Page 28 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2023 Final revised

National Sojourners
7942-R Cluny Ct Address Service Requested
Springfield, VA 22153

Phone: 703-765-5000
Fax: 703-765-8390
Email: hq@nationalsojourners.org
Web: nationalsojourners.org

Names and contact information included in this
publication shall not be released to any commercial or
charitable enterprise without the express written
consent of National Sojourners, Inc. The opinions and
content contained herein, unless otherwise noted, are
those of the writers alone and are not to be construed as
an official endorsement of or reflecting the views of
National Sojourners, Inc.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES FOR THE SPRING ISSUE OF THE SOJOURNER: 20 FEBRUARY

THE CHANGING FACES OF COVID

The Covid-19 virus that started the pandemic in 2020 is probably not the Covid of
today. The pandemic’s previous waves have coincided often with the rise of newer
variants with the arrival of the Omicron and Delta variants, and this year (2022) has
seen the rise of multiple subvariants of the Omicron, the BA.5 and subvariants BQ.1
and BQ.1.1. These have been supplanted recently with the rapid rise of the XBB.1.5, a
descendent of XBB, which itself is a recombinant of the Omicron subvariant
BA.2. The early vaccines that you may have taken initially are now being enhanced to control the new
variants which may be resistant to the old vaccine, so one might consider an additional vaccination of one of
the newer vaccines, if not yet taken. Also, using an outdated Rapid Antigen Home Test may give you false
information, so be cognizant of the expiration date printed on your test kits. The need for wearing a mask is
being downplayed in many areas, but it still might be a good idea to wear one when among many people and
especially if among outdoors crowds. And if not the Covid, there are still other contagious respiratory
diseases, such as Influenza (the Flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the Common Cold, any of
which can still cause misery. If it is any variant of the Covid that you test positive to, then isolate yourself
for five days, and if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving and you are testing negative, you
can reenter society, but continue to wear a mask around others for an additional five days, according to the
latest CDC directives. Of course, if you have a fever, then continue to stay at home until your fever resolves.
I wish all my brethren and your families a New Year of Health and Happiness.

Bro. Bernie Harris, MD
National Surgeon

Today, do one little thing to take better care of yourself
. . . then repeat tomorrow