My phone has been ringing again. That’s not a good sign when the number of calls, texts and emails surge with questions from people reporting symptoms or exposure to Covid 19. Officially, Bexar County reported 376 new cases yesterday with a 7day average of 319. This is up from the mid 200’s of the previous week. The number is certainly higher, but the fact that it is not doubling daily is encouraging. Many people have been using home test kits which are pretty good for symptomatic individuals. Fortunately, the hospitalization rate has not jumped up. Much has been written about Omicron being more infectious, but less lethal. Studies in South Africa and Scotland are referenced. There may be reasons why these experiences may not be representative of the US. South Africa has undergone 3 previous surges with a low vaccination rate. People there are younger and may have more natural immunity from previous exposures. Scotland’s vaccination rate is higher than the US at 73.4% being fully vaccinated. The next month will be telling.
The good news is that there are several new drugs that may reduce the risk of progression to severe Covid 19. The bad news is that they won’t be available for weeks or months. There is concern that monoclonal antibodies may be less effective for the treatment of Covid 19. These are based on tests done in the lab (in vitro) and may not represent real word (in vivo) experience. Here are the criteria for candidates for monoclonal antibody infusion.
COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Eligibility Treatment and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Home testing kits are in short supply as people rush to test before family gatherings. I am told that HEB still has some in their pharmacies.
Here is a list of free testing sites in San Antonio from TPR.
Urgent care clinics can also do testing. Here are some links to a few:
https://www.texasmedclinic.com/
The following is the advice from the CDC of what to do if you have been exposed to someone with Covid 19 and you are fully vaccinated:
Have a Merry and safe Christmas!
