Peter writes:
Dr. Griffin,
Listening to your fine show TWIV 1088, re-post influenza sequa. My wife picked up HPIV2 and came down with overall feeling very weak. We went to the local clinic, and she displayed HR of 160, ambulance took her to Cleveland Clinic here in Vero Beach as she was given adenosine along the way. VQ in the ER because she was allergic to iodine displayed EF of 26%. Pam usually is fine, living with RA/methotrexate. SVT was also apparent so angiogram was performed…clean, and ablation for the SVT. Along with Entresto, B Metoprolol, and Eliquis sent home with a LifeVest to have to uncomfortably wear for three months.
Are you seeing this virus in adults, 70 yrs old, and having a sequelae like this. Jan 6 entering ER, Feb 18 now feeling great…just wears out early.
Thanks in advance for your contribution to humanity,
Peter
Roberta writes:
Dr. Griffin
I wanted to provide you with an update following our discussion during the recent TWIV episode 1088 regarding vaccine eligibility.
Firstly, I want to express my appreciation for the advice you provided. I took steps and inquired at an additional three different chain pharmacies about the possibility of paying out of pocket for the vaccine. Regrettably, I received the same response from each pharmacy – despite my willingness to cover the cost personally, I did not qualify due to corporate protocols. Despite my requests, they declined to show me the protocols.
Undeterred, I continued my efforts to secure the vaccine and endeavored to educate the pharmacies on the need for additional vaccinations. Unfortunately, it appeared that they were not up to date with the latest information.
However, I am pleased to share that my persistence paid off. At a fourth chain pharmacy, the pharmacist agreed to check corporate protocols and had an understanding of waning immunity and the need for additional vaccination. He checked “corporate protocol” and successfully ran the Nova Vax immunization through my insurance. I received confirmation that it passed through both. As a result, I was able to receive my vaccine, and no payment was necessary.
I am going to try and contact “corporate ” and obtain these protocols.
Once again, thank you for your help and encouragement.
Regards,
Ann writes:
Hi Daniel,
Given that you also happen to live on Long Island, I’m hoping that you have an opinion as to why Nassau County for months has been doing measurably worse than New York City, or Suffolk, or the rest of the country for that matter, at least according to The NY Times figures below.
What’s going on?
Thanks for the wisdom you share as both a scientist and clinician.
Sincerely
Ann J
Will writes:
Dear Doc
What evidence if any does CDC have for abandoning 5 day isolation guidance for C19 patients?
Thank for all you do
Blessings
Will
Tamar writes:
Dear Dr. Griffin,
My physician (who specializes in geriatric care) does not like to prescribe Paxlovid for her COVID-positive patients because of problematic drug interactions, rebound*, and undesirable side effects. She says she prescribes Molnupiravir as an alternative.
I am a 69 year-old female (and my husband is 70). I am pre-diabetic (diet and exercise controlled), have high cholesterol (for which I take 20 mg of Lipitor) and have GERD (for which I take H2 blockers) and neuropathy in my feet (for which I take Gabapentin). My husband has Barrett’s Esophagus, for which he takes a PPI. Other than a fair amount of osteoarthritis (for which I take Celebrex), I’d say we are basically healthy.
Can you comment on whether Molnupiravir is as effective as Paxlovid? If not, would you recommend finding another doctor who would prescribe Paxlovid?
Thank you very much for this and for all you work in transmitting such critical information.
Sincerely,
Tamar
* I tried to convey your explanation of “rebound” and how this phenomenon had been seen even before Paxlovid was on the market (from Episode 1082), but I’m not sure she was convinced.