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Hekate

(99,486 posts)
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 05:24 PM Sep 9

Made a social call to a friend who happens to be a doctor & she opened with "There's a HUGE Covid outbreak"...

Says the virus is mutating fast. She went on at a fair clip about making sure to get your flu and Covid vaxes asap, before I could even say why I called. Said she was making it her mission to get every person she knows in my age group to do it immediately, so she was answering every phone call like this.

Whew.

We’re in California.

My husband and I are having our annual physicals in Nov, which I think is too far away for the boosters, which we can usually get as walk-in patients. The doc’s office is out. We can get shots over at Costco, but they just ran out. Best guess is “several days” —but it’s a guess.

43 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Made a social call to a friend who happens to be a doctor & she opened with "There's a HUGE Covid outbreak"... (Original Post) Hekate Sep 9 OP
IMHO it would be wise to get the jabs ASAP riversedge Sep 9 #1
Try Walgreen's if you have one near The Blue Flower Sep 9 #2
Getting mine at Walgreens. Had to get an Rx from my doctor. CousinIT Sep 9 #8
My husband and I got flu and COVID last week at CVS. BadgerMom Sep 9 #39
Getting new Covid and flu shots Monday. ananda Sep 9 #3
I will give the PA I saw a few weeks ago for my annual physical some credit tanyev Sep 9 #4
Jeez... Recently at our clinic, person at yorkster Sep 9 #30
I think I might be recovering from it this very moment Shrek Sep 9 #5
Newsom should institute a statewide mask mandate MichMan Sep 9 #6
There's zero chance of that happening EdmondDantes_ Sep 9 #9
The newest variety is called "razor blade throat. " I hope to skip it. Hekate Sep 9 #20
Which doesn't disprove what I said EdmondDantes_ Sep 9 #38
It was a comment & personal observation, not an attempt to "disprove" your experience Hekate Sep 10 #41
Getting mine on Friday. CousinIT Sep 9 #7
I'm getting my flu shots on Friday, too. Covid booster not available just now..I'll get it as soon as it is Deuxcents Sep 9 #27
I am not sure if I can, but I aim to do so. (n/t) OldBaldy1701E Sep 9 #10
There are several states that are spiking.... It's here, it ain't just going away.... Wear your damn mask. ashredux Sep 9 #11
My last booster was in January KS Toronado Sep 9 #12
Yes, I would. LuckyCharms Sep 9 #16
T Y KS Toronado Sep 9 #21
I got mine for the latest variant this past Saturday, 3 days ago. LuckyCharms Sep 9 #23
I'll be getting one tomorrow KS Toronado Sep 9 #24
Got the jab today! KS Toronado Sep 10 #42
Congratulations! LuckyCharms Sep 10 #43
Yes, they have a new one out. bamagal62 Sep 9 #18
T Y KS Toronado Sep 9 #22
Thanks for posting!! Just got an appointment at CVS for tomorrow. aeromanKC Sep 9 #13
I got my COVID and flu shots at Walmart last Monday. doc03 Sep 9 #14
My husband and I both just had the damn virus in mid-August. A thoughtless friend of his... 3catwoman3 Sep 9 #15
Recommended. H2O Man Sep 9 #17
CA also. Got my updated Moderna and updated flu vaxs yesterday. No extra charges. lots of open time slots at CVS nt wiggs Sep 9 #19
Had planned on getting it this week, but I was at my store on Saturday, niyad Sep 9 #25
Got a new Covid vaccine Progressive dog Sep 9 #26
There is a nasal spray that's supposed to help TexasBushwhacker Sep 9 #28
My wife and I are supposed to be getting ours Friday ITAL Sep 9 #29
I got mine at a CVS pharmacy--free since I've over 65. Also free if you have pre-existing conditions. Liberty Belle Sep 9 #31
You should be able to get them at any pharmacy here in CA. CVS, Walgreens, etc. beaglelover Sep 9 #32
Saw my doctor today. TNNurse Sep 9 #33
Thanks for the info. Was going to wait until late October, but iluvtennis Sep 9 #34
Can confirm Takket Sep 9 #35
Thank you! jmbar2 Sep 9 #36
I was hoping to get taken care of maybe today or tomorrow, because I actually have something to do on Sunday... Hekate Sep 9 #37
I'm getting my COVID booster tomorrow afternoon at Costco Wednesdays Sep 9 #40

CousinIT

(11,873 posts)
8. Getting mine at Walgreens. Had to get an Rx from my doctor.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:16 PM
Sep 9

I completed the online process and provided the doc's office with the Walgreens location and phone number so they can call it in.

BadgerMom

(3,322 posts)
39. My husband and I got flu and COVID last week at CVS.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 09:45 PM
Sep 9

We’re in Southern California and needed no prescription. We had reserved time for flu shots, but I asked the pharmacist giving the shots when COVID would arrive and she said they had it. Did we want COVID as well at that appointment? Yes, please! So both of us got both shots. The pharmacist feared they’d run out so I felt happy we were covered, although I am sorry there could be shortages.

tanyev

(47,818 posts)
4. I will give the PA I saw a few weeks ago for my annual physical some credit
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 05:46 PM
Sep 9

for encouraging me to get the new Covid shot as soon as it was available. On the other hand, she had no mask on as she examined me in that tiny little room and told me she’d seen several cases come in to their practice recently. She even reacted immediately to my mask with “Are you feeling well today?”


yorkster

(3,393 posts)
30. Jeez... Recently at our clinic, person at
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:58 PM
Sep 9

check- in notified PA that we had arrived for app. and were wearing masks. Both the tech and PA greeted us with masks on. I was grateful.
That was a few weeks ago. At this point, it's just inane for med. staff not to wear masks. Scary.


Shrek

(4,310 posts)
5. I think I might be recovering from it this very moment
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 05:50 PM
Sep 9

I didn't bother getting tested but for a few days I felt pretty much exactly like the first time I had it. The first symptoms showed up a day or two after returning from a transatlantic vacation so I may have caught it in an airport or foreign city.

I feel much better today and tomorrow will probably be back to something close to normal.

EdmondDantes_

(927 posts)
9. There's zero chance of that happening
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:28 PM
Sep 9

There's also no evidence covid is mutating any faster now or that the mutations are more dangerous. Lethality has dropped from earlier the lifespan of covid. Without it becoming significantly more lethal it would be political suicide for someone almost certain to run for president to institute a mask mandate.

Hekate

(99,486 posts)
20. The newest variety is called "razor blade throat. " I hope to skip it.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:14 PM
Sep 9

We have a fair number of redhats in California — I still wear my mask to crowded places like Costco and Trader Joe’s. I caught my only case of the bug from going to the movies with my SIL — I’m just going to wait for the DVD of Downton Abby, thank you.

My plan all along for anyone who doesn’t like my mask is to cough.

EdmondDantes_

(927 posts)
38. Which doesn't disprove what I said
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 09:08 PM
Sep 9

Nobody, at least in non-deep red states, is going to stop you from wearing a mask. I wear one whenever I have to go out and I'm sick. But I was responding to a hope to bring back mask mandates. Outside of an increase in fatalities, those aren't and shouldn't come back. And because pretty much everyone has already gotten some immunity to covid through some combination of vaccines and infection, that increase is pretty unlikely.

As a type 2 diabetic who gets awful respiratory infections, I don't particularly want a second covid infection, but covid is never going away. Not that it's the flu or a cold, but we can't get rid of those either. Respiratory infections aren't especially easy to control.

If you don't want to go to the movies because of it that's your choice and nobody should make you feel bad about it, but there's always going to be something. I don't go to the movies because I don't like being around people, but that was true prior to covid. People aren't my thing. Plus my cats are at home.

Hekate

(99,486 posts)
41. It was a comment & personal observation, not an attempt to "disprove" your experience
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 01:45 PM
Sep 10

Stay safe out there

Deuxcents

(24,088 posts)
27. I'm getting my flu shots on Friday, too. Covid booster not available just now..I'll get it as soon as it is
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:47 PM
Sep 9

ashredux

(2,768 posts)
11. There are several states that are spiking.... It's here, it ain't just going away.... Wear your damn mask.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:38 PM
Sep 9

LuckyCharms

(20,544 posts)
23. I got mine for the latest variant this past Saturday, 3 days ago.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:24 PM
Sep 9

I was told that the vax I received takes into account the latest variant.

This was my 10th Covid shot.

I've been getting them faithfully apx. every 6 months since they have been available, because if I remember correctly, that is what was recommended...every 6 months (I could be wrong on this...going from memory).

I slipped on this most recently received shot though...my last one prior to this past Saturday was on 10/28/24.

Also, one of the reasons that I suggested you get yours ASAP is because of the uncertainty and political ramifications concerning the availability of the Covid shot. So in my opinion, get it while you can...but I guess if you are having any uncertainty, you might want to check with your doctor. I'm no doctor, but I say...get the shot!

I'll be getting the flu shot this upcoming Saturday.

Good luck!

aeromanKC

(3,719 posts)
13. Thanks for posting!! Just got an appointment at CVS for tomorrow.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:45 PM
Sep 9

It has been on my to do list for a couple weeks now, but FUCK RFK Jr.!!

3catwoman3

(27,732 posts)
15. My husband and I both just had the damn virus in mid-August. A thoughtless friend of his...
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:56 PM
Sep 9

...came to our house without telling us he wasn't feeling well until he got here - "just a cold." He was here about 2 hours. Called the next day to report that he had tested positive. He must have been contagious as hell because my husband was positive 2 days later, and me 2 days after that. And I wasn't even home most of the time this guy was in our house. I was so pissed.

Symptoms were like a bad cold. Can't take Paxlovid because it is contraindicated if you are on anticoagulants, which we both are for Afib. My husband's symptoms resolved pretty quickly. I still have a really gunky cough. We've both had negatives tests twice.

I'll get both flu and COVID very soon.

I know the friend thought he "only" had a cold, but, damn it, if you're sick with anything, stay the hell home!

H2O Man

(77,944 posts)
17. Recommended.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:59 PM
Sep 9

My older son and I recently had covid here in upstate New York. He had it worse than me, but I was really sick. I'm better, except that I have less energy than I had before catching it.

wiggs

(8,430 posts)
19. CA also. Got my updated Moderna and updated flu vaxs yesterday. No extra charges. lots of open time slots at CVS nt
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:05 PM
Sep 9

niyad

(127,365 posts)
25. Had planned on getting it this week, but I was at my store on Saturday,
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:33 PM
Sep 9

overheard the pharamacist say something about the the vax. Ears perked up. I got in line, asked if they had Moderna, and was in and out in no time.

Progressive dog

(7,534 posts)
26. Got a new Covid vaccine
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:46 PM
Sep 9

last Friday along with flu vaccine. Went to Connecticut since NY CVS were still requiring a prescription. Have yet to hear of anyone dropping dead from the Covid vaccines, but hundreds of thousands were dying of Covid.
A meta-analysis of seven COVID-19 studies, published by medical journal Cureus in August 2023, found that people who are unvaccinated are 2.46 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated.
https://www.newsweek.com/covid-death-update-2024-virus-chart-2003132

TexasBushwhacker

(21,010 posts)
28. There is a nasal spray that's supposed to help
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:53 PM
Sep 9

Brand name is Astepro. Generic is Azelastine. It's an antihistamine, not a steroid.

ITAL

(1,203 posts)
29. My wife and I are supposed to be getting ours Friday
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:57 PM
Sep 9

CVS wouldn't let us get the Covid booster since we don't have any preconditions, but my wife found a clinic who said it's okay.

Liberty Belle

(9,691 posts)
31. I got mine at a CVS pharmacy--free since I've over 65. Also free if you have pre-existing conditions.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 08:02 PM
Sep 9

I got flu and RSV vaccines at same time; RSV is important if you're going to be around babies, and it's one shot for life.

I feel fine, achey just one day. Worth it for the protection from these 3 diseases and to protect those around me.

TNNurse

(7,417 posts)
33. Saw my doctor today.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 08:04 PM
Sep 9

Asked about the vaccine after just having had COVID. She said I should wait a couple of weeks to get my flu shot and then a month after that for the vaccine. I mentioned that this bout with COVID was harder to get over than the one a couple of years ago. She agreed it is uglier and taking most people longer to get some energy.

Also, in TN because we are over 65 (10 years over) we do not need a prescription for the vaccine.

iluvtennis

(21,359 posts)
34. Thanks for the info. Was going to wait until late October, but
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 08:10 PM
Sep 9

will schedule an appointment with Walgreens tomorrow.

Takket

(23,231 posts)
35. Can confirm
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 08:10 PM
Sep 9

GO GET VACCINATED.

I came down with Covid one week before I was to get my shot. It’s still kicking my ass

Started about ten days ago. I had fever chills horrible sore throat. Took paxlovid. Got better. Went back to work. Monday after about four days of feeling fine it RAGED back at me with a massive stuffed nose. Been blowing constantly the last twenty four hours and missed work today and no want I’m going in tomorrow.

And we’ve been SUPER CAREFUL. this is the first time believe it or not I’ve tested positive for Covid. Combining Kennedy undermining trust in public health with the kids having just gone back to school and Covid is RAGING right now. It sucks. If you don’t have anything pressing to do, stay home as much as you can.

jmbar2

(7,319 posts)
36. Thank you!
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 08:18 PM
Sep 9

I was a long-term client of Rite Aid here in my small Oregon town, and the pharmacist made sure I was always up-to-date on everything. Now they've gone out of business, and my care has been transferred to a Fred Meyer. I'm so used to being notified by the pharmacy, I forgot to check on it. Having to start from scratch.

Needed that reminder from you! Many thanks.

Hekate

(99,486 posts)
37. I was hoping to get taken care of maybe today or tomorrow, because I actually have something to do on Sunday...
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 08:19 PM
Sep 9

…evening, and every time I get a Covid booster I have a sort of malaise for about 3 days.

Well, you do what you can. All you folks out there, be well.

Wednesdays

(20,757 posts)
40. I'm getting my COVID booster tomorrow afternoon at Costco
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 10:09 PM
Sep 9

I always got Moderna, and at the sign-up page, Costco offered Moderna Spikevax and Moderna mNexspike. The latter is the next generation formula, so I went with that.

I lost count of how many boosters I've gotten since 2021, but I'm certain this will be at least number eight.

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