The website of the Clinical Services Journal

CORONAVIRUS NEWS

High blood pressure and its treatment not risk factors for worse COVID outcomes

High blood pressure and treatments to control it do not increase the risk of hospitalisation and death from Covid-19, according to a large European-wide study which in the UK was co-ordinated at UCLH and UCL.

Access to antivirals expands as part of national study

Thousands more vulnerable people in England are now eligible to receive the UK’s second oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

Study details critical role of viral gene ORF8 in COVID-19 outcomes

A research team led by Jae Jung, PhD, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Global Center for Pathogen & Human Health Research, has uncovered the critical role a viral gene, ORF8, plays in infection and disease outcomes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19.

Study finds increased risk of serious blood clots up to six months after COVID-19

A study from Sweden published by The BMJ has found an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg) up to three months after COVID-19 infection, pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung) up to six months, and a bleeding event up to two months.

Link between blood group and severe COVID-19

A new study has analysed over 3000 proteins to identify which are causally linked to the development of severe COVID-19. This is the first study to assess such a large number of proteins for their connection to COVID-19.

Regulations making COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment to end

Regulations making COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment in health and social care will be revoked on Tuesday 15 March, the Health and Social Care Secretary has confirmed.

Promising drug for treating serious COVID-19 complication in children

Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) have identified a promising drug candidate for the treatment of multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

NHS leaders sound alarm over Government’s ‘Living with COVID’ proposal

The NHS Confederation's chief executive, Matthew Taylor, and other health leaders, have raised concerns over the Government's 'Living with COVID-19' strategy.

Vitamin D levels linked to COVID disease severity and mortality

A new study has confirmed that vitamin D levels may positively influence the outcome of COVID-19 infection.

Public urged to sign up to world-first COVID-19 antiviral study

Adults over the age of 50 or with an underlying health condition who test positive for COVID-19 are being urged to sign up for a world-first COVID-19 study which is providing life-saving antivirals to thousands of people.

UK at risk of new variants if poorer countries left unvaccinated

Allowing large numbers of people in low and middle-income countries to go unvaccinated is “a reckless approach to public health” that could lead to new variants of Coronavirus, scientists have warned.

Heparin effective and safe treatment for COVID-19

Researchers from the Australian National University, with King’s Heparin, have discovered that heparin can limit lung damage when inhaled by COVID-19 patients.

Multivariant COVID-19 vaccine booster shows promise

The first results of an early trial of a multivariant COVID-19 vaccine booster, launched in September 2021 and supported by the NIHR, has released positive data.

Scientists identify antibodies that can neutralise omicron

An international team of scientists have identified antibodies that neutralise omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. These antibodies target areas of the virus spike protein that remain essentially unchanged as the viruses mutate.

COVID-19 vaccine protection wanes after three months, study suggests

The protection offered by the Oxford-Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine declines after three months of receiving two doses.

Study to examine why COVID-19 strikes asthma sufferers less severely

A University of Arizona Health Sciences-led research team has received $7.16 million in funding to determine why sufferers are less likely to contract COVID-19.

Study aims to help teams prepare for future surges of COVID-19

A Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) study examining the profile and outcomes of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in the first and second waves of the pandemic has been published, aiming to help teams prepare for future case surges.

Early COVID-19 can be mistaken as vaccine side-effects

Early symptoms of COVID-19 can’t be clearly differentiated from vaccine side-effects, new findings show. Researchers recommend that if people show symptoms of COVID-19 after vaccination, they should stay at home and arrange to have a test.

Vulnerable to receive life-saving anti-viral treatments

Thousands of vulnerable people are to receive cutting-edge antiviral and antibody treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Breathlessness in patients with long COVID may signal heart problems

​A small study has suggested that COVID-19 patients who continue to be short of breath during physical activity one year after recovering from the infection may have suffered heart damage.

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025