COVID-19 News and Discussions

[Yuli Ban]

[Yuli Ban]

[Yuli Ban]

[Yuli Ban]

[Yuli Ban]

[Yuli Ban]

SA hospitalizations jumped over 10% in one day but it's probably nothing to worry about

[Yuli Ban]

[Yuli Ban]

[R8Z]

Omicron might be the best news since the start of the pandemic. I am optimistic about it, I am not sure why so many here are so pessimistic, just compare the two charts above... Most sources are now optimistic on how mild it is and one has to dig to find something about it in a bad light.

[weatheriscool]

Scientists develop an RNA-based breath test to detect COVID-19
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12- ... ovid-.html
by Elsevier

In a new study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, investigators report on the design and testing of a breathalyzer, known as the Bubbler, that relies on viral RNA detection to diagnose SARS-CoV-2. Its name is derived from the bubbling sound that occurs when the patient exhales into the device.

The Bubbler not only reverse transcribes RNA from airborne virus particles into DNA to be tested via PCR but can also barcode that DNA, allowing samples to be linked directly to the patient they have come from and be used for sequencing. It can be used for simultaneous batches of pooled samples and provides additional information such as viral load and strain identity and eliminates the need for stabilizing a sample, potentially allowing the assay to be performed at home.

"Involvement of the lower respiratory tract is often a precursor to severe COVID-19, so there is an argument for a more direct sampling focused on exhaled breath," explained lead investigator William G. Fairbrother, Ph.D., professor in the department of molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry at Brown University in Providence, RI, U.S.

Virus detection by the Bubbler is similar to a hospital-swab PCR test; however, it is a better measure of risk of contagion as it detects airborne viral particles. Swab tests can return a positive result for months after infection as they detect viral RNA fragments in cells that persist in previously infected cells. The Bubbler can also be adapted for environmental sampling in hospitals, transportation hubs, and closed environments like offices, ships, and planes, the investigators report.

[erowind]

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[Xyls]

Omicron might be the best news since the start of the pandemic. I am optimistic about it, I am not sure why so many here are so pessimistic, just compare the two charts above... Most sources are now optimistic on how mild it is and one has to dig to find something about it in a bad light.

Or it might be the worst... if you go by Denmark... oh and this isn't going to outcompete Delta as it doesn't grant immunity to it... this is going to become a syndemic...(Double pandemic)

[Cyber_Rebel]

JFC.

This is really, really bad.

I only have one test left. Saving it for my family visit next week (if that even happens, which looks increasingly unlikely).

I was actually going to comment on recommending this when you mentioned being worried about seeing them, I sorry to hear this. The supply shortages have been infuriating on a worldwide basis.

As far as Omicron goes, why not take it as seriously as possible? We're still literally neck deep in Delta, and there will likely be mutations beyond Omicron whether some feel optimistic about it or not. Better safe than sorry has been the motto for 2 years running now.

[wjfox]

[wjfox]

Very interesting and useful interactive graphic:

https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-065312

[erowind]

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[caltrek]

I don't think this discussion is relevant as it is very polarizing and most of the hospital beds are now attending vaccinated persons and the trend is continuing to rise (due to high % vaccine rollout).

I guess I will apply a sort of logic gate in my response.

If the data you quoted is accurate, then I think you make a good point. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the news source you quote, so it is difficult for me to accept the data without further corroboration. I am not saying that the data is wrong, just that for me to accept the argument, further corroboration is desired.

Part of the problem is the implication that vaccines do not help in keeping hospitalizations down. This would seem to contradict a lot of other information being received.

As to being very polarizing. I can only speak to how that comes across here to me in the United States. That is to say, it sounds like more of the "my way or the highway" type of argument. One that can be deployed against anybody who is simply seeking the truth. Another way of saying "don't speak the truth as that will be too polarizing."

I will leave it up to you and others more familiar with Brazil (and Great Britain) as to whether that argument also rings true in those respective countries.

Also, please remember the "logic gate" to which I alluded. Presenting false statements and insisting on their veracity can indeed be very "polarizing", and also very undesirable.

[wjfox]

Study: Requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for some activities boosts shot uptake

Health News
Dec. 13, 2021 / 6:35 PM

Regions that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter indoor restaurants, theaters and events see a boost in inoculation rates after instituting the policies, a study published Monday by the Lancet Public Health found.

Countries starting at lower-than-average vaccine coverage in the study, such as France, Israel, Italy and Switzerland, experienced a large increase in uptake of the shots after requiring so-called "vaccine passports" for certain activities, the data showed.

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2021/12 ... 381/?u3L=1

[caltrek]

COVID-19 Severity among Women of Reproductive Age with Symptomatic Laboratory-Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 by Pregnancy Status – United States, Jan 1, 2020 – Sep 30, 2021
by multiple authors

https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1090075/v1

Introduction to Abstract:

(Research Square) Importance: Pregnant people are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 compared with nonpregnant people. Limited information is available on the severity of COVID-19 attributable to the Delta variant, the predominant variant in the United States as of late June 2021, among pregnant persons.

Objective: To assess risk for severe COVID-19 by pregnancy status and time period relative to Delta variant predominance.

Design: Using a cross-sectional design, we describe characteristics of symptomatic women of reproductive age (WRA) with COVID-19 and calculate adjusted risk ratios for severe disease comparing pregnant with nonpregnant WRA during the pre-Delta period (January 1, 2020 – June 26, 2021) and the Delta period (June 27, 2021 – September 30, 2021). Additionally, we calculate adjusted risk ratios for severe disease comparing the Delta period with the pre-Delta period for pregnant and nonpregnant WRA.

Setting: Reports of COVID-19 in the United States occurring from January 1, 2020 ─ September 30, 2021, submitted to the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

Participants: Pregnant and nonpregnant women aged 15-44 years.

[Yuli Ban]