What's That Rash?

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) announcing that COVID-19 is no longer a "global health emergency", you'd be forgiven for thinking the pandemic's over.But alas, it isn't.According to WHO, the "emergency" phase is over but COVID will remain a persistent threat for a lot longer, saying the disease is still killing someone every three minutes.So how can COVID no longer be an emergency, but also remain so deadly?

The Omicron variant has been spinning off all sorts of sub variants during its 17 month long reign.The latest is XBB.1.16 - known also as Arcturus - and like its sibling sub variants doesn't seem to be all that different.But while Arcturus is busy trying to become the most popular sub variant of the month, we are undergoing another wave of infections. There are hundreds of people in hospitals around the country and it's continuing to affect how the health system operates.Also on the show: Is COVID going to the dogs?

The coronavirus pandemic might not be a 'pandemic' for much longerSo, looking ahead, experts have come together to propose countermeasures for future epidemics and pandemics. It's all about transparency and equity at a global scale. References:It is time for ambitious, transformational change to the epidemic countermeasures ecosystem

A team has analysed data out of China, proving the presence of animals in the Wuhan market capable of hosting SARS-CoV-2.

Another wave of COVID infections seems to be underway in parts of Australia, and NSW is leading the pack. The variant soup is getting more complex by the day — but luckily the dominant mutations don't seem to be causing more severe disease. Regardless, as more people get infected and re-infected, researchers are fast at work trying to determine what might protect people from long-term consequences. References: Adherence to Healthy Lifestyle Prior to Infection and Risk of Post-COVID-19 ConditionSevere COVID-19 outcomes by cardiovascular risk profile in England in 2020: a population-based cohort study

In 2022, Australia saw an estimated 12% increase in the number of deaths compared to expert predictions. More than half of those were due to COVID-19. And there are signs that even the deaths that couldn't be directly linked to COVID-19 are a result of the pandemic. This pattern isn't just playing out in Australia, but around the globe. So what are the driving factors, and what can be done to address them?References: Almost 20,000 excess deaths for 2022 in AustraliaOne-Year Adverse Outcomes Among US Adults With Post-COVID-19 Condition vs Those Without COVID-19 in a Large Commercial Insurance DatabaseLife expectancy changes since COVID-19

Since ATAGI updated its booster advice there have been lots of questions about why kids aren't able to get another jab. We discuss the reasoning behind the age limit, as well as some other vaccine-related questions from listeners. Also, a few controversial COVID topics... from Ivermectin to the US Energy Department's theory on where the virus came from. References:COVID-19 vaccines for childrenEffect of Higher-Dose Ivermectin for 6 Days vs Placebo on Time to Sustained Recovery in Outpatients With COVID-19Lab Leak Most Likely Origin of Covid-19 Pandemic, Energy Department Now Says

Antivirals are an important measure to prevent severe disease in vulnerable people with COVID-19. But there have been concerns antivirals could lead to rebound infections — the resurgence of viral load following the completion of the medication. So what do the latest studies say?Also, we speak to an expert informing the parliamentary inquiry into long COVID about how to best care for patients. Guest: Professor Tania SorrellUniversity of SydneyReferences: SARS-CoV-2 rebound with and without antiviralsViral burden rebound in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 receiving oral antivirals in Hong Kong: a population-wide retrospective cohort studySubmission—Inquiry into long COVID and repeated COVID infections

An old debate has been reignited after a review declared the effects of masks is uncertain and in need of further investigation. Meanwhile Sydney scientists have found a receptor that sticks to the coronavirus and pulls it away from lung cells, opening up potential treatment avenues. But for now, vaccines remain the best protection against severe disease. So when should you get your next booster? We answer some common questions. References: Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory virusesYes, masks reduce the risk of spreading COVID, despite a review saying they don'tFibroblast-expressed LRRC15 is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike and controls antiviral and antifibrotic transcriptional programs

Australian adults will be able to get a fifth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within a fortnight.People aged 18 and over who've not had a COVID vaccine or a positive case in the last six months will also be eligible for another shot.