The Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic and Myeloma Patient Safety

Transcript: 

This week's "Ask Dr. Durie" is from a patient who is concerned about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and asks: "Is this pandemic over?" 

And the unfortunate answer to this question is no. We're not quite through this pandemic yet. Unfortunately, there continue to be some variants or sub-variants of concern. 

There is this variant called BA.2, which now has some new sub-variants including BA2.12.1. It's getting quite complex. The issue is that the sub-variants continue to be more infectious. This BA2.12.1 is 25-percent more infectious than the previous one. 

This is producing an increase in disease. In the past, we've had major surges. Now, the increases that we're seeing across the country are a little bit less and that's why we're using the term waves instead of surges. 

However, we are concerned that there are some new variants of concern emerging in South Africa, including BA.4 and BA.5. These are worrisome and the last thing that we want to be hearing about. But the reality is that this is happening, and we just need to be prepared to be protected. 

For myeloma patients, this means that we can't throw away our masks just yet. Masks are just so important and do protect you, especially where there may be mixed groups—some people wearing masks and some people not wearing masks. 

It's important for myeloma patients to wear the best masks possible—the N95 or something similar. This will protect you, particularly in closed spaces or with gatherings, so don't throw away your mask. It's so important to be vaccinated and also to get one booster. And then two boosters—that second booster, when you're eligible. 

If you're concerned because of your disease or possibly the type of treatment that you've been taking—that the antibody response to the vaccination is not good enough—there is now available, the antibody treatment—the intramuscular shots called Evusheld. 

There has been some concern about the availability of this but now it does seem that it is available. However, you may need to talk to your doctor, and search around to see which pharmacy does have a supply of the Evusheld. 

If, perchance, you do get some fever—or you end up getting tested and you find that you do test positive for COVID-19, myeloma patients need to follow up right away because there is an early use antivirus treatment. For example, Paxlovid is available as a by-mouth treatment, and there's also Remdesivir, which is also available as an intravenous backup. 

And so, it's important to remain cautious and be aware of those things. Be cautious about travel and public transport. I do recommend that myeloma patients should wear masks on planes, in airports, and on buses and trains. This is quite important to maintain these cautions to try to stay as safe as possible. 

And so, BOTTOM LINE, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is not gone just yet. Although it's morphed into something—which because of all the tools that we have now—is much more manageable. And so, do pay attention to the status of the code in your local community and make adjustments to your habits and plan things to stay safe.