Chilling.Interesting article on the virus.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-54648684
A simple virus has brought life as we know it to a screeching halt.
We have faced viral threats before, including pandemics, yet the world does not shut down for every new infection or flu season.
So what is it about this coronavirus? What are the quirks of its biology that pose a unique threat to our bodies and our lives?
Master of deception
In the early stages of an infection the virus is able to deceive the body.
Coronavirus can be running rampant in our lungs and airways and yet our immune system thinks everything is a-ok.
"This virus is brilliant, it allows you to have a viral factory in your nose and feel completely well," says Prof Paul Lehner from the University of Cambridge.
Our body's cells start releasing chemicals - called interferons - once they are being hijacked by a virus and this is a warning signal to the rest of the body and the immune system.
But the coronavirus has an "amazing capability" of switching off this chemical warning, Prof Lehner says, "it does it so well you don't even know you're ill".
He says when you look at infected cells in the laboratory you cannot tell they have been infected and yet tests show they are "screaming with virus" and this is just one of the "joker cards" the virus can play.
It behaves like a 'hit and run' killer
The amount of virus in our body begins to peak the day before we begin to get sick.
But it takes at least a week before Covid progresses to the point where people need hospital treatment.
"This is a really brilliant evolutionary tactic - you don't go to bed, you go out and have a good time," says Prof Lehner.
So the virus is like a dangerous driver fleeing the scene - the virus has moved on to the next victim long before we either recover or die.
In stark terms, "the virus doesn't care" if you die, says Prof Lehner, "this is a hit and run virus".
This is a massive contrast with the original Sars-coronavirus, back in 2002. It was most infectious days after people became ill, so they were easy to isolate.
It's new, so our bodies are unprepared
Remember the last pandemic? In 2009 there were huge fears about H1N1, aka swine flu.
However, it turned out to be no way near as deadly as anticipated because older people already had some protection. The new strain was similar enough to some that had been encountered in the past.
There are four other human coronaviruses, which cause common cold symptoms.
Prof Tracy Hussell from the University of Manchester, said: "This is a new one, so we don't think there's much prior immunity there."
The newness of Sars-CoV-2, to give it the official name, she says, can be "quite a shock to your immune system".
This lack of prior-protection is comparable to when Europeans took smallpox with them to the New World, with deadly consequences.
Building an immune defence from scratch is a real problem for older people, as their immune system is slow off the mark.
Learning to fight a new infection involves a lot of trial and error from the immune system.
But in older age we produce a less diverse pool of T-cells - a core component of the immune system - so it is harder to find ones that can defend against Coronavirus.
It does peculiar and unexpected things to the body
Covid starts off as a lung disease (even there it does strange and unusual things) and can affect the whole body.
Prof Mauro Giacca, from King's College London, says many aspects of Covid are "unique" to the disease, indeed "it is different from any other common viral disease".
He says the virus does more than simply kill lung cells, it corrupts them too. Cells have been seen fusing together into massive and malfunctioning cells - called syncytia - that seem to stick around.
And Prof Giacca says you can have "complete regeneration" of the lungs after severe flu, but "this does not happen" with Covid.
"It is quite a peculiar infection," he said.
Blood clotting also goes strangely awry in Covid, with stories of doctors unable to get a line into a patient because it is immediately blocked with clotted blood.
Clotting chemicals in the blood are "200%, 300%, 400% higher" than normal in some Covid patients, says Prof Beverly Hunt from King's College London.
She told Inside Health: "Quite honestly, in a very long career, I've never seen any group of patients with such sticky blood."
These whole-body effects could be due to the cellular doorway the virus strolls through to infect our cells - called the ACE2 receptor. It is found throughout the body including in blood vessels, the liver and kidneys, as well as the lungs.
The virus can cause runaway inflammation in some patients, making the immune system go into overdrive, with damaging consequences for the rest of the body.
And we're fatter than we should be
Covid is worse if you are obese, as a generous waistline increases the risk of needing intensive care, or death.
This is unusual.
"Its very strong association with obesity is something we haven't seen with other viral infections. With other lung injuries, obese people often do better rather than worse," said Prof Sir Stephen O'Rahilly, from the University of Cambridge.
"It looks pretty specific [to Covid] it probably happens in pandemic flu, but not regular flu."
Fat deposited throughout the body, in organs like the liver, causes a metabolic disturbance which seems to combine badly with coronavirus.
Obese patients are more likely to have higher levels of inflammation in the body and proteins that can lead to clotting.
Covid and Work, Covid Advice and General Chat
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Robinredbreast
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On half term next week, still feeling ok and still taking all the precautions with hand gel, face masks or the visor, washing hands too. We only had two children on board Friday, so whatever they had I hope they will feel better soon, as they were talking about Halloween, getting excited about scaring other's 
Isn't it just, and yet apparently it's just a touch of the flu!!
Was talking to my brother in law earlier. He works in a petrol station and he was saying the abuse he gets from people if he reminds them to wear a mask is quite incredible. Quotes from "why should I?" to those that can't be printed on a public forum! One person angrily stated that they were exempt from wearing a mask. When my BIL asked what the exemption was they couldn't actually come up with anything! The latest guidance he has been given from head office is to not ask anyone from the BAME community to wear a mask in case it offends them.. I'm genuinely interested to know if anyone would be offended if they were asked to wear a mask in a place where it is apparently mandatory to do so?
Was talking to my brother in law earlier. He works in a petrol station and he was saying the abuse he gets from people if he reminds them to wear a mask is quite incredible. Quotes from "why should I?" to those that can't be printed on a public forum! One person angrily stated that they were exempt from wearing a mask. When my BIL asked what the exemption was they couldn't actually come up with anything! The latest guidance he has been given from head office is to not ask anyone from the BAME community to wear a mask in case it offends them.. I'm genuinely interested to know if anyone would be offended if they were asked to wear a mask in a place where it is apparently mandatory to do so?
Robinredbreast
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I would be pleased that they are taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. so I wouldn't bat an eye;id if I was asked.
ps I do wear masks, but if I forgot to put it on, then there would be no problem in being reminded.
I wish someone would tell me to wear a mask(in school)
. I would have no problem being asked elsewhere.
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They are not allowed to ask why you are exempt - they can ask you to wear a mask but if you say you are medically exempt they have to accept that. My son can’t wear one because of sensory issues and it’s too distressing for him. I have a sunflower lanyard which whoever is with him wears and he wears a sunflower wristband and badge. We have never been challenged in the few times we have been out
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-54678791
Read the Sunday Times article about how the over 80's and other people recorded as vulnerable/frail by their GPs were denied intensive care in the first wave. Or denied hospital admission at all, and left to die of heart attacks at home. And seemingly according to the various epidemiologists we are heading for hospital admission rates above those in the first wave in two to four weeks' time.
Read the Sunday Times article about how the over 80's and other people recorded as vulnerable/frail by their GPs were denied intensive care in the first wave. Or denied hospital admission at all, and left to die of heart attacks at home. And seemingly according to the various epidemiologists we are heading for hospital admission rates above those in the first wave in two to four weeks' time.
Yes it appears shocking. I think there is a thread just started on a very similar topic. As ever there are many layers.
Rationing of any treatment on the NHS has been commonplace for years as people live longer and resources fewer.i worked with adults with PMLD for years and the service they received was definitely second class.
Of course those issues more prevalent with Covid. If I remember rightly those that were shielded were told they were given support but the understanding was they would not be admitted to hospital. Ok if your safety could be protected and there was sufficient PPE etc,but we all know how that ended.
I think on another level is that people in care not admitted to hospital and GPs would not go into care homes. I think people forget that all those in receipt of care are not over 70 with dementia. For me the only comfort was knowing that my care home at least had registered nurses. Those that didnt...
DNR is a complex issue. There have been occasions when it has been put on a patients notes inappropriately. When my father moved in with me he was over 90. We had to register him with my doctor. Dad had dementia but not advanced, he was enjoying life and physically hale and hearty. The surgery had a GP allocated to older people and the first conversation was about DNR. His bedside manner wasnt brilliant and he was bluntly persistent to the point we were shocked and used to refer to him as Dr Death! It was only when discussing with my own GP I understood the situation. Basically it was a nicety I was asked as medics can put on file regardless of next of kins wishes including POA etc! Then you have to consider what it means to have CPR, it would indeed have done my father more harm. It didnt mean he wouldnt receive any treatment.
To not admit people to intensive care regardless is another matter. From recent articles what is more concerning is the damage done by the 111 service which during the height of the pandemic was not fit for purpose consisting of poorly trained staff making decisions they weren't qualified to with no access to GPs. Many people died at home from all sorts of illnesses,not just covid. Apparently those issues have now been resolved. Hmm.
I think it's easy to forget how we felt in early months of the pandemic,so much has happened since. Recent articles have reminded me that should I be unfortunate enough to catch covid not only were the odds of severe illness/death higher but my likelihood of receiving appropriate medical care lower.
Which again makes the protection at work more vital.
Last night I was watching Johnathan Ross and not for the first time struck by the social distancing measures in place for people who at casual glance not at particular risk if they got the virus. The assumption again is they must be protected from it. Contrasting this with the gaslighting of vulnerable employees in a class room who are actively denied protection is something that will never cease to outrage me.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/coro...herd-immunity-study/ar-BB1aqgiY?ocid=msedgntp
Another concerning study "if true".
I'm beginning to wonder if the only way out of this fully is if the virus mutates in a way that it becomes less deadly and becomes like general cold/flu viruses that we live with year upon year. That however could take some time.
Or, if any vaccine creates more immunity that natural immunity, but I'm not a scientist so I have no idea how that works.
Either way it seemingly is not going to end how the Spanish Flu epidemic ended because from what I can find herd immunity seemed the way out of that one, although I stand to be corrected. I found the below,.
Academics agree that the end of the pandemic occurred in 1920, when society ended up developing a collective immunity to the Spanish flu, although the virus never completely disappeared.
"Traces of the same virus have been found in other flu viruses," said Dr Benito Almirante, head of infectious diseases at the Vall d'Hebron hospital in Barcelona. "The Spanish flu continued to appear, mutating and acquiring genetic material from other viruses."
For example, the 2009 flu had genetic elements from earlier viruses, so older individuals were better protected than the young, he said.
This also occurred with the Spanish flu, with those over the age of 30 having better survival rates, said Laura Lara Martínez. It is speculated this is because the older generation lived with the so-called Russian flu in 1889 and 1890.
Stories like these will still split society in their views. For me personally if a vaccine is the way out I'd happily take it, but many on the other side of the fence will maybe suggest a vaccine is "all about control".
Depends on what and who you believe. Personally I'll still take most scientists over Piers Corbyn!!!
Another concerning study "if true".
I'm beginning to wonder if the only way out of this fully is if the virus mutates in a way that it becomes less deadly and becomes like general cold/flu viruses that we live with year upon year. That however could take some time.
Or, if any vaccine creates more immunity that natural immunity, but I'm not a scientist so I have no idea how that works.
Either way it seemingly is not going to end how the Spanish Flu epidemic ended because from what I can find herd immunity seemed the way out of that one, although I stand to be corrected. I found the below,.
Academics agree that the end of the pandemic occurred in 1920, when society ended up developing a collective immunity to the Spanish flu, although the virus never completely disappeared.
"Traces of the same virus have been found in other flu viruses," said Dr Benito Almirante, head of infectious diseases at the Vall d'Hebron hospital in Barcelona. "The Spanish flu continued to appear, mutating and acquiring genetic material from other viruses."
For example, the 2009 flu had genetic elements from earlier viruses, so older individuals were better protected than the young, he said.
This also occurred with the Spanish flu, with those over the age of 30 having better survival rates, said Laura Lara Martínez. It is speculated this is because the older generation lived with the so-called Russian flu in 1889 and 1890.
Stories like these will still split society in their views. For me personally if a vaccine is the way out I'd happily take it, but many on the other side of the fence will maybe suggest a vaccine is "all about control".
Depends on what and who you believe. Personally I'll still take most scientists over Piers Corbyn!!!
I think the only thing we know for certain is we just dont know. It's such early days,we don't know if a vaccine will be effective. If it isnt and the only way of controlling the virus is social distancing that will be interesting.! They are only just discussing long covid, if heaven forbid reinfection results in those who had it mildly having it more severely that could be a game changer.
All we can do is hope for the best,but 7 months on it's difficult!
Alexandra100
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This would be hilarious if it weren't so serious and stressful for you. Could you throw a sickie? Migraines brought on by the stress of the situation, perhaps?
That in itself would be hilarious if it wasn't so serious. You just want to wear a mask and yet OH are working from home to keep themselves safe!! Is there an eyes to the heavens emoji on here?!
Any luck with your Union? There is a letter that you can complete which states that you will not be returning to work unless, this, this, this and this is sorted. However my area representative at least did advise me that to complete that one you need the Unions input. I never needed it in the end.
In my opinion I think you need to call their bluff and wear a mask. If they ask you to remove it then challenge them to take you to a tribunal and if they decide to terminate your employment then say you will take them to an unfair dismissal Tribunal and will speak to the press. If you don't want to turn up wearing one then email your Head in advance of next week saying that is what you will do.
Not easy to do granted but you are playing by the rules and in all honesty aren't getting any help. What is a tribunal going to do when you want to wear a mask not only for your peace of mind but for the safety of others. It's a reasonable request in the workplace and again in my opinion you hold all the cards if it goes that far. What are they going to say? - That it is against policy? Any decent "lawyer" would be able to show that policy endangers yourself and others.
Talk to the CAB before going this way if that it what you wish but also call back you Union and ask for a new representative because they aren't assisting you enough in my opinion.
By the way if anyone here earns less that £16000 per year double check with your Energy provider if you are eligible to receive a Warm Home Discount premium. As I have now left work I checked with my provider and even if I had still been working due to my wage I would have qualified so at some stage I am receiving £140 into my account. These companies don't advertise it so it's very much first come first served so check and you may be eligible. Every little helps!
I read something earlier re Long Covid where in some the brain is affected in a way that it ages 10 years or so and peoples IQ has decreased. I'm a bit of a muppet so my IQ can't get much lower anyway!!
Seriously though this seems one savage virus in many ways. This 95-99% survival rate which gets bandied about seems to blinker some peoples thinking that if you get it and survive it all will be ok when the reality, certainly in some, seems quite the opposite.
