The COVID-19 Pandemic:
A Timeline and Scientific Studies

2025-01-29 - The hospital and mortality burden of COVID-19 compared with influenza in Denmark: a national observational cohort study, 2022–24
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00806-5/fulltext

The Danish study compared the disease burden of COVID-19 and influenza between May 2022 and June 2024. COVID-19 led to significantly more hospitalizations (24,400 vs. 8,385) and deaths (2,361 vs. 489) than influenza. The risk of death was 23% higher among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, people with pre-existing conditions, and men. These findings indicate that COVID-19 continues to pose a greater burden than influenza.

2024-12-06 - Real-world effectiveness and causal mediation study of BNT162b2 on long COVID risks in children and adolescents
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00541-8/fulltext

A large study involving nearly 300,000 children and adolescents examined how the BNT162b2 vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer) impacts the risk of long COVID. The results showed that during the Delta phase, the vaccine reduced the risk of long COVID in adolescents by 95.4%. During the Omicron phase, the risk was reduced by 60.2% in children and 75.1% in adolescents. The protection is primarily due to the vaccine’s ability to prevent infections, which indirectly lowers the risk of long COVID.

2024-10-09 - COVID-19 Is a Coronary Artery Disease Risk Equivalent and Exhibits a Genetic Interaction With ABO Blood Type
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.321001

The study shows that the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in COVID-19 patients remains elevated for more than 1000 days after infection. This risk is particularly significant among hospitalized patients.

2024-09-21 - Changes in memory and cognition during the SARS-CoV-2 human challenge study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00421-8/fulltext

The study examined cognitive changes following a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in 34 healthy volunteers who were observed over the course of a year. Infected participants performed worse in memory and executive functions compared to uninfected individuals. These cognitive changes persisted for at least a year, despite no ongoing subjective complaints being reported. The exact causes and long-term implications of these changes remain unclear.

2024-09-18 - Autumn is coming – To vaccinate against COVID-19 or not?
The global situation has relaxed, and the WHO no longer considers it an international emergency. Still, many are wondering: Is vaccination necessary this year? It can't be answered universally, as recommendations vary by country. However, experts agree that a booster is still beneficial for all age groups to strengthen immunity.

For younger and already immunized individuals, the need is lower than for older and at-risk people. However, it makes sense for everyone, as vaccination is, above all, a boost for your immune system.

I personally got my 6th COVID-19 shot today since the pandemic began, and I recommend booking your appointment as well.

2024-08-16 - Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.3.1.1 variant
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00505-X/fulltext

The study investigates the SARS-CoV-2 variant KP.3.1.1, which has been rapidly spreading since early 2024. It shows a higher reproduction number (Re) and infectivity compared to earlier variants, supported by a mutation in the spike protein. Additionally, KP.3.1.1 can better evade the neutralizing effects of antibodies.

2024-07-31 - Cohort study of cardiovascular safety of different COVID-19 vaccination doses among 46 million adults in England
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49634-x

The study on the cardiovascular safety of COVID-19 vaccinations involving nearly 46 million adults in England found that the risk of heart attacks and strokes was lower after each vaccine dose, regardless of the brand or combination of vaccines. This was observed both in comparison to unvaccinated individuals and the period before vaccination. The risk of pulmonary embolisms and venous thromboses was also lower after vaccination. This is likely because the vaccination prevents severe COVID-19 cases, thereby reducing the risk of these cardiovascular events.

2024-07-03 - Tissue-based T cell activation and viral RNA persist for up to 2 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3295

The study found that in 24 Covid patients, T-cells remained activated for up to 900 days after the acute infection, and viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 persisted in various tissues. This may explain why some people develop Long Covid symptoms like brain fog and fatigue, as the virus possibly remains in reservoirs within the body.

2024-06-19 - Human SARS-CoV-2 challenge uncovers local and systemic response Dynamics
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07575-x

This study investigated why some people do not become infected with SARS-CoV-2, examining the immune responses of 36 volunteers who had neither prior infection nor vaccination against the virus. Among the 16 infected participants, seven were able to effectively eliminate the virus without developing symptoms, attributed to a strong expression of the HLA-DQA2 gene, associated with mild disease courses. These findings may aid in the development of targeted therapies and vaccines against COVID-19.

2024-05-15 - Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 vs Influenza in Fall-Winter 2023-2024
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38748411/

This study shows that Covid-19 continues to be more dangerous than seasonal influenza. US researchers analyzed data from US military personnel and found that individuals hospitalized with Covid-19 had a higher mortality rate compared to influenza patients. While the differences have somewhat decreased since the beginning of the pandemic, Covid-19 still remains deadlier.

2024-04-21 - Sex differences of post-Covid patients undergoing outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation
https://bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13293-024-00609-z

This study from MedUni Vienna shows that even after a mild Covid-19 infection and pulmonary rehabilitation, women continue to experience greater impairment in daily life compared to men. Although rehabilitation improves function in both genders, women less frequently achieve complete recovery. Approximately one-third of all Covid-19 cases result in LongCOVID, with women being more commonly affected. Intensive treatment for women is recommended, with six weeks of outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation prescribed according to Austrian guidelines.

2024-04-15 - COVID-19 after two years in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(24)00423-2/abstract

In this study, 21 patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease and mild to moderate Long-Covid symptoms were examined. The study suggests that Long-Covid symptoms may be related to viral remnants in the gut and that it may take up to two years for the immune system to fully clear them. There is hope that Long-Covid symptoms could resolve over time, although further investigations, particularly in severe cases, are still required.

2024-02-29 - Cognition and Memory after Covid-19 in a Large Community Sample
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2311330

In this study, cognitive functions post-Covid-19 were examined in a large population sample in England. The results indicated that individuals experiencing persistent symptoms after Covid-19 exhibited mild cognitive deficits, particularly in the areas of memory and executive functions. These deficits were more pronounced in severe cases and during earlier phases of the pandemic. It was noted that memory, cognitive ability, and concentration (also known as "brain fog") were the cognitive functions most significantly affected.

2024-02-22 - Blood–brain barrier disruption and sustained systemic inflammation in individuals with long COVID-associated cognitive impairment
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01576-9

The study results from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland suggest that leaky blood vessels in the brain could be the cause of concentration problems in Long Covid, also known as "brain fog." The researchers found that participants with brain fog had "leaky" blood vessels, while others were not affected. This may indicate a disruption in the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurological symptoms. The study could be a crucial step in understanding and treating Long Covid.

2024-01-17 - SARS-CoV-2 infection causes dopaminergic neuron senescence
https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(23)00442-3

The study indicates that SARS-CoV-2 has the capability to infect dopaminergic neurons in the brain, potentially affecting and halting the production of dopamine. This infection could be linked to Long-COVID symptoms such as brain fog and depression. Even a small number of infected cells can have significant consequences, as the infected neurons undergo a state of biological aging, cease their function, and may cause inflammation, as demonstrated by the study conducted by American scientists.

2024-01-13 - Estimated number of lives directly saved by COVID-19 vaccination programs in the WHO European Region, December 2020 to March 2023
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.12.24301206v1

The study examined the impact of COVID-19 vaccinations in the WHO European Region from December 2020 to March 2023. The results showed that the vaccination programs led to a 57% reduction in deaths, equivalent to saving approximately 1.4 million lives. Older individuals, especially those over 60 years old, benefited the most, with 96% of the saved lives attributed to this age group. The initial booster shot contributed the most to life-saving efforts, accounting for 67% of the saved lives during the Omicron period.

2024-01-11 - Covids Cold Cousins: Four largely ignored coronaviruses circulate in humans without causing great harm and may portend the future for SARS-CoV-2
https://www.science.org/content/article/four-cold-causing-coronaviruses-may-provide-clues-covids-future

The article discusses the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 could lose virulence over time and evolve into a respiratory virus with similar effects to common cold coronaviruses (such as NL63, 229E, HKU1, and OC43). This evolution would mean that the virus could cause less severe illnesses. However, at present, this is merely a hypothesis, as theoretically, SARS-CoV-2 could also mutate to become more dangerous, as we have already seen with the Delta variant.

2024-01-04 - Muscle abnormalities worsen after post-exertional malaise in long COVID
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44432-3

The study on Long-Covid shows that persistent fatigue in patients is attributed to reduced energy production in the muscles. Researchers found that mitochondria, acting as the "batteries" of cells, work less effectively in Long-Covid patients, leading to decreased energy production.

The study thereby disproves the theory of lingering coronavirus particles in the muscles. The heart and lungs function well, indicating that fatigue is not due to issues in these organs.

2024-01-04 - Association of nirmatrelvir for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection with subsequent Long COVID symptoms in an observational cohort study
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.29333

This study did not provide clear evidence that administering Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) during an acute COVID-19 infection reduces the risk of long-term COVID symptoms.

2023-11-10 - A new COVID variant, HV.1, is now dominant. These are its most common symptoms
https://www.today.com/health/coronavirus/new-covid-variant-hv1-symptoms-rcna124198

The new Corona variant HV.1, an Omicron subvariant, is rapidly spreading in the USA and now dominates the infection scenario there. HV.1, described as the "grandchild" of Omicron, surpassed other variants such as Eris (EG.5) and rose from 0.5% of COVID-19 cases in the USA at the end of July to over a quarter in November. This variant is characterized by easier transmissibility, a typical feature of the Omicron family. The symptoms of HV.1 are similar to those of newer variants, e.g., sore throat and cough, but there is no evidence of more severe diseases or an increased hospitalization rate.

2023-11-04 - Cognitive decline in older adults in the UK during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal analysis of PROTECT study data
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00187-3/fulltext

According to this study, cognitive performance in adults over 50 years of age, regardless of a Covid infection, has noticeably declined since the onset of the pandemic. Factors included reduced physical activity, increased alcohol consumption across the entire cohort, as well as depression in individuals with a COVID-19 history, and loneliness.

2023-10-27 - COVID-19 illness severity and 2-year prevalence of physical symptoms: an observational study in Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666776223001758

This study shows that some people still experience physical discomfort up to two years after a COVID-19 illness, especially if they were severely ill. The eight specific discomforts more commonly observed in individuals who had COVID-19 are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, headaches, low energy or fatigue, sleep disturbances, and back pain.

2023-10-16 - My Booster Vaccination against Omicron Subvariant XBB.1.5

Today, I got my next COVID-19 booster shot – making it the fifth vaccination overall. This booster is specifically adapted for the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 to ensure better protection. It's always wise to boost the immune system when given the opportunity. In a few weeks, it'll be time for the influenza vaccination. And on that note: Get vaccinated!

2023-10-10 - SARS-CoV2 mRNA-vaccination-induced immunological memory in human non-lymphoid and lymphoid tissues
https://www.jci.org/articles/view/171797

This study examines the immune response to an SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine and discovers that the vaccine promotes the formation of specific T-cells in various organs such as the kidney and lungs. These T-cells are not only more abundant in the organs than in the blood but also exhibit enhanced defense functions.

2023-10-06 - The more symptoms the better? Covid-19 vaccine side effects and long-term neutralizing antibody response
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.26.23296186v2

Contrary to previous assumptions, post-COVID vaccination reactions may provide insight into the strength of the immune response after all. The study suggests that individuals who experienced symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and headaches after the second mRNA vaccine dose had higher antibody levels up to six months after vaccination. These findings could help reshape public perception, considering side effects as a potential indicator of a stronger immune response, subsequently increasing acceptance of booster vaccinations.

2023-09-08 - SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Development of Islet Autoimmunity in Early Childhood
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2809621

After an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the risk for genetically predisposed children to develop Type 1 diabetes doubles. The time window between the 12th and 18th months of life is particularly critical, showing an eightfold increase in risk. The study examining this correlation spanned from April 2018, prior to the pandemic, until September 2022. With the onset of the pandemic, COVID-19 was added as an additional point of investigation to the study. The findings corroborate earlier studies that also identified a significantly increased risk of Type 1 diabetes following a COVID-19 infection in genetically predisposed individuals. No data is available for those without a genetic predisposition. All children participating in the study were unvaccinated. It is speculated that vaccination could potentially reduce the risk.

Not only COVID-19 but also other infectious diseases can increase the risk for diabetes. In general, infections are a known risk factor. However, due to the high transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, extra caution should be exercised.

2023-09-01 Vaccination panel recommends only Corona vaccination starting this fall (AT)
https://science.apa.at/power-search/6921017496206580872

This fall in Austria, the national vaccination committee is updating its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. Now, a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is sufficient to be considered fully vaccinated. This applies to previously unvaccinated individuals as well, provided they receive the new vaccine that has been adapted to the latest virus variant.

Although the current research paints a more nuanced picture, indicating that a single dose is not enough for stable protection, the first vaccination is undeniably the most effective. This is primarily because, from that point on, it is the adaptive immune system, rather than the innate immune system, that combats the pathogen. Nevertheless, the data suggest that booster shots are beneficial.

The decision to adjust the vaccination recommendation is likely also influenced by the fact that those who have not yet been vaccinated probably won't do so now—at least not three to four times. The new policy could therefore potentially increase willingness to get vaccinated. Moreover, individuals who have already experienced an infection can consider it as a form of basic immunization and enhance their protection with a single booster shot.

2023-09-01 - COVID-19 Hospitalizations in Austria
https://jasmin.goeg.at/2960/

Health analyses over three years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria show that critical hospital capacity limits were exceeded during the second wave in November 2020 when the original variant of the virus still dominated and the lethality was at its highest. The study divides the course into different variants of SARS-CoV-2, with lethality and intensive care bed occupancy varying depending on the dominant variant. While lethality decreased with most variants, it surprisingly increased again when the Delta variant became the predominant form of the virus. Only with the onset of the Omicron phase did mortality in intensive care units decrease, accompanied by a decoupling between the occupancy of regular and intensive care beds.

2023-08-30 - Comirnaty: EMA recommends approval of adapted COVID-19 vaccine targeting Omicron XBB.1.5
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/comirnaty-ema-recommends-approval-adapted-covid-19-vaccine-targeting-omicron-xbb15

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has now recommended the approval of the adapted COVID-19 vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer. The vaccine is effective against the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, which has spread mainly in the USA and the UK in the past months.

In addition to the two original spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, the vaccine also contains a component of the spike protein of the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. This is intended to enhance the body's immune response to the new variant.

2023-08-12 - Long COVID - The Forgotten Disease

While the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic are over, the struggle is not finished for many affected individuals. Long COVID encompasses a range of persistent health issues in people who have had a COVID-19 infection, regardless of the severity of the illness.

Persistent Symptoms and Everyday Impairments

In many countries around the world, many people are still struggling with the effects of Long COVID. Even two years after the initial infection, patients still report a variety of symptoms. The most common include persistent fatigue, cognitive impairments, sensory-motor issues, and breathing difficulties. These lasting symptoms not only affect the physical health of those affected but also their quality of life, making it challenging to engage in their normal activities.

Studies have shown that over 40 percent of individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 continue to exhibit symptoms even after being discharged. While some improvements have been observed over time, many individuals still suffer from lasting physical and mental limitations. Cognitive impairments such as memory and concentration difficulties, sensory disturbances, and chronic fatigue are common issues that significantly impact daily life.

What is particularly concerning about Long COVID is that some patients who initially seemed to have recovered from COVID-19 had to be readmitted to the hospital later. This could be attributed to complications such as cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, reinfections with the virus, respiratory problems, or urinary tract diseases.

Long COVID Can Affect Anyone

While we can be relieved that the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic are behind us, we should not convey this perspective lightly, as it can feel like a slap in the face to those who are still struggling. Some of us may have only experienced mild symptoms or were unaffected altogether, but this should not lead us to underestimate the seriousness of the situation for others. Countless people worldwide are still suffering from the aftereffects of COVID-19.

Moreover, those of us who have been spared from Long COVID should not underestimate the overall situation. The disease is still present and will continue to resurface seasonally. The possibility of contracting it and potentially developing Long COVID symptoms remains. The best prevention we have is vaccination.

By now, most of us are likely already vaccinated—undoubtedly one of the most important measures. It would now be beneficial to strengthen our immune systems with a booster shot. The fact that vaccines are continually adjusted to new virus variants or subvariants gives us the opportunity to minimize the risk of severe illness and Long COVID. Therefore, it is advisable to refresh our vaccination status in the fall, ideally in conjunction with the annual flu shot. There is no better way to strengthen and maintain a resilient immune system.

Closing Words

For myself and likely many of you, the topic of COVID-19 has already lost some relevance. However, we must keep in mind those who are still grappling with the long-term effects of their COVID-19 infection. Moreover, those who have thus far been spared from the disease continue to face the risk of contracting it and developing Long-COVID symptoms.

Vaccination, combined with maintaining distance and precautions during cold season, are effective preventive measures that are easy to implement. As we turn to everyday life, we should remain in solidarity and continue to consider each other.

2021-07-21 - The effects of COVID-19 on cognitive performance in a community-based cohort: a COVID symptom study biobank prospective cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370%2823%2900263-8/fulltext

This study examined the effects of COVID-19 on the cognitive abilities of individuals with Long COVID. Those who experienced persistent symptoms after their COVID-19 infection displayed cognitive deficits similar to older individuals or those who were hospitalized during their illness. However, those who fully recovered from COVID-19 did not have any cognitive issues. The cognitive deficits persisted in the affected individuals for almost two years after the infection.

2023-07-19 - A common allele of HLA is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06331-x

The study shows that a specific genetic variant in the HLA system could be responsible for some people not developing any symptoms despite being infected with SARS-CoV-2. Individuals with two copies of this genetic variant have more than eight times higher likelihood of experiencing an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. This genetic variant enables the immune system to recognize and combat the virus more quickly, likely due to T-cell memories from past infections with similar coronaviruses. These findings could lead to long-term improvements in vaccinations and medications, which may mitigate the severity of COVID-19. However, further extensive studies are necessary to precisely clarify the role of this genetic variant.

2023-07-17 - Long COVID—unravelling a complex condition
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(23)00232-1/fulltext

This study shows that Long-COVID is a complex condition that encompasses both short-term symptoms (4-12 weeks) and longer-term consequences (over 12 weeks).

It is estimated that in individuals who did not require hospitalization during their COVID-19 infection, approximately 10-30% could develop persistent symptoms of Long COVID. For those who were treated in the hospital, the estimated rate is even higher, ranging from 50-70%. Even in vaccinated individuals who experienced an acute COVID-19 infection, a prevalence of 10-12% for persistent symptoms of Long COVID could exist.

There are over 200 potential Long-COVID symptoms that could impact daily life. Despite the time of significant impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic having passed and the world largely returning to normal, dealing with Long-COVID remains an ongoing challenge.

2023-06-08 - Outpatient treatment of COVID-19 and incidence of post-COVID-19 condition over 10 months (COVID-OUT): a multicentre, randomised, quadruple-blind, parallel-group, phase 3 trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00299-2/fulltext

The study shows that treating COVID-19 patients with metformin reduces the risk of long-term post-COVID-19 illness by approximately 41% compared to placebo.

2023-05-05 - End of Public COVID-19 Health Emergency: A Retrospective from the Beginning of the Pandemic until Today

The WHO has officially declared the COVID-19 health emergency over, as the threat posed by the virus has significantly decreased in recent months. Additionally, the WHO is releasing new figures: At least 20 million deaths worldwide are attributable to the virus, far more than previous estimates suggested.

The decision to lift the emergency status is based on the decline in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations, the high vaccination rate, and the reduced severity of the currently circulating Omicron variants. Recommendations for the long-term management of the pandemic have been proposed, and the Director-General will convene a committee to review the existing guidelines for managing SARS-CoV-2.

Even though the virus is less threatening today, we should not forget how challenging the situation was at the beginning of the pandemic. Therefore, I would like to share my perspective on how I experienced the course of the pandemic.

A Retrospective from the Beginning of the Pandemic until Today

In January 2020, I was sent a YouTube video showing the outbreak of a novel SARS virus in China. Although the video contained many inconsistencies and misinformation, it caught my attention and I began to follow the topic. I focused on the most important news and scientific studies and summarized them in a comprehensive article.

Despite reports of the novel disease as early as December 2019, the situation received limited media attention initially and was not perceived as a serious threat. But as reports of the lung disease increased, it became clear that this time a bigger thing could be coming our way.

The first COVID-19 cases in Austria were confirmed at the end of February, and it quickly became clear that the virus would not disappear so quickly.

By March 2020, we were already feeling the effects of the rapidly spreading disease, as infrastructure was shut down and some products were no longer available due to the increasing demand.

I still remember the empty shelves in the stores and the palpable panic that prevailed among people. It was an absolutely surreal situation, but we were lucky to have already had a basic supply of durable food at home, which kept us well supplied during this time. It was amazing how quickly the situation changed and how people prepared for the impending crisis.

The WHO officially declared the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12, 2020, and many businesses such as hair salons, hardware stores and gyms were closed. However, some companies remained open and people still had to go to work.

During this time, there were also positive examples of responsible companies like my employer, who gave their employees several weeks of paid leave. Such a gesture was not a matter of course and helped many people to cope during this difficult time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented all of us with significant challenges. But we should also pay attention to the positive aspects and examples of solidarity and responsibility that were found during this time.

In the first weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown, everyone I knew complied with the rules, and I too left the house only briefly to walk my dog or to do shopping for us and our elderly neighbors who were considered at risk. However, as the infection curve later decreased and people came closer together, but still with a distance of a baby elephant - the unit of measurement used in Austria to estimate the distance - the first conspiracy theories and misinterpretations of data began to circulate.

While new scientific insights into the virus were being published daily and we were learning more and more about it, it quickly became clear that COVID-19 is not a classic lung disease but a multi-organ disease that can affect many areas of the body. It is regrettable that many people in my environment trusted scientific knowledge less and tended to believe conspiracy theories instead. Therefore, the topic of COVID-19 became a double-edged sword for me. Although it fascinated and interested me, I talked less and less about it publicly to avoid discussions with people who were not willing to acknowledge the facts. Instead, I limited my conversations to individuals with whom I could have an informed and productive discussion.

Weeks and months passed, and the numbers of daily new infections rose and fell depending on the measures taken. Many people in my environment became infected, some were asymptomatic, while others suffered from severe symptoms for weeks. I still remember well how our two older neighbors, who were old but still very fit and vital, both became ill with COVID-19 at the same time and died. Over time, other people around me who were younger than my neighbors at the time also died from COVID-19. It's tragic when you consider that many of these people could have lived much longer if they hadn't contracted the disease. In these moments, I realize how important it is to continue to be aware of the dangers of the pandemic.

Only when we consciously remember the challenges and dangers of the past do we realize how important it is to continue to act cautiously and responsibly.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has always been only one primary goal: to persevere and not become infected until there is a cure. In December 2020, it finally happened. The first vaccines against COVID-19 were approved and the first vaccination campaigns started. This was a success for science and research one year after the outbreak of the pandemic.

I immediately put myself on the waiting lists of several doctors' offices. Now it was a matter of enduring a few more months, getting vaccinated, and with a high vaccination rate, the pandemic could soon be over.

But unfortunately, this was not the case, as the first major COVID-19 mutations were on the march. It was a race against time. In countries with low vaccination rates, new virus variants continued to emerge that could better resist vaccination. Vaccination remained useful and effective against severe courses, long COVID, and disease symptoms, but the chance of herd immunity through vaccination and recovered individuals was significantly hampered.

On April 27th, 2021, I had the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for the first time. Although I was only 29 years old at the time and not yet eligible, I was able to get the opportunity earlier by putting myself on several waiting lists. A few weeks and months later, further vaccinations followed to complete the basic immunization and a booster shot.

In the following months, some rules for public life were adjusted in Austria, including the debate about a possible vaccination requirement. The 3-G rule (in german: geimpft, genesen, getestet | in english: vaccinated, recovered, tested) was introduced to enable access to certain shops. Since I was already fully vaccinated, this was not a major restriction for me. However, I continued to stay up to date on scientific insights into COVID-19, its variants, and the efficacy of vaccines, as well as statistical analyses from different countries.

Although most viruses lose their lethality when they mutate, this was not always the case with COVID-19. Some variants, such as Alpha and Delta, were particularly concerning due to their higher mortality rate.

The Omicron variant, discovered in November 2021, is so far the most mutated form of the coronavirus. But although it could best escape vaccine immunity, the vaccine is still highly effective against severe cases and long-COVID symptoms. Nevertheless, Omicron has rendered the theory of herd immunity meaningless. The only advantage of the Omicron variant is its lower lethality compared to its dominant predecessors Alpha and Delta. However, it is by no means harmless, and many people also experience severe illness with Omicron, especially if they are not vaccinated. Through vaccinations and surviving infections, it appears that Omicron generally runs milder.

Throughout 2022, COVID-19 was gradually pushed out of the spotlight and, like seasonal flu, developed into an annual illness. COVID-19 booster vaccinations were adjusted to the currently prevailing variants, and there are hardly any measures to contain the virus anymore. In 2023, COVID-19 now appears like a fading memory, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the end of the public health emergency related to COVID-19.

COVID-19 is increasingly transitioning to an endemic state and will occur seasonally, sometimes stronger and sometimes weaker. The past years have been turbulent, and it is important to remember that. That's why I wanted to share with you feelings, experiences and situations that we have experienced during this time.

Closing Words

Whatever the situation around COVID-19 develops into, it is important to continue to pay attention to our health and the health of others: Wash your hands regularly, keep your distance from sick people, stay home when you are sick, and cough into your elbow. Above all, get vaccinated. This simple measure can save lives and help us better prepare for similar challenges in the future.

2023-05-05 - Statement on the fifteenth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
https://www.who.int/news/item/05-05-2023-statement-on-the-fifteenth-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-pandemic

2023-05-05 - Cytokinopathy with aberrant cytotoxic lymphocytes and profibrotic myeloid response in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine–associated myocarditis
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciimmunol.adh3455

In this study, US researchers investigated which factors might contribute to rare cases of myocarditis after vaccination with mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. For this purpose, samples of blood and blood serum as well as heart images from affected individuals were analyzed and compared with healthy control groups. The researchers found that cytokines were more active in affected individuals and certain levels were significantly elevated. Certain cytotoxic T cells, which are important for immune defense, were also significantly elevated and activated. The researchers conclude that these immune responses likely contribute to the development of inflammation in the myocardium.

Fortunately, these cases of myocarditis following vaccination with mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 occur very rarely, are usually mild, and are easily treatable. In comparison, COVID-19 disease may more often lead to myocarditis. However, these findings are important to improve and further investigate future mRNA vaccines.

2023-04-27 - Changes in Brain Activation Pattern During Working Memory Tasks in People With Post-COVID Condition and Persistent Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2023/04/26/WNL.0000000000207309

This study examined individuals with Post-COVID condition and persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms to determine whether they exhibit abnormal brain activation during working memory tasks compared to healthy controls. The results showed that PCC participants had greater brain activation than controls across the network and used alternative brain regions to maintain normal performance during working memory tasks. Additionally, PCC participants exhibited poorer dexterity and endurance, higher negative affect and perceived stress, more pain symptoms, and worse mental and physical health.

2023-04-18 - Association of COVID-19 Infection With Incident Diabetes
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2803938

The researchers found that a SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a higher risk of diabetes and may have contributed to a 3% to 5% higher diabetes burden in the population. However, it is emphasized that the results do not suggest that COVID-19 causes type 2 diabetes. COVID-19 may also have an impact on the pancreas, which is responsible for producing insulin. This stress could potentially move patients from a prediabetic state to a diabetic state.

2023-04-17 - Effectiveness of a bivalent mRNA vaccine booster dose to prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00122-6/fulltext

This study from Israel shows that individuals who received a bivalent mRNA booster vaccine as a fifth dose had a lower risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 compared to those who did not receive a booster. The results emphasize the importance of the bivalent mRNA booster vaccine for people at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

2023-04-06 - Maternal SARS-CoV-2, Placental Changes and Brain Injury in 2 Neonates
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2022-058271/191033/Maternal-SARS-CoV-2-Placental-Changes-and-Brain

The study describes two cases of neonates whose mothers were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. The neonates had epileptic seizures on the first day, a very small head circumference, and developed significant developmental delays over time. Placental examinations showed that the mothers were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, which could have caused brain damage to the fetus. One child died at the age of 13 months, and SARS-CoV-2 was found in its brain.

2023-04-03 - Live-attenuated vaccine sCPD9 elicits superior mucosal and systemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-023-01352-8

The study compares three COVID-19 vaccines in hamsters and shows that the live-attenuated vaccine sCPD9, which is available as a nasal spray, induces the strongest immune response. Therefore, live-attenuated vaccines could be better than current COVID-19 vaccines.

However, animal studies should always be interpreted with caution. Further research on human subjects is necessary before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

2023-03-23 - Risk Factors Associated With Post−COVID-19 Condition
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2802877

This study shows that women, older individuals, smokers, overweight individuals, and individuals with pre-existing conditions have a higher risk of experiencing long COVID after a COVID-19 infection. The study also shows that individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have a lower risk of developing long COVID.

2023-02-23 - Two-year follow-up of patients with post-COVID-19 condition in Sweden: a prospective cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(23)00013-3/fulltext

The study from Sweden examined the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the health of patients who were hospitalized during the first wave of the pandemic. Four months after discharge, over 40% of these patients still experienced symptoms and limitations (Post-COVID-19 Condition, PCC). In the follow-up study after 24 months, the patients were re-evaluated. Out of the original 185 patients, 181 participated. Approximately 21% were readmitted to the hospital in the meantime. The majority (84%) continued to experience issues in their daily lives, but some symptoms had improved. Cognitive, sensorimotor, and fatigue symptoms were the most common. Whether the patients were in the intensive care unit or not did not make a clear difference. About half of the individuals previously on sick leave were still on sick leave after 24 months.

2023-02-15 - Hospital Outcomes of Community-Acquired SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Infection Compared With Influenza Infection in Switzerland
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2801464

This study compared hospital outcomes of patients with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant to those with seasonal influenza in Switzerland. The study found that patients with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant had a 1.5-fold higher risk of overall in-hospital mortality compared to influenza patients by day 30. These results suggest that patients with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant still have a higher risk of death despite improved treatment strategies compared to patients with influenza.

2023-02-10 - COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Among Unvaccinated and Vaccinated Persons Aged ≥12 Years by Receipt of Bivalent Booster Doses and Time Since Vaccination — 24 U.S. Jurisdictions, October 3, 2021–December 24, 2022
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7206a3.htm

This study compares the effectiveness of monovalent and bivalent COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subtype. The results show that bivalent booster vaccinations provide better protection against infections and deaths compared to monovalent vaccines, especially in the late BA.4/BA.5 period.

2023-02-03 - How vaccination opponents exploit deaths
https://www.br.de/nachrichten/wissen/faktenfuchs-wie-impfgegner-todesfaelle-instrumentalisieren,TUb6q94

This comparison to deaths in sports is misleading
https://faktencheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.338A9K7

At this point, I would like to address this topic as there are currently many false pieces of information circulating. Specifically, there are claims from conspiracy theorists that COVID-19 vaccinations can cause sudden cardiac deaths in young and healthy athletes.

However, there is no indication that COVID-19 vaccinations are killing people en masse. COVID-19 vaccines are subject to the most intensive safety monitoring in human history and no unusual or unexpected patterns of deaths following vaccination have been identified that would suggest vaccines cause or contribute to deaths.

Higher intensity of physical activity in sports can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death, although such events are overall rare.

There is also no evidence of a significant increase in deaths among young athletes compared to past years.

These claims are pure inventions of anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists. There is no credible data or information to support their ridiculous statements.

Possible side effects are carefully tracked and documented to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. In rare cases, mild myocarditis has been observed following a COVID-19 vaccination, but it occurs far less frequently than after a COVID-19 infection. Moreover, the recovery time from such myocarditis is typically very short.

As the spread of fake news increases, even some bereaved families have explicitly stated that the vaccinations did not cause the deaths.

2023-01-19 - Association of COVID-19 with short- and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort in UK Biobank
https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cvr/cvac195/6987834

The mortality rate increases up to 81-fold within the first three weeks after a COVID-19 infection. There is a 40% increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Even 18 months after the infection, mortality is still five times higher compared to non-infected individuals.

2023-01-03 - Could new Omicron variant XBB.1.5 fuel further Covid infections?
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-64164306

Some key facts about the new COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.5, which is currently spreading in New York.

2023-01-02 - Infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections and reinfections during the Omicron wave
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02138-x

Unvaccinated individuals who contracted COVID-19 Omicron had a 36% risk of transmitting the infection to contacts. The risk was 28% for vaccinated individuals. (At the time of the study, there were no adapted vaccines available.) It is estimated that each vaccination and prior infection could further reduce the risk of transmission.

2022-12-21 - Persistent post–COVID-19 smell loss is associated with immune cell infiltration and altered gene expression in olfactory epithelium
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.add0484

Persistent attacks by the immune system on the nerve cells responsible for smell are the reason for the loss of smell often associated with COVID-19. It is now also suspected that other long COVID symptoms are caused by a similar mechanism.

2022-12-01 - Gradual emergence followed by exponential spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Africa
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add8737

According to a new study by the Charité hospital in Berlin, the COVID-19 Omicron variant did not originate, as previously assumed, in immunocompromised people but was simply overlooked. The predecessors of the variant had been circulating for longer than previously thought.

An analysis of collected virus samples (before the Omicron variant was discovered) revealed that Omicron-specific mutations were already circulating in 25 people from six different countries between August and September 2021.

2022-11-17 - Improved Neutralization of Omicron BA.4/5, BA.4.6, BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1 with Bivalent BA.4/5 Vaccine
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.17.516898v1

"Real world" data now show that the adapted BA.4/5 booster provides an improved antibody response against the new Omicron subvariants.

2022-11-16 - Assessment of Herpes Zoster Risk Among Recipients of COVID-19 Vaccine
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798504

Numerous case studies have reported cases of herpes zoster infection after COVID-19 vaccination. This possible side effect is frequently used as an argument against vaccination by many anti-vaxxers.

Now, a cohort study of more than 2 million people in the United States who received a COVID-19 vaccine found no increased risk of developing shingles after vaccination.

What anti-vaxxers and fact deniers like to ignore is that COVID-19 survivors over the age of 50 are also more likely to develop shingles. This was already discovered in March 2022 (see below) when analyzing US insurance data.

A theory is that many vaccinated people are currently getting infected with COVID-19 but are asymptomatic or have mild cases. As the body's immune cells fight off the SARS-CoV-2 virus, shingles can also emerge.

2022-11-03 - Pfizer and BioNTech Initiate Phase 1 Study of Single Dose mRNA-Based Combination Vaccine Candidate for Influenza and COVID-19
https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/pfizer-and-biontech-initiate-phase-1-study-single-dose-mrna

A combination mRNA vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer that is intended to protect against both COVID-19 and influenza is being tested in the United States.

2022-11-03 - The association between vaccination status identification and societal polarization
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-022-01469-6

A very interesting study on the "Psychology of the Vaccine Debate" was also published by the University of Bonn. Researchers obtained unique survey results between December 2021 and July 2022, as there was a discussion about mandatory vaccination in Austria and Germany during this time.

The result shows: identification with one's own vaccination status plays a decisive role. The more intensely someone identifies with the status of "vaccinated" or "unvaccinated", the more allergic they react to the other group.

I can confirm this from my own experience and from people in my environment.

2022-11-01 - mRNA bivalent booster enhances neutralization against BA.2.75.2 and BQ.1.1
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.31.514636v1

The adapted BA.5 booster shows an improved virus neutralization compared to the original vaccine in serum samples against the Omicron subvariant.

2022-10-19 - Neutralization Escape by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariant BA.4.6
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2212117

Another new Omicron subvariant that has spread in the United States in recent weeks. It has also appeared in Europe. The susceptibility to breakthrough infections is likely to be higher for BA.4.6 than for the currently dominant subvariant BA.5.

2022-10-19 - EMA recommends approval of Comirnaty and Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines for children from 6 months of age
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-approval-comirnaty-spikevax-covid-19-vaccines-children-6-months-age

The EMA now recommends the approval of vaccines for infants from 6 months of age. (BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna)

2022-10-14 - A Study to Learn About New COVID-19 RNA Vaccine Candidates as a Booster Dose in COVID-19 Vaccine-Experienced Healthy Individuals
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05472038

Initial clinical data shows that the adapted vaccine provides better protection against Omicron variants than the original vaccine. Serum samples taken from the subjects showed a significant increase in neutralizing antibody responses against the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

2022-10-07 - Get vaccinated
Especially in autumn, when infection rates typically rise again, it is important to refresh COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. Recently, I received my fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose and will soon be getting the flu shot as well.

Just like in sports, a vaccination is training for the immune system to better fight infections. By getting vaccinated regularly, we strengthen our defenses and are better prepared for potential pathogens. Just as a boxer doesn’t enter the ring without training, no one should face infections unprepared.

Regardless of predictions about future infection waves or milder variants, it is advisable to take the additional booster for the immune system every year when the opportunity arises. In addition to personal protection against severe illness, vaccination also impacts the healthcare system by reducing severe cases and overloading.

Even before COVID-19, combating the flu during the autumn and winter months was a challenge. Therefore, stricter measures this year are also sensible to curb the spread of infections. High infection rates increase the risk of new variants emerging, as we have learned from the past. That’s why we should simply make sure to adhere to the usual hygiene measures that we are now all too familiar with.

Vaccinations are and remain the most important key to containing the pandemic. So, make sure to refresh your vaccination protection right away!

2022-10-03 - Peripartum Outcomes Associated With COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2796976

A large meta-study of more than 80,000 vaccinated pregnant individuals shows how important vaccination during pregnancy is. The risk of stillbirth is reduced by 27%. The risk of newborns requiring intensive care also decreases by 12%.

The risk of infection for pregnant women is also reduced by approximately 56%.

2022-09-26 - Interval between prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and booster vaccination impacts magnitude and quality of antibody and B cell responses
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)01251-X

This study provides some insight into when and how often to get boosters currently to achieve optimal B cell immune response and high antibody levels.

Currently, the Omicron subvariant BA.5 is dominant. If one has recently been infected (in the last 4 months), a booster shot will probably not be of much use.

If one was infected about 6 months ago, it was probably with the Omicron subvariant BA.1. In that case, it is definitely worth getting the new BA.4/BA.5 vaccine.

All infections before this period were primarily with the Delta, Alpha, and original variants. If one has never been infected since the beginning, the adapted BA.4/BA.5 vaccine as a booster is the best choice anyway.

2022-09-21 - Omicron sublineage BQ.1.1.
https://twitter.com/CorneliusRoemer/status/1576716682512388096

After BA.4 and BA.5 comes BQ.1.1. The next (larger) subvariant of Omicron.
BQ.1.1 is a daughter variant of BA.5. The new subvariant has some additional mutations.

Since it originated from BA.5, the BA.4/BA.5 booster is currently the best choice.

As BQ.1.1 is about 10-15% more contagious than its predecessors, this subvariant could already be dominant in November.

2022-09-19 - Omicron sublineage BA.2.75.2 exhibits extensive escape from neutralising antibodies
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.16.508299v2

The two preprints from China (from 16.09.2022) and Sweden show that antibody drugs and blood sera from COVID-19 infected individuals hardly bind to the BA.2.75.2 subvariant and therefore may provide less protection against infection.

2022-09-16 - Imprinted SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity induces convergent Omicron RBD evolution
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.15.507787v1

2022-09-12 - Adapted vaccine targeting BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants and original SARS-CoV-2 recommended for approval
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/adapted-vaccine-targeting-ba4-ba5-omicron-variants-original-sars-cov-2-recommended-approval

The EMA is now approving another Omicron booster vaccine. This time, the vaccine targets the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

The first adapted Omicron vaccine targeting BA.1 will soon be administered in many countries. By the end of September, the BA.5 vaccine, which is currently the predominant variant, is expected to be available.

Whether to wait for the BA.5 vaccine or to get vaccinated with BA.1 beforehand should always be discussed with a doctor.

The general recommendation is that if you are at risk, you should not wait for BA.5 and should get vaccinated with the BA.1 vaccine instead. This vaccine is also effective against severe illness caused by the prevailing BA.5 variant. If you have had COVID-19 in the past few months, you can wait for the BA.5 vaccine (between illness and vaccination, there should be a gap of 4 to 6 months).

2022-09-05 - Long-term cardiac pathology in individuals with mild initial COVID-19 illness
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02000-0

Many COVID-19 patients who had a mild illness are now suffering from long-lasting myocarditis.

2022-09-01 - First adapted COVID-19 booster vaccines recommended for approval in the EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/first-adapted-covid-19-booster-vaccines-recommended-approval-eu

The EMA has given the green light for the first adapted vaccines for the Omicron variant BA.1. The approval applies to the vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna. The vaccination is recommended for all individuals aged 12 and above who have at least been primed against SARS-CoV-2.

2022-08-30 - A prospective observational study of post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome following the first pandemic wave in Germany and biomarkers associated with symptom severity
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-32507-6

Even after a mild COVID-19 illness, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) can be triggered. The syndrome leads to decreased performance, increased fatigue, and pain.

2022-08-22 - Risk of Myocarditis After Sequential Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Age and Sex
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.059970

A large-scale data analysis from the UK shows that the risk of myocarditis is more common after a COVID-19 infection than after vaccination against the disease.

2022-08-18 - Randomized Trial of Metformin, Ivermectin, and Fluvoxamine for Covid-19
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2201662

Another large study shows that Ivermectin has no effectiveness in protecting against COVID-19.

2022-08-12 - Some Light on Long Covid
https://erictopol.substack.com/p/some-light-on-long-covid

A data analysis by Eric Pool on Long COVID shows that almost all patients have low cortisol levels. This finding could play a very significant role in treatment.

2022-08-11 - Effectiveness of BNT162b2 Vaccine against Omicron in Children 5 to 11 Years of Age
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2203209

The vaccination with the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine shows a high protection against hospitalization in children aged 5 to 11 years when infected with the Omicron variant. However, the vaccine offers little protection against infection since Omicron has become dominant.

2022-08-02 - Association of Receiving a Fourth Dose of the BNT162b Vaccine With SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Health Care Workers in Israel
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2794864

This study from Israel shows that the fourth dose of the CoV vaccine could reduce the risk of infection. Only 7% of the quadruple-vaccinated out of a total of 30,000 hospital workers were infected. The rate was 20% among those triple-vaccinated.

2022-07-31 - The Efficacy of Facemasks in the Prevention of COVID-19: A Systematic Review
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.28.22278153v1

A large analysis of 1732 studies clearly shows the high usefulness of face masks.

2022-07-26 - The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan was the early epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abp8715

Another study confirms the assumption that the origin of the coronavirus was from an animal market in the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan. The researchers evaluated the available temporal and spatial data on the first known cases of the disease. The lab theory remains highly unlikely.

2022-07-22 - Post–COVID-19 Conditions Among Children 90 Days After SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2794484

Increasingly, children who have had a SARS-CoV-2 infection suffer from post-COVID symptoms. They more frequently report fatigue, weakness, and fever than children who did not get infected.

2022-07-20 - Hypertension and Excess Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness Despite Booster Vaccination
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.122.19694

Hypertension increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness despite triple mRNA vaccination.

2022-07-13 - Effectiveness of a fourth dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine against all-cause mortality in long-term care facility residents and in the oldest old: A nationwide, retrospective cohort study in Sweden
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666776222001624

The fourth vaccination significantly reduces the COVID-19 mortality risk in people over 80. Another booster is especially worthwhile for this age group and for high-risk patients.

2022-06-24 - COVID-19 positive patients at higher risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders, new study shows
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/956611

An analysis of over 50% of the Danish population shows that the risk of various neurological diseases is significantly increased after a COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 recovered individuals have a 4.8-fold increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, a 2.7-fold increased risk of ischemic stroke, a 3.5-fold increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, and a 2.6-fold increased risk of Parkinson's disease.

The study period was from February 2020 to November 2021, during which the original, alpha, and delta variants dominated.

2022-06-23 - Individuals With Weaker Antibody Responses After Booster Immunization Are Prone to Omicron Breakthrough Infections
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.907343/full

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination against infection depends on the strength of the antibody response. This German study shows that infected individuals had lower antibody titers than those who did not experience breakthrough infections.

2022-06-23 - Global impact of the first year of COVID-19 vaccination: a mathematical modelling study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(22)00320-6/fulltext

According to modeling, COVID-19 vaccinations prevented 19.8 million deaths worldwide in the first year. Without vaccinations, the mathematical models suggest that there would have been 31.4 million deaths.

2022-06-23 - EMA recommends Valneva's COVID-19 vaccine for authorization in the EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-valnevas-covid-19-vaccine-authorisation-eu

After a long wait, the EMA has given the green light for the approval of the Valneva COVID-19 vaccine (for initial vaccination in people aged 18 to 50 years).

This means that there are now six approved COVID-19 vaccines in Europe.

The Valneva vaccine is a classic inactivated vaccine, like the influenza vaccine. Because this type of vaccination has been around for many decades, the inactivated vaccine is more widely accepted by many people than mRNA vaccines, which were not previously approved for COVID-19.

By the way, the two mRNA vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna, the vector virus vaccines from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and the protein-based vaccine from Novavax also belong to the category of inactivated vaccines.

The Valneva VLA2001 vaccine is a vaccine candidate that contains the entire inactivated virus, to which the body subsequently triggers an immune response.

2022-06-23 - (AT) Compulsory vaccination is abolished
https://orf.at/stories/3272675/

As was to be expected from the beginning, compulsory vaccination in Austria is now being abolished.

Especially when the Delta variant dominated, it was important to create a high vaccination rate, but compulsory vaccination was not the appropriate measure to increase the vaccination rate.
Omikron is mostly milder, but there is also an increase in hospitalizations. Vaccination still makes sense even without compulsion.

The vaccine protects against severe courses of infection and significantly reduces the risk of Long COVID.
Compulsory vaccination was not abolished due to lack of effectiveness or safety.

Now, the focus is more on personal responsibility and fighting the virus together, rather than pitting vaccinated people against unvaccinated people, according to Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP).

2022-06-04 - Long COVID is associated with extensive in-vivo neuroinflammation on [18F]DPA-714 PET
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.02.22275916v1

Many Long COVID patients show generalized inflammatory activity in the brain and brainstem.

2022-05-25 - Weekly situation report from the RKI on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Situationsberichte/Wochenbericht/Wochenbericht_2022-05-25.pdf

The new Omikron BA.5 subtype shows almost a doubling of new infections.
This means that this version of the Omikron variant could be dominant in Germany and Austria until the end of June.

The BA.5 subtype differs from the BA.2 subtype only in a few mutations in the spike protein, which is currently dominant.
With BA.2 and BA.1, there were significantly more mutations, but still so minimal in proportion that it would not correspond to a completely new variant, such as the mutations from Delta to Omikron.

With vaccination and/or surviving Omikron (BA.2) infection, there is a fairly secure infection protection against the Omikron subtype BA.5.

2022-05-23 - Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Demonstrates Strong Immune Response, High Efficacy and Favorable Safety in Children 6 Months to Under 5 Years of Age Following Third Dose
https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-demonstrates-strong-immune

A third dose of the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was well tolerated by children under 5 years of age and showed a strong immune response.

2022-05-11 - Obesity and Impaired Metabolic Health Increase Risk of COVID-19-Related Mortality in Young and Middle-Aged Adults to the Level Observed in Older People: The LEOSS Registry
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.875430/full

Another study shows that obesity, diabetes, and hypertension increase the risk of dying from COVID-19 in young adults to a level observed in older people.

2022-04-07 - Evidence for positive long- and short-term effects of vaccinations against COVID-19 in wearable sensor metrics -- Insights from the German Corona Data Donation Project
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359786459_Evidence_for_positive_long-_and_short-term_effects_of_vaccinations_against_COVID-19_in_wearable_sensor_metrics_--_Insights_from_the_German_Corona_Data_Donation_Project

A study using data from a fitness data donation app with over 190,000 active users shows that even fit young people are health impaired for longer than usual after a COVID-19 infection. Several weeks of reduced activity and steps were recorded. The average resting heart rate was elevated for more than 120 days. In infected individuals who were vaccinated, there were fewer measurable changes in vital signs on average. The average resting heart rate recovered within a few weeks.

2022-04-06 - Risks of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and bleeding after covid-19: nationwide self-controlled cases series and matched cohort study
https://www.bmj.com/content/377/bmj-2021-069590

COVID-19-infected individuals have an increased risk of pulmonary embolism from blood clots for up to six months after infection.

2022-03-30 - BNT162b2 Protection against the Omicron Variant in Children and Adolescents
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2202826

The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization after infection with the Omicron variant by two-thirds in children aged 5 to 11 years.

2022-03-30 - Effect of Early Treatment with Ivermectin among Patients with Covid-19
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2115869

A study from Brazil once again confirms that the deworming drug Ivermectin is clinically ineffective in treating COVID-19.

2022-03-28 - Molecular consequences of SARS-CoV-2 liver tropism
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-022-00552-6

This study found elevated liver enzymes in nearly 60% of the 1200 COVID-19 patients upon admission to the hospital.

2022-03-25 - SARS-CoV-2 co-infection with influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, or adenoviruses
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00383-X/fulltext

A data analysis from the UK found that it is rare to be infected with more than one virus at the same time. However, if one becomes infected with both COVID-19 and influenza, there is a high risk of developing severe illness.

2022-03-24 - SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cells of human retinal organoids
https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/fulltext/S2213-6711(22)00104-7

There are new indications that coronaviruses can reach the retina of the eye from the brain and cause damage there.

2022-03-16 - Incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes after Covid-19
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-022-05670-0

Even after a mild COVID-19 illness, there may be an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

2022-03-16 - The pandemic is not over

The COVID-19 pandemic has held the world in its grip since March 16, 2020. Quarantines, lockdowns, mask mandates—two years later, most restrictions have been lifted, yet we are still dealing with rising infection rates and overwhelmed hospitals. We need a long-term strategy. Let’s take a look at what this could look like.

For several months now, a more contagious variant of the virus, the Omicron variant, has increasingly been detected. This variant is spreading exponentially and poses a serious threat. What is concerning is that after an Omicron infection, often an insufficient level of immune protection is developed. While the immunity is enough to protect against severe cases and long COVID, hardly anyone is fully safe from getting infected. At this point, the virus is here to stay—similar to the flu virus, which cannot be completely eradicated.

Therefore, it is crucial to develop alternative strategies to protect people, in addition to vaccination. Even if the government doesn’t take action, it’s up to us to take responsibility. Each individual can contribute to protecting themselves and others. It’s important to rely on proven protective measures when daily infection numbers rise. This includes wearing FFP2 masks, maintaining social distance, and regularly washing or disinfecting hands. Additionally, regular COVID-19 testing should be considered.

However, the most important protective measure remains vaccination. It offers the best protection against severe illness, is safe, and well-tolerated. Even mild cases can leave lasting damage, which can be prevented with a vaccine.

Although we are occupied with other global challenges like wars, rising inflation, and the climate crisis, we must not ignore COVID-19. The pandemic is not over yet, and it’s our responsibility to slow the spread of the virus. We must learn to live with the virus by implementing structured measures and continuously evolving our protective strategies.

2022-03-10 - Estimating excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic analysis of COVID-19-related mortality, 2020–21
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02796-3/fulltext

According to this study, there may be three times as many COVID deaths worldwide as reported. Instead of 5.94 million COVID-19 deaths between 2020-01-01 and 2021-01-31, the actual number worldwide could be 18.2 million. Using statistical models, the researchers also estimated excess mortality in countries with few reported deaths.

2022-03-09 - Increased Risk of Herpes Zoster in Adults ≥50 Years Old Diagnosed With COVID-19 in the United States
https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/9/5/ofac118/6545460
An analysis of US health insurance data found that people (>50 years old) who recover from COVID-19 are more likely to develop shingles.

2022-03-09 - Government suspends mandatory COVID-19 vaccination (AT)
https://orf.at/stories/3252118/

The COVID-19 vaccination mandate in Austria has been suspended due to the prevailing Omicron variant, which is deemed "disproportionate."

2022-03-08 - Study: SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant may cause croup
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/19736/Study-SARS-CoV-2-omicron-variant-may-cause-croup

Since the Omicron variant has become dominant, significantly more cases of croup have been observed in young children. This condition causes swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat, which can lead to breathing difficulties.

2022-03-08 - Cross-Variant Neutralizing Serum Activity after SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/28/5/22-0271_article

A study shows that triple vaccination provides better long-term protection against severe COVID-19 than two vaccinations and a prior infection.

2022-03-07 - Critical Illness Among Patients Hospitalized With Acute COVID-19 With and Without Congenital Heart Defects
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.057833

People with congenital heart defects are more likely to develop severe COVID-19.

2022-03-07 - SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04569-5

An Oxford study shows that even mild cases of COVID-19 can lead to deterioration in some brain functions. The study was conducted when the Alpha variant was dominant.

2022-03-03 - Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies causal links between blood proteins and severe COVID-19
https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1010042

In this study, which analyzed a total of 3000 proteins, six proteins were identified that may increase the risk of severe COVID-19. In addition, eight proteins were found that may protect against severe disease. These findings could help in the development of new drugs.

2022-03-02 - The COVID Heart—One Year After SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Patients Have an Array of Increased Cardiovascular Risks
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2789793

Even one year after a COVID-19 infection, many convalescents have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as cardiac arrhythmias and inflammation, blood clots, strokes, myocardial infarction and heart failure.

2022-02-28 - Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine among children 5-11 and 12-17 years in New York after the Emergence of the Omicron Variant
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.25.22271454v1

Presumably due to lower doses, vaccination is less effective in young children who become infected with Omicron. However, severe cases can still be prevented.

2022-02-26 - The Huanan market was the epicenter of SARS-CoV-2 emergence
https://zenodo.org/record/6299116#.Yhtls-iZOM_

Back to the origin - The University of Arizona reanalyzed the geographic distribution of the first COVID-19 cases. The result shows that the wildlife market in Wuhan was the epicenter of the outbreaks. The new study contradicts the interim theories that the virus could have originated from a laboratory.

2022-02-25 - Risk of COVID-19 related deaths for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) compared with Delta (B.1.617.2)
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.24.22271466v1

Compared to the Delta variant, the mortality rate for Omicron is reduced by about 70%.

2022-02-18 - Efficacy of Ivermectin Treatment on Disease Progression Among Adults With Mild to Moderate COVID-19 and Comorbidities
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2789362

Another study once again shows no evidence of efficacy for Ivermectin in COVID-19 infection.

2022-02-17 - First report from the German COVID-19 autopsy registry
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(22)00023-0/fulltext

Autopsy reports of COVID-19 deaths during the first three waves in Germany show that COVID-19 was also the direct cause of death in 86% of cases. The majority died from COVID and not "with" COVID, as deniers have mistakenly claimed since the beginning of the pandemic (see my statement from 09.04.2020 - it is still relevant).

2022-02-15 - Cross reactive T cells hold up against Omicron
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-022-00690-8

Memory T cells remain largely intact and provide effective protection against severe disease even in immune escape variants such as Omicron.

2022-02-07 - Long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01689-3

This long-term study shows that even after a mild COVID-19 illness, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes increases.

2022-02-07 - Durability of Anti-Spike Antibodies in Infants After Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination or Natural Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2788986

The antibodies are also higher in children whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy than in children whose mothers had undergone an infection.

The babies still have high antibody levels at six months.

2022-02-02 - T-cell reactivity to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is preserved in most but not all individuals
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)00140-4

In most people, T-cell immune response remains preserved, but in about one fifth of those studied, the immune response decreased by half against the Omicron variant.

2022-02-02 - Non-cell-autonomous disruption of nuclear architecture as a potential cause of COVID-19-induced anosmia
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867422001350

It's not infected neurons in the nose that cause loss of smell, but rather damaged neighboring cells that could be responsible.

2022-02-01 - Safety, tolerability and viral kinetics during SARS-CoV-2 human challenge
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1121993/v1

The controversial human challenge study, in which people deliberately infected themselves with the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, found that only half of the 34 participants (ages 18-30) were infected with COVID-19.

All participants were unvaccinated and had not previously undergone an infection.

Possible causes for this could be cross-immunity from other coronaviruses or vaccinations. Or possibly, the pathogen is already being repelled in certain people before an infection occurs.

2022-02-01 - The T cell immune response against SARS-CoV-2
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41590-021-01122-w

An interesting study on T-cell immune responses in a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The T-cell responses provide a robust memory, even against virus variants. The antibody responses are already highly effective after 2 vaccinations, as well as after overcoming an infection.

2022-01-30 - Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC subvariants BA.1 and BA.2: Evidence from Danish Households
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.28.22270044v1

The Omicron subvariant BA.2 may outcompete the BA.1 variant as initial data from Denmark show. The subvariant evades immunity better and may also be slightly more transmissible. Vaccinated individuals are less infectious when infected with the BA.2 variant, as they have a lower viral load compared to unvaccinated individuals, according to this study.

2022-01-28 - Deaths Due to Omicron Higher Than From Delta
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/967451

Data from the USA show what happens when a variant is milder but more transmissible. On average, 2,200 COVID-19 related deaths were recorded daily in one week, far more than when the Delta variant dominated. It is also the highest number of deaths since February 2021.

2022-01-27 - COVID-19: EMA recommends conditional marketing authorisation for Paxlovid
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/covid-19-ema-recommends-conditional-marketing-authorisation-paxlovid

EMA gives the green light for the COVID-19 medication Paxlovid. It can reliably prevent severe courses of infection and reduces the risk of hospitalization by 89%.

2022-01-26 - Neutralizing immunity in vaccine breakthrough infections from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.25.22269794v1

Bad news for those who have recovered from Omicron. According to this study, immunity after an infection with the Omicron variant is hardly present due to the low severity of the illness. Therefore, it would make sense for the recovered status not to be recognized any further, as one can almost immediately become infected again. This also speaks against an endemic situation, especially since the Delta variant continues to circulate.

2022-01-26 - SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Neutralization after mRNA-1273 Booster Vaccination
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2119912

The neutralizing antibody titer is 20 times higher after the booster vaccination with Moderna compared to the titer one month after the second dose.

2022-01-25 - Booster protects 99 percent against COVID-19 deaths
https://www.medinlive.at/wissenschaft/booster-schuetzt-zu-99-prozent-vor-covid-tod

An analysis by the Austrian Health Institute (GÖG) shows that three vaccine doses provide a 99% protection against COVID-19 related deaths.

2022-01-21 - Reduced interferon antagonism but similar drug sensitivity in Omicron variant compared to Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 isolates
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41422-022-00619-9

Omicron may be milder in its course of infection because the variant can block fewer cellular defense mechanisms against the virus than the Delta variant.

2022-01-21 - Why Vaccination Is Still the Key to Ending the Pandemic

The importance of COVID vaccinations cannot be emphasized enough. Never before in human history has a vaccine been administered so broadly. Let’s take a quick look at why some people are still not convinced.

There are accusations that vaccine advocates like myself are only informed from one side about vaccinations. However, it’s always the anti-vaxxers who rely on selective studies to support their arguments without considering the proper context. I believe my overview of the key studies during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that I do not rely on one-sided information.

Anti-vaxxers are increasingly spreading false claims that vaccinations are responsible for sudden deaths. This is, of course, nonsense. Every death is thoroughly investigated, and if there were indeed a connection between vaccinations and mass deaths, we would know about it. The spread of such rumors has even led to the point where the relatives of the deceased often have to clarify that the person who died wasn’t vaccinated or that there was no temporal connection to the vaccine. That’s how far it has gone.

What is a fact is that in very rare cases, a vaccine can lead to mild myocarditis. For this reason, it’s now recommended to avoid physical activities for a week after the shot. The good news is that vaccine-induced myocarditis generally doesn’t cause long-term damage, and those affected usually recover quickly. For anyone who still finds this risk too high and decides against vaccination because of it, it’s important to note that, by comparison, a COVID-19 infection carries a much higher risk of developing myocarditis, often with longer-lasting health issues.

The Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant is currently spreading rapidly and is more contagious than previous variants. However, the course of illness is generally milder than the Delta variant. Still, it’s dangerous to believe Omicron is harmless because of this. With its escape mutation, the Omicron variant has the potential to infect even vaccinated people. But the good news is that the vaccine still protects against severe illness and long-term health impacts.

Until a specific vaccine variant against Omicron is available, primary vaccinations and booster shots offer excellent protection. And even with low antibody levels, memory T-cells can quickly produce new antibodies to fight the virus. So, get vaccinated!

2022-01-20 - 1.4 billion package: Government offers lottery to encourage vaccination
https://www.diepresse.com/6087976/14-milliarden-paket-regierung-lockt-mit-lotterie-zum-impfen

In addition to the vaccination mandate in Austria, there will also be a vaccination lottery. There is a chance to win €500 per partial vaccination for every 10th person. Everyone who is already vaccinated and those who get vaccinated now can participate.

2022-01-18 - Effects of Face Masks on Physical Performance and Physiological Response during a Submaximal Bicycle Ergometer Test
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1063

Yet another study confirms that wearing masks poses no threat to health. Even during strenuous physical activity, there is no change in respiratory rate, oxygen or carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

2022-01-18 - Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron by BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine-elicited human sera
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn7591

A new study shows that the efficacy of the third booster dose of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine neutralizes the Omicron variant in a similar magnitude to two doses of the original SARS-CoV-2 wild type.

2022-01-18 - Frequency of Adverse Events in the Placebo Arms of COVID-19 Vaccine Trials
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2788172

More than half of all vaccine side effects are imagined. This is due to the so-called nocebo effect, the opposite of the placebo effect.

2022-01-18 - Stop for Stop Corona app (AT)
https://www.diepresse.com/6087351/stopp-fuer-stopp-corona-app

It was originally a nice thing that unfortunately did not work. It would have been more sensible to integrate the contact tracing function into an app that works like the Green Pass.

Here's my suggestion: The app contains the vaccination status and the latest test result, and possible contacts are saved in the background. If someone tests positive for COVID-19, all possible contacts are automatically notified anonymously.

2022-01-17 - Israeli study shows 4th shot of COVID-19 vaccine less effective on Omicron
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-study-shows-4th-shot-covid-19-vaccine-not-able-block-omicron-2022-01-17

The fourth vaccine dose does increase the number of antibodies more strongly than the third dose, but does not provide any additional benefit in efficacy. The study was conducted with the original BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine and not with an adapted Omicron vaccine.

This means that the vaccination schedule will likely consist of 3 doses, with adapted boosters at a certain point (once immunity is sufficiently widespread), possibly once a year during the typical flu season.

2022-01-14 - SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England - Technical briefing 34
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1046623/Technical-Briefing-34-14January2022.pdf

For the most part, symptoms of Omicron and Delta are similar. Differences include less loss of taste or smell with Omicron, but more scratchy throat and dry cough.

2022-01-13 - SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination rates in pregnant women in Scotland
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01666-2

Study by the CDC found that the risk of miscarriage increases fourfold after infection. At the time of the study, the Delta variant still dominated.

2022-01-12 - Effectiveness of BNT162b2 Vaccine against Critical Covid-19 in Adolescents
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2117995

Study shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are 94% effective against hospitalization in adolescents aged 12-18. The 7 deaths in the study occurred in unvaccinated patients.

2022-01-11 - Infectious viral load in unvaccinated and vaccinated patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 WT, Delta and Omicron
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.10.22269010v1

Even 5 days after infection, vaccinated infected individuals no longer had infectious viruses.

2022-01-07 - Risk for Newly Diagnosed Diabetes >30 Days After SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Persons Aged <18 years — United States, March 1, 2020–June 28, 2021
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7102e2.htm

Data from the US suggest a significantly increased risk of diabetes after a COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents.

2022-01-07 - Effectiveness of 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic COVID-19 and hospitalisation in adults aged 65 years and older
https://khub.net/documents/135939561/338928724/Effectiveness+of+3+doses+of+COVID-19+vaccines+against+symptomatic+COVID-19+and+hospitalisation+in+adults+aged+65+years+and+older.pdf/ab8f3558-1e16-465c-4b92-56334b6a832a

New UK data confirm the high effectiveness of the booster vaccination against Omicron. The risk of hospitalization in people over 65 years of age decreases significantly after the third dose. The booster vaccination shows 90% effectiveness against hospitalization after 10 weeks.

2022-01-05 - Multi-organ assessment in mainly non-hospitalized individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection: The Hamburg City Health Study COVID programme
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehab914/6499078

Even with a mild COVID-19 course of disease, organ damage can occur. Among other things, a reduction in heart pumping power and increased leg vein thrombosis were detected. Recovered patients are recommended to have kidney and heart values determined by their family doctor 6 months after infection to rule out any long-term effects.

2022-01-05 - COVID-19 vaccine safety updates: Primary series in children and adolescents ages 5–11 and 12–15 years, and booster doses in adolescents ages 16–24 years
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2022-01-05/02-COVID-Su-508.pdf

Only a total of 12 cases of myocarditis were reported out of 8.7 million doses of the mRNA vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer administered to children aged 5-11 years in the United States.

2022-01-03 - 370 applications for vaccine damage compensation law in the previous year (AT)
https://science.orf.at/stories/3210730

Rounded up, there were 370 applications for compensation for suspected vaccine damage in Austria in 2021. With approximately 16.5 million administered vaccine doses (which equates to about 1 application per 50,000 vaccinations or 0.0022 percent of all vaccinations), these are excellent news, especially considering that the number of damages will be even lower since the confirmed numbers are not available yet. Medical assessments are now being conducted to determine whether it is likely that the vaccination caused the side effects in each individual case.

2022-01-01 - Maternal Outcomes After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection in Vaccinated Compared With Unvaccinated Pregnant Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34644272/

The study shows that vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of severe COVID-19 cases in pregnant women. Breakthrough infections after vaccination are less severe and do not have any consequences for mother and child, unlike in unvaccinated women. The study was conducted when the Delta variant was dominant.

2021-12-29 - Clinical Severity of COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa During the Omicron-Dominant Fourth Wave
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3996320

Another study shows that while Omicron spreads 4 times faster than Delta, it causes less severe cases. If we had a high global vaccination rate, these would be great news for the possible upcoming endemic situation.

2021-12-28 - Omicron infection enhances neutralizing immunity against the Delta variant
https://secureservercdn.net/50.62.198.70/1mx.c5c.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MEDRXIV-2021-268439v1-Sigal.pdf

Especially vaccinated individuals who were infected with Omicron developed improved immunity against the Delta variant. This also shows, as suspected, that Omicron could soon displace the Delta variant.

2021-12-28 - SARS-CoV-2 spike T cell responses induced upon vaccination or infection remain robust against Omicron
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.26.21268380v1

Even though Omicron has more mutations than the other variants, the ability of T cells to produce an immune response remains intact in vaccinated patients who are infected.

2021-12-28 - Complement activation induces excessive T cell cytotoxicity in severe COVID-19
https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0092-8674%2821%2901562-2

A strong immune system is not an argument for vaccine refusal, because when the innate immune system attacks the body in severe COVID-19, it can lead to multiple vascular damage.

2021-12-24 - Saliva swabs are the preferred sample for Omicron detection
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.22.21268246v1

For Omicron, saliva swabs are more reliable than nasal swabs.

2021-12-21 - Outpatient therapies for COVID-19: How do we choose?
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.17.21268007v1

2021-12-21 - The COVID-19 Year 2021 in Review

The year 2021 was marked by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020. This year saw large vaccination campaigns launched to combat the spread of the virus.

Progress in Vaccinations

Over 57% of the global population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 3.6 billion people are fully vaccinated. A central issue remains the poorer countries, where vaccination rates are still low. Only 8.1% of the population in these countries has received at least one dose, indicating that there is still a long way to go to increase vaccination rates worldwide. And as we know, high infection rates make the emergence of virus variants more likely. Therefore, investment is also needed here to ensure that all people worldwide have access to vaccines.

Personal Perspective

As a person who has been vaccinated three times and follows all recommended measures, I can personally feel some relief regarding the risk of severe illness or a prolonged COVID-19 infection. However, there is still concern that global health systems could become overwhelmed if new virus variants continue to spread rapidly.

This year has also been very challenging due to conspiracy theories surrounding the pandemic and vaccinations. Despite scientific findings and the success of vaccines, some people still cling to their misinformation. I stopped discussing with such individuals a long time ago, as a rational conversation with them is simply not possible.

Closing Words

It remains a challenge to increase vaccination rates worldwide and to continue educating the public about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines. I hope that things will improve next year.

2021-12-20 - EMA recommends Nuvaxovid for authorization in the EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-nuvaxovid-authorisation-eu

Nuvaxovid is the fifth vaccine to be authorized in the EU (for people aged 18 and older). The recombinant protein vaccine is administered with two injections, three weeks apart.

2021-12-16 - Report 49: Growth, population distribution and immune escape of Omicron in England
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/mrc-gida/2021-12-16-COVID19-Report-49.pdf

According to this report from the UK, there is no evidence that Omicron is milder than the Delta variant. Protection against symptomatic infection for the boosted population ranges from 55% to 80%.

2021-12-16 - Outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Norway, November to December 2021
https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.50.2101147

According to this study, even fully vaccinated individuals can transmit the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. This is another reason why quarantine for vaccinated contacts is advisable when Omicron is dominant.

2021-12-15 - HKUMed finds Omicron SARS-CoV-2 can infect faster and better than Delta in human bronchus but with less severe infection in lung
https://www.med.hku.hk/en/news/press/20211215-omicron-sars-cov-2-infection

Laboratory data shows that Omicron may replicate better in the bronchi than in the lungs. This could suggest that Omicron is less likely to cause severe outcomes. However, being less deadly and contagious is still a major problem, as high contagiousness kills exponentially.

2021-12-14 - mRNA booster immunization elicits potent neutralizing serum activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13iHMR6rk3MKRFhDZmNuH3AAjR1uT8mEU/view

Omicron escapes antibodies in the serum of double-vaccinated and recovered individuals. After the booster, there is only a slightly reduced neutralization.

2021-12-14 - Risks of myocarditis, pericarditis, and cardiac arrhythmias associated with COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01630-0

The risk of needing hospitalization due to myocarditis after a COVID-19 infection is much higher than experiencing complications after vaccination.

2021-12-10 - Breakthrough Infections with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Despite Booster Dose of mRNA Vaccine
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3981711

Another study shows that even booster vaccinations (total of 3 doses of mRNA vaccines) are not sufficient to prevent symptomatic illness with the Omicron variant.

2021-12-10 - Tolerability and impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in elite athletes
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(21)00548-8/fulltext

There have been concerns about some elite athletes avoiding vaccination due to fears of reduced performance after receiving the vaccine. This study provides reassurance, as British elite athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympics experienced no impairment in sports or severe side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (using the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine).

2021-12-10 - Information on mandatory vaccination in Austria starting February 2022
https://www.sozialministerium.at/dam/jcr:c55f199f-db22-42b5-bb39-a9869c3cf0c4/informationen-zur-impfpflicht-ab-februar-2022.pdf

Starting February 2022, Austria plans to implement mandatory vaccination. All individuals aged 14 years or older living in Austria must be vaccinated. Exceptions are made for individuals who cannot be vaccinated without endangering their lives or health, for those who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 180 days, and for pregnant individuals.

What is often misunderstood is that vaccination during pregnancy is still recommended and highly beneficial. The reason for the exemption from mandatory vaccination for pregnant individuals is that unfortunately, some women still experience miscarriages in the early months of pregnancy, which could be mistakenly attributed to the vaccine.

Penalties for those who are unvaccinated will be imposed quarterly. In a proper procedure, the penalty can amount up to 3,600 euros.

2021-12-09 - Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern
https://khub.net/documents/135939561/430986542/Effectiveness+of+COVID-19+vaccines+against+Omicron+variant+of+concern.pdf/f423c9f4-91cb-0274-c8c5-70e8fad50074

The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine (primary immunization) against symptomatic illness is significantly lower for Omicron than for the Delta variant. With a third booster shot, the effectiveness against symptomatic illness was increased to 70-75% (in the UK).

2021-12-09 - Minimal cross-over between mutations associated with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and CD8+ T cell epitopes identified in COVID-19 convalescent individuals
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.06.471446v1

As suspected, there is likely to have been no T-cell escape mutation with Omicron. Therefore, protection against severe courses should only be guaranteed with the basic immunization. Nevertheless, booster shots do no harm, still make sense to prevent infections, and you can't vaccinate too much.

2021-12-08 - Reduced Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant by Vaccine Sera and monoclonal antibodies
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.07.21267432v2

Neutralization data shows that individuals with two vaccinations and recovered individuals barely developed antibodies in their blood plasma against Omicron. Individuals who have both recovered and received two vaccinations or received three vaccinations show slightly higher levels. Until the adapted vaccine is available, getting a third vaccination is the best protection we have.

A general protection against severe courses will probably also be present in most people with basic immunization (T cells). Boosting is definitely worthwhile, and above all, high-risk patients should get vaccinated a third time.

2021-12-07 - Preliminary Report - Early release, subject to modification Quantification of the neutralization resistance of the Omicron Variant of Concern
https://tinyurl.com/ycx4x4d4

Neutralization data from a pseudovirus with Omicron spike proteins shows only a slight decrease in antibodies, similar to the Delta variant.

2021-12-07 - SARS-CoV-2 evolved during advanced HIV disease immunosuppression has Beta-like escape of vaccine and Delta infection elicited immunity
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.14.21263564v2

Interesting paper on the evolutionary process in the emergence of variants.

2021-12-02 - Safety and immunogenicity of seven COVID-19 vaccines as a third dose (booster) following two doses of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 or BNT162b2 in the UK (COV-BOOST): a blinded, multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02717-3/fulltext

A UK study found that a combined booster strategy after basic immunization with the AstraZeneca or BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines is the strongest.

In addition to the AstraZeneca/BioNTech/Pfizer booster mix, the study found acceptable immune responses with five other vaccines. (Basic immunization was always AstraZeneca or BioNTech/Pfizer)

Tested among others: Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, Valneva, and CureVac.

A combined booster strategy with a variety of COVID-19 vaccines was safe and strengthened the immune response after basic immunization with Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines, British researchers found.

All seven vaccines significantly increased the spike protein immunogenicity after the AstraZeneca basic immunization. For the BioNTech/Pfizer basic immunization, the Valneva vaccine performed the worst as a booster.

2021-12-02 - Increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection associated with emergence of the Omicron variant in South Africa
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.11.21266068v2

The risk of reinfection with Omicron for previously infected individuals in South Africa appears to be significantly higher compared to previous concerning variants (more than twice as high as with Delta). If this is confirmed in further studies, an adaptation of vaccines will likely be necessary.

2021-12-02 - How well masks protect
https://www.mpg.de/17916867/coronavirus-masks-risk-protection

A study by the Max Planck Institute in Göttingen shows that FFP2 masks provide an extremely high level of protection against a coronavirus infection. The risk of infection is almost zero. Therefore, it makes sense for children to wear masks during class.

2021-12-02 - RKI Flyer: Why rising numbers of breakthrough infections are not a sign of insufficient vaccine protection
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/Impfen/ImpfungenAZ/COVID-19/Flyer_Wirksamkeit_Impfung.html

2021-11-30 - Main protease mutants of SARS-CoV-2 variants remain susceptible to PF-07321332
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.28.470226v1

According to this study, the chemical compound with antiviral effect, PF-07321332, which is contained in the Pfizer drug Paxlovid, is expected to be highly effective against all variants.

2021-11-26 - SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers profibrotic macrophage responses and lung fibrosis
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)01383-0

A study by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows that in some people, COVID-19 can cause severe lung scarring. Immunophagocytic cells, also known as macrophages, are partly responsible for this.

2021-11-26 - Frequently asked questions for the B.1.1.529 mutated SARS-CoV-2 lineage in South Africa
https://www.nicd.ac.za/frequently-asked-questions-for-the-b-1-1-529-mutated-sars-cov-2-lineage-in-south-africa/

The newly discovered Omicron variant is already dominant in South Africa and is even more contagious than the Delta variant. What is dangerous about this variant is that it combines pretty much all mutations of the previously dominant variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta) and has many more unknown mutations.

With a total of 50 mutations, including 32 in the spike protein, it is the most mutated variant to date. (For comparison: Delta has 8 mutations in the spike protein)

With these mutations, the virus is more contagious and probably more resistant to neutralizing antibodies. Whether and to what extent immunity is affected is still unclear. Moderna is already working on an adapted mRNA vaccine for the new variant. With this vaccine, one would then have optimal protection against all existing variants. However, what is important now is to get the basic immunization and then the booster vaccination after 4-6 months. Whether another adapted vaccine is necessary remains to be seen.

Source:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211126005595/en/Moderna-Announces-Strategy-to-Address-Omicron-B.1.1.529-SARS-CoV-2-Variant

In South Africa, the vaccination rate is currently only 23%. And new variants always arise where the virus can spread quickly, as was the case with Delta in India.

Source: https://www.corona-in-zahlen.de/weltweit/s%C3%BCdafrika/

The pandemic is over when it's over for all countries. If many wealthy countries had donated vaccines to poor countries, this variant might not exist.

The WHO calls the variant "Omicron" and thus leaves out the Greek letters Ny and Xi, as "Ny" or "Nu" could be misleadingly associated with "New" and "Xi" is a widespread surname in many countries.

2021-11-25 - Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine: EMA recommends approval for children aged 5 to 11
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/comirnaty-covid-19-vaccine-ema-recommends-approval-children-aged-5-11

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has given the green light for the use of the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11.

2021-11-23 - My Booster Vaccination Against COVID-19

During the pandemic, I always like to keep you informed about my vaccination status. Today, I received the COVID-19 booster shot.

High Efficacy with Booster Shots

Studies and evaluations from the past few weeks have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of a booster shot, so I had to get it right away. If you remember, I wanted to consider a heterologous vaccination scheme from the beginning of the vaccine approvals: that is, a vector virus vaccine for the first dose and an mRNA vaccine for the second dose. At the time, the data showed that this would significantly increase effectiveness. Unfortunately, I was denied this option back then. So, I received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which also promises high efficacy, though slightly lower than the heterologous combination.

Now, the third booster shot was an mRNA vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer, allowing me to get my heterologous mix, albeit a bit delayed. It’s a practical training for a strong immune system.

How many vaccinations are still needed?

Many complain because it was initially said that after two vaccinations, one would be fully immunized and that would be the end of it. However, it has been clear since the start of the vaccination campaign that changes to the vaccination schedule could occur due to the pandemic situation and the conditional market approval of the vaccines. Since the data clearly show that the third booster shot significantly increases effectiveness, the vaccination schedule was accordingly adjusted.

Similar to the flu shot, annual booster shots may also become necessary for the COVID vaccination, tailored to the currently circulating virus variant.

Since the vaccines are safe, effective, and provide practical training for the immune system, I am more than happy to get my booster shot annually from now on.

2021-11-22 - Follow-Up Data from Phase 3 Trial of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine support safety and high efficacy in adolescents 12 through 15 years of age
https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/follow-data-phase-3-trial-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine

The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine is 100% effective against COVID-19 in children aged 12 to 15 years. And that without side effects.

2021-11-21 - Antibody titers before and after booster doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in healthy adults
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.19.21266555v1

The booster vaccination (3rd dose) of mRNA vaccines greatly increases neutralizing antibodies.

2021-11-19 - 4th lockdown and vaccination mandate in Austria
https://orf.at/stories/3237103/

According to the current status, the lockdown will last a maximum of 20 days for all people. After that, there will be an indefinite lockdown for unvaccinated people.

The stricter measures from Monday, November 22, 2021, in Austria:
24/7 curfew
FFP2 mask mandate indoors
Closure of restaurants, hotels, sports facilities, and stores (exceptions: grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies...)
Schools and kindergartens remain open

And unless something changes, the vaccination mandate in Austria will apply from February 2022. Administrative fines will be imposed for violations.

2021-11-18 - COVID-19 vaccines for children
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn2566

The next big discussion in Austria and other countries will be when vaccines for children aged 5 to 12 are approved. I too can understand the concerns of some parents. Even though the disease rarely ends fatally for children, they are not spared from long COVID. And of the 10,000 children who are hospitalized, about a third have no pre-existing conditions. The vaccines work excellently in children, and no child has died from the vaccine.

So, if your child means something to you, get them vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.

2021-11-17 - EMA receives application for conditional marketing authorisation of Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-receives-application-conditional-marketing-authorisation-novavaxs-covid-19-vaccine-nuvaxovid

Novavax applies for EU approval for its COVID-19 vaccine. The protein vaccine, which uses genetically engineered virus antigen (nanoparticle technology) and adjuvants based on saponin, shows an effectiveness of 96% against the original variant.

As with other vaccines, the effectiveness against variants decreases. However, protection against severe cases is still provided. Two doses are required at an interval of 21 days.

2021-11-07 - Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01490-8

Vaccination during pregnancy is safe, effective, and provides protection for both mother and child.

2021-11-06 - The Importance of Vaccination and Booster Shots

Boosters are recommended for most vaccines to maintain protection. For some vaccines, this happens sooner, like with the annual flu shot, while for others, it occurs later, such as tetanus, which only needs a booster every ten years. In Austria, it is currently recommended to administer a COVID-19 booster shot six months after the initial vaccination. For individuals vaccinated with AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson, a booster is recommended after four months. The purpose of these booster shots is to further strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infection. They play a crucial role in maintaining the vaccine's effectiveness and contribute to both individual and collective immunity against COVID-19. Moreover, vaccines are continually evolving, which is necessary as the virus also mutates and new variants constantly emerge.

And while we’re on the topic of booster shots, be sure to get a flu vaccine this year alongside the COVID-19 vaccination. The flu shot is another worthwhile investment in a strong immune system and offers numerous health benefits.

2021-11-05 - Pfizer antiviral slashes COVID-19 hospitalizations
https://www.science.org/content/article/pfizer-antiviral-slashes-covid-19-hospitalizations

2021-11-05 - Pfizer’s oral antiviral therapy reduces mortality risk in Covid-19 trial
https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/pfizer-oral-antiviral-covid-trial/

The COVID-19 medication Paxlovid from Pfizer. It is taken orally every 12 hours after symptom onset for 5 days. Paxlovid destroys the protease without which the virus cannot produce the proteins it needs to replicate. Thus, it cannot reproduce.

In any case, it is better than Molnupiravir as it is not mutagenic. Nevertheless, I would always prefer vaccination. However, for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, this could be a game-changer!

2021-11-05 - From Monday, only 2-G in catering and co. (Austria)
https://orf.at/stories/3235488/

2021-11-04 - The impact of public health interventions in the Nordic countries during the first year of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and evolution
https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.44.2001996

According to this study, it is likely that the epidemics in several Nordic countries would have been milder if there had been stricter measures in Sweden. The virus was able to spread rapidly in Sweden in early 2020 because the government refrained from restricting public life.

2021-10-29 - Effectiveness of a third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for preventing severe outcomes in Israel: an observational study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02249-2/fulltext

An observational study from Israel clearly shows the benefits of the third dose. The protective effect is greatly increased by the booster. Neutralizing antibody levels increase after the third vaccination and also provide protection against the Delta variant.

The likelihood of virus transmission also decreases with the third dose.

2021-10-29 - Anti-spike antibody response to natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26479-2

2021-10-28 - COVCOG 2: Cognitive and Memory Deficits in Long COVID: A Second Publication from the COVID and Cognition Study
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.27.21265563v1

Another study that shows that long COVID patients often suffer from cognitive impairment.

2021-10-27 - Waning Immunity after the BNT162b2 Vaccine in Israel
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2114228

It is becoming increasingly clear that the protective effect of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine diminishes after 6 months. High-risk groups should definitely receive a booster vaccination.

2021-10-27 - Comment on “Genomic epidemiology of superspreading events in Austria reveals mutational dynamics and transmission properties of SARS-CoV-2”
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.abh1803

Even a very low viral load (lower than previously thought) is sufficient for infection.

This study on is interesting but also somewhat alarming. The amount of virus required for infection is minimal, much less than previously thought. This suggests how quickly the case numbers will rise in winter.

2021-10-22 - Post COVID-19 in children, adolescents, and adults: results of a matched cohort study including more than 150,000 individuals with COVID-19
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.21.21265133v1

A German study shows that many children also suffer from Long Covid. Achieving herd immunity is therefore not an option.

2021-10-22 - Assessment of Cognitive Function in Patients After COVID-19 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2785388

2021-10-21 - The SARS-CoV-2 main protease Mpro causes microvascular brain pathology by cleaving NEMO in brain endothelial cells
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-021-00926-1

The study shows that SARS-CoV-2 destroys the small blood vessels in the brain. Therefore, many post-Covid symptoms may only appear years later.

2021-10-18 - Flower lose, a cell fitness marker, predicts COVID-19 prognosis
https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.15252/emmm.202013714

Researchers have discovered a biomarker that can determine whether a Covid-19 infection will be mild or severe. This could help vulnerable individuals take additional measures to further minimize the risk. However, to forego vaccination because of this would still be a fatal mistake, as other factors also play a role in severe cases. Additionally, many asymptomatic individuals later suffer from Long Covid consequences.

2021-10-14 - A public health strategy for SARS-CoV-2, grounded in science, should guide Swiss schools through the coming winter
https://smw.ch/article/doi/SMW.2021.w30086

I am curious to see if Austria will also take measures to prevent children from getting infected during the winter.
Sure, children mostly have mild courses of the disease. However, there are occasional severe cases, and Long COVID can happen to anyone.

2021-10-13 - Short-term and Long-term Rates of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784918

Large study with 250,000 evaluated cases on Long COVID symptoms.

More than half of the hospital patients still suffer from psychiatric, pulmonary, or neurological disorders after 6 months.

Long COVID was the main reason for me as a young, relatively fit athlete to get vaccinated.

2021-10-11 - French study of over 22m people finds vaccines cut severe Covid risk by 90%
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/11/french-study-vaccines-cut-covid-deaths

2021-10-07 - Protection Across Age Groups of BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster against Covid-19
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.07.21264626v1

A study from Israel shows the high effectiveness of the BioNTech/Pfizer booster vaccination.

2021-10-05 - Understanding the effectiveness of government interventions against the resurgence of COVID-19 in Europe
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26013-4

2021-10-05 - One-year Risks and Burdens of Incident Cardiovascular Disease in COVID-19: Cardiovascular Manifestations of Long COVID
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-940278/v1

Even a year after a COVID-19 infection, there is an increased risk of permanent cardiovascular problems. Researchers warned of such risks quite early in the pandemic, and the disease affects people of all ages.

2021-09-29 - No Significant Difference in Viral Load Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated, Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Groups Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.28.21264262v1

This study shows that infected vaccinated people have a similar viral load as unvaccinated people. Although the viral load decreases faster, and the particles shed are less infectious, there is still an increased risk of infection for unvaccinated people when measures are relaxed, such as discontinuing the use of FFP2 masks in vaccinated people. The best solution is to maintain measures for everyone and get vaccinated.

In the worst case: lockdown for unvaccinated people.

2021-09-24 - Preliminary research finds that even mild cases of COVID-19 leave a mark on the brain – but it’s not yet clear how long it lasts
https://theconversation.com/preliminary-research-finds-that-even-mild-cases-of-covid-19-leave-a-mark-on-the-brain-but-its-not-yet-clear-how-long-it-lasts-166145

The chance is high that there will be an increased number of Alzheimer's patients in the future due to brain damage caused by COVID-19, even in mild cases.

2021-09-21 - Vaccine effectiveness and duration of protection of Comirnaty, Vaxzevria and Spikevax against mild and severe COVID-19 in the UK
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.15.21263583v1

2021-09-15 - Protection of BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster against Covid-19 in Israel
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2114255

2021-09-14 - Study links severe COVID-19 to increase in self-attacking antibodies
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/09/covid-19-autoantibodies.html

This Stanford study once again shows that the statement about having a strong immune system against the disease has absolutely no value. One in five patients who require hospital treatment develop autoantibodies that harm the body itself. Vaccinated individuals have the advantage that their acquired immune system attacks the pathogen directly.

2021-09-14 - Prevention of host-to-host transmission by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1473309921004722

2021-09-14 - Daily testing for contacts of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and attendance and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in English secondary schools and colleges: an open-label, cluster-randomised trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01908-5/fulltext

2021-09-09 - Long COVID and kidney disease
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-021-00487-3

There are often chronic inflammation and injuries in the kidneys of many SARS-CoV-2 patients, which can lead to a progressive decline in kidney function.

2021-09-09 - Face masks for COVID pass their largest test yet
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02457-y

2021-09-08 - The Pandemic of the Unvaccinated

The global COVID-19 vaccination campaign has led to measures in many countries that impose certain restrictions on the unvaccinated. Let’s take a closer look at whether this is a justified approach.

Despite the widespread availability of vaccines, only about 40% of the total population has chosen to get vaccinated. This means that not even half of the people are willing to be vaccinated.

So, 40% adhere to all the rules. Let’s assume that about 10% cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons; that leaves approximately 50% who consciously choose not to get vaccinated. Action is needed here because why should half of the population continue to live with many restrictions just because the other half refuses to be part of the solution?

In some countries, like ours in Austria, measures are in place where vaccinated individuals have more rights than the unvaccinated. This is actually intended to protect the unvaccinated from infecting each other.

Everyone can form their own opinion about such measures. I find it entirely understandable and justified, not just from a health perspective but also from an economic one.

For vaccinated people, the vaccination has practically ended the pandemic. Breakthrough infections are very rare, and even if an infection occurs, it is usually mild. The vaccine provides excellent protection against severe illness, strengthens the immune system, and it would be unreasonable and illogical not to get vaccinated.

2021-09-08 - New Corona Alert System: Strong Restrictions for Unvaccinated Individuals
https://www.diepresse.com/6030890/neuer-corona-stufenplan-starke-einschrankungen-fur-ungeimpfte

The new measures in Austria are:
FFP2 mask mandate for unvaccinated individuals in all stores | for vaccinated individuals only in grocery stores/drugstores.
Antigen tests are valid for only 24 hours.

Additional measures at 15% occupancy of intensive care units:
Only vaccinated and recovered individuals are allowed in nightlife venues and events with more than 500 people.
Self-tests are no longer accepted as proof of the 3G rule.

Additional measures at 20% occupancy of intensive care units:
Unvaccinated individuals need a negative PCR test for the 3G rule.
Antigen tests and self-tests are no longer accepted as proof of the 3G rule.
All measures will be more strictly enforced.

(3G rule means Vaccinated, Recovered, Tested = Geimpft, Genesen, Getestet)

2021-09-07 - Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01490-8

Further analysis that clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of vaccination during pregnancy.
96% efficacy against illness and 89% efficacy against severe cases in individuals with symptomatic infections.

As pregnant individuals often experience high blood pressure towards the end of their pregnancy and are potential risk groups, vaccination is highly recommended to protect both the mother and the child.

2021-09-07 - Ineffective neutralization of the SARS-CoV-2 Mu variant by convalescent and vaccine sera
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.06.459005v1

More antibodies are needed to neutralize the Mu variant. However, Mu is currently less contagious than the dominant variants and is therefore unlikely to prevail over the Delta variant.

2021-09-07 - 90% of COVID-19 Hospitalizations are Unvaccinated Individuals
https://de.statista.com/infografik/25708/anteil-wahrscheinlicher-impfdurchbrueche-an-hospitalisierten-covid-19-faellen/

2021-09-03 - Drosten: "You could vaccinate this pandemic away"
https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/info/Coronavirus-Update-Drosten-Erste-Podcast-Folge-nach-der-Sommerpause-,coronavirusupdate204.html

2021-09-01 - Increased risk of severe clinical course of COVID-19 in carriers of HLA-C*04:01
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00379-5/fulltext

Study shows that genetic characteristics could also favor a severe course of the disease, in addition to risk factors. This could explain why some people (non-risk patients) hardly develop symptoms, while others become seriously ill. When examining more than 400 infected individuals, some of whom had severe and some mild courses, the researchers focused on the Human Leukocyte Antigen system.

The HLA system plays an important role in the immune system in the immune response. Carriers of a specific HLA sub-type called HLA-C*04:01 have twice the risk of requiring artificial ventilation after an infection compared to individuals who do not have this gene variant.

2021-09-01 - Risk factors and disease profile of post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection in UK users of the COVID Symptom Study app: a prospective, community-based, nested, case-control study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00460-6/fulltext

After vaccination, the risk of LongCovid is significantly reduced in infected individuals.

2021-09-01 - WHO monitoring new coronavirus variant named Mu
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/01/who-monitoring-new-coronavirus-variant-named-mu

The Mu variant (B.1.621) was included as a VOI (Variant of Interest) by the WHO on 2021-08-30 after being discovered in 39 countries (first identified in Colombia in January 2021). The Mu variant has a group of mutations that could impair the effectiveness of vaccines. This variant could also be a problem for people who have already recovered.

2021-08-31 - Systemic COVID-19 vaccination also enhances the humoral immune response after SARS CoV-2 infection. An approach to criteria for COVID-19 re-immunization is needed. Do we need a third dose?
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-858160/v1

The levels of antibodies in vaccinated individuals vary greatly. It would be worth considering giving the third booster vaccination only to people with low neutralizing antibody levels for the time being.

2021-08-30 - Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response Following Vaccination With BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2783797

This study shows that the Moderna vaccine is more effective than the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. This could be due to the increased mRNA content in mRNA-1273 compared to BNT162b and the longer interval between vaccinations (Moderna 4 weeks - BioNTech/Pfizer 3 weeks).

2021-08-28 - Understanding long COVID: a modern medical challenge
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01900-0/fulltext

Even a year after infection, many patients still suffer from Long COVID.

2021-08-27 - Risk of thrombocytopenia and thromboembolism after covid-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 positive testing: self-controlled case series study
https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1931

Initially, there was a great outcry as there was a temporal (although not always causal) association between rare venous thromboses and vaccinations with vector vaccines. This Oxford study shows that the risk of developing a venous thrombosis after infection is almost 200 times higher than after vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

A vaccination is never worse than the disease.

2021-08-27 - Hospital admission and emergency care attendance risk for SARS-CoV-2 delta (B.1.617.2) compared with alpha (B.1.1.7) variants of concern: a cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00475-8/fulltext

This large cohort study from the UK shows that patients infected with the Delta variant had a higher risk of hospital admission or emergency care attendance compared to the Alpha variant.

2021-08-25 - Comparing SARS-CoV-2 natural immunity to vaccine-induced immunity: reinfections versus breakthrough infections
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.24.21262415v1

A study from Israel shows that the mRNA vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer loses effectiveness over time and breakthrough infections occur more frequently after 6-8 months compared to re-infections.

Is natural immunity better? No! The disadvantage here is that one has to get sick once and risk long COVID or severe courses.

The solution: booster vaccinations for at-risk patients.

2021-08-24 - Impact of Delta on viral burden and vaccine effectiveness against new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the UK
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.18.21262237v1

While the Delta variant reduces the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, protection against severe courses is still given.

2021-08-24 - The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa: a new lineage with rapid accumulation of mutations of concern and global detection
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.20.21262342v1.full

A new SARS-CoV-2 variant (C.1.2) has been identified in South Africa and several other countries. Whether the variant is more infectious than Delta is currently unclear. What is known is that the new variant has the highest mutation rate of all variants and is genetically the furthest removed from the original virus.

2021-08-23 - COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics Among Close Contacts of Index Patients With COVID-19
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2783099

Infected individuals are most contagious, especially during the first 2 days before and 3 days after symptom onset.

2021-08-23 - mRNA Vaccination Induces Durable Immune Memory to SARS-CoV-2 with Continued Evolution to Variants of Concern
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.23.457229v1

An important study showing that vaccinations (tested here: mRNA vaccinated individuals) elicit strong immune responses from memory T and B cells, even when antibody levels were low. This shows once again that antibodies are not everything that counts.

However, the immune response does gradually decrease over time, especially in older individuals. Timely boosters for high-risk patients are important. For young individuals and non-high-risk groups, a booster is probably not necessarily needed.

2021-08-23 - Germany: Hospital occupancy rate rather than incidence rate is crucial
https://orf.at/stories/3225892/

In Germany, the incidence rate is no longer the benchmark for tightening measures; instead, the hospitalization rate is. 90% of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection are unvaccinated. It is the "pandemic of the unvaccinated."

With the abolition of the incidence rate, Germany is now deliberately accepting the spread of the virus among all unvaccinated individuals.

One could say that they are getting what they deserve, but there are groups of people who cannot or should not be vaccinated, such as immunosuppressed individuals and children.

Aside from that, it is also quite risky to risk overwhelming the healthcare system, which can also affect vaccinated individuals.

2021-08-21 - Virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infections in healthcare workers
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.20.21262158v1

Further investigation into vaccine breakthroughs shows, as with previous studies, that CT values increase during the first three days of illness, reducing infectivity. A new finding is that infectious virus shedding is reduced in these rare vaccine breakthrough infections, as the virus replicates less frequently in vaccinated individuals.

Therefore, even if vaccinated individuals initially exhibit similar CT values to unvaccinated individuals, vaccinated persons are still less infectious than unvaccinated infected individuals. It can be concluded that the effect will be even weaker in persons without breakthrough infection.

2021-08-19 - Similar patterns of [18F]-FDG brain PET hypometabolism in paediatric and adult patients with long COVID: a paediatric case series
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00259-021-05528-4

2021-08-19 - Vaccine breakthroughs in Austria
https://www.ages.at/download/0/0/dc4fcfaa5365ce54f70b9d877a98940c4ac088a1/fileadmin/AGES2015/Themen/Krankheitserreger_Dateien/Coronavirus/Impfdurchbruch/Impfdurchbr%C3%BCche_2021-08-19.pdf

Out of a total of 4,549,023 vaccinations in Austria, there were 227,178 vaccine breakthroughs (150,224 of which were symptomatic).

It is clear that there is a dark figure (in which infected persons will mainly be asymptomatic).
But based on this data, there are (rounded up) only 5% vaccine breakthroughs in Austria.

These excellent data demonstrate the efficacy of all approved vaccines to be 95%.

2021-08-19 - New SARS-CoV-2 variants have changed the pandemic. What will the virus do next?
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/08/new-sars-cov-2-variants-have-changed-pandemic-what-will-virus-do-next

What's next for the variants? Predicting is just as difficult as it was 1 1/2 years ago. Initially, it seemed that the small mutations would hardly make a difference. Now, the much more contagious Delta variant dominates worldwide. There is a possibility that this virus will continue to adapt and become even more contagious. It is also not ruled out that the virus could become deadlier. Many data already indicate that Delta is deadlier than the previously dominant variants.

2021-08-18 - Pre-activated antiviral innate immunity in the upper airways controls early SARS-CoV-2 infection in children
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-01037-9

Non-specific immune defenses in children respond faster than in adults when a COVID-19 infection occurs.
The viruses are detected early in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, triggering an immune response. This could be one of the main reasons why children suffer from milder symptoms.

2021-08-17 - Israeli data: How can efficacy vs. severe disease be strong when 60% of hospitalized are vaccinated?
https://www.covid-datascience.com/post/israeli-data-how-can-efficacy-vs-severe-disease-be-strong-when-60-of-hospitalized-are-vaccinated

Another great explanation of how numbers are currently being misinterpreted in Israel.

2021-08-17 - SARS-CoV-2 delta variant neutralisation after heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01891-2/fulltext

Another study showing that the heterologous vaccination regimen (AstraZeneca - BioNTech/Pfizer) delivers a robust immune response against the Delta variant.

Since many older people and at-risk patients in Austria were initially vaccinated twice with AstraZeneca, a booster vaccination with one of the approved mRNA vaccines would now be worthwhile.

2021-08-16 - Association of Age and Pediatric Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2783022

The analysis of this study of 6,280 households shows that children under the age of 3 are more infectious than older children.

2021-08-16 - Redox imbalance links COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
https://www.pnas.org/content/118/34/e2024358118

As with chronic fatigue syndrome, many COVID-19 patients also have long-lasting symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog due to neuroinflammation.

2021-08-11 - Randomized Trial of a Third Dose of mRNA-1273 Vaccine in Transplant Recipients
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2111462

This study shows that a third booster shot is effective and useful in transplant recipients. It will come down to the fact that at-risk patients will also receive a third vaccination with us.

2021-08-10 - Persistent Endotheliopathy in the Pathogenesis of Long COVID Syndrome
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jth.15490

A new study on Long Covid shows that persistent endotheliopathy (disruption of the blood-brain barrier) is common in COVID-19, which could explain the fatigue and memory impairments in many patients.

2021-08-10 - Full vaccination suppresses SARS-CoV-2 delta variant mutation frequency
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.08.21261768v1

Another study showing that fewer mutations occur when many people are vaccinated.

2021-08-06 - The vaccination against COVID-19 in Germany shows high effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infections, disease burden, and deaths (analysis of vaccine effects from January to July 2021)
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/EpidBull/Archiv/2021/Ausgaben/35_21.pdf

Estimation from the RKI shows the high effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

2021-08-05 - COVID vaccine boosters: the most important questions
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02158-6

Many questions are still unanswered regarding whether booster vaccinations will be necessary for everyone. The focus should be on ensuring that poorer countries are also adequately supplied with vaccines.

2021-08-05 - 6-month mortality and readmissions of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A nationwide cohort study of 8,679 patients in Germany
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255427

Out of 8,679 patients in Germany who had to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 (average age 72 years), 2,161 (24.9%) died.

2021-08-03 - Only 1,560 vaccine breakthrough cases out of more than 266,000 vaccinations in Austria
https://www.ages.at/download/0/0/28593df8426f20e15331bbed22773087a82257eb/fileadmin/AGES2015/Themen/Krankheitserreger_Dateien/Coronavirus/Impfdurchbruch/Impfdurchbr%C3%BCche.pdf

When counting the J&J single vaccination breakthroughs, there are only 1,656 breakthrough cases out of 266,000 vaccinations in Austria. This means that the vaccine effectiveness is around 91%. Only 0.6% of vaccinated individuals developed symptoms. These are great news!

A weakened immune system due to cancer therapies was the most common reason for a vaccine breakthrough. Here, the body is less able to react to the vaccine and cannot build up a sufficient antibody response. Nevertheless, the vaccine still provides protection against severe disease even in these individuals!

2021-07-31 - Virological and serological kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant vaccine-breakthrough infections: a multi-center cohort study
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.28.21261295v1

Vaccination against COVID-19 is associated with a faster decline in viral RNA load and a robust serological response. This should finally put to rest the much-shared false claim that vaccinated individuals are as contagious as unvaccinated ones. Additionally, this study once again shows the high effectiveness of vaccines against severe disease. Even in breakthrough cases, the probability of severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen supplementation was significantly lower after vaccination. And this despite the higher age of individuals in the breakthrough group.

2021-07-28 - Six Month Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.28.21261159v1

A study on the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine shows that effectiveness drops from 96% to 84% within 4 months. However, this is mainly attributed to the different variants. An adapted booster vaccination to the mutants is becoming more and more of a topic.

2021-07-28 - SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant exhibits higher infectivity and immune resistance
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.28.454085v1.full

Laboratory data show that the Lambda variant is more infectious than the wild type, but less so than the Delta variant. It remains to be seen whether this will also be reflected in the real world. Laboratory data should always be treated with caution.

2021-07-27 - Risk of Myocarditis from COVID-19 Infection in People Under Age 20: A Population-Based Analysis
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.23.21260998v1

Anyone who fears (very rare) myocarditis after vaccination should be even more afraid of a COVID-19 infection. The risk of developing myocarditis is significantly higher in this case.

2021-07-26 - Long covid-mechanisms, risk factors, and management
https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1648

2021-07-24 - Global Surge in Cases Due to COVID-19 Variant

The original SARS-CoV-2 variant has almost completely disappeared. The Delta variant has now taken the lead, accounting for about 95% of all infections. 

Due to the higher transmissibility of the Delta variant, many countries are reporting a rise in new infections. Fortunately, vaccines are still considered highly effective, even against the Delta variant, though their effectiveness against symptomatic cases may slightly decrease. Still, all approved vaccines continue to provide around 95% protection against severe cases and hospitalizations. The fact that mild infections are now possible with the Delta variant doesn’t mean the vaccines have lost their value.

The exception, where the vaccine is less effective—and this was the case even before the Delta variant—is in patients with multiple preexisting conditions or those who are immunosuppressed, as well as people who get infected shortly after vaccination, when the vaccines haven’t yet had the chance to fully take effect. The likelihood of severe illness or a breakthrough infection in fully vaccinated individuals remains very low.

It is still crucial to get vaccinated if you have the opportunity. Variants like Delta always arise in countries with lower vaccination rates. And while Delta is far more contagious than the original strain, transmission of the virus is significantly lower in fully vaccinated individuals compared to those who are unvaccinated. The unvaccinated population remains the primary driver of the pandemic.

Check Your Sources

Even reliable data can be misleadingly interpreted. Recently, various media outlets claimed that 40 to 50% of hospital admissions were among vaccinated people. These are misleading statements that only tell half the story. In reality, this is actually a positive sign, showing that vaccination rates are higher and that the overall number of cases is lower thanks to the vaccines.

Here’s an analogy: If, since the introduction of seatbelt laws, only people wearing seatbelts die in car accidents, does that mean seatbelts are useless?

Stay calm, but take the situation seriously. The pandemic is far from over. Special measures are still important to contain the spread of the virus andto protect yourself and others.

We know what to do:
Get vaccinated as soon as you have the opportunity.
Continue wearing face masks.
Maintain sufficient distance from others.
Do not spread false information. If you're not sure if the information is true, don't say anything at all.

2021-07-23 - Children with SARS-CoV-2 in the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.19.21260767v2

Study on the severity of the disease in 728,047 children up to the age of 19 shows that 6% also have to be hospitalized. Of these, 13% suffered severe courses. The risk factors for this were overweight, male gender, and African American descent.

2021-07-22 - Cognitive deficits in people who have recovered from COVID-19
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00324-2/fulltext

Study shows long-lasting cognitive deficits in people who have recovered from COVID-19. Even people with mild courses of the disease are affected.

2021-07-21 - Sustained T Cell Immunity, Protection and Boosting Using Extended Dosing Intervals of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3891065

Even with the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine, a higher vaccination effectiveness is shown when the interval between the 1st and 2nd doses is extended. In Austria, the interval was extended to 12 weeks for AstraZeneca. It would also be advisable for the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine to avoid vaccine breakthroughs.

2021-07-21 - Effectiveness of Covid-19 Vaccines against the B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2108891

The effectiveness of vaccines against symptomatic infection only decreases slightly with the Delta variant.

With full immunization (2 vaccine doses) of BioNTech/Pfizer, effectiveness drops from 94% to 88%, and from 75% to 67% with AstraZeneca. Protection against severe courses is still guaranteed with both vaccines.

2021-07-21 - Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from Children and Adolescents
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2031915

2021-07-20 - Three New Estimates of India’s All-Cause Excess Mortality during the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.cgdev.org/publication/three-new-estimates-indias-all-cause-excess-mortality-during-covid-19-pandemic

The number of COVID-19 fatalities in India could be up to 10 times higher than previously assumed. Instead of the previously recorded 415,000 deaths, the death toll could be 4.7 million.

Many deaths were not recorded due to the overload of the health system.

2021-07-20 - Screening for SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Before a Live Indoor Music Concert: An Observational Study
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M21-2278

Study shows that rapid tests, optimized indoor ventilation, and face masks ensure that infected people are identified before a live music concert. If individual infected people are still present, face masks help to neutralize super-spreaders.

2021-07-19 - Comparison of Neutralizing Antibody Titers Elicited by mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 Variants
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.19.452771v1

A study on the effectiveness against the Delta variant clearly shows the benefit of the second vaccine dose. The titer of neutralizing antibodies in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (1 dose) is significantly lower than in BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna (both 2 doses). A second dose would also increase efficacy for J&J.

2021-07-17 - Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 is Associated with Long-term Clinical Outcome in Patients with COVID-19: a Longitudinal Study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10875-021-01083-7

Especially in individuals with a weak antibody response, in severe cases, and in women, long-COVID symptoms are more common. This is and has always been the primary reason for me to get vaccinated quickly. As vaccinations produce a stronger antibody response, it is less likely to develop long-COVID if exposed to the virus. This also explains why many of the long-COVID symptoms in infected individuals improve after vaccination.

2013-07-13 - I got my second vaccination against COVID-19

Today, I received my second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19, and according to current health recommendations, I am now considered fully immunized against COVID-19. 

Although my original wish for a heterologous vaccination — that is, the combination of a viral vector vaccine and an mRNA vaccine — didn’t come true, the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine still provides robust immune protection. Every vaccination is aimed at further strengthening my immune system and significantly reducing the risk of a severe course or prolonged illness. This means that, in the worst-case scenario, I would only experience a mild illness if I were to contract COVID-19 now.

Whether additional vaccinations will be necessary in the future remains to be seen. This is where the great advantage of the current conditional market approvals for vaccines lies. Adjustments to the vaccination regimen can be made quickly if scientific data shows that a different strategy proves more effective.

One thing is certain: With each vaccination, you strengthen your immune system, and the most important vaccination is always the very first one against a virus strain. From that point onward, the acquired immune system is actively trained to fight the pathogen.

As always, I encourage everyone to get vaccinated to stand stronger as a community against this virus and to speed up the return to normalcy.

Update a few days later: This time, by the way, I didn’t experience any vaccine reactions.

2021-07-12 - Flu jab protects against some of the severe effects of COVID-19, including ICU admissions, sepsis and strokes
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-07-flu-jab-severe-effects-covid-.html

Further analysis (from ECCMID - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases) shows that flu vaccinations can prevent severe COVID-19 cases. As with other studies and analyses before, it is suspected that the innate immune system is strengthened by the flu vaccine, which could be an advantage in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

2021-07-12 - Long Covid: Early findings bring hope for diagnostic tests
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-57776010

It is estimated that 385,000 people in the UK have been suffering from long-COVID symptoms for more than a year. It affects people of all ages, including children and previously healthy individuals. Long-COVID patients initially experienced only mild symptoms after infection.

2021-07-12 - How common are long-term effects of a coronavirus infection?
https://www.quarks.de/gesundheit/medizin/langzeitschaeden-von-covid-19-was-wir-wissen-und-was-nicht/

2021-07-12 - Progressive Increase in Virulence of Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Ontario, Canada
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.05.21260050v2

Not only is the Delta variant more contagious, but it also causes more severe cases in infected individuals.

2021-07-12 - Viral infection and transmission in a large well-traced outbreak caused by the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.07.21260122v1

The Delta variant seems to spread so quickly mainly due to the increased viral load at the beginning of the infection. The viral load is estimated to be ~1000 times higher than in the original variant.

2021-07-11 - ‘Their childhood has been stolen’: calls for action to tackle long Covid
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jul/11/their-childhood-has-been-stolen-calls-for-action-to-tackle-long-covid

Article on long COVID in children and the current situation in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 7 to 9% of children develop some long-term COVID symptoms. However, measures will soon be further relaxed. Given how much children have had to sacrifice in the last year and a half, it would be a crime, due to high vaccination rates among adults, to cause a wave of infections among children as a result of too many relaxations. This must not happen in Austria either.

2021-07-07 - Mass infection is not an option: we must do more to protect our young
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01589-0/fulltext

2021-07-07 - Assessment of Prolonged Physiological and Behavioral Changes Associated With COVID-19 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2781687

2021-07-05 - Persistent symptoms in adult patients one year after COVID-19: a prospective cohort study
https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciab611/6315216

2021-07-05 - COVID-19 vaccines dampen genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2: Unvaccinated patients exhibit more antigenic mutational variance
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.01.21259833v1

Here's a study that proves the opposite of what COVID deniers often claim: that vaccination increases the selection pressure on the virus, thus favoring the formation of new dangerous variants. In fact, vaccinations even slow down the development of new variants. Variant formation occurs in unvaccinated individuals who are infected.

2021-07-01 - Announcement by the STIKO on COVID-19 vaccination: vaccination interval and heterologous vaccination schedule after initial vaccination with Vaxzevria
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Kommissionen/STIKO/Empfehlungen/PM_2021-07-01.html

The German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has changed its recommendation for those who have received their first AstraZeneca vaccination. The second vaccination should now be an mRNA vaccine. It's a shame that Austria is (still) not considering this recommendation. There are now enough data showing that the heterologous vaccination schedule is highly effective and safe.

2021-06-30 - Safety and Efficacy of NVX-CoV2373 Covid-19 Vaccine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2107659

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (an inactivated vaccine with genetically engineered virus antigen nanoparticle technology) is 89% effective. The vaccine prevents hospitalization and death at a rate of 100%.

2021-06-30 - CureVac's data from the final analysis of the Phase 2b/3 study for CVnCoV, the first-generation vaccine candidate, shows effectiveness in age group 18 to 60 years
https://www.curevac.com/2021/06/30/curevacs-daten-der-finalen-analyse-der-phase-2b-3-studie-fuer-cvncov-den-impfstoffkandidaten-der-ersten-generation-zeigen-schutzwirkung-in-altersgruppe-von-18-bis-60-jahren/

Final data from CureVac's mRNA vaccine have been published. Overall, the vaccine has an efficacy of only 48% against symptomatic COVID.

The vaccine shows an efficacy of 77% against severe disease in individuals aged 18-60. The vaccine is 100% effective against hospitalization and death in this age group.

Whether the data is sufficient for approval remains to be seen.

2021-06-28 - The Safety of COVID-19 Vaccinations—We Should Rethink the Policy
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/9/7/705/htm

It's a shame that such a flawed study made it through the peer-review process.
I've already made bets with a few people. I say: the study will be retracted in no more than a week.

Update from 2021-07-02: The study was retracted.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/9/7/729

2021-06-26 - The Vaccination Book for Everyone: New, free non-fiction book by the RKI and BZgA
https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/fileadmin/Dateien/5_Publikationen/Gesundheit/Broschueren/BMG_Impfbuch-fuer-alle_210602_bf.pdf

The vaccination book provides sound answers to questions about the corona protection vaccine, as well as evidence-based information on other vaccines.

2021-06-25 - Safety and Immunogenicity Report from the Com-COV Study – a Single-Blind Randomised Non-Inferiority Trial Comparing Heterologous And Homologous Prime-Boost Schedules with An Adenoviral Vectored and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3874014

Another study on the heterologous vaccine regimen compared to the homologous vaccine regimen.

The highest antibody levels were achieved with: *
- BioNTech-Pfizer / BioNTech-Pfizer
- AstraZeneca / BioNTech-Pfizer
- BioNTech-Pfizer / AstraZeneca
- AstraZeneca / AstraZeneca

The highest T-cell responses were achieved with: *
- AstraZeneca / BioNTech-Pfizer
- BioNTech-Pfizer / AstraZeneca
- BioNTech-Pfizer / BioNTech-Pfizer
- AstraZeneca / AstraZeneca
- 1st dose / 2nd dose

The only criticism of the study is that the interval between the first and second dose was always 28 days, which means that the data for the two AstraZeneca vaccinations cannot be compared correctly, as there are already enough study data showing that a 3-month interval significantly improves effectiveness.

In principle, I would say that a heterologous vaccination schedule is absolutely recommended.

2021-06-25 - Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of BNT162b2 booster in ChAdOx1-S-primed participants (CombiVacS): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01420-3/fulltext

Spanish CombiVacS study. The participants received the AstraZeneca vaccine as their first dose and the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine as their second dose. This was done because Spain has currently suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

This study examined the tolerability of the combination and the comparison of the heterologous vaccination schedule to a single dose of AstraZeneca. As with previous studies, the combination was well-tolerated, and the immunogenicity parameters were excellent.

2021-06-24 - Nearly All COVID Deaths in US Are Now Among Unvaccinated
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-06-24/nearly-all-covid-deaths-in-us-are-now-among-unvaccinated

2021-06-23 - Long COVID in a prospective cohort of home-isolated patients
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01433-3

Another study on Long Covid, this time from Norway. Here too, it is shown that 60% of those affected still have symptoms such as concentration disorders and lung problems 6 months later.

2021-06-21 - Dysregulation of brain and choroid plexus cell types in severe COVID-19
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03710-0

Possibly, concentration weaknesses and speech disorders in Long Covid patients are due to inflammation in the brain.

2021-06-20 - The Green Pass: Austria opens up with simple, secure, and verifiable certificates and 3-G proofs (3G rule means Vaccinated, Recovered, Tested = Geimpft, Genesen, Getestet)
https://www.gruenerpass.gv.at/

The green pass is now available nationwide in Austria and will be valid throughout Europe from July. Initially, it only worked for those tested and recovered. Since today, it is also available for vaccinated individuals.

The web app "Green Check" is available to verify the validity of the QR codes from the certificates:
https://greencheck.gv.at/

2021-06-17 - Sperm Parameters Before and After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2781360

As COVID-19 infection can lead to erectile dysfunction, it has now been investigated whether this could also occur through vaccination.

The evaluation shows that there were no decreases in sperm parameters in the vaccinated individuals. The subjects received all mRNA vaccines, either from BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) or mRNA-1273 (Moderna).

It would be highly unlikely for the vaccine to affect sperm parameters, as the vaccines only contain mRNA and not the live virus.

2021-06-16 - CureVac provides status update on phase 2b/3 study for first-generation CVnCoV vaccine candidate
https://www.curevac.com/2021/06/16/curevac-gibt-status-update-zur-phase-2b-3-studie-fuer-impfstoffkandidat-der-ersten-generation-cvncov-bekannt/

In an interim analysis, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from the Tübingen-based pharmaceutical company CureVac showed a preliminary efficacy of only 47% against symptomatic COVID-19.

The fact that the vaccine has such low efficacy can be attributed, among other things, to the circulating variants, as the original variant is hardly present anymore, according to CureVac's assumption.

However, it is more likely that the mRNA vaccine from CureVac, unlike Moderna or BioNTech/Pfizer, is much more unstable and is already partially degraded before it is translated in the body. With Moderna and BionTech/Pfizer, each uracil in the synthetic mRNA sequences was replaced with a pseudouridine, which increases the stability of the mRNA. This is just one of several modifications to the sequences that CureVac did not make. The natural, unmodified mRNA is likely to be degraded before it reaches the ribosomes - a pity, because I would have wished for success for the Tübingen-based pharmaceutical company, the pioneer of mRNA technology.

2021-06-14 - Vaccines highly effective against hospitalisation from Delta variant
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vaccines-highly-effective-against-hospitalisation-from-delta-variant

Full vaccination with BioNTech/Pfizer or AstraZeneca prevents more than 90% of hospital admissions and severe courses of illness when infected with the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), according to British data analysis. The effectiveness is about as high as with the previously dominant Alpha variant.

2021-06-14 - SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC in Scotland: demographics, risk of hospital admission, and vaccine effectiveness
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01358-1/fulltext

2021-06-14 - Naturally enhanced neutralizing breadth against SARS-CoV-2 one year after infection
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03696-9

Even one year after COVID-19 infection and subsequent mRNA vaccination, there is still stable protection through neutralizing antibodies. Additional vaccine doses seem to contribute to being well protected against various variants.

2021-06-12 - Covid: Is there a limit to how much worse variants can get?
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-57431420

A graphic shows how much more infectious the Delta variant is compared to other variants, the wild type, and other diseases.

2021-06-09 - Immunogenicity of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants in humans
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03681-2

Even though some variants, such as Beta (B.1.351) or Gamma (P1), are partially resistant to neutralizing antibodies, memory T-cells ensure a strong immune response.

2021-06-08 - Antibodies elicited by mRNA-1273 vaccination bind more broadly to the receptor binding domain than do those from SARS-CoV-2 infection
https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/early/2021/06/08/scitranslmed.abi9915.1

Although the neutralizing antibodies produced by the mRNA vaccination are targeted more specifically to the binding site of the viral spike protein, the immune response after vaccination is still more robust than in individuals who have recovered from the disease.

2021-06-04 - The World Mortality Dataset: Tracking excess mortality across countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.27.21250604v3

Evaluations from the "World Mortality Dataset" show excess mortality in countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is clear that hard lockdowns are necessary. The countries hit the hardest were Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, and Bolivia, with excess mortality rates of over 50%.

2021-06-02 - Safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of homologous and heterologous prime-boost immunisation with ChAdOx1-nCoV19 and BNT162b2: a prospective cohort study
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.19.21257334v2

A study from the Charité in Berlin on the heterologous vaccination scheme with the first dose of BioNTech/Pfizer and the second dose of AstraZeneca at an interval of 10-12 weeks shows good tolerability and immune response.

2021-06-01 - Heterologous ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and BNT162b2 prime-boost vaccination elicits potent neutralizing antibody responses and T cell reactivity
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.30.21257971v1

2021-05-31 - WHO announces simple, easy-to-say labels for SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Interest and Concern
https://www.who.int/news/item/31-05-2021-who-announces-simple-easy-to-say-labels-for-sars-cov-2-variants-of-interest-and-concern

The WHO has introduced a new naming system for COVID-19 mutations to prevent discrimination against affected countries. The former "British variant" is now called "Alpha". The former "South African variant" is now called "Beta".

2021-05-31 - Vaccine contaminated: Don't freak out, please!
https://www.doccheck.com/de/detail/articles/33427-impfstoff-verunreinigt-nicht-ausflippen-bitte

2021-05-28 - First COVID-19 vaccine approved for children aged 12 to 15 in EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/first-covid-19-vaccine-approved-children-aged-12-15-eu

Green light from the EU Medicines Agency EMA for COVID-19 vaccinations by BioNTech/Pfizer for minors aged 12 years and older.

2021-05-27 - Reduced sensitivity of infectious SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617.2 to monoclonal antibodies and sera from convalescent and vaccinated individuals
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.26.445838v1

According to this study from Paris, convalescents and vaccinated individuals may be less protected against the Indian variant. AstraZeneca performed particularly poorly here. The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine was also 3 to 6 times less effective. However, protection against a severe course of the disease is likely to be sufficient.

2021-05-25 - Statement on possible infections in SARS-CoV2 vaccinated individuals and on the immunity of convalescents
https://www.g-f-v.org/node/1480

2021-05-25 - Impacts of social distancing policies on mobility and COVID-19 case growth in the US
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23404-5

Further analysis from the US once again proves the effectiveness of lockdowns and the meaningfulness of specific measures such as social distancing.

2021-05-25 - SARS-CoV-2: Which groups of people are potentially the most contagious
https://www.charite.de/service/pressemitteilung/artikel/detail/sars_cov_2_welche_personengruppen_potenziell_am_ansteckendsten_sind/

A study with 25,000 patients by Christian Drosten and the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows that children and adults are about equally contagious. There were no significant differences in the viral load of the infected.

2021-05-24 - SARS-CoV-2 infection induces long-lived bone marrow plasma cells in humans
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03647-4

Even months after a COVID-19 infection, memory B cells for a rapid immune response are present in the bone marrow of convalescent patients, even if the antibodies have already decreased.

2021-05-22 - SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/988619/Variants_of_Concern_VOC_Technical_Briefing_12_England.pdf

The AstraZeneca and BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines have been found to be effective against the Indian variant. (~81% efficacy after 2nd dose)

2021-05-20 - Face masks effectively limit the probability of SARS-CoV-2 transmission
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2021/05/19/science.abg6296

The higher the viral load, the less normal face masks protect. It's best to stick with FFP2 masks and additional protective measures.

2021-05-20 - COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report-Week 20
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/988193/Vaccine_surveillance_report_-_week_20.pdf

New data (involving 50 million people) shows that AstraZeneca and BioNTech/Pfizer, after the second dose (2xAZ or 2xBNT/P), provide 85-90% protection against symptomatic infection.

This should finally put statements like "second-class vaccine," which are repeatedly associated with AstraZeneca, in the past. Because the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine was the first authorized COVID-19 vaccine, there were quickly many data on its effectiveness. Now, more and more data on the AstraZeneca vaccine are emerging, and the results are very satisfactory. Even after the first dose, both vaccines already protect up to 70% against symptomatic infection.

2021-05-20 - Pre-pandemic cognitive function and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: cohort study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159121001975

Let's put it this way: "You can't fix stupid."

2021-05-19 - Many rules for the big reopening
https://wien.orf.at/stories/3104315/

Austria is opening up again!
The number of daily new infections is steadily decreasing, and that's why things are opening up again.
For many areas, the 3-G rule applies: vaccinated, tested, or recovered. (Geimpft, Genesen, Getestet)

In order to be able to go to restaurants, fitness studios, or events in the future, you must either be vaccinated, tested, or have already recovered from COVID-19. The 3-G rule is also the requirement for the upcoming "Green Pass," which will probably be available from June/July.

For vaccinated individuals:
With the vaccination record, confirmation from a doctor/pharmacy, or printout from the electronic vaccination record, you have access to many areas from the 22nd day after the first vaccination for three months. After the last partial vaccination, the validity is extended to nine months.

For tested individuals:
An antigen test and controlled self-test are valid for 48 hours, and a PCR test is valid for 72 hours from the time of sampling.

For recovered individuals:
With medical confirmation of a past infection or a public health authority quarantine notice, the certificate is valid for six months from the date of issuance. Proof of immunizing antibodies is valid for three months.

2021-05-18 - Combined vaccination appears to be very effective in protecting against COVID-19
https://www.spektrum.de/news/astrazeneca-biontech-kombi-impfung-schuetzt-wohl-sehr-effektiv/1874710

There is growing evidence that the second dose of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine after initial vaccination with AstraZeneca appears to be particularly effective. The measured amount of antibodies is significantly higher compared to receiving two doses of AstraZeneca.

2021-05-17 - Neutralizing antibody levels are highly predictive of immune protection from symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01377-8

An Australian study on vaccine effectiveness indicates that vaccines are likely to protect against severe illness for a long time.

2021-05-13 - Immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Pregnant and Lactating Women
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2780202

Pregnant women who have been vaccinated developed cross-reactive antibody responses and T-cell responses against concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants. The antibodies were efficiently transported in umbilical cord blood and breast milk.

2021-05-12 - Heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccination: initial reactogenicity data
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01115-6/fulltext

Heterologous vaccine combinations (1. AstraZeneca, 2. BioNTech/Pfizer and 1. BioNTech/Pfizer, 2. AstraZeneca) show good tolerability. Mild to moderate cold-like symptoms are slightly more likely to occur than with the usual reactions to receiving two doses of AstraZeneca or BioNTech/Pfizer.

Com-COV Study Protocol:
https://comcovstudy.org.uk/study-protocol

2021-05-07 - COVID-19 Endothelial Dysfunction Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction: Histopathological, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Study of the Human Penis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33988001/

Erectile dysfunction occurs more frequently in patients under 40 years of age, 6-8 months after a COVID-19 infection. Changes in semen quality and inflammation of the testicles are observed. Vascular damage is associated with erectile dysfunction. No such issues were found in vaccinated individuals. Another reason to get vaccinated.

2021-05-06 - The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 reprograms both adaptive and innate immune responses
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.03.21256520v1

A study from the Netherlands shows how the immune system is altered after infection or mRNA vaccination. Not only are antibodies and memory cells produced, but also other defense reactions that are not only directed against the virus. Such changes in the immune system can occur generally after vaccinations or infections.

2021-05-05 - Efficacy of NVX-CoV2373 Covid-19 Vaccine against the B.1.351 Variant
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2103055

A study on the Novavax vaccine NVX-CoV2373. The inactivated vaccine, made with genetically engineered virus antigen (nanoparticle technology), shows an efficacy of 50% against the South African variant. The Novavax vaccine is still in the approval process.

2021-05-05 - Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 Covid-19 Vaccine against the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 Variants
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2104974

The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine is also highly effective against the British variant (90%) and the South African variant (75%). Especially the second dose greatly increases efficacy against the South African variant.

2021-05-05 - Impact and effectiveness of mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations, and deaths following a nationwide vaccination campaign in Israel: an observational study using national surveillance data
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00947-8/fulltext

Further "real-world data" from Israel confirm the initial studies on the efficacy of the mRNA vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer.

2021-05-04 - COVID-19 vaccine efficacy summary (Update)
http://www.healthdata.org/covid/covid-19-vaccine-efficacy-summary

Current state of knowledge on the efficacy of vaccines against various variants.

2021-05-04 - Does a strong vaccination reaction also mean better vaccination protection?
https://scilogs.spektrum.de/fischblog/impfung-nebenwirkungen-impfschutz/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-de-DE

Interesting article on vaccination reactions and protection. Whether you have no or several days of strong vaccination reactions, it makes no difference in terms of protection. Vaccination reactions and protection are two different topics. There are several factors at play, such as the innate and acquired immune system.

I myself was vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vector virus vaccine on 2021-04-27. I was vaccinated in the morning and the first vaccination reactions became noticeable in the late afternoon. These were my vaccination reactions during the first night: chills, slightly elevated temperature, mild nausea, circulatory problems. Most of the reactions had subsided by the next day. The increased fatigue lasted for 2-3 days.

I will receive my second dose of AstraZeneca 12 weeks after the first dose, provided there are no further developments regarding combination vaccinations of vector virus and mRNA vaccines.

2021-05-02 - Science and Corona: The Truth is not Relative
https://www.zeit.de/kultur/2021-04/science-corona-politics-measures-expertise-natural-sciences-research

2021-05-01 - My Vaccination Reactions after the First Dose

After receiving several emails with questions about my condition post-vaccination, I’d like to provide a brief update on how I’ve been feeling. Spoiler: I’m still alive!

On the day of the vaccination, I noticed some mild reactions in the late afternoon, about four hours later, including swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. That first night, I experienced chills, a slightly elevated temperature, mild nausea, and dizziness. The next morning, I felt a bit unwell, but by the afternoon, I was largely back to normal.

Compared to other vaccinations I’ve had in the past, the reactions this time were noticeably stronger. Usually, I hardly notice any vaccine reactions. But in this case, it really wasn’t a big deal.

And no, the reactions don’t necessarily indicate how well or poorly the immune system is responding to the vaccine, in case you were wondering. Even without noticeable vaccine reactions, the vaccination provides robust protection. However, I must admit it’s somewhat reassuring to feel a reaction from my body, even if it’s purely psychological.

I will receive my second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 12 weeks after the first vaccination, unless the option arises to choose a heterologous vaccination schedule with a combination of vector and mRNA vaccines.

Thank you for your inquiries about my condition after the vaccination. So once again: Yes, I’m doing great, and I continue to recommend the vaccine to everyone. The mild vaccine reactions subsided quickly, and the vaccine protection is an important step in contributing to the fight against the pandemic.

2021-04-30 - Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection rescues B and T cell responses to variants after first vaccine dose
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2021/04/29/science.abh1282

If one has already had a COVID-19 infection, a single vaccine dose is sufficient to achieve optimal protection. A single dose of the mRNA BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine greatly increased antibody production. A second dose does not provide any additional benefits to those who have already been infected.

2021-04-29 - Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Plasma Liquid Nasal Spray Gel 20ml
https://shop.regeno.de/media/pdf/f1/f3/8b/Prontomed-Plasma-Liquid-222062SC1-1-SARS-test-report-EN-14476-nasal-secrete-LVP-Version-02-03-0.pdf

According to this laboratory study, the Plasma Liquid nasal spray gel destroys 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The advantage of the nasal spray is that it has been available over the counter for several years (popular among allergy sufferers). It is effective against viruses, bacteria, spores, and mycoses (fungi). The spray is also suitable for children and pregnant individuals. Additionally, no side effects are known, and the spray can be used permanently.

While this all sounds very good at first, I wouldn't want to give anyone false hope. The same problem arises as with the report that certain mouthwashes significantly reduce the amount of virus in the mouth and throat area. Primarily, the nasal spray could now reduce the viral load in the nose. Production of viruses within the body's cells is not inhibited, which raises the question of whether a reduced disease course would be possible through this nasal spray in general.

It is clear that this spray does not replace vaccination.

2021-04-27 - Longitudinal analysis shows durable and broad immune memory after SARS-CoV-2 infection with persisting antibody responses and memory B and T cells
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.19.21255739v1

Analysis of 254 patients who had survived a SARS-CoV-2 infection shows that eight months later, persistent antibody responses and memory B and T cells were present, similar to shortly after the infection.

2021-04-27 - I Have Been Vaccinated Against COVID-19

In Austria, more than 2 million people have already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and almost 800,000 are fully vaccinated. However, we’re still far from achieving herd immunity. If we look at Israel, we can already see the effectiveness of the vaccine, as they had reached a certain level of herd immunity as early as February. Here in Austria, progress has been slower due to supply delays and a rocky start.

The good news is that with the coming summer, we can expect a drop in new infections. It's the ideal time to get vaccinated. However, it’s still crucial to maintain containment measures and not rush into lifting restrictions too soon. It would be a shame to catch the virus just before getting vaccinated.

I was fortunate enough to receive my first shot today. The reason I was able to get vaccinated earlier than expected, even though my age group wasn’t scheduled for a few more months, is that some people remain skeptical about the vaccines. Unjustifiably skeptical, but we know how it is – some people aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed.

I know several people who got infected with COVID-19 and are suffering from long-term symptoms like loss of taste, chronic fatigue, and depression. This disease is no joke, and vaccination minimizes those risks. So, get vaccinated as soon as you can.

2021-04-23 - Interim findings from first-dose mass COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and COVID-19 hospital admissions in Scotland: a national prospective cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00677-2/fulltext

Scottish study shows that after a single COVID-19 vaccination, hospital admissions of patients were reduced by 90%. The vaccines used are BNT162v2-mRNA (BioNTech/Pfizer) and ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca).

2021-04-23 - Impact of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 cases in the community: a population-based study using the UK's COVID-19 Infection Survey
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.22.21255913v1

A UK efficacy study on BioNTech/Pfizer and AstraZeneca shows that both vaccines provide 65% protection against infection and 72% protection against symptomatic infection after the first dose. Additionally, it was found that vaccinated individuals who became infected had significantly lower viral loads than unvaccinated individuals who became infected.

Fun fact: The Johnson & Johnson vaccine also provides 72% protection against symptomatic illness after a single dose (according to a US study) and is offered as a single-dose vaccine. However, it is important that if you have received the AstraZeneca or BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine, you should not forego the second dose. The protection is additionally boosted and gains even more effectiveness. This is also important for new variants, as escape mutations occur less frequently. Additionally, studies on J&J with two doses are already underway.

2021-04-23 - Neutralization of variant under investigation B.1.617 with sera of BBV152 vaccines
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.23.441101v1

Although the situation in India is escalating and supplies are at their limit, it is evident that the vaccines are highly effective against the Indian variant B.1.617.

2021-04-23 - Real World Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines against Hospitalizations and Deaths in the United States
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.21.21255873v1

"Real world data" on mRNA vaccinations show an effectiveness of 96% in preventing COVID-19-related hospitalizations and an effectiveness of 98.7% in preventing COVID-19-related deaths.

2021-04-21 - Vaccine Breakthrough Infections with SARS-CoV-2 Variants
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2105000

2021-04-21 - Preliminary Findings of mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnant Persons
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2104983

Good news: mRNA vaccinations are safe for pregnant individuals.

2021-04-21 - Safety and Efficacy of Single-Dose Ad26.COV2.S Vaccine against Covid-19
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2101544

The Phase III study results for the COVID-19 vaccine (Ad26.COV2.S) by Johnson & Johnson that are relevant for approval have been published. 14 days after the single dose, the vaccine has a protective effect of 67% against moderate and severe COVID-19.

2021-04-19 - COVID-19 dynamics after a national immunization program in Israel
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01337-2

Data from Israel clearly shows the benefits of vaccinations. About 2 months after the start of the vaccination campaign, 85% of those over 60 years old were fully vaccinated. This led to a decrease in cases of about 77% and 68% fewer hospital admissions, as well as 67% fewer severe cases requiring hospitalization.

2021-04-14 - Vaccination boosts protective responses and counters SARS-CoV-2-induced pathogenic memory B cells
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.11.21255153v1.full

Possibly good news for Long Covid patients: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to an increased number of dysfunctional memory B cells. Vaccination after infection reverses this effect, which can help reduce the symptoms of Long Covid.

2021-04-13 - Coronavirus variants: What you need to know
https://youtu.be/B8UEZ9cfgz4

2021-04-13 - Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48,440 adult patients
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/04/07/bjsports-2021-104080

2021-04-12 - Distinct antibody and memory B cell responses in SARS-CoV-2 naïve and recovered individuals following mRNA vaccination
https://immunology.sciencemag.org/content/6/58/eabi6950.full

A study shows that there is a robust enhancement of antibody and memory B cell responses in individuals who received an additional mRNA vaccine after a Covid-19 infection.

2021-04-12 - Genomic characteristics and clinical effect of the emergent SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 lineage in London, UK: a whole-genome sequencing and hospital-based cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00170-5/fulltext

A study from London on the British B.1.1.7 variant confirms increased transmissibility and viral load. The good news is that no association with increased mortality was found in the hospitalized cohort.

2021-04-09 - Inhaled budesonide in the treatment of early COVID-19 (STOIC): a phase 2, open-label, randomized controlled trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(21)00160-0/fulltext

Already available as a preprint in February and now peer-reviewed. Information about the asthma spray with the active ingredient "budesonide". A study from the University of Oxford shows that the risk of hospitalization decreases by about 90% if the steroid is inhaled twice a day for a week a few days after symptom onset. The duration of the disease is shortened and the probability of Long Covid also decreases.

I hope for quick approval and widespread use (also for asymptomatic individuals) in Austria. This way, anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and becomes infected can prevent a severe course of the disease and Long Covid.

2021-04-09 - Evidence for increased breakthrough rates of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinated individuals
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.06.21254882v1

An efficacy study conducted in Israel with the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine against the South African variant showed positive COVID-19 cases in a small percentage of vaccinated individuals. The good news is that the reduced efficacy of the vaccine occurs only in a short time window, so the B.1.351 variant does not efficiently spread.

2021-04-08 - Sars-Cov-2 in 3D - What we have learned about the virus during the pandemic
https://3d.zdf.de/corona-mutation/

ZDF illustrates interactively in 3D what we have learned about SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic.

2021-04-07 - Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48,440 adult patients
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/04/07/bjsports-2021-104080

2021-04-06 - 6-month neurological and psychiatric outcomes in 236,379 survivors of COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(21)00084-5/fulltext

One in three COVID-19 survivors received a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis within 6 months of infection. The study analyzed 236,379 patient records.

2021-04-01 - Concerns about SARS-CoV-2 evolution should not hold back efforts to expand vaccination
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-021-00544-9

2021-03-31 - Sinus venous thrombosis: also a rare COVID-19 complication
https://dgn.org/neuronews/journal_club/sinusvenenthrombosen-auch-eine-seltene-covid-19-komplikation/

Even if a causal relationship between rare sinus venous thrombosis and the AstraZeneca vaccine is confirmed, it should not be forgotten that even mild or moderate COVID-19 infections can lead to cerebral sinus venous thrombosis.

2021-03-31 - Post-covid syndrome in individuals admitted to hospital with covid-19: retrospective cohort study
https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n693

A new study from the UK on post-COVID damage shows that patients who need to be hospitalized often suffer from multi-organ dysfunction (average age 65).

2021-03-31 - Pfizer-BioNTech Announce Positive Topline Results of Pivotal COVID-19 Vaccine Study in Adolescents
https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/pfizer-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results-pivotal-covid

BioNTech/Pfizer has released the first results of the COVID-19 vaccine study in adolescents aged 12-15. The antibody production is stronger than in adults, and the mRNA vaccine even protects 100% against infection.

2021-03-31 - Your Immune System Evolves to Fight Coronavirus Variants
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/your-immune-system-evolves-to-fight-coronavirus-variants

2021-03-31 - SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Impairs Endothelial Function via Downregulation of ACE 2
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.318902

A study from California once again shows that Covid-19 is more of a vascular disease than a pure lung disease (keyword: died with Covid, not necessarily from Covid). The spike proteins directly damage blood vessels, which favors numerous damages to a variety of organs.

2021-03-30 - Thromboembolism and the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: side-effect or coincidence?
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00762-5/fulltext

No increased thrombosis rate in AstraZeneca-vaccinated individuals in Denmark.

2021-03-29 - Hand eczema is on the rise: Change hand hygiene strategy in pandemic times
https://derma.de/presse/uebersicht/detail/?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=4453&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=ac81d72a12dab2363bdcfc5c7b5cb657

Dermatologists recommend disinfecting hands and using hand cream instead of washing hands with soap.

2021-03-29 - Initial report of decreased SARS-CoV-2 viral load after inoculation with the BNT162b2 vaccine
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01316-7

The viral load is significantly reduced (high CT value) after vaccination with the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine.

2021-03-29 - Heterologous prime-boost: breaking the protective immune response bottleneck of COVID-19 vaccine candidates
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2021.1902245

Animal studies should always be viewed with caution. Not everything can be directly transferred to humans, but since we know from other vaccines that cross-vaccinations work and are useful, I am optimistic here.

Several combinations were tried. The highest antibody titer was achieved when the mice were first vaccinated with a vector vaccine and then with an mRNA vaccine as a second dose.

Because mRNA vaccines achieve better antibody production than vector vaccines, which are better in T-cell formation, a combination of, for example, AstraZeneca as the first vaccination and Moderna as the second vaccination could be the optimal solution. I remain cautiously optimistic in this regard.

2021-03-26 - Understanding the effectiveness of government interventions in Europe’s second wave of COVID-19
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.25.21254330v1

Oxford study on the effectiveness of lockdown measures in Europe. According to this study, the closure of shops has the greatest effect on containment. This can also be well-checked here in Austria by comparing the numbers of daily new infections with the measures of the past. If the shops are closed, the numbers also decrease.

2021-03-25 - What it will take to vaccinate the world against COVID-19
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00727-3

2021-03-25 - Latest results put Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID vaccine back on track
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00836-z

The final results of the AstraZeneca vaccine study now show an efficacy of 76%, as well as 100% prevention of hospitalization, severe courses, and death.

2021-03-23 - Flu shot associated with fewer, less severe COVID cases
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/mm-u-fsa032321.php

2021-03-22 - AZD1222 US Phase III trial met primary efficacy endpoint in preventing COVID-19 at interim analysis
https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2021/astrazeneca-us-vaccine-trial-met-primary-endpoint.html

US study on the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccine has an efficacy of 79% in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 and 100% efficacy against severe, critical courses, and hospital stays.

2021-03-20 - Seroprevalence and humoral immune durability of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Wuhan, China: a longitudinal, population-level, cross-sectional study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00238-5/fulltext

Longitudinal study on seroprevalence (percentage of the population testing positive for serological markers at a certain point in time) in Wuhan from December 2019 to December 2020.

By April 2020, 6.9% of the population had antibodies against COVID-19, of which 82% were asymptomatic.

40% developed neutralizing antibodies that persisted for at least 9 months.

2021-03-20 - Data-driven estimate of SARS-CoV-2 herd immunity threshold in populations with individual contact pattern variations
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.19.21253974v1

2021-03-19 - SARS-CoV-2 transmission without symptoms
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6535/1206

One of the main reasons why SARS-CoV-2 was able to spread so widely worldwide is because infected individuals can transmit the virus even without showing symptoms. Therefore, regular testing is useful even for asymptomatic individuals.

2021-03-18 - Vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19: a mathematical modelling study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00143-2/fulltext

2021-03-18 - COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca: benefits still outweigh the risks despite possible link to rare blood clots with low blood platelets
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-benefits-still-outweigh-risks-despite-possible-link-rare-blood-clots

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) still recommends vaccinations with AstraZeneca. No causal link between blood clots and the vaccine has been established, and they will continue to analyze and investigate the issue. Furthermore, the benefits of vaccination still far outweigh any potential risks.

2021-03-17 - WHO statement on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safety signals
https://www.who.int/news/item/17-03-2021-who-statement-on-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-safety-signals

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to recommend the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

2021-03-17 - CDC, WHO Establish New Threat Levels for COVID-19 Variants
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/947650

2021-03-17 - COVID-19 Vaccines vs Variants—Determining How Much Immunity Is Enough
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777785

2021-03-17 - Four-Month Clinical Status of a Cohort of Patients After Hospitalization for COVID-19
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777787

2021-03-16 - Efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Covid-19 Vaccine against the B.1.351 Variant
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa2102214

Study from South Africa shows that the AstraZeneca vaccine does not provide protection against mild and moderate infections from the B.1.351 variant.

2021-03-16 - How a mutated coronavirus evades immune system defenses
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/03/how-sars-cov-2-evades-immune-system-defenses/

2021-03-16 - Moderna Announces First Participants Dosed in Phase 2/3 Study of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate in Pediatric Population
https://investors.modernatx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/moderna-announces-first-participants-dosed-phase-23-study-0

Pharmaceutical company Moderna initiates study for COVID-19 vaccination in children aged between 6 months and 12 years.

2021-03-15 - Increased mortality in community-tested cases of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03426-1

Further study on the mortality rate of B.1.1.7. The study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine also found an increased mortality rate of 55% compared to the original variant. With the inclusion of some corrections, the estimated risk of death is even higher at 61%.

2021-03-14 - Woman collapses in front of vaccination center - dies
https://wien.orf.at/stories/3094771/

This fits well with my comment from Friday. A woman tragically suffered a cardiac arrest and died. She was in front of the vaccination center on her way to get her Covid-19 vaccine.

If the woman had been vaccinated and then suffered a cardiac arrest, the media and anti-vaccine circles would blame the vaccine, regardless of whether it is later determined that it was not the cause.

So, one last time, please take note: Some people die shortly before vaccination and some die shortly after vaccination. But just because there is a coincidental temporal relationship, it doesn't have to be the cause of death.

2021-03-12 - Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants escape neutralization by vaccine-induced humoral immunity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7953441/

A Harvard study shows the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines against various variants, especially the South African and Brazilian variants, which show reduced antibody levels.

2021-03-12 - The Safety and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

Over 330 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been administered. Yet, some people remain skeptical. Let’s take a look at the facts regarding safety and efficacy.

What Does Vaccine Efficacy Mean?

Vaccine efficacy describes how well a vaccine protects people from infection when they come into contact with the relevant pathogen. In clinical trials, two groups are usually observed: vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The number of infections in both groups is then analyzed. Given the current spread of highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 variants, this assessment is particularly revealing.

For a vaccine with an assumed efficacy of 80%, this means that out of 100 vaccinated people, about 80 are less likely to get infected compared to unvaccinated individuals. However, even with vaccination, 20% of vaccinated people might still become infected.

But that doesn’t mean the vaccine provides no protection in such cases. Studies show that all approved vaccines effectively reduce severe disease. Even if a vaccinated person gets infected, the likelihood of a severe case is much lower. Therefore, it’s advisable to get vaccinated, regardless of which vaccine is administered. Waiting for a supposedly "better" vaccine makes no sense.

Distrust of Vaccines

The currently approved vaccines include those from AstraZeneca (a viral vector vaccine) and BioNTech/Pfizer (an mRNA-based vaccine). Some claim that deaths are linked to vaccination. However, there are no confirmed reports of deaths caused by these vaccines.

Initially, there was limited data on the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine in older adults, leading to its administration being initially limited to younger people in some countries. As more information on its efficacy in older populations became available, vaccination recommendations were adjusted accordingly. These adjustments may have increased distrust among certain individuals, in my opinion.

The distrust toward the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine likely stems from a lack of understanding of mRNA technology, despite its being just as effective, safe, and efficient.

Then there’s the story from Denmark that has fueled suspicion for some. Data from Denmark show that among several million vaccinated individuals, 30 people developed thrombosis shortly after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca). Yes… 30 people out of several million—I’m not mistaken.

Let’s look at this objectively: Statistically, thousands of people suffer thrombosis, heart attacks, strokes, or receive cancer diagnoses daily, regardless of their vaccination status. A temporal link with the vaccine doesn’t necessarily imply a causal link. And even if in rare cases a thrombosis is caused by vaccination, the risk could easily be calculated.

Studies confirm the high safety and efficacy of vaccines. Occasional reactions to vaccines are simply pain at the injection site, temporary fever, headaches, and body aches. Given the protection they offer, these reactions are well worth tolerating, I believe.

If you have the opportunity to get vaccinated, be sure to take it. All approved vaccines are safe, thoroughly tested, and protect against severe cases. I’m already waiting for my vaccination appointment.

2021-03-12 - Recovered not restored: Long-term health consequences after mild COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.11.21253207v1

2021-03-11 - European Commission authorises fourth safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1085

2021-03-11 - EMA recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen for authorisation in the EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-covid-19-vaccine-janssen-authorisation-eu

Green light from the EMA for the Johnson & Johnson viral vector vaccine.

2021-03-11 - Novavax Confirms High Levels of Efficacy Against Original and Variant COVID-19 Strains in United Kingdom and South Africa Trials
https://ir.novavax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/novavax-confirms-high-levels-efficacy-against-original-and-0

The Novavax vaccine showed efficacy of 96% against the original variant and 86% against B.1.1.7. Efficacy against B.1.351 was found to be around 48%. Hospitalizations and deaths were completely avoided.

2021-03-11 - What level of neutralising antibody protects from COVID-19?
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.09.21252641v1

Interesting study from the Kirby Institute (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia).

It is shown that only 20% of neutralizing antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients are sufficient to reduce the risk of new infection by 50%.

2021-03-10 - Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccine on Asymptomatic Infection Among Patients Undergoing Pre-Procedural COVID-19 Molecular Screening
https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciab229/6167855

2021-03-10 - Effectiveness of three versus six feet of physical distancing for controlling spread of COVID-19 among primary and secondary students and staff: A retrospective, state-wide cohort study
https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciab230/6167856

2021-03-10 - Risk of mortality in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/1: matched cohort study
https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n579

A UK study shows that the mortality rate of the VOC-202012/01 or B.1.1.7 variant could be about 64% higher than that of the original variant. The absolute risk of death increased from 2.5 to 4.1 deaths per 1000 infected individuals.

2021-03-10 - Antibody Responses in Seropositive Persons after a Single Dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2101667

2021-03-10 - COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca: PRAC preliminary view suggests no specific issue with batch used in Austria
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-prac-preliminary-view-suggests-no-specific-issue-batch-used-austria

No evidence of a link between vaccination and the death of a nurse in Austria.

2021-03-08 - Higher airborne pollen concentrations correlated with increased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, as evidenced from 31 countries across the globe
https://www.pnas.org/content/118/12/e2019034118

Bad news for me and all other pollen allergy sufferers. A high concentration of pollen in the air can increase the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Due to the additional strain on the respiratory system, the immune system of allergy sufferers is more weakened.

2021-03-08 - Acute Allergic Reactions to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777417

Severe reactions associated with transient anaphylaxis occurred at a rate of 2.47 per 10,000 vaccinations in this prospective cohort study of healthcare workers. Most of them had an allergy history, and 31% had previously experienced anaphylaxis.

2021-03-05 - COVID Symptoms, Symptom Clusters, and Predictors for Becoming a Long-Hauler: Looking for Clarity in the Haze of the Pandemic
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.03.21252086v1

2021-03-05 - National vaccination committee recommends AstraZeneca for 65+
https://www.medinlive.at/gesundheitspolitik/nationales-impfgremium-empfiehlt-astrazeneca-auch-fuer-65

2021-03-04 - Prevalence of Inflammatory Heart Disease Among Professional Athletes With Prior COVID-19 Infection Who Received Systematic Return-to-Play Cardiac Screening
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2777308

2021-03-04 - Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to neutralization by monoclonal and serum-derived polyclonal antibodies
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01294-w

2021-03-04 - EMA starts rolling review of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-starts-rolling-review-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine

Parts of the application for the Russian COVID-19 vaccine "Sputnik V" have now been submitted to the EMA.

2021-03-03 - Preliminary Efficacy of the NVX-CoV2373 Covid-19 Vaccine Against the B.1.351 Variant
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.25.21252477v1

Data from the Novavax vaccine NVX-CoV2373 against the South African variant. The study clearly shows that a previous infection with the original Covid variant barely protects against new infections with the South African variant. The Novavax vaccine shows around 50% efficacy against the South African variant, with severe courses of the disease being avoided. Another point that speaks against herd immunity through infection but for herd immunity through vaccination.

2021-03-02 - Early effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and ChAdOx1 adenovirus vector vaccine on symptomatic disease, hospitalisations and mortality in older adults in England
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.21252652v1

Analysis from the UK on the Covid-19 vaccination of older people with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and the ChAdOx1 vector vaccine. Both reduce symptomatic illness and severe hospitalizations by 80% after the first dose. The risk of dying drops by about 40%.

Although at the beginning there were fewer data available on the AstraZeneca vaccine and it performed worse compared to the others, it is now time to adjust the vaccination recommendation to the state of science and to make ChAdox1 available for people over 65 as well.

2021-03-01 - Binding and Neutralization Antibody Titers After a Single Vaccine Dose in Health Care Workers Previously Infected With SARS-CoV-2
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777171

After surviving an infection with SARS-CoV-2, a single mRNA vaccine dose may be sufficient for protection.

2021-03-01 - The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine for COVID-19
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777172

Everything about the vector vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, which requires only one vaccine dose.

In the USA, the vaccine is already approved, and hopefully, next week, there will also be a green light from the EMA for Europe.

2021-03-01 - 5 Free Corona Antigen Rapid Tests for all Austrians per month

Starting today, all socially insured Austrians aged 15 and over can get 5 free rapid tests per month for home use at pharmacies.

Application example for most tests:
Rotate the nasal swab several times in the front nasal area (both nostrils) and take samples.
Then insert the nasal swab into the tube with the liquid and rotate it several times in a circular motion.
Close the extraction tube with the nozzle cap and, according to the instructions, drop several drops (3-6) onto the test cassette.
The test result appears in a few minutes.

Interpretation of the results:
C - stands for "Control"
T - stands for "Test"

Negative: Only one line appears at C
Positive: Two lines appear, at C and T.
Invalid: No control line appears, or there is a background color that affects readability.

2021-02-27 - Escape of SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 from neutralization by convalescent plasma
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.26.21250224v2

2021-02-26 - Obesity may hamper SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Immunogenicity
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.24.21251664v1

Obesity could weaken vaccine efficacy (study with vaccine BNT162b2). In overweight subjects, the antibody titer was lowest.

2021-02-26 - Press Release Statistik Austria: COVID-19 accounts for around 7% of all deaths in 2020
https://www.statistik.at/web_en/press/125475.html

Nearly 9% more deaths than the previous year 2019, and every 14th death in 2020 was due to COVID-19.

As deniers continue to compare COVID-19 to the flu and claim that all influenza deaths are automatically included in the COVID-19 death statistics:

1,201 people died from seasonal influenza in 2020. The claim that the suicide rate has significantly increased due to contact restrictions is also false. There were even fewer suicides in 2020 than in 2019.

Without lockdown and pandemic measures, this statistic would be even more tragic.

The following still applies: Reduce contacts to a minimum, keep a distance of 2 meters, wear FFP2 masks, and wash your hands frequently. If possible, get vaccinated.

2021-02-25 - The effectiveness of backward contact tracing in networks
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-021-01187-2

Simulation analyses and computational models for backward contact tracing.

2021-02-25 - Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalizations Attributable to Cardiometabolic Conditions in the United States: A Comparative Risk Assessment Analysis
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.120.019259

2021-02-24 - BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine in a Nationwide Mass Vaccination Setting
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2101765

2021-02-24 - Maintaining Physical Performance: The Minimal Dose of Exercise Needed to Preserve Endurance and Strength Over Time
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33629972/

Not a study on Corona, but still relevant to the current lockdown situation for all athletes who cannot go to the gym right now.

Even with a reduced dose of training, physical performance can be maintained.

For endurance athletes, complete performance can be maintained for up to 15 weeks with a reduction in training frequency to 2 times per week or a reduction in training volume (33-66%), if intensity remains the same.

For strength athletes, strength and muscle size can be maintained for up to 32 weeks with just one session per week and 1 set per exercise, if intensity remains the same.

Maintaining the same intensity is crucial for muscle preservation and is likely the most difficult challenge for strength athletes who cannot go to the gym. Therefore, it is worthwhile to increase the frequency to 2-3 times per week at least.

In summary, it can be said that with little training, muscle loss can be effectively prevented. The study did not address nutrition, but a general guideline of consuming 2-3g per kg/body weight is recommended for optimal muscle preservation. Even if some muscle loss occurs, it is not a big concern. I recommend reading my article on the muscle memory effect, which can be found in my link collection in the conclusion.

2021-02-23 - SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.526 emerging in the New York region detected by software utility created to query the spike mutational landscape
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.14.431043v2.article-info

New rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.526 in NY, which has several mutations, such as the E484K mutation, which is also present in the South African and Brazilian variants.

2021-02-23 - Superspreading drives the COVID pandemic — and could help to tame it
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00460-x

2021-02-22 - Impact of the influenza vaccine on COVID-19 infection rates and severity
https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(21)00089-4/fulltext

A study from the University of Michigan shows that people who are vaccinated against influenza have milder Covid-19 disease courses. Those vaccinated against the flu are less likely to be treated in hospitals and less likely to require ventilation. In addition, they are discharged from the hospital more quickly.

It is suspected that the protective effects of the influenza vaccine play a role in trained immunity, allowing for a faster and more efficient response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Further studies are needed to confirm this suspicion.

2021-02-22 - Effectiveness of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Against Infection and COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage in Healthcare Workers in England, Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study (the SIREN Study)
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3790399

2021-02-19 - Effectiveness of First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccines Against Hospital Admissions in Scotland: National Prospective Cohort Study of 5.4 Million People
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3789264

Study from Scotland on the effectiveness of the first dose of the BioNTech/Pfizer (BNT162b2 mRNA) and AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1) vaccines. Both vaccines significantly reduce the risk of hospital admission.

2021-02-19 - Single-dose administration and the influence of the timing of the booster dose on immunogenicity and efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine: a pooled analysis of four randomised trials
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00432-3/fulltext

New study shows that the AstraZeneca vaccine is more effective when the second dose is administered 3 months after the first, instead of the previously recommended 6 weeks. Whether the vaccination recommendation will be adjusted remains unclear, but for those who will be vaccinated soon, it would be worth considering waiting for the second dose.

2021-02-19 - Sequelae in Adults at 6 Months After COVID-19 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2776560

Another study on long-COVID symptoms. Again, it shows that younger people with mild cases are often affected.

2021-02-17 - Delayed Second Dose versus Standard Regimen for Covid-19 Vaccination
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMclde2101987

2021-02-17 - Serum Neutralizing Activity Elicited by mRNA-1273 Vaccine — Preliminary Report
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2102179

The Moderna vaccine also significantly loses titer of neutralizing antibodies against the South African COVID-19 variant B.1.351.

2021-02-16 - EMA receives application for conditional marketing authorisation of COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-receives-application-conditional-marketing-authorisation-covid-19-vaccine-janssen

US pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson has applied for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine in the EU. A major advantage of this vaccine is that only one dose is required.

2021-02-16 - Das Coronavirus-Update von NDR Info: Astra-Impfstoff viel besser als sein Ruf (76)
https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/info/76-Astra-Impfstoff-viel-besser-als-sein-Ruf,audio834162.html

2021-02-13 - SARS-CoV-2 variants
https://m.box.com/shared_item/https%3A%2F%2Fmountsinai.box.com%2Fs%2F5nn6u8yix0gcn1g6ceqgnsyajzxmvfl2

Article by Florian Krammer (vaccine specialist from NY) about the latest information on vaccinations and Covid-19 mutations.

2021-02-12 - Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2776305

2021-02-12 - Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) Covid-19 vaccine against the B.1.351 variant in South Africa
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.10.21251247v1

No protection against mild to moderate Covid-19 with the AstraZeneca vaccine against the South African variant B.1.351. Whether the vaccine prevents severe cases remains uncertain.

2021-02-12 - EMA starts rolling review of CureVac’s COVID-19 vaccine (CVnCoV)
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-starts-rolling-review-curevacs-covid-19-vaccine-cvncov

The next mRNA vaccine is undergoing EU review. The vaccine comes from the pharmaceutical company CureVac, the inventor of mRNA vaccine technology, biologist and founder Ingmar Hoerr.

2021-02-12 - How contagious is the B.1.1.7 variant indoors?
https://www.zeit.de/wissen/gesundheit/2021-02/corona-infektion-ansteckungsgefahr-coronavirus-mutation-b117-aerosole

The calculator has been adjusted for the B.1.1.7 variant. It is possible to compare the risk of infection directly with the original variant. Wearing FFP2 masks and frequent ventilation are the most important measures for containment.

As before, parameters (such as virus and aerosol properties) can be changed on the website of the Max Planck Institute:
https://www.mpic.de/4747361/risk-calculator

2021-02-12 - The COVID-19 disease burden in Germany in 2020: Years of life lost to death and disease over the course of the pandemic
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/217880

Estimates suggest that on average, each deceased person lost 9.6 years of life. In total, 303,608 life years were lost in Germany in 2020 due to Covid-19 deaths.

2021-02-11 - It works: 0 deaths, only 4 severe cases among 523,000 fully vaccinated Israelis
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hmo-sees-only-544-covid-infections-among-523000-fully-vaccinated-israelis/

523,000 vaccinated individuals, no Covid-19 deaths. The Biontech/Pfizer vaccine is extremely effective. After administration of two doses, the number of symptomatic infections decreased by 92%.

2021-02-10 - Densely sampled viral trajectories suggest longer duration of acute infection with B.1.1.7 variant relative to non-B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2
https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/37366884/B117Trajectories_10Feb2021.pdf

According to this Harvard study, the increased infectivity of B.1.1.7 variant may possibly be due to a longer duration of the infectious phase and infection period, and less due to increased viral load, as previously thought. However, further data is needed.

2021-02-11 - Systemic effects and clinical aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/thrombose/systemische-auswirkungen-und-klinische-aspekte-der-sars-cov-2-in/18855826?fulltextView=true

2021-02-10 - Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2776536

2021-02-09 - Post-COVID-19-associated decline in long-term male fertility and embryo quality during assisted reproductive technology
https://academic.oup.com/qjmed/advance-article/doi/10.1093/qjmed/hcab019/6122743

2021-02-09 - Evidence for SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses circulating in bats and pangolins in Southeast Asia
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-21240-1

Another study on the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Many questions remain unanswered. Serological data supports the assumption that pangolins are susceptible to infection and could be potential carriers. Molecular and serological evidence is also provided that coronaviruses are circulating in bats in Southeast Asia. The study provides experimental evidence that supports the assumption that the distribution of the virus is not limited to China alone. Due to the diversity of bat species and population density, Southeast Asia may be a hotspot for such viruses.

2021-02-09 - COVID‐19 and dementia: Analyses of risk, disparity, and outcomes from electronic health records in the US
https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.12296

Patients with dementia have an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

2021-02-09 - Rapid coronavirus tests: a guide for the perplexed
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00332-4

2021-02-08 - Decreased SARS-CoV-2 viral load following vaccination
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.06.21251283v1

In vaccinated individuals who still become infected, the viral load is significantly reduced (4 times lower) than in unvaccinated individuals. Vaccinated individuals are definitely not the drivers of the pandemic.

2021-02-08 - Inhaled budesonide in the treatment of early COVID-19 illness: a randomised controlled trial
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.04.21251134v1

Preprint from Oxford University on the use of the asthma drug "Budesonide" against COVID-19. As asthma patients are less likely to be admitted to the hospital when infected with COVID-19, investigations were started. It has been shown that the risk of hospital admission decreases by 90% if COVID patients start inhaling the asthma spray immediately after symptom onset, regardless of whether they have asthma or not.

2021-02-08 - Chronic COVID-19 Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) following the first pandemic wave in Germany: a first analysis of a prospective observational study
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.06.21249256v1

CFS - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - occurs in 19 out of 42 patients after a COVID-19 infection (study from Germany after the first wave). Younger people in particular appear to be affected. The patients suffer from persistent fatigue, discomfort, headaches, muscle aches, and intolerance to stress.

2021-02-08 - Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 spike 69/70 deletion, E484K and N501Y variants by BNT162b2 vaccine-elicited sera
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01270-4

Laboratory study by BioNTech/Pfizer showing that the vaccine is effective against the South African and British variants. I already linked the preprint in January. Now the paper has also been reviewed by experts and published in the journal "Nature Medicine."

2021-02-08 - Spreading the Disease: Protest in Times of Pandemics
http://ftp.zew.de/pub/zew-docs/dp/dp21009.pdf

Especially the "Querdenken" protests have contributed greatly to the spread of the coronavirus within Germany.

2021-02-08 - AstraZeneca’s Vaccine Does Not Work Well Against Virus Variant in South Africa
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/02/07/world/covid-19-coronavirus

South Africa suspends the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as its effectiveness against the B.1351 variant is very low.

2021-02-07 - Genomic epidemiology identifies emergence and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 in the United States
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.06.21251159v1

The B.1.1.7 variant is also rapidly spreading in the United States.

2021-02-05 - Structure and binding properties of Pangolin-CoV spike glycoprotein inform the evolution of SARS-CoV-2
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-21006-9

Once again, research is conducted on the origin of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Bats are considered the main candidates, and pangolins are suspected as intermediate hosts. New research continues to confirm this suspicion. Scientists have discovered pangolin coronaviruses whose spike protein matches that of SARS-CoV-2 and also binds to the human ACE2 receptor.

2021-02-05 - Covid-19: The E484K mutation and the risks it poses
https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n359

2021-02-05 - Comparison of COVID-19 vaccines and new candidates
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/Die-COVID-19-Impfstoffe-und-neuen-Kandidaten-im-Vergleich-416870.html

2021-02-05 - Immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 assessed for up to 8 months after infection
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6529/eabf4063

A study on virus-specific immune memory against SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients. A robust immune memory was observed in most individuals.

2021-02-05 - What’s the risk of dying from a fast-spreading COVID-19 variant?
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00299-2

There is mounting evidence that the UK variant B.1.1.7 is not only more infectious but also more lethal. More data and analysis are required.

2021-02-05 - Cardiac arrest in COVID-19: characteristics and outcomes of in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A report from the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa1067/6128749

Severe infections with SARS-CoV-2 often lead to cardiac complications, with many COVID-19 patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. The chance of successful resuscitation is very low.

Friendly reminder to "doubters of whether someone died with or of Corona":

If you die from complications of an infection, you always die from Corona.

2021-02-05 - Long Covid kids: Mum's 'heartbreak' over children's illness
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-55938399

Long-term COVID sequelae can also occur in children.

2021-02-03 - SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 escape from mRNA vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.19.21249840v3

It appears that all variants with the E484K mutation may be less susceptible to neutralization by antibodies, whether from vaccination or past infection.

2021-02-02 - Transmission of COVID-19 in 282 clusters in Catalonia, Spain: a cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30985-3/fulltext

2021-02-02 - Safety and efficacy of an rAd26 and rAd5 vector-based heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccine: an interim analysis of a randomised controlled phase 3 trial in Russia
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00234-8/fulltext

In Russia, the Sputnik V vaccine was approved half a year ago, even though some study phases were skipped. A new study now reveals the data. The Sputnik V vaccine has an efficacy of 91.6%.

Note: V does not stand for 5, but for Vaccine.

2021-02-02 - B117, 501.V2, and P1: What's behind the coronavirus mutants
https://soundcloud.com/makro-mikro/b117-501v2-und-p1-was-hinter-den-coronavirus-mutanten-steckt-makro-mikro-43

Podcast on mutations with molecular biologist Martin Moder and the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

2021-02-01 - Investigation of novel SARS-CoV-2 variant - Variant of Concern 202012/01
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957504/Variant_of_Concern_VOC_202012_01_Technical_Briefing_5_England.pdf

The British COVID-19 variant has mutated again. The PHE update report found that the mutated spike protein E484K, which has also been detected in the Brazilian and South African variant sequences, is now present in the British mutation.

The problem here is that E484K is the main mutation that most affects the efficacy of vaccines.

2021-02-01 - Robust spike antibody responses and increased reactogenicity in seropositive individuals after a single dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.29.21250653v1

If you have already had COVID-19, it is sufficient to only receive one dose of the vaccine. The infection essentially replaces the first vaccine dose.

2021-02-01 - Single Dose Administration, And The Influence Of The Timing Of The Booster Dose On Immunogenicity and Efficacy Of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) Vaccine
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3777268

In the initial data published in December, some errors were made in the first dosing during clinical trials. Participants who received only a half dose achieved 90% efficacy, while those who received a full dose achieved only 60% efficacy. In addition, many parts of the phase 3 trial were not published, leaving many questions unanswered.

New analyses show that the vaccine offers 66.7% efficacy and that the level of individual doses does not affect efficacy.

Moreover, there seems to be a 67% reduction in the potential for viral transmission after vaccination.

2021-02-01 - ZIB Special: Press Conference of the Federal Government on Corona Measures (A)
https://tvthek.orf.at/profile/ZIB-Spezial/13892244/ZIB-Spezial-mit-Pressekonferenz-der-Bundesregierung-zu-Corona-Massnahmen/14080585

About two weeks ago, when the federal government decided not to ease restrictions until we have a 7-day incidence below 50, I was positively surprised and expressed my praise. Today, I take it back. The goal is far from being achieved, and restrictions are being eased.

The easing/new measures (effective from 2021-02-08):
Schools are reopening
Lower and upper grades open with a shift system.
Group A goes to school on Monday and Tuesday.
Group B goes to school on Wednesday and Thursday.
Distance learning for everyone on Friday.
Only persons who can provide a negative COVID-19 test are allowed to attend school. (Testing will be done at school)
Primary schools have regular classes all week.
Primary school children take a rapid COVID-19 test in school on Monday and Wednesday.
Mask mandates still apply in school. Upper grades must wear FFP2 masks.
Stricter rules for entry into Austria
Mandatory quarantine and testing are planned here.
Stricter penalties for non-compliance with the rules
A €90 fine will be imposed for violations of the FFP2 mask mandate or failure to maintain the minimum distance.
All retail stores are reopening
With FFP2 mask mandates and a maximum of 1 customer per 20 square meters.
Close-contact services are reopening
To go to a hair salon, a negative COVID-19 test is mandatory.
Museums and zoos are reopening
Also with FFP2 mask mandates.
Restaurants, hotels, and gyms remain closed
Curfew applies from 8 pm to 6 am.
During the day, a maximum of 4 adults from 2 different households can meet.

2021-01-31 - SARS-CoV-2 Seroepidemiology in Children and Adolescents
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.28.21250466v1

2021-01-30 - More than 50 Long-term effects of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.27.21250617v2.full

The five most common Long COVID symptoms are:
Fatigue (58%)
Headache (44%)
Attention disorder (27%)
Hair loss (25%)
Dyspnea (24%)

2021-01-29 - European Commission grants third authorization for safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_306

2021-01-29 - EMA recommends COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca for authorization in the EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-authorisation-eu

The European Medicines Agency gives the green light for the authorization of the AstraZeneca vaccine, for people aged 18 and over with no upper age limit.

In the clinical trial, older individuals were relatively underrepresented. Less than 6% of participants were over 65 years old.

The vaccine showed an efficacy of about 60% in clinical trials. However, there were some inconsistencies in the data.

For participants who received a half dose followed by a full dose of the vaccine, efficacy was 90%. For those who received two full doses, efficacy was about 60%. The reasons for these results still need to be clarified. The initial half-dose given to participants was originally due to an error.

The EMA emphasizes that the data is very limited, and further studies on efficacy and long-term effects will follow.

2021-01-29 - Johnson & Johnson Announces Single-Shot Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Met Primary Endpoints in Interim Analysis of its Phase 3 ENSEMBLE Trial
https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-announces-single-shot-janssen-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-met-primary-endpoints-in-interim-analysis-of-its-phase-3-ensemble-trial

Data on the efficacy and safety of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine candidate show an overall efficacy of 66% in preventing moderate to severe cases. The vaccine also seems to provide protection against new mutations.

Another major advantage of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is that it requires only one dose.

2021-01-29 - How to redesign COVID vaccines so they protect against variants
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00241-6

2021-01-29 - The effectiveness of the first dose of BNT162 b 2 vaccine in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection 13-24 days after immunization: real-world evidence
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.27.21250612v1

2021-01-28 - SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines and the Growing Threat of Viral Variants
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2776039

2021-01-28 - Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Demonstrates 89.3% Efficacy in UK Phase 3 Trial
https://ir.novavax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-demonstrates-893-efficacy-uk-phase-3

The Novavax vaccine has an efficacy of 89.3%.

2021-01-28 - Why viruses do not become resistant to vaccines
https://www.spektrum.de/news/corona-impfung-warum-viren-gegen-impfstoffe-nicht-resistent-werden/1824067

2021-01-27 - Neutralization of spike 69/70 deletion, E484K, and N501Y SARS-CoV-2 by BNT162b2 vaccine-elicited sera
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.27.427998v1

Good news: The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine is effective not only against the British variant but also against the South African and Brazilian variants. In the study, serum from vaccinated individuals was used to show that the other variants are neutralized by it.

2021-01-27 - Duration of Culturable SARS-CoV-2 in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2027040

2021-01-26 - Deletion of the NKG2C receptor encoding KLRC2 gene and HLA-E variants are risk factors for severe COVID-19
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41436-020-01077-7

Host genetic variants could favor severe COVID-19 courses. In some cases, affected individuals lack specific receptors on immune cells, which reduces the antiviral immune response through natural NK cells. NK cells have activating receptors (such as the NKG2C receptor) on their surface, which are important for curbing the replication of the virus. The Austrian study showed that in about 4% of the population, the activating NKG2C receptor was not present at all and in 32.4% it was only partially present. The affected individuals developed particularly severe COVID-19 courses.

2021-01-25 - mRNA-1273 vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against spike mutants from global SARS-CoV-2 variants
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.25.427948v1

Good news: The Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against the spike mutants from global SARS-CoV-2 variants. The vaccine appears to be fully effective against the British variant B.1.1.7. However, its effectiveness seems to be lower against the South African variant B.1.351.

2021-01-25 - From Lockdown to Lockdown: On the Development of Mobility Reduction
https://www.csh.ac.at/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-25-CSH-Policy-Brief-BewegungsradiusUpdate.pdf

Lockdown fatigue is becoming apparent in Austria: During the first lockdown (March 2020), mobility decreased by about 70%. During the second lockdown (November 2020), it only decreased by about 45%, and now, during the third lockdown, it has decreased by only about 30%.

2021-01-22 - South African scientists who discovered new COVID-19 variant share what they know
https://theconversation.com/south-african-scientists-who-discovered-new-covid-19-variant-share-what-they-know-153313

2021-01-22 - NERVTAG paper on COVID-19 variant of concern B.1.1.7
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nervtag-paper-on-covid-19-variant-of-concern-b117

Possible increased mortality with the B.1.1.7 variant.

Based on analysis from the UK, there is a realistic possibility that an infection with the B.1.1.7 variant is more deadly compared to the original variant.

2021-01-21 - Coronavirus variants: why being more transmissible rather than more deadly isn’t good news
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-variants-why-being-more-transmissible-rather-than-more-deadly-isnt-good-news-152863

A good article about why a variant that is more contagious can be worse than one that is more deadly.

2021-01-21 - Monoclonal Antibodies to Disrupt Progression of Early Covid-19 Infection
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2034495

2021-01-21 - REGN-COV2, a Neutralizing Antibody Cocktail, in Outpatients with Covid-19
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2035002

Study on an antibody cocktail that reduces viral load in infected individuals.

2021-01-21 - An action plan for pan-European defence against new SARS-CoV-2 variants
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00150-1/fulltext

2021-01-21 - Fast-spreading COVID variant can elude immune responses
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00121-z

2021-01-21 - Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775646

2021-01-21 - Scientists criticize Stanford study on "lockdown"
https://www.br.de/nachrichten/wissen/corona-wissenschaftler-kritisieren-stanford-studie-zu-lockdown,SMihU3O

Further criticism of the Stanford study.

2021-01-20 - Social influence matters: We follow pandemic guidelines most when our close circle does
https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjop.12491

2021-01-20 - Vaccinating Children against Covid-19 — The Lessons of Measles
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2034765

Quote:
Protecting children against SARS-CoV-2 infection is both an ethical obligation and a practical necessity. We need data from pediatric trials to reassure parents about the safety and wisdom of this approach.

2021-01-20 - The Second-Generation COVID Vaccines Are Coming
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-second-generation-covid-vaccines-are-coming

2021-01-20 - Blood omega-3 fatty acids and death from COVID-19: A pilot study
https://www.plefa.com/article/S0952-3278(21)00013-2/fulltext

As with the vitamin D issue: a deficiency is always bad.
I generally advise everyone to create an O3 index and supplement if necessary, which is likely to be the case for most people.

2021-01-20 - Quarantine and testing strategies in contact tracing for SARS-CoV-2: a modelling study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30308-X/fulltext

2021-01-20 - Expert reaction to media reports of study results from Israel and comments made by Prof Nachman Ash, Israel's coronavirus tsar, about the efficacy of a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine
https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-media-reports-of-study-results-from-israel-and-comments-made-by-prof-nachman-ash-israels-coronavirus-tsar-about-the-efficacy-of-a-single-dose-of-the-pfizer-vaccine/

2021-01-20 - Study: COVID-19 increases number of sudden deaths
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/120308/Studie-COVID-19-erhoeht-Zahl-der-ploetzlichen-Todesfaelle

2021-01-20 - Emerging Coronavirus Variants May Pose Challenges to Vaccines
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/20/health/coronavirus-variants-immunity.html

NY Times article about the recent preprints on new mutations and possible rapid adjustments to mRNA vaccines. The mRNA technology could be adjusted within a few weeks, as it is a much simpler procedure than, for example, producing flu vaccines.

2021-01-19 - Rogue antibodies could be driving severe COVID-19
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00149-1

2021-01-19 - Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 pseudovirus by BNT162b2 vaccine-elicited human sera
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.18.426984v1

Further data suggesting that the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine will be effective against at least the British variant.

2021-01-19 - SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.18.427166v1

Another paper (preprint) suggests that the South African variant may bypass parts of immunity and could reinfect individuals.

2021-01-19 - mRNA vaccine-elicited antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and circulating variants
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.15.426911v1

The mutations (South African, Brazilian) seem to contribute to neutralizing the acquired immunity.
This could indicate lower efficacy of current vaccines.
However, it is still worth noting that lower efficacy is better than none, and protection against possible severe courses of the disease is still present.

2021-01-19 - Mutations: The virus is ruthless
https://www.doccheck.com/de/detail/articles/31224-mutationen-das-virus-ist-gnadenlos

2021-01-19 - Mask-wearing and control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the USA: a cross-sectional study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(20)30293-4/fulltext

2021-01-18 - Inside the B.1.1.7 Coronavirus Variant
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/health/coronavirus-mutations-B117-variant.html

2021-01-18 - What does a virus actually look like?
https://youtu.be/7g0fkC3CywM

Researchers from TU Wien spin-off "Nanographics" have now published 3D images of real SARS-CoV-2 viruses from shock-frozen samples for the first time.

The high-resolution graphics and much more can be found here:
https://nanographics.at/projects/coronavirus-3d/

2021-01-18 - Norway says advice on use of Pfizer vaccine is unchanged
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-norway-vaccine-idUSKBN29N19X

Norway continues to vaccinate elderly people with pre-existing conditions. There is no direct correlation between the vaccination and the death of 33 people. All individuals were already seriously ill, and an average of 400 people die in nursing homes every week. Correlation does not equal causation.

2021-01-18 - Study shows first successes in Israel's corona vaccination campaign
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/120224/Studie-zeigt-erste-Erfolge-bei-Israels-Coronaimpfkampagne

More than 2 million people in Israel have already received the first dose, and about a quarter of a million have received the second dose. About 75% of those over 60 years of age have already been vaccinated, and the number of new coronavirus infections is decreasing.

2021-01-18 - Initiative "Österreich impft": Registration for the corona vaccination in Austria
https://www.xn--sterreich-impft-7sb.at/

Registration for the vaccination is now possible.
For further questions about the vaccination: 0800555621

Dashboard for the current vaccination overview:
https://info.gesundheitsministerium.at/

2021-01-17 - (A) Press conference of the federal government on further action in the corona pandemic
https://tvthek.orf.at/live/Pressekonferenz-der-Bundesregierung-zum-weiteren-Vorgehen-in-der-Corona-Pandemie-mit-OeGS/14101106

The new measures in Austria:
Lockdown extension until at least 2021-02-08
FFP2 mouth-nose masks mandatory in enclosed spaces from 2021-01-25
Minimum distance of 2 meters to persons outside the household (instead of 1 meter)
Home office where possible
Distance learning until the end of the semester
Exit restrictions still apply

Key points from the press conference:
Relaxations will only be possible if the 7-day incidence rate drops to 50, ideally 25 (which translates to around 700 new infections per day or less in Austria). Relaxations in retail, personal services, museums, and schools will only be possible if this target is met. These steps are planned for February 8th, 2021, if the incidence rate is low enough. However, opening of restaurants and hotels is not planned before the end of February.

By the end of April/beginning of May, all people aged 65 and above should be vaccinated. With the approval of additional vaccines, this could happen even earlier. The government expects 2 to 3 more difficult months before a return to normality in the summer of 2021.

Due to the higher infection risk of new variants, opening up and relaxing restrictions would be irresponsible. Short-term relaxations would not benefit the economy, and the healthcare system would quickly become overwhelmed.

Austrian politicians listen to experts and base their decisions on facts. I hope this continues after the pandemic. However, I would support even stricter penalties for non-compliance with measures and a ban on demonstrations, or at least the swift dissolution of demonstrations if measures are not followed. (See videos of the anti-coronavirus measures demonstration in Vienna on January 16th, 2021: no masks, no distancing, a lot of stupidity).

2021-01-16 - Fighting the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Mutations

SARS-CoV-2 mutations are on the way. They are emerging from South Africa, Hawaii, China, and a variant from the United Kingdom is currently drawing the most attention. 

Every time someone is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they go through a replication cycle in which copies of the virus are made. Each time this occurs, the virus mutates and changes slightly. As the virus can spread so rapidly worldwide, there are some mutations that exhibit altered behaviors.

The variants B.1.1.7 (from the United Kingdom) and 501.V2 (from South Africa) show increased infectivity. Both variants carry the N501Y substitution in the spike protein, which allows them to bind more efficiently to ACE2 receptors. This leads to a faster spread of the virus. Some studies also suggest that a higher viral load may be present.

More noticeable mutations have also been identified in China (G614) and Hawaii (P681H). Although these variants have attracted less attention, further studies are needed to understand their impact on infectivity and disease severity.

There are now concerns that the vaccines may offer less protection. However, experts suspect that vaccination goals will not be compromised by the mutations, suggesting that the vaccines could still be effective against the new variants. Nonetheless, this has now become a race against time.

Vaccinations are currently progressing only slowly, and with a mutation that poses a 40 to 70% increased risk of infection, there is a danger that the variants may spread faster than vaccinations can be administered. This calls for an accelerated vaccination campaign.

2021-01-15 - Covid-19: Norway investigates 23 deaths in frail elderly patients after vaccination
https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n149

23 deaths in Norway are suspected to be a reaction to the Covid-19 vaccine. The cases are currently under investigation.

As a result, Norway has issued a warning that a certain group of people should not be vaccinated for the time being. The warning applies to individuals over 80 years of age with advanced heart disease, lung diseases such as COPD, or other serious pre-existing conditions.

The most common vaccine reactions are mild fever, nausea, and diarrhea. For most people (including elderly people), this is not a problem. However, for many pre-existing conditions, these harmless symptoms can still be threatening.

2021-01-15 - Pandemic: Two Million Fates
https://projekte.sueddeutsche.de/artikel/wissen/pandemie-zwei-millionen-schicksale-e980201/

2021-01-15 - Increased infections, but not viral burden, with a new SARS-CoV-2 variant
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.13.21249721v1

2021-01-15 - Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Lineage — United States, December 29, 2020–January 12, 2021
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/pdfs/mm7003e2-H.pdf

2021-01-15 - New coronavirus variants could cause more reinfections, require updated vaccines
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/01/new-coronavirus-variants-could-cause-more-reinfections-require-updated-vaccines

The mutations and their effects on vaccines are still partly unclear. However, many experts believe that they will most likely still be effective against the new variants.

2021-01-15 - Early immune pathology and persistent dysregulation characterise severe COVID-19
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.11.20248765v1

Misguided immune responses to a SARS-CoV-2 infection contribute significantly to the severity of the disease.

2021-01-14 - COVID reinfections are unusual — but could still help the virus to spread
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00071-6

2021-01-13 - Metformin Use Is Associated With Reduced Mortality in a Diverse Population With COVID-19 and Diabetes
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.600439/full

2021-01-13 - FFP2 Masks on the Clothesline? - Reuse Tested
https://www.laborpraxis.vogel.de/ffp2-masken-an-der-waescheleine-mehrfachnutzung-im-test-a-991623/

2021-01-13 - Audio Interview: Covid-19 in South Africa and a New SARS-CoV-2 Variant
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2100736

2021-01-13 - Interim Results of a Phase 1–2a Trial of Ad26.COV2.S Covid-19 Vaccine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2034201

The Ad26.COV2.S viral vector vaccine from Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) generates neutralizing antibodies in more than 90% of study participants. And that's after the first dose.

2021-01-13 - Medical community scrambles to understand COVID-19 ‘long haulers’
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/medical-community-scrambles-to-understand-covid-19-long-haulers

Information on long-term effects after a Covid-19 infection. It's not just severe cases that are affected.

2021-01-13 - (71) Coronavirus-Update: Mehr Licht am Ende des Tunnels
https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/info/71-Coronavirus-Update-Mehr-Licht-am-Ende-des-Tunnels,podcastcoronavirus278.html

2021-01-12 - Structure-guided multivalent nanobodies block SARS-CoV-2 infection and suppress mutational escape
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2021/01/11/science.abe6230

2021-01-12 - Adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)00007-6

2021-01-12 - Neuroinvasion of SARS-CoV-2 in human and mouse brain
https://rupress.org/jem/article/218/3/e20202135/211674/Neuroinvasion-of-SARS-CoV-2-in-human-and-mouse

2021-01-12 - Covid-19 vaccination: Vaccine skepticism in the medical field is fatal
https://www.spektrum.de/kolumne/covid-19-impfung-impfskepsis-im-medizinbetrieb-ist-fatal/1816691

2021-01-11 - Possibilities and limitations of self-responsible reuse of FFP2 masks for private use in the context of an epidemic situation
https://www.fh-muenster.de/gesundheit/images/forschung/ffp2/01_ffp2_info11012021_doppelseiten.pdf

2021-01-08 - Inherent random fluctuations in COVID-19 outbreaks may explain rapid growth of new mutated virus variants
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.07.21249353v1

2021-01-08 - 6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32656-8/fulltext

76% of 1733 Covid-19 patients from Wuhan still had at least one symptom six months after the infection. The most common ones were fatigue, muscle weakness, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.

2021-01-08 - Findings from Cardiovascular Evaluation of NCAA Division I Collegiate Student-Athletes after Asymptomatic or Mildly Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.07.21249407v1

The results of this US study on 55 young athletes suggest that athletes likely do not have long-term heart damage after a COVID-19 infection.

2021-01-08 - SARS-CoV-2 patient self-testing with an antigen-detecting rapid test: a head-to-head comparison with professional testing
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.06.20249009v1

2021-01-08 - Impact of B.1.1.7 variant mutations on antibody recognition of linear SARS-CoV-2 epitopes
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.06.20248960v1

The result of this study suggests that antibodies from COVID-19 patients against the B.1.1.7 mutation variant (also known as VOC-202012/01) also provide protection.

2021-01-08 - "Cause for Concern" - How Scientists Evaluate the New Highly Contagious Variants of SARS-CoV-2
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/944655

2021-01-08 - Corona Mutations Worsen the Pandemic
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/Corona-Mutationen-verschaerfen-die-Pandemie-416080.html

2021-01-08 - Pulmonary Fungal Infections Affect Patients With COVID-19
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2773692

2021-01-07 - No evidence that vitamin D is able to prevent or affect the severity of COVID-19 in individuals with European ancestry: a Mendelian randomisation study of open data
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7798425/

2021-01-07 - Retrospective analysis of the Italian exit strategy from COVID-19 lockdown
https://www.pnas.org/content/118/4/e2019617118

2021-01-07 - Stable Interaction Of The UK B.1.1.7 lineage SARS-CoV-2 S1 Spike N501Y Mutant With ACE2 Revealed By Molecular Dynamics Simulation
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.07.425307v1

2021-01-07 - Genetic Characteristics and Phylogeny of 969-bp S Gene Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 from Hawaii Reveals the Worldwide Emerging P681H Mutation
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.06.425497v1

2021-01-07 - Neutralization of N501Y mutant SARS-CoV-2 by BNT162b2 vaccine-elicited sera
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.07.425740v1

Initial data shows that the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine also provides protection against the N501Y mutation. It is one of the three relevant mutations in the VOC-202012/01 strain.

2021-01-07 - SARS-CoV-2 Transmission From People Without COVID-19 Symptoms
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774707

According to this study, which is based on a mathematical model analyzing different scenarios, it is concluded that more than 50% of infections come from people who do not develop symptoms.

2021-01-06 - Genetic Variants of SARS-CoV-2—What Do They Mean?
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775006

2021-01-06 - EMA recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna for authorization in the EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-covid-19-vaccine-moderna-authorisation-eu

Soon, the second vaccine will be available in Europe. The European Medicines Agency has now also given the green light for the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

2021-01-06 - Immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 assessed for up to 8 months after infection
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2021/01/05/science.abf4063.full

Even 8 months after a Covid-19 infection, full immunity is measurable. This means that vaccinations will provide protection for at least 1 year.

2021-01-06 - Inside the Covid ward
https://unherd.com/2021/01/inside-the-covid-ward/

Especially for deniers, a worthwhile firsthand account.

Quote:
"All of our patients who die, do so alone. There is nobody to hold their hand. Nobody to comfort them."

2021-01-05 - Why were breastfeeding women denied the Covid-19 vaccine?
https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/01/05/why-were-breastfeeding-women-denied-the-covid-19-vaccine/

2021-01-05 - The chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID‐19: The need for a prospective study of viral impact on brain functioning
https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.12255

Covid-19 infection appears to increase the risk of later dementia. Even people with mild cases are affected.

2021-01-05 - Assessing Mandatory Stay‐at‐Home and Business Closure Effects on the Spread of COVID‐19
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eci.13484

Once again, a Stanford study by Professor John Ioannidis that will reinforce the false beliefs of COVID-19 deniers.

Let's briefly recall the April 2020 study by Stanford Professor Ioannidis, which claimed that the mortality rate of COVID-19 was only 0.12 to 0.2%, similar to that of a seasonal flu infection. There were countless parameters that were not considered in the study, such as a high rate of possible false positive test results, and important data used for the calculation did not consider many factors and were sometimes even incorrect.

This paper now claims that a hard lockdown has no added value in curbing the coronavirus compared to milder and voluntary measures.

Once again, there are numerous faulty and nonsensical parameters in the study. In my opinion, the biggest mistake is that only the first wave is analyzed, which is not really meaningful since hard measures probably had little added value at the beginning, as many people also adhered to the measures out of personal responsibility. The virus was new, and little was known about it.

Several countries were compared in the study. There is no clear definition of what constitutes a hard lockdown, which varies from country to country, and this is also not considered in the study.

Ultimately, it is not about individual measures, but the overall package (Swiss cheese model). The more measures that are taken, the lower the risk of infection.

In Austria, the results of this study are absolutely not applicable, and anyone who uses this paper as a basis for discussions that strict lockdowns do not make sense is ridiculous. In Austria, it was evident that with loose measures, the number of cases increased to almost 10,000 new infections per day, and the numbers were only reduced with a hard lockdown.

2021-01-04 - Comprehensive mapping of mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain that affect recognition by polyclonal human serum antibodies
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.425021v1

Interesting study on the impact of different mutations on the efficacy of antibodies.

2021-01-04 - Registration for COVID-19 Rapid Test (2nd mass test)
https://oesterreich-testet.at/

Registration for the next free antigen test is now possible in some federal states. The website provides all the details. As with the first mass test, it should be noted that this is only a snapshot and not a license to ignore the pandemic.

2021-01-03 - COVID-19 vaccination doses administered per 100 people, Jan 3, 2021
https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations

Israel is making rapid progress with vaccinations. If the current pace is maintained, herd immunity could become a reality there as early as April.

2021-01-02 - Some Covid Survivors Haunted by Loss of Smell and Taste
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/02/health/coronavirus-smell-taste.html

2021-01-01 - Low vitamin D status is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(20)32600-X/fulltext

As with all supplement studies and COVID-19, correlation does not imply causation. Vitamin D is always useful when there is a deficiency.

2021-01-01 - The high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 is associated with increased interaction force between Spike-ACE2 caused by the viral N501Y mutation
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.29.424708v1

2020-12-30 - How does the Oxford & AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine work? A guide to viral vector vaccines
https://www.compoundchem.com/2020/12/30/viral-vector-vaccines/

The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine AZD1222 uses a weakened version of a chimpanzee cold virus as a vector. It contains genetic material of a surface protein that the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen docks to human cells with. This leads to the formation of specific antibodies and the promotion of T-cell formation.

2020-12-30 - UK to roll out Astra/Oxford COVID vaccine after world-first approval
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-britain-vaccine-int-idUSKBN2940KZ

2020-12-30 - Sinopharm: China Bio-Beijing Company releases new data on interim analysis of clinical coronavirus-inactivated vaccine Phase III clinical trial
http://www.bjbpi.com/news_list.asp?id=787

The Sinopharm vaccine shows an efficacy of 79%.

2020-12-30 - Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2035389

The Phase 3 study data for the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine has been released. Efficacy and safety are similar to the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. A decision on EU approval will be made in early 2021.

2020-12-30 - He Was Hospitalized for Covid-19. Then Hospitalized Again. And Again.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/health/covid-hospital-readmissions.html

2020-12-29 - You’re Infected With the Coronavirus. But How Infected?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/29/health/coronavirus-viral-load.html

Quote:
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York recorded viral loads among more than 3,000 hospitalized Covid-19 patients on the day of their admission. They found that 40 percent of patients with high viral loads — whose tests were positive at a Ct of 25 or below — died while in the hospital, compared with 15 percent of those with positive tests at higher Cts and presumably lower viral loads.

2020-12-29 - Masks and Face Coverings for the Lay Public
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20-6625

2020-12-28 - SARS-CoV-2 escape in vitro from a highly neutralizing COVID-19 convalescent plasma
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.28.424451v1.full

2020-12-27 - Characterizing Long COVID in an International Cohort: 7 Months of Symptoms and Their Impact
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.24.20248802v2

International long-term study on Long Covid.

2020-12-27 - S-variant SARS-CoV-2 is associated with significantly higher viral loads in samples tested by ThermoFisher TaqPath RT-QPCR
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.24.20248834v1

This study seems to confirm that the new mutation variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has a significantly higher viral load (i.e., a lower CT-PCR value) than the original variant.

2020-12-27 - ZIB Special: The first COVID 19 vaccination in Austria
https://tvthek.orf.at/live/ZIB-Spezial-Die-erste-COVID-19-Impfung-in-Oesterreich/14098170

2020-12-26 - First COVID-19 vaccination in Germany
https://www.tagesschau.de/multimedia/video/video-801489.html

2020-12-25 - Reverse Engineering the source code of the BioNTech/Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
https://berthub.eu/articles/posts/reverse-engineering-source-code-of-the-biontech-pfizer-vaccine/

Also very interesting: the source code of the BioNTech/Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.

2020-12-24 - More than one in four hospitalized COVID-19 survivors readmitted or die within 60 days
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/more-than-one-in-four-hospitalised-covid-19-survivors-readmitted-or-die-within-60-days-ccc218ce-4152-3975-ad09-0c13ea859a12

2020-12-24 - COVID-19: a leading cause of death in the United States
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/covid-19-a-leading-cause-of-death-in-the-united-states-8f0b84f7-5690-3541-9b3f-ed5ded2746f4

2020-12-24 - Anatomy of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 mRNA Vaccine
https://kevinfolta.medium.com/anatomy-of-the-pfizer-covid19-mrna-vaccine-eb29beff7aa3

2020-12-23 - COVID Makes 2020 the Deadliest Year in U.S. History
https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201223/covid-makes-2020-deadliest-year-in-u-s-history

2020-12-23 - Estimated transmissibility and severity of novel SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in England
https://cmmid.github.io/topics/covid19/uk-novel-variant.html

2020-12-23 - Risks of and risk factors for COVID-19 disease in people with diabetes: a cohort study of the total population of Scotland
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(20)30405-8/fulltext

2020-12-23 - Fauci on Vaccines, Virus Mutations, and 2021
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/943131

2020-12-22 - COVID-19: EU Commission grants BionTech/Pfizer vaccine first EU-wide approval
https://ec.europa.eu/germany/news/20201222-impfstoff-zulassung_de

After the EMA voted for approval of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine yesterday afternoon, the EU Commission also gave the green light later in the evening. The active ingredient was thoroughly tested and found to be effective and safe. Vaccination campaigns are set to begin on December 27.

2020-12-22 - Caution with rapid COVID-19 tests before the holidays
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/infektionserkrankungen-in-der-hausarztpraxis/vorsicht-bei-corona-schnelltest-vor-dem-fest/18708400

I also have an appointment for a rapid test on December 24.

As a reminder to everyone planning the same thing: this is a snapshot in time. A test the next day could already turn out positive.

Therefore, it is important to maintain distance, ensure good ventilation, and wear face masks.
Even better would be to cancel Christmas or celebrate it differently than usual (e.g. drinking tea outdoors).

2020-12-21 - Newly discovered mutants of SARS-CoV-2 may make the virus more infectious
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/neu-entdeckte-mutanten-von-sars-cov-2-machen-das-virus-moglicherweise-infektioser-735759

2020-12-21 - Investigation of novel SARS-COV-2 variant: Variant of Concern 202012/01
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/investigation-of-novel-sars-cov-2-variant-variant-of-concern-20201201

2020-12-21 - The COVID-19 Year 2020 in Review

The year 2020 will go down in history as the COVID-19 year. Starting with reports of a mysterious lung disease in Wuhan, we now have the approval of the first vaccines. And despite all the progress, an end to this pandemic is still a long way off. Let’s take a look back at the year.

About a year ago, reports emerged of a mysterious lung disease in Wuhan, China. The trigger was identified as a novel coronavirus, likely originating from bats and transmitted to humans through intermediate hosts like pangolins. In March, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a global health emergency.

In March 2020, the world nearly came to a standstill. The rapid spread of the coronavirus led to lockdown measures worldwide. Air travel was severely restricted, borders were closed, schools and businesses had to shut down, and public life was heavily limited. The lockdown affected almost all areas of society and had far-reaching consequences for the economy, the education sector, and social life. Throughout the year, measures were repeatedly eased and tightened depending on case numbers.

Less than a year later, significant progress has been made in vaccine development. Russia was the first country to approve vaccines. However, this approval bypassed Phase III trials, resulting in a lack of reliable data on side effects and efficacy. The COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech/Pfizer was approved in the United Kingdom, and vaccinations have been underway since early December. In the United States, vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna have been approved. Today, the European Medicines Agency has approved the mRNA vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer, and vaccinations are expected to begin in Austria in December.

To achieve herd immunity and effectively curb the spread of the virus, a sufficiently high willingness to vaccinate is essential. The current level of vaccination willingness is still uncertain, but it is the responsibility of each individual to get vaccinated and contribute to combating the pandemic.

Although some restrictions have been eased and businesses and contact-intensive services like hair salons have reopened, we must remain cautious. With an expected increase in cases during the upcoming Christmas season, it is important to adhere to current regulations and find alternative ways to celebrate Christmas. Self-quarantine and antigen rapid tests can help minimize the risk of infection. To slow the spread of the virus, we must continue to act responsibly. We must not forget that we may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus and could endanger others. Therefore, it is crucial to limit social contacts and continue to avoid large gatherings.

Despite the challenges we face, significant progress has been made in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The approval of vaccines certainly marks a milestone that offers hope for a long-term solution.

2020-12-21 - EMA recommends first COVID-19 vaccine for authorisation in the EU
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-first-covid-19-vaccine-authorisation-eu

The European Medicines Agency has recommended granting approval for the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

2020-12-21 - Vaccinating Pregnant and Lactating Patients Against COVID-19
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/12/vaccinating-pregnant-and-lactating-patients-against-covid-19

2020-12-20 Amboss-Podcast: COVID-19 Vaccines Part 2 - Conversation with Dr. Martin Terhardt (STIKO)
https://amboss.podigee.io/48-covid19impfstoffeteil2

2020-12-20 - The Coronavirus Is Mutating. What Does That Mean for Us?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/20/health/coronavirus-britain-variant.html

Quote:
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines induce an immune response only to the spike protein carried by the coronavirus on its surface. But each infected person produces a large, unique, and complex repertoire of antibodies to this protein.

“The fact is that you have a thousand big guns pointed at the virus,” said Kartik Chandran, a virologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. “No matter how the virus twists and weaves, it’s not that easy to find a genetic solution that can really combat all these different antibody specificities, not to mention the other arms of the immune response.”

In short: It will be very hard for the coronavirus to escape the body’s defenses, despite the many variations it may adopt.

Escape from immunity requires that a virus accumulate a series of mutations, each allowing the pathogen to erode the effectiveness of the body’s defenses.

2020-12-20 - Mutant coronavirus in the United Kingdom sets off alarms but its importance remains unclear
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/mutant-coronavirus-united-kingdom-sets-alarms-its-importance-remains-unclear

2020-12-20 - Molecular Mechanisms of mRNA Vaccines | Kevin M. Folta PhD, Allison Kennedy
https://youtu.be/PmH-l9fyeq8

2020-12-20 - Corona Vaccination Long-Term Effects | Martin Moder PhD - Produced as part of EU MythBusters
https://youtu.be/Aov3qGYv7ls

2020-12-19 - Preliminary genomic characterisation of an emergent SARS-CoV-2 lineage in the UK defined by a novel set of spike mutations
https://virological.org/t/preliminary-genomic-characterisation-of-an-emergent-sars-cov-2-lineage-in-the-uk-defined-by-a-novel-set-of-spike-mutations/563

Fortunately, the points of attack of the vaccine are not affected. The mutations affect, among other things, the docking areas of the spike protein that allow the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter the cell.

2020-12-19 - Coronavirus: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? | Dr. Hegedüs
https://youtu.be/erwHULYCzAw

2020-12-18 - Corona: How safe is the vaccine? | Quarks
https://youtu.be/OIB6LBWVw8o

2020-12-18 - "Return to exercise" - helping patients to overcome the long tail of Covid-19.
https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2020/12/18/return-to-exercise-helping-patients-to-overcome-the-long-tail-of-covid-19/

Good article on how amateur athletes can get back into sports after a Covid-19 infection.

2020-12-18 - NERVTAG meeting on SARS-CoV-2 variant under investigation VUI-202012/01
https://khub.net/documents/135939561/338928724/SARS-CoV-2+variant+under+investigation%2C+meeting+minutes.pdf/962e866b-161f-2fd5-1030-32b6ab467896

Document with important information about the VUI-202012/01 mutation.

2020-12-17 - 2020 BREAKTHROUGH of the YEAR: Shots of hope-Desperately needed vaccines against COVID-19, developed and tested at record speed, are 2020's breakthrough
https://vis.sciencemag.org/breakthrough2020/#/finalists/2020-breakthrough-of-the-year

The scientific journal "Science" has declared the successful development of vaccines against Covid-19 as the scientific breakthrough of the year.

2020-12-17 - COVID-19 Vaccines and Herd Immunity
https://ccdd.hsph.harvard.edu/2020/12/17/covid-19-vaccines-and-herd-immunity/

2020-12-17 - Comparison of the characteristics, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza: a nationwide, population-based retrospective cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(20)30527-0/fulltext

2020-12-17 - COVID-19 vaccination recommendation now officially published
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Medizin/COVID-19-Impfempfehlung-der-STIKO-jetzt-offiziell-veroeffentlicht-415727.html

2020-12-17 - 'Not Enough Evidence' to Recommend Vitamin D for COVID-19 Treatment
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/942809

2020-12-17 - COVID-19 is not influenza
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(20)30577-4/fulltext

2020-12-17 - FDA Briefing Document-Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.fda.gov/media/144434/download

The FDA attests to the good efficacy and high safety of the Moderna mRNA vaccine.

2020-12-16 - Should I Be Afraid of Getting COVID Again?
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/942589

2020-12-16 - All-Cause Excess Mortality and COVID-19-Related Mortality Among US Adults Aged 25-44 Years, March-July 2020
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2774445

2020-12-16 - Lockdown in Germany: What applies from today
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/corona-regeln-lockdown-103.html

Germany is back in a hard lockdown as of today. Intensive care medicine is already reaching its limits and even triage is being discussed. Today, there were more than 900 COVID deaths in Germany.

2020-12-16 - The S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 crosses the blood-brain barrier in mice
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-020-00771-8

2020-12-15 - Myasthenia Gravis Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/L20-0845

2020-12-15 - How COVID-19 is changing the cold and flu season
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03519-3

2020-12-15 - Inferring the effectiveness of government interventions against COVID-19
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/12/15/science.abd9338.full

2020-12-15 - Factors Associated with Positive SARS-CoV-2 Test Results in Outpatient Health Facilities and Emergency Departments Among Children and Adolescents Aged <18 Years — Mississippi, September–November 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6950e3.htm

2020-12-15 - Biontech/Pfizer's SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is 95% effective, severe side effects are very rare
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/sars-cov-2-vakzine-von-biontech-pfizer-schutzt-zu-95-prozent-schwere-nebenwirkungen-sind-sehr-selten-735393

2020-12-14 - Evaluating SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines After Emergency Use Authorization or Licensing of Initial Candidate Vaccines
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2774383

2020-12-14 - How to Vaccinate the World
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000qblw

2020-12-14 - Preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic…for 36 years
https://youtu.be/HtSXyGM0n-U

2020-12-14 - Watch the first health workers receive Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine in New York
https://youtu.be/iv30MVMOkuY

2020-12-13 - Amboss podcast: COVID-19 vaccines part 1 - in conversation with Dr. Martin Terhardt (STIKO)
https://amboss.podigee.io/47-covid19impfstoffeteil1

2020-12-12 - Facing up to long COVID
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32662-3/fulltext

2020-12-11 - Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Letter of Authorization
https://www.fda.gov/media/144412/download

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) authorizes the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA coronavirus vaccine for people aged 16 and older in the United States.

2020-12-11 - Sanofi suffers major setback in development of a Covid-19 vaccine
https://www.statnews.com/2020/12/11/sanofi-suffers-major-setback-in-development-of-a-covid-19-vaccine/

Setback in vaccine development for Sanofi and partner GlaxoSmithKline.

Sanofi/GSK are developing an inactivated vaccine with genetically engineered antigen (from Baculoviruses) and adjuvant.

2020-12-10 - Head-to-head comparison of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detecting rapid test with self-collected anterior nasal swab versus professional-collected nasopharyngeal swab
https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/11/26/13993003.03961-2020.article-info

Rapid tests available at pharmacies, with which one only swabs the inside of the nose, are also very reliable.

2020-12-10 - UK issues anaphylaxis warning on Pfizer vaccine after adverse reactions
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-britain-vaccine/uk-issues-anaphylaxis-warning-on-pfizer-vaccine-after-adverse-reactions-idUSKBN28J1DK

As a precaution, individuals who have had anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) to a drug or food in the past should not receive the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

2020-12-10 - BNT162b2 Vaccine Candidate Against COVID-19
https://www.fda.gov/media/144325/download

2020-12-10 - How kids’ immune systems can evade COVID
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03496-7

2020-12-10 - Investigations on the probability of aerosol spread in the passenger compartment of rail vehicles
https://www.dlr.de/content/de/downloads/2020/kurzfassung-abschlussbericht-luqas.pdf

2020-12-10 - Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2034577

The first analysis of the Phase 3 study of the mRNA vaccine "BNT162b2" by BioNTech/Pfizer has been published.

2020-12-09 - WEBINAR: Covid-19 Vaccines are coming, now what?
https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6DDvCQqoSjeaYd0EGtxV3A

Description:
Join the HMS-led Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness (MassCPR) for a public briefing highlighting the latest developments on COVID-19 vaccine design, testing, approval, speed, safety and effectiveness, as well as key considerations for vaccine success. A panel discussion and question-and-answer session will follow.

Webinar starts on December 9, 2020, at 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (USA and Canada), which is 6 PM in our time zone.

2020-12-09 - Occupation and risk of severe COVID-19: prospective cohort study of 120 075 UK Biobank participants
https://oem.bmj.com/content/early/2020/12/01/oemed-2020-106731

2020-12-08 - Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) against SARS-CoV-2: an interim analysis of four randomised controlled trials in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32661-1/fulltext

The first full results of the interim analysis confirm that the Oxford (AstraZeneca) Covid-19 vaccine is safe and protects against symptomatic disease.

2020-12-08 - Covid-19 vaccine: First person receives Pfizer jab in UK
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55227325

About a year ago, the first Covid-19 case was reported. And now, the UK is already starting mass vaccinations. A success for science and humanity.

Quote:
A UK grandmother has become the first person in the world to be given the Pfizer Covid-19 jab as part of a mass vaccination programme.
Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week, said it was the "best early birthday present".
She was given the injection at 06:31 GMT - the first of 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that will be dispensed in the coming weeks.
Up to four million more are expected by the end of the month.

2020-12-08 - Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in an Oropharyngeal Swab Specimen, Milan, Italy, Early December 2019
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/2/20-4632_article

2020-12-07 - Are the Covid-19 Vaccines Safe?
https://coronavirus.medium.com/are-the-covid-19-vaccines-safe-3a399a9bd8a0

2020-12-07 - How the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Works
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine.html

2020-12-05 - Vaccine and…fertility
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.com/vaccine-andfertility/

2020-12-05 - The system of COVID-19 deniers: Why so many believe them
https://youtu.be/Ilq9NKaNK0A

In the video by Quarks (D), the main topics of the COVID-19 deniers are refuted.

2020-12-03 - Therapeutically administered ribonucleoside analogue MK-4482/EIDD-2801 blocks SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-020-00835-2

Originally an antiviral drug against influenza, it is now being tested to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. At least it worked in a series of experiments with ferrets. However, animal studies should always be viewed with caution. If Molnupiravir works in humans just as well, COVID-19 patients would no longer be infectious after 24 hours. It could also slow down the progression of a severe illness. That would be a big breakthrough. However, the clinical phase II/III still needs to be tested on humans.

2020-12-03 - Face masks considerably reduce COVID-19 cases in Germany
https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/12/02/2015954117

Quote:
Assessing the credibility of the various estimates, we conclude that face masks reduce the daily growth rate of reported infections by around 47%.

2020-12-02 - SARS-CoV-2: The route into the brain
https://www.doccheck.com/de/detail/articles/30638-sars-cov-2-die-route-ins-gehirn

A research team from the Berlin Charité hospital analyzed tissue samples from deceased COVID-19 patients to investigate how the virus can enter the brain and how the immune system reacts there. Since the pathogen reaches the brain through the olfactory mucosa, this could explain the smell and taste disturbances in many patients.

2020-12-02 - Could COVID delirium bring on dementia?
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03360-8

2020-12-02 - About 50% of COVID-19 intensive care patients in Germany died
https://www.welt.de/wissenschaft/article221644658/Coronavirus-50-Prozent-der-Covid-19-Intensivpatienten-starben.html

2020-12-01 - Registration for COVID-19 rapid test (1st mass test in Austria)
https://xn--sterreich-testet-lwb.at/#/registration/start

Registration for the free antigen test is now possible. Please note: If you receive a negative test result, this is only a snapshot and not a license for a superspreader Christmas party.

2020-12-01 - EMA receives application for conditional marketing authorization of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-receives-application-conditional-marketing-authorisation-covid-19-mrna-vaccine-bnt162b2

and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-receives-application-conditional-marketing-authorisation-moderna-covid-19-vaccine

The first two vaccines (mRNA vaccines) from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna are now in the EU authorization process (European Medicines Agency).

2020-12-01 - Dr. Florian Krammer informs about COVID19 vaccinations
https://youtu.be/l-XzMIu8Mww

2020-12-01 - Vitamin D and COVID-19: evidence and recommendations for supplementation
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.201912

2020-11-30 - China after Covid-19, normality and surveillance
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/china-corona-alltag-101.html

2020-11-30 - ‘Absolutely remarkable’: No one who got Moderna’s vaccine in trial developed severe COVID-19
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/11/absolutely-remarkable-no-one-who-got-modernas-vaccine-trial-developed-severe-covid-19

2020-11-30 - Moderna to submit Covid-19 vaccine to FDA as full results show 94% efficacy
https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/30/moderna-covid-19-vaccine-full-results/

2020-11-30 - Sucharit Bhakdi is wrong in all respects
https://www.mittellaendische.ch/2020/11/30/sucharit-bhakdi-liegt-in-allen-punkten-falsch/

2020-11-30 - Coronavirus vaccine development: The first of its kind
https://www.zeit.de/wissen/gesundheit/2020-11/impfstoffentwicklung-corona-impfstoff-erbgut-klinische-phasen-forschung

2020-11-30 - CFR of Covid-19 (USA) FB post by "One Vaxxed Nurse"
https://www.facebook.com/onevaxxednurse/photos/a.114102396699351/398001511642770/

(Figures calculated at 9,920,345 confirmed cases & 194,504 deaths from Covid. )

Source: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_casesper100klast7days

2020-11-29 - mRNA vaccines will harm your DNA!!! Nope, more anti-vaxxer nonsense
https://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php/mrna-vaccines-will-harm-your-dna-nope-more-anti-vaxxer-nonsense/

2020-11-28 - Podcast with Dr. Kevin Folta: What is an mRNA Vaccine?
https://www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com/268-what-is-an-mrna-vaccine/

2020-11-28 - This is how the RNA vaccination works – and why it does not alter the genetic makeup
https://blog.gwup.net/2020/11/28/so-funktioniert-die-rna-impfung-video-mit-martin-moder/

2020-11-27 - Here’s how it feels when COVID-19 symptoms last for months
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/im-a-covid-19-long-hauler-and-an-epidemiologist-heres-how-it-feels-when-symptoms-last-for-months

2020-11-26 - Early Insights from Statistical and Mathematical Modeling of Key Epidemiologic Parameters of COVID-19
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7588530/

2020-11-26 - The uncounted deaths from Gangelt
https://medwatch.de/2020/11/26/die-ungezaehlten-todesfaelle-aus-gangelt/

An article that points out the errors in the controversial study by Hendrik Streeck from the spring, since it has now been published in a specialist magazine.

2020-11-26 - Ingmar Hoerr on the discovery of a new vaccination method | Markus Lanz of November 26th, 2020
https://youtu.be/W6i59JNt7os

2020-11-26 - Aerosol Transmission Risk Calculator
https://www.zeit.de/wissen/gesundheit/2020-11/coronavirus-aerosole-ansteckungsgefahr-infektion-hotspot-innenraeume

This is how quickly the coronavirus spreads indoors.
Further parameters (such as virus and aerosol properties) can be changed on the website of the Max Planck Institute:
https://www.mpic.de/4747361/risk-calculator

2020-11-25 - How Iceland hammered COVID with science
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03284-3

2020-11-24 - A Randomized Trial of Convalescent Plasma in Covid-19 Severe Pneumonia
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2031304

2020-11-24 - CoV vaccination strategy includes three phases
https://orf.at/stories/3191043/

2020-11-23 - AZD1222 vaccine met primary efficacy endpoint in preventing COVID-19
https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2020/azd1222hlr.html

The third vaccine candidate enters the final round. With the best dosage of 2 vaccinations, the AstraZeneca (Oxford) vaccine shows approximately 90% efficacy.

Unlike pharmaceutical companies BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna, who use mRNA-based vaccines, this is a vector virus-based vaccine, based on an adenovirus with coronavirus genes that cannot replicate in human cells.

2020-11-23 - Viral load: the critical 5 days
https://www.doccheck.com/de/detail/articles/30483-viruslast-die-kritischen-5-tage

2020-11-23 - Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines: how mRNA vaccines work and their effectiveness
https://youtu.be/qRs2w-POmlg

2020-11-23 - Evidence of Long-Distance Droplet Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by Direct Air Flow in a Restaurant in Korea
https://jkms.org/DOIx.php?id=10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e415

2020-11-22 - The mask guide for advanced users
https://www.zeit.de/wissen/gesundheit/2020-10/corona-mundschutz-alltag-maske-infektionsschutz-hygiene-ratgeber-faq

2020-11-21 - Comprehensive health assessment three months after recovery from acute COVID-19
https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciaa1750/5998118

Recovery does not always mean health. Study on long-term damage after Covid-19.

2020-11-20 - Most coronavirus cases are spread by people without symptoms, CDC now says
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/20/health/cdc-coronavirus-spread-asymptomatic-website-wellness/index.html

2020-11-20 - Test sensitivity is secondary to frequency and turnaround time for COVID-19 screening
https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/11/20/sciadv.abd5393.1.full

2020-11-20 - Robust and Specific Secretory IgA Against SARS-CoV-2 Detected in Human Milk
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004220309329

2020-11-20 - Remdesivir: FDA Says Yes, WHO Says No
https://www.doccheck.com/de/detail/articles/30455-remdesivir-fda-sagt-ja-who-sagt-nein

2020-11-20 - Why mRNA Vaccines Don't Alter DNA
https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/warum-mrna-impfstoffe-nicht-das-erbgut-veraendern-121972/

2020-11-19 - Vaccine Risks Fact-Checked
https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/corona-impfstoff-impfrisiken-im-faktencheck.676.de.html?dram%3Aarticle_id=487827

2020-11-19 - Facial Masking for Covid-19
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2030886

2020-11-19 - SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV Viral Load Dynamics, Duration of Viral Shedding, and Infectiousness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(20)30172-5/fulltext

2020-11-18 - Rapid Response to an Outbreak in Qingdao, China
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2032361

2020-11-18 - Pfizer and BioNtech Conclude Phase 3 Study of Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate, Meeting All Primary Efficacy Endpoints
https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-conclude-phase-3-study-covid-19-vaccine

2020-11-18 - Pfizer and BioNTech to Submit Covid-19 Vaccine Data to FDA as Full Results Show 95% Efficacy
https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/18/pfizer-biontech-covid19-vaccine-fda-data/

2020-11-17 - Immunity to the Coronavirus May Last Years, New Data Hint
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/17/health/coronavirus-immunity.html

2020-11-17 - Why Does Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Need To Be Kept Colder Than Antarctica?
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/11/17/935563377/why-does-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-need-to-be-kept-colder-than-antarctica

2020-11-17 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Long-Term Effects
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351

2020-11-16 - Fatigue Persists in COVID-19 Patients for a Long Time
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/infektionserkrankungen-in-der-hausarztpraxis/fatigue-bleibt-covid-19-patienten-lange-erhalten/18584340

2020-11-16 - Immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 assessed for greater than six months after infection
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.15.383323v1

2020-11-16 - Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Meets its Primary Efficacy Endpoint in the First Interim Analysis of the Phase 3 COVE Study
https://investors.modernatx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/modernas-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-meets-its-primary-efficacy

2020-11-16 - Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine found to be nearly 95 percent effective in a preliminary analysis
https://globalnews.ca/news/7464825/coronavirus-vaccine-moderna-update/amp/

The next mRNA vaccine is just around the corner. Moderna (USA) has released preliminary information indicating that the vaccine is 94.5% effective, and has been tested in high-risk groups.

2020-11-15 - COVID-19 reveals how obesity harms the body in real time
https://www.livescience.com/how-obesity-harms-body-real-time.html

2020-11-15 - Doctors Are Calling It Quits Under Stress of the Pandemic
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/15/health/Covid-doctors-nurses-quitting.html

2020-11-14 - The Situation Comes to a Head: Austria Tightens Lockdown Measures

The recent measures to contain the pandemic seem to have had little effect so far. As suspected, Austria is now implementing further measures instead of easing restrictions.

The number of new infections in Austria continues to rise alarmingly, and the country currently reports the highest case numbers per 1 million inhabitants worldwide.

It is even suspected that the actual number of infections is even higher, as testing capacities are reaching their limits. However, it is expected that in the future, an antigen rapid test will suffice to confirm an infection. Due to the currently limited capacities, it is particularly difficult to accurately track the spread of the virus.

In some Austrian states, the bed capacity in intensive care units is already fully utilized, and regular hospital operations are being scaled back in favor of emergencies. This affects not only COVID-19 patients but also others in need of medical assistance. When hospitals are overwhelmed, it becomes difficult to provide everyone with the best possible treatment.

Even though many people may not fully feel the effects in their daily lives, the situation is serious. The previous reliance on personal responsibility alone has not been enough to curb the spread of the virus. Therefore, measures must be further tightened to protect the population and relieve the healthcare system.

From Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 12:00 AM, the new measures will take effect.

All measures:
Retail shops will close (exceptions: pharmacies, grocery stores, drugstores, and banks)
The curfew will be in effect 24/7 (exceptions include emergencies, assistance, professional matters, or going shopping)
All schools and kindergartens will be closed (however, care will be provided if necessary)
All close-contact services are prohibited (hairdressers, beauty salons, massages...)
Restaurants and bars will remain closed (24/7 delivery services are allowed, pickups are allowed between 6-7 PM)
All sports facilities for amateurs will be closed (individual outdoor sports like jogging remain permitted)
Only one visit per week and per patient is allowed in hospitals and nursing homes.
All leisure facilities (zoos, museums, cinemas...) will remain closed.
Events remain prohibited (exception: funerals with a maximum of 50 people)
Home office where possible
Usual measures like social distancing and wearing face masks in enclosed spaces and public transport also remain in effect.

2020-11-14 - (A) Press conference: Necessary measures to prevent overload of the healthcare system
https://tvthek.orf.at/live/Pressekonferenz-Notwendige-Massnahmen-um-die-Ueberlastung-des-Gesundheitssystems-zu-verhindern-mit-OeGS/14092107

2020-11-13 - Understanding COVID-19 vaccine efficacy
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/370/6518/763.long

2020-11-13 - Is the vaccine safe? Do I need it if I've had Covid? Readers' questions answered
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/13/is-the-vaccine-safe-do-i-need-it-if-ive-had-covid-readers-questions-answered

2020-11-13 - Healthy only in statistics: the long-term effects of Covid-19
https://projekte.sueddeutsche.de/artikel/gesundheit/covid-19-die-spaetfolgen-e773421

2020-11-13 - Comparison of seven commercial SARS-CoV-2 rapid Point-of-Care Antigen tests
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.12.20230292v1

2020-11-13 - Immune life history, vaccination, and the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 over the next 5 years
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/370/6518/811.full

This Princeton University study calculated the pandemic trajectory over the next 5 years with several scenarios.

2020-11-12 - Field evaluation of a rapid antigen test (Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device) for COVID-19 diagnosis in primary healthcare centres
https://www.clinicalmicrobiologyandinfection.com/article/S1198-743X(20)30697-2/fulltext

2020-11-11 - Covid-19: Calculate the risk of infection in closed spaces yourself
https://www.laborpraxis.vogel.de/covid-19-ansteckungsrisiko-in-geschlossenen-raeumen-selbst-berechnen-a-979023/

The calculator: https://www.mpic.de/4747361/risk-calculator

2020-11-11 - Sixty-Day Outcomes Among Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20-5661

2020-11-11 - Are mental illnesses increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7652050/

2020-11-10 - Covid Superspreader Risk Is Linked to Restaurants, Gyms, Hotels
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-10/covid-superspreader-risk-is-linked-to-restaurants-gyms-hotels

2020-11-10 - Mobility network models of COVID-19 explain inequities and inform reopening
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2923-3

2020-11-10 - The story of mRNA: How a once-dismissed idea became a leading technology in the Covid vaccine race
https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/10/the-story-of-mrna-how-a-once-dismissed-idea-became-a-leading-technology-in-the-covid-vaccine-race/

2020-11-10 - Pfizer’s Covid Vaccine: 11 Things You Need to Know
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine

2020-11-09 - Persistent fatigue following SARS-CoV-2 infection is common and independent of severity of initial infection
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0240784

2020-11-09 - Bidirectional associations between COVID-19 and psychiatric disorder: retrospective cohort studies of 62 354 COVID-19 cases in the USA
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(20)30462-4/fulltext

2020-11-09 - Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine is more than 90 percent effective in first analysis, company reports
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/11/09/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-effective/

For a change, some very good news. The pharmaceutical company Pfizer (headquartered in NY) and the German biotechnology company BioNTech announced today that their coronavirus vaccine has shown 90% efficacy and there were no serious side effects in the phase 3 study participants. The vaccine requires two doses three weeks apart to achieve immunity.

BioNTech/Pfizer plan to apply for approval in the US in November.

Vaccine candidate: BNT162b2
It is an mRNA-based vaccine.

Excerpt from Wikipedia:
The mRNA-1273 vaccine contains the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the S protein that the coronaviruses use to dock with the epithelial cells. The mRNA is enclosed in lipid nanoparticles (cholesterol, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), and DMG-PEG 2000) that are taken up by body cells after intramuscular injection. The cells then produce the S protein (spike protein), which is recognized as foreign by the immune system, triggering the formation of protective antibodies.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA_vaccine#mRNA-1273

Overview of all vaccine candidates: https://www.vfa.de/en/research-medicines/covid-19-vaccines-in-development

2020-11-07 - Digging the Rabbit Hole, COVID-19 Edition: Anti-Vaccine Themes and the Discourse Around COVID-19
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1286457920302021

2020-11-06 - COVID research updates: A vaccine that mimics the coronavirus prompts potent antibodies
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00502-w

2020-11-06 - COVID-19 high-risk contact: Which one is particularly dangerous?
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/infektionserkrankungen-in-der-hausarztpraxis/covid-19-hochrisiko-kontakt--welcher-ist-besonders-gefaehrlich-/18560506

2020-11-06 - Why do children survive SARS-CoV-2 with fewer antibodies?
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/blog/118139/Warum-ueberstehen-Kinder-SARS-CoV-2-mit-weniger-Antikoerpern

Usually, it's the children who don't miss an infection. The innate immune system could play a major role here. It is suspected that the infection is defeated before the antibodies even come into action.

2020-11-06 - Transmission of SARS-COV-2 Infections in Households — Tennessee and Wisconsin, April–September 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6944e1.htm

School closures are indeed useful. According to this US study, 40-50% of children infect their parents or siblings.

2020-11-06 - Preexisting and de novo humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in humans
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/11/05/science.abe1107

2020-11-05 - Changes in Tinnitus Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.592878/full

2020-11-05 - Who Should Get a Covid-19 Vaccine First?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/05/magazine/who-gets-covid-vaccine.html

2020-11-05 - Nasal Spray Prevents Covid Infection in Ferrets, Study Finds
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/05/health/coronavirus-ferrets-vaccine-spray.html

2020-11-05 - Denmark to kill 15 million minks after coronavirus mutation spreads to humans
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/mutant-mink-coronavirus-in-denmark-sparks-plan-to-put-down-15-million-animals/2020/11/05/d8fd8c56-1f58-11eb-ad53-4c1fda49907d_story.html

Quote:
Although the virus mutates constantly, this variation prompted particular concern, according to scientists at Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut, because 12 of the people infected showed less ability to produce antibodies, which could reduce the potential effectiveness of a vaccine.

2020-11-04 - Challenges in creating herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection by mass vaccination
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32318-7/fulltext

2020-11-03 - Analytical and Clinical Performance of the Panbio COVID-19 Antigen-Detecting Rapid Diagnostic Test
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.30.20223198v1

A study shows that the Abbott Panbio antigen testers exhibit good sensitivity even in asymptomatic cases.

2020-11-03 - Model Calculations of Aerosol Transmission and Infection Risk of COVID-19 in Indoor Environments
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/21/8114/htm

2020-11-02 - Seven different "disease forms" identified in mild COVID-19 cases
https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/about-us/news/detailsite/2020/news-november-2020/seven-different-disease-forms-identified-in-mild-covid-19-cases/

2020-11-01 - Doctors Begin to Crack Covid's Mysterious Long-Term Effects
https://www.wsj.com/articles/doctors-begin-to-crack-covids-mysterious-long-term-effects-11604252961

2020-11-01 - Criticism of Streeck paper against shutdown is growing
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/coronavirus-kbv-shutdown-stellungnahme-streeck-1.5101047

2020-11-01 - mRNA Vaccines and COVID-19
https://www.deplatformdisease.com/blog/mrna-vaccines-and-covid-19

2020-11-01 - The Next Lockdown

Austria is currently, like many other countries around the world, in another lockdown in response to the rising COVID-19 case numbers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has polarized people more than any other issue before. However, this is not a question of opinion or belief, but rather of scientific facts. Every day, new evidence-based insights are published. And these findings show that the virus can cause long-term health damage, even with an initially mild course of illness. Therefore, new measures such as curfews, mask mandates, and testing are absolutely justified.

The implementation of any measures can be debated at any time. The fact is that something must be done to reduce the number of daily new infections and relieve the healthcare systems.

By collectively following the prescribed guidelines, we can combat the pandemic more effectively and overcome it more quickly.

So let’s stop the exponentially rising case numbers once again. If we do nothing now, the healthcare system could be overwhelmed by mid-November.

Measures starting on Tuesday in Austria:
Events are prohibited (exception: funerals)
Private gatherings are only allowed between people from a maximum of two different households.
No more dining in restaurants (delivery and takeout still allowed)
Accommodation establishments may only be used for business purposes.
Universities and upper secondary schools switch to e-learning (kindergartens and elementary schools remain open).
Curfew from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am (exceptions are emergencies, assistance, or business matters).
Indoor sports facilities will be closed (outdoor activities remain allowed if physical distancing is maintained).
Home office is encouraged where possible.
Common measures such as physical distancing and wearing masks in enclosed spaces and public transportation also remain in place.
Unlike during the first lockdown, all stores and services will remain open (for now). Grocery stores will remain open anyway. There is no need for extreme
panic buying. As I wrote back in March, it is always a good idea to have a certain basic stockpile at home. However, since some information about lockdown 2.0 has been leaked, panic buying has been observed again everywhere. This is definitely not necessary.

2020-10-31 - Government announces new lockdown for November (AT)
https://tvthek.orf.at/profile/ZIB-Spezial-zum-Coronavirus/13889652/ZIB-Spezial/14069933

2020-10-31 - Patients must be treated in the shock room: Sitten hospital at capacity (CH)
https://nzzas.nzz.ch/schweiz/corona-im-wallis-schwierig-anstrengend-und-traurig-ld.1584651

2020-10-31 - Immunological imprint of COVID‐19 on human peripheral blood leukocyte populations
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.14647

2020-10-30 - Evidence that coronavirus superspreading is fat-tailed
https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/10/30/2018490117

2020-10-30 - Masks Work. Really. We’ll Show You How.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/30/science/wear-mask-covid-particles-ul.html

2020-10-29 - Autoantibodies after excessive immune reaction?
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/infektionserkrankungen-in-der-hausarztpraxis/neue-coronastudien/18126192

2020-10-29 - Live interview with BioNTech CEO Prof. Ugur Sahin on Corona vaccine
https://youtu.be/3EuU9lZlycE

2020-10-29 - Corona and intelligence - does cognitive function decline?
https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article218870698/Covid-19-Infektion-Corona-und-Intelligenz-laesst-die-Hirnleistung-nach.html

2020-10-28 - How well can a vaccine protect against SARS-CoV-2?
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/Wie-gut-kann-eine-Impfung-vor-SARS-CoV-2-schuetzen-414134.html

2020-10-28 - COVID-19: robust neutralizing antibodies persist for months in most patients
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/covid-19-robust-neutralizing-antibodies-persist-for-months-in-most-patients-38f5202c-b821-387f-a0dd-4ed4c8dd032f

2020-10-27 - Study estimates exposure to air pollution increases COVID-19 deaths by 15% worldwide
https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/study-estimates-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-covid-19-deaths-by-15-world

2020-10-27 - Head-to-head comparison of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detecting rapid test with self-collected anterior nasal swab versus professional-collected nasopharyngeal swab
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.26.20219600v1

This preprint study shows that antigen self-tests (via nasal swab) may be possible in the future. Infections were reliably detected.

2020-10-27 - Over 80 percent of COVID-19 patients have vitamin D deficiency, study finds
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201027092216.htm

2020-10-25 - Stanford study: Why Ioannidis is wrong & Covid is more deadly than claimed
https://www.volksverpetzer.de/corona/stanford-ioannidis-covid/

Frank Taeger's commentary on the controversial Stanford study (preprint from 15.10.2020)

2020-10-24 - Sucharit Bhakdi is not just no expert on Covid-19 - it's much worse
https://quantenquark.com/blog/2020/10/24/sucharit-bhakdi-ist-fuer-covid-19-nicht-bloss-kein-experte-es-ist-viel-schlimmer/

A great article by physicist Dr. Holm Gero Hümmler about the confusing statements of Sucharit Bhakdi.

2020-10-23 - How SARS-CoV-2 becomes dangerous to the nerves
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/neurologische-beteiligung-bei-infektionserkrankungen/wie-sars-cov-2-den-nerven-gefaehrlich-wird/18502970

2020-10-23 - Broadly-targeted autoreactivity is common in severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201027092216.htm

2020-10-22 - COVID-19 Becoming Less Deadly
https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/covid-19-becoming-less-deadly/

Note: Don't be fooled by the headline and read the whole article.

Quote:
"None of this should make us complacent. The death rate remains high, and even a 3% case fatality rate makes this a deadly illness."

2020-10-21 - Attributes and predictors of Long-COVID: analysis of COVID cases and their symptoms collected by the Covid Symptoms Study App
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.19.20214494v1

2020-10-21 - The false promise of herd immunity for COVID-19
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02948-4

2020-10-21 - What to watch for in coronavirus antigen rapid tests
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Wirtschaft/Darauf-ist-bei-Corona-Antigen-Schnelltests-zu-achten-413899.html

As of now, general practitioners in Austria can also test for infection using antigen rapid tests. However, these tests do not replace the conventional PCR test. If an antigen rapid test is positive, a PCR test is done in addition for confirmation.

Quote:
Rule of thumb I:
The lower the specificity, the lower the positive predictive value (PPV).
The lower the sensitivity, the lower the negative predictive value (NPV).

Rule of thumb II:
At low prevalence, every loss of specificity leads to more false positive results.
With increasing prevalence, sensitivity becomes more important; the lower it is, the more false negative results there are.

2020-10-20 - Virologists: "Herd immunity is not a good idea"
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Politik/Virologen-zur-COVID-19-Pandemie-Herdenimmunitaet-ist-keine-gute-Idee-413886.html

2020-10-20 - How obesity could create problems for a COVID vaccine
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02946-6

2020-10-20 - Corona climbs to the top of health risks
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Wirtschaft/Corona-erklimmt-Platz-1-der-Gesundheitsrisiken-413887.html

2020-10-19 - How dangerous will COVID-19 be in winter? - Previous clinical experiences and what intensive care units should expect
https://www.sciencemediacenter.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Press_Briefing_Zubehoer/Press_Briefing_Transkript_Intensivstationen.pdf

2020-10-19 - Herd Immunity and Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Control
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2772167

2020-10-19 - Nearly two-thirds of hospitalized Covid-19 patients still have lung damage three months after being discharged, study claims
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8854815/Nearly-two-thirds-hospitalised-Covid-19-patients-lung-damage.html

2020-10-18 - What is the Association Between COVID-19 Deaths and Flu Vaccination Rates?
https://vaxopedia.org/2020/10/18/association-between-covid-19-deaths-and-flu-vaccination-rates/

2020-10-16 - Multi-organ impairment in low-risk individuals with long COVID
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.14.20212555v1

Quote:
"In a young, low-risk population with ongoing symptoms, almost 70% of individuals have impairment in one or more organs four months after initial symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are implications not only for burden of long COVID but also public health approaches which have assumed low risk in young people with no comorbidities."

2020-10-16 - What makes COVID-19 so dangerous worldwide
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/Was-COVID-19-weltweit-so-gefaehrlich-macht-413783.html

2020-10-16 - The effect of influenza vaccination on trained immunity: impact on COVID-19
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.14.20212498v1

Study shows that flu vaccination could also protect against Covid-19. Whether there is a causal relationship remains to be seen. Further investigations are necessary. But generally, it always makes sense to get vaccinated against the flu.

2020-10-15 - Living with Covid19
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/themedreview/living-with-covid19/

2020-10-15 - Scientific consensus on the COVID-19 pandemic: we need to act now
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32153-X/fulltext

2020-10-15 - COVID-19 herd immunity without vaccines? That will lead to genocide
https://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php/covid-19-herd-immunity-without-vaccines-that-will-lead-to-genocide/

2020-10-15 - Does your blood type impact risk of Covid-19? Scientists have early answers
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/blood-type-covid-19

2020-10-14 - Infection fatality rate of COVID-19 inferred from seroprevalence data
https://www.who.int/bulletin/online_first/BLT.20.265892.pdf

Before conspiracy theorists crawl out of their holes again and claim that COVID-19 is only deadly by 0.23%: just by reading the headline of the pre-print, one should notice that this is about the infection fatality rate and not the CFR.

Depending on which parameters are taken into account, one arrives at a different infection fatality rate. The IFR is estimated here, among other things, with a high number of unreported cases.

Other calculations usually result in 1.4%. The CFR (Case Fatality Rate) provides more precise results. The CFR indicates the proportion of deaths among all serologically confirmed infections. The CFR is currently at 2.77% worldwide.

No statements can be made based on this study. Experts estimate that the IFR for COVID-19 will settle at around 1%.

And since most people like to compare it to seasonal influenza. The IFR for influenza is around 0.1%. This means that about one person dies out of 1000 infected.

The IFR for COVID-19 is currently calculated at 1.4%.

So about 14 people die out of 1000 infected.

And now everyone can calculate for themselves what just 1% of 7.8 billion people is.

2020-10-14 - Dutch Woman First to Die After COVID-19 Reinfection
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/939157

2020-10-14 - Do other coronaviruses lead to false positive PCR tests?
https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/ratgeber/faktencheck-pcr-test-coronaviren-falsch-positiv-100.html

2020-10-14 - Christian Drosten warns of virus spread among younger people
https://www.zeit.de/wissen/gesundheit/2020-10/coronavirus-christian-drosten-ausbreitung-bevoelkerung

2020-10-14 - Long COVID could be four different syndromes, review suggests
https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m3981

2020-10-13 - A Sweep of Earth’s Virome Reveals Host-Guided Viral Protein Structural Mimicry and Points to Determinants of Human Disease
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240547122030363X

2020-10-13 - Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of SARS-CoV-2 infection in recovered COVID-19 patients: studies based on cellular and structural biology analysis
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.08.20209114v1

2020-10-13 - SARS-CoV-2 immunity: review and applications to phase 3 vaccine candidates
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32137-1/fulltext

A review of the vaccine candidates currently in phase 3 studies.

Companies and research institutes currently in phase 3:
AstraZeneca & Oxford University (UK)
Moderna (USA)
BioNTech / Pfizer (DE & USA)
Janssen - Johnson & Johnson (USA)
Gamaleya (Russia)
CanSino Biologics (China)
Sinovac Biotech (China)
Sinopharm - Wuhan Institute of Biological Products (China)

2020-10-12 - First, a Vaccine Approval. Then 'Chaos and Confusion'
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/12/health/covid-vaccines.html

2020-10-12 - Genomic evidence for reinfection with SARS-CoV-2: a case study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30764-7/fulltext

Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. Currently, only few cases are known. The second illness course is usually worse than the first. In other studies, it was suspected that the body could produce too few antibodies due to a low viral load during the first infection, which would allow for a second infection. A thought-provoking point for those who advocate for herd immunity through widespread infection, as allowing for many individuals to become infected increases the potential for mutations and multiple infections.

2020-10-12 - How often Corona gets on your nerves
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/Wie-oft-Corona-auf-die-Nerven-geht-413646.html

2020-10-12 - What reinfections mean for COVID-19
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30783-0/fulltext

2020-10-11 - Brain Fog Plagues Covid Survivors
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/11/health/covid-survivors.html

2020-10-11 - The Many Misinterpretations of COVID-19 Data

In recent weeks and months, it has become evident that many people only take the coronavirus seriously when there are fatalities. Unfortunately, this awareness does not last long for most, even if they are directly affected. 

The Eternal Topic - Died with or from COVID-19

There are still claims stating that the statistics on COVID-19 deaths are exaggerated. As we now know, SARS-CoV-2 is a multi-organ virus. It spreads throughout the body, and regardless of whether one dies from a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism, or the consequences of a stroke, one ultimately dies from the complications brought about by the COVID-19 illness. Therefore, the statistics are accurate, and the prevailing excess mortality in some countries underscores this point.

The Wrong Comparison of Deaths from COVID-19 and Influenza

This was misinterpreted right at the beginning of the pandemic, and I commented on it back then. We have two sets of data here: serologically confirmed COVID-19 deaths and estimated flu deaths derived from excess mortality data.

Let’s look at the data from Austria on the AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety) website. It states the following:

"Because influenza is often not recognized or recorded as a cause of death, it is international standard for influenza-related deaths to be estimated through modeling."

Influenza season / number of deaths estimated:

• 2015-2016: 259

• 2016-2017: 4436

• 2017-2018: 2851

• 2018-2019: 1373

• 2019-2020: 834

These numbers come from Austria and may seem relatively low to some of you (which they are not).

At first glance, comparing the number of flu deaths with the confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Austria may suggest that the values are similar. With around 800 to 900 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, it even seems that there are fewer fatalities than in previous flu seasons.

The problem with this comparison is that the official COVID-19 deaths are being compared to estimated figures from calculations regarding excess mortality for influenza. Such a comparison is not meaningful.

A proper comparison is generally difficult here. Due to lockdowns, contact restrictions, masks, and all other measures, all other deaths are also limited. Therefore, we may not even see excess mortality this year. What is the situation in other countries? Taking the USA as an example: It is evident that the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths far exceeds the estimated flu deaths.

On the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website, it is stated:

"The overall burden of influenza for the 2017-2018 season was an estimated 45 million influenza illnesses, 21 million influenza-associated medical visits, 810,000 influenza-related hospitalizations, and 61,000 influenza-associated deaths."

Influenza season / number of estimated deaths:

• 2018-2019: 34,000

• 2017-2018: 61,000

• 2016-2017: 38,000

• 2015-2016: 23,000

• 2014-2015: 51,000

In the last five years, there have been approximately 207,000 deaths due to complications following a flu illness.

From March 2019 to early October, 213,000 people have already died from COVID-19. That’s more COVID-19 deaths in less than 8 months than influenza deaths in the last 5 years.

And this holds true when comparing confirmed COVID-19 cases with estimated flu deaths. Here too, the actual number of COVID-19 deaths is likely much higher due to underreporting.

Recovered Does Not Mean Cured

Furthermore, one is only classified as a COVID-19 death if one dies within the first two weeks. After two weeks and a negative test result, one is automatically considered recovered. However, this does not mean that one must be completely healthy. While no longer infectious, individuals may still die weeks or months later from the consequences of a COVID-19 illness. Because the entire body can be affected by the infection, even symptom-free individuals may later experience complications, as some studies have shown.

2020-10-09 - COVID-19: Protective antibodies detectable in blood and saliva months after infection
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/117289/COVID-19-Protektive-Antikoerper-auch-nach-Monaten-noch-in-Blut-und-Speichel-nachweisbar

These are good news also for the fact that a vaccine will work.

2020-10-09 - COVID-19 and low vitamin D levels: consequence or cause?
https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/news/artikel/2020/10/09/covid-19-und-niedriger-vitamin-d-spiegel-folge-oder-ursache

2020-10-08 - Lower Plasma Zinc Levels Associated With Increased Risk of Death in COVID-19 Patients
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/938793

2020-10-08 - COVID-19 symptoms can persist for weeks in pregnant women
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/infektionserkrankungen-in-der-hausarztpraxis/neue-coronastudien/18126192

2020-10-08 - People with obesity should receive COVID vaccine quickly
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Politik/Menschen-mit-Adipositas-sollten-zuegig-Corona-Impfstoff-erhalten-413553.html

2020-10-08 - COVID is harming sperm, Israeli researchers say, raising infertility worries
https://www.timesofisrael.com/covid-is-harming-sperm-israeli-researchers-say-raising-infertility-worries/

2020-10-07 - The effect of temperature on persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on common surfaces
https://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12985-020-01418-7

New study that examines the durability of the virus. Let's briefly remember the study from early March, which showed that the virus was still detectable on plastic and stainless steel after 2-3 days under laboratory conditions.

If even more optimal conditions are created, the virus can persist for much longer.

At 20° and without daylight, the virus was detectable for up to 28 days on certain surfaces (glass, vinyl, stainless steel, paper, and polymer banknotes). However, this is not a cause for concern.

The main mode of infection remains through aerosols, and in everyday life, it is rare that optimal conditions are created for the virus to persist for so long.

2020-10-07 - COVID-19 Has a Prolonged Effect for Many During Pregnancy
https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/10/418696/covid-19-has-prolonged-effect-many-during-pregnancy

The symptoms generally improve after a month, but can persist for longer in 25% of pregnant women.

2020-10-07 - Long COVID: let patients help define long-lasting COVID symptoms
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02796-2

2020-10-06 - AGES Dashboard COVID-19 (AT)
https://covid19-dashboard.ages.at/

The AGES (Agency for Health and Food Safety) has taken over the Covid-19 dashboard of the Ministry of Health. If you use the old link, you will also be redirected to this page.

2020-10-06 - Mainz Coronavirus Vaccine Also Goes to EMA Review
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Wirtschaft/Zulassungsprozess-fuer-BioNTechs-COVID-19-Impfstoff-startet-413464.html

2020-10-06 - Face masks: what the data say
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02801-8

2020-10-06 - Lopinavir/Ritonavir: Probably No Remedy for COVID-19
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/LopinavirRitonavir-Wohl-kein-Mittel-gegen-COVID-19-413456.html

2020-10-06 - COVID-19 in flu season: are we safe in clinical assessment?
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/infektionserkrankungen-in-der-hausarztpraxis/covid-19-in-der-grippesaison-sind-wir-sicher-in-der-klinischen-e/18449210

2020-10-05 - COVID-19: Stroke can be the first symptom in younger patients too
https://www.kardiologie.org/covid-19/covid-19--schlaganfall-kann-auch-bei-juengeren-patienten-das-erste-symptom-sein/18447332

Quote:
Canadian researchers found that nearly half of patients under the age of 50 with COVID-19 and stroke were asymptomatic at the time of stroke onset. While the risk of suffering a stroke was highest in younger patients, the risk of dying from it was highest among older patients with pre-existing conditions and severe COVID-19.

2020-10-02 - Why Some People Are Still Getting Sick—but Not with COVID
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-some-people-are-still-getting-sick-but-not-with-covid/

2020-10-02 - Effect of Face Masks on Gas Exchange in Healthy Persons and Patients with COPD
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202007-812RL

Spoiler: There is no risk of breathing in too much CO2 even for COPD patients.

And just to clear up any conspiracy theories:

No - Children are not dying from wearing masks.

2020-10-02 - What We Know About Vitamin D and Covid-19
https://coronavirus.medium.com/vitamin-d-and-covid-19-90f1d1493cc0

2020-10-01 - Companies Ditch Plans for Rapid Coronavirus Spit Tests at Home
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/health/coronavirus-saliva-tests.html

Quote:
You won’t be buying a rapid spit test anytime soon. But nose-swab versions might be on the way.

2020-10-01 - Risk of COVID-19 During Air Travel
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2771435

2020-09-30 - Efficacy and Safety of Hydroxychloroquine vs Placebo for Pre-exposure SARS-CoV-2 Prophylaxis Among Health Care Workers (A Randomized Clinical Trial)
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2771265

2020-09-30 - Stroke May Be First Symptom of COVID-19 in Younger Patients
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/938344

Quote:
Investigators carried out a meta-analysis of data, including 160 patients with COVID-19 and stroke, and found that nearly half of patients under the age of 50 were asymptomatic at the time of stroke onset.

2020-09-30 - 16 times more dangerous than the flu - Drosten cites alarming study
https://www.welt.de/wissenschaft/article216878390/Corona-16-Mal-gefaehrlicher-als-Grippe-Drosten-verweist-auf-US-Studie.html

2020-09-30 - Almost 1800 new cases in Germany
https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article206504969/Corona-Daten-Knapp-1800-neue-Faelle-in-Deutschland.html

2020-09-30 - COVID has killed more than one million people. How many more will die?
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02762-y

2020-09-29 - Safety and Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 Vaccine in Older Adults
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2028436

This study of a vaccine (mRNA-1273) developed by NIAID Vaccine Research Center and Moderna in Cambridge, Massachusetts shows good immune response/low short-term side effects in older vaccinated individuals.

2020-09-29 - COVID – Not Close to Herd Immunity
https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/covid-not-close-to-herd-immunity/

2020-09-29 - A systematic review and meta-analysis of published research data on COVID-19 infection fatality rates
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971220321809

2020-09-28 - ECCVID 2020: Which therapies are currently the most promising for COVID-19?
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/eccvid-2020-welche-therapien-sind-zurzeit-am-vielversprechendsten-fur-covid-19-730139

2020-09-28 - Expert Forecasts of COVID-19 Vaccine Development Timelines
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06244-9

2020-09-28 - Model Predicts Severe Disease in Those With COVID-19
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/938201

2020-09-28 - New feature in Google Maps shows COVID-19 data
https://www.mimikama.at/aktuelles/google-maps-covid-19/

2020-09-27 - Assessing the Age Specificity of Infection Fatality Rates for COVID-19: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Public Policy Implications
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.23.20160895v4.full.pdf

2020-09-26 - How Coronavirus spreads through the air: 5 essential facts
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/how-coronavirus-spreads-through-the-air-5-essential-facts

2020-09-25 - SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Hospitalized Pregnant Women: Reasons for Admission and Pregnancy Characteristics — Eight U.S. Health Care Centers, March 1–May 30, 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6938e2.htm

2020-09-25 - Characteristics and Maternal and Birth Outcomes of Hospitalized Pregnant Women with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 — COVID-NET, 13 States, March 1–August 22, 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6938e1.htm

2020-09-25 - Speech can produce jet-like transport relevant to asymptomatic spreading of virus
https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/09/24/2012156117

2020-09-24 - Highly effective antibodies against the coronavirus were identified
https://www.charite.de/en/service/press_reports/artikel/detail/covid_19_berlin_scientists_lay_basis_for_a_passive_vaccination

Isolation, selection, and efficacy testing of antibodies for the development of passive immunization. Graphic: Kreye/Charité.

Researchers from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified highly effective antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and are now pursuing the development of passive immunization.

2020-09-24 - Brazil: The terrible path to herd immunity
https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/medizin/coronavirus-in-brasilien-manaus-schrecklicher-weg-zur-herdenimmunitaet-a-d03b49d6-d041-4ac1-956a-577b5dbb9896

2020-09-23 - A therapeutic non-self-reactive SARS-CoV-2 antibody protects from lung pathology in a COVID-19 hamster model
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)31246-0

Highlights:
Characterization of potent human monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies
Some SARS-CoV-2 antibodies reacted with mammalian self-antigens in different organs
Crystal structures of two antibodies in complex with SARS-CoV-2 RBD at 2.55/2.70 Å
Post-exposure antibody treatment protected from lung damage in infected hamsters

2020-09-23 - COVID-19 can affect the heart
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/09/23/science.abe2813.full

Quote:
The family of seven known human coronaviruses are known for their impact on the respiratory tract, not the heart. However, the most recent coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has marked tropism for the heart and can lead to myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), necrosis of its cells, mimicking of a heart attack, arrhythmias, and acute or protracted heart failure (muscle dysfunction). These complications, which at times are the only features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical presentation, have occurred even in cases with mild symptoms and in people who did not experience any symptoms. Recent findings of heart involvement in young athletes, including sudden death, have raised concerns about the current limits of our knowledge and potentially high risk and occult prevalence of COVID-19 heart manifestations.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, even in the young and healthy, can directly and indirectly induce potentially fatal cardiac damage.

2020-09-23 - The Importance of Flu Vaccination During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to influence our daily lives. New infection rates are rising daily, and as we know from experience, the situation can quickly spiral out of control. 

As we enter the autumn and winter seasons, we can expect infection rates to continue rising. People are spending more time indoors again, and additional stress on the immune system from cold weather makes individuals more susceptible to quick infections. During this time, social distancing and wearing protective masks are more important than ever. Alongside measures to contain COVID-19, another important issue this year is the flu vaccine.

To prevent an outbreak of flu alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, getting vaccinated against the flu this year is essential. In many countries, including Austria, flu vaccinations are even offered for free. Unfortunately, vaccination rates have significantly declined in recent years. It is crucial for the public to recognize the benefits of the flu vaccine and to take advantage of it again.

We should also not forget that the flu is not to be taken lightly. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of the flu remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The flu vaccine harms no one and even provides some cross-immunity against COVID-19. It strengthens the immune system, enabling a more effective fight against illness. So, get vaccinated!

2020-09-23 - How close is a coronavirus vaccine? | Free to read
https://www.ft.com/content/e5012891-58da-4a4f-8a05-182adf3ba0e2

2020-09-22 - Covid-19 Long-Haulers: Some Patients Need Very Long-Term Care
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-opinion-covid-long-haulers-chronic-illness

2020-09-22 - Christian Drosten in Interview: "We are all the wave"
https://m.tagesspiegel.de/wissen/christian-drosten-im-interview-wir-alle-sind-die-welle/26205276.html

2020-09-22 - How vaccination and immunity influence the pandemic
https://www.wissenschaft.de/gesundheit-medizin/wie-impfung-und-immunitaet-die-pandemie-beeinflussen/

2020-09-21 - Immune life history, vaccination, and the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 over the next 5 years
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/09/18/science.abd7343

2020-09-21 - CDC reverses itself and says guidelines it posted on coronavirus airborne transmission were wrong
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/09/21/cdc-covid-aerosols-airborne-guidelines

2020-09-21 - What can we expect from first-generation COVID-19 vaccines?
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31976-0/fulltext

2020-09-21 - A COVID-19 Vaccine for Children May Not Arrive Before Fall 2021
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/21/parenting/kids-vaccine-coronavirus.html

2020-09-20 - Predictors for mortality in COVID-19
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/diabetes-mellitus/praediktoren-fuer-die-sterblichkeit-an-covid-19/18396660?fulltextView=true

2020-09-20 - Dying 'due to' or 'with' COVID-19: a cause of death analysis in hospitalized patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32753516/

2020-09-20 - CDC says coronavirus spreads mainly in the air, through respiratory aerosols and droplets
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-09-20/coronavirus-aerosol-airborne-spread

2020-09-18 - Corona expert Drosten: "We won't get rid of masks so quickly"
https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/news/starvirologe-im-interview-corona-experte-drosten-masken-werden-wir-so-schnell-nicht-los_id_12444215.html

2020-09-18 - Low genetic diversity may be an Achilles heel of SARS-CoV-2
https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/09/18/2017726117

Good news: Since SARS-CoV-2 has hardly changed genetically, a vaccine could soon become a reality.

2020-09-18 - Observational Study Again Suggests Lasting COVID-19 Impact on Heart
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/937655

2020-09-18 - Heart Damage from COVID-19 - Reason for Caution, but No Reason to Panic
https://www.kardiologie.org/covid-19/myokarditis/covid-19---herz---grund-zur-vorsicht--aber-kein-grund-zur-panik/18392502

2020-09-18 - Virologist Streeck dismantles confused Corona theories
https://www.n-tv.de/wissen/Virologe-Streeck-zerlegt-wirre-Corona-Thesen-article22046194.html

Virologist Streeck addresses the following topics:
Coronavirus at least four times more dangerous than flu
Vaccinations do not interfere with DNA
AHA rules prevent infections

2020-09-17 - Covid-19: Do many people have pre-existing immunity?
https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3563

2020-09-17 - Respected professional association spreads misleading information and questionable recommendations
https://medwatch.de/2020/09/17/angesehener-fachverband-verbreitet-irrefuehrende-infos-und-fragwuerdige-empfehlungen

2020-09-16 - Can Glycine Mitigate COVID-19 Associated Tissue Damage and Cytokine Storm?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32942307/

2020-09-16 - Investigating Whether Blood Type Is Linked to COVID-19 Risk
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2770889

Quote:
The researchers found no significant connection between blood type and COVID-19-related hospitalization, intubation, or death.

2020-09-15 - From doctors as patients: a manifesto for tackling persisting symptoms of covid-19
https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3565

2020-09-15 - Max Planck scientists see link between flu and coronavirus infection - vaccination recommended
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/116524/Max-Planck-Wissenschaftler-sehen-Zusammenhang-zwischen-Grippe-und-Coronainfektion-Impfung-empfohlen

2020-09-15 - Chest x-ray findings and temporal lung changes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-020-01286-5

2020-09-14 - The lasting misery of coronavirus long-haulers
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02598-6

2020-09-14 - Covid-19: Flu could increase infection risk
https://www.mpg.de/15371920/0914-infe-105755-covid-19-grippe-koennte-ansteckungsgefahr-erhoehen

The transmission rate could increase by 2.5 times, therefore flu vaccination is more important than ever this year.

2020-09-14 - When COVID-19 can end fatally for young adults
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/116486/Wann-COVID-19-auch-fuer-junge-Erwachsene-toedlich-enden-kann

2020-09-14 - Seasonal coronavirus protective immunity is short-lasting
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-1083-1

2020-09-14 - Army COVID-19 vaccine may produce a side benefit: Cure for the common cold
https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/coronavirus/article245665350.html

2020-09-14 - Coronavirus: How long can you be contagious?
https://www.facebook.com/quarks.de/photos/10164065530790564

2020-09-14 - (AT) Tighter measures take effect
https://orf.at/stories/3181228/

Tighter measures:
Expansion of mask mandate
New rules in gastronomy
Restrictions on events

2020-09-14 - Abdominal imaging findings in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a scoping review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00261-020-02739-5

2020-09-11 - Management of post-acute COVID-19 in primary care
https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3026

2020-09-11 - Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19 Outbreaks Associated with Child Care Facilities
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6937e3.htm

2020-09-11 - Coronavirus perfidiously attacks the brain
https://www.n-tv.de/wissen/Coronavirus-greift-Gehirn-perfide-an-article22030311.html

2020-09-11 - Community and Close Contact Exposures Associated with COVID-19 Among Symptomatic Adults ≥18 Years in 11 Outpatient Health Care Facilities
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6936a5.htm

2020-09-11 - Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Findings in Competitive Athletes Recovering From COVID-19 Infection
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2770645

2020-09-11 - Sharp increase in new coronavirus infections in Austria
https://www.facebook.com/ZeitimBild/posts/10158656773766878

Post by "Zeit im Bild":
Sharp increase in positive rate: Coronavirus numbers in Austria are rising significantly. It is often speculated that the increasing number of tests could be the reason for this. However, a closer look at the data shows that the number of infections is rising even faster than the number of tests.

2020-09-10 - Safety Review Underway of AstraZeneca's Vaccine Trial
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/10/health/covid-astrazeneca-vaccine-trans.html

2020-09-10 - Could omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplementation help reduce severe complications in COVID-19 patients?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7481803/

2020-09-09 - How the Coronavirus Attacks the Brain
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/health/coronavirus-brain.html

2020-09-09 - Transverse Myelitis after Vaccination as "Serious Signal": AstraZeneca Halts Large Study with Coronavirus Vaccine
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/937218

Prof. Dr. Bernd Salzberger on the matter:
"The study has not been terminated, but new vaccinations have been temporarily suspended as a standard (i.e. study on hold) in order to be able to investigate the possible side effect more precisely. Serious safety signals, especially those that occur in temporal relation to vaccinations or are being discussed, will certainly be given high attention - which is also reasonable for a vaccine that may be used in many millions of doses."

Prof. Dr. Stephan Becker (Director of the Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg) comments on this:
"For me, the approach in the case of AstraZeneca's vaccine studies is a good sign, because it shows that the safety rules are working. It is regrettable that a study participant has become ill, but important information is still missing to be able to evaluate the case."

2020-09-09 - Face Masks are Beneficial Regardless of the Level of Infection in the Fight Against COVID-19
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32900420/

2020-09-08 - Facial Masking for Covid-19 — Potential for "Variolation" as We Await a Vaccine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2026913

Quote:
"Ultimately, combating the pandemic will involve driving down both transmission rates and severity of disease. Increasing evidence suggests that population-wide facial masking might benefit both components of the response."

2020-09-07 - COVID-19: Long-term Health Effects
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-long-term-health-effects/covid-19-long-term-health-effects

2020-09-07 - COVID-19 patients suffer long-term lung and heart damage but it can improve with time
https://www.ersnet.org/the-society/news/covid-19-patients-suffer-long-term-lung-and-heart-damage-but-it-can-improve-with-time

2020-09-07 - Covid-19: UK studies find gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children
https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3484

2020-09-04 - Coronavirus reinfections: three questions scientists are asking
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02506-y

2020-09-04 - Mild COVID-19 Course, but Weeks of Consequences - Study at Post-COVID Outpatient Clinic Investigates Possible Causes
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/936693

2020-09-04 - What Protects Us from Corona?: A Salute to the Simple Surgical Mask
https://www.faz.net/2.1652/corona-wissenschaftler-testen-medizinische-und-alltagsmasken-16936372.html

2020-09-04 - Austrian Covid-19 Traffic Light System in Operation: Everything About the Traffic Light Phases
https://www.vienna.at/corona-ampel-in-betrieb-alles-zu-den-ampelphasen/6728250

Austrian Covid-19 Traffic Light:
https://corona-ampel.gv.at/

FAQ:
https://www.sozialministerium.at/Informationen-zum-Coronavirus/Coronavirus---Haeufig-gestellte-Fragen/FAQ--Corona-Ampel.html

2020-09-03 - The 100 Safest Countries For COVID-19
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2020/09/03/the-100-safest-countries-for-covid-19-updated

Rank 1: Germany
Rank 8: Austria
Rank 49: Sweden
Rank 55: USA
Rank 66: Brazil
Rank 80: India

2020-09-02 - Diabetes as a Consequence of COVID-19
https://www.laborpraxis.vogel.de/diabetes-als-folgeerkrankung-von-covid-19-a-960664/

2020-09-02 - Autoantibody-Negative Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-020-00281-8

2020-09-02 - Toward COVID-19 Testing Any Time, Anywhere
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/toward-covid-19-testing-any-time-anywhere-67906

2020-09-01 - Visualizing Droplet Dispersal for Face Shields and Masks With Exhalation Valves
https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0022968

2020-09-01 - A Supercomputer Analyzed Covid-19 — and an Interesting New Theory Has Emerged
https://elemental.medium.com/a-supercomputer-analyzed-covid-19-and-an-interesting-new-theory-has-emerged-31cb8eba9d63

2020-08-31 - This Year's Flu Shot More Important Than Ever Due to COVID-19
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/flu-coronavirus-twindemic.html

2020-08-31 - COVID-19: Epidemiological and Clinical Facts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7456747/

2020-08-31 - COVID-19 Can Wreck Your Heart, Even if You Haven't Had Any Symptoms
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/covid-19-can-wreck-your-heart-even-if-you-havent-had-any-symptoms/

Let's briefly remember the study from March 2020 where 50% of asymptomatic cases on the Diamond Princess had abnormal lung CT scans.
Now it has been proven that the heart can also be damaged even if you have no symptoms.

Quote:
"We've also known for a while that some COVID-19 patients' hearts are taking a beating, too—but over the past few weeks, the evidence has strengthened that cardiac damage can happen even among people who have never displayed symptoms of coronavirus infection. And these frightening findings help explain why college and professional sports leagues are proceeding with special caution as they make decisions about whether or not to play."

2020-08-31 - COVID-19 Deaths Are Mostly Caused By Coronavirus
https://medium.com/@gidmk/covid-19-deaths-are-mostly-caused-by-coronavirus-2a6d2d43bd09

2020-08-31 - Asthma in COVID-19 Hospitalizations: An Overestimated Risk Factor?
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202006-613RL

2020-08-28 - Serial interval of SARS-CoV-2 was shortened over time by nonpharmaceutical interventions
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/369/6507/1106.long

2020-08-28 - They die of, not with Corona - Autopsies clarify cause of death
https://www.medical-tribune.de/medizin-und-forschung/artikel/sie-sterben-an-nicht-mit-corona-obduktionen-klaeren-todesursache

2020-08-27 - Large Study Links Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis to Severe COVID-19
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/936363

2020-08-27 - Most Approve of National Response to COVID-19 in 14 Advanced Economies
https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/08/27/most-approve-of-national-response-to-covid-19-in-14-advanced-economies/

2020-08-27 - Assessing the Age Specificity of Infection Fatality Rates for COVID-19: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Public Policy Implications
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.23.20160895v4.full.pdf

2020-08-25 - The Emerging Links Between Covid-19 and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
https://elemental.medium.com/the-emerging-links-between-covid-19-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-1db21fe9d61e

2020-08-25 - Coronavirus: First Real Reinfection
https://www.doccheck.com/de/detail/articles/29102-coronavirus-erste-echte-reinfektion

2020-08-25 - Researchers announce 'world's first' confirmed case of coronavirus reinfection
https://amp.smh.com.au/world/europe/researchers-announce-world-s-first-confirmed-case-of-coronavirus-reinfection-20200824-p55ox1.html

2020-08-24 - First Covid-19 reinfection documented in Hong Kong, researchers say
https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/24/first-covid-19-reinfection-documented-in-hong-kong-researchers-say/

2020-08-21 - T Cells a More Precise Immune Indicator in COVID-19?
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/936180

2020-08-20 - COVID-19 in the Majority of Cases also the Cause of Death
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/115799/COVID-19-bei-Mehrzahl-der-Betroffenen-auch-die-Todesursache

2020-08-20 - What Does the Coronavirus Do in Endothelium and Brain?
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/Was-macht-das-Coronavirus-in-Endothel-und-Gehirn-412168.html

2020-08-18 - What can the gargle test from Austria do?
https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/medizin/corona-erreger-kann-gurgel-test-aus-oesterreich-sars-cov-2-nachweisen-a-63242a94-d936-4a37-a8dd-2f93ab2251e0

Although the gargle test sometimes gives a false negative result, with multiple repetitions, one could almost eliminate the error rate. Compared to the standard PCR test, it is cheaper, faster, and less expensive.

2020-08-18 - COVID-19 (coronavirus): Long-term effects
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351

2020-08-18 - Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission on an International Flight and Among a Tourist Group
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2769383

2020-08-17 - The Push to Deploy At-Home Antigen Tests for COVID-19
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/the-push-to-deploy-at-home-antigen-tests-for-covid-19-67831

2020-08-14 - Neutralizing antibodies correlate with protection from SARS-CoV-2 in humans during a fishery vessel outbreak with high attack rate
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.13.20173161v1

2020-08-14 - Face masks should be distributed to those most vulnerable to COVID-19
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-08-masks-vulnerable-covid-.html

2020-08-13 - Face mask use in the general population and optimal resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17922-x

2020-08-13 - Modeling the Onset of Symptoms of COVID-19
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00473/full

2020-08-12 - How DNA and RNA vaccines work
https://scilogs.spektrum.de/fischblog/wie-dna-rna-impfungen-funktionieren/

2020-08-12 - Having Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2769182

2020-08-11 - Management of post-acute covid-19 in primary care
https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3026

2020-08-11 - Filtration Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Availability of N95 Face Masks for COVID-19 Prevention
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2769441

2020-08-11 - Measure the risk of airborne COVID-19 in your office, classroom, or bus ride
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/08/how-to-measure-risk-airborne-coronavirus-your-office-classroom-bus-ride-cvd/

2020-08-11 - Russia’s fast-track coronavirus vaccine draws outrage over safety
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02386-2

2020-08-11 - A negative COVID-19 test does not mean recovery
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02335-z

2020-08-10 - COVID-19-Related Infodemic and Its Impact on Public Health: A Global Social Media Analysis
http://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.20-0812;jsessionid=aGtrDyn2o6FOntZFUphI2Rq4.ip-10-241-1-122

Numerous deaths due to corona misinformation on social media.

2020-08-10 - COVID-19: Why some people get severe symptoms
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/covid-19-warum-manche-menschen-besonders-schwer-erkranken-726918

2020-08-10 - COVID-19: Positive news about vaccination, a message about clusters, and one about proper ventilation
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/covid-19-positives-zur-impfung-eine-botschaft-zu-clustern-und-eine-zum-richtigen-luften-726903

2020-08-10 - In full swing: SARS transmission risk when traveling by train has been quantified for the first time
https://www.univadis.com/viewarticle/in-vollen-zugen-erstmals-ist-das-sars-ansteckungsrisiko-beim-bahnfahren-quantifiziert-worden-726867

2020-08-09 - Why Don't Many People Have COVID Symptoms? A Doctor Explains
https://zdoggmd.com/asymptomatic-covid/

2020-08-07 - Researchers fear that infected individuals age faster due to corona
https://www.t-online.de/gesundheit/krankheiten-symptome/id_88341832/covidom-studie-laesst-das-coronavirus-menschen-schneller-altern-.html

2020-08-07 - SARS-CoV-2: Asymptomatic (young) people spread viruses longer than previously assumed
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/115435/SARS-CoV-2-Asymptomatische-(juengere)-Menschen-verbreiten-Viren-laenger-als-angenommen

2020-08-05 - Misunderstanding of "mild" COVID-19 hampers its control: why we need more precise symptom recording
https://deutsch.medscape.com/artikelansicht/4909146

2020-08-05 - Expert: "It was not easy to prove the effectiveness of masks"
https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/gesundheit-oekologie/experte-es-war-nicht-einfach-die-schutzwirkung-von-masken-zu-beweisen-li.96920

2020-08-04 - Association of country-wide coronavirus mortality with demographics, testing, lockdowns, and public wearing of masks.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.22.20109231v5

2020-08-04 - Humidity is a consistent climatic factor contributing to SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/tbed.13766

2020-08-04 - Implication of backward contact tracing in the presence of overdispersed transmission in COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.01.20166595v1.full.pdf

2020-08-04 - Hand hygiene without eczema - dermatologists recommend disinfection instead of soap
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Politik/Handhygiene-ohne-Ekzem-Hautaerzte-raten-zu-Desinfektion-statt-Seife-411779.html

Quote: "After each disinfection and each hand washing, the skin should be additionally creamed with a care product to support the regeneration of the skin barrier," says Professor Andrea Bauer, Deputy Chair of the Working Group for Occupational and Environmental Dermatology in the DDG. Skin care does not reduce the antiseptic effect of alcohol-based disinfectants.

2020-08-03 - Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19): An Updated Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32746481/

2020-08-03 - COVID-19 mortality: A complex interplay of sex, gender, and ethnicity
https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/doi/10.1093/eurpub/ckaa150/5879989

2020-08-03 - Cerebral Micro-Structural Changes in COVID-19 Patients - An MRI-based 3-month Follow-up Study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(20)30228-5/fulltext

2020-08-01 - COVID-19 has “devastating” effect on women and girls
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31679-2/fulltext

2020-07-31 - Masks Do More Than Protect Others During COVID-19: Reducing the Inoculum of SARS-CoV-2 to Protect the Wearer
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06067-8

Quote: "Although the benefit of population-level public facial masking to protect others during the COVID-19 pandemic has received a great deal of attention, we discuss for one of the first times the hypothesis that universal masking reduces the “inoculum” or dose of the virus for the mask-wearer, leading to more mild and asymptomatic infection manifestations."

2020-07-31 - Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Screening Strategies to Permit the Safe Reopening of College Campuses in the United States
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768923

2020-07-31 - Scared That Covid-19 Immunity Won’t Last? Don’t Be
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/31/opinion/coronavirus-antibodies-immunity.html

2020-07-31 - From ‘brain fog’ to heart damage, COVID-19’s lingering problems alarm scientists
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/07/brain-fog-heart-damage-covid-19-s-lingering-problems-alarm-scientists

2020-07-31 - Children Under 5 May Be Carrying Higher Levels of Coronavirus, New Study Suggests
https://www.sciencealert.com/study-suggests-young-children-are-carrying-higher-levels-of-coronavirus

2020-07-30 - [COVID-19: A neurological point-of-view]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32731282

2020-07-30 - Beyond the lungs: How COVID-19 affects the rest of the body
https://www.mdedge.com/podcasts/blood-cancer/beyond-lungs-how-covid-19-affects-rest-body

2020-07-30 - Persistent fatigue following SARS-CoV-2 infection is common and independent of severity of initial infection
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.29.20164293v1

2020-07-30 - Age-Related Differences in Nasopharyngeal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Levels in Patients With Mild to Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2768952

2020-07-29 - Do only old people die from COVID-19? Far from it!
https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Nachrichten/An-COVID-19-sterben-nur-alte-Menschen-Von-wegen-411642.html

2020-07-29 - New Corona Studies: Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on cardiologists and HIV therapists
https://www.springermedizin.de/covid-19/infektionserkrankungen-in-der-hausarztpraxis/neue-coronastudien/18126192