COVID-19
— COVID remains a significant global health threat, causing 10,000 deaths in 50 countries and a 42% increase in hospitalisations in December 2023. Complacency poses risks.
Public Health
Public health is the discipline that focuses on preventing disease, extending life, and enhancing well-being through the coordinated actions of society, both public and private entities, communities, and individuals.
COVID-19
— A new study published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy journal estimates that the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 was associated with nearly 17,000 deaths in six countries during the first wave of the pandemic.
COVID-19
— For a nation grappling with an invisible enemy, COVID-19, leadership became the compass, the difference between weathering the storm and succumbing to its fury. Yet, at the helm of the UK stood Boris Johnson, a man whose relationship with science resembled a blind date gone disastrously wrong.
COVID-19
— The ongoing COVID-19 wave has the potential to significantly grow, with the ONS estimating a 4.3% virus prevalence in England. One expert warns that the JN.1 wave might surpass the March 2022 surge.
COVID-19
— COVID-19 is experiencing a surge this winter in both England and Scotland. Prevalence is widespread, impacting all age groups, and increasing uncertainty in estimates across English regions, particularly in London and the South East.
COVID-19
— As the UK faces a surge in COVID-19 cases ahead of the festive season, concerns arise over the reliability of outdated lateral flow tests. Experts warn of compromised accuracy due to buffer liquid evaporation, urging individuals to check test expiration dates.
COVID-19
— In the ever-evolving game of COVID-19, a new challenger has entered the ring: JN.1, a viral upstart rapidly rising through the ranks and threatening to throw a winter curveball.
Public Health
— Encouraging lifestyle changes like vaping, moderate alcohol intake, and increased exercise could save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds annually, improving public health and reducing economic strain.
COVID-19 Inquiry
— Boris Johnson, appearing at the COVID inquiry, denied government mistakes contributed to excess deaths, attributing them to an elderly population and high population density, and struggled to name a single mistake his government made.
Public Health
— Reports of increased pneumonia cases in various countries have raised concerns. These outbreaks are attributed to known respiratory germs like RSV and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, typical for this time of year.
Water Pollution
— The Royal Society of Chemistry warns that PFAS chemicals, linked to cancer and fertility issues, exceed safe levels in England’s drinking water. Current standards are insufficient, demanding urgent revision for public health.
UK Government
— NHS England has awarded a significant data contract to Palantir, a US tech company co-founded by entrepreneur Peter Thiel. This decision has sparked controversy, considering Thiel’s critical stance on the NHS and raised questions about data security and transparency.
COVID-19
— Cruise ships’ close quarters and shared spaces pose infection risks, historically linked to respiratory and gastro pathogens, emphasising the need for stringent hygiene measures.
COVID-19
— ONS, ZOE app, Google Trends… there were many ways to keep an eye on COVID cases during the pandemic. Here’s how they fared.
Public Health
— The ZOE Health Study team has faced challenges maintaining accurate COVID-19 data due to declining app contributors. In response, they’ve made the decision to suspend live COVID-19 reporting.
Food
— Misinformation is a challenge, but the success of the UK’s sugar tax suggests the feasibility of a tax on food. If implemented effectively, a meat tax could tackle health and environmental issues.
