Scientists have produced evidence that the pandemic virus is 'uniquely adapted to infect humans', raising fresh questions over whether its origins were natural or could have occurred in a laboratory.
Where did the Coronavirus 19 Originate from? and anything relative to the virus.
Where did the Coronavirus 19 originate from? and anything relative to the virus.
Coronavirus is 'uniquely adapted to infect humans': Top vaccine scientist says it could only have come from an animal through a 'freak of nature' - and the possibility it leaked from Wuhan lab MUST be investigated
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COVID cases rise in Victoria, prompting call to mask up. Here's a rundown of all the updated facts on the coronavirusAustralia appears to be on the cusp of an eighth COVID-19 wave, with an increase in cases across the country.
Victoria's acting chief health officer has suggested all Melburnians consider donning masks again as community transmission surges, while
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant says case numbers will likely rise in the lead-up to Christmas.
Here's a quick refresh on all of the key facts about coronavirus.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Health experts say COVID-19 has similar symptoms to the common cold or flu.
The Australian government lists the most common symptoms of COVID-19 as:??
Fever (37 degrees Celsius or higher)??
Dry cough??
Sore throat??
Runny nose??
Fatigue??
Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
Some of the less common symptoms you could experience include:??
Muscle or joint pain??
Nausea or loss of appetite??
Vomiting??
Temporary loss of smell and/or tasteFor most people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, it is a mild illness that can be managed at home by resting, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated.
How long do you have to isolate with COVID-19?
Isolation is no longer a legal requirement if you test positive for COVID-19.
But it is strongly recommended you stay home if positive.If you have tested positive, the Australian government says you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and disability aged-care settings:??
For at least seven days or until symptoms have gone??
Unless seeking urgent medical assistance
If you are planning on leaving your home while infected, consider the following:??
Avoiding contact with people who are at a higher risk of severe disease??
Wearing a mask??
Practising good hygiene??
Avoiding school, public areas, or travel on public transport or ride-share services
How long is COVID contagious for?
There's no exact timeframe.
"The infectious period is dependent on individual factors such as age, severity of illness, vaccination status, including time since last vaccination against COVID-19, and whether someone is immunocompromised,"
a federal Department of Health spokesperson said."Some people can have a prolonged infectious period, however most people with mild-moderate illness are unlikely to be infectious for more than 10 days after symptom onset.
"Recent evidence suggests most children are likely no longer infectious by five days following a positive COVID-19 test."
How long does it take to recover from COVID?
Most people infected with COVID recover within a few weeks of their first symptoms.
However, some people can experience symptoms of the virus for several weeks after infection.
This is known as long COVID.
People with long COVID report feeling extreme tiredness and fatigue, difficulty breathing, and problems with memory and concentration — "brain fog".
The Australian government says long COVID recovery times will differ for each person, but most recover within three to four months.
What are the rules about face masks?
Face masks are no longer mandatory in most places.
But each state and territory has its own advice about face coverings and COVID-19 — so the advice is slightly different depending on where you are.
Here's a quick wrap of what each jurisdiction's health department says on masks:
Australian Capital TerritoryMasks are strongly recommended in indoor public spaces for people who have tested positive to COVID-19 if they need to leave the home, and for household contacts of people with COVID-19.
New South Wales
You may be required to wear a mask in NSW when visiting high-risk settings such as aged and disability care.
Masks are also recommended in general practices, medical centres and pharmacies.
Northern Territory
In the NT, wearing a mask remains recommended in indoor and outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible.
Queensland
You should consider wearing a mask:??
If you're vulnerable (at higher risk of disease)??
If you're diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms of an acute respiratory infection??
If you're a close contact??
Where requested by someone inside their home
South Australia
It is recommended you wear a face mask in SA if you:??
Are a close contact and are indoors or on public transport??
Visit a high-risk setting such as a clinical area in an aged care facility, disability facility or a hospital??
Visit someone who is at risk of severe illness from COVID-19??
Go to crowded indoor public places, travel on public transport, or when you cannot physically distance from others when COVID-19 cases in the community are high
Tasmania
Wearing a mask is recommended where physical distancing is not possible.
You should consider wearing a mask if you are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 or are in contact with people who are at a higher risk.
If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, you should wear a mask if you need to leave your home.
Victoria
The government recommends wearing a mask:??
For at least seven days if you have COVID-19 and you need to leave home, you are indoors, or, you cannot maintain physical distance??
If you are a close contact and you need to leave home??
If you are visiting or working in a sensitive setting such as hospitals and aged care facilities
Western Australia
Face masks are not mandatory in Western Australia, but they should be worn in crowded indoor spaces and where physical distancing is not possible.
When do COVID-19 RATs expire?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommends against the use of expired rapid antigen tests (RATs).
If you're unsure when the test you have at home expires, you can check the TGA's website to see the approved shelf-life of specific brands of RATs.
https://www.tga.gov.au/.../covid-19-rapid-antigen-self...
What is the global death toll from COVID?As of October 25, 2023,
there have been almost 7 million COVID-19 deaths globally reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since the start of the pandemic, Australia has recorded more than 23,300 COVID deaths..
Scientists are confident they will have a treatment for COVID-19 brain fog in five to 10 years following successful trials on mice and human brain tissue.
Key points:Scientist Julio Aguado said he had identified drugs that can reverse COVID-19-related neurodegenerationDr Aguado said the virus caused "zombie" cells to accumulate, speeding up brain ageing and memory lossThe research was tested on mice and tissue cells but had not yet progressed to clinical trialsResearchers from the University of Queensland said they had found a way to kill senescent or "zombie" cells that grew faster in a COVID-19-affected brain.
The cells were found to speed up the effects of ageing on the brain, causing memory loss, brain fog, and neurodegeneration.
The scientists found four pre-existing drugs successfully eliminated these cells in mice as well as "organoids", or brain tissue grown from human stem cells.
Lead author Dr Julio Aguado said it had yet to be tested on a live human but he was confident.
"The good news is some of these drugs are already being used in clinics for other purposes," he said.
"Other drugs in clinical trials are showing little to no toxicity in humans, so I think in five to ten years, maybe even less, these drugs will be available to the public."
Australia COVID-19 weekly update 13 October 2023
Over the last week, 5,095 cases of COVID-19 were reported across Australia, an average of 728 cases per day.
• NSW: 1,332 new cases, 659 in hospital, 10 in ICU, 9 deaths.
• VIC: 1,015 new PCR cases, 183 in hospital, 6 in ICU, N/A deaths.
• QLD: 679 new cases, 74 in hospital, 1 in ICU, 0 deaths.
• ACT: 256 new cases, 16 in hospital, 1 in ICU, 1 death.
• TAS: 299 new cases, 10 in hospital, 0 in ICU, 1 death. Total 313 deaths.
• SA: 698 new cases, 19 in hospital, 5 in ICU, 0 deaths.
• WA: 692 new cases, 19 in hospital, 4 in ICU, 7 deaths.
• NT: 161 new cases, 4 in hospital, 0 in ICU, 2 deaths. Total 111 deaths.
More.