Q&A: new COVID shots; benefits of apple cider vinegar; RSV vaccine; and is menopause inevitably bad?

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In this week’s reader-submitted Q&A, we’re tackling these questions:

1. Should I get the new COVID booster?

2. Does apple cider vinegar do anything for my health?

3. Should I get an RSV vaccine?

4. How do I know when I’m in menopause, and is it inevitably bad?

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

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Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash

The following subscriber questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

QUESTION #1: NEW COVID SHOTS

I saw that the new COVID shots were approved yesterday. I’m 70 and healthy. I had COVID in June on vacation with my children & grandkids - we all got it! Should I get the new booster next week?

-Marie

Dear Marie,

You should talk with your doctor for more specific advice, however here is what I will recommend to my patients: If you had COVID recently, I suggest waiting at least 4 months after a COVID infection to get another booster. In your case, that would mean getting a shot in October. Why wait? Because getting COVID itself provides a “boost” of your immune system’s ability to fight the virus the next time you are exposed. However if you have not had COVID in the last 4 to 6 months, you have choices. You could get the shot now, which would offer some modest protection against infection starting approximately two weeks after the shot and lasting for a few months, plus added protection against serious illness. You could also choose to wait until later in the fall, getting the shot in anticipation of the next wave.

There is no perfect answer, especially given that COVID is with us year-round. Of course, those who are at highest risk for serious COVID outcomes (e.g., patients who are over 65 and/or with underlying health problems, immune deficiencies, and organ transplants) are the ones who stand to benefit the most from another booster—and should probably get the shot now. As an example, I will urge my parents to get the shot next week. Both are over age 65 and in generally good health, and they haven’t had COVID this summer.

I hope that helps! 

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QUESTION #2: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

All of my “health nut” friends say they swear by apple cider vinegar. It seems hard to believe because they also exercise a lot and spend a lot of $$ on other anti-aging/health products. So - how do they know it’s the vinegar making the difference? I’m also known to be a negative Nancy (my name happens to be Nancy). So I am asking you - what is the real story with apple cider vinegar?

-Nancy

Hi Nancy!