14 Comments
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Janet's avatar

Congratulations on the being honored as a distinguished woman in Pennsylvania! I am so proud of your accomplishments, which are SO needed in this time of terrible public health leadership and news. You are amazing!!!

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Kathleen Rankin's avatar

As a retired teacher and Reading Specialist I am beyond angry at RFK Jr.’s autism remarks. Thank you for continuing to be a voice of truth about this and all of the health issues misinformation we’re facing.

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Kathleen Pae's avatar

Thank you so much. Question though….

As a baby boomer, I had measles so I never got vaxxed. Is it recommended that seniors get a booster? Thanks

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Dr. Becky Dawson's avatar

No -- if you had measles, you do NOT need to get vaccinated. Immunity -- either via the vaccine or naturally (via infection) -- is considered lifelong. The virus itself has not changed (over 1000s of years) -- so if/when you are exposed to it, your immune system will recognize the virus and fight off infection.

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Kathleen Pae's avatar

Thank you for your quick response. I really value the work you do.

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Carolyn Rose's avatar

Hello Becky, Thank for for your candid weekly updates. I find them helpful in our current "minimal data" time. I have a question on Wastewater surveillance. I am going on a cruise next week and wondered if there is surveillance on a ship's wastewater? I've read through the loooong information about the ship but can't see that they do any communicable disease surveillance. On the other hand I think Norovirus is a given, LOL!

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Dr. Becky Dawson's avatar

To the best of my knowledge, there is not. The Vessel Sanitation Program -- run out by CDC -- requires the monitoring of GI symptoms and the administration of any antidiarrheal medication. Again, to the best of my knowledge, they are not monitoring wastewater or doing anything else to identify an outbreak early (before people start showing symptoms). I've seen lots of videos/social media posts of cruise ships acknowledging that illness can occur and that everyone should be washing their hands. Many cruise ships also promote hand sanitizer -- just a friendly reminder that hand sanitizer is NOT effect at protecting you from norovirus. Wash your hands with soap and water. If were going to get on a cruise ship, I would be fanatical about washing my hands, especially before meals.

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Carolyn Rose's avatar

Thanks Becky! I've been reminding my fellow travelers that hand sanitizer is NOT effective for Noro:)

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Barb Frye's avatar

Just a quick respectful note. I think you mean “rogue” not “rouge”. Can’t help it- 30 years as an English teacher! Thanks as always for you information and insight. Please take care of yourself.

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Dr. Becky Dawson's avatar

You are not the first to make this note! I was moving too fast (and my brain is a little too angry) yesterday. I appreciate the editorial help. Grateful for your English teacher's eye! 💞

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Kathleen Pae's avatar

Thank you for educating the public. If only they would listen.

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Jean A Shiner's avatar

Thank you so much for your writings and concerns as well as continuing to support us. As a retired nurse I remember some sad events early in my career; a child with measles encephalitis, babies dying with RSV. An influenza outbreak. I remember new antibiotics that gave nurses and patients hope to combat infections. The start of treatments for viruses.

Our lives are now in turmoil and most people don't recognize .

Please continue your work to share info and support !! THANK YOU !!!

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Dianne Moore Eakin's avatar

Congratulations on earning your “Above and Beyond” award! Well done & well deserved! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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Kathleen Pae's avatar

Thank you for your Truth. Currently I am reading Bishop Buddes book and forearding your email to others to read. There is room at the Table for all of us.

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