Whitney Bethel Morgan, M.D.

02/25/2022

It looks like we’re going to have a bit of a flu season this year, y’all! It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine, especially if you have a little one between 6mo and 5yo, or a kiddo with asthma. We have plenty of flu vaccine at Honeybee! Call us at 830-372-3135

08/17/2021

Get your pens and highlighters ready, friends!! A few thoughts on the immunology of the COVID vaccine, after having many such conversations with patients and looking for solid answers from Basic science and existing data:
Covid (SARS-COV2) is a mucosal respiratory virus. The virus infects the cells lining our upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. It enters the cells and starts making copies of itself in the cytoplasm of the cells lining the upper respiratory tract before it has contact with the blood supply. This is why a person who has antibodies or T-cell (memory cell/latent immune system) immunity from natural infection, will become infected and be able to shed virus before the humoral immune system is activated. The humoral mmune system, primed by the virus, ken neutralize and prevent virus from continuing to affect cells in the body, which is why it is most effective at preventing the serious complications of the disease, which do occur in young and healthy people, at lower rates. There is evidence, that IGA antibodies produced at the level of the mucosa, may be a very important factor in decreasing infection and spread of the virus. These antibodies are produced in immune tissue such as tonsils which is more prevalent in younger children, and shrinks as we age. This is also a good reason to think that natural immunity will be more effective than vaccine alone in protecting us from COVID, but cannot be relied upon due to significant differences in immune response.

That’s it for now. I will be back to read critique and questions after work and may edit for clarity or bad grammar.

For more posts like this, I will be moving over to Whitney Bethel Morgan, M.D. If you’re interested follow that page and check in over there.

08/21/2020

Flu vaccines are here!!! Call to schedule your appointment. Let’s get this party started!!

07/21/2020

Rapid COVID-19 tests are here! We have rapid antigen tests, which require a nasal swab, just like influenza tests. The tests are very accurate in detecting the viral proteins present during active infection, and take only 15 MINUTES!Pediatric patients will require an “office visit” which may be done in-person or via telehealth. Curbside testing available to adults and adolescents 11+ for UIL and return to work clearance if required. Call for more info 830-372-3135 Stay safe and Healthy ❤️🐝

02/24/2020

The Coronavirus-19 is coming, but don’t panic, prepare! Coronavirus is much like influenza. It can cause very mild symptoms or it can be deadly. The thing that makes this situation newsworthy is that this is a *new* version of the virus that no human has antibodies for. That means a lot of people will get sick at once, and as usual, some people will get sicker than others. Just like with other viruses, you don’t need to seek medical care unless you are having difficulty breathing or become severely ill. Here is a good link to prepare as best we can to avoid public spaces and possible shortages in the weeks to come. Please share on your timelines, let’s do our best to get the word out!

Before a Pandemic Store a two week supply of water and food. Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home. Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids w...