What do I need to know about the new FLiRT variants? Although there’s still much to learn about SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) at least one thing seems clear: it’s here to stay.
In Practice: AIR updates ahead of flu season The Australian Immunisation Register has made enhancements to COVID-19 and influenza vaccine information in preparation for the 2024 winter season.
What are the most reliable rapid antigen tests? A new study has analysed 26 RATs from Australia and Canada, finding only six could effectively detect the lowest concentrations of COVID-19.
New strain emerges from world’s longest case of COVID-19 The treatment-resistant variant mutated after infecting a heavily immunosuppressed man for 613 days but was not passed on to the community.
Antipsychotics for dementia raise ‘risk of serious harm’: Study From pneumonia to heart attacks, new research revealed the drugs do more harm than first thought, with the risks highest soon after initiation.
Study shows long COVID symptoms resolve for most But research is needed to understand what can be done for the one in three people with ongoing symptoms after two years.
Modelling reveals number of lives saved by COVID vaccine rollout Research suggests the campaign saved nearly 18,000 over-50s in NSW alone between August 2021 and July 2022.
Study questions Paxlovid’s COVID-19 ‘usefulness’ Researchers say the antiviral does little to reduce symptom duration for some vaccinated patients, but still recommended its use for the vulnerable.
Long COVID diagnosis ‘validation’ for suffering patients A GP expert is speaking out after Queensland’s CHO said the term ‘long COVID’ can cause ‘unnecessary fear’ and should be scrapped.
In Practice: Long COVID support for GPs The RACGP is hosting a CPD-approved session to keep GPs up to date with effective diagnosis and management for often complex long COVID conditions.