Posted on by Bonnie

COVID-19 Update 6 December 2021

COVID-19 Update 6 December 2021

NH DHHS did not update their website today, so much of the newest info is data that was reported on Friday.

SALEM:

  • Salem since last update: 95 new cases from Monday to Friday
  • Total: 4,099 confirmed cases in Salem as of Friday.
  • We had 147 active cases on Friday (115 last week on Monday)
  • 1 out of every 7 Salem residents has been infected. 
  • Salem’s new cases per 100K for 14 days: 799 as of Friday (695 last Monday)
  • Salem’s Positivity Rate for the past 2 weeks: 15.0% as of Friday (12.4% last week; 10.5% the previous week).
  • Fully vaccinated Salem residents as of Friday: 14,570 (48.7%). (+1 person, 0.0% this week)
  • Partially vaccinated Salem residents as of Friday: 16,069 (53.7%).  (+8 people, 0.0% this week)

NEW HAMPSHIRE:

  • New cases of COVID-19 in NH this week by math (Total cases last week compared to total cases today): 8,932. (6,353 last week) 
  • New cases of COVID-19 in NH this week as reported by DHHS: 9,060. Last week: 6,462.
  • 1 out of every 8 NH residents has been infected.
  • Active COVID-19 cases in NH: 9,060 (7,078 last week). There were 155 active cases on June 28. We peaked at 6,994 last December 27. Starting November 18, we have broken the record six times. We now have 38.3% more cases now than we had at our peak in 2020.
  • Recovered in NH this week: 7,219. (5,387 last week.)
  • State Level of Transmission: Substantial in all counties 
  • New patients hospitalized this week because of COVID-19: 5. Last week: 53.
  • Current patients hospitalized because of COVID-19: 377 (343 one week ago)
  • New admissions to ICU this week because of COVID-19: 3. (Last week 12. Previous week -2.)
  • New deaths attributed to COVID-19 reported in NH this week: 22 (Last week: 42)
  • From the Vaccination Dashboard: Total NH individuals fully vaccinated: 772,199 (55.0%). Total NH individuals partially vaccinated 863,053 (61.0%). The issues with vaccination rates as previously reported have not been resolved.

Hello, Salem!

Random thoughts from this week:

Omicron Mutation: 

  • The new variant, Omicron, appears to have the same symptoms as previous COVID variants.
  • Omicron is predominant in South Africa, but they have very little Delta. We don’t know yet if Omicron will outpace Delta in the US.
  • The experts are trying to determine how serious Omicron will be
  •  This article about B.1.1.529, Omicron, is “old.” (Nov. 26). I’m sharing because it has some interesting data about the mutations.
  • Hmm. If Omicron, with its insane amount of mutations, should mutate, what will THAT look like???

More reasons to avoid COVID:

  • COVID-19 Survivors are Dying. COVID-19 survivors have an increased risk of death 12 months post infection. Story here. Study here.
  •  Lung Transplants: Once rare, lung transplants for COVID-19 patients are rising quickly. tory here.
  • COVID on the Brain. A large international study suggests that around 1 in every 100 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have brain complications after COVID. Story here.

A predictor of risk of dying. A new study identifies viral RNA as a blood biomarker that may help predict which patients with COVID-19 have the greatest risk of dying. Story here. Study here.

Antibody Testing: 

  • Trial shows a 4,500% increase in antibody levels between vaccine doses. (Note that this article came out before booster shots.)
  • Study found the vaccine average levels were 24 U/ml after the first vaccine (Phizer or Moderna), but went to 1,084 U/ml after both doses.
  • Those who had COVID-19, but were unvaccinated, averaged antibody levels at 95 U/ml.
  • The study suggests that peak protection is three to six months after receiving a second vaccine.
  • LabCorp says studies are underway to measure the quantitative levels of specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
    following vaccination. Such studies will provide valuable insights
    into the correlation between protection from vaccination and
    antibody levels.
  • Here is what the CDC says about antibody testing, including “Antibody testing is not currently recommended to determine if you are immune to COVID-19 following COVID-19 vaccination. Antibody testing should also not be used to decide if someone needs to be vaccinated.” And, “Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19 antibodies using an antibody test, you still should take steps, including getting vaccinated, to protect yourself and others.” ~ CDC
  • Want to get your antibodies tested? My friend, J.L., recommends the Covid-19 antibodies test ($6 with insurance) via the Labcorp website. “Register for the test, then book an appointment to secure a time slot; otherwise, you might have to wait for a couple hours if you are just doing the walk-in.“
  • I took the challenge this week. It took 24 hours to get the results. I had 653.0 U/mL. (Negative protection is <0.8; British Medical Journal defined over 250 U/ml as “high!”). For reference, I had the J&J shot for my initial dose. I had a Moderna booster about 2 hours after the blood draw for antibodies, so hopefully my antibodies are increasing even more! Testing gives a little peace of mind … but it will not change my behavior, nor should it change yours.

From NH’s Governor

With NH leading country in rate of new COVID-19 cases, governor says surge expected, planned for. “To streamline the process, and making testing or booster shots as efficiently and easily as possible, I think we’ve done pretty innovative things.” Story here. [Did you get your booster appointment? Did you get your free at-home rapid test kits?]

Pandemics in History. 

My next update is scheduled for next Monday. In the meantime, stay safe, and always, be kind. 

~Bonnie 

On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, DHHS announced 902 new positive test results for COVID-19 for Monday, November 29. Today’s results include 420 people who tested positive by PCR test and 482 who tested positive by antigen test. DHHS also announced an additional 9 new cases from Thursday, November 25 (6 by PCR and 3 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,020; an additional 16 new cases from Friday, November 26 (5 by PCR and 11 by antigen test) for a new total of 838; and an additional 30 new cases from Saturday, November 27 (25 by PCR and 5 by antigen test) for a new total of 615. There are now 6,898 current COVID-19 cases diagnosed in New Hampshire. 

On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, DHHS announced 1,227 new positive test results for COVID-19 for Tuesday, November 30. Today’s results include 722 people who tested positive by PCR test and 505 who tested positive by antigen test. DHHS also announced an additional 2 new cases from Thursday, November 25 (0 by PCR and 2 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,022; an additional 68 new cases from Friday, November 26 (41 by PCR and 27 by antigen test) for a new total of 906; an additional 9 new cases from Saturday, November 27 (6 by PCR and 3 by antigen test) for a new total of 624; an additional 14 new cases from Sunday, November 28 (10 by PCR and 4 by antigen test) for a new total of 694; and an additional 45 new cases from Monday, November 29 (29 by PCR and 16 by antigen test) for a new total of 947. There are now 7,547 current COVID-19 cases diagnosed in New Hampshire. 

On Thursday, December 2, 2021, DHHS announced 1,134 new positive test results for COVID-19 for Wednesday, December 1. Today’s results include 803 people who tested positive by PCR test and 331 who tested positive by antigen test. DHHS also announced an additional 15 new cases from Saturday, November 27 (1 by PCR and 14 by antigen test, for a new total of 639); an additional 1 new case from Sunday, November 28 (0 by PCR and 1 by antigen test, for a new total of 695); an additional 243 new cases from Monday, November 29 (153 by PCR and 90 by antigen test, for a new total of 1,190); and an additional 12 new cases from Tuesday, November 30 (4 by PCR and 8 by antigen test, for a new total of 1,239). There are now 8,251 current COVID-19 cases diagnosed in New Hampshire. 

On Friday, December 3, 2021, DHHS announced 1,450 new positive test results for COVID-19 for Thursday, December 2. Today’s results include 1,109 people who tested positive by PCR test and 341 who tested positive by antigen test. DHHS also announced an additional 8 new cases from Monday, November 29 (2 by PCR and 6 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,198; an additional 150 new cases from Tuesday, November 30 (80 by PCR and 70 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,389; and an additional 12 new cases from Wednesday, December 1 (5 by PCR and 7 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,146. There are now 8,496 current COVID-19 cases diagnosed in New Hampshire. 

On Monday, December 6, 2021, DHHS announced 744 new positive test results for COVID-19 for Sunday, December 5. Today’s results include 621 people who tested positive by PCR test and 123 who tested positive by antigen test. DHHS also announced 1,452 cases from Friday, December 3 (1,072 by PCR and 380 by antigen test); and 1,301 cases from Saturday, December 4 (1,069 by PCR and 232 by antigen test). Additionally, DHHS announced an additional 34 new cases from Tuesday, November 30 (12 by PCR and 22 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,423; an additional 165 new cases from Wednesday, December 1 (99 by PCR and 66 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,311; and an additional 17 new cases from Thursday, December 2 (11 by PCR and 6 by antigen test) for a new total of 1,466. There are now 9,671 current COVID-19 cases diagnosed in New Hampshire. 

Each day, DHHS says that “Test results for previous days are still being processed and updated case counts for prior days will be reflected on the COVID-19 interactive dashboard.” And, “Several cases are still under investigation. Additionalinformation from ongoing investigations will be incorporated into future COVID-19 updates.” 

• • • • • • DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN NH • • • • • •

  • Total people who have tested positive: 169,219 (160,287) last week)
  • New positive cases reported this week by math (Comparison of total number of cases last week to now): 8.932 (6,353 last week)
  • New positive cases per DHHS: 9,060 (6,462 last week)

• • • • • ACTIVE CASES • • • • • • 

  • NH has 9,671 active cases. Last week we 7,078. There were 155 active cases on June 28. We peaked at 6,994 last December 27. Starting November 18, we have broken the record six times. We now have 38.3% more cases now than we had at our peak in 2020.

• • • • • CUMULATIVE CASES • • • • • • 

  • 4 communities — Manchester, Nashua, Concord and Derry — have more total cases than Salem. None of the other communities have more than 4,000 cases.
  • 1 out of every 7 Salem residents has been infected.
  • 1 out of every 8 residents of Rockingham County. (1:9 last week)
  • 1 out of every 8 residents of NH have been infected. 

• • • • • • RECOVERED • • • • • •

  • Total recovered: 157,804 (151,515 last week)
  • Recovered this week: 6,289 (7,219 last week)
  • Percentage of diagnosed cases that have recovered: 94.5% (98.3% in late July.) 

• • • • • COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION • • • • • • 

  • Every county in NH, as well as Manchester and Nashua, are at Substantial risk for community transmission.
  • Cases per 100K NH residents: 987 on Friday. (932 last week. 744 the previous week.)
  • Positivity Rate for NH: 12.6% on Friday. (11.2% last week. 9.5% the previous week. 8.8% the week before.) On June 28, NH’s positivity was at 0.8%. The peak before the recent surge, was December 22, when NH had a positivity rate of 9.2%. 
  • Salem’s Positivity Rate is now 15.0%. Last week we were at 12.4%. The previous week we were 10.5%, and the week before that we were 9.3%.
  • When the positivity rate is high, it is likely that cases may be undercounted.

• • • • • • HOSPITALIZATIONS IN NH • • • • • • 

  • Currently hospitalized: 433 (Last week: 377). NH’s previous peak before the recent surge was reached on January 2, with 335 COVID hospitalizations. We have broken that record a number of times lately. Today is the newest peak.
  • Staffed hospital beds available: 8.7% as of Friday. (12.1% last week)
  • Total patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19: 2,434 on Friday (2,073 last week) 
  • New patients hospitalized this week because of COVID-19: I’ve been questioning this. I believe a big correction was made on Thursday, December 2, when NH DHHS reported an increase of 355 in one day. (This week, from Monday to Friday: 361. 5 last week, 53 the previous week.)
  • Percentage of those who have been infected that have been hospitalized: 1.5% (1.3% last week)
  • Total ICU patients: 694. (591 last week)
  • New admissions to ICU this week because of COVID-19: 103 were reported this Thursday as well as for the entire week. (3 last week). Like overall hospitalization numbers, it appears that there was an adjustment made by NH DHHS.
  • Staffed adult ICU beds available on Friday: 4.7%. (Last week: 6.3%. Previous week: 10.3%)
  • Ventilators available on Friday: 66.1% (70.6% last week)

• • • • • • DEATHS IN NH • • • • • • 

  • Total fatalities in NH associated with COVID-19: 1739 on Friday. 1,694
  • New deaths attributed to COVID-19 reported in NH this week: 60 (Last week: 30)
  • NH Residents diagnosed with COVID-19 that died: 1.05% 

• • • • • • TOTALS BY AGES • • • • • •

(Showing changes since last week)

  • 0-9: Infections: 13848 (+735); Hospitalizations: 27 (+3); Deaths: 0 (+0)
  • 10-19: Infections: 22886 (+850); Hospitalizations: 19 (+2); Deaths: 0 (+0)
  • 20-29: Infections: 29498 (+710); Hospitalizations: 55 (+7); Deaths: 2 (+0)
  • 30-39: Infections: 24708 (+835); Hospitalizations: 117 (+24); Deaths: 13 (+1)
  • 40-49: Infections: 21480 (+677); Hospitalizations: 200 (+40); Deaths: 30 (+3)
  • 50-59: Infections: 23532 (+664); Hospitalizations: 359 (+66); Deaths: 70 (+6)
  • 60-69: Infections: 15983 (+502); Hospitalizations: 556 (+81); Deaths: 206 (+11)
  • 70-79: Infections: 7775 (+190); Hospitalizations: 558 (+62); Deaths: 421 (+13)
  • 80+: Infections: 5643 (+120); Hospitalizations: 543 (+76); Deaths: 997 (+11)
  • Unknown: Infections: 221 (+9); Hospitalizations: 0 (+0); Deaths: 0 (+0)
  • Total: Infections: 165574 (+5292); Hospitalizations: 2434 (+361); Deaths: 1739 (+45)

New Infections in the Past 4 Weeks vs. All NH Cases 

  • 0-9: 13.7% vs. 8.4% (+5.3%)
  • 10-19: 15.6% vs. 13.8% (+1.8%)
  • 20-29: 13.1% vs. 17.8% (-4.7%)
  • 30-39: 15.1% vs. 14.9% (+0.2%)
  • 40-49: 13.1% vs. 13% (+0.1%)
  • 50-59: 12.9% vs. 14.2% (-1.3%)
  • 60-69: 9.6% vs. 9.7% (-0.1%)
  • 70-79: 4.1% vs. 4.7% (-0.6%)
  • 80+: 2.4% vs. 3.4% (-1%)
  • Unknown: 0.3% vs. 0.1% (+0.2%)

Additional Age Stats

  • 9,060 children under 18 are included in this week’s new cases.  (1,629 last week)
  • 25.7% of new cases announced by DHHS this week are kids under 18 years old. 
  • Under 60, this week: 4,471 new cases; 142 hospitalizations; 10 deaths
  • 60+, this week: 821 new cases; 219 hospitalizations; 35 deaths

• • • • • • Institutional Outbreaks in NH • • • • • •  

  • NH DHHS reported 26 institutional outbreaks as of Thursday, Nov. 23. 
  • Details about these active outbreaks, and all closed outbreaks, can be seen here.

• • • • • • VARIANTS IN NH • • • • • •  

Per WMUR, NH has had:

  • Number of B.1.1.7 variant (Alpha; UK) cases: 1,259 No change) 
  • Number of B.1.351 variant (Beta; South Africa) cases: 2 (No change)
  • Number of P.1 variant (Gamma; Brazil) cases: 203 (No change)
  • Number of B.1.617.2 variant (Delta; India) cases: 2,144 (2,090 last week)

These are not simply numbers. We must not forget that these are all someone’s husband or wife, mother or father, sister or brother, son or daughter, friend or neighbor.

Which Booster should I get?

Chart based on data at:
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-10-26/which-booster-shot-should-i-get-heres-how-to-chose?

The chart above was published in the September issue of the AARP Bulletin. It is based on information from the article, “Vital Statistics: Provisional Life Expectancy Estimates for 2020,” which was published by the CDC.

FINDING INFORMATION:

The State lists information on where to get vaccinated, where to get tested, and what to do if you test positive or were exposed to COVID on their website.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS – Updated early September 2021

Concerns continue to grow for the Delta variant of COVID-19, which now accounts for 93% of all new COVID-19 infections. Descriptions of symptoms have been updated:

Ranking of Symptoms for Covid-19 Infection in the Unvaccinated

  1. Headache
  2. Sore Throat
  3. Runny Nose
  4. Fever
  5. Persistent cough 

Loss of smell now comes in at number 9, and shortness of breath is way down the list at number 30.

Ranking of Symptoms for Covid-19 Infection in the Partially Vaccinated

  1. Headache
  2. Runny Nose
  3. Sore throat
  4. Sneezing
  5. Persistent Cough

Sneezing, which was never thought to be a symptom in the original Covid strain, is now ranked more common than a cough, for a reported symptom in those with only one dose of the vaccine.

Ranking of Symptoms for Covid-19 Infection in the Fully Vaccinated

  1. Headache
  2. Runny Nose
  3. Sneezing
  4. Sore throat
  5. Loss of smell

A cough ranks 8 on the list for fully vaccinated people, and a fever ranks 12. Shortness of breath is way down the list at number 29.

Breakthrough COVID-19 symptoms:

  • While some vaccinated people are getting COVID, it is still rare, and 99.9% of all recent hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 are people who are not vaccinated.
  • CDC reports that 79% of those who are found to have breakthrough infections have a cough, headache, sore throat, myalgia and fever. 
  • NBC says approximately 1 in 900 vaccinated people have had breakthrough infections. The vast majority of those had mild or no symptoms. 

A new study shows that unvaccinated people are 17x more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than people who are fully vaccinated.

Useful links

Sources used to create these reports:

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