CORONAVIRUS INFO PROVIDED BY DR. JIM HARRIS – 10/15/2020

October 15, 2020

Yesterday, Harrison County reported 12 new cases, Gregg 18, and Smith? 40.

GREAT EAST TEXAS WEBSITE (Does not include Harrison County)

IS PRESIDENT TRUMP NOW IMMUNE TO COVID-19?
“…But if the president is in fact now immune to the virus, he may not remain so, scientists warn. His treatment may have prevented his body from making the antibodies necessary for long-term protection.

The experimental monoclonal antibodies Mr. Trump received were produced by the drug company Regeneron and will wane in a matter of weeks, as the synthetic molecules are known to do. Unless they are replenished, Mr. Trump may be left more susceptible to the virus than most patients who had Covid-19 and recovered, several experts warned.

Moreover, the steroid treatment the president received early in the course of his illness suppresses the body’s natural immune response, including its propensity to make antibodies of its own.

“He may be not protected the second time around, especially because he didn’t develop his own antibodies,” said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University.

Most people who are infected with the coronavirus produce antibodies that should protect them from a second infection. It’s unclear how long this immunity lasts. Research into other coronaviruses suggests that it may be up to a year, experts have said.”

ANOTHER VIEW OF HERD IMMUNITY (WITH WHICH I DISAGREE)
(J. Harris: These folks don’t mention masks and don’t include anyone that I’ve ever heard of. Since we are VERY close to vaccine availability, I believe current local protective measures are still the best solution. With the vaccine, the most vulnerable people will be much safer, and at that time, most likely a return to a more open life will again be feasible quickly. We’re close to being able to protect against the virus. This is not the time to switch horses. Wear your masks. Stay away from Grandma. If you are the Grandma, stay away from crowds and wear a mask when you’re out and about. Take your flu shots. Ladies get your mammograms. Continue with or establish a relationship with a primary care physician, if you can find one. Continuity of medical care is still very important to good health on a long term basis. Don’t quit taking your blood pressure pills and other medications. Resume your regular checkups. The doctors offices are open, safe, educated, and necessary. …..Oh, be sure you check your calendar and know what day it is. My wife and I went for our check ups yesterday one day early. She had written in on her calendar for the wrong day; I had forgotten what day it was. Stay safe.