The more pandemic precautions fall away, the more COVID risk is concentrated on this one group
2 years ago

The more pandemic precautions fall away, the more COVID risk is concentrated on this one group

LA Times  

For Filipino Americans like Giancarlo Santos, holiday parties are typically a free-for-all of revelry, with friends and family spilling into every corner of the house, and Christmas decorations twinkling everywhere. In late October, when the polling organization Morning Consult gauged Americans’ concern over COVID-19, only 11% said they considered it a “severe health risk” within their communities. But for patients whose immunity is weakened or destroyed by medicines or disease, “it’s not over,” said Dr. Akil Merchant, an oncologist who oversees Santos’ care at Cedars-Sinai. She has seen what it’s like to be near death, she said, and “my life is more important.” Cindi Hilfman plays with her dogs Ghandi, left, and Maizy at her Topanga home. As these pharmaceutical defenses against COVID-19 peel away, “it’s going to be tough times ahead” for people with weakened immune systems, said Dr. Camille Kotton, who specializes in treating people with immune impairment at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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History of this topic

Hundreds of patients died after catching COVID in Victorian hospitals, new data shows
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Hundreds of patients died after catching COVID in Victorian hospitals, new data shows

ABC  

When Dean's* father was rushed to hospital with a bad case of gastro in February, he assumed he'd be back on his feet in a few days. "The numbers indicate that there is a big problem here — these infections and deaths are potentially preventable," said Associate Professor Suman Majumdar, chief health officer for COVID and health emergencies at the …

Nearly 10,000 died from COVID-19 last month, fueled by holiday gatherings and new variant, WHO says
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Nearly 10,000 died from COVID-19 last month, fueled by holiday gatherings and new variant, WHO says

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The head of the U.N. health agency said Wednesday holiday gatherings and the spread of the most prominent variant globally led to increased transmission of COVID-19 last month. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said nearly 10,000 deaths were reported in December, while hospital admissions during the month jumped 42% in nearly 50 countries — mostly in Europe and the Americas …

I'm an A&E doctor and this is why it's time to start wearing masks again... as experts issue dire warnings over a virulent new Covid variant
11 months, 2 weeks ago

I'm an A&E doctor and this is why it's time to start wearing masks again... as experts issue dire warnings over a virulent new Covid variant

Daily Mail  

It’s that time again. Dr Saleyha Ahsan says she always wears a mask in crowded places Now one of the UK’s leading experts, Sir Andrew Pollard, who is a professor of infection and immunity at the University of Oxford, is predicting ‘a rise in infections in the population over the course of the next week’, driven by a highly infectious …

More hospitals are requiring masks as flu and COVID-19 cases surge
11 months, 2 weeks ago

More hospitals are requiring masks as flu and COVID-19 cases surge

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — More U.S. hospitals are requiring masks and limiting visitors as health officials face an expected but still nasty post-holiday spike in flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses. “What we’re seeing right now, in the first week of January, is really an acceleration — of flu cases, in particular,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease …

Start Wearing Masks, Says Health Minister
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Start Wearing Masks, Says Health Minister

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: Health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on Wednesday urged the public to start wearing masks in public places and follow social distance protocols, while chairing a review on Covid-19 control in the state in the wake of the emergence of the JN.1 variant. The minister said that people experiencing Covid-like symptoms must visit a doctor, get advice and get themselves tested …

Doctors advise Singaporeans to vaccinate, put on face masks amidst COVID-19 wave
1 year ago

Doctors advise Singaporeans to vaccinate, put on face masks amidst COVID-19 wave

The Hindu  

Doctors in Singapore are calling on people to vaccinate and to put on a face mask to reduce the usual year-end increase in acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza and the common cold. Professor Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases expert at the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said: “During this holiday season, as …

Covid-19 not a concern for most US adults, who are split on the latest vaccine and other precautions, KFF survey finds
1 year, 1 month ago

Covid-19 not a concern for most US adults, who are split on the latest vaccine and other precautions, KFF survey finds

CNN  

CNN — Most adults in the United States are not worried about getting sick with Covid-19 or spreading it over the holidays, a new survey from KFF found. Concern about rising cases and hospitalizations is slightly higher, with nearly half of adults saying they are “very” or “somewhat” worried that Covid-19 hospitalizations will increase this winter – about the same …

Dr Fauci refutes study claiming that masks don’t work as Covid concerns rise
1 year, 3 months ago

Dr Fauci refutes study claiming that masks don’t work as Covid concerns rise

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I am concerned that people will not abide by recommendations—and we’re not talking about mandates …

COVID-19: should we start wearing masks again?
1 year, 3 months ago

COVID-19: should we start wearing masks again?

The Hindu  

One thing that can be guaranteed about COVID-19 is that evolution will provide us with a more or less constant stream of new coronavirus variants, some of which will be more successful at infecting people. It’s this worry that there may be a new wave of infections that has got some people talking about the need to reintroduce measures that …

High Levels of Exposure to Covid Virus May Reduce Protection from Vaccination, Prior Infection: Study
1 year, 4 months ago

High Levels of Exposure to Covid Virus May Reduce Protection from Vaccination, Prior Infection: Study

News 18  

High levels of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus may reduce or overcome the protection that COVID-19 vaccination and prior infection provides, according to a study conducted in the US. Hybrid immunity provided the highest level of protection, at 95 per cent and 71 per cent effectiveness, in residents without a documented exposure and with a cell exposure, respectively, according to …

High levels of exposure to Covid virus may reduce protection from vaccination, prior infection: Study
1 year, 4 months ago

High levels of exposure to Covid virus may reduce protection from vaccination, prior infection: Study

Hindustan Times  

High levels of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus may reduce or overcome the protection that COVID-19 vaccination and prior infection provides, according to a study conducted in the US. Specifically, during the Delta wave, vaccination was 68 per cent effective at preventing infection in residents without a documented exposure but was just 26 per cent effective in residents with exposure …

Without other pandemic precautions, hospital mask rules didn’t stop COVID spread, study finds
1 year, 8 months ago

Without other pandemic precautions, hospital mask rules didn’t stop COVID spread, study finds

LA Times  

In a world moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and medical offices have been the last bastions of mandatory masking. But new research finds that in communities where pandemic precautions have been largely abandoned, mask mandates in healthcare settings do little to prevent coronavirus infections among patients. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend indoor …

Wearing masks did ’little to nothing’ to help curb Covid spread, study reveals
1 year, 10 months ago

Wearing masks did ’little to nothing’ to help curb Covid spread, study reveals

Live Mint  

Face masks have done ‘little to nothing’ to curb the Covid-19 transmission, a new scientific review titled “Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses” suggested. It conducted research on the findings of 78 randomized controlled trials to find out whether the physical interventions, including face masks and hand wash, limited the spread of respiratory diseases. “Wearing …

Masks made little or no difference in Covid-19 spread, new study suggests
1 year, 10 months ago

Masks made little or no difference in Covid-19 spread, new study suggests

India TV News  

A new review led by 12 researchers from universities around the world has examined whether wearing face masks helped prevent the spread of Covid-19. According to the study published by the Cochrane Library, "Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference" in controlling the spread of Covid-19. However, it's important to note that the review included studies …

What You Need to Know About the Kraken Covid Variant
1 year, 11 months ago

What You Need to Know About the Kraken Covid Variant

Wired  

Since Omicron became the world’s dominant Covid variant, it’s taken on a lot of shapes. While XBB.1.5 infections are swelling, the WHO says there’s no evidence that this variant’s mutations would result in more severe infections—but it’s still early. Roychoudhury says it’s important to get eyes on variants early to identify them and consider how to design future vaccines: “Until …

Covid: People urged to wear masks and stay at home if unwell as NHS under immense pressure
1 year, 11 months ago

Covid: People urged to wear masks and stay at home if unwell as NHS under immense pressure

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In “back-to-school advice” issued on Monday, the UKHSA warned that flu and Covid are currently …

COVID-19: no need for scaremongering, precautions needed, say health experts
2 years ago

COVID-19: no need for scaremongering, precautions needed, say health experts

The Hindu  

Even as the Central and State governments have called for a general alert over a possible rise in COVID-19 cases, public health experts have warned against scaremongering over COVID-19. Public health experts point out that as the new virus variants coming into circulation are the sub variants of Omicron, which in itself was less lethal than Delta, there was no …

Wear Masks In Crowded Places, Get Precaution Doses: Govt Advises Amid Covid Surge In China
2 years ago

Wear Masks In Crowded Places, Get Precaution Doses: Govt Advises Amid Covid Surge In China

ABP News  

As the surge in Covid cases once again makes it to the news, the government, after a review meeting to access the situation, has advised people to wear masks in crowded places to prevent the spread of the infection. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age," VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog said …

Health officials are urging masks again amid high COVID, flu levels
2 years ago

Health officials are urging masks again amid high COVID, flu levels

LA Times  

With COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory diseases circulating widely in Los Angeles County and elsewhere, many officials are urging residents to use a familiar tool to help thwart transmission: masks. As case rates rise, “your chance of catching COVID during your routine activities — grocery shopping, eating out, running errands, going to work — will increase,” according to Los …

Op-Ed: Immunity’s down. Infection rates are up. And what happened to everyone’s masks?
2 years ago

Op-Ed: Immunity’s down. Infection rates are up. And what happened to everyone’s masks?

LA Times  

In March 2021, a restaurant in Houston informed patrons they must mask up. This is part of a global COVID wave, being seen throughout much of Europe, South America and the Middle East and in China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. By four to six months after vaccination or a booster shot, there is a substantial drop-off of …

Masking up, testing, sanitizing: Staying safe this Thanksgiving with COVID-19, flu and RSV
2 years, 1 month ago

Masking up, testing, sanitizing: Staying safe this Thanksgiving with COVID-19, flu and RSV

LA Times  

Chip Margelli and Janet Margelli deep-fry a turkey at Bolsa Chica State Beach last Thanksgiving. “And then I also think about, for the sake of our youngest Californians and other vulnerable Californians who could get severely sick after a respiratory illness, how important it is to gather in ways that might reduce risks of getting sick yourself or spreading infection …

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+
2 years, 2 months ago

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+

NL Times  

Companies and organizations don’t have to take measures against the coronavirus yet but are free to do so if they wish. People between the ages of 40 and 60 can make an appointment next week, and “in principle the week after,” everyone from 12 to 40 can do so, Kuipers said. But according to Kuipers, it is ‘not yet necessary …

COVID-19 mandatory isolation is lifting. How can I best protect myself against infection?
2 years, 2 months ago

COVID-19 mandatory isolation is lifting. How can I best protect myself against infection?

ABC  

A fellow commuter sneezing into their sleeve. "But across multiple different systematic reviews and observational studies, it's a common theme: if you wear an N95 or similar, you'll have a much lower risk of infection than if you wear nothing at all," Professor van de Mortel says. US data from more than 500 people found always wearing a properly-worn respirator …

Is COVID-19 winding down? Scientists say no
2 years, 3 months ago

Is COVID-19 winding down? Scientists say no

LA Times  

Vials of Pfizer’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine are seen on a production line at a manufacturing facility in Kalamazoo, Mich. Is the coronavirus on its way out? Still, living with COVID-19 “should not necessarily be a scary or bad concept,” since people are getting better at fighting it, Jha said during a recent question-and-answer session with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Topol …

Column: How I’ve stayed COVID-free — caution, good luck and a smart wife
2 years, 4 months ago

Column: How I’ve stayed COVID-free — caution, good luck and a smart wife

LA Times  

Infected people have coughed on me, maskless. “I can tell you what you’ve done — you’ve been wearing a mask, and a good one,” she said. “You’ve had the good fortune that you haven’t been in a place, or went to a gathering where there was someone who was very infectious,” Ferrer continued. “I don’t know many people who haven’t …

The omicron subvariant dominating U.S. COVID-19 cases is more vaccine-resistant
2 years, 5 months ago

The omicron subvariant dominating U.S. COVID-19 cases is more vaccine-resistant

NPR  

The omicron subvariant dominating U.S. COVID-19 cases is more vaccine-resistant Enlarge this image toggle caption Matt Rourke/AP Matt Rourke/AP The BA.5 omicron subvariant, which is now the most prevalent coronavirus strain in the United States, is four times more resistant to COVID-19 vaccines, according to a new study. Sponsor Message Unvaccinated people have about a five times higher chance of …

The Omicron subvariant spreading across the U.S. shares an ominous trait with Delta
2 years, 6 months ago

The Omicron subvariant spreading across the U.S. shares an ominous trait with Delta

LA Times  

Coronavirus particles are seen under a microscope. A genetic trait that harks back to the pandemic’s past, known as a Delta mutation, appears to allow the virus “to escape preexisting immunity from vaccination and prior infection, especially if you were infected in the Omicron wave,” said Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas. The Omicron subvariant gaining …

A third of US should be considering masks, officials say
2 years, 7 months ago

A third of US should be considering masks, officials say

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — COVID-19 cases are increasing in the United States — and could get even worse over the coming months, federal health officials warned Wednesday in urging areas hardest hit to consider reissuing calls for indoor masking. “Prior increases of infections, in different waves of infection, have demonstrated that this travels across the country,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC …

A third of U.S. should be considering masks, officials say
2 years, 7 months ago

A third of U.S. should be considering masks, officials say

LA Times  

Coronavirus infections are on the rise in the United States and could get even worse over the coming months, federal health officials warned Wednesday as they urged the hardest-hit areas to consider reissuing calls for indoor masking. “Prior increases of infections, in different waves of infection, have demonstrated that this travels across the country,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, …

Omicron infection better at upping immunity than boosters, claims study
2 years, 7 months ago

Omicron infection better at upping immunity than boosters, claims study

India Today  

As coronavirus continues to infect people across the world, the latest trends in India show that hospitalisation rates are very low and the recovery is faster. A new study now reveals that Omicron infections produced even better immune responses than a booster shot in vaccinated people. The study conducted by vaccine maker BioNTech SE and the University of Washington reassures …

Facemasks can reduce Covid severity, pressure on health systems, study confirms
2 years, 7 months ago

Facemasks can reduce Covid severity, pressure on health systems, study confirms

India Today  

Effective mask use can drastically slow the spread of Covid-19, reduce the magnitude of the pandemic peak by flattening the curve, and reduce the prevalence of severe cases, according to a study. "If the variolation effect is strong, then the number of severe cases, and consequently pressure on health-care systems, could be substantially reduced if most people wore masks -- …

COVID is Here to Stay In a Milder Endemic Form, So Will Masking and Vaccination
2 years, 7 months ago

COVID is Here to Stay In a Milder Endemic Form, So Will Masking and Vaccination

News 18  

On my long flight to the US a couple of weeks ago, I had plenty of time to think about the COVID pandemic and ponder how things were last year this time, how it is now and how would it be a year from now. All these measures helped us considerably in facing the third wave, which came on the …

Racial split on COVID-19 precautions endures as restrictions ease in U.S.
2 years, 7 months ago

Racial split on COVID-19 precautions endures as restrictions ease in U.S.

LA Times  

Black and Latino Americans remain far more cautious in their approach to COVID-19 than white Americans, recent polls show, reflecting diverging preferences on how to deal with the pandemic as federal, state and local restrictions fall by the wayside. Despite majority favorability among U.S. adults overall for measures like mask mandates, public health experts said divided opinions among racial groups …

As COVID cases rise, the U.S. is in a better place than before, Jha says
2 years, 7 months ago

As COVID cases rise, the U.S. is in a better place than before, Jha says

NPR  

As COVID cases rise, the U.S. is in a better place than before, Jha says LEILA FADEL, HOST: Let's turn now to COVID. So there's a lot of progress ahead, but we really need Congress to step up and fund that progress so we can continue getting these things for the American people. But I've got to ask, is this …

We lack research data on how masks help us keep covid away
2 years, 8 months ago

We lack research data on how masks help us keep covid away

Live Mint  

After a judge overturned a mandate of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requiring US airline passengers to wear masks aboard aircraft, transport security systems stopped enforcing masking at airports. While science has brought us great advances in pharmaceutical interventions such as vaccines and covid treatments, it’s provided little new information about the value of non-pharmaceutical interventions such …

CDC’s top COVID doctor explains how travelers can reduce risk in a mask-optional world
2 years, 8 months ago

CDC’s top COVID doctor explains how travelers can reduce risk in a mask-optional world

LA Times  

Your bags are packed, you’re ready to go. And you’re thinking, “If I catch COVID-19 on this trip, I could get seriously ill or die.” You got a fresh N95 respirator for the trip. That, in turn, could mean the difference between warding off infection and becoming ill. You’ve heard this before, but it’s worth repeating: A cloth mask won’t …

Omicron infection induces limited immune response in unvaccinated: Study
2 years, 8 months ago

Omicron infection induces limited immune response in unvaccinated: Study

Hindustan Times  

The following is a summary of some recent studies on Covid-19. Omicron infection induces limited immune response Unvaccinated people infected with the Omicron variant are unlikely to develop immune responses that will protect them against other variants of the coronavirus, a new study suggests. Unlike antibodies induced by Covid-19 vaccines or infections with earlier SARS-CoV-2 variants, antibodies induced by the …

As COVID-19 cases rise in north India, experts urge caution
2 years, 8 months ago

As COVID-19 cases rise in north India, experts urge caution

The Hindu  

COVID-19 cases have shown a rising trend in parts of the country including Delhi, Delhi-NCR and Maharashtra with experts stating that the mild surge could be primarily due to emergence of mutant variants like Omicron XE and BA.2 which have a high degree of transmissibility. “Added to that with return to the normal routine and relaxation of mask mandate and …

Booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine needed to fight against Omicron, says study
2 years, 8 months ago

Booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine needed to fight against Omicron, says study

Firstpost  

New Delhi: Neutralising antibody levels waned after six months in those who were fully vaccinated against the coronavirus with Covishield, Covaxin and a mix of both — Covishield as the first dose and Covaxin as the second dose with regard to Omicron variant, a study done by the National Institute of Virology in Pune has indicated. The heterologous vaccination regimen …

COVID-19: Too early, say experts as states across India ease mask mandate
2 years, 8 months ago

COVID-19: Too early, say experts as states across India ease mask mandate

Firstpost  

The promotion of voluntary wearing of masks in public places can help reduce inhalation of dust and other respiratory transmitted agents, including TB bacilli, flu virus, other respiratory viruses said virologist T Jacob John New Delhi: Even though some states have decided to stop penalising people for not wearing masks as COVID-19 cases continue to drop, healthcare experts are of …

Learning to live with Covid
2 years, 9 months ago

Learning to live with Covid

Hindustan Times  

Are we done with Covid19? The deep psychological impact of Covid came from tsunami-like waves of infections, where many people fell severely ill and faced difficulty in getting adequate healthcare, ultimately leading to many unexpected deaths within short periods. Despite this, the presence of prior immunity sharply reduces the risk of severe disease during infections, even with newer variants. During …

2 years into pandemic, world takes cautious steps forward
2 years, 9 months ago

2 years into pandemic, world takes cautious steps forward

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — With COVID-19 case numbers plummeting, Emily Safrin did something she hadn’t done since the pandemic began two years ago: She put her fears aside and went to a concert. “Everyone was supposed to be vaccinated or have a negative test, and I said, ‘What the heck, I’m just gonna live my life,’” Safrin said of her concert …

What Not To Say To Immunocompromised People Right Now
2 years, 9 months ago

What Not To Say To Immunocompromised People Right Now

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING As the omicron wave continues to recede and COVID restrictions ease, many people are celebrating. “I’m seeing patients who are feeling what I can only describe as despair.” Experts who work with immunocompromised people say that if you are at a lower risk for severe COVID, it’s on you to consider how your words and actions affect …

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday
2 years, 9 months ago

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings. The change comes as nearly all U.S. states that had put in place indoor mask-wearing mandates for the winter …

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm a one-way masker. With mask mandates going away, is that helpful?
2 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm a one-way masker. With mask mandates going away, is that helpful?

NPR  

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm a one-way masker. Sponsor Message So a number of people are "one-way maskers" — the terms used for those who mask up even if others around them do not. "One-way masking isn't doing that," says Kristen Coleman, an assistant research professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. "It just means that it doesn't offer …

Is omicron leading us closer to herd immunity against COVID?
2 years, 10 months ago

Is omicron leading us closer to herd immunity against COVID?

Associated Press  

Is omicron leading us closer to herd immunity against COVID-19? Experts say it’s not likely that the highly transmissible variant — or any other variant — will lead to herd immunity. “ Herd immunity is an elusive concept and doesn’t apply to coronavirus,” says Dr. Don Milton at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Herd immunity is when …

Covid still threatens millions of Americans. Why are we so eager to move on?
2 years, 10 months ago

Covid still threatens millions of Americans. Why are we so eager to move on?

Salon  

Iesha White is so fed up with the U.S. response to covid-19 that she's seriously considering moving to Europe. "The pandemic isn't over," said Matthew Cortland, a senior fellow working on disability and health care for Data for Progress, who is chronically ill and immunocompromised. … Now is the time, as this omicron wave begins to recede, to pursue policies …

New Covid variants complicate the question of vaccine mandates
2 years, 10 months ago

New Covid variants complicate the question of vaccine mandates

Hindustan Times  

Post-infection immunity might be a strange topic for political strife, but it touches on Covid vaccine mandates and whether those who’ve had the virus should be exempt. “But I think it’s more nuanced now, and a lot of people think natural immunity gives you a substantial level of protection.” But how much protection, compared to vaccination? “That’s not clear.” Barouch …

Estimated 73% of US now immune to omicron: Is that enough?
2 years, 10 months ago

Estimated 73% of US now immune to omicron: Is that enough?

Associated Press  

The omicron wave that assaulted the United States this winter also bolstered its defenses, leaving enough protection against the coronavirus that future spikes will likely require much less — if any — dramatic disruption to society. The notion of a “herd immunity” that could stop the virus has slipped away under the harsh reality of new variants, waning immunity, and …

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