Recent Posts
51
C19 Notes Database / Re: Risk assessment and hygiene for reopening office or Clinic
« Last post by stog on November 01, 2020, 10:22:43 AM »the swiss cheese respiratory viral pandemic defence
This image highlights that no single intervention is perfect at preventing the spread of a respiratory virus. However, multiple layers of protective approaches will improve success.
Based on the Swiss Cheese Model of Accident Causation by James Reason, this is an adapted version which has been developed by virologist Ian Mackay and colleagues from the University of Queensland.
This image highlights that no single intervention is perfect at preventing the spread of a respiratory virus. However, multiple layers of protective approaches will improve success.
Based on the Swiss Cheese Model of Accident Causation by James Reason, this is an adapted version which has been developed by virologist Ian Mackay and colleagues from the University of Queensland.
52
C19 Notes Database / IMMUNE MEMORY IS MORE IMPORTANT
« Last post by stog on October 31, 2020, 09:14:11 AM » the following article identifies how, although antibodies may diminish in months, they are not the 'whole story'; how the 'memory response is more important and how some vaccines may better be able to give a long immune memory
IMMUNE MEMORY IS MORE IMPORTANT
"Antibody responses are usually short-lived because once they have done their job you don't need them," said Jonathan Stoye, head of virology at Britain's Francis Crick Institute.
"But that doesn't mean that immunity, either induced by infection or by vaccination, is necessarily short-lived: Memory cells can respond to and combat a new infection."
Since SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a new human virus, scientists don't yet know what levels of immunity will turn out to be protective. But many of the vaccine makers are touting both the antibody and T-cell responses, which are increasingly seen as important to lasting immunity.
"The immune system is very complicated. We know antibodies are important, but they're not the whole story," said Lawrence Young, a professor of molecular oncology at Britain's Warwick University. "The important thing here is immune memory."
Key to the process of immunity are memory cells known as T- and B-lymphocytes. Having made antibodies to a certain virus in an initial infection, the body uses these cells to remember that pathogen, "so when you are next exposed to the virus, the antibody response kicks in much sooner", Young said.
With vaccines, a key feature is that scientists developing them can select as targets the most important bits of the pathogen - in COVID-19's case these include the so-called "spike protein" on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus - to get the strongest and most lasting memory responses from T and B lymphocytes.
Some vaccines also contain stimulators or boosters, known as adjuvants, which can supercharge the response, and others are designed to be given in multiple doses to ensure higher concentrations of antibodies will create stronger memories.
"The idea is that while the natural infection may give you poor memory that may not last, the vaccine will give you strong memory that does last," said Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/939994
IMMUNE MEMORY IS MORE IMPORTANT
"Antibody responses are usually short-lived because once they have done their job you don't need them," said Jonathan Stoye, head of virology at Britain's Francis Crick Institute.
"But that doesn't mean that immunity, either induced by infection or by vaccination, is necessarily short-lived: Memory cells can respond to and combat a new infection."
Since SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a new human virus, scientists don't yet know what levels of immunity will turn out to be protective. But many of the vaccine makers are touting both the antibody and T-cell responses, which are increasingly seen as important to lasting immunity.
"The immune system is very complicated. We know antibodies are important, but they're not the whole story," said Lawrence Young, a professor of molecular oncology at Britain's Warwick University. "The important thing here is immune memory."
Key to the process of immunity are memory cells known as T- and B-lymphocytes. Having made antibodies to a certain virus in an initial infection, the body uses these cells to remember that pathogen, "so when you are next exposed to the virus, the antibody response kicks in much sooner", Young said.
With vaccines, a key feature is that scientists developing them can select as targets the most important bits of the pathogen - in COVID-19's case these include the so-called "spike protein" on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus - to get the strongest and most lasting memory responses from T and B lymphocytes.
Some vaccines also contain stimulators or boosters, known as adjuvants, which can supercharge the response, and others are designed to be given in multiple doses to ensure higher concentrations of antibodies will create stronger memories.
"The idea is that while the natural infection may give you poor memory that may not last, the vaccine will give you strong memory that does last," said Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/939994
53
C19 Notes Database / Long Covid Definition
« Last post by stog on October 31, 2020, 09:01:09 AM »Long Covid
UK health bodies have defined the syndrome known as long COVID ahead of developing a new treatment guideline.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) defined post-COVID syndrome as:
"Signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time and can affect any system in the body.
"Post-COVID-19 syndrome may be considered before 12 weeks while the possibility of an alternative underlying disease is also being assessed."
The scoping document says signs and symptoms can affect different body systems, and can overlap and change over time, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, musculoskeletal, metabolic, renal, dermatological, otolaryngological, haematological, and autonomic systems. In addition, patients may have psychiatric problems, generalised pain, fatigue, and persistent fever.
The future guideline, due to be published by the end of the year, will cover specialist referrals, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and best practices for post-COVID syndrome recovery and rehabilitation services.
It will be a 'living' guideline and subject to updates as new evidence emerges.
Catch-all Term
It's estimated that as many as 60,000 people in the UK may have long COVID and earlier this month the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) released a review suggesting it could actually be four syndromes.
In a news release, Paul Chrisp, director of the Centre for Guidelines at NICE, said: "This is a new condition and there is still a lot we don’t know about it. Our aim is that the post-COVID syndrome guideline will begin by setting best practice standards of care based on the current evidence but, as our understanding of the condition grows, be adaptable and responsive to new evidence as it emerges."
Safia Qureshi, director of evidence for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: "The scope report is a first and vital stage in the production of a guideline which aims to identify symptoms and outline treatment options. We’re delighted to work with NICE and the RCGP on this important piece of work."
RCGP Chair Professor Martin Marshall, said: "Before we can effectively diagnose, treat and manage a condition, we need to know what we're dealing with, so it’s encouraging to be making such rapid progress in this regard as we work with NICE and SIGN to develop this important guidance."
He added: "Now that we are clear about its scope, we can move forward in developing guidance, based on the latest evidence, to support GPs to deliver the most appropriate care and support to patients suffering with the long-term effects of COVID-19 in the community. This guidance will need to evolve as our understanding of the condition grows through clinical experience and robust research."
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/940067
UK health bodies have defined the syndrome known as long COVID ahead of developing a new treatment guideline.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) defined post-COVID syndrome as:
"Signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time and can affect any system in the body.
"Post-COVID-19 syndrome may be considered before 12 weeks while the possibility of an alternative underlying disease is also being assessed."
The scoping document says signs and symptoms can affect different body systems, and can overlap and change over time, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, musculoskeletal, metabolic, renal, dermatological, otolaryngological, haematological, and autonomic systems. In addition, patients may have psychiatric problems, generalised pain, fatigue, and persistent fever.
The future guideline, due to be published by the end of the year, will cover specialist referrals, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and best practices for post-COVID syndrome recovery and rehabilitation services.
It will be a 'living' guideline and subject to updates as new evidence emerges.
Catch-all Term
It's estimated that as many as 60,000 people in the UK may have long COVID and earlier this month the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) released a review suggesting it could actually be four syndromes.
In a news release, Paul Chrisp, director of the Centre for Guidelines at NICE, said: "This is a new condition and there is still a lot we don’t know about it. Our aim is that the post-COVID syndrome guideline will begin by setting best practice standards of care based on the current evidence but, as our understanding of the condition grows, be adaptable and responsive to new evidence as it emerges."
Safia Qureshi, director of evidence for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: "The scope report is a first and vital stage in the production of a guideline which aims to identify symptoms and outline treatment options. We’re delighted to work with NICE and the RCGP on this important piece of work."
RCGP Chair Professor Martin Marshall, said: "Before we can effectively diagnose, treat and manage a condition, we need to know what we're dealing with, so it’s encouraging to be making such rapid progress in this regard as we work with NICE and SIGN to develop this important guidance."
He added: "Now that we are clear about its scope, we can move forward in developing guidance, based on the latest evidence, to support GPs to deliver the most appropriate care and support to patients suffering with the long-term effects of COVID-19 in the community. This guidance will need to evolve as our understanding of the condition grows through clinical experience and robust research."
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/940067
54
C19 Notes Database / Re: Risk assessment and hygiene for reopening office or Clinic
« Last post by stog on October 29, 2020, 04:34:54 PM »excellent graphic displays of aerosol and ventilation in enclosed spaces with differing contact times and use of ventilation
https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html
https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html
55
C19 Notes Database / Re: UK Local and National Support for those having to Isolate with Covid
« Last post by stog on October 24, 2020, 04:20:51 PM »this is a good Link List from a Regional GP in Somerset
https://bridgewatersurgeries.nhs.uk/coronavirus-information
https://bridgewatersurgeries.nhs.uk/coronavirus-information
56
C19 Notes Database / UK Local and National Support for those having to Isolate with Covid
« Last post by stog on October 24, 2020, 12:00:02 PM »here is a list of links for UK Local Health and Financial Support for those having to Isolate either with Covid or who have been contacted as having had contact with a positive case.
Directory of Local Support Groups for those having to isolate or needing help either with shopping or prescriptions or for further advice
https://covidmutualaid.org/
see also https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/
and your Local Council Support :
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-local-help
===
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/
Self-isolation and treating coronavirus symptoms
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
==
simple link for all support www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support
Directory of Local Support Groups for those having to isolate or needing help either with shopping or prescriptions or for further advice
https://covidmutualaid.org/
see also https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/
and your Local Council Support :
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-local-help
===
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/
Self-isolation and treating coronavirus symptoms
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
- When to self-isolate and what to do
- How long to self-isolate
- How to avoid spreading coronavirus to people you live with
- How to treat your symptoms at home
- Help and financial support while you're self-isolating
see also Support for Businesses and self employed - What to do if your symptoms get worse
- What to do if you get symptoms again
====
==
simple link for all support www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support
57
C19 Notes Database / Scientists work on nasal spray that could stop Covid virus replicating
« Last post by stog on September 28, 2020, 04:57:24 PM »Scientists work on nasal spray that could stop Covid virus replicating.The Substance has had promising results in ferrets, with hopes it may reduce transmission
scientists have released the results of initial work on a drug-like molecule they say interacts with cells in the nasal cavity to activate the body’s innate immune system.
A nasal spray is under development that could nip a coronavirus infection in the bud, with promising results already seen in ferrets, researchers have revealed.
Five days after the ferrets were exposed to the coronavirus, the quantity of viral RNA – the genetic material of the virus – recovered from throat swabs was reduced by 96% among those given INNA-051 compared with those given the placebo.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/28/scientists-work-on-nasal-spray-that-could-stop-covid-virus-replicating
scientists have released the results of initial work on a drug-like molecule they say interacts with cells in the nasal cavity to activate the body’s innate immune system.
A nasal spray is under development that could nip a coronavirus infection in the bud, with promising results already seen in ferrets, researchers have revealed.
Five days after the ferrets were exposed to the coronavirus, the quantity of viral RNA – the genetic material of the virus – recovered from throat swabs was reduced by 96% among those given INNA-051 compared with those given the placebo.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/28/scientists-work-on-nasal-spray-that-could-stop-covid-virus-replicating
58
C19 Notes Database / covid Skin lesions or rashes images
« Last post by stog on September 27, 2020, 02:16:55 PM »This website has been created by the British Association of Dermatologists to provide images of possible skin signs of COVID-19, collected by the COVID Symptom Study App, to help increase our understanding of the disease.
https://covidskinsigns.com/
https://covidskinsigns.com/
59
C19 Notes Database / UK scientists begin study of how long Covid can survive in the air
« Last post by stog on September 27, 2020, 11:09:04 AM » UK scientists begin study of how long Covid can survive in the air Researchers will test length of time virus stays infectious in different climatic conditions
It is the question scientists around the world are trying to answer: how long can the coronavirus survive in the tiny aerosol particles we exhale? In a high-security lab near Bristol, entered through a series of airlock doors, scientists may be weeks from finding out.On Monday, they will start launching tiny droplets of live Sars-CoV-2 and levitating them between two electric rings to test how long the airborne virus remains infectious under different environmental conditions.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/uk-scientists-begin-study-of-how-long-covid-can-survive-in-the-air
It is the question scientists around the world are trying to answer: how long can the coronavirus survive in the tiny aerosol particles we exhale? In a high-security lab near Bristol, entered through a series of airlock doors, scientists may be weeks from finding out.On Monday, they will start launching tiny droplets of live Sars-CoV-2 and levitating them between two electric rings to test how long the airborne virus remains infectious under different environmental conditions.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/uk-scientists-begin-study-of-how-long-covid-can-survive-in-the-air
60
C19 Notes Database / How we can contain Covid-19 without a vaccine
« Last post by stog on September 26, 2020, 05:42:19 PM »While the world is waiting for a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine, there is a strategy that can potentially bring an end to the pandemic in the United States without the development of pharmaceutical drugs. The strategy, which is cost-effective and compatible with American values like personal freedom, could feasibly bring the epidemic to a halt within two to three months. This strategy would revolve around the distribution of rapid, saliva-based tests that can be administered at home, so that those who are contagious can be quickly identified and isolated. –William Haseltine
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/04/opinions/how-we-can-contain-covid-19-without-a-vaccine-hasletine/index.html
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/04/opinions/how-we-can-contain-covid-19-without-a-vaccine-hasletine/index.html