During the heights ( or maybe better…the depths ) of my long covid journey I was using methylene blue infusions as well as vitamin c and vitamin B therapies. They have been part of my recovery process. And something I will still use in certain situations. But it is funny to look back on the outrage expressed only a short while ago when this substance was men as an optioned as a possible helper during with COVID.
Interesting company/website. The idea of using light to inactivate viruses was also belittled not to long ago.
Some of the other patients with whom I shared a room during my MB infusions were using ozone therapy as well as medical grade peroxide.
Note there is nothing about treating humans in there. Only surface decontamination, for an obvious reason.
It is so much easier to inactivate a pathogen outside the human body than inside it because most broad based agents would kill human cells as well. Light by itself isn’t very effective at killing bacteria etc. - you need a mighty strong UV light to do so (lamps we use in bio labs). Can’t do that inside or on the surface of a human because that light doesn’t distinguish between human and bacterial etc. cells. But on a mask, coupled with a photoactive compound that provides singlet oxygen without the need for strong UV, the combo is effective at creating a protective shield and destroying any viruses or bacteria that land on that surface. And if a tiny bit of the blue dye or B2 is inhaled, well, these compounds have been used in humans. Very clever.
I’ve looked at these on Amazon and actually have them in my basket.
Since they are regular surgical masks which don’t form a seal I’m curious as to the effectiveness. It’s been the general mantra that in order to be protective a mask needs a good solid seal - such as the N95’s. These seem to have a high potential for leaving the wearer with gaps and leaks.
Does the antiviral component make up for this somehow?
We have a bit of traveling coming up. I wear masks at airports, on airplanes, public transportation and large gatherings. Happy to switch to these but I’m skeptical.
anyone have any suggestions of retail sites that have the Novavax '25 vaccine? Rite Aid used to stock it, but they went bk.
(we have gotten the Novavax for last 2 years, with zero side effects, so thought we’d go that route again, even tho its a few points less effective than Moderna/Pfizer.)
I have always believed that a well-fitting breathable mask is best. That’s what I wear indoors and it seems to work well, even without special chemicals added. I buy mine at family-masks.com. They’re highly rated by the aerosols engineer, Aaron Collins who tested 100s of masks for protectiveness and breathability.
Note that Nuvaxovid targets the same JN.1 variant as last year’s Nuvaxovid, while Comniraty, Spikevax, and mNEXSPIKE target LP.8.1. Current variants are all descended from JN.1, although LP.8.1 is closer to the current main one XFG (which is a recombination of LP.8.1.2 and LF.7, both JN.1 descendents).
thanks, Himom. I had found that link earlier, and called a couple of places nearby, but no luck. Perhaps I’ll expand my search, or just get an LP.8.1 ver.
H and I just got our flu and Covid shots at cvs (in VA). No problems. A couple of weeks ago, the cvs website was still asking me questions if we had any risk factors, but it didn’t this week. It only asked if we had one in the last two months and the allergy type questions.
now just have to cross my fingers insurance still pays for it. I never received any info saying it was dropped, nor did the pharmacist say anything; so let’s hope all is well - until tomorrow when I’m sure I’ll feel like doo doo
Our Walgreens runs vaccines through insurance so you know if it’s covered before you get the shot.
The reason I know that, is when I applied for my ACA marketplace insurance, they put in my birthdate incorrectly by one day. Once I looked at my insurance info, I was told everything went through and there would be no charge.
Once the government shutdown is resolved, I’ll call again and try to get that changed
Every time I’ve gotten a vaccine—my md’s office, Safeway, Costco, Walgreen’s, CVS, they always run the bill through insurance/Medicare so you are charged whatever your copay is. I have only had to pay for my 1st shingles vaccine 18 years ago because CDC wasn’t recommending it for folks <60. I got it at Costco because it was in stock and cheaper than any other place offering it at <$200.
Flu season is here and a covid uptick is around the corner. Two infectious diseases experts offer their tips on how to plan for vaccination against those viruses. (gift link)
My DIL was charged $800 for her chicken pox vaccinations (she never had them as a kid, long weird story) . fast forward almost 9 months of arguing back and forth with the pharmacy, her doctor,insurance — turns out it was submitted to an insurance company she does not now nor ever has had coverage from.
$800 for a vaccine is robbery! That’s an outrageous price and way more than the serum and cost of administering it! When I found put my insurer wasn’t covering my vaccine, I called around to see who had it in stock and would charge the least—It was Costco closest to my home.
I got both the COVID and flu shots on Thursday at the Hy-Vee grocery store near work. I did not have to pay for either one. In fact, I got 20 cents fuel saver for the flu shot. The pharmacist gave one in each arm, the COVID one in my non dominant arm. That arm was sore until late Friday, otherwise I felt fine.
I have not had COVID, unless it was an undiagnosed mild case.
My first grandchild is due next week. My MD daughter is requiring us to have these shots in order to see the kid. That just motivates me to not be lazy in this regard.
Many years ago, my niece wouldn’t let anyone hold her new baby unless and until they had washed their hands and had also had a flu shot. I was one of the few family who said “okay, whatever it takes to hold a baby”. We kept the baby and mom away from the holiday crowd, and wouldn’t you know nearly ALL of them came down with the same virus. But not me, baby, or niece. Your daughter is a smart woman, and you are right to respect her wishes! Good first move as a grandparent Congrats!
Congrats!