Author Topic: Covid 19  (Read 68701 times)

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Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #450 on: September 22, 2021, 09:59:23 am »
More than 100 patients with or recovering from coronavirus are being treated in four North Wales hospitals as guidelines for visitors are tightened up.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are continuing to manage COVID-19 outbreaks at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Colwyn Bay Hospital and Llandudno Hospital.

“As of this morning, we are caring for 23 patients in the West area who are currently COVID-19 positive and 22 patients who are recovering who have had COVID-19.

Ysbyty Glan Clywd
“A small number of these patients are confirmed hospital acquired infection and linked to the outbreak.
“The ward affected by the outbreak at Ysbyty Eryri has now reopened to admissions and we are confident the situation is improving at Ysbyty Gwynedd."

She said: “In the Central area we have 59 patients who are currently COVID-19 positive and 12 patients who are recovering who have had COVID-19.
“A small number of these patients are confirmed hospital acquired infection and linked to the outbreak."

She said: “Due to the high community COVID-19 transmission rate we ask that when the public visit us for an appointment or treatment they wear one of our fluid resistant surgical masks which are available at entrances into our healthcare settings and use the available hand sanitiser as often as possible.

“Tighter visiting restrictions remain in place at the affected hospitals, this decision does not impact visiting guidelines for our maternity, paediatrics and neonatal services or wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Glan Clwyd Hospital.

“Exceptional visiting requests such as visiting a relative who are at end of life must be made directly with the ward and will require an individual risk assessment to be completed both in advance of and on arrival of an agreed visit so that we can keep patients, staff and visitors safe.”

* For any concerns please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service by ringing 03000 851234 Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm or emailing BCU.PALS@wales.nhs.uk

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #451 on: September 22, 2021, 02:40:06 pm »
I wish the government would listen to these people, and make masks compulsory, also, those of us who do wear masks, need to be aware of the emphasis, mentioned below of the importance of a well fitted mask.

Results of a new study September 16, 2021  led by the University of Maryland School of Public Health show that people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 exhale infectious virus in their breath – and those infected with the Alpha variant (the dominant strain circulating at the time this study was conducted) put 43 to 100 times more virus into the air than people infected with the original strains of the virus. The researchers also found that loose-fitting cloth and surgical masks reduced the amount of virus that gets into the air around infected people by about half. The study was published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.

“Our latest study provides further evidence of the importance of airborne transmission,” said Dr. Don Milton, professor of environmental health at the University of Maryland School of Public Health (UMD SPH). “We know that the Delta variant circulating now is even more contagious than the Alpha variant. Our research indicates that the variants just keep getting better at travelling through the air, so we must provide better ventilation and wear tight-fitting masks, in addition to vaccination, to help stop spread of the virus.”

The amount of virus in the air coming from Alpha variant infections was much more—18-times more—than could be explained by the increased amounts of virus in nasal swabs and saliva.

cont  https://sph.umd.edu/news/covid-19-virus-evolving-get-better-becoming-airborne-new-study-shows


Clinical Infectious Diseases
SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology implicates airborne transmission; aerosol infectiousness and impacts of masks and variants on aerosol shedding are not well understood.

Conclusion
SARS-CoV-2 is evolving toward more efficient aerosol generation and loose-fitting masks provide significant but only modest source control. Therefore, until vaccination rates are very high, continued layered controls and tight-fitting masks and respirators will be necessary.

full report / PDF  https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciab797/6370149


Offline Ian

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #452 on: September 22, 2021, 07:07:55 pm »
From New Scientist:

The number of recorded US covid-19 deaths is now level with the estimated toll of the 1918-19 flu pandemic.

More than 675,000 people in the US have died from covid-19, putting the epidemic on a par with the pandemic influenza of 1918-19. Globally, the 1918-19 flu is thought to have killed 50 million people. So far, there have been more than 4.6 million deaths from covid-19 worldwide, although owing to under-reporting the true total was estimated by The Economist to be nearer 10m world wide.

The comparison between the impacts of covid-19 and the 1918-19 flu in the US reveals how deadly the virus still is in a country where just under 64 per cent of the population has received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and where an average of more than 1900 people are dying of covid-19 a day.

However, it isn’t possible to make accurate parallels between the two pandemics, both worldwide and specifically in the US, as the flu’s death toll is based on less precise records and poorer scientific understanding.

According to modelling by the University of Washington, a further 100,000 covid-19 deaths may occur in the US by the end of the year, raising the total death count to 776,000.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #453 on: September 24, 2021, 10:13:37 am »
Students attending universities in Wales for freshers' week are being urged to get a Covid-19 vaccine and be "sensible".

They hope for a more settled academic term after last year's disruption.

But there are fears students will spread the virus during freshers' week.

Wales' Education Minister Jeremy Miles said the measures were "really important" as the pandemic continued, as he visited a pop-up jabs centre at the University of South Wales.

Local authorities, health boards and universities across Wales said they had been working together to welcome students back as safely as possible.

Bangor University has introduced measures to keep students safe in its Academi nightclub, which includes having to show either proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58667590

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #454 on: September 28, 2021, 03:06:03 pm »
ALL ELIGIBLE people in Wales are being urged to have their free flu and Covid-19 booster vaccines when the NHS in Wales begins its biggest ever national winter vaccinations programme.

As the global pandemic continues, the impact of Covid-19 on the nation has been significant, but flu (also known as influenza) can be serious too. The chances of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 or flu are greatly reduced by vaccination, as are the risks of spreading these viruses.

Vaccination is particularly important for those who are older, pregnant, or have a health condition and are more vulnerable to complications as a result of the infections. It is also very important that frontline healthcare workers and those who work in care homes or providing care in peoples own homes get their vaccines to help reduce spread.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19610387.eligible-people-wales-urged-take-free-flu-covid-19-booster-vaccines/

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #455 on: September 29, 2021, 10:08:51 am »
People who have fallen ill with flu can suffer long-term symptoms in a similar way to long Covid, a study suggests.

The Oxford University research analysed health records of people diagnosed with flu and Covid, mainly in the US.

The two groups - both with just over 100,000 patients - included people seeking healthcare for symptoms three to six months after infection.

These included problems such as anxiety, abnormal breathing, fatigue and headaches.

There were signs that Covid patients were more likely to have long-term symptoms - 42% had at least one symptom recorded compared with 30% in the flu group.
cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58726775

Vitamin A nasal drops might be able to treat the loss or altered sense of smell in some people who have had Covid, UK researchers say.
The University of East Anglia is conducting a 12-week trial.
cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58705938


Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #456 on: October 01, 2021, 10:13:05 am »
Sixteen and 17-year-olds are far more likely to take up the offer of a Covid vaccine in more affluent parts of Wales than they are in more deprived areas.

Public Health Wales (PHW) figures showed 61% had been given a first dose of a jab in the most deprived areas of Wales - compared with 78.3% in the least deprived areas.

Vaccine offers were made to all 16 and 17-year-olds six weeks ago.

Up to Tuesday night, 71.2% had received a first dose.

It is the first time a breakdown of teenage uptake has been available in terms of gender, economic background and ethnic group.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58748325?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA&IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #457 on: October 05, 2021, 03:24:07 pm »
A new anti viral drug is on its way ?

Merck and Ridgeback’s Investigational Oral Antiviral Molnupiravir Reduced the Risk of Hospitalization or Death by Approximately 50 Percent Compared to Placebo for Patients with Mild or Moderate COVID-19 in Positive Interim Analysis of Phase 3 Study

At the Interim Analysis, 7.3 Percent of Patients Who Received Molnupiravir Were Hospitalized Through Day 29, Compared With 14.1 Percent of Placebo-Treated Patients Who were Hospitalized or Died

Merck Plans to Seek Emergency Use Authorization in the U.S. as Soon as Possible and to Submit Applications to Regulatory Agencies Worldwide

If Authorized, Molnupiravir Could be the First Oral Antiviral Medicine for COVID-19

direct link  https://www.merck.com/news/merck-and-ridgebacks-investigational-oral-antiviral-molnupiravir-reduced-the-risk-of-hospitalization-or-death-by-approximately-50-percent-compared-to-placebo-for-patients-with-mild-or-moderat/


Alternatively a 15 minute video explanation by Dr J. Campbell  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVW2QqHUJUw

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #458 on: October 06, 2021, 02:19:47 pm »
Covid-19: Deaths rise to 88 in latest week in Wales

There were 88 deaths registered involving Covid in Wales, according to the latest weekly figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This is 22 more than the previous week and the highest weekly total since early March.

The last three weeks have shown a rise in numbers and it takes the total number of deaths involving Covid in the pandemic in Wales to 8,280.

Deaths from all causes were above normal levels for a tenth week.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58803392

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #459 on: October 07, 2021, 10:18:15 am »
PRIMARY care services are facing 'unprecedented demand' and so GP surgeries will not be taking part in the booster programme.

The Covid vaccination programme is continuing as the Betsi Cadwaladr health board has begun offering the vaccine to healthy 12-15 year-olds whilst also stepping up efforts to offer booster jabs to the vulnerable.

However, due to unprecedented demand, the majority of GP surgeries will not be taking part in the booster programme which means people may need to travel 'slightly further' to receive their jab.

"Primary care services are currently facing unprecedented demand, as well as the challenge of administering flu jabs to people across the region.

"Although we are using a smaller number of vaccination locations, we are well placed to roll the booster vaccine out at speed.

"Please don’t contact your GP surgery to enquire about your booster jab, unless you have been invited to do so. You will be contacted by the health board by letter and text message when it is your turn."

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19631214.gp-surgeries-not-taking-part-booster-vaccine-programme-due-unprecedented-demand/

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19 or a Cold
« Reply #460 on: October 10, 2021, 03:43:56 pm »
COVID OR A COLD ?  NHS guidance says the condition can be managed from home if mild, but as Covid-19 continues to circulate in the UK, it’s important to rule out Coronavirus as the cause of the symptoms, due to many symptoms being the same.

Thousands of people are reportedly suffering from the "worst lurgy they've ever had" as a particularly hard-to-shift illness spreads across the country.

With nights getting colder and days becoming shorter, many people just can't seem to shake the illness, which shows with symptoms similar to that of a heavy cold.

There are concerns that there could be a greater increase in cold and flu cases this year, due to the fact that many people are socialising freely for the first time since March, 2020.

Cold and flu symptoms can include:

a sore throat
headaches
a raised temperature
aching body
a cough
sneezing
a blocked or runny nose
loss of taste and smell


NHS guidance says the condition can be managed from home if mild, but as Covid-19 continues to circulate in the UK, it’s important to rule out Coronavirus as the cause of the symptoms, due to many symptoms being the same.

ZOE, the world’s largest ongoing study into Covid-19, said: “A negative result from a lateral flow test is not reliable enough to be sure you’re definitely not infected, so if your symptoms persist it’s best to get a PCR test to be sure.”

NHS guidance says that symptoms of a cold or lurgy should be treated with:

rest and sleep
keep warm
drink plenty of water (fruit juice or squash mixed with water is okay) to avoid dehydration
gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children)
However, you should see a GP if:


your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks
your symptoms get suddenly worse
your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery
you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms
you’re feeling short of breath or develop chest pain
you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because you’re having chemotherapy

The guidance also states that you can avoid catching a cold by washing your hands regularly with warm water and soap, wearing masks, not sharing towels or other household items with someone who has a cold/Covid, staying fit and healthy, and avoiding touching your face.

« Last Edit: October 10, 2021, 04:28:55 pm by Ian »

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #461 on: October 13, 2021, 10:49:19 am »
Members of the public had to take a lateral flow test before they could attend a town council meeting in person for the first time since lockdown but councillors and staff didn't have to.

The trial at Abergele Town Council took place night but one councillor admitted the rules are confusing and "very unclear".

Councillors across the UK have attended meetings throughout the coronavirus pandemic virtually, via online apps such as Zoom.

But hybrid meetings are now being rolled out at which some councillors call in remotely and others physically attend town halls.

After taking advice from independent safety advisers, Abergele Town Council insisted that any member of the public or press who attended last night's executive meeting had to provide a negative test or photographic proof of it.

“We need to be safe. But there is an unfair balance, isn’t there? The councillors don’t have to take a test, but nobody knows where I’ve been that day, but if you’re a member of the public, you’ve got to take a test. What’s the difference because, before we went into the council meeting that night, we were the general public, weren’t we?

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/public-take-lateral-flow-test-21828312?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #462 on: October 14, 2021, 02:03:15 pm »
A new anti viral drug is on its way ?

Merck and Ridgeback’s Investigational Oral Antiviral Molnupiravir Reduced the Risk of Hospitalization or Death by Approximately 50 Percent Compared to Placebo for Patients with Mild or Moderate COVID-19 in Positive Interim Analysis of Phase 3 Study

At the Interim Analysis, 7.3 Percent of Patients Who Received Molnupiravir Were Hospitalized Through Day 29, Compared With 14.1 Percent of Placebo-Treated Patients Who were Hospitalized or Died

Merck Plans to Seek Emergency Use Authorization in the U.S. as Soon as Possible and to Submit Applications to Regulatory Agencies Worldwide

If Authorized, Molnupiravir Could be the First Oral Antiviral Medicine for COVID-19

direct link  https://www.merck.com/news/merck-and-ridgebacks-investigational-oral-antiviral-molnupiravir-reduced-the-risk-of-hospitalization-or-death-by-approximately-50-percent-compared-to-placebo-for-patients-with-mild-or-moderat/


Alternatively a 15 minute video explanation by Dr J. Campbell  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVW2QqHUJUw

Less than a week after Merck and Ridgeback released extraordinary data on the effectiveness of experimental COVID-19 drug molnupiravir, the rush is on to lock up supplies.

On Wednesday, Singapore, Australia and South Korea unveiled deals with Merck to secure the drug. The company is said to be in talks with several other countries including Germany, Malaysia and Thailand.

The brisk business comes amid complaints that Merck is overcharging for the treatment. In the company’s supply agreement with the United States, Merck charged 40 times what it costs to produce the drug, The Independent reports.

The report cites an analysis by Harvard School of Public Health and King’s College Hospital in London, which found that it takes about $17.74 to produce a five-day course of molnupiravir. Earlier this year, Merck agreed to supply 1.7 million courses to the U.S. government at $700 each.

The company didn't respond immediately to a request for comment.

cont  https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/amid-controversy-over-its-price-rush-to-secure-merck-and-ridgeback-s-covid-19-drug

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #463 on: October 21, 2021, 09:24:54 am »
This winter is set to be "one of the hardest we have ever faced" due to the dual challenge of the pandemic and other respiratory viruses, NHS Wales chief executive Andrew Goodall has warned.

The warning comes along with the publication of the NHS Wales Health and Social Care Winter Plan, which will allocate an extra £42m funding for social care, some of which will be used to help ease the pressure on hospital beds, the Welsh Government has said.

The social care investment, which comes on top of £248m already announced for the NHS Covid recovery fund, will be used to improve hospital patient discharges, expand community services and reduce hospital re-admissions among the frail and vulnerable in an effort to ease pressures on bed capacity.

The Welsh Government says this will help ensure emergency care is able to cope and minimise disruption to planned care.

Ahead of the winter pressures, Andrew Goodall said services needed to remain ready to respond to rapidly changing circumstances, as well as minimising time spent in hospital for those receiving care and supporting people to return home to continue their recovery.

Seven key priorities in the Winter Plan include:

protecting people from Covid-19 through the vaccination programme,
keeping people well during higher levels of influenza and seasonal respiratory viruses,
maintaining the resilience of health and social care services,
responding to the mental health impact of the pandemic,
ensuring vulnerable groups have access to the treatment they require,
supporting the health and wellbeing of staff who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic
working with health and social care organisations to manage pressures across the system.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/seven-ways-wales-brace-itself-21918741?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Offline SteveH

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Re: Covid 19
« Reply #464 on: October 27, 2021, 03:30:49 pm »
Winter is on its way, and the sunlight is disappearing, bringing up the question of Vitamin D supplements, I personally am a great believer in them, and started last year after listening to Dr John Campbell's You Tube Video "Vitamin D dose" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bga_qG30JyY&t=609s


If you are not sure, you may find this interesting, Dr John Campbell and Professor Tim Spector, discuss the pro's and con's 

Does vitamin D protect against COVID-19?
"Vitamin D is vital for health and plays many roles in the immune system.
It helps to damp down unwanted inflammation and overactive immune responses, and it enhances the function of immune cells that fight off pathogens like viruses and bacteria. And low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of infection and respiratory diseases. "   

cont  https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/does-vitamin-d-protect-against-covid-19