Friday Q&A: COVID, flu & RSV - oh my!

Answering your questions about viruses & vaccines

ICYMI

• 👉 Monday’s Podcast: My conversation with two physician scientists on the healing power of psychedelic medications. Listen here!

• 👉 Recent newsletters:

  • Can Dietary Supplements Do Harm?

  • Are You Anxious?

  • The Food Group You May Be Missing

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As always, question #1 (about the new COVID variant) is free for everyone; questions #2-4 (about COVID boosters; the “tripledemic,” and testing for viruses) are for paid subscribers only.

Stay tuned for more about viruses in Monday’s free newsletter!

Click here to submit your questions (about anything) for future Q&A posts.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer, nor are they a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

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QUESTION #1

A couple people at my work have Covid. Do I need to be worried about this new variant? I tuned out any news on covid a long time ago- and I can’t remember what I need to do!

- Emily P 

Dear Emily,

The latest COVID sub-variant, called EG.5, is yet another descendent of the Omicron variant which has been circulating in the U.S. since November 2021. EG.5 is getting a lot of attention as it is becoming a dominant strain of COVID in the U.S. and seems to be a little more infectious than other strains. This means that a smaller number of virus particles are needed to infect a person when compared to previous Omicron sub-variants. 

But fear not! So far EG.5 doesn’t seem to be more contagious or cause more serious disease than prior variants. The symptoms are commonly those of a cold—runny nose, congestion, and cough. Of course some people can become very sick from COVID, especially people over age 65 and/or those who have underlying health issues or compromised immune systems. The vaccines still offer good protection against serious disease from EG.5. The new booster, due to be out at the end of September, is expected to offer good coverage against severe COVID outcomes from EG.5, too. COVID antigen and PCR tests still work to detect the presence of EG.5. 

The upshot? Viruses mutate; it’s what they do. The best way to protect yourself this fall/winter is to get vaccinated if you haven’t already; care for your underlying health issues; and prioritize sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and regular check-ups with your doctor. 

I hope that helps!

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QUESTION #2

I got Covid this month—argh!!! I am fully vaccinated and frustrated that the CDC didn’t put out the new booster. Why are they waiting until fall? And, should I get the new jab when it comes out??

- Kyle in Winston-Salem, NC

Dear Kyle,