15 Comments
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April Lowell, PhD's avatar

The R0 for COVID was actually much higher. I’m not sure where you got that number from? I’ve seen reports of an R0 closer to 8 for COVID.

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Sally J Falk's avatar

There’s also an ongoing TB outbreak in KS and now MO … which appears to be a mutation of the same areas outbreak in 2020-21

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/06/kansas-tuberculosis-public-health

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AW's avatar

It is very clear that the reason the government is not responding to these threats is because the highest risk is for disabled people. Now’s not the time to let up on family and friends about masks and vaccines, there are so many invisibilized people who are in danger right now.

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El's avatar

You state about the measles outbreak, "of the 100 or so infected, about 5 have been unvaccinated." This is incorrect; it's the opposite:

"At this time, 124 cases have been identified since late January. Eighteen of the patients have been hospitalized. Five of the cases are vaccinated. The rest are unvaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown." https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-feb-25-2025

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Jess Badger's avatar

Thank you! I just updated this to clarify. That was an error on my part but it's fixed. Appreciate it.

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Louise Champagne's avatar

Is it true that RFK Jr just cancelled the scheduled NIH meeting/conference that is the first stage in preparing a flu vaccine for next winter? Possibly losing the lead time necessary to have the vaccine ready in time for the 2025-2026 flu season?

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Jess Badger's avatar

Tomorrow’s update will cover this! It’s written and I’m waiting on CDC numbers before sending it. Make sure you subscribe and you can look for it then.

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Mutsy's avatar

I have been thinking about using the nasal sprays more and more. I have cystic fibrosis and the concern of possible contamination from the manufacturer was brought up by my docs, any thoughts? Thank you!!!!

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Jess Badger's avatar

I’ll add this question to my nasal spray piece.

I’m not a doctor and not able to advise about what is best for a cystic fibrosis patient in this case.

But I’ll read up on the contamination question.

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Mutsy's avatar

Appreciate it!

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Cate T's avatar

I just read that the CDC meeting to start addressing next year’s flu was cancelled.

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Jess Badger's avatar

You are correct. My update tomorrow covers this. Waiting until the new CDC numbers are published tomorrow before sending it!

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Cate T's avatar

Thank you! Will be on the lookout for your report.

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Sally J Falk's avatar

Yup smh CDC planning mtg addressing next years flu vaccine was canceled and that makes me wary for an updated COVID vaccine… we shall see

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Cate T's avatar

Oh gosh that’s right, the Covid vaccine too. 😳

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