CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Proper fit of face masks more important than material, study finds
A team of researchers studying the effectiveness of different types of face masks has found that in order to provide the best protection against COVID-19, the fit of a mask is as important, or more important, than the material it is made of.
Second breakthrough in major COVID trial
A UK study involving Addenbrooke’s patients has found that a drug used to treat arthritis reduces the chances of severely ill patients dying from Covid-19.
Calls to redouble efforts to vaccinate agency and temp nursing staff
With more than 24,000 responses, a recent survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) found that 85% of respondents had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including 7% who had received both doses.
GPs receive funding boost to vaccinate housebound
The NHS will pay GPs an additional £10 for every COVID vaccination they deliver to someone who is housebound as part of the drive to protect the most vulnerable people as swiftly as possible.
Raised mortality from cardiac arrest in people with COVID-19
Sudden cardiac arrest is more often fatal in people with COVID-19, a new study shows. Those responsible for the research see the results as a wake-up call for the public and care providers alike.
COVID-19 alternating dose vaccine study launches in UK
Patients taking part in a new clinical study will soon receive different COVID-19 vaccines for their first or second dose.
COVID-19: improvement in intensive care mortality 'slowing'
A meta-analysis of global studies, published in Anaesthesia, shows that intensive care mortality from COVID-19 has continued to fall since the start of the pandemic, but the improvement is slowing and may have plateaued.
Althea launches affordable COVID-19 rapid antigen tests
Althea UK and Ireland – a medical technology services provider – is now offering high quality and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Tests.
Trial finds no benefit from two antibiotics for COVID-19 patients
A trial has found that the commonly used antibiotics, azithromycin and doxycycline, do not reduce recovery time for COVID-19 patients in the community.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is 89.3% effective
The NIHR-supported Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is 89.3% effective at preventing COVID-19, shown from interim analysis of its Phase III study data, including effectiveness against the new variants of concern.
Inquiry into COVID-19 highlights impact of health inequalities
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens has told an inquiry into the 'lessons that can be learned', in the wake of the pandemic, that there needs to be a focus on health inequalities.
LamPORE COVID-19 test shows high sensitivity
A technical and clinical evaluation conducted by NHS Trusts and universities has confirmed the LamPORE COVID-19 test, produced by Oxford Nanopore, to be accurate and sensitive enough to detect the virus in people with and without symptoms.
More than 1 in 4 doctors have sought mental health support
A survey by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has shown that the pressures placed on doctors by the pandemic are taking a significant toll.
January 2021 findings from COVID-19 study published
The interim findings from the eighth report of REACT, one of the country’s largest studies into COVID-19 infections in England, have been published. Initial findings show infections increased by 50% from early December, with 1 in 63 people infected.
Calls to protect doctors from litigation during COVID crisis
Leading healthcare organisations are calling for emergency legislation to protect healthcare workers who find themselves at risk of legal challenge when treating COVID-19 patients in good faith and in circumstances beyond their control.
COVID-19 responses in cancer patients: new findings
A new study funded by Cancer Research UK shows that the immune response to COVID-19 is the same in people with solid tumours compared to those without cancer.
High street pharmacies deliver NHS COVID jabs
Life-saving coronavirus jabs will begin to be delivered at High Street pharmacies from today as the NHS accelerates the biggest vaccination programme in its history.
Blood plasma treatment has limited effect for sickest COVID patients
Treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with blood plasma from people who have fought off the disease has limited impact on patient outcomes.
Arthritis drugs show promise in treating critically ill COVID patients
Treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with drugs typically used for arthritis may significantly improve survival, a landmark study has found.
RCP COVID-19 study provides early insight into pandemic hospital care
Preliminary findings from what is expected to be one of the largest reviews of hospital care delivered during the pandemic, currently being conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, were presented at the organisation’s Medicine 2021 conference.
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