There is a LOT of Covid out there now, far more than the published data, as many are now being diagnosed at home or choosing not to test. The volume of inquiries to our office feels very similar to or higher than last summer during the “Delta Wave” of Covid. 

There is relatively wide availability of the anti-viral combination called Paxlovid, which in studies reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 90%. Consider requesting the drug if you become sick, especially if over 50 or with medical conditions that put you at risk. It is generally well tolerated but with a number of important drug interactions that should be considered.

Although still not understood, long covid is being studied and is clearly a very real condition that may leave those with severe or even mild Covid infections with brain fog, shortness of breath, taste or smell disturbances, gastrointestinal symptom and more. Symptoms can last for months to more than a year after recovery from the initial infection. Read from New York Times.

Because we will be tracking these symptoms, please let us know if you have a known Covid infection, even if you think it is mild and may not require treatment. 

I hope you’ve chosen to go about living your life as we enter the third year of the pandemic. But know that travel comes with some risk. We have seen four couples in the past two months extend trips to Europe, the Middle East, and Hawaii due to Covid infections while traveling. All of these were immunized (and recovered well!).

Immunization does not prevent you from getting infection but still has an important role in keeping you out of the hospital and likely significantly reduces the chance of long Covid symptoms.