General Covid 19 news

[SteveH]

Mrs H, has had a bad cold? for the last few days, and tested negative for Covid, but our neighbours, who also had the cold, both tested positive, we are being very careful at the moment.


Covid will 'continue to surprise us', warns health official
Covid will "continue to surprise us", England's deputy chief medical officer has warned ahead of another tricky winter for the NHS.

Dr Thomas Waite says the disease does not yet behave in a seasonal way, making it less predictable than other winter illnesses.

He encourages anyone eligible for the free flu and/or Covid vaccine to get the jabs and protect their health.

Last year the flu vaccine stopped 25,000 people from being hospitalised.

But scientists estimate that last winter in England, flu still caused more than 14 thousand excess deaths and Covid caused more than ten thousand.

The flu and Covid vaccination programmes had been due to start this month, but actually began in September because of concerns over the new Covid variant, BA.2.86.

You can have a Covid vaccine if you are:
65 or over
living in a care home
a health or social care worker
someone with a certain long-term health condition, or live with a person who has one

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66963982

[SteveH]

UK health officials have urged residents to get their flu jabs to take pressure off the NHS and 'protect the most vulnerable among us' this winter. The flu and Covid-19 vaccine programme began earlier this year, with the UKHSA inviting vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, young children and those with chronic conditions, to come forward.

Flu led to more than 14,000 excess deaths last winter and more than 10,000 child hospital admissions, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). UKHSA modelling revealed the flu vaccine programme prevented about 25,000 hospital admissions last winter, with just under 50,000 recorded for the season. In August, it was announced the vaccine programme would be brought forward after the discovery of the BA.2.86 Covid variant.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/people-urged-to-get-flu-jabs-to-help-nhs-this-winter/

[SteveH]

Expert fears over 'flurona' have important advice for vulnerable
Professor Calum Semple said people could get seriously ill if they develop flu and Covid at the same time

A professor has urged eligible residents to get both the Covid and flu jab this autumn to lower hospitalisation risks and avoid 'flurona' ? catching both conditions at the same time. Professor Calum Semple, a former government adviser, said failing to do so could raise the risk of hospitalisation for some people.

Prof Semple, speaking to ITV News, said those with both flu and Covid are at higher risk of being hospitalised, and it's 'terribly important (to get vaccinated)' as we will 'likely see' the usual flu epidemic. But flu plus Covid-19 is 'very, very bad for people' and 'greatly increases' the risk of severe disease and people entering intensive care, so it's 'very important' to get both jabs, especially if people are in a high-risk group, over 65 or are younger people in a high-risk group.
cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/expert-fears-over-flurona-have-important-advice-for-vulnerable/



'Long colds' are a thing, like long Covid say experts
"Long colds" can be a thing in the same way that "long Covid" is, with some people experiencing prolonged symptoms after an initial infection, according to a UK study.

Common long cold symptoms included a cough, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
The findings come from 10,171 adults who completed questionnaires.

The idea that a respiratory virus - or indeed other viral infections - can cause longer-lasting illness is not new, but the recent Covid pandemic has brought fresh attention to the phenomenon.

The researchers behind the new work say the results provide validation for patients who experience problems like this. Investigator Prof Adrian Martineau, from Queen Mary University of London, told the BBC: "People really can feel very run down after a virus. It's not in their imagination and it is a recognised thing."

The study, published in The Lancet's eClinical Medicine journal, asked people to report any respiratory illness and other symptoms they had in the first two months of 2021 - when the Covid pandemic was entering its second year and vaccines were starting to be rolled out.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67016985

[SteveH]

How Covid-19 is impacting Wales right now
People continue to be admitted to hospital with the virus

Nearly 100 people were admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in the last week, according to the latest figures. There were 92 patients admitted to hospital, who had tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, in the week leading up to October 1, according to data published by Public Health Wales on October 5.

And in that same week, one person was admitted to critical care with a positive coronavirus test. The most recent data shows that more people are contracting coronavirus in hospital as opposed to in the community.

There is no current testing programme for people with suspected coronavirus in Wales, but people admitted to hospital with symptoms of the virus that need treatment are given a test. In the seven days leading up to October 1, there were two deaths.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/how-covid-19-impacting-wales-27856996

[SteveH]

Definitely affected us, as mentioned below, anyone else ?

Changing nature of Covid: Is it just a regular winter bug now?
Before the pandemic, Sally enjoyed regular trips abroad and played golf three or four times a week, socialising with the other members at her club.

Now in her mid-70s, she enjoys good health. But despite having been vaccinated against Covid, Sally says the virus has changed her approach to life.

"I've not been on a plane since the pandemic started," she says. "I just don't think it is worth the risk.

"I still play lots of golf - and in the summer, I enjoy having a drink on the terrace. But I don't really do any socialising inside. I skip the Christmas parties and other events when the weather turns."

Sally is not alone, with research suggesting anxiety over Covid continues. And in recent weeks, it appears to have intensified, with internet searches for Covid having shot up with news of a new variant and a rise in hospital admissions.

But there is plenty of evidence to suggest the virus is on its way to becoming just another respiratory bug to contend with, alongside flu and others maybe lesser known, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinorvirus and adenovirus. ....

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66994137

[SteveH]

Care home boss shocked at new Covid variant spread

The manager of the care home at the centre of England's biggest outbreak of a new Covid variant has spoken of her shock at how fast it spread.

Last month the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said an outbreak at a then-unknown care home in Norfolk was behind a new variant spreading across the country.

Ms Emsley, 31, said it started with residents having cold and flu-like symptoms.

"As the day went on more and more people became poorly and it started affecting staff as well," she said.

Ms Emsley felt it could have been a new variant because of the pace at which it was spreading, she said.

"We were very shocked but luckily we didn't actually find the results out until the Covid outbreak was over and done with," she said.

All residents have recovered but some are suffering with long Covid and staff at are monitoring them closely.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqv9j1q7ve7o

[SteveH]

There was a "lack of urgency" in government as coronavirus started to spread across the UK, a senior scientific adviser has told the Covid public inquiry.

Prof Neil Ferguson said he had become "extremely concerned" by 10 March 2020 - two weeks before the first lockdown.

Some officials did not understand the data and "did not think it was as bad as it was going to be", he added.

He wrote directly to a Downing Street adviser to try to raise the alarm.

The government announced the first UK lockdown on 23 March 2020.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67125232

[Dave]

I think statistics can be used to suit whatever anyone interprets them to be.
No mention of flu deaths in the past and none now so how come we need vaccinating?

Talking of vaccinating, I received a text message telling the date of my booster and if I needed to change it, text 1.
I did, it didn't work
I went online instead as suggested and that wasn't working either.

I was able to get through the next day online and change the appointment.

Today, it must be a week later , I got a letter to tell me I have two appointments booked, the original and the new one. It doesn't say it's a mistake, it just says it's important I attend.
I wasn't asked to but I have just rang the number to make sure they cancel the first one and let someone else have it. The letter gives a phone number that is available from 8.00am to 7pm.
it's now just after 6pm and the message says they are closed.
The NHS is just a mess, and a bigger mess in Wales than England too. So much waste, so little co-ordination. I believe they still use FAX machines and that just about sums it up.

[Ian]

I think statistics can be used to suit whatever anyone interprets them to be.
No mention of flu deaths in the past and none now so how come we need vaccinating?

Indeed.  Over time we become immunised to statistics.

[SteveH]

Brain power dropped among over-50s during Covid-19 pandemic, study shows

The Covid pandemic may have impacted brain health in people in the UK aged 50 and over, according to a new study.

More than 3,000 volunteers completed yearly questionnaires and online cognitive tests to measure changes in memory, and other faculties, as the pandemic unfolded.

The results revealed a decline, irrespective of Covid infection.

Stress, loneliness and alcohol consumption may explain some of the findings, experts say.

Coping with Covid fears, worries and uncertainties and disruption to routines may have had a "real, lasting impact" on brain health, they say.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67272152

[Dave]

Brain power dropped among over-50s during Covid-19 pandemic, study shows

The Covid pandemic may have impacted brain health in people in the UK aged 50 and over, according to a new study.

More than 3,000 volunteers completed yearly questionnaires and online cognitive tests to measure changes in memory, and other faculties, as the pandemic unfolded.

The results revealed a decline, irrespective of Covid infection.

Stress, loneliness and alcohol consumption may explain some of the findings, experts say.

Coping with Covid fears, worries and uncertainties and disruption to routines may have had a "real, lasting impact" on brain health, they say.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67272152

I'll drink to that!

[SteveH]

Covid monitoring through sewage water across Wales to start again ahead of 'uncertain winter'
New approach will allow intervention "in a timely and evidence informed way" if needed

The monitoring of Covid-19 and other viruses through sewage water analysis, is set to resume across Wales, ahead of "an uncertain winter". The programme was axed in August this year with about 20 jobs lost.

The National Wastewater Monitoring Programme had expanded, with a centre at Bangor officially opened by Health Minister Eluned Morgan earlier this year. But Bangor University said it was disappointed following the decision to end the project, which cost ?4.4m a year.

 "During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wastewater monitoring for COVID-19 provided valuable intelligence because it can measure levels of SARS-Cov2 in our communities. The programme was delivered through a successful partnership with a consortium led by Bangor University.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/covid-monitoring-through-sewage-water-28039254?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Concern over 'slow to come forward' group for winter flu and Covid jabs in Wales
Vaccination rates are lower among those most vulnerable to winter illnesses

People most at risk of winter illnesses have been ?slow to come forward? for their seasonal jabs in Wales, the country?s chief medical officer has said. Dr Frank Atherton is urging those with clinical vulnerabilities to come forward as soon as possible.

Not only will vaccinations help protect recipients, winter jabs will also ease the pressure on the NHS this winter, he said. Latest data from Public Health Wales shows that while uptake has been steady amongst people aged 65 and over, those in clinical risk groups have been more reluctant.

Just over a third of all those eligible in Wales have now received their Covid booster jabs. But Dr Atherton said it was ?vital? that high-risk groups took up the offer of Covid and/or flu vaccination when they are invited. Frontline health and social care workers are also being encouraged to come forward for a winter vaccine.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/concern-over-slow-come-forward-28104499?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589


How to get your COVID-19 Autumn booster and flu vaccines
Your COVID-19 Autumn booster and flu vaccines offer the best protection against the viruses for you and your loved ones this winter.

Find details of the groups eligible for free COVID-19 Autumn booster and flu vaccines below
https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/vaccinations/winter-vaccines/how-to-get-your-covid-19-autumn-booster-and-flu-vaccines/#:~:text=People%20who%20are%20housebound%20will,with%20details%20of%20the%20arrangements.


Three new Covid strains detected as expert warns of potential UK spike
A microbiology expert has issued a warning about the emergence of three new Covid strains in the UK - JN.2, JN.3, and JQ.1. These variants, belonging to the Pirola group, have been identified both locally and globally.

Speaking to the Express, Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes from Teesside University, said that while the current public health risk is low, there's a likelihood of a seasonal rise in Covid cases. The newly detected strains accompany the previously known JN.1 and HV.1 variants that were highlighted by experts last week.

JN.1 exhibits specific mutations that enable it to evade the human immune response. Despite its discovery in Luxembourg and accounting for less than 0.1 per cent of infections, Dr Lopes believes vigilance is crucial due to its unique characteristics. In the UK, there have only been 22 recorded cases of JN.1, but the mutation has also been picked up across Europe and the US.
cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/three-new-covid-strains-detected-as-expert-warns-of-potential-uk-spike/

[SteveH]

We got our Covid moderna Spikevax vaccines yesterday, talking with the staff, it would appear to have been a slow start for people taking up the offer of the above vaccine, but with the increase in the new variant, it is starting to get busy again with people queuing.

Should we be worried about the new COVID-19 variant?...........

Cont    https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/19/should-we-be-worried-about-the-new-covid-19-variant/

[SteveH]

China has reported no "unusual or novel pathogens" in clusters of child pneumonia cases, the World Health Organization has said.

Beijing has attributed a rise in flu-like illnesses to the lifting of Covid curbs, said the WHO, which had requested for more data on the cases.

Still it urged residents in China to take precautions, like getting vaccinated and wearing masks.

Local media had in recent days reported hospitals being overwhelmed.

In a statement on Wednesday, the WHO said it requested China for more information on reports in the media and from ProMed - a global outbreak surveillance system - of "clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China".

Pneumonia is a general medical term used to describe an infection and inflammation of the lungs. It can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria or fungi.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-67505218