announcer: this is abc7 news. kristen: you are watching getting answers. every we talk with experts about issues important to the bay area and get answers for you in real-time. with all of the storms we have been getting, will tahoe resorts be open soon? what kind of seasoned did they expect? we get the latest. as california extraordinaire -- california struggles with high cases of flu and rsv, covid, strap and syphilis, there is raging debate over what is causing us to fall ill. on social media, many people

even doctors, blaming immunity debt. what does that mean? joining us live is ucsf infectious diseases specialist dr. peter chin hung. >> thank you for having me. >> what is the latest snapshot and trend for covid, flu and rsv? are we seeing that post holiday travel bump? >> we are seeing it in covid, flu, rsv luckily has been stabilizing about. i am hoping we have -- rsv. at the end of the day, it only affects so many people and runs out of people to infect. unlike covid, you do not get infected easily with rsv. that is why we are seeing a lot of people moving things back and forth. i know people who have been sick for six weeks because they get

one after another. kristen: some are attributing this to the concept of immunity debt. explain that -- explain what that means and whether it is legitimate. >> immunity debt refuse debt refers to the idea that your immune system is weaker because it has not seen a lot of things in the last three years. but, that line of thinking is somewhat flawed. it is true that we did not see a lot of flu or rsv. a lot of people are getting infected this year. but it does not mean our immune system is weaker or less strong. our immune system remains the same, it is just a matter of shifting disease because the population hasn't seen it for three years. you want to train your immune system because you do not know

what you're going to get. get a vaccine. kristen: you do not put much stock in the idea that you have to get sick to not get sick? dr. chin-hong: it makes sense in some settings, like of the micro biome. the debt -- the bacteria, you ingested and it is good for building the immune system because they do a lot of things. we know a lot about parasites people growing up in farms tend to have fewer allergies because you get exposed to all of these parasites. that shifts your immune system away from allergies later in life. for viruses, there is little evidence that getting a lot of virus makes your immune system stronger. kristen: for viruses, there is a camp saying we didn't get sick for years, that's why this is happening. on the other site, and these are the two camps i see, people are

saying our immune systems are weaker because of covid infections, repeated infections and long covid. what do you think about that? dr. chin-hong: i do not subscribe to the first camp, that our immune systems are weaker. our immune systems are as strong as ever. there is some thinking that people with recent covid infections commit their immune system is activated. if you get a bug from something else, you're going to feel it because your immune system is revved up from recent covid infections. kristen: there is a uc davis study that concludes nonpharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing and masking reduce covid, but that the vulnerable population does not change so they project large future outbreaks following a period of masking and social distancing. they were in these outbreaks can burden the health care system.

is that what is happening? dr. chin-hong: not necessarily. a lot of outbreaks, depending on what -- you are talking about, is driven by human behavior. if people are riskier, like for sexually transmitted infections, that increases the probability you are going to get it but has nothing to do with the fact that you socially distanced. rsv, which is a case in point. rsv happens mainly causing disease in the old and young. under two years old is where the bulk of severe disease occurs. most of that population has not seen rsv for two years, so they are getting sick now but it does not mean they would not have gotten sick in the last years. and it does not mean they are doing any worse with the same exposure than if they got it a year ago. kristen: back to covid, pfizer

re-tooling the kids vaccine. i want to address the international story, strap has killed several children in the u.k. something we haven't heard a lot about. isn't it usually harmless? what is happening? dr. chin-hong: strep is usually harmless. we treat strep with amoxicillin or penicillin. it is easy to treat. we look for it because we are worried about the antibodies in the throat can attack the heart later on. it is because of that problem that otherwise strep you can usually get better soon. what is happening in england, there have been 10 kids -- about 10 kids died who were young. from invasive strep. strep that left the throat and

went into the bloodstream and caused organ dysfunction. we see it sometimes, but the more strep you get, a small proportion will become invasive and that is probably what is happening because there is a lot more strep now. just like there is more flu and rsv because people are getting together again. kristen: isn't there a shortage of amoxicillin? is that the only way to treat it? if you cannot get it, what do you do? dr. chin-hong: there is a shortage of the pediatric formula of amoxicillin. but there's also penicillin. experienced compounding pharmacists can take the adult formulation and get the dose that is right for kids. i think it speaks to the fact that we get periodic shortages from time to time. we shouldn't get into this situation. these are raw materials we can stockpile and make sure they are

available at all times. kristen: i think i read that also applies to children's tylenol and ibuprofen right now. is that something that you can just cut and give your kid half a tablet? dr. chin-hong: i would work with a compounding pharmacist and have them use an adult dose to get the right dose for kids and put it in applesauce or something. many of these illnesses are not causing fever, so luckily it is not going to apply to many parents but i know it is disconcerting. i have had people drive to wine country to get children's tylenol and we really shouldn't be in this situation. a compounding pharmacist can help with getting the right dose for kids even though it is an adult pill. kristen: you mentioned we get these shortages sometimes. i am wondering, why?

right now, we understand we have a supply chain issue. but even before that, this was happening. is there something systemic in the way we incentivize the making of certain drugs over other drugs? dr. chin-hong: it happens because some drugs do not make as much money as other drugs. particularly if they are generic. there is a movement in congress by individuals like mark cuban to take some of these low moneymaking drugs that are essential like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which is generic for tylenol, and to have enough of them and to have other companies make them so that we do not get into these problems. also, there is no requirement for manufacturers to say when demand goes up, there is only a requirement when the drug is short. you are catching it at the end, rather than the beginning.

kristen: when we come back, we will talk about the syphilis outbreak and pfizer retooling outbreak and pfizer retooling its vaccine for after my car accident, outbreak and pfizer retooling its vaccine for i wondered what my case was worth. so i called the barnes firm. when that car hit my motorcycle, insurance wasn't fair. so i called the barnes firm. it was the best call i could've made. atat t bararnefirmrm, our r inry a attneysys wk hahard i could've made. atat t bararnefirmrm, to get you the best result possible. call us now and find out what your case could be worth. you u mit bebe sprisised ♪ the barnes firm injury attorneys ♪ ♪ call one eight hundred, eight million ♪

we are back with dr. chin-hong. we are seeing an uptick in syphilis. sonoma county reported a 24% increase from last year. tell us more about this. what is feeling it? who is catching it? dr. chin-hong: we have long heard about syphilis going up in the gay and bisexual men

population. but now it is concerning because it is spilling over to the general population. particularly in pregnant persons. the risk of transferring syphilis to the unborn child can cause a host of things including brain abnormalities, bone abnormalities and so on. what it really speaks to is the lack of prenatal care that a lot of people are not getting. it is routine to screen pregnant persons for syphilis at least two or three times, depending on what their activity is. kristen: it is stunning to hear. especially in california, not getting prenatal care. i want to talk about the covid booster because most people are being encouraged to get the bivalent shot. but, is it too soon? i ask because a study is making

arounds today, dutch hairdressers who had covid seem to show antibodies lasting up to 12 months after natural infection. what do you make of that? dr. chin-hong: it is a young, healthy population. the average age was 39. it does apply to some effect to the general population who is healthy. it may be -- forgetting a once yearly booster rather than a booster every four to six months. for some people like the elderly or immune compromised, it may not apply. but it does give a nice proof of concept that after a wild, a number of reminders, the immune system does remember a serious disease. kristen: that part i am happy to hear and it does sound like how often you boost may be a personal decision. i want to touch on pfizer.

they are asking the fda to approve changing up their third shot of their three shot series for young kids under five. what is it exactly they want to do? dr. chin-hong: they want to instead of the third shot for kids under five, they will switch it up for the new bivalent booster. it makes sense to me. but again, we have had a disappointing uptick in under five-year-olds. nationally it is 4%. even lower under two years old. it makes sense to give a bigger repertoire of virus. three is the magic charm. we have done it for hepatitis b commit hpv, measles, mumps and rubella. kristen: when do you expect that

to get approved? dr. chin-hong: by the end of this year. it shouldn't be much of an issue. kristen: this is a big headline, a nasal spray covid vaccine developed in hong kong has been approved for emergency use in china. i think one was also approved in india. are we getting a nasal form here? dr. chin-hong: i hope so. initial results from hong kong are very promising. they have also done phase three trials in south africa, vietnam and columbia. the chinese government has already approved it under emergency use authorization. it is not a substitution for regular vaccines, but is kind of like a job a juice smoothie. it is extra immunity. the promise is that it will also

prevent breakthrough infections as well as serious disease. the hong kong group has been fantastic in developing this vaccine. they were the group or were there first to recognize sars back in the day and they continue to do good work. kristen: do you think that would be a game changer here in terms of if we had -- more people would have it? dr. chin-hong: it is a nasal spray, so it is straightforward. it does not require a needle. i feel like people would have a lot of acceptability for that, particularly if somebody told me it was -- which it sounds like it is. it potentially has promise to not only keep me away from the hospital, but to keep me from getting pesky re-infections every time it changes its spike protein. kristen: what is your

prescription for us to stay safe and healthy through the rest of december? dr. chin-hong: some of it is the broken record of getting boosted. the flu shot, particularly for the 65 and older population. wear your mask in most places. we are not just talking about covid, we are talking about so many things. who wants to be sick for six weeks? i think it will be -- think about doing a test before. kristen: thank you so much. great advice. dr. chin-hong: thank you. kristen: a tahoe ski resort nearly destroyed in wildfire has just reopened. next, we talk to a spokesperson about rising from the ashes and about rising from the ashes and what you can expec life is uncertain. it's okay to feel stressed, anxious, worried or frustrated.

calhope can help access, calhope free and secure mental health resources today. call our warm line at 833-317-4673 or livechat at calhope.org

ok, floor and decor, show me what you've got. now this tile says “spa day, all day.” but this tile says classic gone glam. and this modern look? it's sleek...yet chic. ok, i've got it. everything i need to pull this project together. and all at the perfect price. at floor and decor, you can realize any aspirational project at an inspirational price. because with an unmatched selection of high-quality products all at everyday low prices, your bathroom upgrade has never been more “you.” discover floor and decor today! - life is uncertain. with calhope's free and secure mental health resources, it's easy to get the help you and your loved ones need when you need it the most. call our warm line at (833) 317-4673 or live chat at calhope.org today.

kristen: storm systems are dumping snow in the sierra. but getting to tahoe can be a challenge. joining us is shelby dunlap from the sierra and tahoe resort with an update on conditions and how the season is shaping up. thanks for joining us. >> thank. happy to be here. i just finished a lap out on the hill. kristen: i am sure it was nice. congratulations because i know sierra tahoe just reopened. how was it? the skeeters and snowboarders, did they come? >> we had a fantastic turn saturday for opening and it really felt like a big reunion. sierra has such a strong family vibe and family culture and

everyone was really excited to get back to their winter home. kristen: that is true. that is the resort i went to when i was a little kid and it was always so friendly and easy. not intimidating. gorgeous. i sound like i am doing a commercial for you. this is extra special because your resort was damaged in a fire and rebuilding was tough. >> the caldor fire was one of the largest events in ski industry history. when we came back, there was a big question, is it possible? will sierra live on? i go back to the community aspect and of the staple that sierra tahoe has been in lake tahoe for 75 years and that was the driving force to get us back on our feet where we are today.

congratulations. kristen: congratulations. you did it, here we are. how much snow did the storm draw for you? >> for opening day saturday, we had enough to open some of the beginner, lower terrain. the snow that came in before the weekend was wet and heavy. that is exactly what we want to pack a good base to set us up for a good season. mother nature has been kind to us and we have got about 24 inches in the last 24 hours. we had an exciting day this morning. we were able to open grandview, which is kind of the heart eat of the mountain. it is what is able to get people from top to bottom. in two days we went from opening four runs on opening day and

today we opened 16. conditions are great. kristen: what percentage of your runs are open now? >> 16 brings us to about 33%. we have 48 trails. what is exciting is that this year we are planning to open all 48 as soon we have enough snow. areas like huckleberry obviously require a lot snow for us to open. but we are on track to open them. of all the restoration we have done over the last year, it has set us up to open. kristen: i think one third open is pretty typical right now. but i imagine you want a lot more, especially for christmas when everybody comes. you don't want the slopes to get too crowded. are you making snow too? >> we are fortunate in the

location we are in. most of the snow that comes to our resort is organic. we do limited snowmaking. we have the guns out right behind me right now. and we are doing some snowmaking, especially in areas we had to do extensive tree removal from the fire. we are putting snow guns in those areas and they could news is that there is more snow in the forecast. we are going to have a few dry days, which will be nice to and let -- nice to let the snow settle. next weekend, another storm is coming. kristen: you have that sierra some end, the heavy snow at the bottom, then you pack on more. hopefully that means a long season. i want to ask your forecast in

terms of attendance because it is the first time since covid you have had no restrictions at all. do you expect a lot of crowd? >> i think most of the resorts in the tahoe area are expecting big crowds. during covid, a lot of people flocked to recreate outdoors because it was available and it brought in a lot of new skiers into the sport. especially for us, we have such a strong community. if you look online and talk to the town, people are excited to get back. even our opening day numbers this weekend were extremely strong. next weekend, once we get a bigger snow, will be on pace. kristen: i want to ask, i know a lot of resorts are investing in

upgrading the experience. heated seats, wind visors. you guys got to do redo. what can visitors expect in terms of amenities? >> this year, the goal was to be able to get open and open our 48 trail network. guests can look forward to a lot of new terrain we were able to uncover and redesign. guests can expect new features and a lot of new terrain to explore. kristen: shelby dunlap, thank you for sharing what is happening. i hope everyone has a great time. take care. >> thank you. (vo) it's a fact! two out of three americans who qualify for medicare do not receive all the benefits they deserve. you could be missing out! now anthem blue cross introduces a free medicare plan checkup to make sure you receive all the benefits you qualify for in 2023. call 1-866-336-3448 today and receive extra benefits

for a zero dollar monthly premium. benefits like dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs! and to help you stay healthy at home, you can have free prescription drug delivery, online doctor visits twenty-four seven, and free exercise classes. you can even receive money towards over-the-counter health items. call 1-866-336-3448 today and feel confident you have all tothe benefits you deserve forh it2023. you can receive extra benefits for a zero dollar monthly premium, like dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. call 1-866-336-3448 and make sure you're not missing out.

(grandma) [in navajo] where are they? it is cold outside. (vo) wells fargo has donated $50 million dollars in support of indigenous peoples... including funding solar furnaces that convert sunlight... (grandma) come into the warm house (girl) hi grandma! (vo) into household heat. (grandma) [in navajo] are you kids hungry? (vo) doing gets it done. wells fargo, the bank of doing.

kristen: we just had a 3.7 quake in san jose. tonight, federal investigators on the scene, a targeted attack on two power substations, plunging thousands into the dark. the substation's damaged by gunfire. authorities calling it a malicious attack in north carolina. a state of emergency tonight in moore county. what authorities are now saying. monaabdi on the scene for us. also tonight, the georgia senate race who has the advantage from early voting going into tomorrow's election day in georgia? and herschel walker turning to donald trump tonight for a rally for help, after trump suggested getting rid of parts of the u.s. constitution. rachel scott in georgia. the major news in the war in ukraine. ukraine launching an unprecedented attack. their drones h