CORONAVIRUS NEWS
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.
FDA to approve COVID drug for phase III trials
Carrimycin, a synthetic biological drug treatment for severe COVID-19, is to receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Phase III trials.
COVID-19 linked with higher death rate in acute heart failure patients
Patients with acute heart failure nearly double their risk of dying if they get COVID-19, according to research published in ESC Heart Failure, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
Ethical guidance published for frontline staff dealing with pandemic
The Royal College of Physicians has published ethical guidance for frontline staff dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by more than a dozen other health organisations.
GPs Given £10 Per Jab Boost To Support Vaccination Drive
The NHS is to provide GPs an extra £10 for every care home resident they are able to vaccinate against COVID by the end of January in an accelerated drive to protect the most vulnerable.
Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine authorised by MHRA
The Government has accepted the recommendation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to authorise Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine for use.
New guideline on managing the long-term effects of COVID-19
NICE, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) have published a guideline on the management of the long-term effects of COVID-19 (also known as Long COVID).
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