February 9, 2022 Epidemiology Denmark preprint study concludes that “Stealth” Omicron BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1 in unvaccinated people and vaccines still offer protection.
January 25, 2022 Allergy/Immunology The assumption that having had Omicron confers long-term immunity especially for the unvaccinated is not necessarily a slam-dunk. Infectious disease experts aren’t clear on the answer.
January 14, 2022 Clinical Research New evidence strongly suggests Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may help trigger Multiple Sclerosis. Opens the door to further investigation of the mechanism of the disease and if corroborated, lead to vaccines to prevent EBV infection.
January 13, 2022 Epidemiology Why Covid parties are not a great idea to “get it over with”. The law of unintended consequences tends to insinuate itself into the process leading to unexpected outcomes.
December 1, 2021 Epidemiology Moderna CEO should quell their speculative and alarmist comments about Omicron. In times of uncertainty, statements should be calm, measured, humble, and neutral in tone. Answers likely forthcoming in 1-2 wks. Solutions will follow thereafter.
November 29, 2021 Epidemiology Two cases of Omicron variant reported in Ottawa. Ottawa Public Health is introducing new self-isolation and testing requirements for residents who have travelled to eight countries within 14 days before arriving in Canada “out of an abundance of caution.”
November 26, 2021 Infectious Disease New Sars-CoV-2 variant detected in South Africa. More information required to know what the mutations are doing to determine if it will circumvent the vaccine and be a cause for concern.
November 24, 2021 Generic Drugs Will the COVID antiviral medications be the Thor’s Hammer against SARS-CoV-2 and help mitigate the ravages of the pandemic? These are impressive drugs but there are logistical, social, geographical, and financial caveats to solve in the process.
November 16, 2021 Health Policy Canadian Blood Services will base donation eligibility on the scientific evidence of high-risk sexual behaviour and no longer use sexual orientation or gender as part of their screening criteria. This treats people equally and without judgment and is long overdue.
November 12, 2021 Epidemiology More evidence emerging that COVID vaccines are a three-dose series like many other vaccines that we receive. U.S. preprint study suggests that fully vaccinated Veterans are experiencing breakthrough infections six months after second dose #VaccinesWork