Latest news with #NaveedAsif
Cosmopolitan
06-08-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
The hidden danger in your shower: what to know about Legionnaire's disease which has killed 3 people
New reports say three people have sadly died from Legionnaires' disease, a type of bacterial infection spread through water droplets, in New York and that more than sixty have fallen ill – leading to concerns that cases could become more widespread, including in the UK. Legionnaires' disease is not limited to a specific location and in many cases does not become serious or life-threatening, but it's important to learn the symptoms associated with the disease and to track any outbreaks, explains Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice. "The situation [in New York] underscores the serious nature of Legionella, as it can cause significant illness and death," says Dr Asif. "This is a disease that can occur in the UK so monitoring and awareness is important." Here's what you need to know about Legionnaires' disease, the symptoms associated with it, how it's spread and what treatments are on offer. According to Dr Asif, Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon form of lung infection and best described as a form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella. "It presents in two forms: the more serious pneumonia and a milder illness known as Pontiac fever, characterised by muscle aches, headaches, and fever." He adds that occasionally, Legionella can affect other organs, including the heart and skin. "It is important to note that Legionnaires' disease can be fatal if not treated promptly and effectively" but there are treatment options available, including antibiotics (administered through a hospital), oxygen and breathing support machines. The GP explains that Legionella bacteria thrive in man-made water systems such as showers, sinks, hot tubs, water features, and cooling towers. "It can also be found in windshield wiper fluid in cars, particularly in tanks filled with water rather than genuine windshield cleaner," he adds. Transmission occurs through inhaling contaminated droplets or swallowing contaminated water; person-to-person transmission is rare, confirming that Legionnaires' disease is not contagious. "The ease of spread is influenced by several factors: the concentration of bacteria in the water, the size of the droplets, and the susceptibility of the individual, which determines whether exposure will lead to illness," says Dr Asif, who also highlights that lifestyle factors can increase a person's risk of falling ill with Legionnaires' disease. A high percentage of patients are smokers or diagnosed as having diabetes. Symptoms to watch out for, as per Dr Asif and NHS guidance include: "Symptoms typically manifest within two days to two weeks after exposure," points out the GP. The NHS advises getting urgent medical help if you've had symptoms of Legionnaires' disease such as chest pain that comes and goes, feeling short of breath or coughing up blood. It also says to phone 111 or seek a GP appointment as soon as possible if you've had a cough that has continued for three weeks or more, and says it is important to tell medical staff where you have been in the previous weeks, such as if you have stayed in a hotel, spa or hospital. The sooner Legionnaires' disease is identified, the easier it is to treat, says the expert. "[As well as] antibiotics, patients may also require oxygen for breathlessness, intravenous fluids for dehydration, or care for complications like sepsis," Dr Asif notes. "Hospitalisation is often necessary to monitor for severe complications, with intravenous antibiotics given initially, transitioning to oral antibiotics as the patient improves. "In contrast, Pontiac fever usually does not require hospitalisation." In a word, no – so while there's no need for major panic, it's still good to be mindful of symptoms in case you or a loved one starts displaying them. As per data available via the UK Health and Security Agency, there were 604 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in England and Wales in 2023. "A notable proportion of cases occurred in individuals over 60," says Dr Asif, adding that the incidence rate is around one per 100,000 (veering slightly higher in Wales and slightly lower in Scotland, with 54 cases reported last year). "The average number of cases has increased compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, potentially reflecting better testing and diagnosis. Seasonal peaks in cases are observed from June to October." This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
What we know about Covid variant ‘Nimbus' known for ‘razor blade throat' amid surge in cases
A new Covid variant is on the rise. According to reports, the most recent variant of the coronavirus has been identified as the "Nimbus" variant, known for causing a 'razor blade throat'. The new variant 'Nimbus', officially known as the NB.1.8.1, as per an Associated Press report, has been detected in several US states such as Washington, New York, California and Virginia. Furthermore, the variant has also been detected in Australia and the UK. As per the World Health Organisation, Nimbus is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19. Under the WHO list of Covid variants to watch for, Nimbus has been classified as a 'variant under monitoring'. 'The WHO assesses the additional risk to the global public as currently low, and existing Covid-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease,' Dr Naveed Asif, a general practitioner at The London General Practice, told The Independent. Also Read: India's active Covid cases near 6,500; 'newly emerging XFG variant' found, says INSACOG | What is it? As per the data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new Omicron variant is currently responsible for one-third of coronavirus cases in the United States (37 per cent). Furthermore, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, the new variant has been detected in at least 13 US states. The variant was also detected in the UK. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA, Britain saw a 10 percent jump in hospitalisation with around 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31. of this, at least 13 cases have been attributed to Nimbus. The Nimbus variant also carries symptoms similar to the Omicron variant, such as congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, loss of taste and smell, runny nose, loss of appetite and muscle aches. However, the variant has garnered global attention due to an unusually painful symptom called "razor blade throat." As the phrase says, patients have likened this symptom to having a razor blade stuck down your throat. Despite this symptom, WHO has stated that the Nimbus variant does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains and is still at the low risk category.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Covid Nimbus variant cases double in one month as infections hit highest level
A new strain of coronavirus is on the rise across the UK - with eight per cent of Covid tests analysed showing positive for the new 'Nimbus' variant. The highly contagious Nimbus is now Britain's most dominant strain with official UKHSA data suggesting infections have doubled in the space of just one month. The variant has been flagged in the UK, US and Australia and is linked to spikes in cases in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. Nimbus, known scientifically as N.B.1.8.1, is thought to be the most contagious variant of the virus yet with experts warning it could drive a wave of new cases this summer. In its weekly report UKHSA also said there had also been a slight increase in hospital admissions for Covid to just over 1.5 admissions per 100,000 people. It follows warnings from British scientists earlier this month that Nimbus could lead to a surge in Covid cases. They warned that many people's immunity to the virus, built up from previous infections and older jabs, has likely faded meaning they could be at higher risk of falling ill. Other data collected by the agency shows the total number of tests coming back positive for any type of Covid has increased to 6.8 per cent as of June 15, the latest available data. This is up from 5.6 per cent last month and represents the highest figure recorded so far this year. 'The NB.1.8.1 variant, also referred to as Nimbus, is a new strain of the Covid-19 virus that has emerged due to mutations in its genetic material,' says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice. 'Variants like this pop up when the virus mutates, which is normal for viruses, especially ones that spread widely,' explains Tang. 'NB.1.8.1 was first picked up in early 2025 and has since been detected in several countries, including the UK, China and US. It's got some new mutations that scientists are keeping a close eye on.'
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
A new Covid variant Nimbus aka ‘razor blade throat' is on the rise. All you need to know
India is witnessing a fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases, with over 7,000 active infections and more than 70 deaths reported recently. While SARS-CoV-2 has become a recurring seasonal presence, much like influenza, a new variant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed 'Nimbus', is drawing global attention for its unusually painful symptom: a sore throat that some are describing as feeling like 'razor blades.' Indian doctors confirm that a few patients have reported this distressing feature. Where has the Nimbus spread? The NB.1.8.1 variant has spread rapidly across China and Hong Kong, and cases have now been detected in several US states, including California, Washington, Virginia, and New York, according to an Associated Press report. Australia has also recorded cases. In the UK, 13 cases were confirmed in June, accompanied by a nearly 10 per cent rise in hospitalisations, The Independent reported. The variant and symptoms have also been detected in India. By mid-May, NB.1.8.1 accounted for nearly 11 per cent of all sequenced COVID samples globally, signaling a rapid rise in circulation. What are the symptoms? The most reported and defining symptom of the Nimbus variant is a severely painful sore throat. Other symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the variant does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains and is currently considered low risk. What has WHO said? The WHO has classified NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring,' indicating that while it is spreading, it doesn't yet pose a major threat. The organisation has also confirmed that current COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe outcomes linked to the variant. 'The WHO assesses the additional risk to the global public as currently low, and existing COVID-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease,' Dr Naveed Asif, a general practitioner at The London General Practice, told The Independent. Which vaccines offer protection? Vaccines approved by the US FDA – Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax – are expected to be effective against NB.1.8.1, especially because it belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage. An article by New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center stresses the importance of staying up-to-date with boosters. Those with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension should take extra precautions, as their immune response may not be as robust. Why Nimbus spreads faster Scientists believe NB.1.8.1 may spread more efficiently due to stronger binding with human cells. A Gavi report noted that the variant binds tightly to the ACE2 receptor, which SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter the body. 'Using lab-based models, researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested,' said virologist Lara Herrero from Griffith University in The Conversation, 'suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains.' Dr Chun Tang, a general practitioner at UK-based Pall Mall Medical, added that while the variant isn't drastically different from Omicron, 'some tweaks to its spike protein' may make it more transmissible or help it evade immunity. 'What sets NB.1.8.1 apart is how quickly it spreads,' said Dr Magdalena Sobieszczyk, Chief of Infectious Diseases at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia. 'It has a genetic advantage: mutations that make it easy for it to bind to receptors on human cells.' Prevention is key Precautions remain largely the same. Mask up in crowded places, cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash and sanitise your hands regularly, and avoid stepping out if unwell. Ventilated spaces remain safer, especially during spikes in transmission. No, 'Nimbus' isn't a Harry Potter reference While some may associate 'Nimbus' with the magical broomstick from 'Harry Potter' or characters from 'Rick and Morty', the nickname actually refers to a type of cloud. Professor T Ryan Gregory of the University of Guelph in Canada explained to Gavi' that naming conventions like 'Nimbus' (NB.1.8.1) and 'Stratus' (XFG) help make emerging variants easier to track and communicate to the public.
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Distinct' signs of latest Covid-19 Nimbus variant including 'razor blade throat'
The UK has seen a rise in Covid-related hospital admissions by almost 10 per cent in the last week of May The UK is grappling with the rise of a new Covid strain known as Nimbus or NB. 1.8.1. Britain has seen an increase of almost 10 per cent in Covid-related hospital admissions in the final week of May amid cautions from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The novel strain is marked by a harrowing "razor blade throat" symptom that mimics the feeling of blades scraping your throat with every swallow — sufferers are urged to seek rest, liquids and pain relief. Dr Naveed Asif of The London General Practice told the Independent about the unique nature of this sore throat, labelling it "distinctive" for those struck by Nimbus. On top of that, the NHS advises anyone suspecting they've caught Covid to self-isolate. Echoing NHS guidance, the UKHSA warns: "If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as Covid-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible." Speaking on the latest Covid symptoms, Doctor Mohamed Imran Lakhi of Prescription Doctor's said: 'People commonly report a severe sore throat, persistent fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. "Some also experience digestive issues like nausea or diarrhoea, which isn't always typical with Covid variants.' For those living with Covid and seeking further advice, including when self-isolation isn't viable, visit the website, reports the Mirror. Initially detected in January, the Nimbus variant has since taken a global stage. Nimbus has become the prevalent variant in China and constitutes a third of US cases, and is currently energising a fresh uptick in Australian infections. A recent preprint study suggests that the so-called Nimbus variant of Covid-19 may bind to human cells more effectively, potentially allowing for easier transmission and the ability to dodge immunity from previous infections. This research on Nimbus is awaiting peer review, but already the World Health Organisation has assured that current vaccines remain potent against this strain. As reported by Salon, there are no indications that Nimbus is tied to increased illness severity in comparison with other variants. University of Guelph's Dr. T. Ryan Gregory told Salon: "That said, we learned from Omicron that high transmissibility can cause as much damage as high per infection virulence and at this point it is not just acute severity that is of concern, but longer-term impacts of repeated infection." Dr. Gregory added that spotting symptoms unique to Nimbus could be tough due to the mixing of various strains and less testing compared to peak pandemic periods. Furthermore, Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam of UKHSA recently declared: "NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid cases. "Based on the available information so far however, there is no evidence to suggest that this variant causes more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against it."
