Last update: March 29, 2020 (initial post)

The past few weeks have been a bit crazy for all of us. People are stuck at home, losing paychecks, losing jobs. People are getting sick, some are dying. The hospitals are getting overwhelmed. Troubling times for sure. I’ve hesitated a bit to write about the COVID-19 coronavirus here because it’s new and our knowledge of it (and recommendations) are changing rapidly. But here is an overview of what I think is the most pertinent information we have currently.

Vaccines (vaccinations) are arguably the single most important and impactful medical milestones made in the history of mankind. The only potential competition for this top spot would be antibiotics, which you can read about here. Vaccines have saved millions of lives since their invention in 1797. The goal of this post is to simply explain what vaccines are in a way that is easily understood. Let’s get into it.

“It’s a virus.” 

Have you ever been disappointed when you hear this from your doctor? Many patients are because they know this means it’s a waiting game. Usually, I find that patients are much happier to hear that their problem is bacterial because that means they get some of those good antibiotics! (Read about those here) For some reason, your doctor doesn’t like to do much to help you with viruses other than suggest wimpy over the counter medications, rest, and hydration. Why is that? Isn’t there something useful your doctor can do for you?

Yes, there is. And they are doing it. 

If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. 

I’ve said that more than a few times in my life, usually when I’m fixing or building something. You know, “a little more glue here” or “a few extra screws there,” just to make sure it holds. After all, I’d rather be safe than sorry. Overdoing something isn’t always a good thing though.

Have you ever overdone or overreacted to anything? Well, sometimes our bodies do. That’s what an allergy is.