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Rach

@11raych.bsky.social
2.4K followers 3.7K following 87 posts

Living with ME/CFS since the 90s. Still masking. #CovidIsNotOver She/Her Living in Naarm (Melbourne)

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PacoOnPause @pacoonpause.bsky.social · 9h
I think it's weird how fixated a lot of you are on people who are covid conscious..
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Crowbar @crowbar.wtf · 02/10/2026
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Senator David Shoebridge @davidshoebridge.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Under Labor we have seen wages flat line, the rise of the far right and record war profits from fossil fuels going untaxed. We think these are ‘somewhat concerning’.
Albanese says new Greens leader's remarks 'somewhat concerning'
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october "pre-order The Struggle Is Always Worth It now!" krausch @octoberk.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
this investigation on long COVID inside of prisons is out today at the Sick Times! I worked on this piece for months and am so grateful to the folks who shared their experiences with me. I'll write up a real thread a little later, but you can read it now: thesicktimes.org/2026/09/29/i...
thesicktimes.org
I interviewed five people with Long COVID in prison. They are invisible in the system. - The Sick Times
While there are no data sources on Long COVID in prison, experts suspect rates of the disease may be higher there than in the general population. They face high reinfection risks and poor access to me...
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Greg Jericho @grogsgamut.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
But hey, they died so the rest of us could have inflation below 3% rather than at 3.5%. A worthy cause.
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Greg Jericho @grogsgamut.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A reminder that this year the unemployment rate has gone up 0.56%pts - roughly an extra 87,000 unemployed. So in 15 min when the RBA raises rates again just remember 35-44yos on Jobseeker are almost 10 times more likely to die than those not on welfare: www.theguardian.com/business/gro...
Chart showing deaths per 100,000 by age
22-34yo: 17.1 no welfare; 137.0 on Jobseeker
35-44yo: 30 no welfare; 288.1 on Jobseeker
45-55yo: 83.4 no welfare; 427.0 on Jobseeker
55-64yo: 201.6 no welfare; 615.6 on Jobseeker
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Prof Deborah Lupton, MPH PhD @dalupton.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr... Absolutely appalling - the Australian government is now charging $150 for the COVID vax for most people. The last protection now out of reach for most people
abc.net.au
COVID vaccine set for price hike - ABC listen
From October the COVID vaccine is expected to cost around $150.
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The Vertlartnic @thev.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
For Decades Doctors Thought Post-Infection Syndromes Were Hysteria, Then Stress, Then Trauma, Before Finally Discovering They Were All In The Mind
A doctor reassuring their patient that they're just crazy
Headline:
For Decades Doctors Thought Post-Infection Syndromes Were Hysteria, Then Stress, Then Trauma, Before Finally Discovering They Were All In The Mind
Story by Sorin Malvolio and Frunk Wurlitzer

Photo from Adobe
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Conor Browne @brownecfm.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I am rarely affected by discourse on social media, but the current wave of posts asserting that Long Covid is psychosomatic has angered me. To be very clear: if you're asserting that LC isn't a physical disease, you're ignorant of science. End of.
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PacoOnPause @pacoonpause.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Someone is lying to you about COVID and you can either believe sick people or the government.
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TERESA @lgbtqiamomma.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
As a mom of someone with an immune disorder, Thank you. We have remained in quarantine unless required to get infusion or medical checkup. We never stopped wearing NP3 masks 😷 to protect my son. It means a lot when someone proactively masks and self quarantine as a precaution.
static.klipy.com
Wearing Is Caring: Mask Up
ALT: Wearing Is Caring: Mask Up
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Dr. Jen Irwin @drjenirwin.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Why is everyone sicker these days? ‘Relative to adults reporting no SARS-CoV-2 infections, those reporting two or more had significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with a new condition’ Gov of Canada, Sept 2026 www.canada.ca/en/public-he...
canada.ca
Associations between self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infections and the diagnosis of new health conditions - Canada.ca
Exploratory analyses examining associations between SARS-CoV-2 infections and newly diagnosed health conditions
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Conor Browne @brownecfm.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Articles like these are emblematic of the institutional amnesia surrounding Covid-19. A pathogen that emerged less than seven years ago, which can cause fatigue during the acute infection and as a common long-term effect, not even mentioned. Conspicuously absent. www.nbcnews.com/health/menta...
nbcnews.com
Why are Americans so tired? CDC report highlights who’s feeling it most
Fatigue is one of the most common concerns reported in primary care visits, yet not much attention is given to how often adults in the U.S. are coping with it.
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Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"Brain Blood Flow Linked To Fatigue After Covid" A study found people with Long COVID had more fatigue and slower reaction times than healthy people. Researchers also found lower cerebral blood flow (perfusion) in the brain, which may be linked to cognitive difficulties following COVID infection.
miragenews.com
Brain Blood Flow Linked To Fatigue After Covid
People with post-COVID-19 condition reported higher levels of fatigue and showed slower reaction times than healthy individuals. A new study from
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PacoOnPause @pacoonpause.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
There is a lot of societal pressure to treat this specific problem like it's a mystery.
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Sickandtiredaus Jordan Crane @sickandtiredaus.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
There is evidence of a correlation between erectile dysfunction and reduced reproductive health following a C*V!D19 infection. This study www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/cor... - states: “COVID-19 infection is associated with a decrease in serum testosterone levels and an increased risk of ED.” 1/3
Keep your erection, avoid C*VI!D infectionDon't be a bloody pr!ck, wear a mask, to protect your d!ck!Do you want your pen!s to do what you ask? Then make sure you wear an N95 mask!Don't want to cause your partner to be flaccid? If you have symptoms, test on a rapid!
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Kimiko Shibata @eslfairy.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Students with disabilities are not asking for special treatment from this government. They are asking for the same things that all children deserve: -the right to participate -the right to learn -the right to belong -the right to be safe -the right to succeed #OntEd
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Doug Aoki 青木定夫 @nantanreikan.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Study of 134 countries finds that governments greatly underreported deaths from COVID in 2020-2021. They officially reported 5.08 million deaths, when there were actually 12.47 million. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com
Manipulation of information in times of crisis: evidence from Covid excess mortality - Journal of Economic Growth
Governmental information manipulation has been hard to measure and study systematically. This paper provides comparable country-level estimates of the extent of misinformation in official data, in a l...
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Danielle Beckman @daniellebeckman.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
don't be disabled

a rainbow shooting star with a smiley face on it...
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J Green @jgreen63.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
If you use the term 'during covid', it's like saying 'during measles' or 'during flu'. It isn't an era with an end point. The time of covid is ongoing. If you mean 'during the time people bothered to try reduce the spread' , or 'in the first two years of the outbreak', then say so.
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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 30/08/2026
Four months ago, top scientists published a report showing that Himalayan glaciers are losing ice at double the rate since 2000, with some glaciers losing a third of their area in just three decades. "This isn’t a distant problem; it’s a crisis unfolding in real-time," they said. We were warned.
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Dr Noor Bari @njbbari3.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
If you promoted infection mediated immunity for children for COVID-19, don’t be surprised if the general public thinks infections are nothing to worry about in general, and then they fail to protect kids from other infections using any and all technologies available.
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Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
UK: Darren Parkinson, a 50-year-old former NHS nurse from Bradford, urged the PM for long Covid support after contracting the virus in 2021. The devastating after-effects left him struggling to leave home, costing him his jobs. The condition affects about 2 million people in the UK and has no cure.
A screenshot of a BBC News article titled "I'm exhausted just being alive, says long Covid sufferer." The byline credits Michael Broomhead, Local Democracy Reporter, and notes it was published 18 hours ago.
The main photograph shows a middle-aged man with short grey hair and a light beard sitting outdoors against a light-coloured brick wall. He is looking directly at the camera with a serious expression, wearing a black zip-up hoodie over a graphic t-shirt. The image caption below states: "Darren Parkinson has suffered with the condition for five years."
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Chantzy @chantzy.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
This is fantastic - clean air and masks in a Japanese earthquake evacuation centre. The Kumamoto govt has also advised ventilation & mask use in evacuation centres. No need to compound the tragedy of a natural disaster with viral illness ❤️‍🩹
Tweet from Japan based account sharing that they've purchased air purifiers for a Kumamoto earthquake evacuation centre - a photo is shared with residents in masks, including respirators, and a line up of CR boxes
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Bilbo Yaga @bilboyaga.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
People who wear an n95 in public to protect their communities, reject ableism, resist fascism, and build a better world are, in fact, super hot and punk as fuck.
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PacoOnPause @pacoonpause.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
"Other than making my memory worse, it hasn't affected me."
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Greg Jericho @grogsgamut.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Watching the ALP work with the LNP and One Nation to vote that my daughter with Down Syndrome does not need funding to assist with living skills because they don't think they improve her health, wellbeing or safety
Screen shot of the senate voting to gut the NDIS
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Dick Zoutman @dickzoutman.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
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victoria @vashetc.blacksky.app · 17/08/2026
In 2022 I went for my regular mile run. It was my very last. In 2023 I took a few steps & sat back down in my rollator. This was my last time standing. A few months later, I crawled to the bathroom & back to bed. That was my last time being able to crawl. The disease I have is called ME/CFS.
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Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
A study found that COVID-19 can reactivate dormant viruses in the body, which may be linked to long COVID. 11 viruses reactivated within 40 days of admission, with Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex 1, cytomegalovirus, and Anelloviridae detected most often. www.deccanherald.com/health/healt...
deccanherald.com
Epstein-Barr, herpes, long covid: Study discovers Covid-19 can reawaken dormant viruses in the body
New research reveals Covid-19 may trigger dormant viruses like Epstein-Barr and herpes, worsening long Covid symptoms. Experts warn of rising cases and call for better diagnostics and treatments amid ...
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Dr Noor Bari @njbbari3.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Trigger ⚠️ death. When you don’t have a plan on how to stop COVID-19 getting into aged care for example… “Protect the vulnerable” is code for “Everybody carry on as normal and ignore the agonising slow deaths locked up in places you can’t see.”
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the Juice Media @thejuicemedia.com · 11/08/2026
The Government™ has made an ad about Ai Data Centres, and it’s surprisingly honest and informative.
youtube.com
Honest Government Ad | Ai Data Centres
YouTube video by thejuicemedia
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Penncat @pennicat.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Less cheerfully than International Cat Day, it’s also #SevereMEDay. I have severe ME. I’m typing this between sleeps, having used my daily energy seeing my parents for an hour this morning, lying on the bed in our sitting room five metres from my bedroom. I will be alone the rest of today. 1/
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Tom Kindlon @tomkindlon.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Severe ME Awareness Day #SevereME #SevereMEDay #SevereMECFS #SevereCFS #VerySevereME

Severe ME Awareness Day
8th August marks 'Severe ME - Understanding and Remembrance Day', which aims to make healthcare professionals and the public aware of the realities of severe ME. August 8th was the birthday of Sophia Mirza, a British artist and severe ME sufferer, who died in 2005.
It is estimated that up to one quarter of people with ME are severely affected, leaving many confined to their homes, bedbound, or even immobile.
• Amongst other symptoms affecting the whole body, constant pain is common Light, noise and movement often exacerbate symptoms
• Those with some mobility are often wheelchair dependent
• Many require a dedicated caregiver People with very severe ME may be tube-fed and incontinent
ME
RESEARCH UK
SCIO Charity Number: SC036942
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Tom Parsons @tomparsons.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Today is Severe ME day. I never thought that I could get this sick and be receiving LESS medical care. I never thought following the advice of clinicians could leave me mostly bedbound. I never thought I would lose the whole world this way.
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Neurologist Mom @neurologistmom.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
You are just one virus away from a life confined to a bed, living with unimaginable pain and symptoms you never imagined could exist. Nobody expects you to fully understand it unless you’ve lived it. But a little compassion can make a world of difference. #SevereMECFS
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California Department of Public Health @capublichealth.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Being kinda chic is subjective, but COVID-19 doesn't care. - it's kinda chic to keep up with your vaccines - it's kinda chic to wear a mask in crowded indoor public places - it's kinda chic to cover your cough or sneeze Schedule an appointment at myturn.cdph.ca.gov
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PacoOnPause @pacoonpause.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Women are not being disabled by social contagion..
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ThatIngrid @thatingrid.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Woohoo! It's not perfect but it's better than nothing. Melbourne Fringe Festival are doing some "masks encouraged" sessions. Just bought a ticket to go see a choral interpretation of Lorde's album Virgin ❤️❤️❤️
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Morgan Fairchild @morgfair.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
#OnMyWalk to see the incomparable Sarah McLachlan at The Greek Theatre with my fabulous friend @galeannehurd.bsky.social who is so kind to include me AND is a fellow masker😷 A great show & a great friend! #BeKind Sending Love To You All💗🌷💗🥳💗🎉💗😷💗🌷💗🥳💗🎉💗😷💗🌷💗🥳💗🎉💗😷💗🌷💗
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Quarantegan @quarantegan.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"If you’re a healthcare worker who’s mad about people trying to rewrite history, why aren’t you wearing a mask & advocating for clean air? Why are you ignoring all of the research we have at our disposal that shows that Covid is a [present-tense] wrecking ball?" Spot on @keithmuise80.bsky.social 🎯
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Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"COVID can wake up a slew of dormant viruses inside you" A study of 1,154 patients found COVID-19 can reactivate dormant viruses, including herpesviruses, even with a healthy immune system. This may help explain why some people develop severe COVID-19 or Long COVID. Source: archive.md/DDJy1
A screenshot of an article from Nature News dated August 5, 2026, titled "COVID can wake up a slew of dormant viruses inside you" by Max Kozlov. The subtitle states: "Reactivation of typically harmless anelloviruses, in particular, seems to be linked with developing long COVID, study finds." Below the text is a prominent coloured electron microscope image showing a circular, textured virus particle with a bright magenta core and a pink outer ring against a textured, teal background. A caption below identifies it as the Epstein-Barr virus, noting it is among several in the body that can be reactivated by severe bouts of COVID-19, with credit to James Cavallini/Science Photo Library.
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PacoOnPause @pacoonpause.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
I think that every parent should be aware of this information.
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Kristin Meekes @kmeekes.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
I guess while everyone is airing their pandemic grievances I’ll add that as a nurse, the most traumatic thing about the pandemic for me was the lack of appropriate PPE and the denial of airborne spread that STILL happens in healthcare
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#9 Dream @gayfabfourfan.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Perhaps a good time to point out that last year Long Covid surpassed asthma as the leading chronic illness in children. We need to limit the transmission. First step: Acknowledge it’s still happening & still a threat.
jamanetwork.com
Long COVID in Young Children, School-Aged Children, and Teens
This JAMA Pediatrics Patient Page describes the symptoms of long COVID in children.
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Dr. Jen Irwin @drjenirwin.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Whether we officially categorize it as ‘pandemic’ or ‘hyperendemic’, the reality is that “during COVID” is now.
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PacoOnPause @pacoonpause.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
If your favorite science creator uses AI to make their content, they are a loser.
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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 01/08/2026
As we recall the trauma caused by COVID in 2020, we should not forget COVID continues to harm. Many still suffer from Long COVID, people who mask are often harassed, and we haven’t scaled clean air infrastructure. If we truly acknowledge past harms, we should be working to create a better future.
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Pandemic Resistance Inc @pandemicresistance.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Australians have recently been able to access Nuvaxovid (Novavax) through the SAS. We've launched an Expression of Interest for people seeking access, doctors willing to consider prescribing, and pharmacists willing to administer if supply becomes available. pandemicresistance.org/novavax
Picture of a masked person who has recently received a vaccine with visible bandaid. The text reads "Nuvaxovid (Novavax) - Expression of Interest - Australia. A coordinated community effort to improve access to Nuvaxovid. Complete the EOI now.
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Conor Browne @brownecfm.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
“The biggest problem is that the conclusion doesn't match the data.” Allen said. “If you look strictly at the data, the conclusion is a small HEPA filter that's turned off doesn't work.” www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/can...
cidrap.umn.edu
Can air purifiers prevent flu and COVID-19 in nursing homes? Only if they’re used properly
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