What's That Rash? - TopPodcast.com

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Is Sydney going to need a lockdown? Jun 23, 2021

Show notes

There's been a rather large jump in the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney, with the cluster growing beyond 20 people.

While the majority of the cases reported yesterday were already in isolation, there was at least one mystery case in which contract tracers have had to hunt down the source.

The NSW Government has mandated the use of masks on public transport and in all public indoor venues Sydney wide.

So on today's Coronacast, why there hasn't been a lockdown in Sydney so far.

Also on today's show:

* Living with lockdowns over the next several months

* Possible surface transmission in Queensland

* What effect does vaccination have on pregnancy?

* Should I breastfeed after I've been vaccinated?

Why can't I just switch to Pfizer now? Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

While it's still too early to know how many people have cancelled their second Astra dose, doctors are urging people to make sure they receive both doses of the same vaccine.

The risk of serious side effects from the second dose are reported to be significantly lower, and on the plus side - a second dose gives you even better protection against COVID-19.

Currently, there's no approval from medicine regulators to mix doses.

On today's Coronacast, if you've had your first Astra shot, why getting your second is important.

Also on today's show:

* Is there any news on research for a cure or at least treatments for those with COVID-19?

* What more to we know regarding menstrual problem after Pfizer vaccination?

Ok let's talk about fleetingness. Is it more infectious? Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

There's been a lot of talk over the last several weeks about how the coronavirus variants in Melbourne and Sydney is transmitting in more "fleeting" contact than we've previously seen.

The outbreak in Sydney is the Delta variant and Melbourne's main outbreak was Kappa - and in both cities politicians or health officials say they're seeing people infected in very short periods of time.

So is the virus actually more fleeting - or infectious? Or is it just better contact tracing?

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Victoria announces mRNA funding

* It's not looking so good for the next mRNA vaccine candidate

* But it's not all bad - an outbreak in German aged care facility shows us why

I've had my first Astra shot. What now? Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

The national vaccine rollout has suffered another setback, with the federal government now saying that only people over 60 years should get the AstraZeneca vaccine.

It's likely to set the date to full vaccination back even further as Pfizer vaccine supplies are limited and it'll be months before Novavax and Moderna vaccines arrive.

It's also left many wondering what they should do if they've had their first AstraZeneca dose, and what are the new levels of risk for their age group?

On today's Coronacast, with Australia's two largest cities fighting COVID-19 - how vulnerable are we?

Also on today's show:

* The latest on the Sydney outbreak

* No Quick Fire Friday today sorry :( What do you think we are? Timelords?!

The sneaky leaky virus always finds a way Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

NSW Health authorities are dealing with a new COVID-19 outbreak that appears to have slipped through our borders via a driver who transports international flight crew.

And late on Tuesday, NSW Health said two people staying in a quarantine hotel may have been infected from people staying in a room next door.

Further south in Melbourne, contact tracers are also trying to work out how many people in a Southbank apartment are infected.

So on today's Coronacast, how might this sneaky leaky virus be circulating?

Also on today's show:

* What we know about myocarditis and mRNA vaccines in young people

* I'm under 50 and had AstraZenca as my first shot. If I get the chance of a Pfizer shot before my 2nd, should I take it or get my 2nd AstraZenca?

Can Novavax save Australia's vaccine rollout? Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

The clinical trial results are in for another coronavirus vaccine, this one made by the company Novavax, and at first glance they look really good.

We say first glance because the results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and are from the company's press release.

They show the shot is very effective against COVID-19 and also shows promise for some of the more concerning variants we're up against.

So on today's Coronacast, what could this mean for Australia's vaccine rollout and might Novavax be able to give the campaign a much needed shot in the arm.

Also on today's show:

* What has the medical community's reaction been to last week's death of a 52-year-old woman who'd received the AstraZeneca vaccine?

* Worries about the spread of the Delta variant in the UK delay complete reopening

* Canada's vaccine rollout surges ahead

Will lockdowns and restrictions end when we're vaccinated? Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

We know that vaccination is the fastest way out of this pandemic, and the sooner we can get the jab the sooner we're protected.

But according to modelling from the Burnet Institute, even with high levels of vaccination, it might be a while yet before we can say goodbye to restrictions and other impositions on our lives.

That's partly because of unknowns like how variants will continue to evolve, and because the vaccines don't work 100 per cent of the time in some people.

So on today's Coronacast, looking ahead - what can we expect, even if we get to very high levels of vaccination?

Guest:Burnet Institute Deputy Director and infectious diseases and public health specialist, Professor Margaret Hellard

Goodbye Alpha. Hello Delta. Jun 10, 2021

Show notes

There are lots of words that are used to describe the Delta coronavirus variant: highly contagious, very infectious, fast moving.

But maybe it's time to add the word successful.

The Delta variant has now overtaken the homegrown Alpha variant in the UK as the most dominant strain, and numbers are rising in the United States as well.

So on today's Coronacast, we look ahead as to what the rise of Delta might mean for the world.

Also on today's show:

* Why is there a variation state to state on vaccination rollouts?

* Evidence from Germany shows earlier detection and better treatment is lowering AstraZeneca clot mortality

A hotel trip to write home about! Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

It sounds like a lovely holiday: a week or two in Melbourne, see the sights before travelling north to the picturesque sandy beaches of Jervis Bay.

Well, it's nice if you're a person. If it's the coronavirus variant of concern known as Delta, it's not not really a getaway you want to be part of.

According to Victorian health authorities, the Delta cluster they're battling has been traced back to a guest from early May who came through hotel quarantine.

On today's Coroncast, why that discovery will hopefully help them end the lockdown on time.

Also on today's show:

* More about getting your 2nd Pfizer dose in Victoria

* Is there any evidence that vaccinated people are shedding the virus post vaccine?

* Do mRNA vaccines change your DNA?

* What happens if you don't get vaccinated by the time Australia reopens to the world?

What's worse: big numbers or one mystery case? Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

As the days count down to Thursday, the question on everyone's mind is: will Victoria come out of lockdown or do they need a bit longer?

Every day, health authorities say they're taking it one day at a time as more and more information is gathered.

So what does it mean that Victoria has posted 11 new cases yesterday, when it was low single figures the day before?

Thankfully, all the cases have been linked to existing cases and many were already in quarantine. But as today's Coronacast explains, issues still remain.

Also on today's show:

* Lockdown hard and fast or keep everything open?

* Many Victorian Coronacasters are reporting issues with getting their second Pfizer booking. What's going on?