While a prior article discussed which children get Long Hauler COVID and how often, today we add to that scientific understanding with more on which symptoms children get in this troublesome post-viral syndrome. Those of us practicing medicine have long recognized the concept of post-viral syndromes, but we do appreciate the newly found interest in…
Though tiny in size, viruses pack a big punch. Most recognize that from the various acute illnesses we face, including the recent heavyweight SARS CoV2 (which causes COVID 19). On the other hand, many may not know that viruses can contribute to long term conditions. Sure we know that some viruses can contribute to liver…
If COVID is a four letter curse word, Long COVID is a drunken sailor’s mouth which torments adults after COVID and includes a few children as well. Thankfully, studies like today’s focus article indicate that children are affected less often than adults. Still, parents want to know the chances and be prepared if their child…
Foggy brains during a viral illness are nothing new as most of us feel foggy during the flu or bad head cold. This fogginess typically resolves as the infection is clear. COVID foggy brains can rise to a different level, however, both in terms of severity and duration. Not that the flu bug can’t kill…
The world of medicine must constantly learn what it does not know. This requires a level of humility and a measure of hunger. With the advent of COVID, we have all faced the unknown of a novel infection which required us to admit that we had much to learn about viruses and their diseases. The…
Firefighters in a burning building will check doors and rooms for fire or smoke. If something is not right, they activate resources to address the issue. Natural Killer cells function in a similar way: they patrol our cells asking each one how things are going. Depending on the response they get, the Natural Killer cells…
Introductions are in order for the newest biotoxin to the world of life and medicine. Over the years society has become more and more familiar with biotoxins like mold toxins, Lyme, Bartonella, red tide, and others. Those who suffer from these illnesses would not wish their symptoms on anyone. Those of us who care for…
As the world continues to live through another day of COVID 19, the medical world continues to report new findings attempting to explain the symptoms of COVID 19. A common adjective used to describe COVID 19 disease has been ‘weird’. This virus seems to have taken on a multitude of superpowers to affect a wide…
Snotty noses may protect from COVID infections. Scientists in the Imperial College of London report on the benefits of T-cells primed by prior coronaviruses in lowering the risk of COVID 19 infections. Building on prior knowledge of cross-reactivity in the immune system and the genomic functioning of other coronaviruses, this team searched for more answers. …
As our understanding of immunity deepens, our repertoire of immune modulators expands so that we can influence our immune defenses in a beneficial direction. The vaccine company Novavax, in working on a COVID-19 vaccine, has incorporated saponins from Chilean soapbark trees into their vaccine with the goal of boosting both antibody and cell-based immunity. Whereas…