COVID-19 Coronavirus, H5N1 Avian Flu, Disease X and other virus UK and World News Update 20th December 2024

COVID-19 Coronavirus, H5N1 Avian Flu, Disease X and other virus UK and World News Update 20th December 2024

"We are currently seeing more norovirus cases than in any season since we started our current reporting system."

UK Health Security Agency (HSA)

Norovirus is a tummy bug that can be nasty. Always wash hands before touching food, don't cook for others if you are ill, wash soiled bedding and clothes at 60º and as always, stay home if you are ill. 

UK HSA VirusWatch:

Flu activity has increased and is now at medium levels.  

COVID19 activity decreased across all indicators and remains at baseline levels. 

RSV activity decreased across most indicators and we are seeing less cases.

11,511 deaths were registered in England and Wales, week ending 6 Dec 2024 (Week 49):

· 8.0% lower than the expected number (998 fewer deaths)

· 14.5% involved influenza or pneumonia (1,671 deaths)

· 1.0% involved COVID19 (118 deaths)

UK public are being asked to only go to A&E at hospital if you really need to. If in doubt or you've got plenty of time to think about it, call 111 and get further advice. They will triage over the phone and send you for the correct help. If someone is seriously ill or injured, deteriorating rapidly, shows signs of stroke or heart attack, or a life is in danger, call 999 as an emergency. 

Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion Strategy Adventure RPG Review (Preview Game Code Sent For Review) Age 16+ on PS5, Steam, XBox, Switch

Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion is released today by Savage Level, and we were invited to take a preview look over the weekend. Available on Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and X Box (Series X and Series S), Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion is a single player strategy adventure RPG, where you take the role of Captain Flint - high seas pirate on the search for a mysterious treasure. 

Action plays out through an isometric (almost overhead) view, as Flint, Billy Bones and the rest of the crew navigate a really varied 3D environment. You can interact with scenery and objects, solving puzzles, picking up items and defeating enemies to make your way through the game. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus including HPAI H5N1 and Disease X UK and World News Update 13th December 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 13th December 2024

World COVID Statistics: 776,947,553 officially reported cases and 7,076,993 losses of life.

The world is still officially losing around 500 people to COVID each week, despite only 102 countries still reporting regular figures to the World Health Organisation. 

“We cannot talk about COVID in the past tense.

It’s still with us, it still causes acute disease and Long COVID, and it still kills.

The world might want to forget about COVID-19, but we cannot afford to.”

Dr Tedros, Head of WHO, at Wednesday's media briefing. 

This time 5 years ago, the first severely ill patients in Wuhan, China, were about to be hospitalised. 

Symptom onset for patient A was 1st December 2019, with 3 more patients by 10th December, and first hospitalisations around 17th. 

"On that first confirmed case, none of his family members developed fever or any respiratory symptoms. He had not been to the Huanan seafood market and also no epidemiological link could be found between the first patient and later cases.

Chinese media later reported that there were earlier suspected infectections, going back to 17 November. Authorities did not publicly accept there was human-to-human transmission of the virus until 21 January."

Jim Reed, BBC Health Reporter. 

5 years people... We all having been living a pandemic for 5 years. 

 

Stocking Stuffers for the Homebody: Luxe Pyjamas and More (Brand Collaboration)

As the holiday season draws near, gift-giving is on everyone's mind. Whether you're shopping for a loved one, or a friend, or treating yourself to something special, selecting the perfect gift can often pose a challenge. If you're shopping for a self-proclaimed homebody, someone who enjoys the comforts of home more than the hustle and bustle of the outside world, we have a treat for you. In this article, we present a collection of stocking stuffers for the homebody: luxe pyjamas and more.

Matching Lounge Wear Sets

Among the multitude of gift options available today, one stands out for its cosy appeal: matching lounge wear sets. Nestled comfortably between casual and chic, these sets consist of plush, comfortable fabrics designed to provide the ultimate at-home relaxation experience. High-quality lounge wear can make even the simplest of activities, such as reading a book or watching a movie, feels luxurious and indulgent. To treat your homebody to an extra dose of comfort, consider gifting them a matching lounge wear set made of luxurious materials like silk or snug cashmere.

Pyjamas: A Homebody Essential

When it comes to luxe pyjamas, the options are almost endless. From thermal flannel sets perfect for the colder months to lightweight silk options for those warmer nights, you're sure to find the perfect pair to suit any personal style. More than just sleepwear, pyjamas can also act as daywear for those days when your loved one just wants to cuddle up on the couch or work from home in complete comfort. Look for sets that are attractive and stylish while maintaining that all-important cosy element.

The Comfort of Slippers

For many homebodies, comfort is paramount, and there's no better way to ensure that than with a pair of cosy slippers. They go with anything, from pyjamas to comfy jeans, and are a staple of indoor wear that is a perfect stocking stuffer. For the ultimate gift-giving luxury, consider a sheepskin-lined pair that will keep their feet warm and snug during those winter months. If sheepskin isn't their style, other alternatives include a fun pair of novelty slippers or elegant velvet ones. With slippers, you can't go wrong as they always add a touch of enjoyment to one's home relaxation time.

Candles for Ambience

To add some atmospheric glow and pleasing aroma to their sanctuary, a well-chosen candle is a thoughtful gift to consider. The soft light from a candle adds a sense of tranquillity and calm to any room, perfect for de-stressing after a long day. With a variety of fragrances available, from soothing lavender to zingy citrus, you can choose one that best suits your personal preference to create a relaxing haven at home.

Throw Blankets: Warmth and Style

Nothing completes a cosy lounge setting like a soft throw blanket. Ideal for curling up on the couch or bed, a throw blanket provides both warmth and a decorative touch. A chunky knitted option can add texture and a sense of luxury, while a heated electric blanket offers adjustable warmth for those extra chilly nights.

With these stocking stuffer ideas, giving the homebody in your life a gift they'll adore won't feel quite as daunting. From matching loungewear sets to cosy slippers and atmospheric candles, each option will add a little more comfort and joy to their sanctuary. Ultimately, the best gifts are those that show your understanding and appreciation for the receiver's personal taste and lifestyle, and for a homebody, it all comes down to the pursuit of comfort and relaxation.

The candles shown are from Potters Crouch. They are vegan and cruelty-free, and each last up to 50 hours. I first reviewed Potter's Crouch back in 2013...  

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 29th November 2024

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 29th November 2024

"I have no idea how to work within a system that accelerates catastrophic risk because people are pi**ed about the COVID pandemic. I have no idea how to convince people who think public health is a form of tyranny that millions of people could die in a flu pandemic."

Professor Angie Rasmussen, virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan.

English virus watch summary from the UK Health Security Agency (HSA):

- Influenza activity increased and has reached low activity levels

- COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels

- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased is at medium levels

RSV is particularly affecting babies and infants 0-4 years (moderate levels), and children 5-14 (high). The UK also has a pretty big issue with Norovirus right now (sickness tummy bug). 

Stay at home if you are ill... 

Zensu Strategy Board Game Review (Sent By Cheatwell Games) For 2 Players Aged 8+

Long time favourites Cheatwell Games have sent us a new game for review - Zensu. This is a turn-based strategy board game for 2 players aged around 8 or over. It is incredibly simple to play, but, like chess or draughts, it'll take a long while to master...

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 15th November 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 15th November 2024

10,644 deaths were registered in England and Wales, week ending 1 November 2024 (Week 44):

· 13.3% lower than the expected number (1,634 fewer deaths)

· 13.8% involved influenza or pneumonia (1,469 deaths)

· 2.5% involved COVID19 (262 deaths)

Office for National Statistics

The UK HSA have started publishing weekly virus watch reports for England. We currently have lots of RSV, especially in children under 5. COVID and flu are pretty stable. 

During the UK Autumn budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced significant extra money for the NHS - £25.7 BILLION over the next 2 years.

It includes:

- funding to reduce waiting times by supporting the NHS to deliver an extra 40,000 elective appointments a week. This is part of the "plan to make sure patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from their referral to getting treatment". (Which would be utterly amazing if it ever happens.)

- £1.5 billion to fund new surgical hubs which will help build capacity for over 30,000 additional procedures, and more than 1.25 million additional diagnostic tests (which use CT or MRI scanners) 

- £70 million to invest in new radiotherapy machines to improve cancer treatment 

- Over £2 billion for NHS technology and digital improvements to increase productivity and save staff time 

- Over £600 million increase in local government spending to support social care  

- £26 million to open new mental health crisis centres  

"Looking beyond this Budget, the government will publish a 10-year health plan for the NHS in spring 2025. This will set out the long-term vision for fixing the NHS."

Well that all sounds incredibly promising... as long as they can get, and keep, the staff to deliver it. 

Confidence in Denim: How to Feel Your Best in Your Favourite Pair of Jeans (Brand Collaboration)

Confidence in Denim: How to Feel Your Best in Your Favourite Pair of Jeans (Brand Collaboration)

If there's one wardrobe staple that we can all unanimously agree on, it's jeans. The quintessential piece of clothing that effortlessly fits into every style scenario, whether you're dressing up for a weekend bash or dressing down for a casual coffee meet. 

When you don a pair of well-fitted jeans, it instils an undeniable sense of confidence within you. However, feeling and looking your best in your favourite denim requires more than just picking out a random pair from the shelf. It demands an understanding of your body type, pinpointing the right style, and accessorising it appropriately. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 1st November 2024

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 1st November 2024

In the week ending 18th October, 241 people in England and Wales had COVID listed as their cause of death. This is the highest since February, and reflective of the recent wave of infection. 1,447 people had pneumonia or influenza listed as cause of death. 

Overall deaths were still down on the expected number by a massive 10.8%.

The better news is that based on todays figures, hospitalisations (England data) have peaked and are decreasing.

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 11th October 2024

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 11th October 2024

England's hospital admissions with COVID rose by 69% over September, so the wave did continue, and alas it seems it's not peaked yet. Cases are a mystery, as hardly anyone tests, but I know it is running around our local area at the moment, which is a lot rarer than it was when we were in Manchester.  

"10,096 deaths were registered in England and Wales, week ending 27 September 2024 (Week 39):

· 10.7% lower than the expected number (1,215 fewer deaths)

· 12.8% involved influenza or pneumonia (1,291 deaths)

· 1.4% involved COVID19 (143 deaths)"

It's absolutely great that we have sustained the lower losses of life, but 143 people still officially died from COVID last week - it really isn't 'over'.
There is a very important and somewhat grounding point to note, as Stuart McDonald of the COVID Actuaries explains:
"Mortality rates for young adults are still higher than any recent pre-pandemic year.
The CMI quarterly mortality monitor published yesterday shows that only 2021 and 2023 had higher death rates than we’ve seen so far in 2024."
We are still losing far too many people too early. It's hard to pull apart exactly why, but cardiovascular mortality is the main driver - heart and blood conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, aneurysm etc. These are areas we know can often sustain damage from COVID infection.