COVID-19: Scrabble Variants, CDC Director Tests Positive.
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USA(sm) discusses the myriad of immune escape variants which are spreading in the United States. If you have had an infection before the BA.5 surge or a previous booster, it is unlikely that you have adequate protection. The new bivalent booster is designed to boost immunity to the BA.5 variant and its offspring. However, only 10% of the population 65 years of age and older have received this booster. Overall, only 5% of the United States' population has received the new booster. The CDC has expanded eligibility of the bivalent booster down to the age of 5. This is a recommendation not a mandate. And the bivalent booster for this age group is just authorized not approved. However, children can develop Long COVID and they can spread the disease to others, including their caregivers. The CDC Director has contracted symptomatic COVID, she has had the bivalent booster. Thus, even if boosted you can still become infected and spread the disease, but you should be less likely to be hospitalized or die. Because of the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 variants, monoclonal antibodies may not be effective, but Paxlovid and Molnupiravir are still good options. Jack Pattie Show. Oct. 24, 2022.