"Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?... You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." The Happiness Hypothesis

Doesn't it seem hypocritical when an "anti-vaxer" gets sick enough to need the monoclonal antibody infusion and agrees to take the treatment? More importantly, doesn't this person realize that in the early phases of their infection, they may have infected other vulnerable people and possibly caused them harm, possibly resulting in hospitalization, or perhaps worse? Don't they realize that they are consuming an expensive medication that is in short supply; additionally, they are exposing heath care workers to an avoidable infection had they only been vaccinated?

You might find this article maddening about an anti-vaxer who got the infusion - it is a perfect example of hypocrisy.

Despite this hypocrisy, we need to give them education, empathy and patience and maybe that can be the remedy to help them change their mind.

COVID-19 Updates:

• In Maryland, we continue to see a slow incremental decline in prevalence in positivity, currently at 4.34%. In my opinion, this is the most meaningful information that the Delta surge is improving.

• Do NOT let your guard down. If you have respiratory symptoms, isolate and get tested!

• No changes in the current recommendations: wear your face mask when indoors with others who are outside your comfort zone.

• Try to do social activities outdoors; no face mask is required.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Of course, get vaccinated!

• Booster info: the FDA recommends that attempts be made to match your third dose to the original mRNA vaccine you received. You may need to call around.

• Based on the FDA meeting last Friday, for people over 65, get your booster.

•   Also get your booster if you have a known immunodeficiency as defined by the CDC.

On a musical note 

Madonna's Live to Tell:

On a lighter note.

As a reminder, I'm no longer sending out daily updates and instead, I'm updating you periodically. I continue to enjoy writing these updates. Initially, these were only sent to my patients, however, I've been humbled to learn that, through social media, these writings have been forwarded and re-forwarded to many. This has brought me great joy to know that this simple act of sharing facts, thoughts, opinions, and hopes have touched you in some way. Hopefully I've been able to reassure you, maybe make you smile and laugh, soothe your worries, and comfort you. And maybe, just maybe, I've helped you to be in the moment!

Reach out. Stay connected. Stay home. Save lives. The power of one. Be well.

Feel free to forward this on: spread the word, not the virus.

HAO

24/7

Harry Oken, M.D.

Adjunct Professor of Medicine

University of Maryland, School of Medicine

Office 410-910-7500

Fax   410-910-2310 

Cell   443-324-0823