Page 41 - February 2021 Issue.indd

until further studies are done. Instead of listening to politically morphing into more contagious versions of itself this will go on
motivated talking heads spewing their nays and yays about the for years. Look at what is happening in Ohio right now with a

virus and the vaccines, I decided to personally research the more contagious version of this thing affecting our neighboring
science and have a frank discussion with my doctor, whom I state. We are not talking about the fact that 1 in 30 people have
respect and trust, to make this decision. Here’s the skinny on Covid in England today. We are talking about people less than
what I have learned. a day’s drive away. How many deaths and resulting lifelong
health problems would have to happen for herd immunity to
According to info from umms.org, “Viruses are genetic material
occur naturally? Scary concept, folks.

with a protein coating. They can’t reproduce without a host cell

to inject their genetic material into, so they enter our bodies Enter the vaccine. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines do not

to gain control of cells to multiply. The body battles these work the way traditional vaccines do. Previously developed
invaders using our immune system by sending in T cells to vaccines contained small amounts of viruses or bacteria that
attack and kill infected cells. If the infection continues, B cells are dead or greatly weakened. They trick the immune system

are released to create antibodies to increase the attack on the into believing that the body is being infected.

infected cells. These antibodies stay in the body to fi ght future

The COVID vaccine is no different in that it creates antibodies,

infection, creating immunity… When a person is infected with
but it uses a different set of tricks than traditional vaccines…

a germ, whether a virus or bacteria, the immune system creates
This vaccine uses mRNA, which is a piece of genetic material

special proteins, called antibodies, that help protect against
that cells use as “instructions” to create certain proteins in the
future infections from that germ. The next time your immune

body. It is like a bit of computer code.
system sees that germ, it “remembers” and uses the antibodies
to fight against the infection. Some antibodies only last a few The mRNA instructs these cells to create “spike proteins.” Th ese

months, while others can protect you for a lifetime. Vaccines proteins simulate part of the SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus)
create antibodies that allow your body to protect itself from cell structure and trick the body into believing it’s infected with
future infections without actually getting you sick. In other the virus. In the case of the mRNA vaccines, your body is never
words, vaccines mimic these antibodies. exposed to the germ but is still able to produce an eff ective
immune response.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World

Health Organization currently state that there is no evidence
to suggest the novel coronavirus infection imparts immunity.
Studies have been focused on hospitalized individuals with
severe cases, not on those with mild symptoms or who are Senior Homecare by Angels

asymptotic carriers. More research needs to be done.” Since Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Grooming
understanding the rate of immunity from having the virus Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders
infection is largely unknown, one should assume that if you Errands • Shopping • Light Housekeeping
had it one time there is no guarantee you will not get it again. Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship
Another unknown is whether it would be a lesser or more Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families
extreme rate of illness the second time around.
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The words “Herd Immunity” have been thrown around a lot

by politicians and talking heads this past year. Herd immunity America’s Choice in Homecare
occurs when most of the population is immune to a disease.
According to the Center for Infectious Disease, at least 70%
of the population would have to be immune to achieve Herd
Immunity. Since there is no conclusive evidence that this virus
creates immunity, waiting for that to happen naturally could be
devastating and lead to an extraordinary number of deaths. If
70% of the world population is needed to stop this virus from
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