General Covid 19 news

[SteveH]

From Craig Y Don medical practice ..........

Yesterday was an unprecedented day at the surgery. Historically a Monday is always busy but the demand yesterday was far greater than we have ever seen and could ever have anticipated.

162 telephone consultations were undertaken, with 89 face to face appointments given. This was just for the 5 and a half doctors who were working that day and not taking into account the numbers that the HCA, nurses, ANP and phlebotomists did.  There were also 9 home visits.

Today we have a significant number of members of staff off with Covid and the demand is at a similar level.

We are aware of the concern about scarlet fever and will continue to see those who need to be seen. However we would ask if your query is not urgent for the day a prebookable appointment can be taken - we have prebookable slots for next week with the doctors. This will be offered when you ring in.

Please remember we are trying our best under very difficult circumstances, whilst we understand your frustration we will not tolerate any abuse of our staff so be polite and patient with us.

[SteveH]

People are being urged to have a pre-Christmas jab if eligible, as Covid infections show a slight rise in parts of the UK in the approach to winter.

They were up slightly in England and Northern Ireland but not in Scotland and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In the week to 26 November, about 1.1 million people in the UK tested positive - 1.7% of the population.

Those who are eligible are being urged to get a Covid booster jab this weekend before families mix over the holiday season.

"If you are yet to have your Covid booster or flu jab, please book in as soon as possible and take up the opportunities on offer around the country this weekend to ensure you have maximum protection over Christmas."

Michelle Bowen, from the ONS, said: "Infections have continued to increase across England, increased in Northern Ireland for the first time in a month and the trend in all other UK countries is now uncertain.

"Across English regions and ages, it is a mixed picture of uncertainty and increases in infection rates, and we will continue to monitor the data carefully over the winter months."

The ONS estimates are based on tests for Covid-19 on thousands of people in private households across the UK, but not in hospitals or care homes.

The latest estimates by UK nation are:

one in 60 people infected in England
one in 60 in Scotland
one in 70 in Wales
one in 50 in Northern Ireland

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63918309

[SteveH]

An antiviral drug tested by more than 25,000 vaccinated Covid patients has been found to reduce recovery time from the disease.

Molnupiravir was given to people twice a day, for five days at home, while they had the Omicron variant of Covid.

Those chosen were at a higher risk of death or hospitalisation from Covid due to age or underlying health conditions.

Despite aiding recovery, the drug did not decrease death rates or hospital admissions.

Participants taking the antiviral drug while having Covid were compared with those receiving standard care who also had the infection.

The trial was conducted to see whether it backed up previous studies on molnupiravir, which had suggested it was effective at reducing hospital admissions among patients with mild-to-moderate Covid.

However, those trials were conducted on unvaccinated patients, before the emergence of the Omicron wave.

Research in this latest study showed the treatment reduced recovery time by around four days and also reduced the viral load - the level of infection.

The findings suggest this drug would not be suitable for the entire population but in extreme circumstances could reduce pressure on the NHS.

Molnupiravir, which is made by Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD), is very expensive- a seven-day course costs around ?577.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64070392

[SteveH]

Flu and Covid: People told to avoid mixing at Christmas if unwell

People have been urged to avoid mixing with vulnerable relatives if they feel unwell this Christmas.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned flu and Covid hospital admission rates were continuing to rise.

Health officials also encouraged everyone eligible for the vaccines to have them as soon as possible.

The warning comes as people across the UK prepare for the most open festive period since the start of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

Parts of the UK were forced into lockdown over the Christmas period in 2020, and a wave of Covid infections meant hundreds of thousands of people were forced to isolate on Christmas Day in 2021.

All remaining Covid restrictions, including the legal requirement to self-isolate at home with symptoms, were removed earlier this year.

However, health officials have said those with signs of respiratory illness should avoid mixing during the festive season, particularly with vulnerable people.

"Both Covid-19 and flu can cause severe illness or even death for those most vulnerable in our communities, and so it is also important to avoid contact with other people if you are unwell in order to stop infections spread over the Christmas and new year period," Dr Mary Ramsay, UKHSA's director of public health programmes said.

Shauna Liptrot, a nurse from Wigan, has cancelled her plans to visit family over Christmas after coming down with flu symptoms earlier this week.

"I was supposed to be visiting quite a lot of family members over Christmas - I'm going to be staying at home in bed now," she told the BBC.

"I don't want to pass it on to my vulnerable family members and I don't feel up to it.

"I also have tonsillitis and I'm on two lots of antibiotics, so Christmas is definitely cancelled in my house because I cant drink any alcohol while I'm on antibiotics."

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64074088

[SteveH]

The US has become the latest country to impose Covid testing on visitors from China, after Beijing announced it would reopen borders next week.

Italy, Japan, Taiwan and India also announced mandatory tests, but Australia and UK said there were no new rules for travellers from China.

After three years of being closed to the world, China will let people travel more freely from 8 January.

But the country's ongoing Covid surge has sparked wariness.

China is reporting about 5,000 cases a day, but analysts say such numbers are vastly undercounted - and the daily case load may be closer to a million. Hospitals are overwhelmed and residents are struggling to find basic medicines, according to reports.

On Wednesday, the US said a lack of adequate and transparent Covid data in China had contributed to the decision to require Covid tests from 5 January for travellers entering the country from China, Hong Kong and Macau.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-64111492

[SteveH]

Medics warn face masks could /SHOULD/ return to help stop flu, Covid and Strep A from sweeping schools
Face coverings became a common sight since the Covid-19 pandemic struck

People suffering with illnesses are being urged to wear a face covering or stay at home amid soaring Covid infection rates.

The warning has been circulated in a bid to help minimise cases of coronavirus, flu and scarlet fever as millions return to work and school this week after the festive holidays. Professor Susan Hopkins has asked adults to ?try to stay home when unwell?, and those who have to should ?wear a face covering?.

She said: ?It's important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible.? Prof Hopkins explained: ?If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.?

 she added: ?Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don?t visit healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent.

"Flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low.

"Flu can be very unpleasant and in some cases can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it's still not too late.?

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/medics-warn-face-masks-could-25881483

[Ian]

I've only had 'flu twice and can confirm its nastiness. Certainly something to be avoided if possible.

[Meleri]

I haven't stopped wearing a mask while out shopping as yet & have no intention of doing so any time soon. You only have to walk around Tesco Llandudno Junction in particular to see people with hacking coughs everywhere. The stares & raised eyebrows I get sometimes is incredible, as if wearing a mask is something strange. They still have spray & wipes as you go in so please all keep yourselves safe. You only have to watch the advert they occasionally put on ITV where they colour the virus green to show how it spreads when people sneeze & cough.

[SteveH]

Same here Mereri, it is only common sense, even without the risk of Covid, Flu and the Cold season is dangerous for a lot of people, I think we will continue to wear masks for the foreseeable future, I read a quote yesterday that I liked........I wear a mask to protect you, YOU wear a mask to protect ME


 Welsh Government tells people to wear face masks in public if they have these illnesses
People who have symptoms like a cough, sneeze, runny nose or sore throat are advised to wear a face covering
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-tells-people-wear-25888329?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

Flu and Covid make up 17% of hospital patients as health board crisis continues
Health board bosses say North Wales hospitals remain under 'significant, sustained pressure'
Services "remain under significant, sustained pressure." BCUHB says they have seen an influx of patients suffering from flu and Covid, which currently accounts for 17% of hospital admissions in North Wales.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/flu-covid-make-up-17-25888013

Prime Minister to address NHS backlogs and cost of living crisis
In the speech this afternoon setting out his priorities for the year ahead, Rishi Sunak will talk of the importance of dealing with backlogs in the health service.

Read Live report    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-64160640

[SteveH]

What is known about new Covid variant XBB.1.5?
A new Covid sub-variant is causing some concern in the US, where it is spreading rapidly.
Some cases have also been recorded in the UK, so what do you need to know about XBB.1.5?

What is XBB.1.5?
It is yet another offshoot of the globally-dominant Omicron Covid variant. Omicron has outperformed the earlier Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta coronavirus variants since emerging in late 2021.

Omicron has also given rise to many more contagious sub-variants.
Symptoms of XBB.1.5 are thought to be similar to those of previous Omicron strains. Most people experience cold-like symptoms.

Is XBB.1.5 more infectious or dangerous?.........Read more  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64164306



New Covid variant that swept US now seen in Wales as fresh guidance issued
Public Health Wales has updated its guidance with a new Covid sub-variant set to emerge
A new Covid sub-variant may become the dominant strain in the UK in the coming months. Scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO) say XBB.1.5 has a ?growth advantage? over other variants but there is no indication it is more harmful.

It comes as Public Health Wales issues a start-of-term plea to parents to keep their kids away from school and nurseries if they are unwell. Adults are also being asked to start wearing face masks again if they venture out while feeling off-colour.

As of January 3, 2023, just seven cases of XBB.1.5 had been identified in Wales and, for now, the BQ.1 variant remains dominant. First seen in Wales in October, some 473 BQ.1 cases were seen in Wales in the 30 days up to January 3.

In North Wales, highest variant numbers during this period were seen in Conwy (74) and Gwynedd (64). Anglesey saw the least, with 33 variant cases. All are sub-variants of Omicron, which continues to evolve to become even more contagious than the original.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-covid-variant-swept-now-25907246?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Nearly 90% of people in Henan, China's third most populous province, have now been infected with Covid, local health officials say.

Provincial official Kan Quancheng revealed the figure - amounting to about 88.5 million people - at a press conference.

China is battling an unprecedented surge in cases after abandoning zero-Covid policies in December.

The move followed rare protests against lockdowns, quarantines and mass tests.

Mr Kan did not specify a timeline for when all the infections happened - but as China's previous zero-Covid policy kept cases to a minimum, it's likely the vast majority of Henan's infections occurred in the past few weeks.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-64208127


China Covid: WHO warns about under-representing Covid deaths
The removal of most restrictions last month has led to a surge in cases.
But China has stopped publishing daily cases data, and has announced only 22 Covid deaths since December, using its own strict criteria.

"We believe that definition [of a Covid death] is too narrow," WHO emergencies director Dr Michael Ryan said.

Dr Ryan said China's figures "under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths".

The UK science data company Airfinity estimates more than two million Covid cases a day in China, and 14,700 deaths.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-64167052

[SteveH]

Covid cases in China touch 900 million - study
Some 900 million people in China have been infected with the coronavirus as of 11 January, according to a study by Peking University.

The report estimates that 64% of the country's population has the virus.

It ranks Gansu province, where 91% of the people are reported to be infected, at the top, followed by Yunnan, (84%) and and Qinghai (80%).

A top Chinese epidemiologist has also warned that cases will surge in rural China over the lunar new year.

The peak of China's Covid wave is expected to last two to three months, added Zeng Guang, ex-head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese are travelling to their hometowns - many for the first time since the pandemic began - ahead of the lunar new year on 23 January.

China has stopped providing daily Covid statistics since abandoning zero-Covid.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-64258799



Covid warning as 'Kraken' variant could become dominant in UK
The number of Covid infections in the country has reached its highest level since last summer

A new 'Kraken' variant of Covid has surged in China and the US and could soon be one of two dominant strains of the virus in the UK, say scientists. The variant - otherwise known as XBB.1.5 - is being tipped as the "new variant to watch out for in 2023".

Another mutation of the Omicron family, known as CH.1.1, is also on the rise. Currently, Covid cases in the UK are mainly made up of BQ.1 and its sublineages, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The Mirror reports that the XBB.1.5 and CH.1.1 will soon dominate. Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at the UKHSA, said: "Through our genomic surveillance we continue to see evolution of variants in the Omicron family. UKHSA is constantly monitoring the situation and working to understand the implications for public health.

"Vaccination remains our best defence against future Covid-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come forward and take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible."

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/covid-warning-kraken-variant-set-25960365

[SteveH]

New Omicron Subvariant Is 'Crazy Infectious,' COVID Expert Warns 

The newest subvariant of Omicron, XBB.1.5, is so transmissible that everybody is at risk of catching it, even if they've already been infected and are fully vaccinated, a health expert told  USA Today .

"It's crazy infectious," said Paula Cannon, PhD., a virologist at the University of Southern California. "All the things that have protected you for the past couple of years, I don't think are going to protect you against this new crop of variants."

XBB.1.5 is spreading quickly in the United States. It accounted for 27.6% of cases in the country last week, up from about 1% of cases at one point in December, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's especially prevalent in the Northeast, now accounting for more than 70% of the cases in that region.

cont https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986759?src=wnl_recnlnew1_ous_230112_MSCPEDIT_&uac=127834AR&impID=5080457


A video report on the above from Dr John Campbell    XBB 1 5, expect to catch this soon   
Essentially, everyone in the country is at risk for infection now,

even if they're super careful, up to date on vaccines, or have caught it before

Short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbuJY2pqZTk

[SteveH]

Covid: Shielding woman pays ?2,000 for immunity-boosting drug

A woman who shielded from Covid-19 for two-and-a-half years has spent more than ?2,000 getting a drug to improve her immunity.

Abigail Wooding took Evusheld because she has a weak immune system and is less protected by Covid vaccines.

There have been calls for the Covid prevention drug to be made available for free on the NHS.

The Welsh government said it was awaiting guidance from the medicines regulator.

Evusheld is an antibody treatment taken twice a year to protect people like Abigail who have a weaker immune system.

"If you are still the one shielding or wearing a mask, maybe [people may think] you're a bit hysterical, which is quite hard."

Abigail had six Covid vaccines but her body failed to produce the antibodies needed to fight the virus.

So she and her family remained cautious, even after restrictions ended.     

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-64298318

[SteveH]

Covid: Half a million people missed out on heart drugs

During the pandemic, nearly half a million people in the UK missed out on starting medication to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, a new study suggests.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) team looked at prescribing data for the first 18 months after Covid hit.

Some 491,000 people - 27,000 a month - appear to have missed out on blood pressure pills.

And 316,000 did not get treatment to lower their cholesterol.

The team says more needs to be done to make sure that anyone who needs treatment gets it.

During the pandemic, normal NHS services were severely disrupted.

For example, there was a reduction in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of high blood pressure, and other heart and circulation disease risk factors.

Although the NHS took action, including providing more than 220,000 blood pressure monitors for people to use at home, data shows two million fewer people in England were recorded as having controlled hypertension in 2021 compared to the previous year.

The BHF researchers analysed 1.32 billion records of routinely dispensed prescriptions in England, Scotland and Wales, from April 2018 to July 2021.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64330670