From Clinic to Community; Navigating the Fall Season and New Covid Variants

With the arrival of the Fall season, new Covid variants are emerging. The FDA and CDC are rolling out new vaccines targeting Covid, RSV, and the flu. I’d like to share insights on two fronts: my clinical observations and practice and insight on why the new variant is getting attention. 

Since April 2023, I’ve noticed a concerning trend in the clinic. Many individuals began exhibiting significant health declines – not just minor ailments, but a cascade of health issues. While age can bring about health changes, the magnitude and abruptness of these changes seemed out of the norm.

This anomaly spurred my “Weird Health Symptoms” series on my YouTube channel, BestAcupuncturellc. Seeking answers, I expanded my investigations into the latest scientific research and used that information to develope practical strategies for health. I’ve shared my findings with clients in clinic, through my members only area, HealthHub, my website best-acupuncture.com and my Youtube channel, bestacupuncturellc. Together, we’ve managed to achieve remarkable health improvements.

Then there was the setback with the emergence of Covid variants XBB1.16 in May and June, followed by EG.5 in July and August. Some of us got sick with those variants, which was a different feeling. Some of us, despite being fully vaccinated, fell ill, describing the feeling as “wrong” rather than just “sick.” Leveraging the insights from April and May, I devised approaches to mitigate the severity of these infections.

Thankfully, no one suffered severe symptoms like prolonged vomiting. Yet, many still felt unwell, with recovery taking longer for some. It puzzled me that some fully vaccinated individuals were falling severely ill. I was finally able to find research that identified why this could be happening and discuss in depth in my members-only area, HealthHub. 

Incorporating these insights, I’ve crafted a strategy now in effect at my clinic. As we head into the flu season, the goal is to bolster your body’s defenses against these infections. The outcome remains to be seen.

Lastly, the rapid mutation rate of COVID-19 deeply concerns me. Its implications for our health are profound. I delve deeper into the latest research about this accelerated mutation rate in HealthHub. Armed with knowledge, I hope to empower you to make well-informed health decisions.

In just five short months, there’s been a flurry of activity in the world of Covid variants. It’s both overwhelming and educational to observe the evolving landscape. Contrary to expectations, the EG.5 variant, initially perceived as a minor adjustment from its predecessor XBB1.16, has proven to be significantly more impactful for those who contracted it.

Now, the spotlight has shifted to the BA2.86 variant, sparking intensified discussions about COVID-19. Yet, with only two confirmed cases of BA2.86 in the United States, it’s evident that the ongoing hospitalizations predominantly stem from the EG.5 strain, which, as mentioned, differs only slightly from XBB1.16.

India is very proactive in reporting Covid variants and shared insights from the World Health Organization on BA.2.86.

“BA.2.86 is a sub variant of Omicron1, … The World Health Organization (WHO) has added BA.2.86 as a variant under monitoring (VUM)12, which means it is being watched for its potential impact on public health.“

                                                       -Times of India

The CDC identified the new variant August 23, 2023, and states, 

“BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who have previously had COVID-19 or who have received COVID-19 vaccines…(The) number of genetic differences is roughly of the same magnitude as seen between the initial Omicron variant (BA.1) and previous variants, such as Delta (B.1.617.2). The large number of mutations in this variant raises concerns of greater escape from existing immunity from vaccines… For example, one analysis of mutations suggests the difference may be as large as…that between BA.2 and XBB.1.5, which circulated nearly a year apart. “

        -CDC

The BA2.86 variant is grabbing headlines due to its many mutations, distinguishing it considerably from other strains. Given that the EG.5, with its limited changes, caused significant illness, one can’t help but wonder: Will the BA2.86, with its extensive mutations, be even more problematic?

There’s a real risk it might. Alternatively, these mutations might just ripple through communities with minimal disruption. It’s a waiting game at this point.

Dive into HealthHub for an in-depth discussion on why COVID-19 is mutating rapidly, and stay updated with the latest research on vaccines and their effects on immunity.

Should you experience any symptoms, don’t hesitate to book a tele-appointment. I’m optimistic about the strides we’ve made thus far, and I’m committed to providing valuable insights and assistance moving forward.