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Corona-Update november: Twee vaccins en sneltests! - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- Two mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech are over 90% effective and were developed rapidly using software-like technology, building on prior SARS research.
- Rapid antigen tests detect contagiousness in 15 minutes for about 5 euros, but lack clear policy and public understanding, while PCR tests detect infection but are slower.
- COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are declining, but data reliability is uncertain due to private test centers not reporting to health authorities.
- Dexamethasone and artificial antibodies show treatment promise, but many other drugs lack definitive trials, and vitamin D deficiency is strongly advised against during the pandemic.
- Masks are partially effective (around 30%), but should be combined with distancing, hand washing, and staying home for maximum protection.
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 eind mei 2021 - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- All vaccines offer >90% protection against severe COVID-19, including variants.
- Vaccine-induced immunity is stronger and longer-lasting than natural infection.
- Mixing vaccines (e.g., AstraZeneca with Pfizer) is safe and effective, boosting antibodies.
- Antibody maturation continues for months after vaccination, increasing protection over time.
- The Indian variant (B.1.617) is not a 'monster'; current vaccines still prevent severe disease.
- Summer 2021 is expected to have very low COVID-19 numbers in the Netherlands.
- Booster shots may be needed by winter, but no evidence yet; 1 billion doses reserved by EU.
- Testing data becomes less reliable; hospital admissions and wastewater surveillance are more accurate.
- Aerosol transmission is now officially recognized; ventilation is key alongside distancing.
- Vaccination pace is high (over 1 million shots per week in Netherlands), accelerating age groups.
- Global vaccination is crucial to prevent new variants and control the pandemic.
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.
Corona: Ooit houdt het op - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- Despite high infection numbers, society is largely open due to vaccines, which have reduced severe illness and death compared to a year ago.
- Vaccines, boosters, and new treatments like Molnupiravir and Paxlovid are improving protection and reducing hospitalizations.
- The virus continues to spread as behavior normalizes, but scientific progress is outpacing the virus, with better vaccines and treatments on the horizon.
- The end of the pandemic depends on balancing public behavior with scientific advances; following rules and testing wisely can speed up the return to normal life.
- New variants remain a possibility, but current vaccines still work against severe disease, and adapted vaccines can be produced quickly if needed.

vaccines

Corona-Update november: Twee vaccins en sneltests! - Bert Hubert's writings

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

Corona Update eind mei 2021 - Bert Hubert's writings

Corona Update Oktober 2021 - Bert Hubert's writings

Corona: Ooit houdt het op - Bert Hubert's writings