New coronavirus strain more contagious, scientists say
(HealthDay News) — A new, mutated strain of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has become dominant and appears to be more contagious than the strain that spread during the early stages of the pandemic, scientists report.
They said the new strain appeared in February in Europe, spread to the East Coast of the United States and has been …
Coronavirus quickly spread around the world starting late last year
(Maggie Fox/ CNN) — A new genetic analysis of the virus that causes Covid-19 taken from more than 7,600 patients around the world shows it has been circulating in people since late last year, and must have spread extremely quickly after the first infection.
Researchers in Britain looked at mutations in the virus and found evidence of quick …
Common blood pressure drugs don’t increase Covid-19 risk: studies
(AFP RelaxNews) — Commonly used blood pressure medicines do not heighten susceptibility to Covid-19 infection, or increase the risk of becoming seriously ill with the disease, three major studies said Friday, positive news for the millions of people who take them.
The research primarily concerned angiotensin-converting-enzyme …
No cough, no fever: Symptoms of some COVID-19 patients don’t line up with conventional wisdom
(Caroline Barghout/ CBC News) — If Al and Martha Bradbury hadn’t been on a cruise ship where there were confirmed cases of COVID-19, the Winnipeg couple say they would never have associated their symptoms with the virus.
“We didn’t get the traditional [symptoms],” said Al. “There was nothing with a …
Coronavirus drug remdesivir shortens recovery, but is not a magic bullet
(Heidi Ledford/ Nature Magazine) — An experimental drug—and one of the world’s best hopes against COVID-19—could shorten the time to recovery from coronavirus infection, according to the largest and most rigorous clinical trial of the compound.
The experimental drug, called remdesivir, interferes with replication of some viruses, …
COVID-19 complication seen in children is ‘rare’ says WHO
(Reuters) — The “vast majority” of children with COVID-19 have mild cases and recover completely, but a small number in a few countries have developed a rare inflammatory syndrome, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
Italian and British medical experts are investigating a possible link between the coronavirus …
Why you shouldn’t skip your dermatology appointment during COVID-19
(Rachel Jacoby Zoldan/ Everyday Health) — Even though your daily life may not look the same as it did in February, now isn’t the time to let up on caring for your health — including that of your skin. While your dermatologist has likely paused in-person visits amid the COVID-19 pandemic, you can use telemedicine to meet with him or her virtually …
‘Coronavirus-related illness’ affecting children emerging in the UK, NHS warns
(Alice Tidey/ EuroNews) — A new coronavirus-related syndrome impacting children could be emerging in the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) has warned.
NHS England has sent an urgent alert to GPs warning that over the previous three weeks there has been a rise in children presenting with a “multi-system inflammatory state …
Quebec health workers union will hold meetings on the most vulnerable
(Canadian Press) — The Centrale des Syndicats Democratiques (CSD), which represents 5,000 workers in the health and social services network, is planning to hold “general meetings” to discuss the treatment of vulnerable populations once the COVID-19 crisis ends.
“The whole network is cracking,” said CSD President Luc Vachon. “COVID …