Coronavirus

Originally Posted by nomadking

The reason the UK seems to have more cases of this newer variant, is simply because we're the ones looking for newer variants in the first place.
Other countries have this variant, and possibly had it before the UK, as they weren't looking for new variants.
The surges in countries such as Germany and France, might possibly be due to this variant.

Yup. We're one of the best countries in the world for genomic sequencing. I believe for COVID-19 we've sequenced dramatically more than any other country aside from Denmark.

[pip08456]

Originally Posted by Pierre

I am, and have been for some time, shortly after the pandemic hit the U.K.

I watched a video in which a doctor explained ( layman paraphrasing) that vitD strengthens the cell walls/ defences preventing the virus from penetrating the cell.

A witch doctor???

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng1...66142026720709

Originally Posted by downquark1

Out of interest. Who is taking vitamin D?

We take it in Autumn/Winter, but not for COVID.

https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article...e-on-vitamin-d

In collaboration with Public Health England (PHE), and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), NICE conducted a rapid evidence review evaluating evidence from recent studies on vitamin D in relation to COVID-19.

The expert panel supported current government advice for everyone to take the supplement throughout the autumn and winter, however the panel concluded that there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19.

The data reviewed by the panel includes the best available scientific evidence published so far, including both observational studies and randomised controlled trials. However, it was not possible to determine a direct relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19 based on the available evidence.

Due to the lack of reliable evidence on the effects of the supplement on COVID-19, our guidance recommends that more research be conducted on the subject, stressing the use of high-quality randomised controlled trials in future studies.

Dr Paul Chrisp, director of the Centre for Guidelines at NICE, said: “While there is insufficient evidence to recommend vitamin D for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 at this time, we encourage people to follow government advice on taking the supplement throughout the autumn and winter period.

“As research continues on the impact of vitamin D on COVID-19, we are continuing to monitor evidence as it is published and will review and update the guidance if necessary.”

Having said that, the NHS recommend that those at high risk (clinically extremely vulnerable) from coronavirus get Vitamin D supplements.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corona...d-supplements/

From the BMJ

https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m4912

On 28 November PHE and NICE put out guidance that adults, young people, and children over four years should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 µg (400 international units) of vitamin D between October and early March because people do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight in these months.2 Some groups of people should consider taking a supplement throughout the year if they have little or no sunshine exposure—for example if they are housebound, usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin, or if they have dark skin.

The panel agreed that low vitamin D status was associated with more severe outcomes from covid-19. It is not possible, however, to confirm causality because many of the risk factors for severe covid-19 outcomes are the same as the risk factors for low vitamin D levels. The serum concentration of vitamin D falls during a systemic inflammation which may occur during severe covid-19 illness and it is difficult to know if low vitamin D status causes poor outcomes or vice versa.

In June 2020, SACN conducted a rapid review which concluded that there was insufficient evidence to determine whether vitamin D supplementation could have a role in preventing respiratory tract infections.34 The evidence assessed included a widely cited systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ in 2017 which reported some benefit

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by downquark1

Out of interest. Who is taking vitamin D?

On Mrs. Seph's orders.

[Pierre]

Originally Posted by pip08456

A witch doctor???

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng1...66142026720709

Don’t follow you??

[peanut]

Originally Posted by downquark1

Out of interest. Who is taking vitamin D?

Yep I do as I'm mainly housebound and have Crohn's Disease, so basically a requirement.

[Jimmy-J]

Originally Posted by downquark1

Out of interest. Who is taking vitamin D?

Been taking a hux d3 20000u capsule once a fortnight for about 2 years.

[papa smurf]

Nicola Sturgeon issues grovelling apology after she's caught breaking Covid rules in pub


Pictures published by The Scottish Sun show the nationalist politician speaking to several elderly people in a pub without wearing a face mask.


According to Schedule 7 of Scotland’s Health Protection (coronavirus) regulations it is a “requirement to wear face coverings in certain indoor places” such as pubs and restaurants.

The only exception is if you are “seated at a table” which the first minister was not.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/135541...-covid-breach/

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/13...strictions-ont

Originally Posted by downquark1

Out of interest. Who is taking vitamin D?

Been taking them religiously ever since my trapeziectomy. I also try to get out in the sunshine whenever possible especially in the winter.

[RichardCoulter]

There's talk of 'covid passports'.

Who else thinks that the requirement to provide covid free status or proof of having had the vaccination will be used as an opportunity/excuse (depending on your point of view!) to introduce biometric ID cards?

Edit: Mods: Should this be put in a new thread??

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

There's talk of 'covid passports'.

Who else thinks that the requirement to provide covid free status or proof of having had the vaccination will be used as an opportunity to introduce biometric ID cards?

Not by this government - there are too many Tory MPs with libertarian leanings. If they do this at all they’ll only get it through the Commons with a sunset clause. They know it’s controversial which is why they’re still denying they’ll do it, even though the civil service has been asked to come up with ways it could be done.

[jfman]

Originally Posted by Chris

Not by this government - there are too many Tory MPs with libertarian leanings. If they do this at all they’ll only get it through the Commons with a sunset clause. They know it’s controversial which is why they’re still denying they’ll do it, even though the civil service has been asked to come up with ways it could be done.

If there’s evidence that it will support reopening the economy/international travel I’m sure they’ll change their minds.

Originally Posted by jfman

If there’s evidence that it will support reopening the economy/international travel I’m sure they’ll change their minds.

Yes, I think a time-limited covid passport is very much on the cards. But I don’t think it will lead to a permanent biometric national ID card as Richard fears.

[heero_yuy]

If it happened expect a roaring trade in fakes.

It's bad enough with the spammers selling fake passports, IELTS, driving licences etc.

[joglynne]

Originally Posted by downquark1

Out of interest. Who is taking vitamin D?

I'm taking it and have been for almost 10 years, reccommended by my Consultant, due to my compromised immune system. At the time he told me it wasn't something the NHS thought neccessary but current NHS guidelines seem to have born out his belief that it was needed for more than just more than healthy bones and teeth.

Bet Big Pharma are grinding their collective teeth at their missing out on profits, shame that most trials are financed by them and without a potential profit any trials would probably have to be carried out by people who don't have the funds.

For anyone interested here's an article that explains why Vitamin D is worth taking.

https://healthinsightuk.org/2020/10/...covid-fighter/