The link between Covid-19 obesity and ‘Neanderthal thinking’ and the leap in the line. What you need to know about Covid-19 this Thursday.

The link between Covid-19 obesity and ‘Neanderthal thinking’ and the leap in the line. What you need to know about Covid-19 this Thursday.

by

The survey found that, at the end of 2020, the global number of deaths from coronavirus was more than 10 times higher in nations where more than half of adults are overweight, compared to those where less than half are overweight.

Using mortality data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the team found that of the 2.5 million Covid-19 deaths reported by the end of February, 2.2 million occurred in countries where more than half of the population is overweight. Mortality rates have also increased along with the prevalence of obesity in countries. The researchers also noted that the link persisted even after adjusting for age and national wealth.

The findings follow hundreds of studies worldwide, which also confirmed the growing need for medical care for patients with Covid-19 who are overweight, notes the report. A study in China found that overweight people were 84% more likely to develop a severe form of the disease. Another American study found that obese people were more than twice as likely to need hospitalization and more than six times as likely to die, or to need mechanically assisted breathing, after developing Covid-19.

The authors of the World Obesity Forum report called for people living with obesity to be prioritized for coronavirus testing and vaccination. “Covid-19 is not the first respiratory viral infection exacerbated by being overweight. Data from the past two decades on the impact of MERS, H1N1 influenza and other influenza-related infections show worse results linked to excess body weight,” added the study. . “An overweight population is an unhealthy population and a pandemic waiting to happen.”

YOU ASKED. WE RESPOND

Q: How many cases are there caused by Covid-19 variants in the USA?

ONE: At least 2,581 cases of coronavirus variants first detected in the UK, South Africa and Brazil have been reported in the United States, according to data updated on Tuesday by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

The vast majority of these infections, 2,506, are caused by the most contagious strain known as B.1.1.7, which was originally detected in the United Kingdom. In addition, 65 cases have been reported of a variant seen initially in South Africa, called B.1.351. Finally, 10 cases of variant P.1 found for the first time in Brazil were discovered in five states.

Submit your questions here. Are you a healthcare professional battling Covid-19? Send us a message on WhatsApp about the challenges you are facing: +1 347-322-0415.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TODAY

‘Neanderthal thinking.’ Biden criticizes Texas and Mississippi for lifting restrictions

US President Joe Biden has sharply criticized states like Texas and Mississippi for lifting Covid-19 restrictions and masking mandates against appeals from the CDC and other public health officials, accusing those in power of “Neanderthal thinking.

“I think it’s a big mistake. Look, I hope everyone has noticed, these masks make a difference. We are about to fundamentally change the nature of this disease because of the way we are able to put vaccines in people’s arms,” ​​said Biden when asked about the decisions by the Republican governors of Texas and Mississippi to relax the restrictions.

Russian vaccine expands its reach in Latin America as Cuba goes its own way

The Russian injection of Sputnik V has grown in popularity in Latin America, as more countries announce shipments and agreements to buy the Covid-19 vaccine. Nine Latin American countries have approved its use. The vaccine is cheaper and can be stored at higher temperatures than the Pfizer vaccine, which has made it attractive to Latin American countries with less developed economies and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Cuba is producing its own vaccines. Beginning in March, two of the four vaccine candidates developed on the island will begin their third and final test, the Cuban government announced. For much of 2020, Cuba was able to keep the spread of the pandemic under control, but a sloppy reopening for international travelers in December led to an increase in the number of cases.

Vaccines of Spanish princesses abroad cause controversy at home

Two Spanish princesses, who were vaccinated against Covid-19 in the United Arab Emirates much earlier than they would in Spain, sparked outrage at omitting the vaccine line. Several Spanish ministers publicly criticized on Wednesday the two princesses, Elena and Cristina, who were vaccinated while visiting their father, the former king of Spain Juan Carlos, in Abu Dhabi, where he lives.

In response to news from the media about the vaccination, Princess Elena said in a statement that she shot with the aim of obtaining a health passport so that they could visit her father regularly. A spokesman for the royal family noted that, although they are sisters of King Felipe of Spain, the princesses have had no official role as members of the royal family since at least 2014.

ON OUR RADAR

  • As Covid-19’s cases continue to decline, California may soon allow fans to watch Major League Baseball games.
  • Although vaccines will be available to all adults in the United States by the end of May, teenagers will still have to wait until autumn, says Dr. Anthony Fauci.
  • The variant of coronavirus B.1.1.7 seen for the first time in the United Kingdom is more contagious than older versions of the virus in circulation and is likely to lead to a new outbreak of infections, the research suggests.
  • A global distribution network for the fake Covid-19 vaccine has been dismantled in South Africa and China.
  • The United States is still maintaining its strategy of administering two doses of Moderna and Pfizer / BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines a few weeks apart.

BEST TIP

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame John Oates and his wife Aimee are reviving Oates Song Fest 7908 to raise funds for Feeding America, the country’s largest hunger-fighting organization.

The economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic are increasing food insecurity in the United States. Feeding America estimates that one in six Americans may face food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.

The virtual star-studded fundraiser will be broadcast on Nugs.tv on March 20 at 8:00 pm ET. Oates and YouTube sensation Saxsquatch will host the event. Find out more here.

TODAY’S PODCAST

“The reality is that when you are out of sight, you are really out of your mind. And many remote workers feel that they are missing out on many of these opportunities because they are not having access to projects and opportunities that would help to promote them.” – Andrew Hewitt, senior analyst at Forrester

The coronavirus has fundamentally changed the American workplace, but what changes can we expect to remain permanently? Hewitt, a remote work specialist, shares his predictions for the post-pandemic future of office work. Listen now.

.Source