Kimberly writes:
Dear Dr. Griffin,
I am a medical technologist working in biotechnology. I listen to TWiV regularly to keep current on the SARS-CoV-2 situation nationally and worldwide, and I appreciate your regular clinical updates as they are candidly informative and insightful.
My question regards the vaccines and any effects on fertility. I personally have come to the conclusion that the COVID vaccines pose no known fertility risks, but a few young women amongst my acquaintance have “heard things” or “read something” which made them question the matter. I am pro-immunization, but I also believe each person should make their own informed decisions. Do you know of any studies which focus on women from vaccine clinical trials who went on to become pregnant, or who experienced fertility issues? I would appreciate anything you could point me to that is scientifically sound on this issue.
Thank you for all you do,
Kimberly (Klingerman), MT(ASCP)
Margaret writes:
Thanks for your entertaining and informative TWiV podcast. I’m a histologist based in Sydney where we have a delta outbreak and insufficient vaccines despite a younger population desperate for them and scared of AstraZeneca side effects. Until we get some Moderna or more Pfizer, is there a strategy for avoiding infection by using an antiviral nasal spray which claims to be effective against delta for several hours?
We are overwhelmingly compliant with using masks indoors, yet cases are rising every day.
How does the virus first attack – some say eyes, most say nasal cavity (in which case the spray might work), but is the virus inhaled into the trachea, bronchi, lungs and enters there? In which case a nasal spray would not work. Does anyone know? I have been unable to find anything published on this.
Thanks again for your wonderful podcasts
Margaret Anne Swan, PhD
Dominic writes:
Hi Dr Griffin-
Long time listener first time writer, I’m writing from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which is currently experiencing a multi month failure of a lockdown and still rising cases (today is the 3rd day in a row of record case numbers). However, this is not why I’m writing.
Recently I started a new job and although we are working remotely now when vaccination rates and community transmission has reduced significantly, we would like to return to the office – first we need to design and build our office space which brings me to my question:
Covid as we know will likely be with us for a long time and that’s without mentioning other respiratory viruses, I feel that it would be good to take a proactive approach to designing in as much ventilation and filtration in the office design and layout itself but I’m not entirely sure where to start? Are there any resources you would recommend regarding both office ventilation and filtration?
Thanks
Dominic
Ellen writes:
Dear Daniel,
I’m a relatively healthy 76 year old with my second Pfizer dose exactly six months ago. I’ll be taking a short flight next week and am wondering whether I should:
-get a covid-19 test say 4-5 days afterward?
-try for a booster of Pfizer (or, perhaps even better, an adenovirus vector vaccine)? even if I did this, I get it that it would be too late for this trip.
-try to get a monoclonal infusion just to be on the safe side (as long as they’re sitting around unused)?
Your updates have no doubt proven a life-saver, thanks so much for all you do,
Ellen
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