This is a case update and I’ll also discuss recent news about vaccines and allergic reactions.Cases continue to rise dramatically in parts of the United States, particularly, the Southwest, the East Coast, and South. The Northern states, where the third wave began, are continuing to improve, some counties are getting new cases under control.

California is doing particularly badly, with the highest new case loads occurring in 5 California counties in the top 10 counties for the country. LA County alone has 170,000 active cases (new cases in the last 2 weeks), more than 3 times that of the next county, San Bernardino County.

San Diego County is in 7th place for new cases in the country with 33,000 new cases. Cases continue to increase despite new restrictions on outdoor dining.

I never go indoors without a mask on, but still frequently eat at restaurants outdoors and do a lot of hiking. I almost never wear a mask outdoors. I get tested nearly every week, and am always negative. Here in SD County, I’m noticing a lot of people wearing masks outside, and often get the stink eye from them when I’m not wearing a mask outside. Especially if there’s a breeze, I believe it is unnecessary to wear a mask on a hike! Data shows very few outbreaks occurring outside, at least in non-crowded environments. One Japanese article claimed a 19 fold smaller likelihood of becoming infected outside, and other articles saw no transmissions outdoors, according to an article in Science Magazine.

Allergic Reactions to Vaccines: As of this writing, 6 people have been reported to have suffered from severe allergic reactions after receiving a vaccine against the SARS-2 virus. This is out of 272,000 vaccinations given so far, or about 0.002% of vaccinations. The CDC has issued a guidance that those with known allergies to vaccines or injectable medications should not get vaccinated. Those with allergies to food, pets, venom, or latex are still safe to receive the SARS-2 vaccine. For those with latex allergies, know that most medical facilities have changed to non-latex gloves because of allergies to latex.

Mild allergic reactions such as site redness or pain are more common, but will resolve on there own within a day or 2.

I am currently encouraging the elderly or those with significant risk factors to get vaccinated when you can, and to inform your health care provider of your risk status so you can “get in line” for your vaccine.

Don’t fear, but be smart!
Erik