Amy writes:
Hello Daniel,
I’ve referenced your article, Postacute Sequelae of COVID (PASC or Long COVID): An Evidence-Based Approach, multiple times because it provides such useful and practical information.
I’m particularly interested in the use of Bifidobacteria-containing probiotics for treating fatigue. The article you referenced in your review highlights a gut microbiota-derived synbiotic formula (SIM01). However, it seems this formula was developed as an experimental treatment for a clinical trial and isn’t currently available on the consumer market. What do you recommend for individuals suffering from long-COVID fatigue? I’m looking to increase my intake of probiotics through supplements and probiotic-rich foods like kefir and kimchi. (By the way, I even made my own kimchi—it was a fun experience!)
I also have a question about vaccinations. Because I’m keen to avoid reinfection, I’ve opted to get vaccinated twice per year. Until my last dose, I stuck with the mRNA vaccines, but last fall, I was able to receive Novavax. Given its potential for longer durability, would you recommend continuing with Novavax for future doses?
Thank you for all that you do—I’ll definitely need TWIV more than ever in the next four years.
~ Amy
Rich writes:
What percent of unvaccinated individuals contracting the polio virus will actually develop myelitis ?
Rich
Len writes:
Hello Dr Griffin
Just listened to your recent podcast covering Nori-virus spread, thank you…your weekly updates are extremely helpful/informative …given the challenges of preventing the spread/contraction of the Ferrari of viruses, is it possible and/or is there any interest in creating a vaccine or preventative prophylaxis ? I certainly would be willing to pay a nominal fee prior to taking a cruise, seasonally or engaging in a high risk event.
Tks,
Len
Roberta writes:
I’m sure you have seen this but wanted to share.
Roberta Miller, MD
Daniel writes:
As discussed on a recent clinical update, Paxlovid may be up to 60% effective at preventing long Covid.
Are we at the point where the “young and healthy” (people under 20s, 30s, and 40s without serious comorbidities) should consider Paxlovid for sole the purpose of preventing long Covid?
Thanks,
Daniel
Dorothee writes:
I am an enthusiastic listener to TWIV. I really appreciate the work you do, and in particular I like it when you call a spade-a-spade – Vincent is particularly good at that!
We have some unpleasant anti-science and anti-vaxx persons to deal with here in Ontario, Canada. But so far they are not likely to be in decision-making positions in the Canadian government. I wish you luck over the next 4 years.
Two questions/comments:
1. Is there any protective immunity or resistance to Norovirus? There is a sizeable outbreak in residence at a nearby university. How many of the mostly healthy young people exposed to 100+ virions might NOT get sick?
2. A recent topic of discussion was comparing the efficacy of protein-based Novavax with mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV2. Would the comparator for efficacy be best an actual infection rather than immunity assessed with in vitro assays (always somewhat limited) from the vaccines?
Thanks for your good work.
Dorothee