Tag

Coronavirus

All articles tagged with #coronavirus

health17 days ago•13 min saved

Omicron offshoot BA.3.2 spreads across 25 states, vaccine protection under review

A newly identified Covid variant, BA.3.2, is spreading in the United States with evidence from travelers and wastewater tests across at least 25 states. Descended from Omicron and carrying many spike-protein mutations, it may evade protection from current vaccines. While not yet dominant or associated with more severe disease, scientists warn that vaccines might need updating and continued surveillance is essential.

via The Independent|

#ba32 #coronavirus #covid

health17 days ago•13 min saved

New Covid variant BA.3.2 spreads to 25 states, raising vaccine protection questions

A new Covid variant, BA.3.2, has been detected across the United States, with cases identified in travelers and widespread wastewater signals in at least 25 states. Early data suggest it may partially evade antibodies from current vaccines, though it has not been shown to cause more severe disease; health authorities say vaccine updates may be needed and ongoing surveillance is essential as thousands of Covid deaths continue this year.

via The Independent|

#coronavirus #covid #health

health20 days ago•18 min saved

COVID's four truths, now blurred by time and politics

Washington Post health writer Fenit Nirappil reflects on the COVID-19 era—the toll on hospitals, masking and lockdowns, and how vaccine messaging and politics shifted public perception—arguing that four core truths have become clouded over time.

via The Washington Post|

#coronavirus #covid-19-pandemic #health

science1 month ago•6 min saved

Natural origins favored: study finds pandemic viruses can jump to humans without pre-adaptation

A UC San Diego‑led genomic analysis of Ebola, Marburg, mpox, influenza A, and SARS‑CoV‑2 finds no evidence that most pandemic viruses required adaptation in an animal reservoir or in a lab before infecting humans; selection changes usually appear after human transmission. The study does note a possible lab‑linked signal for the 1977 H1N1 influenza and cites palm civet–associated SARS‑CoV as a historical example, but argues SARS‑CoV‑2 likely arose through natural zoonotic transmission. The authors stress that distinguishing natural spillovers from lab mishandling relies on genomic signals and call for strengthened surveillance and spillover prevention to prepare for future pandemics, challenging theories that COVID‑19 was lab‑engineered.

via CIDRAP|

#coronavirus #evolution #pandemics

biology2 months ago•8 min saved

Tiny llama nanobodies lock coronavirus spike to block infection across variants

Researchers identified llama-derived single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) that bind a conserved base region (S2) of the coronavirus spike and act like a clamp, locking the spike in its original shape and preventing the conformational changes needed for cell entry. In animal tests these nanobodies provided strong protection at low doses and showed a high barrier to viral escape, neutralizing a broad range of SARS-related coronaviruses and offering potential for long-lasting antiviral therapies resilient to future variants.

via SciTechDaily|

#biology #broad-neutralization #coronavirus

health3 months ago•1 min saved

NIH Neurological Disorders Institute Director Ousted Amid Leadership Turmoil

Walter Koroshetz, director of the NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is leaving his position after his reappointment request was denied, contributing to leadership instability across nearly half of NIH divisions.

via statnews.com|

#coronavirus #health #leadership

science5 months ago•3 min saved

New Bat Coronavirus in Brazil Shares Key Features with COVID-19

Scientists in Japan and Brazil discovered a new bat coronavirus in Brazil that shares key features with SARS-CoV-2, raising concerns about its potential to infect humans, though further research is needed to assess its actual risk.

via Gizmodo|

#bat-virus #brazil #coronavirus

health7 months ago•0 min saved

US COVID-19 Vaccine Access and Eligibility Updates

Getting an updated coronavirus vaccine is challenging this year due to limited access, with the FDA approving shots mainly for those 65 and older or with underlying health conditions, narrowing eligibility.

via The Washington Post|

#access #coronavirus #eligibility

health10 months ago•3 min saved

Scientists Warn of Pandemic Risk from Bat-Related Viruses in China

Scientists warn that a newly discovered coronavirus in China, HKU5-CoV-2, is just one mutation away from infecting humans and potentially causing a pandemic, raising concerns due to its relation to deadly viruses like MERS and its presence in bats, with the risk of spillover heightened by wildlife trade and possible intermediate hosts.

via Daily Mail|

#china #coronavirus #health

health-and-wellness1 year ago•5 min saved

"Staying Healthy and Enjoying Summer Amid Avian Flu and New COVID Variant"

As summer begins, concerns about new coronavirus variants and avian flu are rising. Dr. Leana Wen advises that while the risk of severe illness from Covid-19 remains low, high-risk individuals should stay updated on vaccines and consider wearing masks in crowded places. The CDC states that the risk of avian flu to the general public is low, and pasteurized milk and properly cooked meat are safe to consume. To prevent heatstroke, stay hydrated and seek cool environments during high temperatures. Additionally, use sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and stay on top of health screenings and chronic conditions.

via CNN|

#avian-flu #coronavirus #food-safety

health1 year ago•4 min saved

"New FLiRT COVID Variants Raise Summer Surge Concerns"

The new coronavirus variant KP.2, part of the Omicron family, has become the dominant strain in the U.S. It is highly contagious but does not cause more severe disease, and existing vaccines and treatments remain effective. Symptoms are similar to other Covid-19 infections, and home tests are still reliable. High-risk individuals should consider antiviral treatments, and updated vaccines expected in the fall may offer better protection. The CDC recommends isolating until fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms improve, with additional precautions for five days.

via CNN|

#antiviral-treatments #coronavirus #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"WHO Introduces CoViNet: Global Coronavirus Network"

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched CoViNet, a global network for coronaviruses, to coordinate expertise and capacities for early detection, monitoring, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and other novel coronaviruses. This network expands on the initial COVID-19 reference laboratory network and includes 36 laboratories from 21 countries. The collaboration aims to enhance surveillance, laboratory capacity, sequencing, and data integration to inform WHO policies and support decision-making, ensuring timely detection and assessment of coronaviruses of public health importance.

via World Health Organization (WHO)|

#coronavirus #covinet #global-network

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Anticipating the Future of the Coronavirus"

Scientists are closely monitoring the continuing evolution of the coronavirus and the body's immune responses in order to anticipate and prevent a potential resurgence, as well as to gain a better understanding of long Covid. Research efforts include studying how the virus behaves and evolves as populations build immunity, investigating the body's response to the infection, and estimating vaccine effectiveness in the midst of evolving respiratory conditions.

via The New York Times|

#coronavirus #evolution #health

health-covid-192 years ago•4 min saved

"Spring COVID Boosters: CDC Answers Questions for Older Adults"

The CDC has recommended a spring booster shot for those 65 and older, with a focus on the monovalent vaccine targeting the XBB.1.5 subvariant. The effectiveness of the vaccine against covid-associated hospitalization decreases over time, making it important for older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions to get the spring booster. People under 65 with underlying health conditions or immunocompromised status should consult their physicians about eligibility for the booster. It's advised not to delay getting the spring shot, as it won't interfere with future boosters in the fall, and those who recently had covid can wait at least three months before getting their next coronavirus shot.

via The Washington Post|

#booster-shot #cdc #coronavirus

health2 years ago•10 min saved

"Changing Perspectives: Americans' Views on COVID-19 and Vaccines"

A Pew Research Center survey reveals declining levels of concern about COVID-19 among Americans, with only 20% viewing it as a major threat to public health. The share of U.S. adults with up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination has also declined to 28%, contrasting with the initial rollout. Partisan views continue to shape attitudes, with Democrats more likely to have received the updated vaccine. Concerns about long COVID and flu shot uptake are also highlighted, reflecting demographic and political differences in attitudes and behaviors related to the pandemic.

via Pew Research Center|

#coronavirus #covid-19 #health