Goodbye April...

The 4th month of 2020 is closing out & I'm OK with that.   April has been stressful, tiresome & at the same time monotonous.   The only time things got livened up was by a couple of storms that could've been much worse than they were.

Goodbye  April & may the next time we meet be a much better experience.  Tomorrow will be a new month & hopefully the start of something good.  Until next year, so long April.

Take care.

Cya...

Post Storm Morning...

We had another wave of storms last night.  It wasn't nearly as bad as it could've been.  Still, it wasn't pleasant.  To be honest, with the foul weather, allergies & corona stressing people out, I'm spent.  I don't have much more & I need some of this to let up.  I have no idea if it will or not, but it'd really be nice.   I'm to the point, I'd gladly shoot every person that made a scharmy, self serving, "Oh look at me" video or ad for COVID-19.  

Here's hoping eases soon, take care.

Cya...

4 Things...

1st, our internet went out last night, I'm doing this quickly in case of a repeat.  I'm tired this morning.  This weather & crap is  keeping me worn out.

2nd, according to this piece, the maker of Truvada, Gilead is filing a counter suit.  The US has filed litigation against the company for violating agreements.   The drugmaker claims the US violated the agreement by secretly filing patents protections.   I have no idea where this will end up.

3rd, this article ties HIV research to COVID-19.   The piece discusses the drug Cabotegravir which is a long acting med similar to Dolutegravir, in drugs like Triumeq.  The difference being Cabotegravir has a much longer half-life & has been tied to long lasting HIV med research.  

Most research is looking at 1-3 months, this study is looking into an annual injection.  The piece says it would not only being a treatment but act as a vaccine for the duration.   This wouldn't be a vaccine, but a short term stand in for it.  

The piece was rather click-baity with it's tie to COVID-19.  The only thing it mentioned was this kind of research could be applied to treating COVID.  Sort of a cheap shot, but the article is interesting.

4th, it's supposed to storm pretty bad this evening.   It could knock out the net & power.   If it does, it may take a while for things to get back up.  Tomorrow's post could be late. Hopefully, it won't be that bad.

Cya...

Nothing Monday...

The final Monday of April is here & there's very little in the way of articles.   The month is winding down & weather is alright.   In a bit, I'll shower & then we'll go shopping.  I'm having an issue getting myself to woke up this morning.   I'll get there, but I'm really groggy. 

Take care & hope your April ends well.

Cya...

Last Sunday In April...

It's the last week of April 2020.   Sometime this month Millie Cat turned 4. She doesn't act it.  She's very kittenish.  This month hasn't been easy.  

The shut-down may not have physically impacted  us like other people, but the stress is still there.  My roomie has a lot more invested in this than me.  I don't have many people to worry about. 

I get why a lot of people want to go back to normal.  I don't think it's going to happen the way they want.  I'll be happy when the nerves recede & people can stop being on edge.  I won't miss the barrage of commercials. COVID may have forced people indoors, but it's like being near a buzzing hive.   

Take care.

Cya...

Allergies, Storms, Stress, Oh My...

The weather, allergens & situation have taxed my resources.  For the last few days, I've woke frazzled , dehydrated & tired.  I We went out yesterday.  I didn't do much, but I was still spent.  I may be doing alright during this COVID situation, but a lot of people are almost humming with stress over the matter.  Being around some of them is very stressing.   Add to that the grey mornings, storms & pollen & you have me burned out before I even get of  bed.  I'm hating this Spring.

Found 2 articles  this morning & I'll give you some blips over them.  This piece is an update to research over the use of certain forms of women's birth control & HIV susceptibility.  The CDC now finds that it is safe to use, "Progestin-only injectable contraception, including Depo-Provera." as well as, "IUDs, including levonorgestrel-releasing and copper-bearing devices."  Both of these are reversals of previously issued statements.

Ongoing research & collected data is showing those with HIV are not more susceptible to COVID-19 than others.  This piece goes into detail over that matter.  More info on that front is always welcomed.  

Cya...

Update & Opening...

Oklahoma has supposedly peaked with COVID-19, only time will tell.   The state has released a plan for reopening.   Parts will begin today, some larger cities are holding off until the 1st of May.   The process comes in 3 phases & can be withdrawn if case numbers increase.  The plan is at least a month long & seems reasonable.  Whether of not it will work is the question.

It's another grey morning.  These things are taking their toll.  I'm not panicky or overly anxious, but these higher cortisol levels are leaving me wound up in the morning.  Luckily, I don't usually deal with anyone for a while after I wake up.  I can generally come down from the morning nerves.  I still hate it though.  It's tiresome.

Take care & be safe.

Cya...

No Sunny April...

Another grey morning.  At least it's not storming.  We had a power blip yesterday.  I'm surprised it wasn't more.   It rained about 2".  That's a lot of rain in less than a day.   There will be flooding.  

After a Winter & over half of Spring of being dreary, my energy is shot.  My  ability to keep the SAD crap at bay has been challenged & I've failed a lot.   I need sunshine to brighten my life.   Together, this drear, weather & COVID crap has made this a foul season.

Take care.

Cya...

Stormy Morning...

It's storming, we've already had a lot of rain.  The power/net could go out, so I'll this handled quickly.  Windows just had to update this morning.  

I read an OpEd over if attitudes had changed about people living with HIV or gay characters.  The answer, not really.   Are we better represented?  Gay people & those living with HIV are more common on the screen, but not better represented.   Media uses people like us for spice, flare & points.  They use Gays to show how advanced they are.  But, rarely are those characters any less cliche than they were 30 years ago when HIV movies began. 

But, does any media company represent anyone well or beyond a stock image of their kind?   I think the answer to that is generally, No.  I've never seen anyone like me on screen.   I doubt you have either.  People are complex, characters can never match our depth when they're measured in minutes.   There is more representation, but not better.

Cya..

Kool-Aid & Cultish...

Most get the, "Drank the kool-aid," reference.  But the sugary drink comes in many varieties.   Each filled with sweetened insanity.

I read an advice column about a woman whose son had only been out a few years.  Some people need time to wrap their heads around their kid being gay.   Recently, said child zoomed her & introduced his boyfriend & within the frame of a short video chat, he told his mother the boyfriend was HIV+.  

Of course she had questions & concerns.  When she voiced anything but utter approval, her son got angry, accusatory & threatened to never speak to her again.  She wrote a columnist to see if she was in the wrong.  Instead taking this is a chance to further gay-straight relations, the columnist sided with her son.   He was rude, accusing the woman of being homophobic, anti poz people & deserving of being abandoned.

Why would anyone bring up private health concerns during a video chat serving as an introduction?  IMO, the son was itching for a fight.  Side with me 100%  or I'll denounce you as a horrible person.    

I wasn't on this call, so I can't say if it's all accurate.  The woman could've been misrepresenting the situation.  But, the columnist should've handled this much better than he did.

This kool-aid drinking isn't limited to Gays.   Many groups today or into the, "You're either with us or against us," mentality; political groups, religions, transgender groups,  vegans, etc...  Once someone belittles, demeans, screams at you over something like this, the topic was never the problem.  These people just want a hill to die on.  They're tilting at windmills.   Best to get out of their way & hope they run off a cliff in their "holy" pursuit.

You can't  confront their feelings with facts or even your own feelings.  These people want a fight.  They want to feel part of a virtuous movement, a sacred quest.   In reality, they're just balls of indignant, malaligned anger looking to explode.  Better to practice avoidance when possible & hope they flame out.

Cya...

Rumors...

Everytime something bad happens rumors abound.   This group did that, their doing it for this reason, it's all a hoax, etc...    It's no different with COVID-19.  Instead just getting through the current situation, some people are fanning flames.  They're accusing various nations of creating the virus for whatever reason.  Groups are claiming it's a hoax, so the government can gain more control.   

Unfounded theories abound. At this moment, little, if any, of it matters. What's important now, is moving through the pandemic.   Once, we're through, we can speculate & investigate.  The whodunit's are less important than survival.  

Focus on moving forward as best we can.  Then the accusations can fly.   This will keep the conspiracy theorists full of fodder for decades. Hold off on the web-spinning, pot-stirring & propagandizing until we're out of danger.

Cya...

Worried About Care...

A result of the corona situation, is many worry people with non-COVID-19 issues aren't reporting to the ER or their doctors out of fear of contracting the virus.   I haven't found any numbers concerning this fear, but the lower traffic at ER's & urgent care centers would seem to support the idea.  

Is the fear justified?  Should you wait for whatever to be treated or risk being exposed to something that might actually you kill?  The professionals are telling people to come in or call.  They've set up telemedicine & more, but will it be enough?  Do most people even know about them?  

While some people are out being ridiculous & protesting the virus.  Others are staying home with serious health issues because they're afraid of what waits for them at the hospital.  An example of a complete lack of concern & of possibly far too much caution being practiced.  Which is right?

Cya...

Normalcy In The Time Of Covid-19...

There is a push for things to return to normal.   I get the drive towards the familiar.  I also understand returning to old routines could be a huge risk during this struggle to contain the virus.  

People find comfort in habitual behavior.  They like knowing what to expect from the day.  They want to just go to the stores as usual & unimpeded.   That's just not going to be the case for a bit.  

Something else likes routines & habits, predators.   This is an extreme correlation, but think about it.  People will change their routes to throw off stalkers & thieves.  Animals will take precautions at watering holes.  This virus is no less predatory than an assailant or croc.    It's waiting for it's next host to propagate, flourish & repeat.

Breaking up our normalcy with physical distance & other safety measures is the best way for us to avoid COVID-19.   It's unpleasant & disconcerting, but necessary.  Would you rather be thrown off your routine for a while & remain healthy or would you prefer the alternative?

Cya...

Gilead & Remdesivir...

I wouldn't normally talk about a med developed for another ailment.  However,  this is COVID-19 & the medication is being developed by Gilead.   The med is Remdesivir.   It's a drug used to prevent viral replication.  It's similar to meds treating HIV, hepatitis & the flu.   It's been used in China, the Czech Republic & is now being tested in the US.  This could be a big step in fighting COVID-19.  More time is needed to know for sure.

Cya...

3 Weeks...

Oklahoma's shutdown was extended til May 6th.   At least another 3 weeks of this mess.  I'm trying not to complain, but this is tiring.  I'm not even having to deal with it much.  However a lot of people on my periphery are facing it more directly.    

It's wearing people out & making them edgy, anxious & sometimes stupidly nasty.  I'd like to watch a TV show & not be bombarded by schmoozy ads by companies acting like they care.   Oversaturation  is never a good option.  People will get exhausted.  Inform the public, then shut up.  If not, the neigh sayers will feel more emboldened & do stupid things like protest COVID-19.  Putting themselves at risk of exposure & spreading this virus.

Talk, Inform, test, treat & that's it. Take care.

Cya...

Chilly Morning...

We had a freeze warning last night.  I don't think we quite got there, but it was pretty cold for April.    There may be some more chilly nights in the upcoming weeks, but hopefully nothing that cold.  I want Winter to be completely over.  

There wasn't much in articles, either rehash or conflicting reports over COVID.  We'll either be past this in a month or never.  The non-medical & doomsayer people need to shut up.

Take care.

Cya...

Please Stop...

Everywhere you look, you see COVID-19.  It's posted on ever store, printed on publications, pushed on websites & touted on TV.   It ranges from stores stating they're closed.  To do-gooders, sermonizers & neigh sayers giving you their unwanted 2¢.  Some are screaming scare tactics & paranoia.  Most have an agenda.

Many of these doomsayers & informants aren't there for your well being.  They're pushing their political & marketing strategies.  They want you in a certain head space.  Watched a show on AMC & in an hour there were over a dozen commercials, almost all were COVID-19 hypebeasts for various companies, from Toyota to Dove.  

It'd do a lot of good if we would  tune these things out.  Mute the ads, put down the publications, block the social media postings.  Don't scare yourself or let them make you believe they care.  If you want info on COVID, go to the health department or CDC.  Companies are interested in maintaining a public presence & sales.  Politicians are invested in elections.  Soap boxers are narcissists. 

You are smart enough to get through this.  You can find the info you need on legitimate websites or call health departments.  You can be as safe as possible.  You don't have to feed these beasts your time, attention, $ or mental health.  For your sake, stop & turn away.  These people aren't here for you, they're just keeping the pot stirred.

Cya...

Post Easter...

It stormed yesterday.  There was a lot of wind & rain.   It should've cleared the air some, but it didn't.  My allergies are pretty rough this morning.  I didn't notice much in the articles.  We have to go shopping.  It's happy cheap chocolate day.  

That's all for now. Take care.

Cya...

Oh Yeah It's Easter...

Easter's going to be a bust for some people.  Social distancing is making events impossible.  It stormed all night here &  is supposed to continue through the day.   Those eggs would float away.  

Not much going on here.  I forgot it was Easter, so holiday dinner will be later in the week.  There weren't any new articles.   It's dark this morning & I'm having a hard time waking up.  

Hope you holiday goes as well as possible.

Cya...

Another Saturday In April...

Nothing much is going on here & I'm fine with that.   Allergies are very annoying.  My nose & eyes are itchy.  We've had high tree pollen for weeks.   

It's supposed to start raining today & keep at for days.  From Sunday to Wednesday our night temps are forecast in the 30s.  There's even a chance of being below freezing.   Alright weather, I normally have all the blankers stowed away by now, let's get a move on here.

That's it for now, take care.

Cya...

Disabling Resistance...

Antiviral meds have been an amazing boon in the fight against HIV.  However, sometimes HIV becomes resistant to these meds & people are left with few choices.  This can lead to dire situations.  

This piece is about a new med.  It's a prodrug named,  Fostemsavir.  It inhibits the virus in a different manner & can be added to regimens.   Read the 1st piece, it has a lot of info & informative links.  This is a great step.

That's all for now, take care.

Cya...

Genderfied...

It's Thursday & the trashmen have hauled off the garbage.  It's supposed to be 20 degrees cooler than yesterday.  Over the next few days there could have lows in the 30s.  Not happy about that.  I'm never going to get the Winter blankets washed.

This piece suggests any cure for HIV may have to be tailored by biological sex.  Estrogen has an effect on HIV latency & therefore how to be rid of the virus.  Less than 20 of research subjects are female.  Recently was there an all female study.   It appears estrogen causes enough difference, a single approach may never work.  Who knows what this means for people taking hormones.  Give it a read.

Cya...

Temp Swings...

Not much going on this morning.  I'm a little out of it from sleeping weird.  Allergies are still awful & the last 2 days have been unseasonably warm, into the 80s.   Today could be nearly 90.  By Monday, it could drop nearly 30 degrees with overnights in the upper 30s.  This won't be fun.  Going to give a lot of people colds & they'll think they have COVID.  This Spring has been a dreary, wet, confused mess.

Take care.

Cya...

Wearing...

So far, I'm doing well during this COVID-19 event.  Maybe if I choose to call it an event instead of a pandemic the outcome might be a little more CW show midseason finale & less bio-horror film.    Still, for now, I'm fine.  I'm just annoyed it's still here & making things a little crazy, tiring & convoluted.  It's supposed to peak in Oklahoma around the 23rd.  That doesn't mean it'll be over in 2 weeks, but things should start receding.

I may be doing OK, but others aren't faring so well.  I'm not talking about those actually contracting COVID.  I mean the people stressing out over the situation.  It's understandable.  I'm amazed I'm not more stressed.   I'll continue to do what I can to stay safe & maintain some semblance of normalcy.   That's not that hard for someone whose life is fairly removed already.  Other than shopping, house errands or grabbing a bite, I don't go out often.

Try to stay sane & take care.

Cya...

Figure It Out...

For weeks, there has been an OpEd battle concerning HIV & COVID-19.  Most say people with their HIV suppressed are at no greater risk from coronavirus.  Others say, HIV+ people are at  significantly greater risk. Going by the language & the implied intent, I'm going with the former.   There doesn't seem to be any reason why a person who's HIV is well controlled should be at greater risk than anyone else.

These articles have proliferated during this period.  Most pieces concerning COVID-19 suggest remaining  calm, using increased sanitation, employing common sense & staying socially distant.  Others, all but suggest it's the end of the world.  Still others, act like COVID-19 is nothing but a scare tactic & should be ignored, especially if you're religious.   Personally, I'd go with stay calm & removed.

During times like this, info can be evasive.  Trustable sources can be even more difficult to find.  Too may "experts" are in denial, like preaching, like scolding, etc... Listen to the ones staying as calm as possible considering the situation. Professionals who stay calm & neutral may not always be correct, but they have the best track record.

Take care & be safe.

Cya...

Yuck...

After a full month of drear, crappy weather & hellish allergies, I feel like crap.   It doesn't look like the sun's going to shine & the temps keep dipping into the 40s.   The tree orgy, pollen-fest is about to kill my eyes & sinuses.   Add to that, everyone's stressed over the COVID situation & this has not been a great start to April.  

The younger cat has been sleeping with me.  I hear her sniffling in the night.  This crap is bringing the cats down & there's no sunny windows for napping.  I agree with the cats, this yick has to go.

Take care & stay safe.

Cya...

Cold Wet Complications...

It turned cold again.  It dropped down into the 30's overnight & won't reach 50 today.  The skies are grey & rainy.   Adding to this, is COVID-19.

To make matters worse, Walmart is limiting the number of people in their stores.  They say it's to limit the spread of the virus.  It feels like a PR stunt  in case of litigation.  Limiting store occupancy may sound reasonable until you consider some people can't wait in lines.  Anyone with mobility issues will be out of luck.  And, Walmart's online buying options do not cut it.  I don't want milk with a 2 day grace period before it's expiration or bad produce.

Thanks, weather for sucking.  Thanks, Walmart for sucking harder.  It's time to turn to other options.

Take care. A good to all, except Walmart.

Cya...

Comparisons...

People are comparing COVID-19 & HIV.   There are some similarities in social response.   We can learn from the HIV fight; be informed, get tested, protect yourself & be supportive.  

But, there are things being pushed that just aren't possible for everyone.  This is a situation where your current life circumstances are going to play out very heavily.  Not everyone can do socially distance.  They may be essential workers, parents, or homeless.  Not everyone can get tested.  Not everyone can meet the recommended level of preparedness.  They don't have the resources.

The best we can is to try to be safe & kind.  After that, it's beyond our personal control.

Cya...

CytoDyn...

I blogged about how CytoDyn is currently researching their antibody therapy on mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.  According to this article, they just filed to move ahead & treat those patients whose cases are severe & most likely terminal.   The paper suggests that the approach has promise.  Here's hoping.

Take care.

Cya...

PS - I forgot to say, we had our 1st mowing March 31st.   Mine April was an allergy-fest.  The mowing begins.

Hello April...

April is here & it appears the 1st sunny morning is the trick.  The front half of the month looks to be wet & dreary.  There weren't many articles dealing with HIV.  There were a few dealing with COVID-19 & TB.  

I'll look again tomorrow.  Take care.

Cya...