Health
Recovered Patients May Still Be Infectious. And More Info Straight from Science Journals – TheTyee.ca
With misinformation and deliberate disinformation running almost as rampant as the virus that causes COVID-19, we thought it would be best to go to the source for the latest insights. Compiled by veteran medical journalist Brian Owens, Hakai Magazine in partnership with The Tyee regularly presents this roundup of some of the newest science on the COVID-19 pandemic, straight from the scientific journals.
Masks may help prevent infected people from spreading the coronavirus that causes COVID-19
Surgical facemasks may be helpful in limiting the spread of coronaviruses from people who are infected. Masks were shown to significantly reduce the detection of influenza virus in respiratory droplets, and seasonal coronaviruses in aerosols. It is important to note, however, that the study did not examine SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, specifically, and does not address whether masks work in the opposite direction: by preventing infections in the wearer.
Nature Medicine, April 3, 2020
Keep taking heart and kidney medication
Recently we highlighted a study that suggested that drugs commonly used to treat chronic heart and kidney diseases may increase the risk of complications from COVID-19. This study was based on animal experiments that showed that those drugs increased the number of ACE2 receptors in the animal. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 uses ACE2 cells to enter the body.
Now, a group of researchers has completed a detailed review of more than 60 studies and concluded that none reported an increase in ACE2 levels in humans caused by these same drugs. They recommend patients currently taking these medications continue to do so without interruption.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, March 30, 2020
Patients may still be infectious even after they recover
Two studies of patients who had recovered from COVID-19 found that they may still be infectious even after symptoms have disappeared. One study looked at people who had mild infections and found that half of them continued to test positive for up to eight days after their symptoms disappeared. The other study found that the virus could still be detected in a patient’s mucous and feces even after they had tested negative on two consecutive throat swabs. The researchers recommend that if you were quarantined at home with mild symptoms, you should extend your quarantine for another two weeks even after you feel better.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, March 23, 2020
Annals of Internal Medicine, March 30, 2020
Patients shed the virus at high rates early in infection
Scientists in Germany have found that shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract occurs most efficiently early on, when patients still have mild symptoms. They could detect the infectious form of the virus in the throat and lungs until day eight of symptoms, and viral RNA in mucus from the lungs after the symptoms were gone. They did not detect the virus in blood or urine, and did not find the infectious form in feces, despite high levels of viral RNA.
Potential vaccine shows promise in mice
A potential vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, developed at the University of Pittsburgh, has been tested in mice. The vaccine was found to produce antibodies specific to the virus at quantities thought to be sufficient to neutralize the virus. The vaccine uses lab-made pieces of viral protein to trigger an immune response — the same way that current flu vaccines work. It is delivered using a microneedle array, a fingertip-sized patch of 400 tiny needles made of sugar that goes on like a Band-Aid and delivers the vaccine into the skin. The researchers expect to start trials in humans within a few months.
Potential treatment drug identified by University of British Columbia scientists
A drug that has already been tested against lung disease could potentially be a useful treatment for COVID-19. The drug, called human recombinant soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, blocks the ACE2 receptor that the virus uses to enter cells. In cell cultures, hrsACE2 reduced viral growth by a factor of 1,000 to 5,000.
What affects adherence to quarantine?
A person’s compliance with quarantine rules during infectious disease outbreaks can vary from as little as zero per cent up to 92.8 per cent, according to a review of existing research. The factors that have the biggest effect of adherence are the knowledge people had about the disease and quarantine procedure, social norms, perceived benefits of quarantine and perceived risk of the disease, as well as practical issues such as running out of supplies or the financial consequences of being out of work. Public health officials should take these factors into account to improve adherence, the researchers say.
No evidence for or against ibuprofen
Despite speculation that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen might make things worse for some COVID-19 patients, a review of existing research found no evidence either for or against the use of NSAIDs for COVID-19. The researchers also found that other types of drugs such as TNF blockers and JAK inhibitors, used to treat arthritis or other forms of inflammation, were safe to use, and there is some evidence that corticosteroids may be helpful if used in the early acute phase of infection, but the evidence is not conclusive. Health authorities that had previously warned against the use of NSAIDs have since backed off that claim.
eCancerMedicalScience, March 30, 2020
Structure of the virus’s receptor binding domain
Two groups of scientists have determined the structure of SARS-CoV-2’s receptor binding domain, the protein that allows it to attach to human cells. They found that it was nearly identical to the one on SARS-CoV (the original SARS virus), but with a few changes that allow it to bind more effectively. The research helps us understand the evolutionary history of the virus and will help guide the development of treatments and vaccines.
![[Tyee]](https://thetyee.ca/ui/img/ico_fishie.png){kind=small}
Health
CFIA continues surveillance for HPAI in cattle, while sticking with original name for disease – RealAgriculture
The Canada Food Inspection Agency will continue to refer to highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle as HPAI in cattle, and not refer to it as bovine influenza A virus (BIAV), as suggested by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners earlier this month.
Dr. Martin Appelt, senior director for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in the interview below, says at this time Canada will stick with “HPAI in cattle” when referencing the disease that’s been confirmed in dairy cattle in multiple states in the U.S.
The CFIA’s naming policy is consistent with the agency’s U.S. counterparts’, as the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has also said it will continue referring to it as HPAI or H5N1.
Appelt explains how the CFIA is learning from the U.S. experience to-date, and how it is working with veterinarians across Canada to stay vigilant for signs of the disease in dairy and beef cattle.
As of April 19, there has not been a confirmed case of HPAI in cattle in Canada. Appelt says it’s too soon to say if an eventual positive case will significantly restrict animal movement, as is the case with positive poultry cases.
This is a major concern for the cattle industry, as beef cattle especially move north and south across the U.S. border by the thousands. Appelt says that CFIA will address an infection in each species differently in conjunction with how the disease is spread and the threat to neighbouring farms or livestock.
Currently, provincial dairy organizations have advised producers to postpone any non-essential tours of dairy barns, as a precaution, in addition to other biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of cattle contracting HPAI.
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Health
Toronto reports 2 more measles cases. Use our tool to check the spread in Canada – Toronto Star
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Canada has seen a concerning rise in measles cases in the first months of 2024.
By the third week of March, the country had already recorded more than three times the number of cases as all of last year. Canada had just 12 cases of measles in 2023, up from three in 2022.
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Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on: Apr 18, 2024
April is Cancer Awareness Month
As we recognize Cancer Awareness Month, we stand together to raise awareness, support those affected, advocate for prevention, early detection, and continued research towards a cure. Cancer is the leading cause of death for Métis women and the second leading cause of death for Métis men. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation Within Alberta is working hard to ensure that available supports for Métis Citizens battling cancer are culturally appropriate, comprehensive, and accessible by Métis Albertans at all stages of their cancer journey.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis, whether for yourself or a loved one, can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for support. In June, our government will be launching the Cancer Supports and Navigation Program which will further support Métis Albertans and their families experiencing cancer by connecting them to OMG-specific cancer resources, external resources, and providing navigation support through the health care system. This program will also include Métis-specific peer support groups for those affected by cancer.
With funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) we have also developed the Métis Cancer Care Course to ensure that Métis Albertans have access to culturally safe and appropriate cancer services. This course is available to cancer care professionals across the country and provides an overview of who Métis people are, our culture, our approaches to health and wellbeing, our experiences with cancer care, and our cancer journey.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and ensure equitable access to culturally safe and appropriate care for all Métis Albertans. Please click on the links below to learn more about the supports available for Métis Albertans, including our Compassionate Care: Cancer Transportation program.
I wish you all good health and happiness!
Bobbi Paul-Alook
Secretary of Health & Seniors
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