Long-Term COVID, Vaccine, and Continued Variants

Top of Mind

· Two important studies identified cognitive challenges in adolescents in COVID recovery; the first study found impaired concentration and memory. The second study identified neurologic disease related to SARS-CoV2 infection. https://academic.oup.com/brai.../article/2/2/fcaa205/5998660

https://www.thelancet.com/.../PIIS2352-4642(20.../fulltext

Health

· Long-term effects of serious COVID infection include fatigue, weakness, anxiety depression, and sleep difficulties.

https://www.thelancet.com/.../PIIS0140-6736(20.../fulltext

· Pay attention to the people you know to reduce individual risk, especially those in your social “bubble”. https://www.statnews.com/.../staying-safe-covid-19-era.../

Vaccine

· In Iowa, 142k doses of vaccine were administered, averaging 4,194 (vaccination started on 12/14). At this rate, it will take almost three years to reach herd immunity percentage estimated at 70. https://idph.iowa.gov/.../COVID19%20Vaccine...

· One lot of vaccine was identified to possibly result in higher-than-expected allergic reactions to the vaccine. Doses from this lot were held back from administration.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/.../severe-allergic...

Using all available doses instead of reserving some for second doses, as per the majority of US plans, could prevent at least 24% of cases occurring within the vaccination period. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/m20-8137

New Strain – B.1.1.7

· The UK variant B.1.1.7 is in MN, WI, and IL, among more than a dozen other states. https://www.cdc.gov/.../transmission/variant-cases.html

· A detailed description of the COVID B.1.1.7 variant for those who really want to geek out. https://www.nytimes.com/.../coronavirus-mutations-B117...

Schools

· COVID illness and quarantine significant impacts teaching capacity in US schools. https://www.nytimes.com/.../pandemic-teacher-shortages...

Iowa

· A Legislator at the State House tested positive for COVID-19. Require masks. They work. I promise along with ALL of science. https://www.kcci.com/.../legislators-say.../35232347#