It can be difficult to stay current with the coronavirus, especially with the highly mutated and fast-moving omicron variant. In the latest COVID-19 news, a new omicron subvariant, XBB.1.5, has become the predominant strain responsible for more than 50% of COVID-19 infections in the United States. In the week of December 24th, 2022, XBB accounted for 18.3% of the COVID-19 cases in the United States. That number increased from 11.2% in the previous week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

By the very end of 2022, XBB accounted for over 40.5% of cases in the country. In the northeastern United States, three out of four cases are currently XBB.1.5. The interesting thing is that XBB subvariants were barely on the radar three to four months ago. At that time, the CDC stated that omicron subvariant BA.5 made up 80% of infections. After that, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 took over. Now, BA.5 only accounts for 3.7% of cases. It’s a wildly unpredictable landscape, with XBB.1.5 multiplying at record speed. 

XBB.1.5 Appears To Be More Contagious Than Other Subvariants

XBB.1.5 is very, very contagious, according to the CDC. Infectious disease experts say that it is outcompeting other variants. This subvariant has already driven outbreaks in parts of Asia, including Singapore. The increased numbers in the northeastern United States, as we previously mentioned, may be an indicator of what will come in the rest of the country. As of December 30th, 2022, the New York Times COVID Tracker noted that New York and New Jersey saw some of the country’s highest per-capita case rates. 

Do Rising Hospitalizations In New York Foreshadow An Increase In COVID-19 Cases Across The U.S.?

Recent New York health figures suggest a steady rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations. A few southern states, including South Carolina and Kentucky, also experienced worsening conditions. Experts don’t know if XBB.1.5 is specifically driving hospitalizations, but the data doesn’t look favorable. It is a contributing factor at the very least, but more information is needed. 

When a new variant moves to a different geographic area, the risk of a mini outbreak in that area is high. That said, experts do not see the XBB subvariant driving the same massive surges as the original omicron variant did at the end of 2021. That’s great news!

Do Current COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against XBB.1.5?

As stated when the original vaccine rolled out, they won’t keep you 100% protected from COVID-19 infection. As of now, experts believe that current vaccines will offer substantial protection against a mild or moderate infection developing into severe illness. Infectious disease experts say, from a vaccine point of view, that vaccinated individuals are still okay in that sense. XBB.1.5 is not yet a variant of concern, but it is of great interest because of the way it’s spreading. Current CDC data shows that only 15% of Americans are up to date on the most recent COVID-19 booster shot. 

Vaccination is obviously optional and you need to do what’s right for you. Don’t simply rely on vaccinations, though. Do your part to stay healthy by eating the right foods and getting a sufficient amount of weekly exercise. Various modalities can also help improve immune function and respiratory health, so explore those options in your efforts to stay safe and healthy.

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a second COVID-19 booster shot for both Moderna and Pfizer. The aim of the second booster shot is to protect Americans who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. People 50 years of age and older who are at least four months out from their last dose can receive the new booster. But the fact remains that people are less interested in getting the shot now that mask mandates are ending and the world is opening back up. 

COVID-19 cases are down in the United States, with numbers dropping to the lowest point since July 2021. The BA.2 subvariant of omicron is the current dominant strain in America and is sweeping across Europe, but what’s the right choice moving forward in regards to vaccines? The scientific evidence surrounding a fourth dose is incomplete. Researchers cannot conclude if people need the shots, with some scientists saying that they are dubious about the decision to get a second one. 

Although the FDA authorized people over the age of 50 to receive a second booster, experts point out the lack of research surrounding it. What the research does show, however, is that people in poor health, those 65 and older, or people with underlying health conditions may benefit from another booster. The reasoning behind this is because they are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and suffering from more severe symptoms without vaccine protection.

Do You Need Another Booster Shot?

This is a question that you have to answer yourself, as only you can decide what is right for you. Health experts do say that your overall health status factors in to this decision. If you are aged 50 or older and in good health with no underlying conditions, you may want to wait a bit. Infectious diseases specialists say that it’s perfectly reasonable for people under 60 to wait, noting that current vaccines and boosters still offer protection against death and severe disease. 

According to several research studies, many people have sufficient protection from severe illness. Even if someone contracts the omicron variant, which can slip through immune defenses, two or three doses of Moderna or Pfizers’s vaccine proved powerful enough protection. An Israeli study found that adults older than 60 who got a fourth dose were 78% less likely to die from COVID-19 than those who received three shots. That study has flaws, though, given that the participants volunteered to get a fourth shot. 

People who are naturally careful about their health may be more cautious about the coronavirus. They are more likely to exercise, eat healthy, wear a mask, and less likely to smoke cigarettes. These factors may make a second booster look more effective than it is. Other data from that study suggests that a second booster had marginal benefits in healthy young people. 

Is A Second Booster Shot Dangerous?

Health officials continue to say that vaccines are incredibly safe. There is no danger surrounding an additional shot. It’s possible to experience brief bouts of fatigue, site pain, and fever, as is consistent with the other shots. The only reason it would be dangerous is if you are allergic to something within the vaccine. 

Should You Time A Booster With Travel? 

This is a strategy that many people want to employ, but it does carry some risk. The omicron variant spread like wildfire when it hit during late November 2021, quickly overwhelming hospitals and healthcare workers. The BA.2 variant is more contagious, but it doesn’t necessarily cause severe symptoms like previous variants. 

Vaccine protections don’t last forever and they do take some time to kick in. According to research, the protection against hospitalization for people two months after they got their first booster was 91%. That protection dropped to 78% four months after getting the first booster. If you plan to travel in late summer, the second booster may not be effective if you get it now. 

Lastly, if you contracted COVID-19 during the omicron wave, you don’t have to rush to get another booster shot. Experts say that any infection within the past three months gives you a similar level of protection against reinfection as a booster will. 

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The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 30 million people in the United States have already received a COVID-19 booster shot. At this time, only certain groups of people are technically eligible for the additional shot. Some cities or counties are more lenient on who can get the shot in an effort to reduce the spread during the upcoming holiday season. If you’re eligible and planning on getting the shot, some providers suggest that you fully prepare for the appointment. 

One of the major fears, besides the needle, of the first COVID-19 vaccines was the potential side effects. It wasn’t the same for everyone, with some people only experiencing site pain and flu-like symptoms. It seems that providers want to help people reduce the risk of side effects after the booster shot. In an effort to do this, some pharmacies currently send out instructions in the appointment details to drink water before and after the shot. Although the reasoning is to help reduce symptoms, does drinking water actually lessen the intensity of side effects?

Does Drinking Water Help?

There’s no argument that drinking water is beneficial for overall health. Hydrating is good for organ function, but it may not have an effect on how the immune system responds to the vaccine. No health expert can guarantee that drinking water will help you prevent side effects, but it may help the body if you develop a fever. When the body develops a fever, it uses the internal fluids to help cool it down, which can lead to dehydration. This means that drinking water before and after the booster shot may reduce the risk of dehydration if you develop a fever. 

At the very least, experts recommend hydrating before and after the booster shot to reduce the risk of fainting. Several reports stated that people regularly fainted after the first COVID-19 vaccine shots. If you get the shot in a state of dehydration, it can increase the risk of feeling ill or fainting. Infectious disease specialists say that increasing intravascular volume by hydrating may help prevent a vasovagal syncope event, which may cause fainting. In that regard, hydrating can be quite beneficial leading up to your booster shot, should you decide to get it. Beyond that, however, it’s very difficult for experts to say that water will prevent side effects. There isn’t specific data that indicates that drinking 16 ounces of water before the shot will enhance the immune system. 

What About Pain Medication Before Or After The Shot?

Many health experts say that it’s not wise to pre-medicate with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen before the vaccine for the purpose of preventing side effects is not healthy. In fact, the CDC states that it’s not known if they affect the efficacy of the vaccine. It’s also not wise to take antihistamines before you get the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot. There are, however, no studies on how these OTCs will affect immune response. According to research about other vaccines, pain relievers may cause a weaker response to the vaccine, making the shot less effective. 

Rather than immediately resorting to OTC pain medication to counteract site pain, the CDC recommends applying an ice pack to the injection site. This may help relieve pain and stiffness. It may also be beneficial to keep the arm moving because increasing blood flow to the area may accelerate recovery. 

Ultimately, there is no magic potion that will prevent the post-COVID vaccine side effects. Drinking water may make you feel better and help the body combat any symptoms you do experience. Drinking water before and after your booster shot won’t harm you, so you might as well hydrate just in case!

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Additional doses or booster shots are likely rolling out in the United States later this month. President Biden’s administration said that people should receive their third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines starting September 20th, 2021. This plan is currently pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

With a potential third dose on the horizon, people have one primary question: Will these COVID-19 booster shots have additional, similar, or fewer side effects? Some people wonder why there is a need for another shot, but the “side effects” question seems more pertinent. Many health experts tout the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines against more contagious strains. Current clinical studies about the efficacy of additional doses are still ongoing. In fact, only a select number of countries started administering additional doses.

Some people frown on the administration of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses, especially when other countries have not had sufficient access to vaccines. The other side of the argument is that many immunocompromised people face danger from the more contagious delta variant. Those types of people were the first to receive the initial doses of the vaccines. Unfortunately, it’s been nearly eight months since that time, meaning that protection is waning against the delta variant, and other future variants. This explains the higher amount of breakthrough cases.

COVID-19 Booster Side Effects

As with most vaccines, including the recent COVID-19 vaccines, side effects can vary from person to person. A study from the United Kingdom found that only 22% of people experienced fatigue, headache, or chills after the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 68% of people experienced local reaction such as site pain. Health experts predict that the third dose will cause minimal discomfort, but it’s possible to experience similar side effects to the first two shots. 

One person doesn’t have a higher tendency to experience side effects than another, and the third dose shouldn’t be worse than the original two doses. Ongoing studies find that the third dose may cause some minor flu- or cold-like symptoms, though. Pain at the injection site is almost a given, and the CDC says that fatigue is also very common. Pfizer recently offered an initial list of symptoms that one may experience after the third dose:

• Headache
• Tiredness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Redness, swelling, or pain at injection site
• Chills

Booster Trials Are Ongoing

Clinical trials for the third COVID-19 booster shot are ongoing. Pfizer started submitting data to the FDA for its application seeking approval of the third dose for Americans over the age of 16. The third dose will only be for people who have already received the first two doses. A recent booster study conducted by Israeli researchers looked at the effectiveness of a third dose of Pfizer for people 60 years and older. Israel started rolling out booster shots at the end of July and the results indicated that the shot reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The researchers did not release any information in regards to side effects from the booster shots. 

As far as Moderna-NIAID and Johnson & Johnson booster shots go, no data on side effects has yet to be released. Moderna already asked the FDA to authorize a 50-microgram dose of its COVID-19 vaccine for a booster shot. This would be half the dose of one of its first two shots. Should the FDA approve Moderna’s booster shot, it will most likely roll out a couple weeks after the Pfizer booster shot, provided it receives approval from the FDA. 

Data Still Necessary For Serious Side Effects

Most of the side effects of the two mRNA vaccines and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been mild or moderate. Unfortunately, people did experience rarer, more severe side effects after receiving the first two doses. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines carry a small risk of heart inflammation. This is more common in younger people, especially males. Regarding inflammation, studies show that there’s a much higher chance of COVID-19 causing severe inflammation than the vaccines.

We still need the safety data from booster studies of the mRNA vaccines. More tests and time will hopefully provide these answers that people want. 

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Many people in certain parts of the United States remain vulnerable to the fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus. New data from the last week of July 2021 documented a 10% increase in COVID-19 cases in 48 states. There has even been an uptick in cases where vaccine rates are higher, and in areas where previous outbreaks occurred early on in the pandemic. 

As of now, health experts and data analysis supports the fact that the southern United States are most susceptible to COVID-19 surges. Even though minimally vaccinated areas like northern Arkansas or southern Missouri face outbreaks, so do areas with 70-80% vaccination rates. Researchers agree that no area in the United States has achieved herd immunity. Because the delta variant is more contagious, it’s making that task more difficult. 

An analysis conducted by researchers at Georgetown University detected 30 clusters of counties with low vaccination rates. These areas also have significant populations, but five clusters stood out more than the rest. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, two of those areas were in Arkansas and Missouri. Three others included Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Alabama. The data suggests that these areas are more vulnerable than they were in December 2020, given the high-transmission rate of the delta variant. 

What Does The Data Say?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-third of Americans have yet to receive a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, the reason that vaccinated areas are also susceptible is because the vaccines are not 100% effective. There are always occasional breakthroughs with any vaccine, even with high vaccination rates. When only 50% of the population is fully vaccinated, which is the case for the United States, it’s much easier for breakthrough cases to happen. That’s why hospitals are seeing an increase of COVID-19 infections in vaccinated people. Some researchers even go so far as to say that the unvaccinated are putting vaccinated people at risk. 

Can Unvaccinated People Lower Their Risk?

Yes, this is completely possible. Failure to follow basic protocol in regards to COVID-19 safety measures, though, will increase the risk of infection. Places like movie theaters, concerts, sporting events, bars, and restaurants are easy places to catch COVID-19. Being in close quarters with other unvaccinated people is quite dangerous. Additionally, if the delta variant is spreading in an unvaccinated area, it’s much easier for more contagious variants to develop. If you want to protect yourself, avoid the following places if you’re unvaccinated.

Movie Theaters, Concert Halls, And Churches

People missed all of these venues during lockdown because they provide either entertainment or encouragement via worship. Unfortunately, congregating indoors with a large amount of people, especially if they are unvaccinated, can be a breeding ground for COVID-19. You can attend these areas, but take proper safety precautions beforehand. For example, wear a mask indoors and get a test within 48-72 hours before the event. Safer alternatives include drive-in movie theaters, outdoor concerts, or outdoor church ceremonies. Virtual concerts and church congregations are the safest options.

Bars And Restaurants

You may have to wear a mask to enter an establishment, but the mask comes off as soon as you sit down at a table. Restaurants, however, are doing their very best to keep people socially distanced and offer outdoor dining options. Bars, on the other hand, tend to be overcrowded and don’t have great ventilation. When you are with people you don’t know, which is the case for most bars and restaurants, you are much more vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure. The whole point of being at a bar or restaurant is to eat, drink, and socialize without masks, so masks can’t be on. To be safer the CDC suggests grabbing an outdoor meal, having food delivered, or hosting a drink night within your bubble of friends. 

It seems like it’s best to go back to masks during this time of the delta. Take your precautions and do your part to slow the rise in COVID-19 infections. If we all work together, we can move forward in a positive direction. 

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The delta variant is running wild across the United States, causing a surge in COVID-19 cases. In response to the most transmissible variant of the coronavirus, over 650 colleges and universities are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for in-person class attendance. For people who don’t want to get the vaccine, fake vaccine cards may allow them to cheat the system. According to several reports from law enforcement, education, and student officials, this is a very real possibility. 

Unlike other countries that have adopted an electronic system for vaccination records, the United States uses paper cards to prove vaccination status. To cheat the system, a cottage industry on the internet is willing to accommodate those who don’t want the vaccine and want to attend in-person classes. Similar to fake IDs for people under the age of 21, fake vaccine cards are available for purchase. 

Fake Vaccine Cards Are Real

One Instagram account sells laminated COVID-19 vaccination cards for $25 each. One user on Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, offered COVID-19 vaccine certificates for $200 each. The goal behind both of these accounts was to help people avoid the “poisonous vaccine.” This sparked the interest of thousands of anti-vaxers. In fact, one Twitter user posted about her daughter buying fake ID’s online during her college years. And she asked if anyone had links for fake vaccine cards. 

Naturally, colleges that require proof of vaccination are worried about fraudulent vaccine cards. The purpose of requiring vaccination is to keep students and faculty as safe as possible. For that reason, universities must have policies in place to make sure that every student possess a valid COVID-19 vaccine document. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for instance, conducts periodic verification of documents. This is in hopes to weed out people who have falsified documents. As of this time, UNC-Chapel Hill hasn’t found a single student with a fake vaccine card. 

What Do Universities Say?

Staff members from universities and colleges express concern over forged vaccine cards. A reliable digital vaccine passport mobile application is what educators would like to see. Not only will this help university staff, but it may also help other businesses that require proof of vaccination. Some universities, like Vanderbilt University, have put a student’s ability to register for fall 2021 courses on hold until vaccine records have been verified. It makes an exception for those who have approved medical accommodation or religious exemption. 

Why The Need For Vaccination?

A college or university campus is a melting pot of people from all around the world. There are thousands of people on each campus and they engage in various social settings and environments. Not to mention, dorm life forces strangers to live in close quarters. Health experts argue that between dorms, classes, and cafeterias, you have a breeding ground for COVID-19. Ensuring that all students are vaccinated would establish herd immunity to keep everyone safe. 

There will always be people who want to cheat the system. Anything that requires a certification poses the risk of falsifying a document. Many university officials feel that if students have false vaccine cards, the percentage will be very low. This has already sparked outrage and protests across the country and only time will tell how this vaccine requirement ends. As for now, students who want to attend in-person classes at one of the many universities participating in this effort must get the vaccine, or provide valid reasoning/proof that makes them exempt. 

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COVID-19 cases were on a steady decline over the past six months, proving the efficacy of vaccination and mask wearing. Now, thanks to the delta variant, cases are back on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented just one week ago that cases are up by nearly 70%. Hospitalization rates are up nearly 36%, suggesting that dramatic surges are the direct result of relaxed mask guidances and low rates of vaccinations. 

The delta variant is a highly transmissible variant of the coronavirus, and it was first discovered in the United States in March 2021. It quickly became the dominant strain out of all the variants. Infectious disease experts say that delta’s rise is not unexpected. For example, the United Kingdom has a similar vaccination rate to the United States and the delta variant makes up 90% of new cases now. Originally, the alpha variant was the dominant strain, but the delta quickly took over by mid-June 2021. 

How Much More Contagious Is The Delta Variant?

According to health experts, the delta variant appears to be 225% more transmissible than the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. It also spreads 50% faster than the alpha variant. A report from China said that people who contract the delta variant have about 1,000 times more copies of the virus in their respiratory tracts than those infected with the original strain. Additionally, people with the delta variant are infectious earlier in the course of illness. In all measures, delta is more transmissible. It infects initial cells and the next cells more quickly than ever before. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) deemed it “the fastest and the fittest.”

The Pandemic Of The Unvaccinated

Currently, the United States is experiencing an average of 26,000 new cases per day. For a seven-day average, that is 70% higher than it was a mere week ago. The horrifying reality is that nearly all of the hospitalizations and deaths are among the unvaccinated. In fact, the COVID-19 surges and outbreaks in the United States have been occurring in areas with the lowest vaccination rates. On the other hand, communities with higher vaccination rates continue to experience lower rates of infection. According to current medical data, the states that are currently experiencing high surges include Nevada, Florida, Missouri, and Louisiana. 

As numbers continue to rise, several states and counties have re-implemented mask mandates for indoor public spaces. People in Los Angeles County, for example, now have to wear masks when inside public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Many health experts agree that wearing a mask in public is a smart move. The intermingling of vaccinated and unvaccinated people without masks poses a threat to the public, but mainly the unvaccinated. 

It’s clear now that unvaccinated people did not follow the recommended indoor masking guidelines. Many stopped wearing masks with the new mask mandates in place. It’s interesting that 90% of people in a grocery store could be without masks, when less than 60% of Americans are fully vaccinated. It puts unvaccinated people, children, and people who are immunocompromised at risk. In fact, several reports show that roughly 99.5% of COVID-19 cases across several states in the U.S. were in unvaccinated people. This is sad news for hospitals, which have started to feel the strain of higher infection rates. 

Is There Good News?

Even though the delta variant is more transmissible and is the dominant coronavirus strain, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S. are lower than they were in peak seasons. That being said, there are many states, as we mentioned earlier, that continue to experience higher surges. Infectious disease specialists still encourage people to get the vaccine, as vaccination seems to be the best preventative measure. The COVID-19 vaccine has proven efficacy against the delta variant, making the risk of infection or severity of illness a lot lower for vaccinated people. It seems that COVID-19 is now largely a disease of unvaccinated people. Continue to practice preventative safety measures to keep yourself and others safe. Mask up indoors, wash your hands, and consider the vaccination status of people you interact with.

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A new spike in COVID-19 cases can be attributed to the more transmissible delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The surge caused more hospitalizations and deaths, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates. Although it was first identified in India, the delta variant is currently in at least 77 countries and now accounts for more than 20% of all U.S. COVID-19 cases. 

What Is The Delta Variant?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the delta variant will probably become the dominant coronavirus strain in the U.S. Since half the country remains unvaccinated, it’s possible that it could cause a COVID-19 resurgence in Fall 2021. The delta variant is 40-60% more transmissible than the alpha variant, which scientists identified in the U.K. The alpha strain was 50% more transmissible than the original strain detected in Wuhan, China. 

The delta variant seems to be spreading rapidly in the U.S., and the rise in cases has prompted some city officials to reinstate indoor mask guidances. Because the delta variant is hypertransmissible, experts say it is the most contagious version to date. Additionally, it may increase the severity of symptoms or illness after contracting the variant. According to a study in Scotland, the hospitalization rate of people who contracted the delta variant was 85% higher than people with the alpha variant. 

Do Vaccines Protect Against The Delta Variant?

As of now, vaccination appears to provide solid protection against the delta variant. People who only have one dose of the vaccine are not as protected, though. Two weeks after receiving the second dose, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has proven to be 88% effective against symptomatic infections caused by the delta variant. Alternatively, Moderna’s vaccine shows more promise against the delta variant. Laboratory studies exhibited that Moderna produced neutralizing antibodies against delta, beta, and eta variants. These results are based on blood serum tests from eight participants, one week after they received the second dose. 

Due to the fact that the delta variant is highly transmissible, it is outpacing vaccinations. Unfortunately, the longer the delta variant spreads, the more opportunities it has to mutate into more dangerous variants. The good news is that several health experts don’t expect the delta variant to cause nationwide surges in the U.S. Because of the near 50% vaccination rate, it should not escalate to the level of India’s COVID-19 case and death rate. 

What Happens Now?

Only time will tell how the delta variant affects the U.S. It will depend on different communities around the country and total vaccination rates. Parts of Texas and Arizona, for instance, still have low vaccinations rates. Local surges seem to be inevitable, but cities or towns with more vaccinated people should not experience an increase in new infection rates. In fact, it will be much harder for the variant to spread in an area of high vaccination rates. 

The goal is total containment, but this delta variant may be a slight bump in the road on the way there. Health experts hope that the country does not experience an exponential rise in cases like it did in December 2020 and January 2021. In order to combat the delta variant, it’s best to mask up when you’re in indoor public settings. Even if you are fully vaccinated, masks offer an extra layer of protection. 

Since mask guidelines have lifted in most states, there are unvaccinated individuals mixing with vaccinated individuals without masks. This also poses a risk for children and teenagers. While children and teens remain a lower risk of contracting COVID-19, it’s still possible for infection to occur. Right now, the delta variant can spread easily between unvaccinated children and teens. It doesn’t seem to cause more serious illness or symptoms than earlier strains of the virus, though. 

As long as the virus circulates in other areas, even if they are outside of the U.S., it’s possible for it to make its way here. This is especially true now that international travel continues to open back up. New mutations can occur and put more lives at risk. Stay safe and protect yourself. 

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Before the development of COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic itself, there was a divide in views about vaccines in general. There are those who believe in them and those who oppose and avoid them at all costs. Some people have mixed feelings about them and only receive them when required for travel, or things of that nature. The divide seemed clearer than ever with the development and administration of the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Unfortunately, rumors and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines spread like wildfire across the web. A high percentage of people cite social media platforms or a random blogs as their sources of information. These sources are not credible, yet they are easily shared among like-minded people, or people who were against COVID-19 to begin with. Before you know it, there’s a collective mindset that agrees on inaccurate information. 

In an effort to disprove the false claims about the COVID-19 vaccines, health experts continue to release facts and truthful statements about them. They have turned to social media in hopes of reaching more people. Health officials debunked the following myths about the COVID-19 vaccines and provided reliable, factual information.

Myth: COVID-19 Vaccines Cause COVID-19 Variants

The reality is that the COVID-19 virus itself produces the variants. According to research, the virus multiplies and creates new viruses in a human body. This causes genetic variation, not all of which are harmful. Sometimes, though, a mutation can occur and the result is a variant that can spread from person to person. COVID-19 is an easily transmissible disease, which means that variants can spread rapidly. The aim of vaccines is to protect people from variants, and so far they are doing just that. 

Myth: Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine Gives You COVID-19

It’s a fact that the vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. The authorized messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines instruct cells to produce a protein that is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This actually helps the body recognize and produce an immune response to fight it upon encountering it. The vaccine does not contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so it’s impossible to get it because of vaccination.

Myth: The COVID-19 Vaccine Makes You Magnetic

Early in the pandemic, a rumor circulated that potential vaccines could magnetize people because of 5G towers. Health officials agree about the fact that this is completely untrue. Over 45% of the American population is vaccinated, and they don’t seem to be sticking to refrigerators or metal objects. 

Myth: The COVID-19 Vaccine Will Alter DNA

As we mentioned earlier, the vaccine uses mRNA to instruct cells to produce spike proteins that exist on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. When the immune system encounters this protein, it generates an immune response by creating antibodies. Essentially, the vaccines teach the body how to protect against future infection. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where the body stores DNA. Additionally, the body gets rid of the mRNA soon after it uses the instructions.

Myth: The Government Used Vaccines To Microchip People

Many conspiracy theories exist in the world, especially about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Believers are under the impression that injecting the vaccine into the body is the government’s way of microchipping people. The fact of the matter is that it’s physically impossible for microchips to be small enough to be administered through a needle. 

Myth: The mRNA Technology Is New

In fact, researchers and scientists have been working on mRNA technology for nearly two decades. The creators of vaccines developed this technology to accelerate the response time to new pandemic illnesses, such as COVID-19. 

Myth: The CDC Is Making Everyone Get Vaccinated

This is 100% false and illegal. The federal government cannot mandate vaccination for all. Additionally, the CDC does not keep track of vaccination records for every U.S. resident. You can contact your state government or employer if you have questions about COVID-19 vaccination mandates. Whether or not a state can mandate vaccination is a matter of state law.

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A little over one year ago, gathering with friends in any scenario seemed dangerous, life-threatening even. Going out and playing a pick-up game of basketball wasn’t possible. Smiling at strangers could only be done through masks. More than one year later, however, things are looking up. 

Many adults around the country continue to experience feelings of euphoria as the country transitions into a recognizable state of normalcy. Visiting family, grabbing after work drinks, attending concerts, and going to movies are all possible now. For most people, being within six feet of a stranger is no longer a threat. The fact of the matter is that the world is reopening and the joy of it all is infectious. 

What Are The Numbers?

Since January 20, 2021, COVID-19 cases in the United States have gone down more than 90%. According to a mid-June 2021 report, roughly 175 million Americans received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. That number includes 74% of adults over 40 and 87% of all seniors over 65. In 14 states, at least 70% of adults have received one dose of the vaccine. As younger people start to receive the vaccine, the path to what we knew as normal is clearer than ever. 

Post-Pandemic Joy: What Is It?

There was a common saying throughout the pandemic when it came to interacting with people. “When this is all over,” became something that friends and family said in regards to living life post-pandemic. The sad reality was that the pandemic was ever-changing; nobody knew how long it would last or how serious it would get. While a mild level of danger still remains, fear has subsided and a mental switch flipped. People are ready to break out of their cages and navigate the world again.

Because people had the “when this is all over” mindset, meeting up with people and doing regular things feels that much better now. It’s time for fear and sadness to go and for joy to take over. That being said, some people remain hesitant or fearful of reentering society. It’s perfectly understandable to experience mild anxiety about being in unmasked social settings. People will enter back into the world in their own way that feels comfortable. 

Why Does Everything Seem To Feel Great?

For the majority of the pandemic, people had to suppress happiness. That’s why rates of depression and anxiety skyrocketed. There was a wall, essentially, between the self and pleasure/happiness, creating an absence of joy. Now, there are little to no limitations as to what you can enjoy, especially if you are fully vaccinated. Something as simple as going over to a friend’s house for a barbecue may feel as thrilling as summiting Mount Fuji. Walking into a grocery store without a mask is riveting. Hugging family members is an emotional experience. Going on dates is possible. Almost anything and everything can trigger joy! 

Doing things in the world perpetuates the release of dopamine, which is a reward/feel good hormone. The body releases dopamine during a new and pleasurable experience. It often occurs when you do something exciting, for example, visiting a new country or trying a new activity. The body can also release dopamine after joyful or pleasurable experiences are withheld from a person for a long time. 

That’s why things that used to be commonplace are now exciting and pleasurable. The realization is that people didn’t fully understand how much these things meant to them before the pandemic. Variety kept things interesting and pumped people full of good hormones. That’s coming back again and isolation and loneliness are in the rearview mirror. 

Things To Keep In Mind

Everything is not simply feel good hormones and good times with the return to normalcy. Some people still need space. Strangers in the grocery store aisles aren’t ready for your hugs just yet. People will eventually arrive at the “woohoo” state, but please take consideration for those who are not there yet. Spread kindness and love, but don’t overextend your joy vibes. Letting loose can still have consequences, as the pandemic is not over yet. Take time to adjust to the new world and savor those joyful highs you continue to experience. 

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