FDA Approves New Covid Vaccines Amid Summer Surge
The updated vaccines target the currently circulating KP.2 variant. Key Points
WIREDStudy reports spike in Covid cases with dry, red, itchy eyes
While Covid has primarily been a respiratory infection, the ocular system has shown susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus with numerous symptoms reported across... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaCovid vaccine is not responsible for heart attacks: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Health Minister Mandaviya cites an ICMR study stating that the Covid vaccine is not responsible for heart attacks. He emphasizes data-based decision-making, praises Indian pharmaceutical companies for providing quality medicine during the pandemic, and shares Bill Gates' praise for India's Covid management and vaccination drive. Key Points
Economic TimesWe might be closer to finding quick ways to diagnose and treat long covid
Long Covid may be traceable to a chronic immune system imbalance. The good news is that a single bio-marker for this mystery condition may have emerged. Key Points
mintScientists decode what causes cell damage in long Covid
Active long Covid is characterised by the protein pattern in blood. A team of Swiss researchers has identified that the complement system, a part of the... Key Points
The Tribune India
India logs 656 new Covid cases
India's death toll was recorded at 5,33,333 with one new death reported from Kerala in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The country's Covid case tally is 4.50 crore (4,50,08,620). Key Points
Economic TimesCovid news LIVE: ‘No need for additional dose of vaccine for Covid subvariant JN.1,’ says INSACOG chief
Covid news LIVE: Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in India and the detection of a subvariant JN.1, India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) chief Dr NK Arora said that no additional dose of vaccine is needed against the subvariant at present. Key Points
MintIndia reports 752 new Covid cases, 4 deaths in 24 hours
The number of people recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,44,71,212, and the national recovery rate stands at 98.81%, health ministry said. Key Points
ThePrintCovid-19 cases rise in India: Existing vaccines protect against JN.1 sub-variant? What expert says
New Covid variant JN.1, a variant of interest, has been classified by the World Health Organization. Vaccines may not completely block JN.1 infections, but they can reduce the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalisation Key Points
mintBrain fog to insomnia, 10 long Covid symptoms that people still struggle with
As per Lancet, at least 65 million people are estimated to struggle with long Covid. Here are common symptoms from fatigue, brain fog to sleep trouble. | Health Key Points
Hindustan Times
New Covid variant: Govt issues advisory as JN.1 sub variant detected in India | 10 updates
In India, the Covid subvariant JN.1 has been detected in Kerala so far .In the United States, JN.1 was first detected in September 2023 Key Points
mintCovid subvariant JN.1 in Kerala: From symptoms to precautions; here's all you need to know
The JN.1 variant of Covid is considered to be the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 or Pirola, which has been spreading in several countries. The new Covid sub-variant JN.1 identified in Kerala has raised concerns. Key Points
mintChina detects 7 infections of Covid subvariant JN.1; is this a variant of concern? Here are the details
This week, the Covid subvariant JN.1, a descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86, was detected for the first time in Kerala. Key Points
mintWhy It's Too Soon to Call It Covid Season
Covid seems to spike twice a year—but unlike flu season, not in a predictable pattern. That could be due to the virus, the environment, or the people it is infecting. Key Points
WIREDSlamming 'narrow view', HC extends Centre's Covid insurance for health workers to contractual employees
Delhi HC directs Centre to pay Rs 50 lakh to widow of hospital guard who died of Covid. She approached court after Centre opposed her plea, saying her husband wasn't a state employee. Key Points
ThePrint
Life after Covid turns rocky for reshaped health-care businesses like Pfizer to Moderna
The waning of the COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping the healthcare industry once again. Vaccine makers and pharmacy chains are seeing a decline in the number of people getting Covid shots, while makers of at-home rapid tests are going out of business. Companies that produced personal protective equipment have also shut down. The shift in demand is evident as Pfizer cuts $9 billion from its annual sales forecast due to declining demand for its Covid shots. While some healthcare businesses are benefiting from the return of routine checkups and procedures, others are feeling the pressure to adjust their expectations. Key Points
Economic TimesNew Pfizer and Moderna Covid boosters now available nationwide, US resumes free testing program
Pfizer and Moderna Covid boosters are now available at pharmacies in the US, while the country has also reinstated its free Covid test program. The CDC and FDA recommend a single dose of the updated vaccine for individuals aged six months and older, with some children eligible for up to three doses. The CDC estimates that the Eris variant is responsible for nearly 30% of Covid cases in the US. Health authorities advise continued mask use to reduce transmission. It is important to seek testing if symptoms of Covid are experienced, and to isolate if testing positive. Key Points
Economic TimesWhy It's Too Soon to Call It Covid Season
Covid seems to spike twice a year—but unlike with flu season, not in a predictable pattern. That could be due to the virus, the environment, or the people it is infecting. Key Points
WIREDUK brings forward winter top-up vaccines amid new Covid variant fears
The UK health authorities began rolling out their winter vaccine schedule for the most medically vulnerable on Monday, brought forward from a planned early October rollout amid concerns around the new Covid variant BA.2.86. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaEU in talks with Moderna over new deal for Covid vaccines - FT
The European Union is in talks with Moderna (MRNA.O) over a new supply deal for the company's COVID-19 vaccines amid concerns over a rise in infections in the region, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. Key Points
Reuters
You may not need a fourth Covid vaccine now but a flu shot
Public health experts suggest that a fourth dose of the Covid vaccine is unnecessary for now. With only 220 million people taking the third dose, a fourth dose may help build resistance, but health experts don't see the need for it as Covid cases in India have drastically decreased. Instead, considering the high number of flu cases in India's cities, vaccinating against flu may be a better idea. Key Points
Economic TimesMaharashtra bureaucrat stopped from flying out of India after lookout notice
IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal was stopped from flying to Sri Lanka by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The officer has been under the probe agnecy's scanner for an alleged Covid Center scam. Key Points
India TodayLong Covid could be caused by the virus lingering in the body. Here’s what the science says
A 2022 study found SARS-CoV-2 in the stool of about half of the participants in the first week after infection. At four months, there was no virus present in the respiratory tract but 12.7% of stool samples were RNA positive. A further 3.8% of fecal samples remained positive for RNA at seven months. Key Points
The Indian ExpressMetformin could be a new treatment for long COVID, reduces risk by 40%
Metformin is a cheap, easy-to-access drug that used for diabetes, longevity, and losing weight. It could help millions with long COVID. Key Points
InsiderDiabetes drug may be the pill for long Covid
Taking the diabetes drug metformin within three days of testing positive for Covid-19 may reduce the risk of developing long Covid by 40%, according to a study. The US trial, reported in the Lancet, involved 1,126 overweight and obese patients, 35 of whom were diagnosed with enduring symptoms after taking metformin versus 58 on a placebo. The study did not assess the impact of the drug on those already suffering from long Covid. Key Points
Economic TimesMystery Ohio person has a new kind of COVID, high viral load
A researcher has found a "cryptic" Covid lineage (a version of the virus never seen before) in Ohio. One person is shedding the virus into wastewater. Key Points
InsiderEven as Covid emergency ends, one person dies from the virus every 4 minutes. Is there any long-term plan?
Despite Covid being no longer a global emergency, one person is dying every four minutes. There's no long-term plan on how to tackle the virus and those who are at risk given the mutating virus strains. Key Points
India TodayAs India reports over 9,000 cases in 24 hours, experts on the reasons behind spike in Covid infections
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently upgraded Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 (Arcturus) to a Covid-19 "variant of interest" (VOI) due to its "sustained increase" and "growth advantage" reported from several countries Key Points
The Indian ExpressChina’s Covid drugmakers' shares surge amid concern over new wave
China covid: Xinxiang Tuoxin Pharmaceutical Co. jumped as much as 20% in Shenzhen, while Hybio Pharmaceutical Co. rallied 15%. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesThe Search for Long Covid Treatments Takes a Promising Turn
Scientists believe lasting symptoms following a coronavirus infection are not a single disorder. So new clinical trials are hunting for a range of solutions. Key Points
WIRED
Covid Live News Updates: India records 7,633 news Covid cases; Active cases rise to 61,233
Covid Live News Updates: The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,42,42,474 while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.18 per cent. Key Points
The Indian ExpressXBB.1.16 variant: Tips for people with diabetes, hypertension
A new Covid variant Arcturus or XBB.1.16 is leading to rise in infections across the country. Here's what people with chronic diseases should do. | Health Key Points
Hindustan TimesCovid-19 Top Updates: Active infections cross 53,000 mark in India! Over 10,000 fresh cases recorded in last 24 hours
According to the ministry website, the national Covid-19 recovery rate has been registered at 98.69 while the active case is said to be 0.12 percent of the total infections. Key Points
FinancialexpressPeople need to remain vigilant against new Covid strain: Official
A new COVID-19 variant has been isolated and studied in India, with a top Union Health Ministry official saying it poses less of a risk of hospitalisations. However, he urged people to remain vigilant. The official suggested the current surge in cases can be attributed to the spread of the XBB 1.16 variant, as the country recorded a single-day jump of 3,641 fresh cases taking the total number of cases to 4.47 crore. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 6.12%, while the weekly positivity rate dropped to 2.45%. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia's updated Covid guidelines advise caution on antibiotics, steroid use
Doctors have been asked to examine the possibility of co-infection of Covid with other endemic infections. They have also been advised to avoid using steroids in mild incidences. Key Points
Economic Times
Covid 19: Cases rise but experts say no cause for worry
Deaths are trending up too, but numbers are very low so far. As in the past, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi and Tamil Nadu are worst hit. Himachal Pradesh, the most vaccinated state, is witnessing a surprise increase, likely because it is a tourist hotspot. Key Points
Economic TimesXBB.1.16 has potential to drive fresh Covid wave? Former AIIMS director answers
A total of 76 samples of XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus have been found which might be behind the recent rise of cases in the country, according to INSACOG data. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesICMR revises Covid treatment norms, flags co-infection issue
India is also seeing an outbreak of H3N2 influenza, which has claimed two lives. The symptoms of both Covid and influenza are similar, adding a greater risk of co-infection in communities. Key Points
mintSeveral schools across China shut to curb spread of Covid, other viral diseases
China’s unexpected rush to dismantle nearly all pandemic restrictions in early December unleashed the world’s biggest Covid outbreak, with nearly 90% of the country’s 1.4 billion population infected in less than two months. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times