Hannah writes:

Hi Dr. Griffin and Vincent,

First off, thank you for your consistent honest COVID/other infectious disease info. Your updates on Twiv have been very helpful as I seek to guide my family medicine patients through the COVID maze (MD at a small clinic/hospital).

My question: what is the long-term efficacy data for the bivalent COVID booster in non-pregnant adults of average risk under age 65? From the articles I’ve read and your discussions on the podcast (I must confess, I have missed a few in the last 6 months), I’m not picking up on strong data behind the booster, at least for severe disease protection beyond 2-3 months, especially in this lower-risk group. Seems that the original 2-dose mRNA series continues to be the mainstay of protection.

I strive to give my patients all the data we have, not popular opinion. Want to make sure that I’m representing the science correctly.

Thank you for your time. Please keep these podcasts coming!

Hannah

Em writes:

Hello Dr Griffin,

I was wondering if you could explain the difference between a cytokine storm and septic shock. To the best of my understanding, both terms describe an acute overwhelming immune response triggered by an infection that leads to organ failure and potentially death. I also know that there is a certain amount of disagreement and/or controversy when it comes to defining both of these terms. What is the difference between these two conditions? Is there a difference?

I want to shout out my other favorite ID podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, and their excellent episode on sepsis for leading me to think of this question. 

Additionally, I have a silly question for TWiVers in general – If an infection were spread to me from petting my dog after an infected person pet my dog, would she be considered vector, or would her fur be a fomite? I am contemplating this hypothetical while my dog watches over another member of my household who currently has bacterial conjunctivitis.

Thank you for your time and for your knowledge!

Em

Sam writes:
If the NY rats have COVID, can humans catch it from rat breath?

Sincerely, 

Salvatore (Sam)

Michael writes:

Hi Dr. Griffin,

I am a former student of Dr. Racaniello (and have been a TWIV listener since the early days) and now work as a clinician in psycho-oncology.

Recently, a pediatric patient presented for needle phobia in treatment for acquired aplastic anemia, which her parents attributed to complications from the Covid-19 vaccine.

Do you have a clinical comment on the parents’ perception? Is it just as likely that the patient had asymptomatic Covid and unfortunately developed this sequelae?

I’m excited to hear your thoughts.

Thank you,

Michael