Quarantine Tuesday Reading Kaffeeklatsch: 4/7/2020

[Joanne]

That was fun Karin, thanks for sharing!

[Book Concierge]

Good news from Wisconsin ...

Hubby's best friend from high school has now completely recovered and was "released from medical care" yesterday. He has not left his room (let alone his house) - except for when he was transported to the hospital) - for over a month. Of course, now that he is able to leave the house ... he has no where to go!
(His wife never had symptoms and was never tested, but she self-quarantined for 14 days after he went to the hospital. She has also been medically cleared.)

ALSO, found out that one of the doctors I worked with before I retired, has recovered from COVID19 and is now donating plasma for potential use with patients currently fighting the disease. I learned this when I saw him on the local news channel, doing a story on patients who have recovered.

[Amy]

That’s all fabulous and uplifting, BC!

[LibraryCin]

Book Concierge wrote: "Good news from Wisconsin ...

Hubby's best friend from high school has now completely recovered and was "released from medical care" yesterday. He has not left his room (let alone his house) - exce..."

That's great news, BC!

[Theresa]

What wonderful news, BC!

[Book Concierge]

Here is a beautiful choir performing (each from his/her home). This was shared by my friend whose daughters and son-in-law are all alums of Carroll College, and all sang with the choir when in school. This is the choir's traditional closing song for all concerts. 75 alumni got "together" for this ...

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=531...

[NancyJ]

Congratulations on your friend getting well. I saw someone dancing after she was released.

Do they know for sure you can’t get it again after you get well?

[Joanne]

Beautiful BC, thank you for sharing

[LibraryCin]

NancyJ wrote: "Do they know for sure you can’t get it again after you get well?"

I've just heard, in the past couple of days, that some people in... (?South Korea? Not sure) have been retesting positive again.

They said they aren't sure if it's still just in their system from before or if it's a different strain.

Here's a story:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronav...

[Karin]

LibraryCin wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Do they know for sure you can’t get it again after you get well?"

I've just heard, in the past couple of days, that some people in... (?South Korea? Not sure) have been retesting po..."

I would guess it's just still in their system. Not all viruses leave, which is why it's pointless to get the Shingles Vaccine but not pointless to get the chicken pox vaccine if you've never had the chicken pox--same virus. My sister-the MD told me the shingles vaccine works in only a tiny percent of the people who get it, but I wasn't surprised since I already knew that the virus never leaves your body completely.


Flu vaccines are different since there are many types of them, but different countries have different recommendations.

[Nicole R]

Karin wrote: "I would guess it's just still in their system. Not all viruses leave, which is why it's pointless to get the Shingles Vaccine but not pointless to get the chicken pox vaccine if you've never had the chicken pox--same virus. My sister-the MD told me the shingles vaccine works in only a tiny percent of the people who get it, but I wasn't surprised since I already knew that the virus never leaves your body completely."

The scientist in me is cringing at this description....if y'all are older and your doctor recommends getting the Shingles Vaccine, please listen to them. It is not pointless. Its effectiveness is growing as new vaccines are developed with newer version at over 65%.

[Nicole R]

LibraryCin wrote: "They said they aren't sure if it's still just in their system from before or if it's a different strain.."

I have also read some reports that the antibodies do not stay in your body as long as they do for other viruses. So, you could be getting reinfected with the same strain. Not that dormancy or a different strain are not an option, just possibly another confounding factor.

I think there is a lot that people are unsure of at the moment.

[Karin]

Nicole R wrote: "The scientist in me is cringing at this description....if y'all are older and your doctor recommends getting the Shingles Vaccine, please listen to them. It is not pointless. Its effectiveness is growing as new vaccines are developed with newer version at over 65%"

If you have a link to reputable scientific or medical journal with this evidence I would love to pass this on to my MD sister . We just discussed it in 2020 but there are so many medical journals out there no doctor can keep up with all of them. She won't consider anything medical that just shows up in the regular media, obviously :)

[Nicole R]

Karin wrote: "If you have a link to reputable scientific or medical journal with this evidence I would love to pass this on to my MD sister . We just discussed it in 2020 but there are so many medical journals out there no doctor can keep up with all of them. She won't consider anything medical that just shows up in the regular media, obviously :)."

I also do not consider regular media science (I will always be a scientist at heart), but a basic google search pulls up all kinds of information from the CDC, Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai, and more that all recommend older people over 50 or 60 (recommendations vary depending on the exact vaccine that you are getting) even if you are convinced you have never been exposed to chicken pox.

One example: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shin...

I know your family is Canadian (perhaps your sister lives there?) and here is info from the Canada Public Health Services: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-healt...

Want a science publication? Here's one: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...

Want a science publication that does show that the benefits of the shingles vaccine typically do not last more than a few years? Here is that too. But, it does not say you should not get one. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...

These are, of course, just two examples in a highly studied field with journal articles that are published on all aspects of the shingles vaccine. There were thousands of articles published last year alone! Impossible for anyone to read them all! lol. I am not sure if there is a research digest that medical experts rely on. That would be helpful!

I'm not a medical professional so absolutely no one should listen to me directly. Instead, listen to your personal doctor when deciding whether or not to get this or any vaccine.

Your doctor doesn't think you personally need to get one? Cool. Listen to them and make a decision.

Your doctor does think you personally need to get one? Cool. Listen to them and make a decision.

I am simply saying that major US medical institutions recommend the vaccine in older people and it has been shown to help prevent the occurrence of shingles.

Of course if you have scientific, non-public media sources that provide information to the contrary, then I am always happy to read those too! As I stated, I am not an expert and I would definitely be interested in hearing why your sister doesn't think they are effective/doesn't recommend them.

[Holly R W]

Thanks Nicole. My sister had a very severe case of the shingles. Per our doctors' recommendations, those of us over 60, all got the vaccine and did not hesitate.

[Nicole R]

Holly R W wrote: "Thanks Nicole. My sister had a very severe case of the shingles. Per our doctors' recommendations, those of us over 60, all got the vaccine and did not hesitate."

I, thankfully, do not know anyone that has shingles (though I am in my 30s so that may change in a few decades as I get older!) but I have heard it can be quite serious! I hope your sister recovered quickly and does not have long lasting impacts. And I am glad you listened to your doctor's recommendation!

[Joanne]

My husband had shingles, 6 months after we got married in 1989. He was only 40 years old. I did not hesitate, after seeing the pain first hand with him, to get the vaccine when it became available. He has a droopy eye from the disease-nothing too serious, but still....

[Cora]

I had shingles when I was 36. Luckily it was a pretty minor case, although still painful. I had to miss my niece's first birthday party because I didn't want her to catch chicken pox from me (she was too young for the vaccine at that time).

[Nicole R]

I am surprised by how many people have themselves have had shingles or someone close to them has had it! Droopy eye may not be serious in the grand scheme of things, but I am sure something your husband would rather not have, Joanne!

Cora, glad yours was a minor case, but I have heard they are quite painful. I don't think there was a chicken pox vaccine when I was young or if there was perhaps not as widely given. I was young when I had chicken pox but I had a pretty bad case of them! I definitely plan to avoid shingles if at all possible. lol

[Joanne]

It's check in day for me-Just because I need to vent. LoL

Idiots, and I am sorry if I offend anyone, here in Michigan are planning a protest in our State Capital on Friday. Why? Because the Governor (That Woman From Michigan, as our fearless leader calls her) has lengthened the Stay-at-Home Order to April 30th. Totally unbelievable, as the cases and deaths are rising here. One of our main Hospital Systems is at capacity. The De Vos family, one of the richest in the state and country I believe, is supporting this. UGH!

Things here, in home, are the same. Everyone healthy, if not happy...;). Because of my medical conditions, I am entering week 4 of not going any farther then the back porch. Been keeping busy planting my seeds for later planting in my garden, and cooking, both things I love to do. Still I miss the little bit of social interaction I normally get at the gym and the library. This week I have a Zoom meeting scheduled with the other members of The Friends of The Library Board. Normally I dread the in-person meetings, but I am actually looking forward to the interaction- so you know things are rough here LoL.

Hoping you are all well!

[Jgrace]

Nicole R wrote: "Karin wrote: "If you have a link to reputable scientific or medical journal with this evidence I would love to pass this on to my MD sister . We just discussed it in 2020 but there are so many medi..."

I really love it when you hit that scientist button. Possibly because I'm used to it. My sister is a cell biologist.

I do know something about the chickenpox vaccine. For much of my teaching career we could count on 'chicken pox' attendance numbers in the spring for about a month as the kids infected each other. My daughter, who was born in 1988 did not get a vaccine. It was available to my son who was born in 1995. He did manage to get a very mild case when he was around 9 years old because they hadn't yet begun to give boosters. When he was 10 or 11 the pediatrician wanted him to have the booster ( which he did get). I told her that he'd probably already had a 'booster' in the form a mild infection. She didn't believe me until I reminded her how long I'd been a kindergarten teacher. I am a reliable diagnostician of some childhood diseases.

[Karin]

Holly R W wrote: "Thanks Nicole. My sister had a very severe case of the shingles. Per our doctors' recommendations, those of us over 60, all got the vaccine and did not hesitate."

My sister and I have both had shingles before, which is why I asked her about the vaccine--first I asked if you can get shingles more than once and you can. She got it at 14 and I got it at 27 which are both unusual ages and the MD I had that year had the bedside manner of a Sheldon Cooper so told me I was wrong but he'd take a look, then wasn't even that nice about it when I was right--it hurts like the dickens and is harder when older, which is when most people get it.


But since she's up on the latest vaccines, I would love to send her whatever expert article Nicole R can give me a link to and also where this apparently better vaccine is being used (since my sister doesn't practise in the States, for one thing). Just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean Canada has yet and vice versa.

[Theresa]

Joanne wrote: "It's check in day for me-Just because I need to vent. LoL

Idiots, and I am sorry if I offend anyone, here in Michigan are planning a protest in our State Capital on Friday. Why? Because the Govern..."

Vent away, JoAnne. I see that whole protest as an example of Darwinism at work. News out of Japan today is a new breakout in Hokaido after a return to some semblance of normal.

Of course, no one should be listening to Washington on this (except for Dr. Fauci), but following the various regional coalition of governers who are working together to ease back restrictions. I haven't listened to anything out of Washington in weeks, except for Nancy Pelosi and Dr. Fauci. My ❤ belongs to Andrew. 😍

As for not going beyond your back porch...well a close friend of mine, her 9 y/o and her husband have just hit Day 35 of Self-Quarantine. Meaning not leaving a 768 Sq. Ft 2 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment where both H & W WFH and son home schools. Husband is a local news reporter who worked the streets and the minute COVID-19 hit NYC, they were sent home to self-quarantine and WFH. Meant pulling son out of school immediately. Husband did come down with bronchitis and pneumonia but no COVID 19 thank god. Result: they do not go for walks, leaving apartment for necessities like laundry only.

Contrast: My one bedroom apartment where I am living alone is 750 sq ft. I cannot imagine 2 other people here with me.

[Karin]

Thanks Nicole--I'll pass it on to her and see what she has to say.

FYI my sister is also a scientist and did her BS in Biochem prior to Med School. She is NOT at all faith based and is an atheist/agnostic, so I thought I'd throw that in there. It might be that we discussed this less recently than I thought as well--we've had a lot going on with our mother.

[Joanne]

Theresa wrote: "Joanne wrote: "It's check in day for me-Just because I need to vent. LoL"


Yes, I know I am fortunate to have a back porch, also to live in a house that, although not by any means large, we are still able to have our own space.

[Holly R W]

Joanne wrote, "Idiots, and I am sorry if I offend anyone, here in Michigan are planning a protest in our State Capital on Friday."

Joanne, Here in Ohio, we have Governor Dewine who has a strict stay at home order in place. He and his staff have been heckled by protesters too. What cracked me up was Dewine's response to them. "It is your right to protest, but try not to yell too hard on each other." He said this in a fatherly way with concern for them.

Here is a link to a fun song celebrating our governor and his staff during this crucial time.
https://www.beaconjournal.com/news/20...

[Joanne]

Holly R W wrote: "Joanne wrote, "Idiots, and I am sorry if I offend anyone, here in Michigan are planning a protest in our State Capital on Friday."

Joanne, Here in Ohio, we have Governor Dewine who has a strict s..."

Holly that is really great! I hope someone here in Michigan sees and does something similar! I had no strong attachment to the Gov. before this, but I really believe she is just doing what is best for everyone

[LibraryCin]

Nicole R wrote: "Cora, glad yours was a minor case, but I have heard they are quite painful. I don't think there was a chicken pox vaccine when I was young or if there was perhaps not as widely given. I was young when I had chicken pox but I had a pretty bad case of them! I definitely plan to avoid shingles if at all possible. lol ..."

Never had shingles, but (as I'm older than you are, Nicole), definitely no chicken pox vaccine when I was a kid. Had them when I was in kindergarten.

Pretty sure I was an adult when my Mom broke it to me that I had to miss a field trip to the closest "wild animal park" because I had chicken pox. Even as an adult, I was upset! LOL!

Chicken pox vaccine - since I don't have kids, I think it was only a few years ago I even found out there was one now!

[LibraryCin]

Karin wrote: "It might be that we discussed this less recently than I thought as well--we've had a lot going on with our mother. ..."

I'm sorry you have things going on with your mom, Karin. Hope she's ok.

[Karin]

LibraryCin wrote: "Karin wrote: "It might be that we discussed this less recently than I thought as well--we've had a lot going on with our mother. ..."

I'm sorry you have things going on with your mom, Karin. Hope ..."

She has dementia, so there is no cure. My sister lives there so has to handle more than I do, but mostly it's my dad who doesn't have any cognitive impairment and is healthy for his age, but he's 87.

[Karin]

My mother had the chicken pox at the same time my sister and I did and she's never had shingles. It's not like everyone gets it--my dad hasn't had shingles, either.

The chicken pox vaccine came out when my kids were young so they all had it. I made them get all of their vaccines but once they were a certain age (teens) I let them choose about one new one after the doctor gave them all the facts, etc. They all opted to get it in the end.

[LibraryCin]

Karin wrote: "She has dementia, so there is no cure. My sister lives there so has to handle more than I do, but mostly it's my dad who doesn't have any cognitive impairment and is healthy for his age, but he's 87. ..."

I'm so sorry. That can't be easy. :'( For any of you.