COVID Controversy

Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac., Herbalist

I thought I would take a moment as we head into the winter and the holidays to identify some basic facts that might help families making tough decisions. Frankly, like many of you, I am tired of the COVID phase of life. My practice continues to be compromised by exposures that might increase risk for patients. I apologize to those of you whose appointments have been disrupted by this.

In addition to widespread pandemic fatigue, the delta surge has come with a new variety of information distortions. Meanwhile, countless differences continue to pull strongly upon the divisions inhibiting our collective effort.

Let me outline some of my basic goals. I intend to do what I can to reduce the spread of COVID in order to protect the vulnerable in our population from unnecessary illness and or death. I extend that intention to the various medical personal who have been inundated for months by what are often unnecessary COVID cases.

Once, Americans clapped for health-care heroes; now, “we’re at war with a virus and its hosts are at war with us,” an ICU nurse told me.

`By Ed Yong, The Atlantic

Finally, I intend to continue communicating the importance of social cohesion and common purpose in the face of this pandemic because I believe COVID is only one of many challenges we must learn to face collectively.

Spread in our area

As exhausting as it has been, we must still keep an eye on cases in order to evaluate or decisions. I find it helpful to remember the days of flooding we have faced in our area. Looking at the current river level and the anticipated crest was imperative for deciding where to dump the sand and whose house to save. I’m certain we threw hours into bags we didn’t need and sand walls that were never necessary. However, we willingly put our shoulder against the flood and did what was best for our neighbors; even when we didn’t know them.

So…the COVID river is still too high. Although cases in North Dakota (as seen above) have flatlined, the overall numbers remain high.

“There are eight states here in this Upper Midwest group that are beginning to see major surge activity. Minnesota, unfortunately, is leading the way with 54 cases per 100,000 population, almost twice the number of the national average, a 35% increase in the last two weeks in cases.”

“And while North Dakota has only had a 7% increase, its overall incidence of 67 cases per 100,000 is one of the highest in the entire country.”

Dr. Michael Osterholm, CIDRAP director

Vaccine efficacy reducing transmission

Recently, I was informed of some information being spread in our community about vaccine effectiveness which I found problematic. In a local publication a health care provider described COVID vaccines as “ineffective”. This is simply not true and can lead to both unnecessary illness, hospitalization, prolonged illness and death. For a detailed analysis you can review this article published by the Yale school of medicine. Important information is regularly available confirming vaccine effectiveness.

“data released by this Texas Department of Health this past Monday, showing that unvaccinated Texans were 13 times more likely to become infected and 20 times more likely to die from COVID compared to fully vaccinated individuals. So if there’s one thing I can say with 100% certainty, it’s get vaccinated.”

Dr. Michael Osterholm, CIDRAP director

Booster recommendations

I recommend that you consult with your Doctor about a booster shot. Waining immunity for people who have had either natural infections or vaccinations is a significant concern and will only prolong the pandemic. Booster shots will be essential in managing the anticipated winter spread.

Happy Thanksgiving

Given the rising COVID waters, it can be hard to feel at ease let alone happy. Nevertheless, I am often most grateful when the things that bring comfort and joy in life have been unavailable long enough to be more appreciated, less taken for granted. I am a bit of an ingrate that way.

Please enjoy sharing gratitude with family this week. If you are gathering with family members who you don’t see regularly, ask everyone to get a rapid COVID test before meeting. This will help insure everyones safety and expand the reach of protection.