We must all be thankful for the immunologists who continue to stay on top of the pandemic. They have our backs.

Recent tweets posted by reliable experts who have evaluated the mutations in the B.1.1.7 strain.

We used our database of 579 COVID patient samples to evaluate immune evasion the UK variant (B.1.1.7). Overall takeaway is reassuring: we see no evidence that the reported mutations would substantially increase reinfection risk or decrease vaccine efficacy. (1/n)

Here is some data from the lab of Winn Haynes. @hayneswa

I would prefer this in a manuscript, but given the time of year and that I’m tired, I’ll just tweet the data regarding the UK #COVID19 variant: PRNT50 values from COVID patients for SARS2 WT WA1 vs a mutant that contains N501Y (among other spike mutations).

What does this mean?

In the words of Prof Akiko Iwasaki

As RT above, @TheMenacheryLab has shown functionally that the N501Y mutation in the RBD does not evade existing antibodies’ ability to block replication. (8/n)

Eric Topol:

The good news is that it is not anticipated the current vaccines, which rely on inducing neutralizing antibodies to the spike protein, will be affected by B.1.1.7 or N501Y

If you want to keep up on these issues I suggest you follow Akiko Iwasaki on twitter.

Prof. Akiko Iwasaki

@VirusesImmunity

Bottom line:

The vaccines should work for this new variant despite the mutations.

There is no evidence that the new strain is more lethal (time will tell).

It is probable that the new strain is more easily transmitted (greater affinity for the ACE2 receptor and recent epidemiologic data)

Masks, social distancing, hand washing will continue to work.

Improved ventilation (in-door settings) remains important.

If you want to visit and celebrate, DO IT OUTDOORS with masks and distancing.

Humans need social interaction, this can be done safely without ignoring hygiene recommendations. Socialize and exercise safely outside.

Super-spreader events (such as Whitehouse holiday parties) should be avoided.

Religious services should be held outdoors with precautions. Tents with distancing and masks work!

If you are sick isolate.

Remember, individuals are most infectious before symptoms develop and for the first 5 days after symptom onset. So even though you feel well, you could be a spreader.

Everyone is vulnerable.

Young previously healthy teens and adults are dying and suffering Long-Covid with significant chronic illness.

If you are obese, overweight, pre-diabetic, or have diabetes, now would be a good time to go low-carb with an anti-inflammatory diet. The benefits occur immediately even before or without weight loss.

In the context of the COVID 19 pandemic I will close with the usual summary.

1. Avoid alcohol consumption (alcohol wreaks havoc with your immunity)
2. Get plenty of sleep (without adequate sleep your immune system does not work well )
3. Follow good sleep habits
4. Exercise, especially out of doors in a green space, supports the immune system
5. Get some sunshine and make sure you have adequate Vitamin D levels.
6. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in micronutrients.
7. Practice stress reduction like meditation and yoga which improves the immune system
8. Eliminate sugar-added foods and beverages from your diet. These increase inflammation, cause metabolic dysfunction, and suppress immunity.
9. Eliminate refined-inflammatory “vegetable oils” from your diet, instead eat healthy fat.
10. Clean up your home environment and minimize your family’s exposure to environmental toxins by following recommendations at EWG.org with regards to household products, personal care products, and organic foods. (https://www.ewg.org/)

THIS WEBSITE PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.

Eat clean, drink filtered water, love, laugh, exercise outdoors in a greenspace, get some morning sunlight, block the blue light before bed, engage in meaningful work, find a sense of purpose, spend time with those you love, AND sleep well tonight.

Happy New Year

Doctor Bob