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COVID-19 Scenarios and a Short Break - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- The author is exhausted from answering pandemic questions, debunking rumors, and is taking a short break.
- Vaccine effectiveness will be judged by Israel's results, potentially reframing COVID-19 as a 'bad flu' or dashing optimism.
- Outcomes of Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccine trials will significantly impact vaccination efforts and public mood.
- COVID-19 mutations could increase spread or escape immunity, requiring stricter measures or revaccination.
- Spring weather might reduce transmission, buying time for vaccine production, but this is not guaranteed.
- Medicinal breakthroughs and rapid testing acceptance could be game changers for treatment and event safety.
Corona Update: Licht aan het einde van de tunnel - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- Vaccines are effective against COVID-19, including variants, and reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
- Side effects of vaccines are minimal and well-studied, with serious effects being very rare.
- The virus has limited ability to evolve, and new variants are unlikely to appear endlessly.
- Vaccine technology is adaptable, allowing quick updates for variants and potential universal coronavirus vaccines.
- Vaccination provides stronger immunity than natural infection, and protection may last for years.
- Other vaccines (Novavax, CureVac) and promising antiviral drugs like molnupiravir are in development.
- Global vaccine production is ramping up, but distribution varies; booster shots are being tested.
- The future outlook is positive, but adherence to measures remains important until widespread vaccination.
Corona Update Oktober 2021 - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- Current situation unclear: cases rising in many countries, but vaccine efficacy against severe disease remains high.
- Potential double epidemic with flu, but flu cases currently low; vaccination can reduce unvaccinated by 25% in communities with 80% coverage.
- Ventilation and air purifiers (including simple filters) are effective in reducing transmission.
- Over 7 billion vaccine doses given; safety data overwhelming; vaccinated have lower all-cause mortality.
- Vitamin D deficiency worsens COVID-19 outcomes; supplementation recommended especially in winter.
- Vaccine protection against any infection wanes to <50% over time, but memory response prevents severe disease; 95% protection against hospitalization lasts at least 9 months.
- Vaccinated transmit virus less: 63% reduction in household transmission if infected.
- Long COVID prevention by vaccines is promising but data incomplete; media exaggerates prevalence.
- Boosters are highly effective, especially where initial doses were close together; Netherlands slow on Janssen booster.
- No major new variants; Delta subvariant emerging; vaccines effective against all variants so far.
- Rapid antigen tests are accurate for infectiousness; negative test indicates very low infectiousness; PCR tests measure different timeline.
- Immune measurement not useful for most; booster campaigns likely expand to all.
- Nasal vaccines and mRNA flu vaccines in development; pan-corona and universal flu vaccines show promise.
- Drugs: Remdesivir effective early but requires hospitalization; Molnupiravir (pill) reduces hospitalization by 50% if taken within 5 days; cost and safety concerns; Pfizer's pill in development.
- Encouraging vaccination remains key to reducing hospitalizations and protecting vulnerable.
What a $15 pint of ice cream says about the economy
3 days ago
- Premium ice cream pints like A to Z Creamery's became popular as pandemic passion projects turned into businesses, reflecting changes in spending habits (e.g., YOLO economy, micro-indulgences).
- The US economy has become 'K-shaped,' with upper-income Americans spending freely while others feel squeezed, yet demand for luxury ice cream spans diverse economic backgrounds.
- Consumers seek 'little treats' and emotional support from artisanal ice cream, valuing quality, local sourcing, and human connection in a gig economy model.
- The business model relies on limited drops and social media, lowering barriers to entry, and emphasizes craftsmanship and community over automation.

pandemic

COVID-19 Scenarios and a Short Break - Bert Hubert's writings

Corona Update: Licht aan het einde van de tunnel - Bert Hubert's writings

Corona Update Oktober 2021 - Bert Hubert's writings

What a $15 pint of ice cream says about the economy