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Here is a list of recent COVID-19 studies. These studies include research that needs further investigation to verify the findings. This has not been certified by peer-review.
Omicron attacks are less effective on children’s noses
A small study suggests that Omicron may be more effective in infecting children through their noses than other coronavirus variants.
Children’s noses were less open to the COVID-19 virus than adults earlier in the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 and other variants were found to have stronger immune responses in young nasal-lining cells than adults. It was also less effective at creating copies in children’s nostrils. Researchers reported Monday in PLOS biology that Omicron was found to be less effective in children’s noses after combining the virus with healthy nasal cells from 23 children and 15 adults. Omicron was also found to reproduce more efficiently in the nasal-lining cells of children than either Delta nor the original virus.
AS THE BA.5 OMICRON SUBVARIANT SURGES, VACCINE EXPERTS URGE HIGH RISK PEOPLE TO GET COVID-19 BOOSTER NOW
The researchers concluded that these data were consistent with an increase in pediatric infections during the Omicron wave, and called for further studies.
After COVID-19, memory problems could be predicted by smell problems
An Argentinian study found that the severity of smell dysfunction following coronavirus infection may be a better indicator of cognitive impairment over overall severity of COVID-19.
A random sample of 766 over-60-year-olds was taken by researchers to determine if the virus had infected them. This is approximately 90% of those who were tested. Two-thirds of infected people showed signs of memory impairment after three to six months. The researchers presented their findings on Sunday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2022 in San Diego.
“The better we know what causes, or at least predicts who will suffer the long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 infection, we can track it and begin developing methods to prevent it,” Gabriela Gonzalez-Aleman, a Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina researcher in Buenos Aires stated in a statement.
Improved staffing in nursing homes through vaccination mandates
A study showed that COVID-19 vaccinations were effective in states with nursing home staff. It did not cause mass resignations or staff shortages.
Researchers reported Friday in JAMA Health Forum that nursing homes experienced staff shortages in states that did not have such mandates. From mid-June 2021 to mid November 2021, data from the National Healthcare Safety Network revealed that 12 states had COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Staff vaccination coverage rates ranged between 78.7% and 95.2%. The report found that states without mandates had “consistently lower staff vaccination coverage throughout this study window” as well as “higher rates for reported staff shortages throughout this study period.”
BA.5 OMICRON MAY IMPACT YOUR RISK OF REINFECTION, AND MAY HAVE OTHER OUTCOMES.
Researchers stated that “the association of mandates and higher vaccination coverage is in contrast to prior efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake among nurses home staff through education outreach and incentives.” They stated that the data suggested that “the fear of large staffing shortages due to vaccine mandates may not be true.”
Source: Fox News
