It’s too early to say whether the newly identified omicron variant is going to overtake delta. But particular mutations in the new strain have researchers deeply concerned.
Articles on Delta variant
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If COVID symptoms are less severe, people with the Omicron variant may be less likely to test and isolate.
The world needs to learn to live with the virus. And governments must follow the science and don’t distort it for political expediency.
A model of a “virtual” Aotearoa shows even a few new connections will lead to a complex web of transmission which could fuel the spread of the Delta outbreak.
There’s no need to pull out the candy catapult this year, but a few reasonable precautions can keep COVID-19 transmissions in check.
Dealing with what have been called ‘wicked’ and ‘adaptive’ problems is a huge challenge for political leaders. A ‘clumsy’ response can be inevitable – and even desirable.
If mandatory vaccination means exclusion from certain activities in life, sometimes that’s just the price of sticking to one’s convictions.
If COVID-19 becomes endemic, we’ll see multiple local outbreaks. Schools and businesses will close for days because too many people are sick. Local hospitals will be overwhelmed without warning.
Recent computer modeling shows the upcoming flu season might see a surge in cases. Coupled with COVID-19’s continued threat, doctors are again urging Americans to get their shots.
Perseverance and its helicopter sidekick, Ingenuity, have been on Mars for nearly nine months. The duo have taken rock samples, performed first flights and taken images of the delta in Jezero Crater.
Most countries experienced serious outbreaks of COVID before widespread vaccination was available. Will it make the difference as New Zealand walks a narrow path towards opening up?
With the government decision on alert levels due today, it’s clear a more radical approach to vaccination is needed — including restrictions for eligible but unvaccinated people.
The Australian people will be best served by separating science from politics.
Delta is more contagious and appears to be more deadly. And it’s more likely to land those infected in hospital and intensive care. Here’s what the latest evidence says about the dominant variant.
Your body produces antibodies after an infection or vaccine, but these slowly decline over time. New Johnson & Johnson data sheds light on the duration of protection and the need for booster shots.
The biggest challenge to the health system is the war in Tigray and other insecurity all over the country. Conflict has made COVID-19 prevention and vaccination efforts impossible in many areas.
Until this year it looked as if Australia could have its cake and eat it too — low deaths form COVID and a resilient economy.
The federal election is taking place during a fourth wave of COVID-19, and border management remains crucial to controlling the pandemic. Here’s how each major party would manage travel restrictions.
The rules dividing states and territories are likely to remain in the short term. But as time goes on and vaccination rates increase, many may stop trying to reach COVID-zero too.
Making rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 cheaper and more accessible can catch the infectious cases before they spread and help everyone resume normal activities safely.
Top contributors
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Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor in Applied Mathematics, University of Canterbury
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Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina
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Professor of Epidemiology, Medicine, and Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh
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Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Global Health Governance; Scientific Co-Director, Bridge Research Consortium, Simon Fraser University
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Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina
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Paediatrician and Infectious Diseases Specialist; Clinical Researcher, University of Sydney
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Professor and Department Chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh
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Professor of Epidemiology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
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Research Fellow, Pandemics & Borders Project, Simon Fraser University
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Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC L3 Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW
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Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University
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Associate Professor, Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney
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Head: Zoonotic, Arbo and Respiratory Virus Programme, Professor, Department Medical Virology, University of Pretoria