U of M study finds metformin reduces COVID-19 viral load, viral rebound
A team of University of Minnesota researchers found that metformin, a drug commonly used to treat diabetes, can decrease the amount of COVID-19 virus in the body and lower the chances of the virus coming back strongly after initial treatment. The study was published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Long Covid aus dem Weg gehen – das war bisher nur möglich, indem man sich nicht mit Corona ansteckt. Doch ein altbewährtes Antidiabetikum soll das jetzt auch schaffen: Metformin. Was ist dran?
Behandlung mit Metformin senkt das Risiko für Long COVID
Eine Studie der University of Minnesota legt nahe, dass das Medikament Metformin, sonst in der Behandlung von Typ-2-Diabetes eingesetzt, das Auftreten von Long COVID-Symptomen um 41 Prozent reduzieren…
Long COVID: Ansammlung des Spike-Proteins mit dauerhaften Auswirkungen auf das Gehirn verbunden
Das charakteristische Spike-Protein des COVID-19-Erregers lässt sich mitunter auch Jahre nach der Infektion noch im Gehirn finden, zeigt eine neue Studie. Diese Ansammlung erklärt womöglich neurologische Langzeitfolgen von COVID-19.
Falls jemand in Berlin eine super einfache Möglichkeit sucht, sich mit dem neuen JN.1 Corona-Impfstoff impfen zu lassen: Die Bio 7.0-Apotheke am Ku'damm hat den vorrätig, und basically immer Zeit...
Bisher unveröffentlichte Protokolle des Robert Koch-Instituts zur Corona-Pandemie sorgen derzeit für Aufsehen. Allerdings sind die Inhalte laut Experten weit weniger brisant, als es vor allem in "Querdenker"-Kreisen behauptet wird. Von P. Siggelkow.
Muscle abnormalities worsen after post-exertional malaise in long COVID
Nature Communications - In this longitudinal, case-controlled, cohort design study, authors show that post-exertional malaise is associated with severe exercise-induced myopathy, local and systemic...
Der unterschätzte Preis: Was Unternehmen gegen Long Covid tun können
Viele Unternehmen ignorieren das massive Long-Covid-Risiko. Das kann sich rächen. Dabei ließen sich Betriebe mit einigen wenigen Maßnahmen weitgehend coronasicher gestalten. Ein Plädoyer für mehr Prävention.
Jugendliche mit Long Covid: "Ich will einfach wieder ich sein"
Josef und Luca hatten Corona – und sind danach nie wieder richtig fit geworden. Vier, fünf Stunden Arbeit oder Schule sind möglich, danach sind sie völlig erschöpft. Ihr Leiden können sie nur schwer erklären. Für Fremde wirken sie wie zwei ganz normale Jugendliche
Your ultimate guide to staying covid-safe.If you repost or use any of this for an article, credit with a link. Art by Yuumei. Subscribe to be notified about new resources before anyone else and support this anti-gaslighting effort. Tip your server!Just so you knowCovid is airborne: it is in the exhaled breath of infected people. 2/3 of covid spread comes from pre-symptomatic people or asymptomatic infected people — they show no symptoms. It’s estimated that 30% of all covid cases are asymptomatic. Rapid tests miss 90% of asymptomatic cases.Vaccination and treatment like Paxlovid are your last lines of defense. Covid-19 is not just a respiratory infection, it is a multi-organ disease; a serious vascular, neurological, immune-system-damaging, sometimes brain-damaging, and randomly disabling disease (CDC: 1 in 5; PHAC: 50%).It typically shows up with respiratory, flu-like, or viral meningitis symptoms. Post-infection immunity has shortened to 28 days. Anyone infected is at high risk for serious heart problems: it spares no one. After covid infection risk of deadly blood clots is elevated for one year.Long covid will result from multiple reinfections, as well as any severity of infection. Each reinfection does cumulative and worsening damage and increases long covid risk. There is no treatment for long covid; there is no cure for long covid; there is no prevention for long covid. Everyone of every age and health status can get long covid. Here is what long covid looks like.There’s no good news coming out of studies on how repeated infections might impact the population in the future. The AMA wants people to know that getting reinfected is “akin to playing Russian roulette.”See also: How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About CovidDay-to-day prevention toolsYes, you can catch covid outdoors.– An overview on why we use layers of protection: How to Live While COVID-19 is Spreading (People’s CDC)– Layer up: the “Swiss Cheese Model”– Resource Hub: COVID Toolbox NEW– 100s of studies in understandable terms NEWMasks– Reputable mask sources: Project N95, Flo Mask, Bonafide masks, DemeTECH, Family Masks, BE HEALTHY, MaskLab, Armbrust Mask Sampler Kit, Canada Strong, Envo Mask, ReadiMask, [breathe], CanadamasQ, black N95s, breatheTeq NEW– In brief: covid masking FAQ– Mask Squad Cartel (beautiful custom decals for your Flo Mask)– Models to 3D print fun Flo Mask snap-in covers– For dentist visits: the ReadiMask hack by Lisa Foreman (See also: Vanessa Sun)– I use these on every Masklab/KF94 to ensure a seal: Silicone cord locksClean air tools– Portable personal air filters: Medify MA-10, Westinghouse 1804, PureZone Mini, Wynd, SmartAirFilters QT3.– Medify’s air purifier for cars, the MA-CAR– Overview of non-portable Air Quality Monitors – What You Need to Know + 4 Best Monitors– Portable air quality monitors help you assess covid risk indoors (here’s a guide): Aranet4, Vitalight Mini.– Fun, colorful Aranet face plate stickers– Here is my side-by-side review of both portable CO2 air monitors.– Clean Air Kits (Clean Air box kits and DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box instructions)– FAQs on Protecting Yourself from Covid-19 Aerosol Transmission (Google Docs)– Here’s The US DHS Science and Technology environmental tool to estimate the time it takes for covid to decay.– Mask facts and articles to share: Should You Wear A Mask?– HEPA filter FAQ– My 6 Favorite HEPA Filters & Air Cleaners (It’s Airborne)Testing– RAT tests have not been updated since the original virus and before vaccines: a rapid test may not show you’re positive (and contagious) util day 3 or 4. Read more about it here (CIDRAP) NEW– At-Home Testing Kit Guide (NBC News)– Ontario Health recommends also doing a throat swab.– False-negative RAT results are a problem. Decrease false-negative results by serial testing with RAT tests is to serial test (as in, daily) over five days.– RAT test false-positives are extremely rare.– Recommended: Binax Now, Flowflex (better accuracy for asymptomatic covid), On/Go (in the US On/Go may help you get Paxlovid).– In brief: Testing FAQExtras– For additional prevention, use nasal sprays that include Covixyl and Enovid/SaNOtize– Use CPC mouthwash as preventative and to reduce viral load– Also: StogglesIf you or a household member has covid– What to Do if You Have Covid (People’s CDC guide)– What To Do If You Catch Covid (Roots Community Health Center video series, YouTube)– Someone in my home has COVID. How do we isolate safely? (Clean Air Crew)– Potential US sources for Paxlovid: Dr. B, eMed, Sesame, Test2Treat, Push Health NEW– Option for metformin– Option for Enovid; BuyEnov option for Enovid– CPC mouthwashExtra things you must do while sick that no one talks about: take metformin to help avoid long covid, do serious, excessive, prolonged mental and physical rest for weeks to avoid extended infection or long covid. Enovid lowers your viral load while sick; CPC mouthwash can help reduce viral load. Get a pulse oximeter to monitor your blood oxygen: this will tell you if or when you need to go to the hospital, and will help you manage dizziness. NEWIf you must travel or remain in a high-risk environmentAn estimated 96% of flights are carrying a contagious passenger (2023).– Example travel kit: Flo Mask, Aranet4, Stoggles, Enovid, Medify MA-10 (portable), Medify MA-14 (hotel room), disinfecting wipes (like Clorox, EPA registered to kill covid on surfaces), magnetic vent covers (for hotel room vents), drain covers, covid tests, additional N95 and FFP2 masks just in case. I also carry a ziploc with latex gloves and q-tips in case I need to get something out of my eye and can’t do it safely.– Assess risk as best you can for your destination. Many countries have decimated or removed public access to covid disease surveillance tools; in the US cases are rarely reported, hospitals no longer test everyone and covid hospitalization numbers have been artificially reduced by changes in reporting definitions, and covid death numbers (known to be inaccurate before) have been artificially reduced by national reporting procedure changes (now done as percentages). Covid wastewater surveillance is your most accurate risk assessment tool, like Biobot, state dashboards (different locations than Biobot), and county, city, or local college dashboards (like Stanford’s CODIGA).– Do not eat, drink, or lift your mask unless forced to (object to it, lie if you have to). Yes it will be a long trip in a mask. It is not safe to unmask in the bathroom.– Use wipes on your tray table, armrests, window shade, and anything else you might touch just in case.– I abhor these but TSA Pre, Global Entry, or Clear will help you get through faster. So will spending points to sit un upper class seats, where there will be more space between people.– Try to ensure your hotel room has a window that opens.– Good advice here, though please use a Flo Mask or equal quality respirator mask: New Study Finds Coronavirus in Over 96% of Airplane Flights — Here’s How to Stay Safe (Popsugar)If you must gather– Guidelines and complete toolkit: Safer In-person Gatherings (People’s CDC)– Event Risk-Assessment Planning Tool (biosci.gatech.edu)Covid-conscious community resources– Hangouts, bulletin board, and more: Covid Isn’t Over Community NEW– r/ZeroCovidCommunity (Reddit) NEW– For businesses: The Clean Air Pledge (World Health Network) NEW– Interactive global map of covid safe spaces (Covid Meetups)– COVID Advocacy Groups Directory in US and Canada (Mask advocacy and Mask Blocs, Safer Schools, more)– Start your own: the How to Start a Mask Bloc ‘zine– Action / Care / Equity (Grassroots fight to keep masks in healthcare)– Covid Safe Providers (Doctors, dentists, merchants; US, some Canada)– Covid-Conscious Therapist Directory (US, Canada, 10+ countries)– Covid Safe Dentists (Canada, US, some global)– Covid Safe Campus (organizing for covid-safe campus safety)– Portland, Oregon: Covid Conscious Dating– Covid Conscious Living in the Bay Area (Google Docs)– Covid-Safer SF/Bay Area– Black Folks Grieve (Glorious Hum)– Covid-19 Litigation: Open-Access Case Law Database– World Health Network (vast collection of covid resources)– COVID-19 Information (large data and general info link lists)– COVID Cautious Businesses Ireland– COVID Advocacy Initiative and Mandate Masks US– The People’s CDC (Weather reports, prevention guides, and ways to take action)– The John Snow Project– US data modeling from wastewater readings: The Pandemic Mitigation CollectiveLong covid resources– Survivor Corps: grassroots movement/resources to support Covid-19 survivors (Survivor Corps)– The Long Covid Action Project– Post-covid/long covid resources by US state and country: Post Covid Care Centers (Survivor Corps)– Patient-Led [Long Covid] Research Collaborative (PLRC)– Medical provider network for long covid (Long Covid Alliance)– Support/resources for parents re: kids with long covid (Long Covid Kids)– The Geek’s Guide to Long Covid (Guide to Long Covid)– Long Covid Learning– Long covid, grief, advice, and more (Covid Aid)– The ENO Breathe team (English National Opera)– The Longhauler Advocacy Project– Participate in research: Kindred/Hugo Health– The Disability Visibility Project
Turmeric as a Possible Treatment for COVID-19-Induced Anosmia and Ageusia
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a calamitous perturbation of society worldwide. Anosmia and ageusia (or hyposmia and dysgeusia) have been recognized as two common expressions of COVID-19 infection that linger for days to weeks, ...
Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants
As a complement to vaccines, small-molecule therapeutic agents are needed to treat or prevent infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants, which cause COVID-19. Affinity selection-mass spectrometry was used for the discovery of botanical ligands to the …
Concurrent administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines enhances Spike-specific antibody responses
The bivalent COVID-19 mRNA boosters became available in fall 2022 and were recommended alongside the seasonal influenza vaccine. However, the immunogenicity of concurrent versus separate administration of these vaccines remains unclear. Here, we analyzed antibody responses in healthcare workers who received the bivalent COVID-19 booster and the influenza vaccine on the same day or different days. IgG1 responses to SARS-CoV-2 Spike were higher at peak immunogenicity and 6 months following concurrent administration compared with separate administration of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. These data suggest that concurrent administration of these vaccines may yield higher and more durable SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses.
### Competing Interest Statement
R.P.M. receives financial support from AbbVie, Pfizer, GSK, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, the United States Department of Defense, and the National Institute of Health. The remaining authors declare no competing interests.
Turkish-German study reveals prolonged COVID-19 health issues
More than four years have passed since the onset of COVID-19, and while many have recovered from the virus itself, some individuals continue to grapple...
Covid-19: Top-Ärzte fordern verstärkte Schutzmaßnahmen und Aufklärung
DMZ – POLITIK ¦ GESUNDHEIT ¦ Lena Wallner ¦ In einem öffentlichen Brief an die Österreichische Ärztekammer haben sich 16 prominente Ärzte, darunter die renommierte Ärztin Dr. Golda Schlaff, für verstärkte Schutzmaßnahmen und eine bessere Aufklärung der Öffentlichkeit im Zusammenhang mit COVID-19 ausgesprochen. Der Brief, der am 7. September 2023 veröffentlicht wurde, hebt die Notwendigkeit hervor, die Gesundheit der Patienten an oberste Stelle zu setzen und wirksame Präventivmaßnahmen zu ergreifen. Die Unterzeichner des Briefs argumentieren entschieden dafür, die Allgemeinbevölkerung besser über die langfristigen Auswirkungen von COVID-19 aufzuklären. Sie betonen, dass einige Viruserkrankungen, wie Humane Papillomaviren (HPV) und Epstein-Barr-Viren (EBV), Jahre später zu schweren Gesundheitsproblemen führen können. Die Ärzte fordern daher eine stärkere Betonung der Forschungsergebnisse im Zusammenhang mit COVID-19 und seiner langfristigen Auswirkungen, um realistische Prognosen für die Zukunft zu erstellen. Ein besonderes Anliegen der Ärzte ist die Forderung nach verpflichtenden Fortbildungen und einem interdisziplinären Austausch für Ärzte in Österreich. Sie sind besorgt, dass viele Ärzte nicht ausreichend über COVID-19 und seine langfristigen Folgen informiert sind und ihr Wissen oft aus allgemeinen Medienquellen beziehen. Die Ärzte drängen daher auf eine bessere Schulung der Ärzteschaft, damit diese ihre Patienten umfassend aufklären können. Darüber hinaus plädieren die Ärzte für verstärkte präventive Maßnahmen und vorbildhaftes Verhalten im klinischen Alltag. Sie weisen darauf hin, dass seit dem Wegfall der offiziellen Schutzmaßnahmen Patienten und vulnerable Personen dem Risiko einer COVID-19-Infektion ausgesetzt sind. Die Ärzte betonen nachdrücklich, dass COVID-19 weder als beendet angesehen werden sollte noch als harmlose Infektion ohne Folgen. Sie unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit präventiver Maßnahmen wie die Verwendung von CO2-Messgeräten, gute Ventilation, Luftreinigung mit HEPA-Filtern und Tests bei Symptomen. Eine besonders wichtige Forderung im Brief ist die Wiedereinführung von FFP2-Masken in medizinischen Einrichtungen. Die Ärzte argumentieren, dass COVID-19 eine systemische, gefäßschädigende Erkrankung ist und dass die Verbreitung über Aerosole erfolgt. Daher sei der Einsatz von FFP2-Masken essenziell, um das Risiko einer Infektion zu minimieren. Abschließend appellieren die Ärzte an die Ärztekammer, langfristige Strategien zur Bewältigung der Gesundheitskrise zu entwickeln und die Zusammenarbeit innerhalb der medizinischen Gemeinschaft zu stärken. Sie betonen die Notwendigkeit eines umfassenden, strategischen und nachhaltigen Ansatzes, um die Ausbreitung von SARS-CoV-2 wirksam einzudämmen. Die Ärztekammer wurde aufgefordert, die Präventionsbemühungen zu verstärken und höchste Standards in der Patientenversorgung zu fördern. Die Ärzte hoffen auf eine positive Reaktion und eine enge Zusammenarbeit, um die Gesundheit der Bevölkerung bestmöglich zu schützen.
