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Wales Online
20 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
New Covid strain with 'unusual' symptoms identified as cases surge
New Covid strain with 'unusual' symptoms identified as cases surge The new Covid variant, labelled NB.1.8.1, is causing unusual gastrointestinal problems, health officials have warned The new strain of Covid is the result of two variants combining (Image: Getty Images/Westend61 ) Health authorities have issued an alert regarding a new strain of coronavirus after a surge in cases. Residents in Ireland are being advised to self-isolate for two days if they exhibit any Covid symptoms, as the new variant - which presents with unusual symptoms - is also linked to gastrointestinal issues. The variant, known as NB.1.8.1, has already been identified in the UK, US and Australia. Specialists emphasised that while previous strains have been associated with flu-like symptoms, NB. 1.8.1 can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and heartburn. Patients experiencing bloating, constipation and abdominal pain could also be suffering from Covid-19, reports the Mirror. The World Health Organization (WHO) has added the variant to its official watch list, suggesting it may be more transmissible than other strains. However, there's no evidence yet to suggest it leads to more severe illness. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . According to WHO, the strain first emerged in January and by late April it accounted for approximately 10.7% of global infections, a significant increase from just 2.5% a month earlier. The variant has also been identified in renowned holiday destinations such as Thailand, Egypt, and the Maldives. It has rapidly become the prevailing strain in some Asian regions, including China and Hong Kong. Article continues below Dr Lara Herrero, an Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, shared details about the symptoms: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases."
The Citizen
a day ago
- Health
- The Citizen
South Africa's health advocacy groups: ‘Health failing to shield kids from HIV'
'This is unacceptable in a country with one of the largest HIV treatment programmes in the world,"- Treatment Action Campaign's Xabisa Qwabe South Africa's health advocacy groups have accused the department of health of failing to protect children. Picture: Westend61/Getty Images South Africa's health advocacy groups have accused the department of health of failing to protect children from contracting HIV from their mothers. According to statistics recently released by Thembisa Project, the leading mathematical model of HIV in South Africa showed that of approximately 7 200 babies who contracted HIV between 2023 and last year, only 2 500 contracted the virus before or during birth, while the rest were infected during breast-feeding. ALSO READ: Health minister defends nearly R10 million legal spend on NHI court battles Every child deserves access The study further revealed that 157 000 children were living with HIV, while one out of three were not on treatment. Treatment Action Campaign spokesperson Xabisa Qwabe said: 'This is unacceptable in a country with one of the largest HIV treatment programmes in the world.' 'Every child deserves access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy. We cannot accept a situation where children are left behind due to systemic failures or social barriers.' Qwabe said despite significant gains in the fight against HIV, ongoing mother-to-child transmission reflected critical breakdowns in the health care system. 'These include late or no antenatal care, failure to test and treat pregnant women in time, treatment interruptions and social stigma,' she said. 'When a person living with HIV adheres to treatment and achieves an undetectable viral load, the virus cannot be transmitted to others, including from mother to child. This is why adherence to antiretroviral therapy during and after pregnancy is essential.' Pregnant women needed to be taught about the importance of being on treatment consistently. She said while the department of health had important intervention programmes, they were not being delivered effectively in all areas. NOW READ: Men's health: Don't forget to check in your pants
Metro
19-05-2025
- General
- Metro
11 things you shouldn't put in the washing machine but probably do
Link is copied Comments Where would we be without the washing machine? Government statistics reveal that 97% of British homes have one but whether you're in that majority or haul your dirty washing down the launderette once a week, it's vital you know which items you can throw in and those you should avoid. Here are the most common things you should consider washing by hand instead... (Picture: Getty Images) If you're someone who has to wear a tie for work, or you have kids who wear them as part of their school uniform, you'll no doubt be tempted to stick them in the washing machine along with the rest of your weekly laundry. You probably shouldn't though. Ties are often made of silk, wool or another delicate material which doesn't do well in the machine, meaning they could shrink or warp under the pressure of the hot water and detergent. Stick to handwashing instead to keep them looking pristine (Picture: Getty Images/PhotoAlto) Here's one which in certain circumstances - such as if the care label allows it - can be machine washed. But we include it because for the most part you really shouldn't be sticking your bras in the washing machine. For one thing many are made of delicate materials such as silk or lace which could leave them vulnerable to damage being washed in this way. For another, if they have wires inside them, these could tear through and find their way into the inner workings of the machine - potentially causing damage. Stick to handwashing unless it states you can do otherwise (Picture: Getty Images) Like bras, some of your swimwear may be machine washable, and if so feel free to chuck it in the machine along with everything else. But otherwise avoid machine-washing it after your swim or tanning session as the stretchy material in swimsuits can be compromised in the machine, causing it to lose its shape over time. The delicate material could also be damaged if it catches on any clasps or zips from other items in the machine at the same time. Which means you're far better off soaking the suit to remove any seawater (if needed) then washing it by hand (Picture: Getty Images) Whether it's a trusty biker jacket, favourite skirt or even a beloved belt, many of us have something leather in our wardrobe - but what happens when you come to clean it? Well one thing you definitely shouldn't do is stick it in the machine as it's likely to split and crack if you do. The best way to clean it is to sponge it down with a solution of warm water and liquid detergent or washing powder, then dry it with a cloth. And don't ever fully immerse it in water as this could also cause damage (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61) Got a cat or a dog running around the house? If so you'll be all too familiar with the concept of getting pet hair on your socks or other items of clothing. Tempting as it might be to peel them off and stick them in the washing machine avec fur, don't even think about it. If you launder clothes covered in hairs from your pet, you run the risk they could either stick to the drum or clog up the drain filter which could potentially cause damage. Instead remove excess pet hair with a lint roller beforehand (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) You might well own a sequinned dress or outfit which is your go-to partywear, taking pride of place in your wardrobe. Good for you. Don't stick it in the washing machine though. Anything covered in sequins will inevitably be compromised in the machine; at best you'll lose some, meaning your item doesn't look nearly as good as it should, at worst they could get caught in the machine itself, with the sort of consequences you can imagine. Embellishments which are glued on to an item should also be avoided as the hot water could melt the glue, ruining your lovely outfit. Stick to handwashing instead and always follow the instructions on the care label (Picture: Getty Images) If you've been working with flammable materials and your clothes are now covered in them, sticking them in at 40 degrees is a very bad idea. Liquids such as motor oil, cooking oil, petrol and even alcohol could potentially be a fire hazard when faced with the heat generated by the washing machine - and even more so if you also tumble dry them. What you should do instead is hand soak the item, apply a stain remover, then handwash the garment in hot water and hang it up to dry naturally (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) If you have synthetic, cotton or down pillows then you're usually fine to wash them in your machine. But memory foam is another matter. Putting that on a hot cycle is, in general, a really bad idea because you'll likely end up with a heavy, soggy mess of a pillow, and the delicate material could even be split or torn. A better bet is to use a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid - or, if you have an upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can use that instead (Picture: Getty Images) There's nothing wrong with machine washing items of clothing with zips. Leaving them unzipped though? That's a different story. Putting an open zip in with the rest of the wash could potentially cause problems, since the metal teeth of the zip could not only catch on other clothes and ruin them, but it could also come into contact with the drum of the machine, causing possible damage. So zip it before you wash it (Picture: Getty Images) This one should be fairly obvious but if you have an item made of delicate fabric in your wardrobe - whether it's a cashmere sweater, a velvet dress, or something made of silk or lace - washing it in the machine with your cottons is not a good idea. Materials like this don't do well when faced with high temperatures and your garment could end up looking faded or worn - and even shrink. Stick to handwashing using a gentle detergent, or even consider getting the item dry-cleaned. And if the label says you can machine wash it, do so carefully in a separate laundry bag for example (Picture: Getty Images) Finally, it might not be a specific item but overfilling your washing machine is as ill-advised as washing your leather jacket or your favourite sequinned party dress. Adding too much laundry could prevent it all from being washed properly since the laundry won't move around as efficiently and the detergent might not reach it all. Plus, the machine itself may struggle to spin everything, meaning your normally quiet device could start shaking and making a bit of a racket. To prevent this, follow the instructions in the manual and only fill it to the recommended capacity (Picture: Getty Images)
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
How to Solve One of the Biggest Dorm Headaches Students Face
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. As a Floridian going to college in Vermont, I quickly realized that summer storage is a real challenge when I'm 1,500 miles away from home. Seriously, what do you do with all your dorm stuff when the school year wraps up — especially when you can't just toss it in your car for a quick drive home? Whether you're also hundreds of miles away from home or just don't have the space to store your dorm-life setup, figuring out where to put all your things is tough. My school doesn't provide summer storage for dorm items, and let me tell you — hauling my dorm necessities through the airport wasn't on my list of fun summer activities. So if you're a student looking at a mountain of fairy lights, storage cubes, and way too many clothes and thinking, 'What am I supposed to do with all this?' I've got you! Before you stress out too much, check out all of your options, from renting a storage unit to even selling some of your things (or both!). Look into Storage Options on Campus Not many schools advertise on-campus storage options, but it's always good to check with your RA or a residence life or housing contact. Even if they don't offer official summer storage options, they might have recommendations for local storage solutions that other students have found helpful in the past. Rent a Storage Unit Nearby If you're not sticking around for the summer and need to store your belongings, getting a small storage unit is probably your best option. Just a heads up — these units fill up really quickly, especially in college towns, and they might be a bit of a trek from campus. If you don't have a car, it can get tricky. You'll either need to hitch a ride from a friend or brace yourself for an awkward rideshare trip with your bedding and microwave packed in with you. As you budget for your storage, plan on spending somewhere between $70 and $300 per month, according to storage unit data. A smaller unit close to campus will likely be the cheapest option. Prices can really jump around move-out time, so it's a good idea to book as early as you can. Want the space but not the price tag? Consider sharing a unit with a friend or roommate. Oh, and seriously, label your boxes! Trust me, 'random stuff' isn't going to do you any favors when you're trying to unpack in the middle of move-in day next semester. Credit: Westend61/Getty Images Credit: Westend61/Getty Images Use a Full-Service Storage Company I really wish I had known about these types of services during my freshman year. (When I moved out, my parents drove from Florida to Vermont and loaded all my belongings in the car. Luckily I flew back home with my mom, and my dad drove all my things back home.) Companies like Storage Scholars, Dorm Room Movers, and University and Student Services (USS) come right to your dorm, pick up your stuff, store it in a secure spot over the summer, and drop it back off at your room in the fall. If you don't have a car or just don't want to lug boxes all over campus, it's perfect. Some companies also offer shipping if you need to send things home. You'll probably find that your school will direct you to one of these types of companies when you ask about storage. My school, for example, recommends Storage Scholars. You will pay for the convenience, though. Here's what you can expect when you go with one of these full-service storage companies for dorms. There's a $19.99 registration fee for Storage Scholars that comes with a packing kit: five Storage Scholar boxes, FedEx label pouches, zip ties, one roll of tape, and a permanent marker. From there, you need to pay for a minimum of four months of storage, even if you need less than that, and the monthly fee is priced by item. Standard boxes cost $16 per month, and items like a mini fridge or bicycle cost $28 to store per month — so your final cost will depend on what you store. Also, pay close attention to the dates offered for pickup and drop-off of your items, because if you need a different date, you could pay a $300 fee, according to the Storage Scholars website. (Other companies will have their own rules, but make sure to read the fine print.) Similar to a storage unit, you could split this cost with a friend to make it more manageable. Either way, you're definitely paying for convenience — so if it fits your budget, why not make things easy on yourself? Ask a Local Friend This one is definitely the most budget-friendly: If you have a friend who lives nearby and has a garage, basement, or just some spare space in general, you might be able to leave a few boxes with them. Trust is key here, and it's important to be respectful of their space. I recently offered to let a friend keep some of her stuff at my place between when she has to move out of the dorms and when her lease starts. It's only for a week or two, and because she lives nine hours away it would've been a total nightmare for her to drive everything home and back. If you decide to ask a friend to hold on to some things, make sure you both agree on when you'll come to pick them up — and maybe avoid bringing over a mountain of unmarked trash bags! Because you'll be saving some cash, it might be a nice gesture to get your friend a gift card or a small present to say 'thanks.' Consider Selling or Donating What You Don't Need If you've found that your desk lamp just isn't cutting it anymore, your rug bears the scars of too many iced coffee spills, or you're tired of dragging that extra set of plastic drawers around, it might be time to think about selling some of your stuff. Many campuses have Buy/Sell groups on Facebook or bulletin boards in dorms where you can easily post what you'd like to get rid of. There are also apps like Depop, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp if you want to reach a larger crowd. This can also help you declutter while putting a little cash back in your pocket. Just a heads up: It's best to start this process early. Not many people are looking to buy a mattress topper the night before move-out! But don't be deterred, either; what seems like junk to you might just be the perfect addition to someone else's dorm. Whatever you don't sell, try to donate. My school often has collection spots at the end of the semester for clothes, furniture, and supplies to help local charities — an option I prefer over letting my stuff end up in a landfill. Of course, you might not sell everything you're not taking home, but if you can cut down the load you need to store, then you can also bring down the cost of storage. This post originally appeared on Dorm Therapy. See it there: The One Regret I Have About the Most Chaotic Day of Freshman Year (It Could've Been So Much Easier!) Further Reading We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Article's DTC Furniture See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room Sign up for Apartment Therapy's Daily email newsletter to receive our favorite posts, tours, products, and shopping guides in your inbox.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Can you balance an egg on the equinox?
Thursday, March 20, marks the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the official start of astronomical spring and a day that is sometimes associated with the unusual tradition of balancing an egg on its end. According to folklore, you can only balance an egg upright on two days out of the entire year, once on the day of the March equinox and a second time on the September equinox. The belief relies on the gravitational pull of the sun, as on the day of the equinox, appears directly over the planet's equator. However, the real trick lies in a mixture of patience, concentration and finding a level surface. With the right combination of these three factors, anyone can balance an egg on its end on any day of the year. () Similar myths have arisen in the age of social media, with people claiming the equinox is the only time you can balance other objects, including the ability to have a broom stand upright unassisted. But similar to an egg, the feat can be accomplished on any day with the right broom and a level floor. A broom standing by itself. (Westend61/Getty Images) One thing that is almost perfectly balanced only on the equinox is the length of day versus the duration of night. Equinox is derived from the Latin words aequus, meaning "equal" and nox, meaning "night." At the precise moment of the equinox, which takes place on Thursday at 5:01 a.m. EDT, the sun's most direct rays are pointed at the equator. The result is a day featuring around 12 hours of daylight followed by a night lasting about 12 hours everywhere around the globe. Following the vernal equinox, the sun's rays become more focused on the Northern Hemisphere, with days growing longer and longer leading up to the June solistice. Meanwhile, nights become longer than days across the Southern Hemisphere as areas south of the equator experience the start of autumn.
