The Delta COVID-19 variant’s ‘fleeting transmission’ has continued to make headlines as outbreaks grow in Sydney and Victoria. But how much has the transmission of this virus really changed?
Sleep is an essential part of success in the classroom - but the question of how much sleep kids need is a struggle for many parents.
Did you know that around 1.8 million Australians have diabetes? Each year, more than 100,000 Australians develop a form of diabetes – with type 2 diabetes accounting for 85%. This is of particular concern due to its association with a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The number of COVID-19 patients in NSW hospitals has hit its highest number since April last year. As of Wednesday night, there were 73 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital, with 19 of those in the ICU. Just one month ago, we only had 1 COVID-19 patient hospital.
As of 11:59pm last night, masks are now compulsory for Victorians over the age of 12 in indoor public settings. Masks are also to be worn outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible. These new restrictions are aiming to stem the outbreak of the Delta COVID-19 strain that started just days ago, stemming from NSW. 10 cases were recorded in Victoria yesterday, with the possibility of further restrictions hinging on today’s case numbers.
Modelling from the Burnet Institute shows that the Sydney outbreak could continue for months unless stricter lockdown measures are implemented - possibly even past Christmas. The current measures are effectively preventing the outbreak from accelerating, but according to the Burnet model, will have limited effect on significantly reducing daily cases. However, implementing restrictions similar to the Victorian Stage 4 restrictions (curfews, closing non-essential retail, tightening open businesses) could drop daily cases to under 5 within 6 weeks according to the model.
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, with a 12 week wait between the doses. However, in light of Greater Sydney’s serious outbreak of the Delta strain, NSW health is now recommending anyone who has already received the first dose to consider cutting the wait to 6-8 weeks. Dr Kerry Chant explained that sacrificing some long-term protection was warranted given the more immediate protection it would provide during the current outbreak. The UK made similar recommendations in June as they battle a wave of Delta COVID-19 cases.
An elderly woman in Belgium has become one of the first recorded cases of two simultaneous COVID-19 infections. The 90-year-old woman had been infected with both the Alpha and Beta COVID-19 variants, and unfortunately passed away 5 days after her initial diagnosis.
Have you ever found yourself getting sick after an all-nighter, or after burning the candle at both ends for too long? There’s a good reason – research shows that a lack of sleep weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick. In fact, research even shows sleep deprivation can make vaccinations less effective, as your antibody response can be reduced by 50%.
