers convince their children that the rules don't apply (which make it feel like it was all for nothing at times...because many people aren't following the rules when it counts). Then again, I am fighting that defeatist mindset, because I also think people use that negative thinking to justify bending the rules etc...but it is frustrating because I WANT to see my family...just don't think it's safe on a larger-scale. I'll probably be having a pity party instead WAHH

Do you have to travel a considerable distance or are your parents relatively local? If the latter and weather cooperates, might you meet them outdoors? This is precisely how our family will get together Thanksgiving. Outdoor park, no food sharing, social distancing with masks. (removed for eating)

 

[noodles123]

My mom wants me to go out to see them but we all work in schools and my parents are older (plus there would be another family member in the mix besides me).

Unfortunately, even though I won't go to their house, I bet a million other mothers convince their children that the rules don't apply (which make it feel like it was all for nothing at times...because many people aren't following the rules when it counts). Then again, I am fighting that defeatist mindset, because I also think people use that negative thinking to justify bending the rules etc...but it is frustrating because I WANT to see my family...just don't think it's safe on a larger-scale. I'll probably be having a pity party instead WAHH

Do you have to travel a considerable distance or are your parents relatively local? If the latter and weather cooperates, might you meet them outdoors? This is precisely how our family will get together Thanksgiving. Outdoor park, no food sharing, social distancing with masks. (removed for eating)

We are over an hour's distance (which isn't bad), but I am not sure I could handle not using the toilet for so long and dealing with family's high stress level on thanksgiving without libations lol! It's over 2 hours round-trip, so bringing the bird is out unless she stays (and we cannot). My mom mentioned that, but this holiday was HIGH stress for us my entire life....especially now...lol! I have spent my adult life more than 6 hours away, so that makes missing it easier, but it sucks because I am closer...just not close enough (given the amount of work and stress it would be...)

I mean, if we can't touch, go without masks, or eat the same food, it just seems like Zoom is more comfortable (as depressing as that sounds).

 

[Laurasea]

CDC data suggests that there have been up to 23,000 more deaths in 2020 in Florida than expected in a typical year
That's 8,000 more fatalities than the state's official coronavirus death toll
Florida has struggled to keep up with coronavirus data and faced accusations of covering up the real toll of the pandemic
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/...s-pandemic-death-toll-undercounted-8-000.html

 

[Scott]

My mom wants me to go out to see them but we all work in schools and my parents are older (plus there would be another family member in the mix besides me).

Unfortunately, even though I won't go to their house, I bet a million other mothers convince their children that the rules don't apply (which make it feel like it was all for nothing at times...because many people aren't following the rules when it counts). Then again, I am fighting that defeatist mindset, because I also think people use that negative thinking to justify bending the rules etc...but it is frustrating because I WANT to see my family...just don't think it's safe on a larger-scale. I'll probably be having a pity party instead WAHH

Do you have to travel a considerable distance or are your parents relatively local? If the latter and weather cooperates, might you meet them outdoors? This is precisely how our family will get together Thanksgiving. Outdoor park, no food sharing, social distancing with masks. (removed for eating)

We are over an hour's distance (which isn't bad), but I am not sure I could handle not using the toilet for so long and dealing with family's high stress level on thanksgiving without libations lol! It's over 2 hours round-trip, so bringing the bird is out unless she stays (and we cannot). My mom mentioned that, but this holiday was HIGH stress for us my entire life....especially now...lol! I have spent my adult life more than 6 hours away, so that makes missing it easier, but it sucks because I am closer...just not close enough (given the amount of work and stress it would be...)

I mean, if we can't touch, go without masks, or eat the same food, it just seems like Zoom is more comfortable (as depressing as that sounds).

Given the level of stress, Zoom might be the best bet. Good news is it appears next Thanksgiving will be less of a turkey, pun intended!

 

[Scott]

CDC data suggests that there have been up to 23,000 more deaths in 2020 in Florida than expected in a typical year
That's 8,000 more fatalities than the state's official coronavirus death toll
Florida has struggled to keep up with coronavirus data and faced accusations of covering up the real toll of the pandemic
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/...s-pandemic-death-toll-undercounted-8-000.html

The ugly euphemism of "excess deaths" reflect an awful reality. I'm certain that is likely true with similar proportions in most states.