BRACE yourself. A new surge in COVID-19 is expected this fall and winter as the new Omicron sub-variants, BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and BF.7, are evolving as the dominant strains infecting people in the United States (and around the world), just after BA.4 and BA.5.
In December 2021, the Omicron variant followed the Delta strain, which was a greater and faster killer. But Omicron also killed people, albeit to a lesser degree.
Hopefully, these new viruses are also milder. But as we have seen in the recent past, milder did not mean mild. As late as last Monday, October 24, the daily average cases the past few weeks was still around 38,000, with about 360 deaths, per day, and greater than 26,500 in the hospital for COVID-19.
The pandemic is not over. Not by a long shot, in spite of what the general public seems to think and the way people behave, putting their guards down completely. The predicted surge before Christmas could still happen with high probability because we still have only 68 percent of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, people are no longer masking and distancing, and some are refusing to get the new reformulated bivalent booster (shot number 5), which is aimed against Omicron and its sub-variants, the present dominant viruses. The rejection of the vaccines, the false sense of security, and the politically correct attitude and behavior most people have shown the past couple of months are responsible for the significant number of cases and deaths we are now seeing.
The 32 percent unvaccinated (which translates to more than 100 million) and those not fully vaccinated with booster #2 (new bivalent vaccines) in the United States are the individuals who are at the highest risk, besides the immunocompromised, to get infected with the current strains. And deaths due to these new viruses are still significant as the statistics above show. Sub-variant BQ.1.1 might even elude (resistant to) Monoclonal Antibody treatment.
The bivalent booster is safe and effective, and has a wider range of protection, including the newest strains. Only about 20 percent of seniors and less than 20 percent of other age groups have received the new bivalent booster. Almost 13 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered around the world, proving their safety and effectiveness. Why some people do not take advantage of this chance to be more fully protected is mind-boggling. It defies logical reasoning and wisdom.
It is too premature to declare victory over COVID-19; the war still rages on and people still die. In the United States, we sadly have almost 38,000 cases and more than 360 deaths a day on average the past few weeks.
Here are COVID-19 statistic updates from Coronavirus Tracker: As of 8:00 AM (CST), Tuesday, October 25 – Worldwide: 633,367,061 cases, 6,584,526 deaths. In the U.S., 99,123,438 cases, 1,093,153 deaths, and almost 1.5 million active cases. In the Philippines, almost 4 million cases and nearly 64,000 deaths; 1,500 cases and 37 deaths two days before.
The World Health organization is tracking more than 300 sub-lineages of Omicron. The COVID-19 viruses are not done with us yet. Unwittingly, with arrogance and carelessness, many of us are helping the viruses spread and kill even more, allowing the viruses to replicate and mutate and evolve, and extend the pandemic. Sadly, the new surge will infect and kill at least hundreds of thousands more. That’s what millions of us, humans, are doing, aiding and abetting our deadly invisible enemy. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against this irrational and reckless behavior.
Colonoscopy or FIT?
Colonoscopy has been the standard screening procedure for colorectal cancer. People, in general, are intimidated by the thought of a tube going into their anus for the examination, even considering the fact that the caliber of the softer flexible scope is now only about half an inch or smaller, compared to the 1-inch caliber (hard metal) in the past.
A piece of good news: New studies have provided a non-invasive test for screening for cancer of the colo-rectum, a great “no-scope” alternative – the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA), now most preferred and commonly used non-invasive screening for colorectal cancer. FIT is suggested to be more cost-effective than the mt-sDNA but both show good and same patient outcomes.
In the United States, there are 106,180 new cases of colon cancer and 44,850 cases of rectal cancer for 2022. Expected mortality is about 52,580 deaths in 2022.
The cases of this cancer have dropped a lot since the 1980s because people have been living a healthier lifestyle and having screening tests early.
A regular medical check-up with your family physician or specialist is vital in preventing or early detection of diseases, especially cancer of any organ.
Menopause relief
New clinical research found that low-fat, plant-based diet rich in soy products (like hormones) may reduce hot flashes and promote weight loss also among menopausal women. This is a bonus benefit. This is, of course, great news because this condition could result in suffering, physical and mental, for women and their spouses and children. Reduction in alcohol, caffeine, and sugar consumption is part of this “diet” strategy. This natural diet remedy, together with advice from gynecologists, could make life happier for these women.
Mega-dose danger
With aggressive marketing in various media, especially on television, some unsuspecting, uninformed people have taken mega doses of vitamin-mineral and other supplements. Those taking one-a-day multivitamin and mineral pills should not self-treat and take other supplements. Ingesting mega-dose of supplements may not render a person sick right away, but the cumulative damages to organs might start to show after years of this kind of abuse. By then, it could be too late to bring the damage organs back to normal. The immune system, the DNA, of these individuals are also hurt by the mega-dose supplements. Anything in excess is dangerous, even water or food. Consult your physician before taking any supplements or medications, even “plain and simple” aspirin. We have but one life, which didn’t come with a spare. Let’s handle it with love and care.
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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com; Email: [email protected].
