Posts Tagged ‘SARS-CoV-2’
Is the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant, XBB.1.5, a cause for concern?
We discuss the new Omicron sub-variant (XBB.1.5), whether it’s more transmissible than other variants and how to prevent similar respiratory viruses from spreading. When did the Omicron variant first emerge? The emergence of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant around December 2021 was a game-changer for the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst being more transmissible than previous variants, resulting in more widespread…
Read MoreDemystifying Portable Air Filtration Units in Healthcare
In this week’s article, we discuss the factors you should consider when choosing an air filter for a healthcare setting. From HEPA filters to built in particle sensors, we demystify the confusion surrounding air filtration units. Air filtration units have attracted significant attention with hospitals, offices, GPs and schools, all purchasing units to try and…
Read MoreThe science behind Boris Johnson’s COVID restrictions
Surging COVID-19 cases have caused widespread anxiety across the UK, and while we’re all continuing to dream of a restriction-free life – what’s the science behind the UK’s latest COVID restrictions? Record COVID-19 cases were seen over the Christmas holidays in the UK, and while some parts of life have started returning normal, others remain…
Read MoreOmicron: why all the fuss?
In today’s article we share the latest advice on the new COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC), Omicron. We discuss where it first emerged, whether it’s more transmissible than other variants and if vaccinations are effective against it. You may have heard that there’s a new COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) on the block: it’s called Omicron and…
Read MoreReview of air, skin, and surfaces SARS-CoV-2 biocides
In this week’s research article, we share a new wide-ranging systemic review highlighting two emerging approaches to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals: portable air disinfection units and PPE surface disinfection. A new wide-ranging systematic review provides an overview of biocides aimed to decontaminate air, skin and other biological surfaces, and environmental surfaces (including PPE) potentially contaminated with…
Read MoreThe Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant – what we know so far
This blog post gives an overview of current knowledge about the Delta variant and what we need to do to prevent its spread. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, several variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged. This is no surprise, and a very normal outcome of the constant and rapid mutation of viruses. One variant…
Read MoreThe impact of Clinell Universal on reducing SARS-CoV-2 contamination in England’s hospitals
PHE have recently published a multi-centre study of SARS-CoV-2 contamination of surfaces and air in England. Where was the study undertaken? The study was undertaken in 8 hospitals in England during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sampling: Sampling of surfaces and air was undertaken around patients who were known to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, including…
Read More28 Australian Societies provide consensus on COVID-19 guidelines
Sourcing up-to-date reliable information on COVID-19 management and treatment can be difficult. There are so many different sources of information, from peer-reviewed journals, mainstream media, social media, peers, media statements and ‘preprints’ – or non-peer reviewed journal articles. What makes this even more complicated is the potential bias associated with some of these sources of…
Read MoreCOVID-19 transmission: droplet, contact, or aerosol?
There has been lots of recent controversy about the transmission route(s) of COVID-19. Some argue that, like influenza, droplet transmission is the most important route. Others that contact transmission is most important. And others still that aerosol transmission is the key – and that this has been underplayed, so fuelling the pandemic. There is undoubtedly…
Read MoreEnvironmental contamination risk from asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
There is emerging evidence that contaminated surfaces play a role in the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This is in line with the diverse transmission routes of other respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-1 and influenza. One of the key features of SARS-CoV-2 is the documented spread from people with asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infection. A new study has identified…
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