Andrew_C Posted January 12, 2021 Posted January 12, 2021 (edited) The BMJ has said lateral flow tests could cause serious harm I wonder who is making money on these tests? https://www.private-eye.co.uk/issue-1536/newsHere we go... Edited January 12, 2021 by Andrew_C 1
Ditto Posted January 12, 2021 Posted January 12, 2021 I don't think there's any issues with me not doing it, I would prefer a PCR done by a professional for a real assessment. The BMJ has said lateral flow tests could cause serious harm https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/01/12/covid-19-government-must-urgently-rethink-lateral-flow-test-roll-out/ I'm just getting fed up of all the information overload now - don't know what to believe anymore, think I just want to get covid to get it over and done with regardless of the outcome That's an interesting article. I wish the journalists raised questions about this sort of expert commentary rather than coyly ask whether a bike ride 7 miles from home is permitted. To be honest, given non-answers are given and then they move on, we have to rely on more in depth interviews but I've seen few that constructively, yet critically hold them to account. These sorts of topics are deeply related to the battle against Coronavirus, so this isn't a political viewpoint, it's more a scientific one.
Ditto Posted January 12, 2021 Posted January 12, 2021 Mum’s GP practice has announced on FB this morning that they’re finally starting to invite people for vaccination. Hopefully she won’t have long to wait now [emoji4] 🤞 EDIT Four hours later she’s received the call and going on Saturday :) I'm pleased to hear that for you both. My FiL got his call and is in Sat too. Were you provided with a date for the second dose. I've heard local stories that this was given, at 12 weeks as expected, but on occasions a different venue which was much further away.
StevieM Posted January 12, 2021 Posted January 12, 2021 Mum’s GP practice has announced on FB this morning that they’re finally starting to invite people for vaccination. Hopefully she won’t have long to wait now [emoji4] 🤞 EDIT Four hours later she’s received the call and going on Saturday :) My mum (85) also got her appointment this morning. She's having her first jab on Saturday, too.
Ditto Posted January 12, 2021 Posted January 12, 2021 On the topic of testing, many of us are familiar with the lateral flow test used in schools, as well as the more accurate but slower process PCR testing. There is a further test that was trialled at Southampton University, with general support, but also used (or at least proposed for use) at Heathrow and by Virgin Airlines. These are sometimes referred to as LAMP tests - it shares some of the PCR approach, but appears to be usable on a smaller scale. 30 minute turnarounds appear to be achievable and with high accuracy. Gov website has a couple of articles relating to these at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/clinical-evaluation-confirms-accuracy-of-lamp-test https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rapid-evaluation-of-optigene-rt-lamp-assay-direct-and-rna-formats/rapid-evaluation-of-optigene-rt-lamp-assay-direct-and-rna-formats Clearly, due to the need for onsite equipment might mean it's only suited for larger establishments, but you'd think it makes sense for universities, colleges and maybe large secondaries. Overall however, I understand the per person test cost is relatively low and every case that doesn't end up in ICU saves thousands in cash terms and so much more in human terms. What I don't know is what the plans are going forwards, but LAMP testing would appear far superior to the current lateral flow tests.
StevieM Posted January 12, 2021 Posted January 12, 2021 I don't think there's any issues with me not doing it, I would prefer a PCR done by a professional for a real assessment. The BMJ has said lateral flow tests could cause serious harm https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/01/12/covid-19-government-must-urgently-rethink-lateral-flow-test-roll-out/ The BMJ has been saying that for quite some time, hence my post almost a month ago. I wonder who is making money on these tests? https://www.private-eye.co.uk/issue-1536/newsHere we go... Private Eye's coverage has been excellent, particularly MD's Coronavirus articles. 1
the_quick Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 The school testing can potentially be harmful to controlling the virus. Lateral flow test is only accurate if person has high amount of virus , much less accurate in other scenario. With the new strain being more infectious, I wonder if person would still infect others when they have a small amount of virus cells in his/her body. Harm can come from people behaviour, some would be more relaxed after testing negative, but they could have virus in their bodies and be infectious. It will help with early detection, but it is still early days. I think the data on mass testing from Liverpool was still not released, so scientist cannot assess it. I just hope that vaccination program will be as scheduled, but with so many cocks up I don't have much faith
LeMarchand Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 Don't know what all the fuss about us getting tested is as we're obviously immune. At least that's what the staff at my schools seem to think, as I'm expected to go into classes full of kids (and staff). Feel for the staff too, but at least they only have one bubble to contend with. 1
jmak Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 AstraZeneca is “imminently” scaling up to release 2m doses of its vaccine a week in the UK, and may be able to go above that from April, the firm’s chief executive said. Tom Keith-Roach, the president of AstraZeneca UK, said 1.1m doses of the company’s Covid-19 jab developed with Oxford University had been released to the UK to date, but the aim was to reach 2m doses per week on or before the middle of February.[/Quote]* Currently vaccinated: 2.6 million Government target/promise: 15 million by "mid February" So that's 12.5 million remaining in 4 weeks and 4 days which is a rolling rate of 2.8 million per week.... I'm struggling to find out what rate the Pfizer vaccine is being delivered at, but so far it seems about 300,000 per week. It's actually really impressive that there is a vaccine at all, never mind that it is being rolled out really quickly - so why promise something that will inevitably fail? *From: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/second-shots-of-covid-vaccine-could-be-delayed-further-in-england? 1
Ditto Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 * Currently vaccinated: 2.6 million Government target/promise: 15 million by "mid February" So that's 12.5 million remaining in 4 weeks and 4 days which is a rolling rate of 2.8 million per week.... I'm struggling to find out what rate the Pfizer vaccine is being delivered at, but so far it seems about 300,000 per week. It's actually really impressive that there is a vaccine at all, never mind that it is being rolled out really quickly - so why promise something that will inevitably fail? *From: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/second-shots-of-covid-vaccine-could-be-delayed-further-in-england? The over promising can get tiresome, but there are three approved vaccines in the UK, with perhaps more approvals coming, so perhaps they need to be taken account of. It is noticeable that the constant message is the NHS can deliver the jabs if the pharma companies can deliver the vaccines. That's a comment on politics, not a political comment!!!
StevieM Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 Anyone else knackered already this term? I can’t believe it’s only half-way through week 2!
mikeprice Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 When I was working I always started the year by remarking "is it me or is this year dragging" Oh how we laughed! This year it would seem especially apt! Good wishes to everyone working out there 2
Rob_D Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 I can’t believe it’s only half-way through week 2! Wat, what? I swear term started a month back. 1
6Foot2 Posted January 13, 2021 Posted January 13, 2021 Link: Covid: Large trial of new treatment begins in UK [bBC News] A large-scale trial of a new treatment it is hoped will help stop Covid-19 patients from developing severe illness has begun in the UK. The first patient received the treatment at Hull Royal Infirmary on Tuesday afternoon. It involves inhaling a protein called interferon beta which the body produces when it gets a viral infection. The hope is it will stimulate the immune system, priming cells to be ready to fight off viruses. Early findings suggested the treatment cut the odds of a Covid-19 patient in hospital developing severe disease - such as requiring ventilation - by almost 80%. It was developed at Southampton University Hospital and is being produced by the Southampton-based biotech company, Synairgen. A course of treatment with the new drug could cost around £2,000, which is not that expensive for a hospital treatment. "To be viable it will have to represent good value for money," Synairgen's chief executive Richard Marsden said...
Andrew_C Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 (edited) I wonder how many of these novel treatments will be found to cure/prevent/reduce other diseases once the crisis is over? Would be great if the common cold is also 'fixed' by one of the cheaper vaccines... But I'd guess that BigPharma would have buried that like a shot*. They make too much from cough/cold 'remedies'. *unintended Edited January 14, 2021 by Andrew_C
Ditto Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 Besides, something like the common cold might be good in the (very) long term as an evolutionary step to keep the natural immune system 'fit'.
BOOT Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 New? Pretty sure interferon has been in use since the 90s...
6Foot2 Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 New? Pretty sure interferon has been in use since the 90s... I am guessing that it's the treatment/delivery that's new, maybe?
LeMarchand Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 One of my schools has just sent out an "all hands on deck next week" email (I'm assuming the obvious exceptions are still in place!) due to the amount of staff needed to sort out remote learning and the increasing numbers of pupils on site. So much for schools being closed.
Ditto Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 I am guessing that it's the treatment/delivery that's new, maybe? I suspect that's just part of it. Interferons are in fact not a single product, but a class of proteins called cytokines - you may have heard of a 'cytokine storm' where the body's immune system effectively destroys itself. Patients with severe systems receiving some interferons, to quote an article, can lead to 'catastrophic' results. For anyone interested who has had Covid-19 symptoms in the last 7 days might be able to sign up to the trial - https://www.covidtrialathome.com/ for this treatment.
the_quick Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 Looks like testing of students in schools might not go ahead in the end: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/14/regulator-refuses-to-approve-mass-covid-testing-schools-in-england The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told the government on Tuesday it had not authorised the daily use of 30-minute tests due to concerns that they give people false reassurance if they test negative. 1
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now