January 2021 Media News

WHO calls meeting on new virus variant, European head says The World Health Organization (WHO) will convene a meeting of members to discuss strategies to counter a new, more infectious coronavirus strain that emerged in Britain, its European chief said. Reuters Health, 12/22/2020.

Oxygen level while walking identifies at-risk patients; cancer patients should get vaccine priority. It can be helpful to assess blood oxygen levels in patients when they are walking if that level is normal when they are sitting, a new study suggests. Reuters Health, 12/21/2020. (Also see Cancer)

UK coronavirus variant may be more able to infect children: scientists. A new variant of the coronavirus spreading rapidly in Britain carries mutations that could mean children are as susceptible to becoming infected with it as adults, scientists said. Reuters Health, 12/21/2020.

Here’s What People With Allergies Should Know About Covid Vaccines. Experts say that allergic reactions shouldn’t deter most people from getting a jab. New York Times, 12/18/2020. (Also see Vaccinations)

Should I Have Elective Surgery in the Pandemic? Patients must balance the chance of a life-threatening Covid-19 exposure against the opportunity for relief from a condition that may be painful but is not considered urgent. New York Times, 12/21/2020.

Pick Up the Knitting Needles for a Mood Booster. This inexpensive hobby abounds with benefits. And once you get good, you'll be a mitten machine. New York Times, 12/21/2020. (Also see Depression)

Monoclonal antibodies divide overwhelmed Covid doctors. Some doctors are clamoring for the treatment, which, officials say, in some places is sitting unused. NBC Health News, 12/20/2020. (Also see Antibodies)

What Makes COVID-19 Different From the Flu? Compared to our typical seasonal flus, what makes SARS-CoV-2 dangerous is that it's a brand new virus. Time Healthland, 12/17/2020.

New coronavirus variant: What do we know? Viruses mutate all the time and it's vital to keep a laser focus on whether the virus' behaviour is changing. BBC Health News, 12/21/2020.

What 300 years of smallpox epidemics in London can teach us about Covid-19. Infection with a small amount of virus –such as may be a side effect of wearing face masks – may improve epidemic survival rates, a historical study found. Mail Online, 12/21/2020.

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