BBC News – Health http://ftr.fivefilters.org/makefulltextfeed.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.bbci.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2Frss.xml&max=5 BBC News – Health 15 BBC News – Health http://ftr.fivefilters.org/makefulltextfeed.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.bbci.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2Frss.xml&max=5 https://news.bbcimg.co.uk/nol/shared/img/bbc_news_120x60.gif
Prize-winning migraine experts hope for a cure https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56281065 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56281065 <div data-component=”image-block” class=”ssrcss-vk3nhx-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i80″><figure class=”ssrcss-2y05cd-StyledFigure e34k3c20″><div class=”ssrcss-kwaqyc-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c22″><span class=”ssrcss-1xtcmof-Placeholder e16icw910″><span><div><img alt=”woman with a migraine” srcset=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/10F37/production/_100913496_m3820826-headache-spl.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/10F37/production/_100913496_m3820826-headache-spl.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/10F37/production/_100913496_m3820826-headache-spl.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/10F37/production/_100913496_m3820826-headache-spl.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/10F37/production/_100913496_m3820826-headache-spl.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/10F37/production/_100913496_m3820826-headache-spl.jpg 976w” src=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/10F37/production/_100913496_m3820826-headache-spl.jpg” width=”976″ height=”549″ loading=”lazy” class=”ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0″></div></span></span><span class=”ssrcss-1ecljvk-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c23″>SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY</span></div></figure></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p><b class=”ssrcss-14iz86j-BoldText e5tfeyi0″>Four migraine experts, who have been awarded a top brain prize, say they hope the condition can be cured.</b></p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Their research, over 40 years, has led to new treatments for millions of people affected by the problem.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Migraine affects three times as many women as men because of its link to hormones.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Prof Peter Goadsby, from King’s College London, said his prize was “for all the people who have suffered for so long with headache disorders”.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The Brain Prize, worth over £1m, was also shared by Prof Lars Edvinsson, from Lund University in Sweden, Prof Michael Moskowitz from Harvard Medical School and Prof Jes Olesen, from Rigshospitalet, Denmark. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The four neuroscientists, who have dedicated their careers to finding out more about migraine, discovered that a biological mechanism triggers an attack, leading to blood vessels surrounding the brain opening up and causing pain.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>This revelation led to a whole new group of drugs being developed to treat migraine. </p></div></div><div data-component=”crosshead-block” class=”ssrcss-mysbf6-ComponentWrapper-CrossheadComponentWrapper e1xue1i84″><h2 class=”ssrcss-qozapo-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10″>Migraine facts</h2></div><div data-component=”unordered-list-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><div class=”ssrcss-1pzprxn-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi3″><ul role=”list”><li>it’s one of the most common neurological conditions affecting humans</li><li>most attacks last for 24 hours</li><li>symptoms include severe head pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sensitivity to sound, light, and touch</li><li>three million people are having one right now</li><li>one in three women has migraines</li><li>women are three times more likely than men to be affected</li><li>women also have more frequent and severe attacks</li></ul></div></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The drugs were approved in the US in 2018 and some have been approved in the UK, including remanezumab and galcanezumab. Another called erenumab is coming soon.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Migraine is a “reversible problem” which is unusual in neurology, says Prof Goadsby, adding that he hopes it can be cured one day.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>”Not everyone responds to the medicine – but if you can stop it in some, we are on the road to stopping it in many,” he said.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Previous migraine treatments had significant side-effects and could only help to relieve symptoms, not prevent migraine.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>In contrast, the new drugs have been shown to improve the quality of life of many sufferers, preventing attacks while also treating their debilitating effects.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Prof Goadsby said receiving the prize was “an enormous privilege” and an overdue recognition of the “Cinderella problem of migraine”.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The Brain Prize will be awarded at a ceremony in Copenhagen on 25 October, presided over by the Crown Prince of Denmark. </p></div></div><p><strong><a href=”https://blockads.fivefilters.org”></a></strong> <a href=”https://blockads.fivefilters.org/acceptable.html”>(Why?)</a></p>Thu, 04 Mar 2021 15:31:57 +0000en-GB text/html https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56281065
Updated coronavirus vaccines can be fast-tracked like flu jabs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56274293 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56274293 <div data-component=”image-block” class=”ssrcss-vk3nhx-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i80″><figure class=”ssrcss-2y05cd-StyledFigure e34k3c20″><div class=”ssrcss-kwaqyc-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c22″><span class=”ssrcss-1xtcmof-Placeholder e16icw910″><span><div><img alt=”woman receiving covid vaccine” srcset=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/FB7B/production/_116997346_gettyimages-1300310213-2.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/FB7B/production/_116997346_gettyimages-1300310213-2.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/FB7B/production/_116997346_gettyimages-1300310213-2.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/FB7B/production/_116997346_gettyimages-1300310213-2.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/FB7B/production/_116997346_gettyimages-1300310213-2.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/FB7B/production/_116997346_gettyimages-1300310213-2.jpg 976w” src=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/FB7B/production/_116997346_gettyimages-1300310213-2.jpg” width=”976″ height=”549″ loading=”lazy” class=”ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0″></div></span></span><span class=”ssrcss-1ecljvk-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c23″>Dan Kitwood</span></div></figure></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p><b class=”ssrcss-14iz86j-BoldText e5tfeyi0″>New Covid vaccines to fight variants like the one from Brazil can be fast-tracked through the approval system, says the UK’s regulator the MHRA. </b></p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Current vaccines may not work as well against some variants and scientists are working on updating them now. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>But manufacturers will not need to seek brand new approval or do lengthy clinical studies. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>However they will need proof that the shots trigger protective antibodies in the blood.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The aim is to shorten the process, where possible, so that vaccine approval could happen in weeks and months, not years. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>A similar fast-track method is already used for annual flu vaccines which regularly need updating to keep up with a virus that is constantly changing by mutating. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The MHRA has issued <a href=”https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-consortium-guidance-on-strain-changes-in-authorised-covid-19-vaccines” class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>guidance</a>, along with authorities in Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland, on what checks and measures would be necessary. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The coalition of regulators – the ACCESS Consortium – insist no corners will be cut, with safety paramount. </p></div></div><div data-component=”unordered-list-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><div class=”ssrcss-1pzprxn-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi3″><ul role=”list”><li><a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55045639″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>When will it be my turn to be vaccinated?</a></li><li><a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55659820″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>How worrying are the new variants?</a></li><li><a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55659820″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>Will vaccines work against the new variants?</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Data from existing coronavirus vaccine trials and ongoing studies on real world use in the millions of people currently getting immunised could be used to support any decision by regulators. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Existing Covid vaccines already in use – such as the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech one – were developed at incredible speed. The process took around 10 months, instead of a decade in normal times.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Making small and relatively simple tweaks to these vaccines to make them a better match for new variants should happen even more quickly.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Current vaccines were designed around earlier versions of coronavirus, but scientists believe they should still offer some protection against the new variants being seen now. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>In the UK, public health officials are investigating six cases of the Covid variant first identified in Brazil and are using testing to see if it has spread to more people.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Surge testing for the South African variant of Covid-19 began on 1 February.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The UK government has already <a href=”https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-vaccines-partnership-to-rapidly-respond-to-new-virus-variants” class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>announced a deal with biopharmaceutical company CureVac</a> to develop vaccines against future variants, with a pre-order of 50 million doses.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>MHRA chief executive Dr June Raine said: “We don’t have evidence at this moment that any of the vaccines in deployment are significantly lacking in effectiveness.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>”They’re effective against Kent and we believe South Africa.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>”We know that there has been some data from South Africa, we believe effectiveness here is maintained, and we’re working hard on the Brazil variant.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>”As of today there’s no imperative that we fast-track a new variant-effective vaccine – but we are prepared.”</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>MHRA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Christian Schneider said: “Our priority is to get effective vaccines to the public in as short a time as possible, without compromising on safety. Should any modifications to authorised Covid-19 vaccines be necessary, this regulatory approach should help to do just that.”</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>He said the public could be confident that no vaccine would be approved unless the expected high standards of safety, quality and effectiveness were met. </p></div></div><div data-component=”image-block” class=”ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i80″><figure class=”ssrcss-2y05cd-StyledFigure e34k3c20″><div class=”ssrcss-kwaqyc-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c22″><span class=”ssrcss-1atfwmc-Placeholder e16icw910″><span><div><img alt=”Banner image reading ‘more about coronavirus'” srcset=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/B898/production/_111165274_cps_web_banner_top_640x3-nc.png 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/B898/production/_111165274_cps_web_banner_top_640x3-nc.png 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/B898/production/_111165274_cps_web_banner_top_640x3-nc.png 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/B898/production/_111165274_cps_web_banner_top_640x3-nc.png 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/B898/production/_111165274_cps_web_banner_top_640x3-nc.png 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/B898/production/_111165274_cps_web_banner_top_640x3-nc.png 976w” src=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/2048/cpsprodpb/B898/production/_111165274_cps_web_banner_top_640x3-nc.png” width=”2048″ height=”243.2″ loading=”lazy” class=”ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0″></div></span></span></div></figure></div><div data-component=”unordered-list-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><div class=”ssrcss-1pzprxn-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi3″><ul role=”list”><li>LOOK-UP TOOL: <a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51768274″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>How many cases in your area?</a></li><li>LOCKDOWN RULES: <a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52530518″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>What are they and when will they end?</a></li><li>YOUR QUESTIONS: <a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-51176409″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>We answer your queries</a></li><li>GLOBAL SPREAD: <a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-51235105″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>How many worldwide cases are there?</a></li><li>TREATMENTS: <a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52354520″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>What progress are we making to help people?</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div data-component=”image-block” class=”ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i80″><figure class=”ssrcss-2y05cd-StyledFigure e34k3c20″><div class=”ssrcss-kwaqyc-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c22″><span class=”ssrcss-1m4w9jk-Placeholder e16icw910″><span><div><img alt=”Banner” srcset=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/D7D8/production/_111165255_cps_web_banner_bottom_640x3-nc.png 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/D7D8/production/_111165255_cps_web_banner_bottom_640x3-nc.png 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/D7D8/production/_111165255_cps_web_banner_bottom_640x3-nc.png 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/D7D8/production/_111165255_cps_web_banner_bottom_640x3-nc.png 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/D7D8/production/_111165255_cps_web_banner_bottom_640x3-nc.png 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/D7D8/production/_111165255_cps_web_banner_bottom_640x3-nc.png 976w” src=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/2048/cpsprodpb/D7D8/production/_111165255_cps_web_banner_bottom_640x3-nc.png” width=”2048″ height=”35.2″ loading=”lazy” class=”ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0″></div></span></span></div></figure></div><p><strong><a href=”https://blockads.fivefilters.org”></a></strong> <a href=”https://blockads.fivefilters.org/acceptable.html”>(Why?)</a></p>Thu, 04 Mar 2021 09:51:59 +0000By Michelle Roberts en-GB text/html https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56274293
Covid: React study finds virus decline slowing in England https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56271627 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56271627 <div data-component=”image-block” class=”ssrcss-vk3nhx-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i80″><figure class=”ssrcss-2y05cd-StyledFigure e34k3c20″><div class=”ssrcss-kwaqyc-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c22″><span class=”ssrcss-1xtcmof-Placeholder e16icw910″><span><div><img alt=”A person walks past a Covid-19 warning sign” srcset=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/E369/production/_117071285_pa-57671822.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/E369/production/_117071285_pa-57671822.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/E369/production/_117071285_pa-57671822.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/E369/production/_117071285_pa-57671822.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/E369/production/_117071285_pa-57671822.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/E369/production/_117071285_pa-57671822.jpg 976w” src=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/E369/production/_117071285_pa-57671822.jpg” width=”976″ height=”549″ loading=”lazy” class=”ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0″></div></span></span><span class=”ssrcss-1ecljvk-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c23″>PA Media</span></div></figure></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p><b class=”ssrcss-14iz86j-BoldText e5tfeyi0″>A marked decline in infections between January and February may have slowed, according to scientists tracking coronavirus in England.</b></p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Infections fell by two-thirds over lockdown, but one in 200 people still have the virus.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Lower virus levels are needed to get the best out of the vaccination programme, Imperial College’s React study says.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Schools are reopening on Monday in England in the first easing of rules.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Based on swab tests of a random sample of 165,000 people between 4 and 23 February, the study findings estimate that 0.5% of people in England had the virus – down from 1.57% in January.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The figures show “substantial falls” in household infections in all age groups and in most regions since early January, while lockdown restrictions have been in place.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>It comes as official figures continue to show sharp falls in confirmed cases, hospital admissions and deaths linked to Covid-19 going back several weeks.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>But the study found some evidence of smaller falls in infections in Yorkshire and the north-east, and apparent rises in London, the south-east and the Midlands – although this was based on only a few days’ worth of data in February.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Although the researchers say it’s too early to detect the effect of the vaccination programme on rates of infection in the study, they stress the need to keep infections low while Covid vaccines are being rolled out.</p></div></div><div data-component=”unordered-list-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><div class=”ssrcss-1pzprxn-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi3″><ul role=”list”><li><a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55045639″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>When will it be my turn to be vaccinated?</a></li><li><a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51768274″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>Check case numbers in your area</a></li><li><a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56072684″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>How will we know if the vaccine is working? </a></li><li><a href=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55659820″ class=”ssrcss-hiczm3-InlineLink e1no5rhv0″>Will vaccines work against the new variants?</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Prof Steven Riley, from Imperial College London, said this was so people “don’t get infected before they get the vaccine”.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>More than 20 million people across the UK have now received a first dose, with a target to invite all over-50s by mid-April and people in their 40s and 30s after that.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>To reach the mid-April target, another 12 million people still have to be vaccinated.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The researchers say their findings highlight the need for people to continue to follow social-distancing guidelines while the remainder of the population receive their jabs.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>The React study also found some workers were more likely to be infected than others. They included healthcare workers, care home workers and those working in education, nursery or childcare. </p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Public transport workers had the highest risk, being more than twice as likely as other workers to be infected.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Those working at home were least likely to have the virus.</p></div></div><div data-component=”text-block” class=”ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i83″><div class=”ssrcss-3z08n3-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi2″><p>Among ethnic groups, the highest levels of infection in January and February were found in Bangladeshi people. There were also high infection rates among black, Indian and Pakistani people.</p></div></div><div data-component=”image-block” class=”ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i80″><figure class=”ssrcss-2y05cd-StyledFigure e34k3c20″><div class=”ssrcss-kwaqyc-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c22″><span class=”ssrcss-1ku6u16-Placeholder e16icw910″><span><div><img alt=”Chart showing daily deaths are falling steadily. Updated 2 Mar.” srcset=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/7A37/production/_117378213_uk_daily_deaths_with_ra_2mar-nc.png 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/7A37/production/_117378213_uk_daily_deaths_with_ra_2mar-nc.png 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/7A37/production/_117378213_uk_daily_deaths_with_ra_2mar-nc.png 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/7A37/production/_117378213_uk_daily_deaths_with_ra_2mar-nc.png 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/7A37/production/_117378213_uk_daily_deaths_with_ra_2mar-nc.png 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/7A37/production/_117378213_uk_daily_deaths_with_ra_2mar-nc.png 976w” src=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/2048/cpsprodpb/7A37/production/_117378213_uk_daily_deaths_with_ra_2mar-nc.png” width=”2048″ height=”1440.3600900225056″ loading=”lazy” class=”ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0″></div></span></span></div></figure></div><div data-component=”image-block” class=”ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i80″><figure class=”ssrcss-2y05cd-StyledFigure e34k3c20″><div class=”ssrcss-kwaqyc-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c22″><span class=”ssrcss-1vzxk-Placeholder e16icw910″><span><div><img alt=”Graphic showing the government data in the UK: 123,783 deaths in total, with 315 in the latest 24-hour period; 4,194,785 cases in total, with 6,385 in the latest 24-hour period; 12,849 people in hospital; 20,703,615 people have been given a first dose of vaccine” srcset=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/EE13/production/_117374906_uk_card_with_vax_03mar-nc.png 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/EE13/production/_117374906_uk_card_with_vax_03mar-nc.png 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/EE13/production/_117374906_uk_card_with_vax_03mar-nc.png 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/EE13/production/_117374906_uk_card_with_vax_03mar-nc.png 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/EE13/production/_117374906_uk_card_with_vax_03mar-nc.png 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/EE13/production/_117374906_uk_card_with_vax_03mar-nc.png 976w” src=”https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/EE13/production/_117374906_uk_card_with_vax_03mar-nc.png” width=”1024″ height=”848.2101313320826″ loading=”lazy” class=”ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0″></div></span></span></div></figure></div><p><strong><a href=”https://blockads.fivefilters.org”></a></strong> <a href=”https://blockads.fivefilters.org/acceptable.html”>(Why?)</a></p>Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:10:42 +0000en-GB text/html https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56271627
China's coronavirus vaccines may not provide the appropriate protection, with the government exploring options to try and boost efficacy as additional vaccines...
