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CMAAO Coronavirus Facts and Myth Buster: COVID Update

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Dr KK Aggarwal    21 March 2021

With input from Dr Monica Vasudev

1479:  Some scientists have identified a pattern to the recurring waves of COVID-19 infection across the globe. They noted that as pollen levels increased in outdoor air across 31 countries, cases of COVID-19 increased. However, certain other studies point to the contrary, indicating that peaks in pollen seasons correspond to a decline in the spread of some respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and influenza. Theres even some evidence that pollen may compete with the virus known to cause COVID-19 and may help prevent infection. (Medscape)

 

1480:   Immunocompromised people: In a study with 436 COVID-naïve subjects who received a first dose of mRNA vaccine, a mere 17% attained detectable antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. On the contrary, among immunocompetent individuals who were vaccinated, 100% attained detectable antibody levels. It was noted that individuals taking anti-metabolites, such as mycophenolate or azathioprine, had about five times lesser odds of developing antibody responses (8.75% detectable antibody in those taking anti-metabolites compared to 41.4% in those not taking them).

Considering these findings, the CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals should be updated, warning immunosuppressed people that they still may be prone to COVID-19 following vaccination.

It is clear that immunosuppressed people need their second vaccine dose. Additionally, it is important for immunosuppressed people to understand that they are not necessarily immune after receiving the vaccine, and should consult with their providers about antibody testing. (Medpage Today)

1481: Moderna Inc has started dosing participants in a mid-to-late stage trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273, in children 6 months to less than 12 years of age. The study seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two doses of mRNA-1273 administered 28 days apart and will recruit about 6,750 children in the United States and Canada. (Reuters)

 

1482: Blood type A has been found to be linked with a greater risk of severe COVID-19 in one recent study and with a higher risk of contracting the disease in another study. Dr. James Szymanski of Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, coauthor of one of the studies, stated that their study indicates that blood group A may be associated with a greater risk, while the second study gives one possibility on the how part. That study suggests that the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus interacts with respiratory cells via the blood group A antigen. (Medscape)

 

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA

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