Latest news with #LEICESTER
CNA
4 days ago
- Health
- CNA
Commentary: Can air-conditioning really make you sick?
LEICESTER, England: Air-conditioning can feel heaven-sent on hot summer days. It keeps temperatures comfortable and controls humidity, making indoor environments tolerable even on the most brutally warm days. But some people avoid using air-conditioning (AC) no matter how hot it gets outside, out of fear that it will make them sick. While this may sound far-fetched to some, as a microbiologist I can say this fear isn't altogether unfounded. If an air-conditioning system malfunctions or isn't properly maintained, it can become contaminated with infectious microbes. This can turn your AC unit into a potential source of numerous airborne infections – ranging from the common cold to pneumonia. SICK BUILDINGS 'Sick building syndrome' is the general name for symptoms that can develop after spending extended periods of time in air-conditioned environments. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, congested or runny nose, persistent cough or wheeze, skin irritation or rashes, trouble focusing on work and tiredness. The condition tends to occur in people who work in office settings, but can happen to anyone who spends extended periods of time in air-conditioned buildings such as hospitals. The symptoms of sick building syndrome tend to get worse the longer you're in a particular building, and are alleviated after you leave. A 2023 study from India compared 200 healthy adults who worked at least six to eight hours per day in an air-conditioned office with 200 healthy adults who didn't work in AC. The AC group experienced more symptoms consistent with sick building syndrome over the two-year study period – particularly a higher prevalence of allergies. Importantly, clinical tests showed those who were exposed to AC had poorer lung function and were absent from work more often, compared with the non-AC group. Other studies have confirmed that AC office workers have a higher prevalence of sick building syndrome than those who do not work in an air-conditioned environment. It's suspected that one cause of sick building syndrome is malfunctioning air-conditioners. When an AC unit isn't working properly, it can release allergens, chemicals and airborne microorganisms into the air that it would normally have trapped. Malfunctioning air-conditioners can also release chemical vapours from AC cleaning products or refrigerants into the building's air. Chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene are toxic and can irritate the respiratory system. Poorly maintained air-conditioning systems can also harbour bacterial pathogens which can cause serious infections. Legionella pneumophila is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease – a lung infection contracted from inhaling droplets of water containing these bacteria. They tend to grow in water-rich environments such as hot tubs or air-conditioning systems. A Legionella infection is most often caught in communal places such as hotels, hospitals or offices, where the bacteria have contaminated the water supply. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to pneumonia, causing coughing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fever and general flu-like symptoms. Symptoms usually begin to show between two and 14 days after being exposed to Legionella. Legionella infections can be life-threatening and often require hospitalisation. Recovery can take several weeks. FUNGAL AND VIRAL INFECTIONS The accumulation of dust and moisture inside air-conditioning systems can also create the right conditions for other infectious microbes to grow. For instance, research on hospital AC systems has found that fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Rhizopusspecies commonly accumulate within the water-rich areas of hospital ventilation systems. These fungal infections can be serious in vulnerable patients such as those who are immunocompromised, have had an organ transplant or are on dialysis – as well as babies who were born premature. For example, Aspergillus causes pneumonia, abscesses of the lungs, brain, liver, spleen, kidneys and skin, and can also infect burns and wounds. Symptoms of fungal infections are mostly respiratory and include persistent wheeze or cough, fever, shortness of breath, tiredness and unexplained loss of weight. Viral infections can also be caught from air-conditioning. One case study revealed that children in a Chinese kindergarten class were infected with the norovirus pathogen from their AC system. This caused 20 students to experience the stomach flu. While norovirus is usually transmitted through close contact with an infected person or after touching a contaminated surface, in this instance it was confirmed, unusually, that the virus was spread through the air – originating from the air-conditioning unit in a class restroom. Several other cases of norovirus being spread this way have been reported. However, air-conditioners can also help stop the spread of airborne viruses. Research shows AC units that are regularly maintained and sanitised can reduce circulating levels of common viruses, including COVID. Another reason AC may increase your risk of catching an infection is due to the way air-conditioners control humidity levels. This makes inside air drier than outside air. Spending extended periods of time in low-humidity environments can dry out the mucus membranes in your nose and throat. This can affect how well they prevent bacteria and fungi from getting in your body – and can leave you more vulnerable to developing a deep-tissue infection of the sinuses. Air-conditioners are designed to filter air contaminants, fungal spores, bacteria and viruses, preventing them from entering the air we breathe indoors. But this protective shield can be compromised if a system's filter is old or dirty, or if the system isn't cleaned. Ensuring good AC maintenance is essential in preventing air-conditioner-acquired infections.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘She has a progressive profile' – Templegate's big Sunday NAP runs at Haydock
TEMPLEGATE'S picks on Sunday are below. Back a horse by clicking their odds. LORNA B (5.45 Haydock, nap) She has a progressive profile and has yet to taste defeat in handicaps this summer. What makes her stand out at this level is her battling qualities in a finish. The handicapper keeps putting more lead in the saddle and she keeps on finding that little bit extra. It's likely to be the same story today and she can land a deserved hat-tick under Dale Swift. GRANDLAD (5.15 Haydock, nb) He looks a tasty price given he was back to his best last time, is effective at 5f and looks well drawn to pull off his favourite front-running tactics. This is a tougher challenge than last time but he's a sprinter in form. HILLTOP (4.30 Leicester, treble) She won nicely at Lingfield last time and looks open to improvement for the Kublers. That was an apprentices' race so the handicapper has left her mark alone and she'll be dangerous on this step up to a mile. Templegate's tips WOLVERHAMPTON 2.37 My Boy Harry Consistent, trip suits, unlucky last time, can take this on AW. 3.07 Many A Star Proven C&D performer, strong form earlier this term, class edge today. 3.37 Sea Cookie Promising debut, will improve for run, right trip to open account. 4.07 Without Burlington Shapes as though 1m4f ideal, excuses last time, fair mark here. 4.37 Eliza Bennet Back to form latest, prominent racer, tapeta suits, can dictate and score. 5.07 Run With It Maiden winner, unexposed at trip, strong stable form, can bounce back. LEICESTER 2.00 Quadrillion Juddmonte filly, promising debut, expected to progress sharply with experience today. 2.30 Naughty Niall Recent Yarmouth winner, well drawn, should get ideal stalking trip here. 3.00 Joycean Way Consistent placer, unlucky last run, well-handicapped if repeating Windsor effort. 3.30 Lincoln Rockstar Has run well here before, class drop and Tudhope booking boosts claims. 4.00 Half Sovereign Winning filly, value for extra last time, unexposed and progressive type. 4.30 Hilltop (treble) Recent Lingfield winner, unpenalised, unexposed at trip, trainer in strong form. 5.00 American Style Consistent in stronger races, drops in grade, suits prominent-runner bias here. HAYDOCK 3.45 Born Ruler Proven at trip, useful on best form, strong finish last time suggests ready to strike. 4.15 Vlad Game winner last time, likes this trip and has more to come. 4.45 Pretty Danielle Strong finish when third at Windsor, open to significant progress over 6f. 5.15 Grandlad (nb) Back to peak form winning last time, effective at 5f, can dictate from good draw. 5.45 Lorna B (nap) Progressive filly, three wins from four this term, tough and stays well at 7f. 6.15 Leadenhall He's won well over course and distance and ran well last time. 6.45 String Of Pearls Unexposed type, good win over this trip last time, more to come. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘She has a progressive profile' – Templegate's big Sunday NAP runs at Haydock
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE'S picks on Sunday are below. Back a horse by clicking their odds. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up LORNA B (5.45 Haydock, nap) She has a progressive profile and has yet to taste defeat in handicaps this summer. What makes her stand out at this level is her battling qualities in a finish. The handicapper keeps putting more lead in the saddle and she keeps on finding that little bit extra. It's likely to be the same story today and she can land a deserved hat-tick under Dale Swift. GRANDLAD (5.15 Haydock, nb) He looks a tasty price given he was back to his best last time, is effective at 5f and looks well drawn to pull off his favourite front-running tactics. This is a tougher challenge than last time but he's a sprinter in form. HILLTOP (4.30 Leicester, treble) She won nicely at Lingfield last time and looks open to improvement for the Kublers. That was an apprentices' race so the handicapper has left her mark alone and she'll be dangerous on this step up to a mile. Templegate's tips WOLVERHAMPTON 2.37 My Boy Harry Consistent, trip suits, unlucky last time, can take this on AW. 3.07 Many A Star Proven C&D performer, strong form earlier this term, class edge today. 3.37 Sea Cookie Promising debut, will improve for run, right trip to open account. 4.07 Without Burlington Shapes as though 1m4f ideal, excuses last time, fair mark here. 4.37 Eliza Bennet Back to form latest, prominent racer, tapeta suits, can dictate and score. 5.07 Run With It Maiden winner, unexposed at trip, strong stable form, can bounce back. LEICESTER 2.00 Quadrillion Juddmonte filly, promising debut, expected to progress sharply with experience today. 2.30 Naughty Niall Recent Yarmouth winner, well drawn, should get ideal stalking trip here. 3.00 Joycean Way Consistent placer, unlucky last run, well-handicapped if repeating Windsor effort. 3.30 Lincoln Rockstar Has run well here before, class drop and Tudhope booking boosts claims. 4.00 Half Sovereign Winning filly, value for extra last time, unexposed and progressive type. 4.30 Hilltop (treble) Recent Lingfield winner, unpenalised, unexposed at trip, trainer in strong form. 5.00 American Style Consistent in stronger races, drops in grade, suits prominent-runner bias here. HAYDOCK 3.45 Born Ruler Proven at trip, useful on best form, strong finish last time suggests ready to strike. 4.15 Vlad Game winner last time, likes this trip and has more to come. 4.45 Pretty Danielle Strong finish when third at Windsor, open to significant progress over 6f. 5.15 Grandlad (nb) Back to peak form winning last time, effective at 5f, can dictate from good draw. 5.45 Lorna B (nap) Progressive filly, three wins from four this term, tough and stays well at 7f. 6.15 Leadenhall He's won well over course and distance and ran well last time. 6.45 String Of Pearls Unexposed type, good win over this trip last time, more to come. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Leicester ready to appoint sacked Championship manager to replace Van Nistelrooy – but still have to pay compensation
LEICESTER are ready to pay £500,000 compensation to QPR to land Marti Cifuentes as their new manager. Cifuentes, 43, has beaten Gary O'Neil, Chris Wilder and Danny Rohl in the race to succeed 2 Ruud van Nistelrooy was sacked by Leicester City following their relegation from the Premier League Credit: PA 2 Former QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is set to replace Van Nistelrooy at the helm Credit: Getty The Spanish coach left QPR last month after two seasons in charge at Loftus Road. But it was not a straightforward departure as As part of his exit agreement, a new club will have to pay compensation and Leicester look ready to do that. Should the Foxes fork out the compensation fee, Cifuentes could be appointed in the next few days. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Cifuentes had only signed a new long-term deal with QPR last September but his spell in West London turned sour. The manager had taken charge of 83 games as R's boss, winning 29, drawing 23 and losing 31. Leicester believe he can lead them back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Pre-season has already started at the club with Andy King leading training. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS They beat Leicester's first game is on August 10 against Ruud Van Nistelrooy speaks after Leicester relegated to the Championship
The 42
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Michael Cheika wants trust from Leicester one last time in Premiership final
LEICESTER HEAD COACH Michael Cheika wants his players to trust each other one more time and finish their journey together this season with victory over Bath in the Gallagher Premiership final, which will be his last match in charge. Australian Cheika will leave the Tigers at the end of his one-year contract, with former Leicester player Geoff Parling set to take charge at Mattiolli Woods Welford Road in the summer. Cheika – who guided the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup final and then took Argentina into the last four two years ago – has been credited with transforming the mentality of a Leicester squad which finished eighth in the 2023-24 campaign. The 58-year-old, though, maintains the Tigers' progress this season – finishing second in the table and then beating Sale in the play-off semi-finals – is very much down to a collective effort. 'That is a really fundamental part of building teams,' said Cheika, whose Leinster side won the 2009 European Champions Cup before he then took New South Wales Waratahs to the Super Rugby title. Advertisement 'First they have got to be able to trust each other – we have got to be able to have honest conversations and being prepared to have a fight with each other. 'As long as it is a fight where you are going in the same direction, then you are trying to get the same thing done, that's okay. 'Building up mentally is important and it is a continual workout – you have never arrived at the place you have got to be at, because every time you meet another challenge, you have got to then go and delve into that. 'I have definitely learned a lot from them and I hope they have been able to learn a bit from me.' Cheika added: 'They are playing as part of a team, and in the team, those dynamics are extremely important. 'We are going to need that on Saturday, because we are playing against the team that dominated the league and we need to find a way to master that opponent.' Cheika, though, does not want his players turning up at the Allianz Stadium just to enjoy the occasion – which will be the last game before club stalwarts Dan Cole and Ben Youngs retire while Tigers captain Julian Montoya and South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard are also set to move on. 'You work hard to get yourself in a position to have an opportunity at the title, so when it is there, you would be mad not to take it,' Cheika said. 'Together, we have built a good deal. We have improved our mental preparation and our the mental side of our game, the resilience or the grit that we have got in games. 'But you are going to need more than just that as well – you need quality, you need all those things. 'I suppose it is more just about being ready to balance out what is the emotional part and what is the technical part, and make sure you have got both of those clearly defined as to what their use is.'
