Dr Ruth's COVID news and more newsletter, 2/24/24

In her latest informative newsletter, Dr Ruth Ann Crystal writes:

"JN.1 continues to be the only variant causing COVID cases now. A new study confirmed that the XBB.1.5 vaccine is effective against JN.1. It turns out that responses to COVID vaccines are better than previously thought. Antibody formation after vaccination shows two phases: an initial rapid decrease (waning) in SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG antibodies, followed by stabilization of antibody levels for at least 7 to 9 months. This is consistent with typical B cell physiology.

"SARS-CoV-2 virus levels are still in the “HIGH” range in the United States, with an uptick of COVID infections in the southern states. Tennessee has exceptionally high levels of COVID circulating, followed by Texas, Oklahoma and Virginia. Per JP Weiland, wastewater levels of COVID are decreasing and hospitalizations for COVID are mirroring the decline of cases. There are still about 700,000 new COVID cases each day in the U.S. as seen by wastewater COVID levels and about 18,000 people hospitalized with COVID now. Emergency department visits for COVID are decreasing across all age groups, as are ED visits for influenza. A descendant variant of JN.1 called JN.1.23 has been found in a few countries including Brazil, but so far it is just being watched."

And look at this disturbing news:

"The Washington Post reported that four “nonprofits” that spread medical misinformation about vaccines and COVID treatments collectively received more than $118 million in contributions and grants between 2020 and 2022, 'enabling the organizations to deepen their influence in statehouses, courtrooms and communities across the country.'  Over half of donations were made via 'donor-advised funds' which allow individuals to obscure their identities."

Isn't that disgraceful?  

Here are some new revelations about Long COVID: 

"The blood brain barrier (BBB) usually protects the brain from toxins that could be circulating in the bloodstream. This week, a group from Trinity College in Ireland showed that a disruption of the BBB in Long COVID causes blood vessels in the brain to become leaky. Inflammatory substances from the body are then able to cross into the brain leading to Long COVID ‘brain fog’ and cognitive problems including memory loss and difficulty thinking. The researchers used dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) to show which areas of the brain had the “leaky” BBB. They also found that people with Long COVID brain fog had structural brain changes including a reduction in brain volume. In addition, they found dysregulation of the coagulation system pathways in people with Long COVID and brain fog."

Another reason why I work so hard to protect myself from COVID:

"Immunocompromised individuals can get persistent COVID infections that can allow the SARS-CoV-2 virus to continue to mutate in their bodies." 

I am very thankful for these COVID newsletters and the great information that Dr Ruth provides, especially since you can't trust the CDC for the facts.