Terry writes:
DR. GRIFFIN
EVEN THOUGH I AM FULLY VACCINATED AND BOOSTED I RECENTLY HAD COVID – I TOOK PAXLOVID WITHIN 2 DAYS OF SYMPTOMS AND DID WELL. I AM 70 YEARS OLD WITH MILD ASTHMA.
I KNOW I SHOULD BE FAIRLY IMMUNE TO REINFECTION FOR ABOUT 120 DAYS, BUT IF I GET COVID AGAIN IN 2, 3 OR 4 MONTHS, SHOULD I TAKE PAXLOVID AGAIN? WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE REGARDING RECURRENT COVID CASES AND HOW OFTEN HIGH RISK PATIENTS CAN TAKE PAXLOVID?
THANKS VERY MUCH FOR HELP – TERRY
Lindsay writes:
Hi Dr. Griffin,
I have two questions: first has there been any change in the recommendations for Monkeypox vaccines for the general public? My local health department is still restricting them to limited, high risk populations. Even though it seems that the spread is under control it doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere.
Second, what is name of the quad rapid antigen test and is it available outside of a doctor’s office or hospital setting? Unfortunately I’ve run into more than one person that thinks that as long as they tested negative for COVID-19 they don’t need to stay home even when they’re showing obvious signs of a respiratory infection.
As always, thank you to you and Dr. Racainello for continuing efforts to keep us informed without inducing panic.
Lindsay
Em writes:
Hi Dr. Griffin,
You’ve emphasized in many TWiV episodes how treatment with steroids early on in COVID infection is associated with significantly worse outcomes.
I’m curious how this applies to patients who are already taking steroids for another condition. If you have a patient already taking steroids, do you have them take a break from this treatment during this phase of infection, or is a disruption in their existing treatment a greater risk?
Has this been studied at all?
Thanks!
Em
Tom writes:
Hello Dr. Griffin I am a private pediatrician in New Jersey and I have been enjoying listening to TWIV podcasts for close to a year. Thank you to you and Vincent for all you have done.
I have two patients who are freshman at a private university in New York City. Both of their parents have reached out to me concerned that the school is requiring them to receive the fourth dose a.k.a. the bivalent booster shot prior to December 1. They are both healthy and have received two primary and one original booster dose.
Do you understand why this university is requiring the fourth dose? Both parents are asking me to give them a note excepting them from the vaccine.
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Tom