What's That Rash? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ en Copyright 2026, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All right reserved. Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2f253ca6-f245-11ee-b8f6-df16c7c65146/image/af0c4ef6258c130fdbe0e38de71c0314.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress What's That Rash? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ no episodic Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body. ABC Australia Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body. Australian Broadcasting Corporation abcpodcasts@abc.net.au Is 'old person smell' a thing? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/old-person-smell-2-nonenal-persimmon/107314762 We've received questions from listeners worried that other people can smell their age. So is "old person smell" a thing? And do you need expensive soap to combat it? Norman and Tegan discuss some of the science underpinning this supposed phenomenon, and where marketing tricks play a part. References: 2-Nonenal Newly Found in Human Body Odor Tends to Increase with Aging Measurement of 2-nonenal and diacetyl emanating from human skin surface employing passive flux sampler—GCMS system Analyses of volatile organic compounds from human skin The effect of polyphenol-containing soap on reducing body odor in middle-aged and elderly men The Smell of Age: Perception and Discrimination of Body Odors of Different Ages Diet quality and the attractiveness of male body odor If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants What has your nose got to do with sleep? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We've received questions from listeners worried that other people can smell their age. So is "old person smell" a thing? And do you need expensive soap to combat it? Norman and Tegan discuss some of the science underpinning this supposed phenomenon, and where marketing tricks play a part. References: 2-Nonenal Newly Found in Human Body Odor Tends to Increase with Aging Measurement of 2-nonenal and diacetyl emanating from human skin surface employing passive flux sampler—GCMS system Analyses of volatile organic compounds from human skin The effect of polyphenol-containing soap on reducing body odor in middle-aged and elderly men The Smell of Age: Perception and Discrimination of Body Odors of Different Ages Diet quality and the attractiveness of male body odor If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants What has your nose got to do with sleep? We've received questions from listeners worried that other people can smell their age. So is "old person smell" a thing? And do you need expensive soap to combat it? Norman and Tegan discuss some of the science underpinning this supposed phenomenon, and where marketing tricks play a part. References: 2-Nonenal Newly Found in Human Body Odor Tends to Increase with Aging Measurement of 2-nonenal and diacetyl emanating from human skin surface employing passive flux sampler—GCMS system Analyses of volatile organic compounds from human skin The effect of polyphenol-containing soap on reducing body odor in middle-aged and elderly men The Smell of Age: Perception and Discrimination of Body Odors of Different Ages Diet quality and the attractiveness of male body odor If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants What has your nose got to do with sleep? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We've received questions from listeners worried that other people can smell their age.

So is "old person smell" a thing? And do you need expensive soap to combat it?

Norman and Tegan discuss some of the science underpinning this supposed phenomenon, and where marketing tricks play a part.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1193 How important is a social life? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/social-life-cognition-brain-introvert/107283890 Introvert or extrovert, we've all been told about the importance of social connection to our health. Isolation can have knock-on effects for your brain health – and the health of the rest of your body. Norman and Tegan unpack how many friends the average person "needs" and what happens when you're alone but not lonely. References: Social ties and health: the benefits of social integration Social isolation: a predictor of mortality comparable to traditional clinical risk factors The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness Friendships, Subjective Age, and Life Satisfaction of Women in Midlife The American Friendship Project: A report on the status and health of friendship in America Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death – World Health Organization Differential Social Cognitive Performance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Introvert vs Social Anxiety: How to tell the difference  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is retirement bad for you? Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Introvert or extrovert, we've all been told about the importance of social connection to our health. Isolation can have knock-on effects for your brain health – and the health of the rest of your body. Norman and Tegan unpack how many friends the average person "needs" and what happens when you're alone but not lonely. References: Social ties and health: the benefits of social integration Social isolation: a predictor of mortality comparable to traditional clinical risk factors The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness Friendships, Subjective Age, and Life Satisfaction of Women in Midlife The American Friendship Project: A report on the status and health of friendship in America Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death – World Health Organization Differential Social Cognitive Performance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Introvert vs Social Anxiety: How to tell the difference  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is retirement bad for you? Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle? Introvert or extrovert, we've all been told about the importance of social connection to our health. Isolation can have knock-on effects for your brain health – and the health of the rest of your body. Norman and Tegan unpack how many friends the average person "needs" and what happens when you're alone but not lonely. References: Social ties and health: the benefits of social integration Social isolation: a predictor of mortality comparable to traditional clinical risk factors The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness Friendships, Subjective Age, and Life Satisfaction of Women in Midlife The American Friendship Project: A report on the status and health of friendship in America Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death – World Health Organization Differential Social Cognitive Performance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Introvert vs Social Anxiety: How to tell the difference  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is retirement bad for you? Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Introvert or extrovert, we've all been told about the importance of social connection to our health.

Isolation can have knock-on effects for your brain health – and the health of the rest of your body.

Norman and Tegan unpack how many friends the average person "needs" and what happens when you're alone but not lonely.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1516 Should you exercise on an empty stomach? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/fasted-exercise-cardio-breakfast-fat-burning/107256744 You might've heard you'll burn more fat if you exercise in the morning before, or in lieu of breakfast. There is some research to back that claim up, but the science on fasted exercise isn’t clear cut. Norman and Tegan work through the evidence on exercising on an empty stomach, and what you can do to maximise your workouts. References: Effects of fasted vs fed-state exercise on performance and post-exercise metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis Effect of Overnight Fasted Exercise on Weight Loss and Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Interval training in the fed or fasted state improves body composition and muscle oxidative capacity in overweight women Effects of exercise before or after meal ingestion on fat balance and postprandial metabolism in overweight men Effects of time-restricted eating with exercise on body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis Exercising in the Fasted State Reduced 24-Hour Energy Intake in Active Male Adults Appetite, energy intake and resting metabolic responses to 60 min treadmill running performed in a fasted versus a postprandial state Fasting Before Evening Exercise Reduces Net Energy Intake and Increases Fat Oxidation, but Impairs Performance in Healthy Males and Females Fasted cardio is an attempt to burn stored fat If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the best time of day to exercise? What are the health benefits of coffee? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might've heard you'll burn more fat if you exercise in the morning before, or in lieu of breakfast. There is some research to back that claim up, but the science on fasted exercise isn’t clear cut. Norman and Tegan work through the evidence on exercising on an empty stomach, and what you can do to maximise your workouts. References: Effects of fasted vs fed-state exercise on performance and post-exercise metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis Effect of Overnight Fasted Exercise on Weight Loss and Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Interval training in the fed or fasted state improves body composition and muscle oxidative capacity in overweight women Effects of exercise before or after meal ingestion on fat balance and postprandial metabolism in overweight men Effects of time-restricted eating with exercise on body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis Exercising in the Fasted State Reduced 24-Hour Energy Intake in Active Male Adults Appetite, energy intake and resting metabolic responses to 60 min treadmill running performed in a fasted versus a postprandial state Fasting Before Evening Exercise Reduces Net Energy Intake and Increases Fat Oxidation, but Impairs Performance in Healthy Males and Females Fasted cardio is an attempt to burn stored fat If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the best time of day to exercise? What are the health benefits of coffee? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? You might've heard you'll burn more fat if you exercise in the morning before, or in lieu of breakfast. There is some research to back that claim up, but the science on fasted exercise isn’t clear cut. Norman and Tegan work through the evidence on exercising on an empty stomach, and what you can do to maximise your workouts. References: Effects of fasted vs fed-state exercise on performance and post-exercise metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis Effect of Overnight Fasted Exercise on Weight Loss and Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Interval training in the fed or fasted state improves body composition and muscle oxidative capacity in overweight women Effects of exercise before or after meal ingestion on fat balance and postprandial metabolism in overweight men Effects of time-restricted eating with exercise on body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis Exercising in the Fasted State Reduced 24-Hour Energy Intake in Active Male Adults Appetite, energy intake and resting metabolic responses to 60 min treadmill running performed in a fasted versus a postprandial state Fasting Before Evening Exercise Reduces Net Energy Intake and Increases Fat Oxidation, but Impairs Performance in Healthy Males and Females Fasted cardio is an attempt to burn stored fat If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the best time of day to exercise? What are the health benefits of coffee? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might've heard you'll burn more fat if you exercise in the morning before, or in lieu of breakfast.

There is some research to back that claim up, but the science on fasted exercise isn’t clear cut.

Norman and Tegan work through the evidence on exercising on an empty stomach, and what you can do to maximise your workouts.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1113 Does hypnotherapy work? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hypnotherapy-hypnosis-mental-health-ibs-pain/107235274 Sit back and relax. Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting on a calm beach. Now, do you feel more open to suggestion? Hypnotherapy has been around for centuries, and you might've heard about it being used for everything from PTSD to addiction and even IBS. Norman and Tegan guide us through the evidence for using hypnosis in a therapeutic setting, and whether there are any downsides. References: Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis Not everyone can be hypnotized - and researchers are one step closer to understanding why Functional Brain Basis of Hypnotizability A Systematic Review of Hypnosis for Clinical Pain Relief The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials Hypnosis as a non-pharmacological intervention for invasive medical procedures - A systematic review and meta-analytic update Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS: what is it and what are the options? Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Does hypnotherapy help people who are trying to stop smoking? - Cochrane Review Effectiveness of hypnosis in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) A Meta-Analysis of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques in the Treatment of PTSD Symptoms Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Combat-Related PTSD Patients Suffering From Insomnia: A Randomized, Zolpidem-Controlled Clinical Trial Ericksonian hypnotherapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder The Prefrontal Cortex and Suggestion: Hypnosis vs. Placebo Effects If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the deal with night terrors? Can tapping calm your nervous system? Why do we dream? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sit back and relax. Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting on a calm beach. Now, do you feel more open to suggestion? Hypnotherapy has been around for centuries, and you might've heard about it being used for everything from PTSD to addiction and even IBS. Norman and Tegan guide us through the evidence for using hypnosis in a therapeutic setting, and whether there are any downsides. References: Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis Not everyone can be hypnotized - and researchers are one step closer to understanding why Functional Brain Basis of Hypnotizability A Systematic Review of Hypnosis for Clinical Pain Relief The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials Hypnosis as a non-pharmacological intervention for invasive medical procedures - A systematic review and meta-analytic update Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS: what is it and what are the options? Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Does hypnotherapy help people who are trying to stop smoking? - Cochrane Review Effectiveness of hypnosis in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) A Meta-Analysis of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques in the Treatment of PTSD Symptoms Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Combat-Related PTSD Patients Suffering From Insomnia: A Randomized, Zolpidem-Controlled Clinical Trial Ericksonian hypnotherapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder The Prefrontal Cortex and Suggestion: Hypnosis vs. Placebo Effects If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the deal with night terrors? Can tapping calm your nervous system? Why do we dream? Sit back and relax. Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting on a calm beach. Now, do you feel more open to suggestion? Hypnotherapy has been around for centuries, and you might've heard about it being used for everything from PTSD to addiction and even IBS. Norman and Tegan guide us through the evidence for using hypnosis in a therapeutic setting, and whether there are any downsides. References: Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis Not everyone can be hypnotized - and researchers are one step closer to understanding why Functional Brain Basis of Hypnotizability A Systematic Review of Hypnosis for Clinical Pain Relief The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials Hypnosis as a non-pharmacological intervention for invasive medical procedures - A systematic review and meta-analytic update Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS: what is it and what are the options? Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Does hypnotherapy help people who are trying to stop smoking? - Cochrane Review Effectiveness of hypnosis in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) A Meta-Analysis of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques in the Treatment of PTSD Symptoms Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Combat-Related PTSD Patients Suffering From Insomnia: A Randomized, Zolpidem-Controlled Clinical Trial Ericksonian hypnotherapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder The Prefrontal Cortex and Suggestion: Hypnosis vs. Placebo Effects If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the deal with night terrors? Can tapping calm your nervous system? Why do we dream? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sit back and relax. Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting on a calm beach. Now, do you feel more open to suggestion?

Hypnotherapy has been around for centuries, and you might've heard about it being used for everything from PTSD to addiction and even IBS.

Norman and Tegan guide us through the evidence for using hypnosis in a therapeutic setting, and whether there are any downsides.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1476 NMN, NAD+ and other acronyms of anti-aging https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nn-nad-anti-aging-longevity/107144488 As we age, levels of a vital molecule called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) decline. Could reversing this be the key to eternal youth? There’s huge interest in NAD-boosting supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). But is there good evidence that they can help us live longer, healthier? Norman and Tegan unpack how NAD+ became the focus of anti-aging proponents. This episode first aired on November 4, 2024. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As we age, levels of a vital molecule called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) decline. Could reversing this be the key to eternal youth? There’s huge interest in NAD-boosting supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). But is there good evidence that they can help us live longer, healthier? Norman and Tegan unpack how NAD+ became the focus of anti-aging proponents. This episode first aired on November 4, 2024. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging As we age, levels of a vital molecule called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) decline. Could reversing this be the key to eternal youth? There’s huge interest in NAD-boosting supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). But is there good evidence that they can help us live longer, healthier? Norman and Tegan unpack how NAD+ became the focus of anti-aging proponents. This episode first aired on November 4, 2024. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we age, levels of a vital molecule called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) decline. Could reversing this be the key to eternal youth?

There’s huge interest in NAD-boosting supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). But is there good evidence that they can help us live longer, healthier?

Norman and Tegan unpack how NAD+ became the focus of anti-aging proponents.

This episode first aired on November 4, 2024.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1044 How bad is shift work for your health? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/shift-work-health-risks-night-day/107133238 Shift workers make a lot of sacrifices to keep the world running. What are they sacrificing in terms of their own health? There are harms associated with working at all hours against your body clock. Norman and Tegan work through what those are, and what you can do to protect against them. References: 5 long-term health effects of shift work Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? Coping with shift work Shift work and health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies Shift work and long work hours and their association with chronic health conditions: A systematic review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses Relationship between long-term shift work; night work; sleep deficiency and stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis Shifting Rhythms: A Systematic Review Exploring the Multifaceted Effects of Shift Work and Circadian Disruption on Employee Cardiovascular Health Exercise interventions for sleep and cognitive dysfunction in shift workers: a systematic review of randomized trials  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Why do some people pee more often? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Shift workers make a lot of sacrifices to keep the world running. What are they sacrificing in terms of their own health? There are harms associated with working at all hours against your body clock. Norman and Tegan work through what those are, and what you can do to protect against them. References: 5 long-term health effects of shift work Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? Coping with shift work Shift work and health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies Shift work and long work hours and their association with chronic health conditions: A systematic review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses Relationship between long-term shift work; night work; sleep deficiency and stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis Shifting Rhythms: A Systematic Review Exploring the Multifaceted Effects of Shift Work and Circadian Disruption on Employee Cardiovascular Health Exercise interventions for sleep and cognitive dysfunction in shift workers: a systematic review of randomized trials  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Why do some people pee more often? Shift workers make a lot of sacrifices to keep the world running. What are they sacrificing in terms of their own health? There are harms associated with working at all hours against your body clock. Norman and Tegan work through what those are, and what you can do to protect against them. References: 5 long-term health effects of shift work Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? Coping with shift work Shift work and health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies Shift work and long work hours and their association with chronic health conditions: A systematic review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses Relationship between long-term shift work; night work; sleep deficiency and stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis Shifting Rhythms: A Systematic Review Exploring the Multifaceted Effects of Shift Work and Circadian Disruption on Employee Cardiovascular Health Exercise interventions for sleep and cognitive dysfunction in shift workers: a systematic review of randomized trials  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Why do some people pee more often? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Shift workers make a lot of sacrifices to keep the world running. What are they sacrificing in terms of their own health?

There are harms associated with working at all hours against your body clock.

Norman and Tegan work through what those are, and what you can do to protect against them.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1407 Eat the rainbow: what can food colour tell us? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/fruit-vegetable-food-colour-phytonutrients/107132754 When you're done with your weekly grocery shop, how colourful is your trolley? We know eating lots of fruits and vegetables is good for you, but colour could matter. Norman and Tegan discuss what gives fruit and veggies their hue and whether it's important when it comes to healthy eating. References: Phytonutrients: Paint your plate with the colours of the rainbow Clinical Evidence of the Benefits of Phytonutrients in Human Healthcare Eat a Rainbow – Nutrition Australia Phytochemicals: Principles and Practice What’s the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes? Role of Phytonutrients in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: A Concrete Review Major phytochemicals, their sources, active sites, and the related health benefits Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Human Health: An Update of the Literature Adding variety to your diet lowers disease risk. But what does variety mean? Which Colour of Bell Pepper Has Most Nutrients?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should you be eating more fruit? Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet What are the health benefits of coffee? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you're done with your weekly grocery shop, how colourful is your trolley? We know eating lots of fruits and vegetables is good for you, but colour could matter. Norman and Tegan discuss what gives fruit and veggies their hue and whether it's important when it comes to healthy eating. References: Phytonutrients: Paint your plate with the colours of the rainbow Clinical Evidence of the Benefits of Phytonutrients in Human Healthcare Eat a Rainbow – Nutrition Australia Phytochemicals: Principles and Practice What’s the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes? Role of Phytonutrients in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: A Concrete Review Major phytochemicals, their sources, active sites, and the related health benefits Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Human Health: An Update of the Literature Adding variety to your diet lowers disease risk. But what does variety mean? Which Colour of Bell Pepper Has Most Nutrients?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should you be eating more fruit? Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet What are the health benefits of coffee? When you're done with your weekly grocery shop, how colourful is your trolley? We know eating lots of fruits and vegetables is good for you, but colour could matter. Norman and Tegan discuss what gives fruit and veggies their hue and whether it's important when it comes to healthy eating. References: Phytonutrients: Paint your plate with the colours of the rainbow Clinical Evidence of the Benefits of Phytonutrients in Human Healthcare Eat a Rainbow – Nutrition Australia Phytochemicals: Principles and Practice What’s the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes? Role of Phytonutrients in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: A Concrete Review Major phytochemicals, their sources, active sites, and the related health benefits Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Human Health: An Update of the Literature Adding variety to your diet lowers disease risk. But what does variety mean? Which Colour of Bell Pepper Has Most Nutrients?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should you be eating more fruit? Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet What are the health benefits of coffee? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you're done with your weekly grocery shop, how colourful is your trolley?

We know eating lots of fruits and vegetables is good for you, but colour could matter.

Norman and Tegan discuss what gives fruit and veggies their hue and whether it's important when it comes to healthy eating.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1399 Mouthwash: good or bad for you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/mouthwash-oral-microbiome-dental-teeth/107127888 How much time does your oral hygiene routine take? You brush, floss, interdent, maybe even use a tongue scraper. Is using a mouthwash going to give you any additional benefit? Or could you be doing some harm? Norman and Tegan answer questions about the effectiveness of mouthwash, what it does to your oral microbiome and why there might be a link to blood pressure. References: Oral microbiome: Unveiling the fundamentals Effectiveness of Mouthwashes in Managing Oral Diseases and Conditions: Do They Have a Role? Effect of Adjunctive Use of Commercial Daily Mouthwashes on Periodontal Health: An Umbrella Review Effect of post-brushing mouthrinse solutions on salivary fluoride retention Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome: Are They Good, Bad, or Balanced? Effects of chlorhexidine and a polyherbal mouthwash on the oral microbiome and user satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial The Effects of Antimicrobial Mouthwashes on Systemic Disease: What Is the Evidence? Oral hygiene, mouthwash usage and cardiovascular mortality during 18.8 years of follow-up Does Mouthwash Use Affect Oral Cancer Risk? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis An update on mouthwashes: advice for dental practitioners  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can flossing benefit more than your teeth? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia How much time does your oral hygiene routine take? You brush, floss, interdent, maybe even use a tongue scraper. Is using a mouthwash going to give you any additional benefit? Or could you be doing some harm? Norman and Tegan answer questions about the effectiveness of mouthwash, what it does to your oral microbiome and why there might be a link to blood pressure. References: Oral microbiome: Unveiling the fundamentals Effectiveness of Mouthwashes in Managing Oral Diseases and Conditions: Do They Have a Role? Effect of Adjunctive Use of Commercial Daily Mouthwashes on Periodontal Health: An Umbrella Review Effect of post-brushing mouthrinse solutions on salivary fluoride retention Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome: Are They Good, Bad, or Balanced? Effects of chlorhexidine and a polyherbal mouthwash on the oral microbiome and user satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial The Effects of Antimicrobial Mouthwashes on Systemic Disease: What Is the Evidence? Oral hygiene, mouthwash usage and cardiovascular mortality during 18.8 years of follow-up Does Mouthwash Use Affect Oral Cancer Risk? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis An update on mouthwashes: advice for dental practitioners  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can flossing benefit more than your teeth? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant? How much time does your oral hygiene routine take? You brush, floss, interdent, maybe even use a tongue scraper. Is using a mouthwash going to give you any additional benefit? Or could you be doing some harm? Norman and Tegan answer questions about the effectiveness of mouthwash, what it does to your oral microbiome and why there might be a link to blood pressure. References: Oral microbiome: Unveiling the fundamentals Effectiveness of Mouthwashes in Managing Oral Diseases and Conditions: Do They Have a Role? Effect of Adjunctive Use of Commercial Daily Mouthwashes on Periodontal Health: An Umbrella Review Effect of post-brushing mouthrinse solutions on salivary fluoride retention Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome: Are They Good, Bad, or Balanced? Effects of chlorhexidine and a polyherbal mouthwash on the oral microbiome and user satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial The Effects of Antimicrobial Mouthwashes on Systemic Disease: What Is the Evidence? Oral hygiene, mouthwash usage and cardiovascular mortality during 18.8 years of follow-up Does Mouthwash Use Affect Oral Cancer Risk? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis An update on mouthwashes: advice for dental practitioners  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can flossing benefit more than your teeth? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices How much time does your oral hygiene routine take? You brush, floss, interdent, maybe even use a tongue scraper.

Is using a mouthwash going to give you any additional benefit? Or could you be doing some harm?

Norman and Tegan answer questions about the effectiveness of mouthwash, what it does to your oral microbiome and why there might be a link to blood pressure.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1429 Why wear a continuous glucose monitor? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/cgm-continuous-glucose-monitor-diabetes/107103460 Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, have transformed how people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. But in wellness circles, more and more people without diabetes are being encouraged to try these devices. Norman and Tegan get to the bottom of what these devices can actually tell you, and the potential harms. References: The wellness inspired rise of continuous glucose monitors for people without diabetes, including those with metabolic disorders – BMJ features Continuous glucose monitoring in non-diabetic populations: a systematic review of observational and interventional studies with meta-analysis  Blood glucose monitoring devices: current consideration – Australian Prescriber The Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Diagnose Stage 2 Type 1 Diabetes Associations of continuous glucose monitor derived time in range and glycaemic variability with diet lifestyle and demographics Different Glucose Variability in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With and Without Insulin Resistance: A Pilot Study Understanding the benefits and psychological burdens of using continuous glucose monitoring for lifestyle change: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study Unintended Consequences: The Intersection of Diabetes Technology and Disordered Eating Risk  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be taking fish oil? Tonsils, appendix, gallbladder: is anything actually useless? Should you wait to swim after eating? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, have transformed how people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. But in wellness circles, more and more people without diabetes are being encouraged to try these devices. Norman and Tegan get to the bottom of what these devices can actually tell you, and the potential harms. References: The wellness inspired rise of continuous glucose monitors for people without diabetes, including those with metabolic disorders – BMJ features Continuous glucose monitoring in non-diabetic populations: a systematic review of observational and interventional studies with meta-analysis  Blood glucose monitoring devices: current consideration – Australian Prescriber The Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Diagnose Stage 2 Type 1 Diabetes Associations of continuous glucose monitor derived time in range and glycaemic variability with diet lifestyle and demographics Different Glucose Variability in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With and Without Insulin Resistance: A Pilot Study Understanding the benefits and psychological burdens of using continuous glucose monitoring for lifestyle change: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study Unintended Consequences: The Intersection of Diabetes Technology and Disordered Eating Risk  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be taking fish oil? Tonsils, appendix, gallbladder: is anything actually useless? Should you wait to swim after eating? Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, have transformed how people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. But in wellness circles, more and more people without diabetes are being encouraged to try these devices. Norman and Tegan get to the bottom of what these devices can actually tell you, and the potential harms. References: The wellness inspired rise of continuous glucose monitors for people without diabetes, including those with metabolic disorders – BMJ features Continuous glucose monitoring in non-diabetic populations: a systematic review of observational and interventional studies with meta-analysis  Blood glucose monitoring devices: current consideration – Australian Prescriber The Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Diagnose Stage 2 Type 1 Diabetes Associations of continuous glucose monitor derived time in range and glycaemic variability with diet lifestyle and demographics Different Glucose Variability in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With and Without Insulin Resistance: A Pilot Study Understanding the benefits and psychological burdens of using continuous glucose monitoring for lifestyle change: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study Unintended Consequences: The Intersection of Diabetes Technology and Disordered Eating Risk  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be taking fish oil? Tonsils, appendix, gallbladder: is anything actually useless? Should you wait to swim after eating? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, have transformed how people with diabetes manage their blood sugar.

But in wellness circles, more and more people without diabetes are being encouraged to try these devices.

Norman and Tegan get to the bottom of what these devices can actually tell you, and the potential harms.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1407 Are rest days from exercise necessary? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/rest-day-workout-routine-gym-muscle-building/107070994 Not many people would argue that rest isn’t important, but how would you define a rest day? For an elite athlete a rest day could be going for a long walk. For your average person it could mean sitting on the couch. Norman and Tegan ask – why is rest important, and do you need it to make progress in the gym? References: 'No pain, no gain' debunked: Why post-exercise soreness is not essential for building muscle Skeletal muscle and resistance exercise training; the role of protein synthesis in recovery and remodeling Effects of Different Between Test Rest Intervals in Reproducibility of the 10-Repetition Maximum Load Test: A Pilot Study with Recreationally Resistance Trained Men The time course for elevated muscle protein synthesis following heavy resistance exercise Recovery and Performance in Sport: Consensus Statement Effects of Consecutive Versus Non-consecutive Days of Resistance Training on Strength, Body Composition, and Red Blood Cells Nonconsecutive versus consecutive-day resistance training in recreationally trained subjects Fatigue, pain, and the recovery of neuromuscular function after consecutive days of full-body resistance exercise in trained men Effects of Consecutive Days of Exercise and Recovery on Muscle Mechanical Function How much is too much? (Part 1) International Olympic Committee consensus statement on load in sport and risk of injury    If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is retirement bad for you? Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Diet vs exercise: which is more important? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Not many people would argue that rest isn’t important, but how would you define a rest day? For an elite athlete a rest day could be going for a long walk. For your average person it could mean sitting on the couch. Norman and Tegan ask – why is rest important, and do you need it to make progress in the gym? References: 'No pain, no gain' debunked: Why post-exercise soreness is not essential for building muscle Skeletal muscle and resistance exercise training; the role of protein synthesis in recovery and remodeling Effects of Different Between Test Rest Intervals in Reproducibility of the 10-Repetition Maximum Load Test: A Pilot Study with Recreationally Resistance Trained Men The time course for elevated muscle protein synthesis following heavy resistance exercise Recovery and Performance in Sport: Consensus Statement Effects of Consecutive Versus Non-consecutive Days of Resistance Training on Strength, Body Composition, and Red Blood Cells Nonconsecutive versus consecutive-day resistance training in recreationally trained subjects Fatigue, pain, and the recovery of neuromuscular function after consecutive days of full-body resistance exercise in trained men Effects of Consecutive Days of Exercise and Recovery on Muscle Mechanical Function How much is too much? (Part 1) International Olympic Committee consensus statement on load in sport and risk of injury    If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is retirement bad for you? Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Diet vs exercise: which is more important? Not many people would argue that rest isn’t important, but how would you define a rest day? For an elite athlete a rest day could be going for a long walk. For your average person it could mean sitting on the couch. Norman and Tegan ask – why is rest important, and do you need it to make progress in the gym? References: 'No pain, no gain' debunked: Why post-exercise soreness is not essential for building muscle Skeletal muscle and resistance exercise training; the role of protein synthesis in recovery and remodeling Effects of Different Between Test Rest Intervals in Reproducibility of the 10-Repetition Maximum Load Test: A Pilot Study with Recreationally Resistance Trained Men The time course for elevated muscle protein synthesis following heavy resistance exercise Recovery and Performance in Sport: Consensus Statement Effects of Consecutive Versus Non-consecutive Days of Resistance Training on Strength, Body Composition, and Red Blood Cells Nonconsecutive versus consecutive-day resistance training in recreationally trained subjects Fatigue, pain, and the recovery of neuromuscular function after consecutive days of full-body resistance exercise in trained men Effects of Consecutive Days of Exercise and Recovery on Muscle Mechanical Function How much is too much? (Part 1) International Olympic Committee consensus statement on load in sport and risk of injury    If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is retirement bad for you? Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Diet vs exercise: which is more important? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Not many people would argue that rest isn’t important, but how would you define a rest day?

For an elite athlete a rest day could be going for a long walk. For your average person it could mean sitting on the couch.

Norman and Tegan ask – why is rest important, and do you need it to make progress in the gym?

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1367 What has your nose got to do with sleep? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sleep-lavender-insomnia-aromatherapy/107027016 Have you ever spritzed your pillow with lavender and wondered, is this actually doing anything? There are some surprising ways that smells can affect sleep, and it might have something to do with how our brains work. Norman and Tegan discuss how smells, good and bad, could affect your nightly snooze. References: From antiquity to modern hygiene: the archaeological and medicinal legacy of lavender as a promising antimicrobial agent Lavender and sleep: A systematic review of the evidence How Smell Affects Your Sleep – Sleep Foundation Reciprocal relationships between sleep and smell Subjectively intense odor does not affect dream emotions during rapid eye movement sleep Nocturnal exposure to a preferred ambient scent does not affect dream emotionality or post-sleep core affect valence in young adults Olfactory Aversive Conditioning during Sleep Reduces Cigarette-Smoking Behavior If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is farting a sign your gut microbiome is happy? Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep? Is a vibration plate worth the cost? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Have you ever spritzed your pillow with lavender and wondered, is this actually doing anything? There are some surprising ways that smells can affect sleep, and it might have something to do with how our brains work. Norman and Tegan discuss how smells, good and bad, could affect your nightly snooze. References: From antiquity to modern hygiene: the archaeological and medicinal legacy of lavender as a promising antimicrobial agent Lavender and sleep: A systematic review of the evidence How Smell Affects Your Sleep – Sleep Foundation Reciprocal relationships between sleep and smell Subjectively intense odor does not affect dream emotions during rapid eye movement sleep Nocturnal exposure to a preferred ambient scent does not affect dream emotionality or post-sleep core affect valence in young adults Olfactory Aversive Conditioning during Sleep Reduces Cigarette-Smoking Behavior If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is farting a sign your gut microbiome is happy? Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep? Is a vibration plate worth the cost? Have you ever spritzed your pillow with lavender and wondered, is this actually doing anything? There are some surprising ways that smells can affect sleep, and it might have something to do with how our brains work. Norman and Tegan discuss how smells, good and bad, could affect your nightly snooze. References: From antiquity to modern hygiene: the archaeological and medicinal legacy of lavender as a promising antimicrobial agent Lavender and sleep: A systematic review of the evidence How Smell Affects Your Sleep – Sleep Foundation Reciprocal relationships between sleep and smell Subjectively intense odor does not affect dream emotions during rapid eye movement sleep Nocturnal exposure to a preferred ambient scent does not affect dream emotionality or post-sleep core affect valence in young adults Olfactory Aversive Conditioning during Sleep Reduces Cigarette-Smoking Behavior If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is farting a sign your gut microbiome is happy? Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep? Is a vibration plate worth the cost? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Have you ever spritzed your pillow with lavender and wondered, is this actually doing anything?

There are some surprising ways that smells can affect sleep, and it might have something to do with how our brains work.

Norman and Tegan discuss how smells, good and bad, could affect your nightly snooze.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1143 Why do we cry? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-do-we-cry-tears/107024350 Do you feel better after a good cry, or do you feel worse than ever? There can be a lot to cry about, good or bad: a break-up, a milestone, a tragedy, a sappy movie. Norman and Tegan discuss why we evolved to cry, and the purpose it serves as we get older. References: The Riddle of Human Emotional Crying: A Challenge for Emotion Researchers The neurobiology of human crying Emotional expression in human and non-human great apes Ultra-processed food intake, cognitive function, and dementia risk: A cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older Australian adults If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Butter vs margarine: what's better for you? How much protein do you REALLY need? Why is yawning contagious? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Do you feel better after a good cry, or do you feel worse than ever? There can be a lot to cry about, good or bad: a break-up, a milestone, a tragedy, a sappy movie. Norman and Tegan discuss why we evolved to cry, and the purpose it serves as we get older. References: The Riddle of Human Emotional Crying: A Challenge for Emotion Researchers The neurobiology of human crying Emotional expression in human and non-human great apes Ultra-processed food intake, cognitive function, and dementia risk: A cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older Australian adults If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Butter vs margarine: what's better for you? How much protein do you REALLY need? Why is yawning contagious? Do you feel better after a good cry, or do you feel worse than ever? There can be a lot to cry about, good or bad: a break-up, a milestone, a tragedy, a sappy movie. Norman and Tegan discuss why we evolved to cry, and the purpose it serves as we get older. References: The Riddle of Human Emotional Crying: A Challenge for Emotion Researchers The neurobiology of human crying Emotional expression in human and non-human great apes Ultra-processed food intake, cognitive function, and dementia risk: A cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older Australian adults If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Butter vs margarine: what's better for you? How much protein do you REALLY need? Why is yawning contagious? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you feel better after a good cry, or do you feel worse than ever?

There can be a lot to cry about, good or bad: a break-up, a milestone, a tragedy, a sappy movie.

Norman and Tegan discuss why we evolved to cry, and the purpose it serves as we get older.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1250 What is ultra-processed food? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ultra-processed-food-upfs-diet/106989678 You might be hearing a lot about ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, and how we should all be avoiding them. But you might be struggling with figuring out what exactly IS an ultra-processed food. Sweetened drinks, sure. What about bread? Yoghurt? Norman and Tegan unpack why it isn’t a simple question, and where the evidence stands on the health consequences. *A previous version of this episode may have implied that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board is comprised of current food industry representatives that are directly involved in setting food policy. This was edited on 12/08/2026.  References: Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health - The Lancet series Diet quality and processed foods – Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Most of the Foods We Eat Are Ultra-Processed. Are They All Unhealthy? - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Trends of obesity and underweight in older children and adolescents in the United States, Brazil, China, and Russia Ultra-processed products are becoming dominant in the global food system The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake The collapse of the food matrix: how ultra-processed foods impact satiety and metabolism by altering physical structure beyond nutrient composition  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is gluten really the enemy? Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might be hearing a lot about ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, and how we should all be avoiding them. But you might be struggling with figuring out what exactly IS an ultra-processed food. Sweetened drinks, sure. What about bread? Yoghurt? Norman and Tegan unpack why it isn’t a simple question, and where the evidence stands on the health consequences. *A previous version of this episode may have implied that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board is comprised of current food industry representatives that are directly involved in setting food policy. This was edited on 12/08/2026.  References: Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health - The Lancet series Diet quality and processed foods – Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Most of the Foods We Eat Are Ultra-Processed. Are They All Unhealthy? - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Trends of obesity and underweight in older children and adolescents in the United States, Brazil, China, and Russia Ultra-processed products are becoming dominant in the global food system The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake The collapse of the food matrix: how ultra-processed foods impact satiety and metabolism by altering physical structure beyond nutrient composition  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is gluten really the enemy? Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet You might be hearing a lot about ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, and how we should all be avoiding them. But you might be struggling with figuring out what exactly IS an ultra-processed food. Sweetened drinks, sure. What about bread? Yoghurt? Norman and Tegan unpack why it isn’t a simple question, and where the evidence stands on the health consequences. *A previous version of this episode may have implied that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board is comprised of current food industry representatives that are directly involved in setting food policy. This was edited on 12/08/2026.  References: Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health - The Lancet series Diet quality and processed foods – Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Most of the Foods We Eat Are Ultra-Processed. Are They All Unhealthy? - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Trends of obesity and underweight in older children and adolescents in the United States, Brazil, China, and Russia Ultra-processed products are becoming dominant in the global food system The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake The collapse of the food matrix: how ultra-processed foods impact satiety and metabolism by altering physical structure beyond nutrient composition  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is gluten really the enemy? Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might be hearing a lot about ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, and how we should all be avoiding them.

But you might be struggling with figuring out what exactly IS an ultra-processed food. Sweetened drinks, sure. What about bread? Yoghurt?

Norman and Tegan unpack why it isn’t a simple question, and where the evidence stands on the health consequences.

*A previous version of this episode may have implied that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board is comprised of current food industry representatives that are directly involved in setting food policy. This was edited on 12/08/2026. 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1502 Body hair removal: healthy or not? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hair-removal-hygeine-health-risks/106966416 The modification and removal of body hair has been going on for centuries, but our reasons for it have evolved. Some believe it’s more hygienic to remove, others argue it’s against our nature to be so hairless. Norman and Tegan trim the evidence on body hair: leg, armpit, pubic and even inside your nose. References: Trends in body hair removal as depicted through art Getting plucked: the history of hair removal - ABC Effects of pubic hair grooming on women’s sexual health: a systematic review and meta-analysis Bare necessity? Public health implications of removing pubic hair Effect of Physical and Chemical Hair Removal Methods on Skin Barrier Function in vitro: Consequences for a Hydrophilic Model Permeant Using the Hair Removal Laser in the Axillary Region and its Effect on Normal Microbial Flora Shaving of axillary hair has only a transient effect on perceived body odor pleasantness Cadaver research leads to prestigious science award - the Science Show Does nasal hair (vibrissae) density affect the risk of developing asthma in patients with seasonal rhinitis? 6 ways to remove unwanted hair - American Association of Dermatology If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Which hair loss treatments actually work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The modification and removal of body hair has been going on for centuries, but our reasons for it have evolved. Some believe it’s more hygienic to remove, others argue it’s against our nature to be so hairless. Norman and Tegan trim the evidence on body hair: leg, armpit, pubic and even inside your nose. References: Trends in body hair removal as depicted through art Getting plucked: the history of hair removal - ABC Effects of pubic hair grooming on women’s sexual health: a systematic review and meta-analysis Bare necessity? Public health implications of removing pubic hair Effect of Physical and Chemical Hair Removal Methods on Skin Barrier Function in vitro: Consequences for a Hydrophilic Model Permeant Using the Hair Removal Laser in the Axillary Region and its Effect on Normal Microbial Flora Shaving of axillary hair has only a transient effect on perceived body odor pleasantness Cadaver research leads to prestigious science award - the Science Show Does nasal hair (vibrissae) density affect the risk of developing asthma in patients with seasonal rhinitis? 6 ways to remove unwanted hair - American Association of Dermatology If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Which hair loss treatments actually work? The modification and removal of body hair has been going on for centuries, but our reasons for it have evolved. Some believe it’s more hygienic to remove, others argue it’s against our nature to be so hairless. Norman and Tegan trim the evidence on body hair: leg, armpit, pubic and even inside your nose. References: Trends in body hair removal as depicted through art Getting plucked: the history of hair removal - ABC Effects of pubic hair grooming on women’s sexual health: a systematic review and meta-analysis Bare necessity? Public health implications of removing pubic hair Effect of Physical and Chemical Hair Removal Methods on Skin Barrier Function in vitro: Consequences for a Hydrophilic Model Permeant Using the Hair Removal Laser in the Axillary Region and its Effect on Normal Microbial Flora Shaving of axillary hair has only a transient effect on perceived body odor pleasantness Cadaver research leads to prestigious science award - the Science Show Does nasal hair (vibrissae) density affect the risk of developing asthma in patients with seasonal rhinitis? 6 ways to remove unwanted hair - American Association of Dermatology If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Which hair loss treatments actually work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The modification and removal of body hair has been going on for centuries, but our reasons for it have evolved.

Some believe it’s more hygienic to remove, others argue it’s against our nature to be so hairless.

Norman and Tegan trim the evidence on body hair: leg, armpit, pubic and even inside your nose.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1466 Ashwagandha: what's the evidence? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ashwagandha-herbal-indian-sleep-stress-anxiety/106939084 Ashwagandha supplements are rising in popularity, but the herb has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine. The supposed benefits are broad – from stress to sleep, athletic performance and boosting testosterone. Norman and Tegan explore where the evidence stands, and uncertainties about potential risks. References: An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda Chemical composition, cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibitory properties of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal root extracts Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Health-Promoting Effects of Withania somnifera for Pharma-Food Industry Applications Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer? No-poo: why do we shampoo our hair? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Ashwagandha supplements are rising in popularity, but the herb has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine. The supposed benefits are broad – from stress to sleep, athletic performance and boosting testosterone. Norman and Tegan explore where the evidence stands, and uncertainties about potential risks. References: An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda Chemical composition, cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibitory properties of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal root extracts Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Health-Promoting Effects of Withania somnifera for Pharma-Food Industry Applications Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer? No-poo: why do we shampoo our hair? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Ashwagandha supplements are rising in popularity, but the herb has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine. The supposed benefits are broad – from stress to sleep, athletic performance and boosting testosterone. Norman and Tegan explore where the evidence stands, and uncertainties about potential risks. References: An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda Chemical composition, cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibitory properties of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal root extracts Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Health-Promoting Effects of Withania somnifera for Pharma-Food Industry Applications Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer? No-poo: why do we shampoo our hair? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ashwagandha supplements are rising in popularity, but the herb has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine.

The supposed benefits are broad – from stress to sleep, athletic performance and boosting testosterone.

Norman and Tegan explore where the evidence stands, and uncertainties about potential risks.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1242 How does chronic stress affect the body? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/chronic-stress-burn-out-health-effects/106910494 When you're going through a stressful time it can have knock-on effects on your routine. Sleep, diet, exercise routines can be thrown out of whack. And when that stress goes for weeks or months, it can have a serious impact. Norman and Tegan unpack the various forms of chronic stress, like burnout, and how they can disrupt your health. References: Chronic Stress - ScienceDirect Physiology, Stress Reaction The impact of stress on body function: A review Stressor-Specific Microbiota Intervention Stress and the gastrointestinal tract B cells and the stressed brain: emerging evidence of neuroimmune interactions in the context of psychosocial stress and major depression Stress, depression, the immune system, and cancer The effect of multiple adverse childhood experiences on health: a systematic review and meta-analysis 11 healthy ways to handle life’s stressors - American Psychological Association Stress-related conditions such as adjustment disorder and clinical burnout can be effectively treated with a 12-week cognitive behavioural programme, both when delivered as a face-to-face treatment and when delivered via the internet  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you're going through a stressful time it can have knock-on effects on your routine. Sleep, diet, exercise routines can be thrown out of whack. And when that stress goes for weeks or months, it can have a serious impact. Norman and Tegan unpack the various forms of chronic stress, like burnout, and how they can disrupt your health. References: Chronic Stress - ScienceDirect Physiology, Stress Reaction The impact of stress on body function: A review Stressor-Specific Microbiota Intervention Stress and the gastrointestinal tract B cells and the stressed brain: emerging evidence of neuroimmune interactions in the context of psychosocial stress and major depression Stress, depression, the immune system, and cancer The effect of multiple adverse childhood experiences on health: a systematic review and meta-analysis 11 healthy ways to handle life’s stressors - American Psychological Association Stress-related conditions such as adjustment disorder and clinical burnout can be effectively treated with a 12-week cognitive behavioural programme, both when delivered as a face-to-face treatment and when delivered via the internet  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? When you're going through a stressful time it can have knock-on effects on your routine. Sleep, diet, exercise routines can be thrown out of whack. And when that stress goes for weeks or months, it can have a serious impact. Norman and Tegan unpack the various forms of chronic stress, like burnout, and how they can disrupt your health. References: Chronic Stress - ScienceDirect Physiology, Stress Reaction The impact of stress on body function: A review Stressor-Specific Microbiota Intervention Stress and the gastrointestinal tract B cells and the stressed brain: emerging evidence of neuroimmune interactions in the context of psychosocial stress and major depression Stress, depression, the immune system, and cancer The effect of multiple adverse childhood experiences on health: a systematic review and meta-analysis 11 healthy ways to handle life’s stressors - American Psychological Association Stress-related conditions such as adjustment disorder and clinical burnout can be effectively treated with a 12-week cognitive behavioural programme, both when delivered as a face-to-face treatment and when delivered via the internet  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you're going through a stressful time it can have knock-on effects on your routine.

Sleep, diet, exercise routines can be thrown out of whack. And when that stress goes for weeks or months, it can have a serious impact.

Norman and Tegan unpack the various forms of chronic stress, like burnout, and how they can disrupt your health.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1390 Why do some people get motion sickness? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/motion-sickness-why-treatment-remedies/106889144 Sea sickness, car sickness, space sickness – when it comes down to it, it’s all the same. But not everybody suffers the same. Some people are even lucky enough to grow out of motion sickness. Norman and Tegan talk about what’s going on when the world goes topsy-turvy, and what you can do about it. References: Motion Sickness Validating sensory conflict theory and mitigating motion sickness in humans with galvanic vestibular stimulation - Nature Are evolutionary hypotheses for motion sickness "just-so" stories? Three studies of motion sickness susceptibility – Federal Aviation Authority Genetic variants associated with motion sickness point to roles for inner ear development, neurological processes and glucose homeostasis Motion sickness diagnostic criteria: Consensus Document of the Classification Committee of the Bárány Society  Survey of motion sickness susceptibility in children and adolescents aged 3 months to 18 years Hopkins History Moments: Neil A. Grauer explains how Hopkins expertise helped prevent seasickness Remedies for motion sickness: What works? - Harvard Health  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is yawning contagious? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Is emu oil the new snake oil? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sea sickness, car sickness, space sickness – when it comes down to it, it’s all the same. But not everybody suffers the same. Some people are even lucky enough to grow out of motion sickness. Norman and Tegan talk about what’s going on when the world goes topsy-turvy, and what you can do about it. References: Motion Sickness Validating sensory conflict theory and mitigating motion sickness in humans with galvanic vestibular stimulation - Nature Are evolutionary hypotheses for motion sickness "just-so" stories? Three studies of motion sickness susceptibility – Federal Aviation Authority Genetic variants associated with motion sickness point to roles for inner ear development, neurological processes and glucose homeostasis Motion sickness diagnostic criteria: Consensus Document of the Classification Committee of the Bárány Society  Survey of motion sickness susceptibility in children and adolescents aged 3 months to 18 years Hopkins History Moments: Neil A. Grauer explains how Hopkins expertise helped prevent seasickness Remedies for motion sickness: What works? - Harvard Health  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is yawning contagious? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Is emu oil the new snake oil? Sea sickness, car sickness, space sickness – when it comes down to it, it’s all the same. But not everybody suffers the same. Some people are even lucky enough to grow out of motion sickness. Norman and Tegan talk about what’s going on when the world goes topsy-turvy, and what you can do about it. References: Motion Sickness Validating sensory conflict theory and mitigating motion sickness in humans with galvanic vestibular stimulation - Nature Are evolutionary hypotheses for motion sickness "just-so" stories? Three studies of motion sickness susceptibility – Federal Aviation Authority Genetic variants associated with motion sickness point to roles for inner ear development, neurological processes and glucose homeostasis Motion sickness diagnostic criteria: Consensus Document of the Classification Committee of the Bárány Society  Survey of motion sickness susceptibility in children and adolescents aged 3 months to 18 years Hopkins History Moments: Neil A. Grauer explains how Hopkins expertise helped prevent seasickness Remedies for motion sickness: What works? - Harvard Health  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is yawning contagious? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Is emu oil the new snake oil? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sea sickness, car sickness, space sickness – when it comes down to it, it’s all the same.

But not everybody suffers the same. Some people are even lucky enough to grow out of motion sickness.

Norman and Tegan talk about what’s going on when the world goes topsy-turvy, and what you can do about it.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1429 How to drive down your cancer risk https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lower-your-cancer-risk/106860754 Lately there have been lots of scary headlines about cancer rates rising in younger adults. What can you do to drive down your cancer risk? Norman and Tegan offer some practical tips, and discuss what's in your control versus what isn't. References: Overview of cancer in Australia, 2025 - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Effects of diets on risks of cancer and the mediating role of metabolites Be physically active – Cancer Council Exercise packs a punch in fending off cancer – the Health Report “You do not get cancer by chance”: Communicating the role of environmental causes in cancer diseases and the risk of a “guilt rhetoric”   If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you? What's so bad about fine particulate air pollution? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Lately there have been lots of scary headlines about cancer rates rising in younger adults. What can you do to drive down your cancer risk? Norman and Tegan offer some practical tips, and discuss what's in your control versus what isn't. References: Overview of cancer in Australia, 2025 - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Effects of diets on risks of cancer and the mediating role of metabolites Be physically active – Cancer Council Exercise packs a punch in fending off cancer – the Health Report “You do not get cancer by chance”: Communicating the role of environmental causes in cancer diseases and the risk of a “guilt rhetoric”   If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you? What's so bad about fine particulate air pollution? Lately there have been lots of scary headlines about cancer rates rising in younger adults. What can you do to drive down your cancer risk? Norman and Tegan offer some practical tips, and discuss what's in your control versus what isn't. References: Overview of cancer in Australia, 2025 - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Effects of diets on risks of cancer and the mediating role of metabolites Be physically active – Cancer Council Exercise packs a punch in fending off cancer – the Health Report “You do not get cancer by chance”: Communicating the role of environmental causes in cancer diseases and the risk of a “guilt rhetoric”   If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you? What's so bad about fine particulate air pollution? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Lately there have been lots of scary headlines about cancer rates rising in younger adults.

What can you do to drive down your cancer risk?

Norman and Tegan offer some practical tips, and discuss what's in your control versus what isn't.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1309 Should you be taking calcium supplements? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/calcium-supplements-bones-heart-menopause/106826766 Our calcium needs can increase as we age, especially for women going through menopause. Most Australians aren’t getting enough calcium from their diet, so are supplements a good option? Norman and Tegan discuss the conflicting evidence on calcium – in particular, could it be good for your bones, but bad for your heart? References: Calcium supplements have 'very little place' in modern medicine - the Health Report Nutrient Reference Values - Calcium Effect of age on calcium absorption in postmenopausal women Biochemical Variables in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Reconciling the Calcium and Estrogen Hypotheses Calcium Content of Common Foods - Healthy Bones Australia Choosing a calcium supplement: What you should know about taking calcium to boost your nutrients Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Association Between Calcium Supplementation and Recurrence of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Population‐Based Cohort Study Calcium Intake From Diet and Supplements and the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification and its Progression Among Older Adults: 10‐Year Follow‐up of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Oral Calcium Supplements Associate With Serial Coronary Calcification: Insights From Intravascular Ultrasound If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Multivitamins: Are they a scam? Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever? Can peptides keep you young and buff? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Our calcium needs can increase as we age, especially for women going through menopause. Most Australians aren’t getting enough calcium from their diet, so are supplements a good option? Norman and Tegan discuss the conflicting evidence on calcium – in particular, could it be good for your bones, but bad for your heart? References: Calcium supplements have 'very little place' in modern medicine - the Health Report Nutrient Reference Values - Calcium Effect of age on calcium absorption in postmenopausal women Biochemical Variables in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Reconciling the Calcium and Estrogen Hypotheses Calcium Content of Common Foods - Healthy Bones Australia Choosing a calcium supplement: What you should know about taking calcium to boost your nutrients Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Association Between Calcium Supplementation and Recurrence of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Population‐Based Cohort Study Calcium Intake From Diet and Supplements and the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification and its Progression Among Older Adults: 10‐Year Follow‐up of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Oral Calcium Supplements Associate With Serial Coronary Calcification: Insights From Intravascular Ultrasound If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Multivitamins: Are they a scam? Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever? Can peptides keep you young and buff? Our calcium needs can increase as we age, especially for women going through menopause. Most Australians aren’t getting enough calcium from their diet, so are supplements a good option? Norman and Tegan discuss the conflicting evidence on calcium – in particular, could it be good for your bones, but bad for your heart? References: Calcium supplements have 'very little place' in modern medicine - the Health Report Nutrient Reference Values - Calcium Effect of age on calcium absorption in postmenopausal women Biochemical Variables in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Reconciling the Calcium and Estrogen Hypotheses Calcium Content of Common Foods - Healthy Bones Australia Choosing a calcium supplement: What you should know about taking calcium to boost your nutrients Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Association Between Calcium Supplementation and Recurrence of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Population‐Based Cohort Study Calcium Intake From Diet and Supplements and the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification and its Progression Among Older Adults: 10‐Year Follow‐up of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Oral Calcium Supplements Associate With Serial Coronary Calcification: Insights From Intravascular Ultrasound If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Multivitamins: Are they a scam? Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever? Can peptides keep you young and buff? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Our calcium needs can increase as we age, especially for women going through menopause.

Most Australians aren’t getting enough calcium from their diet, so are supplements a good option?

Norman and Tegan discuss the conflicting evidence on calcium – in particular, could it be good for your bones, but bad for your heart?

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1299 Can tapping calm your nervous system? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/tapping-stress-anxiety-nervous-system-eft/106803188 There's a scene in the Devil Wears Prada 2 where a character is so stressed she starts "tapping" to calm herself down. What is this self-soothing technique, and should you try it out? Norman and Tegan talk through what Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping is and whether there's any evidence it lowers anxiety. References: How ‘tapping’ is dividing opinion in therapy circles Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis  Commentary: Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis A Randomized Controlled Comparison of Emotional Freedom Technique and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Adolescent Anxiety: A Pilot Study Food for Thought: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Emotional Freedom Techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Food Cravings The impact of emotional freedom techniques on anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief in people with cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you train yourself to sleep less? Why everything hurts when you turn 30 MSG's messy myths and racist tropes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's a scene in the Devil Wears Prada 2 where a character is so stressed she starts "tapping" to calm herself down. What is this self-soothing technique, and should you try it out? Norman and Tegan talk through what Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping is and whether there's any evidence it lowers anxiety. References: How ‘tapping’ is dividing opinion in therapy circles Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis  Commentary: Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis A Randomized Controlled Comparison of Emotional Freedom Technique and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Adolescent Anxiety: A Pilot Study Food for Thought: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Emotional Freedom Techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Food Cravings The impact of emotional freedom techniques on anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief in people with cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you train yourself to sleep less? Why everything hurts when you turn 30 MSG's messy myths and racist tropes There's a scene in the Devil Wears Prada 2 where a character is so stressed she starts "tapping" to calm herself down. What is this self-soothing technique, and should you try it out? Norman and Tegan talk through what Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping is and whether there's any evidence it lowers anxiety. References: How ‘tapping’ is dividing opinion in therapy circles Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis  Commentary: Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis A Randomized Controlled Comparison of Emotional Freedom Technique and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Adolescent Anxiety: A Pilot Study Food for Thought: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Emotional Freedom Techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Food Cravings The impact of emotional freedom techniques on anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief in people with cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you train yourself to sleep less? Why everything hurts when you turn 30 MSG's messy myths and racist tropes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's a scene in the Devil Wears Prada 2 where a character is so stressed she starts "tapping" to calm herself down.

What is this self-soothing technique, and should you try it out?

Norman and Tegan talk through what Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping is and whether there's any evidence it lowers anxiety.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1199 Is farting a sign your gut microbiome is happy? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/gut-microbiome-farting-good/106693868 Everyone wants a healthy gut, and your microbiome plays a big role in keeping you well. So how do you know your microbiome is in top shape? Are there stinky signs that things are going right, or wrong? Norman and Tegan breeze through the research in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: The Invisible College of Experimental Flatology Explainer: The chemistry of farts A widespread hydrogenase supports fermentative growth of gut bacteria in healthy people Intestinal gas production by the gut microbiota: A review Association of the Gut Microbiota With Cognitive Function in Midlife  Gut microbiome predicts cognitive function and depressive symptoms in late life  The Relationship between Gut Microbiome and Cognition in Older Australians  Chart Your Fart - CSIRO If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is yawning contagious? Why are some people right (or left) handed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Everyone wants a healthy gut, and your microbiome plays a big role in keeping you well. So how do you know your microbiome is in top shape? Are there stinky signs that things are going right, or wrong? Norman and Tegan breeze through the research in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: The Invisible College of Experimental Flatology Explainer: The chemistry of farts A widespread hydrogenase supports fermentative growth of gut bacteria in healthy people Intestinal gas production by the gut microbiota: A review Association of the Gut Microbiota With Cognitive Function in Midlife  Gut microbiome predicts cognitive function and depressive symptoms in late life  The Relationship between Gut Microbiome and Cognition in Older Australians  Chart Your Fart - CSIRO If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is yawning contagious? Why are some people right (or left) handed? Everyone wants a healthy gut, and your microbiome plays a big role in keeping you well. So how do you know your microbiome is in top shape? Are there stinky signs that things are going right, or wrong? Norman and Tegan breeze through the research in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: The Invisible College of Experimental Flatology Explainer: The chemistry of farts A widespread hydrogenase supports fermentative growth of gut bacteria in healthy people Intestinal gas production by the gut microbiota: A review Association of the Gut Microbiota With Cognitive Function in Midlife  Gut microbiome predicts cognitive function and depressive symptoms in late life  The Relationship between Gut Microbiome and Cognition in Older Australians  Chart Your Fart - CSIRO If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is yawning contagious? Why are some people right (or left) handed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Everyone wants a healthy gut, and your microbiome plays a big role in keeping you well.

So how do you know your microbiome is in top shape? Are there stinky signs that things are going right, or wrong?

Norman and Tegan breeze through the research in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1176 Still coughing — are you still infectious? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/coughing-cough-am-i-still-infectious/106693860 Cold season is upon us, so it’s no wonder you’re side-eyeing that person coughing on the bus. But does a cough mean someone is still infectious? How do you know you’re in the clear to go back to work? Norman and Tegan talk through the science, and also how attitudes have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. References: How Long Does a Cough Last? Comparing Patients’ Expectations With Data From a Systematic Review of the Literature Acute cough in outpatients: what causes it, how long does it last, and how severe is it for different viruses and bacteria?  Estimating influenza latency and infectious period durations using viral excretion data Duration of viral infectiousness and correlation with symptoms and diagnostic testing in non-hospitalized adults during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection: A longitudinal cohort study How the pandemic shaped presenteeism trends between healthcare and non-healthcare workers using the Korean working conditions surveys (2010–2023)  Sickness Presenteeism in the Aftermath of COVID-19: Is Presenteeism Remote-Work Behavior the New (Ab)normal?  Over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings Comprehensive evidence-based review on European antitussives If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Cold season is upon us, so it’s no wonder you’re side-eyeing that person coughing on the bus. But does a cough mean someone is still infectious? How do you know you’re in the clear to go back to work? Norman and Tegan talk through the science, and also how attitudes have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. References: How Long Does a Cough Last? Comparing Patients’ Expectations With Data From a Systematic Review of the Literature Acute cough in outpatients: what causes it, how long does it last, and how severe is it for different viruses and bacteria?  Estimating influenza latency and infectious period durations using viral excretion data Duration of viral infectiousness and correlation with symptoms and diagnostic testing in non-hospitalized adults during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection: A longitudinal cohort study How the pandemic shaped presenteeism trends between healthcare and non-healthcare workers using the Korean working conditions surveys (2010–2023)  Sickness Presenteeism in the Aftermath of COVID-19: Is Presenteeism Remote-Work Behavior the New (Ab)normal?  Over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings Comprehensive evidence-based review on European antitussives If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine? Cold season is upon us, so it’s no wonder you’re side-eyeing that person coughing on the bus. But does a cough mean someone is still infectious? How do you know you’re in the clear to go back to work? Norman and Tegan talk through the science, and also how attitudes have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. References: How Long Does a Cough Last? Comparing Patients’ Expectations With Data From a Systematic Review of the Literature Acute cough in outpatients: what causes it, how long does it last, and how severe is it for different viruses and bacteria?  Estimating influenza latency and infectious period durations using viral excretion data Duration of viral infectiousness and correlation with symptoms and diagnostic testing in non-hospitalized adults during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection: A longitudinal cohort study How the pandemic shaped presenteeism trends between healthcare and non-healthcare workers using the Korean working conditions surveys (2010–2023)  Sickness Presenteeism in the Aftermath of COVID-19: Is Presenteeism Remote-Work Behavior the New (Ab)normal?  Over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings Comprehensive evidence-based review on European antitussives If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Cold season is upon us, so it’s no wonder you’re side-eyeing that person coughing on the bus.

But does a cough mean someone is still infectious? How do you know you’re in the clear to go back to work?

Norman and Tegan talk through the science, and also how attitudes have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1181 Can your joints predict the weather? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/joint-pain-weather-change-air-pressure/106722250 Have you heard the phrases, "aches and pain, coming rains" or about "ill health due to evil winds"?  Many people believe they can feel a change in weather coming on because pain flares in their joints.  Norman and Tegan unpack what could be going on, and whether it's backed by scientific evidence.  References: Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis  Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies Cloudy with a chance of pain: How the weather affects the pain of citizen scientists using a smartphone app  Temperature extremes causing gout flare hospitalisation Can aching joints really predict the weather? Exploring the science behind the stormy debate  What triggers weather-related joint pain? - Harvard Health If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Have you heard the phrases, "aches and pain, coming rains" or about "ill health due to evil winds"?  Many people believe they can feel a change in weather coming on because pain flares in their joints.  Norman and Tegan unpack what could be going on, and whether it's backed by scientific evidence.  References: Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis  Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies Cloudy with a chance of pain: How the weather affects the pain of citizen scientists using a smartphone app  Temperature extremes causing gout flare hospitalisation Can aching joints really predict the weather? Exploring the science behind the stormy debate  What triggers weather-related joint pain? - Harvard Health If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Have you heard the phrases, "aches and pain, coming rains" or about "ill health due to evil winds"?  Many people believe they can feel a change in weather coming on because pain flares in their joints.  Norman and Tegan unpack what could be going on, and whether it's backed by scientific evidence.  References: Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis  Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies Cloudy with a chance of pain: How the weather affects the pain of citizen scientists using a smartphone app  Temperature extremes causing gout flare hospitalisation Can aching joints really predict the weather? Exploring the science behind the stormy debate  What triggers weather-related joint pain? - Harvard Health If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Have you heard the phrases, "aches and pain, coming rains" or about "ill health due to evil winds"? 

Many people believe they can feel a change in weather coming on because pain flares in their joints. 

Norman and Tegan unpack what could be going on, and whether it's backed by scientific evidence. 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1208 Should you get a full-body MRI? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/full-body-mri-scan-cancer-aneurysm-preventative/106693044 It’s good to be on top of your health – but how far would you go to ensure you’re staying healthy? Ads have popped up for full-body MRIs, promising to catch things from cancer to aneurysms. Norman and Tegan scan through the potential benefits and risks of looking inside seemingly healthy bodies.  References: Principles of screening - Cancer Council Incidental Findings and Low-Value Care Prevalence of abnormalities in knees detected by MRI in adults without knee osteoarthritis: population based observational study (Framingham Osteoarthritis Study) Whole‐body MRI for preventive health screening: A systematic review of the literature The effects of incidental findings from whole-body MRI on the frequency of biopsies and detected malignancies or benign conditions in a general population cohort study Clinical value of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in health screening of general adult population Long-Term Psychosocial Consequences of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Reporting of Incidental Findings in a Population-Based Cohort Study  Impact of whole-body MRI in a general population study Elective MRI Screening of the General Public—Buyer Beware If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 May 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It’s good to be on top of your health – but how far would you go to ensure you’re staying healthy? Ads have popped up for full-body MRIs, promising to catch things from cancer to aneurysms. Norman and Tegan scan through the potential benefits and risks of looking inside seemingly healthy bodies.  References: Principles of screening - Cancer Council Incidental Findings and Low-Value Care Prevalence of abnormalities in knees detected by MRI in adults without knee osteoarthritis: population based observational study (Framingham Osteoarthritis Study) Whole‐body MRI for preventive health screening: A systematic review of the literature The effects of incidental findings from whole-body MRI on the frequency of biopsies and detected malignancies or benign conditions in a general population cohort study Clinical value of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in health screening of general adult population Long-Term Psychosocial Consequences of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Reporting of Incidental Findings in a Population-Based Cohort Study  Impact of whole-body MRI in a general population study Elective MRI Screening of the General Public—Buyer Beware If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer? It’s good to be on top of your health – but how far would you go to ensure you’re staying healthy? Ads have popped up for full-body MRIs, promising to catch things from cancer to aneurysms. Norman and Tegan scan through the potential benefits and risks of looking inside seemingly healthy bodies.  References: Principles of screening - Cancer Council Incidental Findings and Low-Value Care Prevalence of abnormalities in knees detected by MRI in adults without knee osteoarthritis: population based observational study (Framingham Osteoarthritis Study) Whole‐body MRI for preventive health screening: A systematic review of the literature The effects of incidental findings from whole-body MRI on the frequency of biopsies and detected malignancies or benign conditions in a general population cohort study Clinical value of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in health screening of general adult population Long-Term Psychosocial Consequences of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Reporting of Incidental Findings in a Population-Based Cohort Study  Impact of whole-body MRI in a general population study Elective MRI Screening of the General Public—Buyer Beware If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s good to be on top of your health – but how far would you go to ensure you’re staying healthy?

Ads have popped up for full-body MRIs, promising to catch things from cancer to aneurysms.

Norman and Tegan scan through the potential benefits and risks of looking inside seemingly healthy bodies. 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1403 Deep dive on progressive exercise https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/progressive-resistance-overload-exercise-workout/106669024 You might've heard the qualifier that exercise is good for you – but you need to be progressing that exercise over time. Running further, lifting heavier, exercising for longer. How important is it to up the stakes? Norman and Tegan flex their muscles on progressive training and its benefits. References: Thomas L. DeLorme and the Science of Progressive Resistance Exercise Associations of Muscle Mass and Strength with All-Cause Mortality among US Older Adults Skeletal Muscle Strength as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in Healthy Men  Progressive overload without progressing load? The effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations  Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis  Physical activity types, variety, and mortality: results from two prospective cohort studies  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull Is a vibration plate worth the cost? You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might've heard the qualifier that exercise is good for you – but you need to be progressing that exercise over time. Running further, lifting heavier, exercising for longer. How important is it to up the stakes? Norman and Tegan flex their muscles on progressive training and its benefits. References: Thomas L. DeLorme and the Science of Progressive Resistance Exercise Associations of Muscle Mass and Strength with All-Cause Mortality among US Older Adults Skeletal Muscle Strength as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in Healthy Men  Progressive overload without progressing load? The effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations  Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis  Physical activity types, variety, and mortality: results from two prospective cohort studies  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull Is a vibration plate worth the cost? You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? You might've heard the qualifier that exercise is good for you – but you need to be progressing that exercise over time. Running further, lifting heavier, exercising for longer. How important is it to up the stakes? Norman and Tegan flex their muscles on progressive training and its benefits. References: Thomas L. DeLorme and the Science of Progressive Resistance Exercise Associations of Muscle Mass and Strength with All-Cause Mortality among US Older Adults Skeletal Muscle Strength as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in Healthy Men  Progressive overload without progressing load? The effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations  Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis  Physical activity types, variety, and mortality: results from two prospective cohort studies  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull Is a vibration plate worth the cost? You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might've heard the qualifier that exercise is good for you – but you need to be progressing that exercise over time.

Running further, lifting heavier, exercising for longer. How important is it to up the stakes?

Norman and Tegan flex their muscles on progressive training and its benefits.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1382 Hantavirus: what we know about the cruise ship outbreak https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak/106665582 A cruise ship at the centre of a virus outbreak — sound familiar? Passengers and crew are beginning to disembark the MV Hondius after several cases of hantavirus sent them into quarantine.  The virus is usually caught through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Transmission between humans is rare.  Norman and Tegan answer common questions about the hantavirus, and how it compares to the handling of COVID-19.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 May 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A cruise ship at the centre of a virus outbreak — sound familiar? Passengers and crew are beginning to disembark the MV Hondius after several cases of hantavirus sent them into quarantine.  The virus is usually caught through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Transmission between humans is rare.  Norman and Tegan answer common questions about the hantavirus, and how it compares to the handling of COVID-19.  A cruise ship at the centre of a virus outbreak — sound familiar? Passengers and crew are beginning to disembark the MV Hondius after several cases of hantavirus sent them into quarantine.  The virus is usually caught through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Transmission between humans is rare.  Norman and Tegan answer common questions about the hantavirus, and how it compares to the handling of COVID-19.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A cruise ship at the centre of a virus outbreak — sound familiar?

Passengers and crew are beginning to disembark the MV Hondius after several cases of hantavirus sent them into quarantine. 

The virus is usually caught through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Transmission between humans is rare. 

Norman and Tegan answer common questions about the hantavirus, and how it compares to the handling of COVID-19. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 823 Why is yawning contagious? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/yawning-why-we-yawn-contagious-catch-a-yawn/106617850 It’s easy to catch a yawn – you might even yawn while you’re reading this. It’s not just humans that yawn, but all kinds of verterbrates, even fish! But contagious yawning is rarer. Norman and Tegan unpack why we yawn in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: Yawning: no effect of 3-5% CO2, 100% O2, and exercise  Brain size and neuron numbers drive differences in yawn duration across mammals and birds  Excessive yawning and thermoregulation: two case histories of chronic, debilitating bouts of yawning Different yawns, different functions? Testing social hypotheses on spontaneous yawning in Theropithecus gelada Why yawns are contagious—in all kinds of animals: Evolutionary biologist Andrew Gallup explains why we yawn after others  Mirror neuron activity during contagious yawning—an fMRI study  The mirror-neuron system  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why are some people right (or left) handed? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is daylight saving time bad for us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 May 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It’s easy to catch a yawn – you might even yawn while you’re reading this. It’s not just humans that yawn, but all kinds of verterbrates, even fish! But contagious yawning is rarer. Norman and Tegan unpack why we yawn in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: Yawning: no effect of 3-5% CO2, 100% O2, and exercise  Brain size and neuron numbers drive differences in yawn duration across mammals and birds  Excessive yawning and thermoregulation: two case histories of chronic, debilitating bouts of yawning Different yawns, different functions? Testing social hypotheses on spontaneous yawning in Theropithecus gelada Why yawns are contagious—in all kinds of animals: Evolutionary biologist Andrew Gallup explains why we yawn after others  Mirror neuron activity during contagious yawning—an fMRI study  The mirror-neuron system  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why are some people right (or left) handed? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is daylight saving time bad for us? It’s easy to catch a yawn – you might even yawn while you’re reading this. It’s not just humans that yawn, but all kinds of verterbrates, even fish! But contagious yawning is rarer. Norman and Tegan unpack why we yawn in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: Yawning: no effect of 3-5% CO2, 100% O2, and exercise  Brain size and neuron numbers drive differences in yawn duration across mammals and birds  Excessive yawning and thermoregulation: two case histories of chronic, debilitating bouts of yawning Different yawns, different functions? Testing social hypotheses on spontaneous yawning in Theropithecus gelada Why yawns are contagious—in all kinds of animals: Evolutionary biologist Andrew Gallup explains why we yawn after others  Mirror neuron activity during contagious yawning—an fMRI study  The mirror-neuron system  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why are some people right (or left) handed? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is daylight saving time bad for us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s easy to catch a yawn – you might even yawn while you’re reading this.

It’s not just humans that yawn, but all kinds of verterbrates, even fish! But contagious yawning is rarer.

Norman and Tegan unpack why we yawn in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1107 Tonsils, appendix, gallbladder: is anything actually useless? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/vestigial-organs-tonsils-appendix-gallbladder/106273934 You might know them as "vestigial" organs, but we no longer overlook organs that aren’t vital for life. While they can be removed, your tonsils, appendix and gallbladder play important roles in the body. Norman and Tegan define what "vestigial" actually means, and how our bodies adapt to losing an organ. References: How Do We Know What Human Organs Do? - JSTOR Daily  Tonsils, adenoids and throat infections — do doctors still recommend surgery? - ABC News Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood  Influence of Tonsillectomy on Various Disease Outcomes: An Outcome-wide Association Analysis and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Cytokine production in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis: analysis of tonsil samples and blood - PMC  Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood - PMC  Microbial Composition of Human Appendices from Patients following Appendectomy  Long-term impacts of appendectomy associated with increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and colorectal cancer Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why do we have wisdom teeth?  Can peptides keep you young and buff? Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might know them as "vestigial" organs, but we no longer overlook organs that aren’t vital for life. While they can be removed, your tonsils, appendix and gallbladder play important roles in the body. Norman and Tegan define what "vestigial" actually means, and how our bodies adapt to losing an organ. References: How Do We Know What Human Organs Do? - JSTOR Daily  Tonsils, adenoids and throat infections — do doctors still recommend surgery? - ABC News Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood  Influence of Tonsillectomy on Various Disease Outcomes: An Outcome-wide Association Analysis and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Cytokine production in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis: analysis of tonsil samples and blood - PMC  Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood - PMC  Microbial Composition of Human Appendices from Patients following Appendectomy  Long-term impacts of appendectomy associated with increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and colorectal cancer Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why do we have wisdom teeth?  Can peptides keep you young and buff? Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? You might know them as "vestigial" organs, but we no longer overlook organs that aren’t vital for life. While they can be removed, your tonsils, appendix and gallbladder play important roles in the body. Norman and Tegan define what "vestigial" actually means, and how our bodies adapt to losing an organ. References: How Do We Know What Human Organs Do? - JSTOR Daily  Tonsils, adenoids and throat infections — do doctors still recommend surgery? - ABC News Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood  Influence of Tonsillectomy on Various Disease Outcomes: An Outcome-wide Association Analysis and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Cytokine production in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis: analysis of tonsil samples and blood - PMC  Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood - PMC  Microbial Composition of Human Appendices from Patients following Appendectomy  Long-term impacts of appendectomy associated with increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and colorectal cancer Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why do we have wisdom teeth?  Can peptides keep you young and buff? Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might know them as "vestigial" organs, but we no longer overlook organs that aren’t vital for life.

While they can be removed, your tonsils, appendix and gallbladder play important roles in the body.

Norman and Tegan define what "vestigial" actually means, and how our bodies adapt to losing an organ.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1288 Should you be eating more fruit? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/fruit-vegetables-diet-nutrition/106584514 Not a fruit lover, but eat plenty of veggies? Ever wondered if skipping that banana might actually matter? We all know a mix of fruit and vegetables is key to a long, healthy life. Norman and Tegan dig into whether eating little or no fruit could actually be bad for you. References: What exactly is a tomato? The difference between fruit and veg - ABC News Key statistics and data about child and adult consumption of fruit and vegetables - Australian Bureau of Statistics Fresh fruit consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank   Fruit consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three prospective longitudinal cohort studies  Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Mortality: Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies of US Men and Women and a Meta-Analysis of 26 Cohort Studies  The global burden of disease attributable to suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study  Fruit and vegetable consumption and all-cause mortality: evidence from a large Australian cohort study  A basket of new fruit varieties is coming your way – The Economist  Releasing a sugar brake generates sweeter tomato without yield penalty If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the best time of day to exercise? Is whitening your teeth bad for you? What are the health benefits of coffee? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Not a fruit lover, but eat plenty of veggies? Ever wondered if skipping that banana might actually matter? We all know a mix of fruit and vegetables is key to a long, healthy life. Norman and Tegan dig into whether eating little or no fruit could actually be bad for you. References: What exactly is a tomato? The difference between fruit and veg - ABC News Key statistics and data about child and adult consumption of fruit and vegetables - Australian Bureau of Statistics Fresh fruit consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank   Fruit consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three prospective longitudinal cohort studies  Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Mortality: Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies of US Men and Women and a Meta-Analysis of 26 Cohort Studies  The global burden of disease attributable to suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study  Fruit and vegetable consumption and all-cause mortality: evidence from a large Australian cohort study  A basket of new fruit varieties is coming your way – The Economist  Releasing a sugar brake generates sweeter tomato without yield penalty If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the best time of day to exercise? Is whitening your teeth bad for you? What are the health benefits of coffee? Not a fruit lover, but eat plenty of veggies? Ever wondered if skipping that banana might actually matter? We all know a mix of fruit and vegetables is key to a long, healthy life. Norman and Tegan dig into whether eating little or no fruit could actually be bad for you. References: What exactly is a tomato? The difference between fruit and veg - ABC News Key statistics and data about child and adult consumption of fruit and vegetables - Australian Bureau of Statistics Fresh fruit consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank   Fruit consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three prospective longitudinal cohort studies  Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Mortality: Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies of US Men and Women and a Meta-Analysis of 26 Cohort Studies  The global burden of disease attributable to suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study  Fruit and vegetable consumption and all-cause mortality: evidence from a large Australian cohort study  A basket of new fruit varieties is coming your way – The Economist  Releasing a sugar brake generates sweeter tomato without yield penalty If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the best time of day to exercise? Is whitening your teeth bad for you? What are the health benefits of coffee? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Not a fruit lover, but eat plenty of veggies? Ever wondered if skipping that banana might actually matter?

We all know a mix of fruit and vegetables is key to a long, healthy life.

Norman and Tegan dig into whether eating little or no fruit could actually be bad for you.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1259 Red and other light therapy — can it work? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/red-light-therapy-green-yellow-blue/106562038 If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably been advertised light therapy face masks. These high-tech hockey masks promise to plump up or heal your skin through light – often red, but sometimes yellow, green, blue or even purple. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not. References: Sweaty sauna bathing for better health - What's That Rash? Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Review of Recent Progress and Their Target Molecules for Cancer Therapy Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis Photodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic Appearance Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review The efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acne Featured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema? Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder This episode first aired on December 18, 2024.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably been advertised light therapy face masks. These high-tech hockey masks promise to plump up or heal your skin through light – often red, but sometimes yellow, green, blue or even purple. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not. References: Sweaty sauna bathing for better health - What's That Rash? Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Review of Recent Progress and Their Target Molecules for Cancer Therapy Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis Photodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic Appearance Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review The efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acne Featured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema? Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder This episode first aired on December 18, 2024.  If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably been advertised light therapy face masks. These high-tech hockey masks promise to plump up or heal your skin through light – often red, but sometimes yellow, green, blue or even purple. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not. References: Sweaty sauna bathing for better health - What's That Rash? Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Review of Recent Progress and Their Target Molecules for Cancer Therapy Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis Photodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic Appearance Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review The efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acne Featured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema? Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder This episode first aired on December 18, 2024.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably been advertised light therapy face masks.

These high-tech hockey masks promise to plump up or heal your skin through light – often red, but sometimes yellow, green, blue or even purple.

Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not.

References:

This episode first aired on December 18, 2024. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1176 Why are some people right (or left) handed? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/handedness-right-left-cognition/106527642 What determines whether you’re right or left handed? Is there really such a thing as being ambidextrous? It’s a surprisingly complicated story, and culture comes into play – some people are forced to go against their dominant hand. Norman and Tegan parse through the history of handedness in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: A large-scale population study of early life factors influencing left-handedness  The handedness of Kerrs and Carrs The association between switching hand preference and the declining prevalence of left-handedness with age Stuttering and “Retraining” Left-Handed Children in Mid-Century U.S.  Can training to become ambidextrous improve brain function?   Brain Size Associated with Foot Preferences in Australian Parrots  The Influence of Handedness on the Clinical Presentation and Neuropsychology of Alzheimer Disease If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can sudoku really keep your brain younger for longer? Should you train cardio and strength on the same day? The four steps you need to form a habit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What determines whether you’re right or left handed? Is there really such a thing as being ambidextrous? It’s a surprisingly complicated story, and culture comes into play – some people are forced to go against their dominant hand. Norman and Tegan parse through the history of handedness in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: A large-scale population study of early life factors influencing left-handedness  The handedness of Kerrs and Carrs The association between switching hand preference and the declining prevalence of left-handedness with age Stuttering and “Retraining” Left-Handed Children in Mid-Century U.S.  Can training to become ambidextrous improve brain function?   Brain Size Associated with Foot Preferences in Australian Parrots  The Influence of Handedness on the Clinical Presentation and Neuropsychology of Alzheimer Disease If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can sudoku really keep your brain younger for longer? Should you train cardio and strength on the same day? The four steps you need to form a habit What determines whether you’re right or left handed? Is there really such a thing as being ambidextrous? It’s a surprisingly complicated story, and culture comes into play – some people are forced to go against their dominant hand. Norman and Tegan parse through the history of handedness in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References: A large-scale population study of early life factors influencing left-handedness  The handedness of Kerrs and Carrs The association between switching hand preference and the declining prevalence of left-handedness with age Stuttering and “Retraining” Left-Handed Children in Mid-Century U.S.  Can training to become ambidextrous improve brain function?   Brain Size Associated with Foot Preferences in Australian Parrots  The Influence of Handedness on the Clinical Presentation and Neuropsychology of Alzheimer Disease If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can sudoku really keep your brain younger for longer? Should you train cardio and strength on the same day? The four steps you need to form a habit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What determines whether you’re right or left handed? Is there really such a thing as being ambidextrous?

It’s a surprisingly complicated story, and culture comes into play – some people are forced to go against their dominant hand.

Norman and Tegan parse through the history of handedness in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1209 Headaches: causes, cures and exercise?! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/headache-migraine-cluster-stress/106513388 Headaches are common, but the causes are wide and varied, and some are more serious than others.  Why do we get headaches? What's the difference between a headache and a migraine? Norman and Tegan talk through some basics about headaches, and why a round of squats might help... References: The Science Behind Headaches: What's Really Happening In Your Skull  The vascular theory of migraine—a great story wrecked by the facts Twelve-month efficacy of CGRP monoclonal antibodies and predictive value of short-term response: results of an Australian multicentre study  Trial of Galcanezumab in Prevention of Episodic Cluster Headache Erenumab for Chronic Cluster Headache: A Randomized Clinical Trial Effect of Exercise on Chronic Tension-Type Headache and Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review The effect of different exercise types on migraine frequency in individuals with migraine: A pilot study If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Am I addicted to caffeine? Is emu oil the new snake oil? There's a lot of fog around brain fog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Headaches are common, but the causes are wide and varied, and some are more serious than others.  Why do we get headaches? What's the difference between a headache and a migraine? Norman and Tegan talk through some basics about headaches, and why a round of squats might help... References: The Science Behind Headaches: What's Really Happening In Your Skull  The vascular theory of migraine—a great story wrecked by the facts Twelve-month efficacy of CGRP monoclonal antibodies and predictive value of short-term response: results of an Australian multicentre study  Trial of Galcanezumab in Prevention of Episodic Cluster Headache Erenumab for Chronic Cluster Headache: A Randomized Clinical Trial Effect of Exercise on Chronic Tension-Type Headache and Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review The effect of different exercise types on migraine frequency in individuals with migraine: A pilot study If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Am I addicted to caffeine? Is emu oil the new snake oil? There's a lot of fog around brain fog Headaches are common, but the causes are wide and varied, and some are more serious than others.  Why do we get headaches? What's the difference between a headache and a migraine? Norman and Tegan talk through some basics about headaches, and why a round of squats might help... References: The Science Behind Headaches: What's Really Happening In Your Skull  The vascular theory of migraine—a great story wrecked by the facts Twelve-month efficacy of CGRP monoclonal antibodies and predictive value of short-term response: results of an Australian multicentre study  Trial of Galcanezumab in Prevention of Episodic Cluster Headache Erenumab for Chronic Cluster Headache: A Randomized Clinical Trial Effect of Exercise on Chronic Tension-Type Headache and Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review The effect of different exercise types on migraine frequency in individuals with migraine: A pilot study If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Am I addicted to caffeine? Is emu oil the new snake oil? There's a lot of fog around brain fog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Headaches are common, but the causes are wide and varied, and some are more serious than others. 

Why do we get headaches? What's the difference between a headache and a migraine?

Norman and Tegan talk through some basics about headaches, and why a round of squats might help...

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1355 Is a vibration plate worth the cost? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/vibration-plate-weight-muscle/106459268 We've all probably wished for a way to achieve our fitness goals without the strain and sweat that can come with exercise. So what if you could lose weight, gain muscle and improve circulation just by standing on a vibrating platform? Norman and Tegan buzz through the evidence for and against vibration plates and so called "passive exercise". References: Dr Gustav Zander’s Victorian-Era Exercise Machines Made the Bowflex Look Like Child’s Play The effects of whole body vibration therapy on reducing fat mass in the adult general population: A systematic review and meta-analyses  Whole-body vibration administered during a 3-week in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program increases resting energy expenditure in obese adolescents, a randomized clinical trial  Immediate effects of localized vibration on flexibility: A randomized crossover trial  Effects of whole body vibration with exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone on flexibility, vertical jump height, agility and pain in athletes with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial  Whole Body Vibration as an Adjunct to Static Stretching Whole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle  Whole body vibration training improves leg blood flow and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus  Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Blood Flow in Children with Myelomeningocele—A Randomized Trial  Effect of localised vibration on muscle strength in healthy adults: a systematic review  Whole-body vibration training improves muscle mass and strength in older adults through intra- and extra-muscular pathways  The effect of whole body vibration training on quadriceps voluntary activation level of people with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia): a randomized pilot study  Hormonal responses to a single session of wholebody vibration exercise in older individuals Hormonal and Metabolic Responses to Whole Body Vibration in Healthy Adults  Low-frequency vibrotherapy considerably improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in patients with lipedema: A two-armed, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial  Efficacy of whole body vibration exercise in older people: a systematic review  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We've all probably wished for a way to achieve our fitness goals without the strain and sweat that can come with exercise. So what if you could lose weight, gain muscle and improve circulation just by standing on a vibrating platform? Norman and Tegan buzz through the evidence for and against vibration plates and so called "passive exercise". References: Dr Gustav Zander’s Victorian-Era Exercise Machines Made the Bowflex Look Like Child’s Play The effects of whole body vibration therapy on reducing fat mass in the adult general population: A systematic review and meta-analyses  Whole-body vibration administered during a 3-week in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program increases resting energy expenditure in obese adolescents, a randomized clinical trial  Immediate effects of localized vibration on flexibility: A randomized crossover trial  Effects of whole body vibration with exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone on flexibility, vertical jump height, agility and pain in athletes with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial  Whole Body Vibration as an Adjunct to Static Stretching Whole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle  Whole body vibration training improves leg blood flow and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus  Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Blood Flow in Children with Myelomeningocele—A Randomized Trial  Effect of localised vibration on muscle strength in healthy adults: a systematic review  Whole-body vibration training improves muscle mass and strength in older adults through intra- and extra-muscular pathways  The effect of whole body vibration training on quadriceps voluntary activation level of people with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia): a randomized pilot study  Hormonal responses to a single session of wholebody vibration exercise in older individuals Hormonal and Metabolic Responses to Whole Body Vibration in Healthy Adults  Low-frequency vibrotherapy considerably improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in patients with lipedema: A two-armed, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial  Efficacy of whole body vibration exercise in older people: a systematic review  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? We've all probably wished for a way to achieve our fitness goals without the strain and sweat that can come with exercise. So what if you could lose weight, gain muscle and improve circulation just by standing on a vibrating platform? Norman and Tegan buzz through the evidence for and against vibration plates and so called "passive exercise". References: Dr Gustav Zander’s Victorian-Era Exercise Machines Made the Bowflex Look Like Child’s Play The effects of whole body vibration therapy on reducing fat mass in the adult general population: A systematic review and meta-analyses  Whole-body vibration administered during a 3-week in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program increases resting energy expenditure in obese adolescents, a randomized clinical trial  Immediate effects of localized vibration on flexibility: A randomized crossover trial  Effects of whole body vibration with exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone on flexibility, vertical jump height, agility and pain in athletes with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial  Whole Body Vibration as an Adjunct to Static Stretching Whole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle  Whole body vibration training improves leg blood flow and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus  Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Blood Flow in Children with Myelomeningocele—A Randomized Trial  Effect of localised vibration on muscle strength in healthy adults: a systematic review  Whole-body vibration training improves muscle mass and strength in older adults through intra- and extra-muscular pathways  The effect of whole body vibration training on quadriceps voluntary activation level of people with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia): a randomized pilot study  Hormonal responses to a single session of wholebody vibration exercise in older individuals Hormonal and Metabolic Responses to Whole Body Vibration in Healthy Adults  Low-frequency vibrotherapy considerably improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in patients with lipedema: A two-armed, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial  Efficacy of whole body vibration exercise in older people: a systematic review  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We've all probably wished for a way to achieve our fitness goals without the strain and sweat that can come with exercise.

So what if you could lose weight, gain muscle and improve circulation just by standing on a vibrating platform?

Norman and Tegan buzz through the evidence for and against vibration plates and so called "passive exercise".

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1440 Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/snail-mucin-skincare-anti-ageing/106459266 Snail slime, or snail mucin, has become a popular product in skin care. Some claim it has anti-ageing properties, but if the early research shakes out, snail mucus could have even more significant uses. Norman and Tegan discuss why snail gunk has become a hero of cosmetics, and what else it might be capable of. References: Why Snail Mucin? Or, How This Ancient Practice Became a Skin Care Sensation Chemical composition, mineral profile, anti-bacterial, and wound healing properties of snail slime of Helix aspersa Müller  Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus Antimicrobial Activities of Different Fractions from Mucus of the Garden Snail Cornu aspersum Antimicrobial efficacy of Egyptian Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa snail mucus with a novel approach to their anti-inflammatory and wound healing potencies Reviewing The Potential of Snail Extract to Accelerate and Improve Burn Wound Healing: A Literature Review  HelixComplex snail mucus exhibits pro-survival, proliferative and pro-migration effects on mammalian fibroblasts The efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocols Helix aspersa maxima mucus exhibits antimelanogenic and antitumoral effects against melanoma cells 849 Snail mucus increases the anti-cancer activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody in melanoma  Snail Mucus Enhances Chemosensitivity of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Via Activation of the Fas Pathway Snails and Skin: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Snail-based Products on Skin Health From Nature to Nurture: The Science and Applications of Snail Slime in Health and Beauty Artificial Snail Mucus Could Advance Cancer Treatments – Johns Hopkins University If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does anti-ageing skincare actually work? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? What we do (and don't) know about tinnitus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Snail slime, or snail mucin, has become a popular product in skin care. Some claim it has anti-ageing properties, but if the early research shakes out, snail mucus could have even more significant uses. Norman and Tegan discuss why snail gunk has become a hero of cosmetics, and what else it might be capable of. References: Why Snail Mucin? Or, How This Ancient Practice Became a Skin Care Sensation Chemical composition, mineral profile, anti-bacterial, and wound healing properties of snail slime of Helix aspersa Müller  Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus Antimicrobial Activities of Different Fractions from Mucus of the Garden Snail Cornu aspersum Antimicrobial efficacy of Egyptian Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa snail mucus with a novel approach to their anti-inflammatory and wound healing potencies Reviewing The Potential of Snail Extract to Accelerate and Improve Burn Wound Healing: A Literature Review  HelixComplex snail mucus exhibits pro-survival, proliferative and pro-migration effects on mammalian fibroblasts The efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocols Helix aspersa maxima mucus exhibits antimelanogenic and antitumoral effects against melanoma cells 849 Snail mucus increases the anti-cancer activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody in melanoma  Snail Mucus Enhances Chemosensitivity of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Via Activation of the Fas Pathway Snails and Skin: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Snail-based Products on Skin Health From Nature to Nurture: The Science and Applications of Snail Slime in Health and Beauty Artificial Snail Mucus Could Advance Cancer Treatments – Johns Hopkins University If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does anti-ageing skincare actually work? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? What we do (and don't) know about tinnitus Snail slime, or snail mucin, has become a popular product in skin care. Some claim it has anti-ageing properties, but if the early research shakes out, snail mucus could have even more significant uses. Norman and Tegan discuss why snail gunk has become a hero of cosmetics, and what else it might be capable of. References: Why Snail Mucin? Or, How This Ancient Practice Became a Skin Care Sensation Chemical composition, mineral profile, anti-bacterial, and wound healing properties of snail slime of Helix aspersa Müller  Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus Antimicrobial Activities of Different Fractions from Mucus of the Garden Snail Cornu aspersum Antimicrobial efficacy of Egyptian Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa snail mucus with a novel approach to their anti-inflammatory and wound healing potencies Reviewing The Potential of Snail Extract to Accelerate and Improve Burn Wound Healing: A Literature Review  HelixComplex snail mucus exhibits pro-survival, proliferative and pro-migration effects on mammalian fibroblasts The efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocols Helix aspersa maxima mucus exhibits antimelanogenic and antitumoral effects against melanoma cells 849 Snail mucus increases the anti-cancer activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody in melanoma  Snail Mucus Enhances Chemosensitivity of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Via Activation of the Fas Pathway Snails and Skin: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Snail-based Products on Skin Health From Nature to Nurture: The Science and Applications of Snail Slime in Health and Beauty Artificial Snail Mucus Could Advance Cancer Treatments – Johns Hopkins University If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does anti-ageing skincare actually work? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? What we do (and don't) know about tinnitus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Snail slime, or snail mucin, has become a popular product in skin care.

Some claim it has anti-ageing properties, but if the early research shakes out, snail mucus could have even more significant uses.

Norman and Tegan discuss why snail gunk has become a hero of cosmetics, and what else it might be capable of.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1287 Could headphones be damaging our ears? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/headphones-hearing-ear-damage/106436828 Walking down the street, most people you pass will be wearing headphones or ear buds. Chances are you are too! But is this trend of noise-cancelling harming your ears or the way your brain processes sound? Norman and Tegan sound out the evidence on headphone use and hearing damage, and what you can do to protect your ears. References: Know Your Noise - National Acoustic Laboratories Pumping loud music is putting more than 1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss - University of Melbourne  A Partial History of Headphones - Smithsonian  Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis  Hearing thresholds, tinnitus, and headphone listening habits in nine-year-old children  Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Help or Hurt Hearing? - University of Colorado Tips for safe listening using headphones and earbuds – Hearing Australia   If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? Is there a cure for jet lag? Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Walking down the street, most people you pass will be wearing headphones or ear buds. Chances are you are too! But is this trend of noise-cancelling harming your ears or the way your brain processes sound? Norman and Tegan sound out the evidence on headphone use and hearing damage, and what you can do to protect your ears. References: Know Your Noise - National Acoustic Laboratories Pumping loud music is putting more than 1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss - University of Melbourne  A Partial History of Headphones - Smithsonian  Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis  Hearing thresholds, tinnitus, and headphone listening habits in nine-year-old children  Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Help or Hurt Hearing? - University of Colorado Tips for safe listening using headphones and earbuds – Hearing Australia   If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? Is there a cure for jet lag? Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever? Walking down the street, most people you pass will be wearing headphones or ear buds. Chances are you are too! But is this trend of noise-cancelling harming your ears or the way your brain processes sound? Norman and Tegan sound out the evidence on headphone use and hearing damage, and what you can do to protect your ears. References: Know Your Noise - National Acoustic Laboratories Pumping loud music is putting more than 1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss - University of Melbourne  A Partial History of Headphones - Smithsonian  Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis  Hearing thresholds, tinnitus, and headphone listening habits in nine-year-old children  Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Help or Hurt Hearing? - University of Colorado Tips for safe listening using headphones and earbuds – Hearing Australia   If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? Is there a cure for jet lag? Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Walking down the street, most people you pass will be wearing headphones or ear buds. Chances are you are too!

But is this trend of noise-cancelling harming your ears or the way your brain processes sound?

Norman and Tegan sound out the evidence on headphone use and hearing damage, and what you can do to protect your ears.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1375 Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/vitamin-c-cold-cancer-infusion/106409282 Many people believe that taking vitamin C supplements helps their immune system fight off colds. But there are even bigger claims attached to this supplement – that it not only boosts immunity, but fights cancer. Norman and Tegan introduce us to the Nobel laureate who pushed these theories decades ago, and whether there’s any truth to them. References: The Discovery of Vitamin C  Treatment for scurvy not discovered by Lind Linus Pauling’s Vitamin C Crusade Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix Fly A randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer The Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review  High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges  Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis  Two Faces of Vitamin C—Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent  Vitamin C - Australian Institute of Sport Vitamin C – EatforHealth.gov.au  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Multivitamins: Are they a scam? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is sitting the new smoking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Many people believe that taking vitamin C supplements helps their immune system fight off colds. But there are even bigger claims attached to this supplement – that it not only boosts immunity, but fights cancer. Norman and Tegan introduce us to the Nobel laureate who pushed these theories decades ago, and whether there’s any truth to them. References: The Discovery of Vitamin C  Treatment for scurvy not discovered by Lind Linus Pauling’s Vitamin C Crusade Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix Fly A randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer The Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review  High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges  Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis  Two Faces of Vitamin C—Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent  Vitamin C - Australian Institute of Sport Vitamin C – EatforHealth.gov.au  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Multivitamins: Are they a scam? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is sitting the new smoking? Many people believe that taking vitamin C supplements helps their immune system fight off colds. But there are even bigger claims attached to this supplement – that it not only boosts immunity, but fights cancer. Norman and Tegan introduce us to the Nobel laureate who pushed these theories decades ago, and whether there’s any truth to them. References: The Discovery of Vitamin C  Treatment for scurvy not discovered by Lind Linus Pauling’s Vitamin C Crusade Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix Fly A randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer The Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review  High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges  Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis  Two Faces of Vitamin C—Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent  Vitamin C - Australian Institute of Sport Vitamin C – EatforHealth.gov.au  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Multivitamins: Are they a scam? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is sitting the new smoking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Many people believe that taking vitamin C supplements helps their immune system fight off colds.

But there are even bigger claims attached to this supplement – that it not only boosts immunity, but fights cancer.

Norman and Tegan introduce us to the Nobel laureate who pushed these theories decades ago, and whether there’s any truth to them.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1184 Can peptides keep you young and buff? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/peptides-muscle-recovery-anti-ageing/106381292 Unless you're in certain corners of the internet, you won't be aware of the peptide craze promising to grow your muscles and slow ageing. That's because your average GP won't be printing a prescription for these injectable drugs, like BPC-157 or melanotan. Norman and Tegan discuss why there's so much fan fare over unproven peptides with some potentially nasty side effects. References: Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser–Resurfaced Skin  Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan - TGA Melanotan‐associated melanoma Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan – BMJ case study BPC-157: Experimental peptide prohibited - US Anti-Doping Authority Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study Safety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot Study Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain General practitioner disqualified for inappropriately prescribing peptides If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes? Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Unless you're in certain corners of the internet, you won't be aware of the peptide craze promising to grow your muscles and slow ageing. That's because your average GP won't be printing a prescription for these injectable drugs, like BPC-157 or melanotan. Norman and Tegan discuss why there's so much fan fare over unproven peptides with some potentially nasty side effects. References: Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser–Resurfaced Skin  Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan - TGA Melanotan‐associated melanoma Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan – BMJ case study BPC-157: Experimental peptide prohibited - US Anti-Doping Authority Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study Safety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot Study Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain General practitioner disqualified for inappropriately prescribing peptides If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes? Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Unless you're in certain corners of the internet, you won't be aware of the peptide craze promising to grow your muscles and slow ageing. That's because your average GP won't be printing a prescription for these injectable drugs, like BPC-157 or melanotan. Norman and Tegan discuss why there's so much fan fare over unproven peptides with some potentially nasty side effects. References: Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser–Resurfaced Skin  Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan - TGA Melanotan‐associated melanoma Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan – BMJ case study BPC-157: Experimental peptide prohibited - US Anti-Doping Authority Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study Safety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot Study Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain General practitioner disqualified for inappropriately prescribing peptides If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes? Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Unless you're in certain corners of the internet, you won't be aware of the peptide craze promising to grow your muscles and slow ageing.

That's because your average GP won't be printing a prescription for these injectable drugs, like BPC-157 or melanotan.

Norman and Tegan discuss why there's so much fan fare over unproven peptides with some potentially nasty side effects.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1454 Can flossing benefit more than your teeth? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/flossing-heart-dementia-benefits/106350428 Your dentist might be nagging you to floss to avoid cavities, but does flossing have more to given than pearly whites? Interdental cleaning has been recommended for a while, but for many people it’s a habit hard to maintain. Norman and Tegan pick through the history of flossing, and whether it can improve your heart and brain health too. Terms and conditions of our World Science Festival Brisbane ticket giveaway!  References: Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss? - NIH  Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults  Does flossing before or after brushing influence the reduction in the plaque index? A systematic review and meta-analysis Why would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected? - Harvard Health  Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million people Stronger connections made between oral health and Alzheimer's disease  Large study links gum disease with dementia  What Dentists Have to Say About Red-Light Therapy for Optimal Oral Health  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Your dentist might be nagging you to floss to avoid cavities, but does flossing have more to given than pearly whites? Interdental cleaning has been recommended for a while, but for many people it’s a habit hard to maintain. Norman and Tegan pick through the history of flossing, and whether it can improve your heart and brain health too. Terms and conditions of our World Science Festival Brisbane ticket giveaway!  References: Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss? - NIH  Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults  Does flossing before or after brushing influence the reduction in the plaque index? A systematic review and meta-analysis Why would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected? - Harvard Health  Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million people Stronger connections made between oral health and Alzheimer's disease  Large study links gum disease with dementia  What Dentists Have to Say About Red-Light Therapy for Optimal Oral Health  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Your dentist might be nagging you to floss to avoid cavities, but does flossing have more to given than pearly whites? Interdental cleaning has been recommended for a while, but for many people it’s a habit hard to maintain. Norman and Tegan pick through the history of flossing, and whether it can improve your heart and brain health too. Terms and conditions of our World Science Festival Brisbane ticket giveaway!  References: Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss? - NIH  Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults  Does flossing before or after brushing influence the reduction in the plaque index? A systematic review and meta-analysis Why would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected? - Harvard Health  Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million people Stronger connections made between oral health and Alzheimer's disease  Large study links gum disease with dementia  What Dentists Have to Say About Red-Light Therapy for Optimal Oral Health  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Your dentist might be nagging you to floss to avoid cavities, but does flossing have more to given than pearly whites?

Interdental cleaning has been recommended for a while, but for many people it’s a habit hard to maintain.

Norman and Tegan pick through the history of flossing, and whether it can improve your heart and brain health too.

Terms and conditions of our World Science Festival Brisbane ticket giveaway! 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1294 Doing nothing: the benefits of boredom https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/doing-nothing-boredom-screen-time/106325930 With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing? It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity. Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity. References: The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health  Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review   Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science  The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study   The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study   People are increasingly bored in our digital age If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer? Why are people taping their mouths? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing? It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity. Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity. References: The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health  Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review   Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science  The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study   The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study   People are increasingly bored in our digital age If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer? Why are people taping their mouths? With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing? It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity. Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity. References: The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health  Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review   Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science  The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study   The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study   People are increasingly bored in our digital age If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer? Why are people taping their mouths? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing?

It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity.

Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1369 Should we all be taking fish oil? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/fish-oil-omega-3-supplement/106295872 How many times a week are you eating fish? What about oily fish, like salmon and tuna? Our dietary guidelines recommend the regular consumption of fish to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and even macular degeneration. Norman and Tegan dig into the oily history of fish, and whether supplements can have the same effect. References: The Man with a Fish on His Back: In the late 19th century cod-liver oil was proclaimed the cure for many ailments "Fishing" for the origins of the "Eskimos and heart disease" story: facts or wishful thinking? Omega-3 Fatty Acids - National Institutes of Health The relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: evidence from cohort and Mendelian randomization analyses Omega‐3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study Associations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK Biobank Associations of fish oil supplementation with incident dementia: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort study Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review  Omega 3 fatty acids for preventing or slowing the progression of age‐related macular degeneration Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults Fish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia How many times a week are you eating fish? What about oily fish, like salmon and tuna? Our dietary guidelines recommend the regular consumption of fish to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and even macular degeneration. Norman and Tegan dig into the oily history of fish, and whether supplements can have the same effect. References: The Man with a Fish on His Back: In the late 19th century cod-liver oil was proclaimed the cure for many ailments "Fishing" for the origins of the "Eskimos and heart disease" story: facts or wishful thinking? Omega-3 Fatty Acids - National Institutes of Health The relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: evidence from cohort and Mendelian randomization analyses Omega‐3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study Associations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK Biobank Associations of fish oil supplementation with incident dementia: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort study Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review  Omega 3 fatty acids for preventing or slowing the progression of age‐related macular degeneration Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults Fish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? How many times a week are you eating fish? What about oily fish, like salmon and tuna? Our dietary guidelines recommend the regular consumption of fish to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and even macular degeneration. Norman and Tegan dig into the oily history of fish, and whether supplements can have the same effect. References: The Man with a Fish on His Back: In the late 19th century cod-liver oil was proclaimed the cure for many ailments "Fishing" for the origins of the "Eskimos and heart disease" story: facts or wishful thinking? Omega-3 Fatty Acids - National Institutes of Health The relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: evidence from cohort and Mendelian randomization analyses Omega‐3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study Associations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK Biobank Associations of fish oil supplementation with incident dementia: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort study Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review  Omega 3 fatty acids for preventing or slowing the progression of age‐related macular degeneration Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults Fish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices How many times a week are you eating fish? What about oily fish, like salmon and tuna?

Our dietary guidelines recommend the regular consumption of fish to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and even macular degeneration.

Norman and Tegan dig into the oily history of fish, and whether supplements can have the same effect.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1333 Should you wait to swim after eating? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/swimming-after-eating-wait/104690820 It’s so common to tell kids to wait an hour after eating to swim that many of us never question it. But what are the actual consequences of jumping straight back in the pool after you’ve had your lunch? Norman and Tegan tackle whether this advice is grounded in evidence, and discuss what you should actually avoid. References: Scouting for boys - 1908 The International Lifesaving Federation medical position statement 2014  Effect of food consumption on 200-yard freestyle swim performance The National Drowning Report 2025  Monday’s medical myth: wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim – the Conversation  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?  Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? Is being an Olympian bad for your health? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It’s so common to tell kids to wait an hour after eating to swim that many of us never question it. But what are the actual consequences of jumping straight back in the pool after you’ve had your lunch? Norman and Tegan tackle whether this advice is grounded in evidence, and discuss what you should actually avoid. References: Scouting for boys - 1908 The International Lifesaving Federation medical position statement 2014  Effect of food consumption on 200-yard freestyle swim performance The National Drowning Report 2025  Monday’s medical myth: wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim – the Conversation  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?  Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? Is being an Olympian bad for your health? It’s so common to tell kids to wait an hour after eating to swim that many of us never question it. But what are the actual consequences of jumping straight back in the pool after you’ve had your lunch? Norman and Tegan tackle whether this advice is grounded in evidence, and discuss what you should actually avoid. References: Scouting for boys - 1908 The International Lifesaving Federation medical position statement 2014  Effect of food consumption on 200-yard freestyle swim performance The National Drowning Report 2025  Monday’s medical myth: wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim – the Conversation  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?  Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? Is being an Olympian bad for your health? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s so common to tell kids to wait an hour after eating to swim that many of us never question it.

But what are the actual consequences of jumping straight back in the pool after you’ve had your lunch?

Norman and Tegan tackle whether this advice is grounded in evidence, and discuss what you should actually avoid.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 882 Is retirement bad for you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/retirement-health-impact-brain-body/106236998 Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains. After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing. Norman and Tegan unpack the complex story of what happens to your brain and body when you retire – depending on the job you had. References: How Retirement Was Invented: The earliest schemes for financial support in old age were pegged to life expectancy  Towards higher retirement incomes for Australians: a history of the Australian retirement income system since Federation  Impact of retirement transition on health, well-being and health behaviours: critical insights from an overview of reviews  Effect of retirement on cognitive function: the Whitehall II cohort study  Retirement or no Retirement? The Decision’s Effects on Cognitive Functioning, Well-Being, and Quality of Life Risk of Cognitive Declines With Retirement: Who Declines and Why? The Impact of Retirement on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies Retirement and mental health: Analysis of the Australian national survey of mental health and well-being The Effects of Retirement on Sense of Purpose in Life: Crisis or Opportunity? The Role of Meaning in the Retirement Transition: Scoping Review Life after work: how we can support retirees – R U OK?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? How much protein do you REALLY need? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains. After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing. Norman and Tegan unpack the complex story of what happens to your brain and body when you retire – depending on the job you had. References: How Retirement Was Invented: The earliest schemes for financial support in old age were pegged to life expectancy  Towards higher retirement incomes for Australians: a history of the Australian retirement income system since Federation  Impact of retirement transition on health, well-being and health behaviours: critical insights from an overview of reviews  Effect of retirement on cognitive function: the Whitehall II cohort study  Retirement or no Retirement? The Decision’s Effects on Cognitive Functioning, Well-Being, and Quality of Life Risk of Cognitive Declines With Retirement: Who Declines and Why? The Impact of Retirement on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies Retirement and mental health: Analysis of the Australian national survey of mental health and well-being The Effects of Retirement on Sense of Purpose in Life: Crisis or Opportunity? The Role of Meaning in the Retirement Transition: Scoping Review Life after work: how we can support retirees – R U OK?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? How much protein do you REALLY need? Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains. After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing. Norman and Tegan unpack the complex story of what happens to your brain and body when you retire – depending on the job you had. References: How Retirement Was Invented: The earliest schemes for financial support in old age were pegged to life expectancy  Towards higher retirement incomes for Australians: a history of the Australian retirement income system since Federation  Impact of retirement transition on health, well-being and health behaviours: critical insights from an overview of reviews  Effect of retirement on cognitive function: the Whitehall II cohort study  Retirement or no Retirement? The Decision’s Effects on Cognitive Functioning, Well-Being, and Quality of Life Risk of Cognitive Declines With Retirement: Who Declines and Why? The Impact of Retirement on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies Retirement and mental health: Analysis of the Australian national survey of mental health and well-being The Effects of Retirement on Sense of Purpose in Life: Crisis or Opportunity? The Role of Meaning in the Retirement Transition: Scoping Review Life after work: how we can support retirees – R U OK?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? How much protein do you REALLY need? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains.

After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing.

Norman and Tegan unpack the complex story of what happens to your brain and body when you retire – depending on the job you had.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1348 Diet vs exercise: which is more important? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/diet-vs-exercise-which-is-better/106114630 A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy.  Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined? Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas.  References: The history of nutritional sciences  Casimir Funk: The scientist who gave us the word 'vitamin'  How the Seven Countries Study contributed to the definition and development of the Mediterranean diet concept: A 50-year journey  Coronary Heart Disease and Physical Activity of Work Long-term effectiveness of diet-plus-exercise interventions vs. diet-only interventions for weight loss: a meta-analysis  Efficacy of dietary intervention or in combination with exercise on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review  Diet or diet plus physical activity versus usual care in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: the Early ACTID randomised controlled trial  Trading off dietary choices, physical exercise and cardiovascular disease risks  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Why the carnivore diet is so risky Is botox worth a shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy.  Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined? Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas.  References: The history of nutritional sciences  Casimir Funk: The scientist who gave us the word 'vitamin'  How the Seven Countries Study contributed to the definition and development of the Mediterranean diet concept: A 50-year journey  Coronary Heart Disease and Physical Activity of Work Long-term effectiveness of diet-plus-exercise interventions vs. diet-only interventions for weight loss: a meta-analysis  Efficacy of dietary intervention or in combination with exercise on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review  Diet or diet plus physical activity versus usual care in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: the Early ACTID randomised controlled trial  Trading off dietary choices, physical exercise and cardiovascular disease risks  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Why the carnivore diet is so risky Is botox worth a shot? A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy.  Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined? Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas.  References: The history of nutritional sciences  Casimir Funk: The scientist who gave us the word 'vitamin'  How the Seven Countries Study contributed to the definition and development of the Mediterranean diet concept: A 50-year journey  Coronary Heart Disease and Physical Activity of Work Long-term effectiveness of diet-plus-exercise interventions vs. diet-only interventions for weight loss: a meta-analysis  Efficacy of dietary intervention or in combination with exercise on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review  Diet or diet plus physical activity versus usual care in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: the Early ACTID randomised controlled trial  Trading off dietary choices, physical exercise and cardiovascular disease risks  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Why the carnivore diet is so risky Is botox worth a shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy. 

Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined?

Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas. 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1309 Why you don't need to avoid seed oils https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/seed-oils-bad-for-you/106018678 It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to).

But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you.

Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1064 Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/deodorant-natural-crystal/106018476 We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. This episode first aired on March 19, 2025.  References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. This episode first aired on March 19, 2025.  References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. This episode first aired on March 19, 2025.  References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best.

You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients.

Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks.

This episode first aired on March 19, 2025. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1111 Why do some people pee more often? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/pee-urinate-bladder/106018388 Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  This episode first aired on April 15, 2025.  References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  This episode first aired on April 15, 2025.  References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  This episode first aired on April 15, 2025.  References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour?

There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. 

But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape. 

This episode first aired on April 15, 2025. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1034 Sunscreen spectacular: UV protection, SPF drama, endocrine disruptors https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sunscreen-uv-spf-zinc-chemical/106095574 There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients. While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays. Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns. References: How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council  Sunscreen: a brief walk through history We tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICE TGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings  Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025  Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trial Mineral vs chemical sunscreens  Can your sunscreen expire?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? We all need a daily dose of sunlight — but how much?  Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients. While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays. Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns. References: How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council  Sunscreen: a brief walk through history We tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICE TGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings  Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025  Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trial Mineral vs chemical sunscreens  Can your sunscreen expire?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? We all need a daily dose of sunlight — but how much?  Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients. While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays. Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns. References: How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council  Sunscreen: a brief walk through history We tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICE TGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings  Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025  Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trial Mineral vs chemical sunscreens  Can your sunscreen expire?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? We all need a daily dose of sunlight — but how much?  Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients.

While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays.

Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1337 Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/creatine-menopause-brain-fog-cognition/106114628 Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners. It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits. Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential. References: Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition  Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review - Nutrients  Creatine in Health and Disease  Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and Cachexia Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition  The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial  It Is Not Just About Storing Energy: The Multifaceted Role of Creatine Metabolism on Cancer Biology and Immunology Creatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial  International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners. It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits. Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential. References: Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition  Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review - Nutrients  Creatine in Health and Disease  Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and Cachexia Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition  The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial  It Is Not Just About Storing Energy: The Multifaceted Role of Creatine Metabolism on Cancer Biology and Immunology Creatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial  International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you? Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners. It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits. Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential. References: Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition  Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review - Nutrients  Creatine in Health and Disease  Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and Cachexia Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition  The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial  It Is Not Just About Storing Energy: The Multifaceted Role of Creatine Metabolism on Cancer Biology and Immunology Creatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial  International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners.

It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits.

Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1407 Why do we dream? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-do-we-dream-sleep-rem/106049458 Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated. There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down. Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations. References: Dreams: Why They Happen & What They Mean – Sleep Foundation  Time for actions in lucid dreams: effects of task modality, length, and complexity  High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network Connectivity fMRI Evidence for Default Mode Network Deactivation Associated with Rapid Eye Movements in Sleep  The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic review Nightmares affect the experience of sleep quality but not sleep architecture: an ambulatory polysomnographic study  Gender differences in dreaming: Are they stable over time? Isotretinoin use and reports of sustained dreaming | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford Academic Dreaming under antidepressants: A systematic review on evidence in depressive patients and healthy volunteers Nightmare and Abnormal Dreams: Rare Side Effects of Metformin? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the deal with night terrors? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated. There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down. Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations. References: Dreams: Why They Happen & What They Mean – Sleep Foundation  Time for actions in lucid dreams: effects of task modality, length, and complexity  High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network Connectivity fMRI Evidence for Default Mode Network Deactivation Associated with Rapid Eye Movements in Sleep  The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic review Nightmares affect the experience of sleep quality but not sleep architecture: an ambulatory polysomnographic study  Gender differences in dreaming: Are they stable over time? Isotretinoin use and reports of sustained dreaming | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford Academic Dreaming under antidepressants: A systematic review on evidence in depressive patients and healthy volunteers Nightmare and Abnormal Dreams: Rare Side Effects of Metformin? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the deal with night terrors? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides? Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated. There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down. Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations. References: Dreams: Why They Happen & What They Mean – Sleep Foundation  Time for actions in lucid dreams: effects of task modality, length, and complexity  High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network Connectivity fMRI Evidence for Default Mode Network Deactivation Associated with Rapid Eye Movements in Sleep  The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic review Nightmares affect the experience of sleep quality but not sleep architecture: an ambulatory polysomnographic study  Gender differences in dreaming: Are they stable over time? Isotretinoin use and reports of sustained dreaming | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford Academic Dreaming under antidepressants: A systematic review on evidence in depressive patients and healthy volunteers Nightmare and Abnormal Dreams: Rare Side Effects of Metformin? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the deal with night terrors? How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated.

There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down.

Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1375 What's the best time of day to exercise? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/exercise-morning-night-timing/106023666 When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one? You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm. Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person. References: Association of the time of day of peak physical activity with cardiovascular mortality: Findings from the UK Biobank Study Setting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population  Best Time of Day for Strength and Endurance Training to Improve Health and Performance? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis  Gold, silver or bronze: circadian variation strongly affects performance in Olympic athletes Diurnal variation in tennis service The effects of exercise session timing on weight loss and components of energy balance: midwest exercise trial 2  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one? You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm. Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person. References: Association of the time of day of peak physical activity with cardiovascular mortality: Findings from the UK Biobank Study Setting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population  Best Time of Day for Strength and Endurance Training to Improve Health and Performance? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis  Gold, silver or bronze: circadian variation strongly affects performance in Olympic athletes Diurnal variation in tennis service The effects of exercise session timing on weight loss and components of energy balance: midwest exercise trial 2  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one? You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm. Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person. References: Association of the time of day of peak physical activity with cardiovascular mortality: Findings from the UK Biobank Study Setting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population  Best Time of Day for Strength and Endurance Training to Improve Health and Performance? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis  Gold, silver or bronze: circadian variation strongly affects performance in Olympic athletes Diurnal variation in tennis service The effects of exercise session timing on weight loss and components of energy balance: midwest exercise trial 2  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one?

You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm.

Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 996 Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/alkaline-acid-diet-lifestyle/106022368 Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening. So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer. Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease. References: Physiology, Acid Base Balance The effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of man Urine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population study Why is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson  Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisis Diet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A Review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? MSG's messy myths and racist tropes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening. So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer. Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease. References: Physiology, Acid Base Balance The effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of man Urine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population study Why is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson  Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisis Diet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A Review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? MSG's messy myths and racist tropes Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening. So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer. Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease. References: Physiology, Acid Base Balance The effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of man Urine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population study Why is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson  Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisis Diet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A Review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? MSG's messy myths and racist tropes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening.

So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer.

Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1238 Anything wrong with falling asleep in front of the TV? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/tv-sleep-blue-light/105994966 You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep. What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off? Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure. References: Exploring the Bob Ross effect: A psychophysiological investigation Binge Viewing, Sleep, and the Role of Pre-Sleep Arousal | Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine The inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm  Morning and Evening Blue-Enriched Light Exposure Alters Metabolic Function in Normal Weight Adults Mitigating the Effects of Blue Light - Sleep Foundation  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep. What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off? Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure. References: Exploring the Bob Ross effect: A psychophysiological investigation Binge Viewing, Sleep, and the Role of Pre-Sleep Arousal | Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine The inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm  Morning and Evening Blue-Enriched Light Exposure Alters Metabolic Function in Normal Weight Adults Mitigating the Effects of Blue Light - Sleep Foundation  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you? You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep. What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off? Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure. References: Exploring the Bob Ross effect: A psychophysiological investigation Binge Viewing, Sleep, and the Role of Pre-Sleep Arousal | Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine The inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm  Morning and Evening Blue-Enriched Light Exposure Alters Metabolic Function in Normal Weight Adults Mitigating the Effects of Blue Light - Sleep Foundation  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep.

What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off?

Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1297 Difference between dry needling and acupuncture? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/dry-needling-acupuncture-pain/105968856 If you've seen a physiotherapist, you might’ve undergone needling with the promise it will reduce your pain. Did you receive dry needling or acupuncture? How can you tell the difference between the two? Norman and Tegan poke through the evidence to find out how effective these techniques can be. References: Similarities between Ashi acupoints and myofascial trigger points: Exploring the relationship between body surface treatment points  Dry Needling versus Acupuncture: The Ongoing Debate Acupuncture: Past, Present, and Future  Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain—An Umbrella Review  Methodological challenges in design and conduct of randomised controlled trials in acupuncture  Needling Point Location Used in Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis Comparison of dry needling and trigger point manual therapy in patients with neck and upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis Acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of sham-controlled randomized clinical trials Magic tricks are helping scientists understand the placebo effect and pain - ABC News If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Is gluten really the enemy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you've seen a physiotherapist, you might’ve undergone needling with the promise it will reduce your pain. Did you receive dry needling or acupuncture? How can you tell the difference between the two? Norman and Tegan poke through the evidence to find out how effective these techniques can be. References: Similarities between Ashi acupoints and myofascial trigger points: Exploring the relationship between body surface treatment points  Dry Needling versus Acupuncture: The Ongoing Debate Acupuncture: Past, Present, and Future  Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain—An Umbrella Review  Methodological challenges in design and conduct of randomised controlled trials in acupuncture  Needling Point Location Used in Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis Comparison of dry needling and trigger point manual therapy in patients with neck and upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis Acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of sham-controlled randomized clinical trials Magic tricks are helping scientists understand the placebo effect and pain - ABC News If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Is gluten really the enemy? If you've seen a physiotherapist, you might’ve undergone needling with the promise it will reduce your pain. Did you receive dry needling or acupuncture? How can you tell the difference between the two? Norman and Tegan poke through the evidence to find out how effective these techniques can be. References: Similarities between Ashi acupoints and myofascial trigger points: Exploring the relationship between body surface treatment points  Dry Needling versus Acupuncture: The Ongoing Debate Acupuncture: Past, Present, and Future  Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain—An Umbrella Review  Methodological challenges in design and conduct of randomised controlled trials in acupuncture  Needling Point Location Used in Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis Comparison of dry needling and trigger point manual therapy in patients with neck and upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis Acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of sham-controlled randomized clinical trials Magic tricks are helping scientists understand the placebo effect and pain - ABC News If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Is gluten really the enemy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you've seen a physiotherapist, you might’ve undergone needling with the promise it will reduce your pain.

Did you receive dry needling or acupuncture? How can you tell the difference between the two?

Norman and Tegan poke through the evidence to find out how effective these techniques can be.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1354 What is lead doing in protein powder? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lead-protein-powder-shake/105915380 You might’ve seen headlines about high levels of lead being found in common protein supplements. With these products becoming more popular, the news has some eager gym-goers concerned about what they’re consuming. Norman and Tegan discuss how these results compare to our historical exposure – from Ancient Rome to Australia in the 1960s. References: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead - Consumer Reports Bioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects on human: A review  Lead in Food and Foodwares - FDA  Low Level Lead Exposure: History and Discovery  Lead Toxicity: an Australian Perspective  Some US protein powders contain high levels of lead. Can I tell if mine is safe? - the Conversation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How much protein do you REALLY need? Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Why do hangovers get worse as we age? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might’ve seen headlines about high levels of lead being found in common protein supplements. With these products becoming more popular, the news has some eager gym-goers concerned about what they’re consuming. Norman and Tegan discuss how these results compare to our historical exposure – from Ancient Rome to Australia in the 1960s. References: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead - Consumer Reports Bioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects on human: A review  Lead in Food and Foodwares - FDA  Low Level Lead Exposure: History and Discovery  Lead Toxicity: an Australian Perspective  Some US protein powders contain high levels of lead. Can I tell if mine is safe? - the Conversation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How much protein do you REALLY need? Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Why do hangovers get worse as we age? You might’ve seen headlines about high levels of lead being found in common protein supplements. With these products becoming more popular, the news has some eager gym-goers concerned about what they’re consuming. Norman and Tegan discuss how these results compare to our historical exposure – from Ancient Rome to Australia in the 1960s. References: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead - Consumer Reports Bioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects on human: A review  Lead in Food and Foodwares - FDA  Low Level Lead Exposure: History and Discovery  Lead Toxicity: an Australian Perspective  Some US protein powders contain high levels of lead. Can I tell if mine is safe? - the Conversation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How much protein do you REALLY need? Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Why do hangovers get worse as we age? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might’ve seen headlines about high levels of lead being found in common protein supplements.

With these products becoming more popular, the news has some eager gym-goers concerned about what they’re consuming.

Norman and Tegan discuss how these results compare to our historical exposure – from Ancient Rome to Australia in the 1960s.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1402 Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/fragrances-perfumes-health-harms/105915378 Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume. Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products? Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried. References: The first chemist in history may have been a female perfumer – here’s how the science of scents has changed since - the Conversation  A Smelling Trip into the Past: The Influence of Synthetic Materials on the History of Perfumery Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products – University of Melbourne Effects by inhalation of abundant fragrances in indoor air – An overview  Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction Synthetic Endocrine Disruptors in Fragranced Products  Do fragrant products like perfume, toilet paper and baby wipes cause cancer? - Cancer Council  Characterization of phthalates exposure and risk for cosmetics and perfume sales clerks  Chemical exposure and lung function in fragrance industry employees  Butter and Plant-Based Oils Intake and Mortality - JAMA If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Are mobile phones giving us cancer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume. Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products? Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried. References: The first chemist in history may have been a female perfumer – here’s how the science of scents has changed since - the Conversation  A Smelling Trip into the Past: The Influence of Synthetic Materials on the History of Perfumery Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products – University of Melbourne Effects by inhalation of abundant fragrances in indoor air – An overview  Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction Synthetic Endocrine Disruptors in Fragranced Products  Do fragrant products like perfume, toilet paper and baby wipes cause cancer? - Cancer Council  Characterization of phthalates exposure and risk for cosmetics and perfume sales clerks  Chemical exposure and lung function in fragrance industry employees  Butter and Plant-Based Oils Intake and Mortality - JAMA If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Are mobile phones giving us cancer? Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume. Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products? Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried. References: The first chemist in history may have been a female perfumer – here’s how the science of scents has changed since - the Conversation  A Smelling Trip into the Past: The Influence of Synthetic Materials on the History of Perfumery Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products – University of Melbourne Effects by inhalation of abundant fragrances in indoor air – An overview  Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction Synthetic Endocrine Disruptors in Fragranced Products  Do fragrant products like perfume, toilet paper and baby wipes cause cancer? - Cancer Council  Characterization of phthalates exposure and risk for cosmetics and perfume sales clerks  Chemical exposure and lung function in fragrance industry employees  Butter and Plant-Based Oils Intake and Mortality - JAMA If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Are mobile phones giving us cancer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume.

Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products?

Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1335 Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/flexibility-stretching-recovery-mobility/105884164 Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes. But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing? Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it? References: Genetics of Muscle Stiffness, Muscle Elasticity and Explosive Strength Genetic associations of body composition, flexibility and injury risk with ACE, ACTN3 and COL5A1 polymorphisms in Korean ballerinas Whole-spine dynamic magnetic resonance study of contortionists: anatomy and pathology Practical recommendations on stretching exercise: A Delphi consensus statement of international research experts The ideal stretching routine – Harvard Health How stretching actually changes your muscles - Malachy McHugh for Ted-Ed If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull What on earth is grounding?! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes. But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing? Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it? References: Genetics of Muscle Stiffness, Muscle Elasticity and Explosive Strength Genetic associations of body composition, flexibility and injury risk with ACE, ACTN3 and COL5A1 polymorphisms in Korean ballerinas Whole-spine dynamic magnetic resonance study of contortionists: anatomy and pathology Practical recommendations on stretching exercise: A Delphi consensus statement of international research experts The ideal stretching routine – Harvard Health How stretching actually changes your muscles - Malachy McHugh for Ted-Ed If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull What on earth is grounding?! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes. But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing? Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it? References: Genetics of Muscle Stiffness, Muscle Elasticity and Explosive Strength Genetic associations of body composition, flexibility and injury risk with ACE, ACTN3 and COL5A1 polymorphisms in Korean ballerinas Whole-spine dynamic magnetic resonance study of contortionists: anatomy and pathology Practical recommendations on stretching exercise: A Delphi consensus statement of international research experts The ideal stretching routine – Harvard Health How stretching actually changes your muscles - Malachy McHugh for Ted-Ed If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull What on earth is grounding?! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes.

But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing?

Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it?

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1386 Butter vs margarine: what's better for you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/butter-margarine-fats-cholesterol/105861996 The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century. So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food? Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day. References: The Butter Wars: When Margarine Was Pink – National Geographic  The Butter-Margarine Controversy - 1946 What the margarine vs butter argument says about nutrition – University of Melbourne Dietary fats - Healthdirect  What’s better, butter or margarine? - Diabetes Australia  Serum cholesterol response to replacing butter with a new trans-free margarine in hypercholesterolemic subjects Individual Cholesterol Variation in Response to a Margarine- or Butter-Based Diet: A Study in Families Effects of margarines and butter consumption on lipid profiles, inflammation markers and lipid transfer to HDL particles in free-living subjects with the metabolic syndrome BMI modifies the effect of dietary fat on atherogenic lipids: a randomized clinical trial From margarine to butter: predictors of changing bread spread in an 11-year population follow-up Association between dairy intake and multiple health outcomes: a scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses | European Journal of Clinical Nutrition  Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses on Consumption of Different Food Groups and Risk of All-cause Mortality - ScienceDirect If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is emu oil the new snake oil? Is daylight saving time bad for us? Should you be avoiding nightshades? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century. So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food? Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day. References: The Butter Wars: When Margarine Was Pink – National Geographic  The Butter-Margarine Controversy - 1946 What the margarine vs butter argument says about nutrition – University of Melbourne Dietary fats - Healthdirect  What’s better, butter or margarine? - Diabetes Australia  Serum cholesterol response to replacing butter with a new trans-free margarine in hypercholesterolemic subjects Individual Cholesterol Variation in Response to a Margarine- or Butter-Based Diet: A Study in Families Effects of margarines and butter consumption on lipid profiles, inflammation markers and lipid transfer to HDL particles in free-living subjects with the metabolic syndrome BMI modifies the effect of dietary fat on atherogenic lipids: a randomized clinical trial From margarine to butter: predictors of changing bread spread in an 11-year population follow-up Association between dairy intake and multiple health outcomes: a scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses | European Journal of Clinical Nutrition  Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses on Consumption of Different Food Groups and Risk of All-cause Mortality - ScienceDirect If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is emu oil the new snake oil? Is daylight saving time bad for us? Should you be avoiding nightshades? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century. So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food? Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day. References: The Butter Wars: When Margarine Was Pink – National Geographic  The Butter-Margarine Controversy - 1946 What the margarine vs butter argument says about nutrition – University of Melbourne Dietary fats - Healthdirect  What’s better, butter or margarine? - Diabetes Australia  Serum cholesterol response to replacing butter with a new trans-free margarine in hypercholesterolemic subjects Individual Cholesterol Variation in Response to a Margarine- or Butter-Based Diet: A Study in Families Effects of margarines and butter consumption on lipid profiles, inflammation markers and lipid transfer to HDL particles in free-living subjects with the metabolic syndrome BMI modifies the effect of dietary fat on atherogenic lipids: a randomized clinical trial From margarine to butter: predictors of changing bread spread in an 11-year population follow-up Association between dairy intake and multiple health outcomes: a scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses | European Journal of Clinical Nutrition  Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses on Consumption of Different Food Groups and Risk of All-cause Mortality - ScienceDirect If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is emu oil the new snake oil? Is daylight saving time bad for us? Should you be avoiding nightshades? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century.

So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food?

Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1290 No-poo: why do we shampoo our hair? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/shampoo-conditioner-no-poo-wash/105834320 Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary? The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all. Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place. References: Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and Purity Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know? The "No-poo" Craze: What do Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Adele and Howie Mandel have in common? They don’t "poo" - McGill University Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing Unlocking the secrets of the hair microbiome: From scalp health to therapeutic advances Parabens in Cosmetics - US Food and Drug Administration If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? Which hair loss treatments actually work? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary? The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all. Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place. References: Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and Purity Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know? The "No-poo" Craze: What do Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Adele and Howie Mandel have in common? They don’t "poo" - McGill University Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing Unlocking the secrets of the hair microbiome: From scalp health to therapeutic advances Parabens in Cosmetics - US Food and Drug Administration If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? Which hair loss treatments actually work? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary? The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all. Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place. References: Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and Purity Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know? The "No-poo" Craze: What do Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Adele and Howie Mandel have in common? They don’t "poo" - McGill University Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing Unlocking the secrets of the hair microbiome: From scalp health to therapeutic advances Parabens in Cosmetics - US Food and Drug Administration If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? Which hair loss treatments actually work? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary?

The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all.

Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1141 Is running bad for your knees? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/running-joints-knees-good-bad/105806816 It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints. It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse. Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club trend? References:  Running and your knees - ABC listen Effects of Running on the Development of Knee Osteoarthritis: An Updated Systematic Review at Short-Term Follow-up The Association of Recreational and Competitive Running With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis The risk of osteoarthritis with running and aging: a 5-year longitudinal study. - Abstract Can marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort study How much running is too much? Identifying high-risk running sessions in a 5200-person cohort study Using metformin to treat knee osteoarthritis - ABC listen Changing the brain to reduce pain and walk the Camino - ABC listen Metabolic syndrome meets osteoarthritis | Nature Reviews Rheumatology Mechanical loading and orthobiologic therapies in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA): a comprehensive review Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is sitting the new smoking? Sweaty sauna bathing for better health Is being an Olympian bad for your health? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints. It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse. Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club trend? References:  Running and your knees - ABC listen Effects of Running on the Development of Knee Osteoarthritis: An Updated Systematic Review at Short-Term Follow-up The Association of Recreational and Competitive Running With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis The risk of osteoarthritis with running and aging: a 5-year longitudinal study. - Abstract Can marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort study How much running is too much? Identifying high-risk running sessions in a 5200-person cohort study Using metformin to treat knee osteoarthritis - ABC listen Changing the brain to reduce pain and walk the Camino - ABC listen Metabolic syndrome meets osteoarthritis | Nature Reviews Rheumatology Mechanical loading and orthobiologic therapies in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA): a comprehensive review Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is sitting the new smoking? Sweaty sauna bathing for better health Is being an Olympian bad for your health? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints. It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse. Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club trend? References:  Running and your knees - ABC listen Effects of Running on the Development of Knee Osteoarthritis: An Updated Systematic Review at Short-Term Follow-up The Association of Recreational and Competitive Running With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis The risk of osteoarthritis with running and aging: a 5-year longitudinal study. - Abstract Can marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort study How much running is too much? Identifying high-risk running sessions in a 5200-person cohort study Using metformin to treat knee osteoarthritis - ABC listen Changing the brain to reduce pain and walk the Camino - ABC listen Metabolic syndrome meets osteoarthritis | Nature Reviews Rheumatology Mechanical loading and orthobiologic therapies in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA): a comprehensive review Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is sitting the new smoking? Sweaty sauna bathing for better health Is being an Olympian bad for your health? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints.

It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse.

Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club trend?

References: 

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1308 Is loving your pets bad for you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/dogs-cats-mental-health/105778242 A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed. So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend? Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate. References: If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema? | WEHI Zoonotic diseases and pets | American Veterinary Medical Association  Behavioral changes induced by Toxoplasma infection of rodents are highly specific to aversion of cat odors | PNAS Pet Ownership and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature Is Dog Ownership Associated with Mental Health? A Population Study of 68,362 Adults Living in England No beneficial associations between living with a pet and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large UK longitudinal sample - ScienceDirect Pet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation: a systematic review | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology The Relationship Between Attachment to Pets and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review  Pet ownership and maintenance of cognitive function in community-residing older adults: evidence from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) | Scientific Reports Dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without a dog: An investigation of the association between dog ownership and physical activity levels in a UK community | Scientific Reports  A modest protective association between pet ownership and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis | PLOS One Dog, cat, bird, fish, and other pet ownership and mortality: Evidence from the HILDA cohort Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners | Scientific Reports If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is daylight saving time bad for us? MSG's messy myths and racist tropes You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed. So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend? Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate. References: If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema? | WEHI Zoonotic diseases and pets | American Veterinary Medical Association  Behavioral changes induced by Toxoplasma infection of rodents are highly specific to aversion of cat odors | PNAS Pet Ownership and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature Is Dog Ownership Associated with Mental Health? A Population Study of 68,362 Adults Living in England No beneficial associations between living with a pet and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large UK longitudinal sample - ScienceDirect Pet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation: a systematic review | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology The Relationship Between Attachment to Pets and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review  Pet ownership and maintenance of cognitive function in community-residing older adults: evidence from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) | Scientific Reports Dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without a dog: An investigation of the association between dog ownership and physical activity levels in a UK community | Scientific Reports  A modest protective association between pet ownership and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis | PLOS One Dog, cat, bird, fish, and other pet ownership and mortality: Evidence from the HILDA cohort Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners | Scientific Reports If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is daylight saving time bad for us? MSG's messy myths and racist tropes You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed. So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend? Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate. References: If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema? | WEHI Zoonotic diseases and pets | American Veterinary Medical Association  Behavioral changes induced by Toxoplasma infection of rodents are highly specific to aversion of cat odors | PNAS Pet Ownership and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature Is Dog Ownership Associated with Mental Health? A Population Study of 68,362 Adults Living in England No beneficial associations between living with a pet and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large UK longitudinal sample - ScienceDirect Pet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation: a systematic review | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology The Relationship Between Attachment to Pets and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review  Pet ownership and maintenance of cognitive function in community-residing older adults: evidence from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) | Scientific Reports Dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without a dog: An investigation of the association between dog ownership and physical activity levels in a UK community | Scientific Reports  A modest protective association between pet ownership and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis | PLOS One Dog, cat, bird, fish, and other pet ownership and mortality: Evidence from the HILDA cohort Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners | Scientific Reports If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is daylight saving time bad for us? MSG's messy myths and racist tropes You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed.

So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend?

Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1313 Checking the pollen count? Here are some hay fever tips https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hay-fever-allergies-pollen/105747854 It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common allergy. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it.  This episode first aired on October 23, 2024.  References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common allergy. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it.  This episode first aired on October 23, 2024.  References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common allergy. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it.  This episode first aired on October 23, 2024.  References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common allergy.

Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it.

Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it. 

This episode first aired on October 23, 2024. 

References:

You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1045 Is there a cure for jet lag? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/jet-lag-overseas-travel/105722120 It’s a tale as old as air travel … you’re off on a whirlwind holiday but spend the first week suffering from fatigue. If you ask anyone about jet lag they’ll have their own tips, but what are some evidence-based ways to reset your body clock? Norman and Tegan talk through some of the ways you can adjust to a totally different timezone. References: Time-zone effects on the long-distance air traveler - 1969 Jet lag syndrome: circadian organization, pathophysiology, and management strategies An Abrupt Shift in the Day/Night Cycle Causes Desynchrony in the Mammalian Circadian Center The genetics of mammalian circadian order and disorder: implications for physiology and disease How To Travel the World Without Jet Lag Eastward Jet Lag is Associated with Impaired Performance and Game Outcome in the National Basketball Association Managing Travel Fatigue and Jet Lag in Athletes: A Review and Consensus Statement Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag | Cochrane Review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Chronotypes: Early birds vs night owls Is daylight saving time bad for us? What is the perfect nap duration? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It’s a tale as old as air travel … you’re off on a whirlwind holiday but spend the first week suffering from fatigue. If you ask anyone about jet lag they’ll have their own tips, but what are some evidence-based ways to reset your body clock? Norman and Tegan talk through some of the ways you can adjust to a totally different timezone. References: Time-zone effects on the long-distance air traveler - 1969 Jet lag syndrome: circadian organization, pathophysiology, and management strategies An Abrupt Shift in the Day/Night Cycle Causes Desynchrony in the Mammalian Circadian Center The genetics of mammalian circadian order and disorder: implications for physiology and disease How To Travel the World Without Jet Lag Eastward Jet Lag is Associated with Impaired Performance and Game Outcome in the National Basketball Association Managing Travel Fatigue and Jet Lag in Athletes: A Review and Consensus Statement Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag | Cochrane Review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Chronotypes: Early birds vs night owls Is daylight saving time bad for us? What is the perfect nap duration? It’s a tale as old as air travel … you’re off on a whirlwind holiday but spend the first week suffering from fatigue. If you ask anyone about jet lag they’ll have their own tips, but what are some evidence-based ways to reset your body clock? Norman and Tegan talk through some of the ways you can adjust to a totally different timezone. References: Time-zone effects on the long-distance air traveler - 1969 Jet lag syndrome: circadian organization, pathophysiology, and management strategies An Abrupt Shift in the Day/Night Cycle Causes Desynchrony in the Mammalian Circadian Center The genetics of mammalian circadian order and disorder: implications for physiology and disease How To Travel the World Without Jet Lag Eastward Jet Lag is Associated with Impaired Performance and Game Outcome in the National Basketball Association Managing Travel Fatigue and Jet Lag in Athletes: A Review and Consensus Statement Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag | Cochrane Review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Chronotypes: Early birds vs night owls Is daylight saving time bad for us? What is the perfect nap duration? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s a tale as old as air travel … you’re off on a whirlwind holiday but spend the first week suffering from fatigue.

If you ask anyone about jet lag they’ll have their own tips, but what are some evidence-based ways to reset your body clock?

Norman and Tegan talk through some of the ways you can adjust to a totally different timezone.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1331 Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/dont-die-bryan-johnson-longevity/105697518 If you haven’t heard of the Don’t Die movement or Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol, then buckle in. Johnson is a millionaire who is pouring his money into a massive effort to stay as young as possible, for as long as possible. Norman and Tegan unpack the basics of his routine, and some of his whackier attempts to turn back the biological clock. References: DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation biomarker of the pace of aging How old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be? Plasma-Based Strategies for Therapeutic Modulation of Brain Aging Infusion of young donor plasma components in older patients modifies the immune and inflammatory response to surgical tissue injury: a randomized clinical trial | Journal of Translational Medicine Old plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical study Metformin as Anti-Aging Therapy: Is It for Everyone? Targeting ageing with rapamycin and its derivatives in humans: a systematic review - The Lancet Healthy Longevity A Phase 1/2a Follistatin Gene Therapy Trial for Becker Muscular Dystrophy Follistatin Gene Therapy Improves Ambulation in Becker Muscular Dystrophy If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Can you train yourself to sleep less? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you haven’t heard of the Don’t Die movement or Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol, then buckle in. Johnson is a millionaire who is pouring his money into a massive effort to stay as young as possible, for as long as possible. Norman and Tegan unpack the basics of his routine, and some of his whackier attempts to turn back the biological clock. References: DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation biomarker of the pace of aging How old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be? Plasma-Based Strategies for Therapeutic Modulation of Brain Aging Infusion of young donor plasma components in older patients modifies the immune and inflammatory response to surgical tissue injury: a randomized clinical trial | Journal of Translational Medicine Old plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical study Metformin as Anti-Aging Therapy: Is It for Everyone? Targeting ageing with rapamycin and its derivatives in humans: a systematic review - The Lancet Healthy Longevity A Phase 1/2a Follistatin Gene Therapy Trial for Becker Muscular Dystrophy Follistatin Gene Therapy Improves Ambulation in Becker Muscular Dystrophy If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Can you train yourself to sleep less? If you haven’t heard of the Don’t Die movement or Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol, then buckle in. Johnson is a millionaire who is pouring his money into a massive effort to stay as young as possible, for as long as possible. Norman and Tegan unpack the basics of his routine, and some of his whackier attempts to turn back the biological clock. References: DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation biomarker of the pace of aging How old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be? Plasma-Based Strategies for Therapeutic Modulation of Brain Aging Infusion of young donor plasma components in older patients modifies the immune and inflammatory response to surgical tissue injury: a randomized clinical trial | Journal of Translational Medicine Old plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical study Metformin as Anti-Aging Therapy: Is It for Everyone? Targeting ageing with rapamycin and its derivatives in humans: a systematic review - The Lancet Healthy Longevity A Phase 1/2a Follistatin Gene Therapy Trial for Becker Muscular Dystrophy Follistatin Gene Therapy Improves Ambulation in Becker Muscular Dystrophy If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Can you train yourself to sleep less? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you haven’t heard of the Don’t Die movement or Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol, then buckle in.

Johnson is a millionaire who is pouring his money into a massive effort to stay as young as possible, for as long as possible.

Norman and Tegan unpack the basics of his routine, and some of his whackier attempts to turn back the biological clock.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1735 Should you cut or chuck mouldy food? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/mould-cut-around-off/105646646 You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there.  So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag? Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane.  References: Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices of bread is mostly limited to the immediate vicinity of the visible infestation Aflatoxins - National Cancer Institute Ergot poisoning: Symptoms, treatment, and history The expert verdict on whether it's ever OK to cut off the mould on food and eat the rest - ABC News Disgust as an adaptive system for disease avoidance behaviour Yucky! How Do Toddlers Learn About Disgust? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why the carnivore diet is so risky Cracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there.  So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag? Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane.  References: Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices of bread is mostly limited to the immediate vicinity of the visible infestation Aflatoxins - National Cancer Institute Ergot poisoning: Symptoms, treatment, and history The expert verdict on whether it's ever OK to cut off the mould on food and eat the rest - ABC News Disgust as an adaptive system for disease avoidance behaviour Yucky! How Do Toddlers Learn About Disgust? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why the carnivore diet is so risky Cracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying? You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there.  So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag? Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane.  References: Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices of bread is mostly limited to the immediate vicinity of the visible infestation Aflatoxins - National Cancer Institute Ergot poisoning: Symptoms, treatment, and history The expert verdict on whether it's ever OK to cut off the mould on food and eat the rest - ABC News Disgust as an adaptive system for disease avoidance behaviour Yucky! How Do Toddlers Learn About Disgust? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why the carnivore diet is so risky Cracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there. 

So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag?

Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane. 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1199 Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sick-cold-flu-exercise/105644748 It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re congested and miserable, but we swear it’s a genuine question we get asked. When you’ve got exercise baked into your routine, do you have to take a break when you’re unwell? Norman and Tegan unpack the nuance of exercising when you’re sick – when you can, and when you can’t. References: The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system Moderate exercise induces trained immunity in macrophages | American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology Higher risk of upper respiratory tract infection post marathon running: when physical exercise becomes a threat to the immune system Sport and exercise during viral acute respiratory illness—Time to revisit Exercise effect on symptom severity, morbidity and mortality in viral infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis Effects of 60-day bed rest with and without exercise on cellular and humoral immunological parameters | Cellular & Molecular Immunology The effect of exercise training on the severity and duration of a viral upper respiratory illness Orthostatic reactions and blood volumes after moderate physical activation during acute febrile infections Exercising while sick won’t help you get over a cold faster – but it may prevent your next one If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you train yourself to pee less? Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Is sitting the new smoking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re congested and miserable, but we swear it’s a genuine question we get asked. When you’ve got exercise baked into your routine, do you have to take a break when you’re unwell? Norman and Tegan unpack the nuance of exercising when you’re sick – when you can, and when you can’t. References: The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system Moderate exercise induces trained immunity in macrophages | American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology Higher risk of upper respiratory tract infection post marathon running: when physical exercise becomes a threat to the immune system Sport and exercise during viral acute respiratory illness—Time to revisit Exercise effect on symptom severity, morbidity and mortality in viral infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis Effects of 60-day bed rest with and without exercise on cellular and humoral immunological parameters | Cellular & Molecular Immunology The effect of exercise training on the severity and duration of a viral upper respiratory illness Orthostatic reactions and blood volumes after moderate physical activation during acute febrile infections Exercising while sick won’t help you get over a cold faster – but it may prevent your next one If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you train yourself to pee less? Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Is sitting the new smoking? It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re congested and miserable, but we swear it’s a genuine question we get asked. When you’ve got exercise baked into your routine, do you have to take a break when you’re unwell? Norman and Tegan unpack the nuance of exercising when you’re sick – when you can, and when you can’t. References: The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system Moderate exercise induces trained immunity in macrophages | American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology Higher risk of upper respiratory tract infection post marathon running: when physical exercise becomes a threat to the immune system Sport and exercise during viral acute respiratory illness—Time to revisit Exercise effect on symptom severity, morbidity and mortality in viral infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis Effects of 60-day bed rest with and without exercise on cellular and humoral immunological parameters | Cellular & Molecular Immunology The effect of exercise training on the severity and duration of a viral upper respiratory illness Orthostatic reactions and blood volumes after moderate physical activation during acute febrile infections Exercising while sick won’t help you get over a cold faster – but it may prevent your next one If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you train yourself to pee less? Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Is sitting the new smoking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re congested and miserable, but we swear it’s a genuine question we get asked.

When you’ve got exercise baked into your routine, do you have to take a break when you’re unwell?

Norman and Tegan unpack the nuance of exercising when you’re sick – when you can, and when you can’t.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1204 At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/dna-kit-ancestry-disease-risk/105595444 It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself. At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice. Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one. References: Understanding Human Genetic Variation What Can At-Home Genetic Tests Tell Me About My Health? - PMC The sense and nonsense of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for cardiovascular disease First, do no harm: direct-to-consumer genetic testing Do at-home genetic tests work? - MD Anderson Genetic testing | Cancer Council  Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services Australians’ perspectives on support around use of personal genomic testing: Findings from the Genioz study Understanding Direct-to-Consumer genetic DNA testing | NHMRC What people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian study Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should you base your diet on your blood type? Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? What on earth is grounding?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself. At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice. Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one. References: Understanding Human Genetic Variation What Can At-Home Genetic Tests Tell Me About My Health? - PMC The sense and nonsense of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for cardiovascular disease First, do no harm: direct-to-consumer genetic testing Do at-home genetic tests work? - MD Anderson Genetic testing | Cancer Council  Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services Australians’ perspectives on support around use of personal genomic testing: Findings from the Genioz study Understanding Direct-to-Consumer genetic DNA testing | NHMRC What people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian study Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should you base your diet on your blood type? Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? What on earth is grounding?! It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself. At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice. Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one. References: Understanding Human Genetic Variation What Can At-Home Genetic Tests Tell Me About My Health? - PMC The sense and nonsense of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for cardiovascular disease First, do no harm: direct-to-consumer genetic testing Do at-home genetic tests work? - MD Anderson Genetic testing | Cancer Council  Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services Australians’ perspectives on support around use of personal genomic testing: Findings from the Genioz study Understanding Direct-to-Consumer genetic DNA testing | NHMRC What people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian study Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should you base your diet on your blood type? Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? What on earth is grounding?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself.

At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice.

Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1424 Is emu oil the new snake oil? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/emu-oil-inflammation-skin/105585220 Australians have a long and complicated history with the emu – and the tale continues in the murky wellness space. There are a handful of emu farms still operating locally to harvest meat, oil, eggs and feathers from the flightless birds. Norman and Tegan discuss the growing demand for emu oil, and what it’s claimed to do. References: The Emu: More-Than-Human and More-Than-Animal Geographies Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil - PMC  Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine - ScienceDirect  Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oils in rats | Inflammopharmacology Emu Oil Combined with Lyprinol™ Reduces Small Intestinal Damage in a Rat Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis Emu oil expedites small intestinal repair following 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in rats Vitamins and fatty acids against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis Emu Oil and zinc monoglycerolate independently reduce disease severity in a rat model of ulcerative colitis Orally administered emu oil attenuates disease in a mouse model of Crohn's-like colitis Emu Oil reduces disease severity in a mouse model of chronic ulcerative colitis Emu oil enhances cutaneous wound healing by modulating inflammation through promoting macrophage M2 polarization via MAPK signaling pathway Effects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c Mice Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsion Comparative effects of emu and olive oil on aortic early atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in hypercholesterolemic hamsters Emu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be vegetarian? Infrared, ultraviolet and LED therapy – can lights cure us? Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australians have a long and complicated history with the emu – and the tale continues in the murky wellness space. There are a handful of emu farms still operating locally to harvest meat, oil, eggs and feathers from the flightless birds. Norman and Tegan discuss the growing demand for emu oil, and what it’s claimed to do. References: The Emu: More-Than-Human and More-Than-Animal Geographies Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil - PMC  Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine - ScienceDirect  Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oils in rats | Inflammopharmacology Emu Oil Combined with Lyprinol™ Reduces Small Intestinal Damage in a Rat Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis Emu oil expedites small intestinal repair following 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in rats Vitamins and fatty acids against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis Emu Oil and zinc monoglycerolate independently reduce disease severity in a rat model of ulcerative colitis Orally administered emu oil attenuates disease in a mouse model of Crohn's-like colitis Emu Oil reduces disease severity in a mouse model of chronic ulcerative colitis Emu oil enhances cutaneous wound healing by modulating inflammation through promoting macrophage M2 polarization via MAPK signaling pathway Effects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c Mice Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsion Comparative effects of emu and olive oil on aortic early atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in hypercholesterolemic hamsters Emu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be vegetarian? Infrared, ultraviolet and LED therapy – can lights cure us? Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Australians have a long and complicated history with the emu – and the tale continues in the murky wellness space. There are a handful of emu farms still operating locally to harvest meat, oil, eggs and feathers from the flightless birds. Norman and Tegan discuss the growing demand for emu oil, and what it’s claimed to do. References: The Emu: More-Than-Human and More-Than-Animal Geographies Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil - PMC  Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine - ScienceDirect  Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oils in rats | Inflammopharmacology Emu Oil Combined with Lyprinol™ Reduces Small Intestinal Damage in a Rat Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis Emu oil expedites small intestinal repair following 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in rats Vitamins and fatty acids against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis Emu Oil and zinc monoglycerolate independently reduce disease severity in a rat model of ulcerative colitis Orally administered emu oil attenuates disease in a mouse model of Crohn's-like colitis Emu Oil reduces disease severity in a mouse model of chronic ulcerative colitis Emu oil enhances cutaneous wound healing by modulating inflammation through promoting macrophage M2 polarization via MAPK signaling pathway Effects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c Mice Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsion Comparative effects of emu and olive oil on aortic early atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in hypercholesterolemic hamsters Emu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be vegetarian? Infrared, ultraviolet and LED therapy – can lights cure us? Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australians have a long and complicated history with the emu – and the tale continues in the murky wellness space.

There are a handful of emu farms still operating locally to harvest meat, oil, eggs and feathers from the flightless birds.

Norman and Tegan discuss the growing demand for emu oil, and what it’s claimed to do.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1299 Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/chronotype-early-lark-night-owl/105558944 Not everyone is a morning person, and not everyone can stay up past midnight. How hard-wired are our internal schedules? It’s long been suspected there was an evolutionary advantage to humans falling asleep and waking up at different times. Norman and Tegan unpack what are called chronotypes, and whether you can shift yours to better fit your lifestyle. References: Early bird trait might run in families - the Health Report Genetic Basis of Chronotype in Humans: Insights From Three Landmark GWAS A Length Polymorphism in the Circadian Clock Gene Per3 is Linked to Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and Extreme Diurnal Preference Chronotype variation drives night-time sentinel-like behaviour in hunter–gatherers | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Mindful larks and lonely owls: The relationship between chronotype, mental health, sleep quality, and social support in young adults A systematic review of circadian function, chronotype and chronotherapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders How to Become a Morning Person - Sleep Foundation Resetting the late timing of ‘night owls’ has a positive impact on mental health and performance Chronotype changes with age; seven-year follow-up from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety cohort From early birds to night owls: a longitudinal study of actigraphy-assessed sleep trajectories during the transition from pre- to early adolescence The morality of larks and owls: unethical behavior depends on chronotype as well as time of day Check out our other sleep episodes! What is the perfect nap duration? Rapid-fire round: Answering your sleep questions Can you train yourself to sleep less? Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Not everyone is a morning person, and not everyone can stay up past midnight. How hard-wired are our internal schedules? It’s long been suspected there was an evolutionary advantage to humans falling asleep and waking up at different times. Norman and Tegan unpack what are called chronotypes, and whether you can shift yours to better fit your lifestyle. References: Early bird trait might run in families - the Health Report Genetic Basis of Chronotype in Humans: Insights From Three Landmark GWAS A Length Polymorphism in the Circadian Clock Gene Per3 is Linked to Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and Extreme Diurnal Preference Chronotype variation drives night-time sentinel-like behaviour in hunter–gatherers | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Mindful larks and lonely owls: The relationship between chronotype, mental health, sleep quality, and social support in young adults A systematic review of circadian function, chronotype and chronotherapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders How to Become a Morning Person - Sleep Foundation Resetting the late timing of ‘night owls’ has a positive impact on mental health and performance Chronotype changes with age; seven-year follow-up from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety cohort From early birds to night owls: a longitudinal study of actigraphy-assessed sleep trajectories during the transition from pre- to early adolescence The morality of larks and owls: unethical behavior depends on chronotype as well as time of day Check out our other sleep episodes! What is the perfect nap duration? Rapid-fire round: Answering your sleep questions Can you train yourself to sleep less? Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep? Not everyone is a morning person, and not everyone can stay up past midnight. How hard-wired are our internal schedules? It’s long been suspected there was an evolutionary advantage to humans falling asleep and waking up at different times. Norman and Tegan unpack what are called chronotypes, and whether you can shift yours to better fit your lifestyle. References: Early bird trait might run in families - the Health Report Genetic Basis of Chronotype in Humans: Insights From Three Landmark GWAS A Length Polymorphism in the Circadian Clock Gene Per3 is Linked to Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and Extreme Diurnal Preference Chronotype variation drives night-time sentinel-like behaviour in hunter–gatherers | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Mindful larks and lonely owls: The relationship between chronotype, mental health, sleep quality, and social support in young adults A systematic review of circadian function, chronotype and chronotherapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders How to Become a Morning Person - Sleep Foundation Resetting the late timing of ‘night owls’ has a positive impact on mental health and performance Chronotype changes with age; seven-year follow-up from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety cohort From early birds to night owls: a longitudinal study of actigraphy-assessed sleep trajectories during the transition from pre- to early adolescence The morality of larks and owls: unethical behavior depends on chronotype as well as time of day Check out our other sleep episodes! What is the perfect nap duration? Rapid-fire round: Answering your sleep questions Can you train yourself to sleep less? Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Not everyone is a morning person, and not everyone can stay up past midnight. How hard-wired are our internal schedules?

It’s long been suspected there was an evolutionary advantage to humans falling asleep and waking up at different times.

Norman and Tegan unpack what are called chronotypes, and whether you can shift yours to better fit your lifestyle.

References:

Check out our other sleep episodes!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1299 Methylene blue: why are people drinking blue dye? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/methylene-blue-anti-ageing/105530330 In a video that went viral, Robert F. Kennedy Jr was seen on a plane dropping a cobalt blue liquid into his drink. People quickly started to assume it was methylene blue, a substance that in some corners is being heralded for apparent anti-ageing properties. Norman and Tegan look at the research that has been done so far … and some of the risks of dosing yourself with unproven medications. References: Efficacy and safety of methylene blue in the treatment of malaria: a systematic review Methylene blue as antidote for cyanide poisoning - JAMA Cellular and Molecular Actions of Methylene Blue in the Nervous System Methylene Blue: The Little-Known Disinfectant The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug - PMC Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue | Molecular Neurobiology Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity | Scientific Reports What to know about methylene blue - Harvard Health  Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of methylene blue trihydrate (Cas No. 7220-79-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice Chromoendoscopy with methylene blue and associated DNA damage in Barrett's oesophagus - The Lancet Generation of oxidant stress in cultured endothelial cells by methylene blue: protective effects of glucose and ascorbic acid - ScienceDirect The photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizer If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In a video that went viral, Robert F. Kennedy Jr was seen on a plane dropping a cobalt blue liquid into his drink. People quickly started to assume it was methylene blue, a substance that in some corners is being heralded for apparent anti-ageing properties. Norman and Tegan look at the research that has been done so far … and some of the risks of dosing yourself with unproven medications. References: Efficacy and safety of methylene blue in the treatment of malaria: a systematic review Methylene blue as antidote for cyanide poisoning - JAMA Cellular and Molecular Actions of Methylene Blue in the Nervous System Methylene Blue: The Little-Known Disinfectant The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug - PMC Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue | Molecular Neurobiology Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity | Scientific Reports What to know about methylene blue - Harvard Health  Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of methylene blue trihydrate (Cas No. 7220-79-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice Chromoendoscopy with methylene blue and associated DNA damage in Barrett's oesophagus - The Lancet Generation of oxidant stress in cultured endothelial cells by methylene blue: protective effects of glucose and ascorbic acid - ScienceDirect The photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizer If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? In a video that went viral, Robert F. Kennedy Jr was seen on a plane dropping a cobalt blue liquid into his drink. People quickly started to assume it was methylene blue, a substance that in some corners is being heralded for apparent anti-ageing properties. Norman and Tegan look at the research that has been done so far … and some of the risks of dosing yourself with unproven medications. References: Efficacy and safety of methylene blue in the treatment of malaria: a systematic review Methylene blue as antidote for cyanide poisoning - JAMA Cellular and Molecular Actions of Methylene Blue in the Nervous System Methylene Blue: The Little-Known Disinfectant The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug - PMC Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue | Molecular Neurobiology Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity | Scientific Reports What to know about methylene blue - Harvard Health  Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of methylene blue trihydrate (Cas No. 7220-79-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice Chromoendoscopy with methylene blue and associated DNA damage in Barrett's oesophagus - The Lancet Generation of oxidant stress in cultured endothelial cells by methylene blue: protective effects of glucose and ascorbic acid - ScienceDirect The photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizer If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How worried should you be about microplastics? Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In a video that went viral, Robert F. Kennedy Jr was seen on a plane dropping a cobalt blue liquid into his drink.

People quickly started to assume it was methylene blue, a substance that in some corners is being heralded for apparent anti-ageing properties.

Norman and Tegan look at the research that has been done so far … and some of the risks of dosing yourself with unproven medications.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1260 Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lymphatic-massage-treatment-lymphede/105502846 You might've been advertised lymphatic massage treatments promising to boost your energy and leave you looking snatched. The lymphatic system is great at clearing out gunk and checking our bodies for potential nasties like bacteria and viruses. Norman and Tegan discuss whether it's possible to have a 'sluggish' lymphatic system in need of help, without having a diagnosable condition. References:  Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in Women The Effects of Kinect-Enhanced Lymphatic Exercise Intervention on Lymphatic Pain, Swelling, and Lymph Fluid Level Exercise and the lymphatic system | MD Anderson Cancer Center  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Which hair loss treatments actually work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might've been advertised lymphatic massage treatments promising to boost your energy and leave you looking snatched. The lymphatic system is great at clearing out gunk and checking our bodies for potential nasties like bacteria and viruses. Norman and Tegan discuss whether it's possible to have a 'sluggish' lymphatic system in need of help, without having a diagnosable condition. References:  Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in Women The Effects of Kinect-Enhanced Lymphatic Exercise Intervention on Lymphatic Pain, Swelling, and Lymph Fluid Level Exercise and the lymphatic system | MD Anderson Cancer Center  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Which hair loss treatments actually work? You might've been advertised lymphatic massage treatments promising to boost your energy and leave you looking snatched. The lymphatic system is great at clearing out gunk and checking our bodies for potential nasties like bacteria and viruses. Norman and Tegan discuss whether it's possible to have a 'sluggish' lymphatic system in need of help, without having a diagnosable condition. References:  Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in Women The Effects of Kinect-Enhanced Lymphatic Exercise Intervention on Lymphatic Pain, Swelling, and Lymph Fluid Level Exercise and the lymphatic system | MD Anderson Cancer Center  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Which hair loss treatments actually work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might've been advertised lymphatic massage treatments promising to boost your energy and leave you looking snatched.

The lymphatic system is great at clearing out gunk and checking our bodies for potential nasties like bacteria and viruses.

Norman and Tegan discuss whether it's possible to have a 'sluggish' lymphatic system in need of help, without having a diagnosable condition.

References: 

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1303 Is whitening your teeth bad for you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/teeth-whitening-toothpaste/105478628 Some people might be naturally blessed with pearly whites, but many people aren’t happy with the shade of their teeth. There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about yellower teeth, and staining happens throughout our lives. Norman and Tegan unpack the long history of teeth whitening (with everything from urine to nitric acid) and discuss where there’s potential for harm. References:  From Gunpowder to Teeth Whitener: The Science Behind Historic Uses of Urine Shades of white: what you should know about teeth whitening - The University of Sydney White wine can stain teeth - Nature Do different bleaching protocols affect the enamel microhardness? - PMC  Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells: Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Accidental ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide - PMC If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Why are people taping their mouths? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Some people might be naturally blessed with pearly whites, but many people aren’t happy with the shade of their teeth. There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about yellower teeth, and staining happens throughout our lives. Norman and Tegan unpack the long history of teeth whitening (with everything from urine to nitric acid) and discuss where there’s potential for harm. References:  From Gunpowder to Teeth Whitener: The Science Behind Historic Uses of Urine Shades of white: what you should know about teeth whitening - The University of Sydney White wine can stain teeth - Nature Do different bleaching protocols affect the enamel microhardness? - PMC  Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells: Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Accidental ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide - PMC If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Why are people taping their mouths? Some people might be naturally blessed with pearly whites, but many people aren’t happy with the shade of their teeth. There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about yellower teeth, and staining happens throughout our lives. Norman and Tegan unpack the long history of teeth whitening (with everything from urine to nitric acid) and discuss where there’s potential for harm. References:  From Gunpowder to Teeth Whitener: The Science Behind Historic Uses of Urine Shades of white: what you should know about teeth whitening - The University of Sydney White wine can stain teeth - Nature Do different bleaching protocols affect the enamel microhardness? - PMC  Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells: Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Accidental ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide - PMC If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Why are people taping their mouths? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Some people might be naturally blessed with pearly whites, but many people aren’t happy with the shade of their teeth.

There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about yellower teeth, and staining happens throughout our lives.

Norman and Tegan unpack the long history of teeth whitening (with everything from urine to nitric acid) and discuss where there’s potential for harm.

References: 

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1191 What are the health benefits of coffee? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/coffee-health-benefits/105449490 Coffee has been an important part of human cultures for centuries, and it has a long history of being both heralded and demonised. But the more we learn about coffee – even independent from caffeine – the more that comes to light about its potential benefits. Norman and Tegan drink in the evidence so far, which gets down to the nitty gritty of brewing techniques and milk additions.  References: Coffee - The Nutrition Source - Harvard School of Public Health Coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: Findings from a large up-to-date meta-analysis Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysis Coffee consumption and risk of stroke in women Caffeine, Mental Health, and Psychiatric Disorders Association of Coffee Drinking With Mortality by Genetic Variation in Caffeine Metabolism: Findings From the UK Biobank Physical characteristics of the paper filter and low cafestol content filter coffee brews - ScienceDirect  Coffee consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and total mortality: Does the brewing method matter? | European Journal of Preventive Cardiology Phenolic Acid–Amino Acid Adducts Exert Distinct Immunomodulatory Effects in Macrophages Compared to Parent Phenolic Acids | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry  The deep, rich and problematic history of coffee in Australia and worldwide - ABC News If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Am I addicted to caffeine? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Coffee has been an important part of human cultures for centuries, and it has a long history of being both heralded and demonised. But the more we learn about coffee – even independent from caffeine – the more that comes to light about its potential benefits. Norman and Tegan drink in the evidence so far, which gets down to the nitty gritty of brewing techniques and milk additions.  References: Coffee - The Nutrition Source - Harvard School of Public Health Coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: Findings from a large up-to-date meta-analysis Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysis Coffee consumption and risk of stroke in women Caffeine, Mental Health, and Psychiatric Disorders Association of Coffee Drinking With Mortality by Genetic Variation in Caffeine Metabolism: Findings From the UK Biobank Physical characteristics of the paper filter and low cafestol content filter coffee brews - ScienceDirect  Coffee consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and total mortality: Does the brewing method matter? | European Journal of Preventive Cardiology Phenolic Acid–Amino Acid Adducts Exert Distinct Immunomodulatory Effects in Macrophages Compared to Parent Phenolic Acids | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry  The deep, rich and problematic history of coffee in Australia and worldwide - ABC News If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Am I addicted to caffeine? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah? Coffee has been an important part of human cultures for centuries, and it has a long history of being both heralded and demonised. But the more we learn about coffee – even independent from caffeine – the more that comes to light about its potential benefits. Norman and Tegan drink in the evidence so far, which gets down to the nitty gritty of brewing techniques and milk additions.  References: Coffee - The Nutrition Source - Harvard School of Public Health Coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: Findings from a large up-to-date meta-analysis Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysis Coffee consumption and risk of stroke in women Caffeine, Mental Health, and Psychiatric Disorders Association of Coffee Drinking With Mortality by Genetic Variation in Caffeine Metabolism: Findings From the UK Biobank Physical characteristics of the paper filter and low cafestol content filter coffee brews - ScienceDirect  Coffee consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and total mortality: Does the brewing method matter? | European Journal of Preventive Cardiology Phenolic Acid–Amino Acid Adducts Exert Distinct Immunomodulatory Effects in Macrophages Compared to Parent Phenolic Acids | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry  The deep, rich and problematic history of coffee in Australia and worldwide - ABC News If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Am I addicted to caffeine? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Coffee has been an important part of human cultures for centuries, and it has a long history of being both heralded and demonised.

But the more we learn about coffee – even independent from caffeine – the more that comes to light about its potential benefits.

Norman and Tegan drink in the evidence so far, which gets down to the nitty gritty of brewing techniques and milk additions. 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1236 You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/cold-weather-common-cold/105423408 There tend to be more bugs around in winter making everyone snotty and uncomfortable. But does this mean that cold weather causes colds? Well no, viruses cause the common cold. But, as Norman and Tegan explain, winter does set the stage for those viruses to have more moments in the spotlight. References: Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza - PMC Cold temperature and low humidity are associated with increased occurrence of respiratory tract infections - ScienceDirect  Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans | European Journal of Applied Physiology Immune changes in humans during cold exposure: effects of prior heating and exercise Cold exposure impairs extracellular vesicle swarm–mediated nasal antiviral immunity - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology  Airborne transmission efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters is not influenced by environmental conditions | npj Viruses If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There tend to be more bugs around in winter making everyone snotty and uncomfortable. But does this mean that cold weather causes colds? Well no, viruses cause the common cold. But, as Norman and Tegan explain, winter does set the stage for those viruses to have more moments in the spotlight. References: Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza - PMC Cold temperature and low humidity are associated with increased occurrence of respiratory tract infections - ScienceDirect  Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans | European Journal of Applied Physiology Immune changes in humans during cold exposure: effects of prior heating and exercise Cold exposure impairs extracellular vesicle swarm–mediated nasal antiviral immunity - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology  Airborne transmission efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters is not influenced by environmental conditions | npj Viruses If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? There tend to be more bugs around in winter making everyone snotty and uncomfortable. But does this mean that cold weather causes colds? Well no, viruses cause the common cold. But, as Norman and Tegan explain, winter does set the stage for those viruses to have more moments in the spotlight. References: Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza - PMC Cold temperature and low humidity are associated with increased occurrence of respiratory tract infections - ScienceDirect  Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans | European Journal of Applied Physiology Immune changes in humans during cold exposure: effects of prior heating and exercise Cold exposure impairs extracellular vesicle swarm–mediated nasal antiviral immunity - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology  Airborne transmission efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters is not influenced by environmental conditions | npj Viruses If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There tend to be more bugs around in winter making everyone snotty and uncomfortable.

But does this mean that cold weather causes colds? Well no, viruses cause the common cold.

But, as Norman and Tegan explain, winter does set the stage for those viruses to have more moments in the spotlight.

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1360 Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/organic-food-pesticides/105398390 Organic fruits and vegetables are one thing, but the label is popping up on packaged foods too. Are they healthier for us because they’re certified organic? How much harm are pesticides doing to our health? Norman and Tegan dig into organic farming to find out whether they’re worth the extra price.  References: Organic Certification Explained Pesticides | Food Standards Australia New Zealand  Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures - ScienceDirect Global analysis shows how pesticides leach into the environment - The University of Sydney Ecological impacts and management strategies of pesticide pollution on aquatic life and human beings - ScienceDirect A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health? Cellulose Surface Nanoengineering for Visualizing Food Safety Comparison of Different Home/Commercial Washing Strategies for Ten Typical Pesticide Residue Removal Effects in Kumquat, Spinach and Cucumber If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be vegetarian? Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Organic fruits and vegetables are one thing, but the label is popping up on packaged foods too. Are they healthier for us because they’re certified organic? How much harm are pesticides doing to our health? Norman and Tegan dig into organic farming to find out whether they’re worth the extra price.  References: Organic Certification Explained Pesticides | Food Standards Australia New Zealand  Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures - ScienceDirect Global analysis shows how pesticides leach into the environment - The University of Sydney Ecological impacts and management strategies of pesticide pollution on aquatic life and human beings - ScienceDirect A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health? Cellulose Surface Nanoengineering for Visualizing Food Safety Comparison of Different Home/Commercial Washing Strategies for Ten Typical Pesticide Residue Removal Effects in Kumquat, Spinach and Cucumber If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be vegetarian? Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? Organic fruits and vegetables are one thing, but the label is popping up on packaged foods too. Are they healthier for us because they’re certified organic? How much harm are pesticides doing to our health? Norman and Tegan dig into organic farming to find out whether they’re worth the extra price.  References: Organic Certification Explained Pesticides | Food Standards Australia New Zealand  Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures - ScienceDirect Global analysis shows how pesticides leach into the environment - The University of Sydney Ecological impacts and management strategies of pesticide pollution on aquatic life and human beings - ScienceDirect A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health? Cellulose Surface Nanoengineering for Visualizing Food Safety Comparison of Different Home/Commercial Washing Strategies for Ten Typical Pesticide Residue Removal Effects in Kumquat, Spinach and Cucumber If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Should we all be vegetarian? Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Organic fruits and vegetables are one thing, but the label is popping up on packaged foods too.

Are they healthier for us because they’re certified organic? How much harm are pesticides doing to our health?

Norman and Tegan dig into organic farming to find out whether they’re worth the extra price. 

References:

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

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]]> 1218 What we do (and don't) know about tinnitus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/tinnitus-causes-treatments/105367938 What is silence, anyway? Well if you’ve got tinnitus silence can feel like a distant dream. There are many causes of the ringing or buzzing that many people hear despite there being no external sound. Norman and Tegan discuss some of the treatments – current and in the works – that could one day bring some peace and quiet. References: Intrinsic network activity in tinnitus investigated using functional MRI Auditory Resting-State Network Connectivity in Tinnitus: A Functional MRI Study | PLOS One Targeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus - PMC  Chronic tinnitus and the limbic system: Reappraising brain structural effects of distress and affective symptoms - PMC  Gray matter declines with age and hearing loss, but is partially maintained in tinnitus | Scientific Reports  Therapy and Treatment Options | American Tinnitus Association Effects of tinnitus retraining therapy on patients with tinnitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Effect of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy vs Standard of Care on Tinnitus-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Otolaryngology  Neuromodulation for Treatment of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis - Wiley Online Library  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What is silence, anyway? Well if you’ve got tinnitus silence can feel like a distant dream. There are many causes of the ringing or buzzing that many people hear despite there being no external sound. Norman and Tegan discuss some of the treatments – current and in the works – that could one day bring some peace and quiet. References: Intrinsic network activity in tinnitus investigated using functional MRI Auditory Resting-State Network Connectivity in Tinnitus: A Functional MRI Study | PLOS One Targeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus - PMC  Chronic tinnitus and the limbic system: Reappraising brain structural effects of distress and affective symptoms - PMC  Gray matter declines with age and hearing loss, but is partially maintained in tinnitus | Scientific Reports  Therapy and Treatment Options | American Tinnitus Association Effects of tinnitus retraining therapy on patients with tinnitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Effect of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy vs Standard of Care on Tinnitus-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Otolaryngology  Neuromodulation for Treatment of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis - Wiley Online Library  What is silence, anyway? Well if you’ve got tinnitus silence can feel like a distant dream. There are many causes of the ringing or buzzing that many people hear despite there being no external sound. Norman and Tegan discuss some of the treatments – current and in the works – that could one day bring some peace and quiet. References: Intrinsic network activity in tinnitus investigated using functional MRI Auditory Resting-State Network Connectivity in Tinnitus: A Functional MRI Study | PLOS One Targeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus - PMC  Chronic tinnitus and the limbic system: Reappraising brain structural effects of distress and affective symptoms - PMC  Gray matter declines with age and hearing loss, but is partially maintained in tinnitus | Scientific Reports  Therapy and Treatment Options | American Tinnitus Association Effects of tinnitus retraining therapy on patients with tinnitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Effect of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy vs Standard of Care on Tinnitus-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Otolaryngology  Neuromodulation for Treatment of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis - Wiley Online Library  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What is silence, anyway? Well if you’ve got tinnitus silence can feel like a distant dream.

There are many causes of the ringing or buzzing that many people hear despite there being no external sound.

Norman and Tegan discuss some of the treatments – current and in the works – that could one day bring some peace and quiet.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1343 Should you train cardio and strength on the same day? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/concurrent-training-cardio-strength/105336434 If you're a keen gym-goer you might've heard conflicting advice about optimising your workout. Some people claim that doing both cardio (getting your heart pumping) and strength (getting those muscles pumping) on the same day might cancel out the benefits. Norman and Tegan unpack what concurrent training is, and what the evidence tells us about its effects. References A Brief Review on Concurrent Training: From Laboratory to the Field - PMC Concurrent Training: A Meta-Analysis Examining Interference of Aerobic and Resistance Exercises Compatibility of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training for Skeletal Muscle Size and Function: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Sports Medicine Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Sex and Training Status | Sports Medicine Concurrent training in team sports: A systematic review Specific Training Effects of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Exercises Depend on Recovery Duration Concurrent aerobic plus resistance exercise versus aerobic exercise alone to improve health outcomes in paediatric obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis The Effects of 12 Weeks of Concurrent and Combined Training on Inflammatory Markers, Muscular Performance, and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Overweight and Obese Males Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 May 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you're a keen gym-goer you might've heard conflicting advice about optimising your workout. Some people claim that doing both cardio (getting your heart pumping) and strength (getting those muscles pumping) on the same day might cancel out the benefits. Norman and Tegan unpack what concurrent training is, and what the evidence tells us about its effects. References A Brief Review on Concurrent Training: From Laboratory to the Field - PMC Concurrent Training: A Meta-Analysis Examining Interference of Aerobic and Resistance Exercises Compatibility of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training for Skeletal Muscle Size and Function: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Sports Medicine Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Sex and Training Status | Sports Medicine Concurrent training in team sports: A systematic review Specific Training Effects of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Exercises Depend on Recovery Duration Concurrent aerobic plus resistance exercise versus aerobic exercise alone to improve health outcomes in paediatric obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis The Effects of 12 Weeks of Concurrent and Combined Training on Inflammatory Markers, Muscular Performance, and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Overweight and Obese Males If you're a keen gym-goer you might've heard conflicting advice about optimising your workout. Some people claim that doing both cardio (getting your heart pumping) and strength (getting those muscles pumping) on the same day might cancel out the benefits. Norman and Tegan unpack what concurrent training is, and what the evidence tells us about its effects. References A Brief Review on Concurrent Training: From Laboratory to the Field - PMC Concurrent Training: A Meta-Analysis Examining Interference of Aerobic and Resistance Exercises Compatibility of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training for Skeletal Muscle Size and Function: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Sports Medicine Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Sex and Training Status | Sports Medicine Concurrent training in team sports: A systematic review Specific Training Effects of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Exercises Depend on Recovery Duration Concurrent aerobic plus resistance exercise versus aerobic exercise alone to improve health outcomes in paediatric obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis The Effects of 12 Weeks of Concurrent and Combined Training on Inflammatory Markers, Muscular Performance, and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Overweight and Obese Males Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you're a keen gym-goer you might've heard conflicting advice about optimising your workout.

Some people claim that doing both cardio (getting your heart pumping) and strength (getting those muscles pumping) on the same day might cancel out the benefits.

Norman and Tegan unpack what concurrent training is, and what the evidence tells us about its effects.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1120 Why do some people run hot, while others run cold? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/run-hot-cold-thermoregulation/105313730 Are you constantly getting scolded for pressing your cold feet against your partner in bed? Or told your hands are icy cold? It’s well known that some people run cold and others run hot. But why does this happen, and does it say anything about your health? Norman and Tegan unpack the physiology and get into some of the reasons we experience temperature differently. References: Individual differences in normal body temperature: longitudinal big data analysis of patient records | The BMJ Gender Matters! Thermal Comfort and Individual Perception of Indoor Environmental Quality: A Literature Review | SpringerLink Sex differences and aging: Is there a role of brown adipose tissue? - ScienceDirect Cool Temperature Alters Human Fat and Metabolism | National Institutes of Health (NIH)  A Review of Cultural Background and Thermal Perceptions in Urban Environments Outdoor thermal perception and adaptation of immigrants from cold climates to hot arid climate - ScienceDirect Drivers of diversity in human thermal perception – A review for holistic comfort models - PMC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 May 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Are you constantly getting scolded for pressing your cold feet against your partner in bed? Or told your hands are icy cold? It’s well known that some people run cold and others run hot. But why does this happen, and does it say anything about your health? Norman and Tegan unpack the physiology and get into some of the reasons we experience temperature differently. References: Individual differences in normal body temperature: longitudinal big data analysis of patient records | The BMJ Gender Matters! Thermal Comfort and Individual Perception of Indoor Environmental Quality: A Literature Review | SpringerLink Sex differences and aging: Is there a role of brown adipose tissue? - ScienceDirect Cool Temperature Alters Human Fat and Metabolism | National Institutes of Health (NIH)  A Review of Cultural Background and Thermal Perceptions in Urban Environments Outdoor thermal perception and adaptation of immigrants from cold climates to hot arid climate - ScienceDirect Drivers of diversity in human thermal perception – A review for holistic comfort models - PMC Are you constantly getting scolded for pressing your cold feet against your partner in bed? Or told your hands are icy cold? It’s well known that some people run cold and others run hot. But why does this happen, and does it say anything about your health? Norman and Tegan unpack the physiology and get into some of the reasons we experience temperature differently. References: Individual differences in normal body temperature: longitudinal big data analysis of patient records | The BMJ Gender Matters! Thermal Comfort and Individual Perception of Indoor Environmental Quality: A Literature Review | SpringerLink Sex differences and aging: Is there a role of brown adipose tissue? - ScienceDirect Cool Temperature Alters Human Fat and Metabolism | National Institutes of Health (NIH)  A Review of Cultural Background and Thermal Perceptions in Urban Environments Outdoor thermal perception and adaptation of immigrants from cold climates to hot arid climate - ScienceDirect Drivers of diversity in human thermal perception – A review for holistic comfort models - PMC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Are you constantly getting scolded for pressing your cold feet against your partner in bed? Or told your hands are icy cold?

It’s well known that some people run cold and others run hot. But why does this happen, and does it say anything about your health?

Norman and Tegan unpack the physiology and get into some of the reasons we experience temperature differently.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1262 Can consuming dairy really give you acne? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/dairy-milk-chocolate-acne/105285682 You might've heard a friend complaining about their latest break-out and swearing off dairy products as a result. Or that friend might be you. It’s a common complaint, but does it have any scientific merit? Norman and Tegan explore whether consuming dairy can cause acne, and if so, how a glass of milk might lead to pimples. References: The Influence of Genetics and Environmental Factors in the Pathogenesis of Acne: A Twin Study of Acne in Women Patient Perceptions About Acne, Nutrition, and a Dietary Information Gap  Diet and acne: A systematic review Can the right diet get rid of acne? - American Academy of Dermatology Association  High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne Effect of Chocolate on Acne Vulgaris - 1969 Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Assessing the Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 May 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might've heard a friend complaining about their latest break-out and swearing off dairy products as a result. Or that friend might be you. It’s a common complaint, but does it have any scientific merit? Norman and Tegan explore whether consuming dairy can cause acne, and if so, how a glass of milk might lead to pimples. References: The Influence of Genetics and Environmental Factors in the Pathogenesis of Acne: A Twin Study of Acne in Women Patient Perceptions About Acne, Nutrition, and a Dietary Information Gap  Diet and acne: A systematic review Can the right diet get rid of acne? - American Academy of Dermatology Association  High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne Effect of Chocolate on Acne Vulgaris - 1969 Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Assessing the Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris You might've heard a friend complaining about their latest break-out and swearing off dairy products as a result. Or that friend might be you. It’s a common complaint, but does it have any scientific merit? Norman and Tegan explore whether consuming dairy can cause acne, and if so, how a glass of milk might lead to pimples. References: The Influence of Genetics and Environmental Factors in the Pathogenesis of Acne: A Twin Study of Acne in Women Patient Perceptions About Acne, Nutrition, and a Dietary Information Gap  Diet and acne: A systematic review Can the right diet get rid of acne? - American Academy of Dermatology Association  High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne Effect of Chocolate on Acne Vulgaris - 1969 Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Assessing the Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might've heard a friend complaining about their latest break-out and swearing off dairy products as a result. Or that friend might be you.

It’s a common complaint, but does it have any scientific merit?

Norman and Tegan explore whether consuming dairy can cause acne, and if so, how a glass of milk might lead to pimples.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1263 Cracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/knuckle-cracking-joints-arthritis/105229122 You might’ve been told by parents, teachers, colleagues, friends of friends to stop cracking your knuckles because it will give you arthritis. There’s a surprising amount of science going on when you crack a joint, and it suggests there’s very little risk of harming your bones. But as Norman and Tegan explain, there is one major risk – you could irritate everybody around you. References: Mathematical Model for the Sounds Produced by Knuckle Cracking | Scientific Reports Does knuckle cracking lead to arthritis of the fingers? The Consequences of Habitual Knuckle Cracking Effect of habitual knuckle cracking on hand function There might not be anything wrong with your creaky joints - the Health Report Misophonia: When sounds really do make you "crazy" - Harvard Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 May 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might’ve been told by parents, teachers, colleagues, friends of friends to stop cracking your knuckles because it will give you arthritis. There’s a surprising amount of science going on when you crack a joint, and it suggests there’s very little risk of harming your bones. But as Norman and Tegan explain, there is one major risk – you could irritate everybody around you. References: Mathematical Model for the Sounds Produced by Knuckle Cracking | Scientific Reports Does knuckle cracking lead to arthritis of the fingers? The Consequences of Habitual Knuckle Cracking Effect of habitual knuckle cracking on hand function There might not be anything wrong with your creaky joints - the Health Report Misophonia: When sounds really do make you "crazy" - Harvard Health You might’ve been told by parents, teachers, colleagues, friends of friends to stop cracking your knuckles because it will give you arthritis. There’s a surprising amount of science going on when you crack a joint, and it suggests there’s very little risk of harming your bones. But as Norman and Tegan explain, there is one major risk – you could irritate everybody around you. References: Mathematical Model for the Sounds Produced by Knuckle Cracking | Scientific Reports Does knuckle cracking lead to arthritis of the fingers? The Consequences of Habitual Knuckle Cracking Effect of habitual knuckle cracking on hand function There might not be anything wrong with your creaky joints - the Health Report Misophonia: When sounds really do make you "crazy" - Harvard Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might’ve been told by parents, teachers, colleagues, friends of friends to stop cracking your knuckles because it will give you arthritis.

There’s a surprising amount of science going on when you crack a joint, and it suggests there’s very little risk of harming your bones.

But as Norman and Tegan explain, there is one major risk – you could irritate everybody around you.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 861 Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/tattoo-ink-cancer-risk/105223550 When weighing up the health risks of getting a tattoo, most people are concerned about the risk infection. But recently the ingredients in tattoo ink have come under the microscope, with some being identified as potential carcinogens. Norman and Tegan take a look at the many substances used to create permanent art, and whether they carry any real harm to humans. References: Why Tattoos Stay Put | UCSF Synapse What's in my ink: an analysis of commercial tattoo ink on the US market - PMC Much ‘tattoo’ about nothing; Tattoo pigment mimicking breast microcalcifications on mammography Tattoo ink exposure is associated with lymphoma and skin cancers – a Danish study of twins | BMC Public Health Melanoma Arising in Tattoos: A Case Series and Scoping Review of the Literature Does tattoo ink give you cancer? - Cancer Council Australia 2016 report from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When weighing up the health risks of getting a tattoo, most people are concerned about the risk infection. But recently the ingredients in tattoo ink have come under the microscope, with some being identified as potential carcinogens. Norman and Tegan take a look at the many substances used to create permanent art, and whether they carry any real harm to humans. References: Why Tattoos Stay Put | UCSF Synapse What's in my ink: an analysis of commercial tattoo ink on the US market - PMC Much ‘tattoo’ about nothing; Tattoo pigment mimicking breast microcalcifications on mammography Tattoo ink exposure is associated with lymphoma and skin cancers – a Danish study of twins | BMC Public Health Melanoma Arising in Tattoos: A Case Series and Scoping Review of the Literature Does tattoo ink give you cancer? - Cancer Council Australia 2016 report from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme When weighing up the health risks of getting a tattoo, most people are concerned about the risk infection. But recently the ingredients in tattoo ink have come under the microscope, with some being identified as potential carcinogens. Norman and Tegan take a look at the many substances used to create permanent art, and whether they carry any real harm to humans. References: Why Tattoos Stay Put | UCSF Synapse What's in my ink: an analysis of commercial tattoo ink on the US market - PMC Much ‘tattoo’ about nothing; Tattoo pigment mimicking breast microcalcifications on mammography Tattoo ink exposure is associated with lymphoma and skin cancers – a Danish study of twins | BMC Public Health Melanoma Arising in Tattoos: A Case Series and Scoping Review of the Literature Does tattoo ink give you cancer? - Cancer Council Australia 2016 report from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When weighing up the health risks of getting a tattoo, most people are concerned about the risk infection.

But recently the ingredients in tattoo ink have come under the microscope, with some being identified as potential carcinogens.

Norman and Tegan take a look at the many substances used to create permanent art, and whether they carry any real harm to humans.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1281 Why the carnivore diet is so risky https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/carnivore-diet-health-risk/105156634 The carnivore diet asks people to eat entirely animal-based, and the most extreme followers restrict themselves to only meat. Many carnivores claims they feel great — better than they ever have. They have more energy and lose weight. Norman and Tegan tuck into the reasons why carnivores feel better in the short-term, and the dangers they're inviting in the long-term. References:  Behavioral Characteristics and Self-Reported Health Status among 2029 Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in Nutrition Limitations of Self-reported Health Status and Metabolic Markers among Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in Nutrition Assessing the Nutrient Composition of a Carnivore Diet: A Case Study Model Yellowish Nodules on a Man Consuming a Carnivore Diet | Lifestyle Behaviors | JAMA Cardiology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The carnivore diet asks people to eat entirely animal-based, and the most extreme followers restrict themselves to only meat. Many carnivores claims they feel great — better than they ever have. They have more energy and lose weight. Norman and Tegan tuck into the reasons why carnivores feel better in the short-term, and the dangers they're inviting in the long-term.   References:  Behavioral Characteristics and Self-Reported Health Status among 2029 Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in Nutrition Limitations of Self-reported Health Status and Metabolic Markers among Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in Nutrition Assessing the Nutrient Composition of a Carnivore Diet: A Case Study Model Yellowish Nodules on a Man Consuming a Carnivore Diet | Lifestyle Behaviors | JAMA Cardiology The carnivore diet asks people to eat entirely animal-based, and the most extreme followers restrict themselves to only meat. Many carnivores claims they feel great — better than they ever have. They have more energy and lose weight. Norman and Tegan tuck into the reasons why carnivores feel better in the short-term, and the dangers they're inviting in the long-term. References:  Behavioral Characteristics and Self-Reported Health Status among 2029 Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in Nutrition Limitations of Self-reported Health Status and Metabolic Markers among Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in Nutrition Assessing the Nutrient Composition of a Carnivore Diet: A Case Study Model Yellowish Nodules on a Man Consuming a Carnivore Diet | Lifestyle Behaviors | JAMA Cardiology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The carnivore diet asks people to eat entirely animal-based, and the most extreme followers restrict themselves to only meat.

Many carnivores claims they feel great — better than they ever have. They have more energy and lose weight.

Norman and Tegan tuck into the reasons why carnivores feel better in the short-term, and the dangers they're inviting in the long-term.

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1387 The perimenopause diaries from Ladies, We Need to Talk https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/perimenopause-bodies-impact/105157578 Hot flashes. Night sweats. Aching joints. Sore boobs. Welcome to your body in perimenopause! In episode one of this four-part series, Yumi Stynes speaks to women in the thick of perimenopause and battling physical symptoms.  She also sits down with Dr Susan Davis, endocrinologist and world-leading expert on sex hormones and ageing to learn the best treatments for bothersome symptoms and how look after yourself in this stage of life. No sweat! Essential listening if you're going through perimenopause right now, or for those wanting to know what's over the hormonal horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Hot flashes. Night sweats. Aching joints. Sore boobs. Welcome to your body in perimenopause! In episode one of this four-part series, Yumi Stynes speaks to women in the thick of perimenopause and battling physical symptoms.  She also sits down with Dr Susan Davis, endocrinologist and world-leading expert on sex hormones and ageing to learn the best treatments for bothersome symptoms and how look after yourself in this stage of life. No sweat! Essential listening if you're going through perimenopause right now, or for those wanting to know what's over the hormonal horizon. Hot flashes. Night sweats. Aching joints. Sore boobs. Welcome to your body in perimenopause! In episode one of this four-part series, Yumi Stynes speaks to women in the thick of perimenopause and battling physical symptoms.  She also sits down with Dr Susan Davis, endocrinologist and world-leading expert on sex hormones and ageing to learn the best treatments for bothersome symptoms and how look after yourself in this stage of life. No sweat! Essential listening if you're going through perimenopause right now, or for those wanting to know what's over the hormonal horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hot flashes. Night sweats. Aching joints. Sore boobs. Welcome to your body in perimenopause!

In episode one of this four-part series, Yumi Stynes speaks to women in the thick of perimenopause and battling physical symptoms. 

She also sits down with Dr Susan Davis, endocrinologist and world-leading expert on sex hormones and ageing to learn the best treatments for bothersome symptoms and how look after yourself in this stage of life. No sweat!

Essential listening if you're going through perimenopause right now, or for those wanting to know what's over the hormonal horizon.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1940 Can you train yourself to pee less? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/frequent-urination-bladder/105157530 Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour?

There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. 

But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1167 How worried should you be about microplastics? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/microplastics-health-effects/105150182 Microplastics are everywhere – they’re in the air, in the water and in our bodies. There’s plenty of evidence for that, but it’s still unclear what effects these microplastics are having on our health. Norman and Tegan unpack what we do and don’t know about these tiny specs of plastic, and what you might be able to do about them. References: Ingested microplastics: Do humans eat one credit card per week? A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals Association of mixed exposure to microplastics with sperm dysfunction: a multi-site study in China  First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertility Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events | New England Journal of Medicine Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains | Nature Medicine Chewing Gum Releases Hundreds of Microplastics In Your Mouth, Study Finds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Microplastics are everywhere – they’re in the air, in the water and in our bodies. There’s plenty of evidence for that, but it’s still unclear what effects these microplastics are having on our health. Norman and Tegan unpack what we do and don’t know about these tiny specs of plastic, and what you might be able to do about them. References: Ingested microplastics: Do humans eat one credit card per week? A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals Association of mixed exposure to microplastics with sperm dysfunction: a multi-site study in China  First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertility Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events | New England Journal of Medicine Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains | Nature Medicine Chewing Gum Releases Hundreds of Microplastics In Your Mouth, Study Finds   Microplastics are everywhere – they’re in the air, in the water and in our bodies. There’s plenty of evidence for that, but it’s still unclear what effects these microplastics are having on our health. Norman and Tegan unpack what we do and don’t know about these tiny specs of plastic, and what you might be able to do about them. References: Ingested microplastics: Do humans eat one credit card per week? A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals Association of mixed exposure to microplastics with sperm dysfunction: a multi-site study in China  First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertility Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events | New England Journal of Medicine Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains | Nature Medicine Chewing Gum Releases Hundreds of Microplastics In Your Mouth, Study Finds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Microplastics are everywhere – they’re in the air, in the water and in our bodies.

There’s plenty of evidence for that, but it’s still unclear what effects these microplastics are having on our health.

Norman and Tegan unpack what we do and don’t know about these tiny specs of plastic, and what you might be able to do about them.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1311 Is daylight saving time bad for us? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/daylight-savings-health-effects/105121098 This week parts of Australia are preparing to wind back their clocks to mark the ending of daylight saving time. For a long time the country has been divided about the positives and the negatives of changing the clocks twice a year. Norman and Tegan look into the health effects of this shift – from the impact on sleep to medical procedures and road accidents. References: Basic concepts and unique features of human circadian rhythms: implications for human health | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford Academic Are Daylight Saving Time Changes Bad for the Brain? | Cerebrovascular Disease | JAMA Neurology Daylight Saving Time and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis Daylight savings time transitions and risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An interrupted time series analysis Embryo transfers performed during daylight savings time led to reduced live birth rates in older patients | Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Daylight saving time as a potential public health intervention Does lowering evening rectal temperature to morning levels offset the diurnal variation in muscle force production? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia This week parts of Australia are preparing to wind back their clocks to mark the ending of daylight saving time. For a long time the country has been divided about the positives and the negatives of changing the clocks twice a year. Norman and Tegan look into the health effects of this shift – from the impact on sleep to medical procedures and road accidents. References: Basic concepts and unique features of human circadian rhythms: implications for human health | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford Academic Are Daylight Saving Time Changes Bad for the Brain? | Cerebrovascular Disease | JAMA Neurology Daylight Saving Time and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis Daylight savings time transitions and risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An interrupted time series analysis Embryo transfers performed during daylight savings time led to reduced live birth rates in older patients | Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Daylight saving time as a potential public health intervention Does lowering evening rectal temperature to morning levels offset the diurnal variation in muscle force production? This week parts of Australia are preparing to wind back their clocks to mark the ending of daylight saving time. For a long time the country has been divided about the positives and the negatives of changing the clocks twice a year. Norman and Tegan look into the health effects of this shift – from the impact on sleep to medical procedures and road accidents. References: Basic concepts and unique features of human circadian rhythms: implications for human health | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford Academic Are Daylight Saving Time Changes Bad for the Brain? | Cerebrovascular Disease | JAMA Neurology Daylight Saving Time and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis Daylight savings time transitions and risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An interrupted time series analysis Embryo transfers performed during daylight savings time led to reduced live birth rates in older patients | Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Daylight saving time as a potential public health intervention Does lowering evening rectal temperature to morning levels offset the diurnal variation in muscle force production? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week parts of Australia are preparing to wind back their clocks to mark the ending of daylight saving time.

For a long time the country has been divided about the positives and the negatives of changing the clocks twice a year.

Norman and Tegan look into the health effects of this shift – from the impact on sleep to medical procedures and road accidents.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1265 Do glasses make your eyesight worse? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-glasses-weaken-eyes/105090422 If you're short-sighted or long-sighted, have astigmatism or double vision, you now live in a world where glasses can help you out. But there's a misconception hanging around that wearing spectacles weakens your eyes over time, and so some people avoid getting their vision checked. Norman and Tegan focus in on how glasses work and the long term impacts of wearing them. References: When time outside doesn't slow short-sightedness - the Health Report The history of spectacles - the College of Optometrists To Correct or Not Correct? Actual Evidence, Controversy and the Questions That Remain Open Undercorrection of myopia enhances rather than inhibits myopia progression Interventions to slow progression of myopia in children - Cochrane Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you're short-sighted or long-sighted, have astigmatism or double vision, you now live in a world where glasses can help you out. But there's a misconception hanging around that wearing spectacles weakens your eyes over time, and so some people avoid getting their vision checked. Norman and Tegan focus in on how glasses work and the long term impacts of wearing them. References: When time outside doesn't slow short-sightedness - the Health Report The history of spectacles - the College of Optometrists To Correct or Not Correct? Actual Evidence, Controversy and the Questions That Remain Open Undercorrection of myopia enhances rather than inhibits myopia progression Interventions to slow progression of myopia in children - Cochrane Review If you're short-sighted or long-sighted, have astigmatism or double vision, you now live in a world where glasses can help you out. But there's a misconception hanging around that wearing spectacles weakens your eyes over time, and so some people avoid getting their vision checked. Norman and Tegan focus in on how glasses work and the long term impacts of wearing them. References: When time outside doesn't slow short-sightedness - the Health Report The history of spectacles - the College of Optometrists To Correct or Not Correct? Actual Evidence, Controversy and the Questions That Remain Open Undercorrection of myopia enhances rather than inhibits myopia progression Interventions to slow progression of myopia in children - Cochrane Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you're short-sighted or long-sighted, have astigmatism or double vision, you now live in a world where glasses can help you out.

But there's a misconception hanging around that wearing spectacles weakens your eyes over time, and so some people avoid getting their vision checked.

Norman and Tegan focus in on how glasses work and the long term impacts of wearing them.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1236 Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/natural-deoderant-antiperspirant-aluminium/105061256 We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best.

You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients.

Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1212 How much protein do you REALLY need? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/protein-intake-powder/105036282 Protein is having its moment — walk any supermarket aisle and you'll find product after product boasting its protein content.  Do you need to be loading up on protein through powders or processed foods, or can you meet your goals with whole foods? Norman and Tegan unpack why protein is important and how much you need each day.  References: Protein - Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Tips to boost protein in your diet from Dietitians Australia How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution Association between dietary protein intake and risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Protein is having its moment — walk any supermarket aisle and you'll find product after product boasting its protein content.  Do you need to be loading up on protein through powders or processed foods, or can you meet your goals with whole foods? Norman and Tegan unpack why protein is important and how much you need each day.  References: Protein - Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Tips to boost protein in your diet from Dietitians Australia How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution Association between dietary protein intake and risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis Protein is having its moment — walk any supermarket aisle and you'll find product after product boasting its protein content.  Do you need to be loading up on protein through powders or processed foods, or can you meet your goals with whole foods? Norman and Tegan unpack why protein is important and how much you need each day.  References: Protein - Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Tips to boost protein in your diet from Dietitians Australia How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution Association between dietary protein intake and risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Protein is having its moment — walk any supermarket aisle and you'll find product after product boasting its protein content. 

Do you need to be loading up on protein through powders or processed foods, or can you meet your goals with whole foods?

Norman and Tegan unpack why protein is important and how much you need each day. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1074 What's so bad about fine particulate air pollution? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/fine-particulate-air-pollution/105002244 Long-time listeners would have heard Norman decrying fine particulate air pollution and its negative effects on health. But when it’s all around us – on our worksites, in our offices and on our motorways – how are you supposed to protect yourself? Norman and Tegan explain what fine particulate air pollution is, and what it does to the body once it’s breathed in. References: Estimates of global mortality burden associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) The health effects of fine particulate air pollution Ambient (outdoor) air pollution - World Health Organization Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Air pollution is not ‘the new smoking’: comparing the disease burden of air pollution and smoking across the globe, 1990–2017 East Side Story: Historical Pollution and Persistent Neighborhood Sorting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Long-time listeners would have heard Norman decrying fine particulate air pollution and its negative effects on health. But when it’s all around us – on our worksites, in our offices and on our motorways – how are you supposed to protect yourself? Norman and Tegan explain what fine particulate air pollution is, and what it does to the body once it’s breathed in. References: Estimates of global mortality burden associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) The health effects of fine particulate air pollution Ambient (outdoor) air pollution - World Health Organization Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Air pollution is not ‘the new smoking’: comparing the disease burden of air pollution and smoking across the globe, 1990–2017 East Side Story: Historical Pollution and Persistent Neighborhood Sorting Long-time listeners would have heard Norman decrying fine particulate air pollution and its negative effects on health. But when it’s all around us – on our worksites, in our offices and on our motorways – how are you supposed to protect yourself? Norman and Tegan explain what fine particulate air pollution is, and what it does to the body once it’s breathed in. References: Estimates of global mortality burden associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) The health effects of fine particulate air pollution Ambient (outdoor) air pollution - World Health Organization Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Air pollution is not ‘the new smoking’: comparing the disease burden of air pollution and smoking across the globe, 1990–2017 East Side Story: Historical Pollution and Persistent Neighborhood Sorting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Long-time listeners would have heard Norman decrying fine particulate air pollution and its negative effects on health.

But when it’s all around us – on our worksites, in our offices and on our motorways – how are you supposed to protect yourself?

Norman and Tegan explain what fine particulate air pollution is, and what it does to the body once it’s breathed in.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1217 Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/muscle-cramps-magnesium-pickle/104978276 Cramping muscles are common, whether they’re associated with exercise or not. Knowing what causes them can help people avoid them or treat them, but for many people it's not a simple story. Norman and Tegan talk through some of the theories behind this painful phenomenon, and why magnesium might not be the answer. References: Muscle cramps: A comparison of the two-leading hypothesis Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps - Cochrane Review A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps Pickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled Trial Australian Institute of Sport's sports supplement framework: pickle juice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Cramping muscles are common, whether they’re associated with exercise or not. Knowing what causes them can help people avoid them or treat them, but for many people it's not a simple story. Norman and Tegan talk through some of the theories behind this painful phenomenon, and why magnesium might not be the answer. References: Muscle cramps: A comparison of the two-leading hypothesis Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps - Cochrane Review A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps Pickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled Trial Australian Institute of Sport's sports supplement framework: pickle juice Cramping muscles are common, whether they’re associated with exercise or not. Knowing what causes them can help people avoid them or treat them, but for many people it's not a simple story. Norman and Tegan talk through some of the theories behind this painful phenomenon, and why magnesium might not be the answer. References: Muscle cramps: A comparison of the two-leading hypothesis Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps - Cochrane Review A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps Pickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled Trial Australian Institute of Sport's sports supplement framework: pickle juice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Cramping muscles are common, whether they’re associated with exercise or not.

Knowing what causes them can help people avoid them or treat them, but for many people it's not a simple story.

Norman and Tegan talk through some of the theories behind this painful phenomenon, and why magnesium might not be the answer.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1192 Which hair loss treatments actually work? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hair-loss-balding-treatments/104945850 Hair loss is common, but there are many different causes and potentially many different treatments. From topical ointments to light therapy, to scalp massage routines. What works to slow, or even reverse, hair loss? Norman and Tegan comb through the evidence for approved treatments and too-good-to-be-true snake oil. References:  Male pattern baldness - Healthdirect Male Androgenetic Alopecia with an overview of treatments - NIH Female pattern hair loss - Healthdirect What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here's what the science says - ABC News Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair Loss Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Hair loss is common, but there are many different causes and potentially many different treatments. From topical ointments to light therapy, to scalp massage routines. What works to slow, or even reverse, hair loss? Norman and Tegan comb through the evidence for approved treatments and too-good-to-be-true snake oil. References:  Male pattern baldness - Healthdirect Male Androgenetic Alopecia with an overview of treatments - NIH Female pattern hair loss - Healthdirect What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here's what the science says - ABC News Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair Loss Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review Hair loss is common, but there are many different causes and potentially many different treatments. From topical ointments to light therapy, to scalp massage routines. What works to slow, or even reverse, hair loss? Norman and Tegan comb through the evidence for approved treatments and too-good-to-be-true snake oil. References:  Male pattern baldness - Healthdirect Male Androgenetic Alopecia with an overview of treatments - NIH Female pattern hair loss - Healthdirect What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here's what the science says - ABC News Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair Loss Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hair loss is common, but there are many different causes and potentially many different treatments.

From topical ointments to light therapy, to scalp massage routines. What works to slow, or even reverse, hair loss?

Norman and Tegan comb through the evidence for approved treatments and too-good-to-be-true snake oil.

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1175 We're answering your questions LIVE! March 30! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/wsfb-what-s-that-rash-live/104890824 What's That Rash? is returning to the World Science Festival Brisbane for another year.  Norman and Tegan will be answering the health questions everyone (at WSFB) is asking, 10am on March 30 at Queensland Museum Theatre.  Check out the event here and send in your questions to thatrash@abc.net.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Feb 2025 04:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What's That Rash? is returning to the World Science Festival Brisbane for another year.  Norman and Tegan will be answering the health questions everyone (at WSFB) is asking, 10am on March 30 at Queensland Museum Theatre.  Check out the event here and send in your questions to thatrash@abc.net.au   What's That Rash? is returning to the World Science Festival Brisbane for another year.  Norman and Tegan will be answering the health questions everyone (at WSFB) is asking, 10am on March 30 at Queensland Museum Theatre.  Check out the event here and send in your questions to thatrash@abc.net.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What's That Rash? is returning to the World Science Festival Brisbane for another year. 

Norman and Tegan will be answering the health questions everyone (at WSFB) is asking, 10am on March 30 at Queensland Museum Theatre. 

Check out the event here and send in your questions to thatrash@abc.net.au

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 139 Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/functional-mushrooms-lions-mane/104922432 The use of mushrooms in medicine goes back centuries, but there’s still a lot to learn about the bioactive compounds in fungi. There are many claims surrounding 'functional mushrooms' – types of mushrooms thought to have medicinal properties beyond simple nutrition. These include lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake and turkey tail. Norman and Tegan forage through the evidence for using mushrooms against cancer, to boost the immune system and to amplify cognition. We're doing a live show! Catch What's That Rash? at the World Science Festival Brisbane on March 30th.  References: Aboriginal use of fungi Medicinal Mushroom Supplements in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trials A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth - University of Queensland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The use of mushrooms in medicine goes back centuries, but there’s still a lot to learn about the bioactive compounds in fungi. There are many claims surrounding 'functional mushrooms' – types of mushrooms thought to have medicinal properties beyond simple nutrition. These include lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake and turkey tail. Norman and Tegan forage through the evidence for using mushrooms against cancer, to boost the immune system and to amplify cognition. We're doing a live show! Catch What's That Rash? at the World Science Festival Brisbane on March 30th.  References: Aboriginal use of fungi Medicinal Mushroom Supplements in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trials A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth - University of Queensland   The use of mushrooms in medicine goes back centuries, but there’s still a lot to learn about the bioactive compounds in fungi. There are many claims surrounding 'functional mushrooms' – types of mushrooms thought to have medicinal properties beyond simple nutrition. These include lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake and turkey tail. Norman and Tegan forage through the evidence for using mushrooms against cancer, to boost the immune system and to amplify cognition. We're doing a live show! Catch What's That Rash? at the World Science Festival Brisbane on March 30th.  References: Aboriginal use of fungi Medicinal Mushroom Supplements in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trials A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth - University of Queensland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The use of mushrooms in medicine goes back centuries, but there’s still a lot to learn about the bioactive compounds in fungi.

There are many claims surrounding 'functional mushrooms' – types of mushrooms thought to have medicinal properties beyond simple nutrition.

These include lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake and turkey tail.

Norman and Tegan forage through the evidence for using mushrooms against cancer, to boost the immune system and to amplify cognition.

We're doing a live show! Catch What's That Rash? at the World Science Festival Brisbane on March 30th. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1253 Why are people taping their mouths? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/mouth-taping-sleep-breathing/104894106 Depending on your corner of the internet, you might have seen people swearing by this new sleep hack, mouth taping. People claim they’re better rested, have better breath and stronger jawlines – all because they force themselves to breathe through their noses overnight. Norman and Tegan tackle this taping trend with an N=1 experiment, and a look at the relevant research. References: Mouth taping: a little less conversation, a little more action, please! Effect of mouth taping at night on asthma control--a randomised single-blind crossover study The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study The Role of the Nose in Sleep-disordered Breathing Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults Nocturnal mouth-taping and social media: A scoping review of the evidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Depending on your corner of the internet, you might have seen people swearing by this new sleep hack, mouth taping. People claim they’re better rested, have better breath and stronger jawlines – all because they force themselves to breathe through their noses overnight. Norman and Tegan tackle this taping trend with an N=1 experiment, and a look at the relevant research. References: Mouth taping: a little less conversation, a little more action, please! Effect of mouth taping at night on asthma control--a randomised single-blind crossover study The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study The Role of the Nose in Sleep-disordered Breathing Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults Nocturnal mouth-taping and social media: A scoping review of the evidence Depending on your corner of the internet, you might have seen people swearing by this new sleep hack, mouth taping. People claim they’re better rested, have better breath and stronger jawlines – all because they force themselves to breathe through their noses overnight. Norman and Tegan tackle this taping trend with an N=1 experiment, and a look at the relevant research. References: Mouth taping: a little less conversation, a little more action, please! Effect of mouth taping at night on asthma control--a randomised single-blind crossover study The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study The Role of the Nose in Sleep-disordered Breathing Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults Nocturnal mouth-taping and social media: A scoping review of the evidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Depending on your corner of the internet, you might have seen people swearing by this new sleep hack, mouth taping.

People claim they’re better rested, have better breath and stronger jawlines – all because they force themselves to breathe through their noses overnight.

Norman and Tegan tackle this taping trend with an N=1 experiment, and a look at the relevant research.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1144 There's a lot of fog around brain fog https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/brain-fog-long-covid/104866726 Unfortunately many more people have heard about brain fog because of the pandemic and long COVID. But the symptom was first mentioned centuries ago, and has been associated with dozens of conditions. Norman and Tegan try to define brain fog, and explain why it can be difficult to treat. References: What is brain fog? - BMJ neuropsychiatry Subjective brain fog: a four-dimensional characterization in 25,796 participants Comprehensive Clinical Characterisation of Brain Fog in Adults Reporting Long COVID Symptoms Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 ‘Brain fag’: a syndrome associated with ‘overstudy’ and mental exhaustion in 19th century Britain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Unfortunately many more people have heard about brain fog because of the pandemic and long COVID. But the symptom was first mentioned centuries ago, and has been associated with dozens of conditions. Norman and Tegan try to define brain fog, and explain why it can be difficult to treat. References: What is brain fog? - BMJ neuropsychiatry Subjective brain fog: a four-dimensional characterization in 25,796 participants Comprehensive Clinical Characterisation of Brain Fog in Adults Reporting Long COVID Symptoms Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 ‘Brain fag’: a syndrome associated with ‘overstudy’ and mental exhaustion in 19th century Britain Unfortunately many more people have heard about brain fog because of the pandemic and long COVID. But the symptom was first mentioned centuries ago, and has been associated with dozens of conditions. Norman and Tegan try to define brain fog, and explain why it can be difficult to treat. References: What is brain fog? - BMJ neuropsychiatry Subjective brain fog: a four-dimensional characterization in 25,796 participants Comprehensive Clinical Characterisation of Brain Fog in Adults Reporting Long COVID Symptoms Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 ‘Brain fag’: a syndrome associated with ‘overstudy’ and mental exhaustion in 19th century Britain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Unfortunately many more people have heard about brain fog because of the pandemic and long COVID.

But the symptom was first mentioned centuries ago, and has been associated with dozens of conditions.

Norman and Tegan try to define brain fog, and explain why it can be difficult to treat.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 953 Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/seed-oils-rfk-jr-diet/104838594 It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to).

But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you.

Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1202 Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/bathing-showering-every-day-necessary/104625420 January is an especially sweaty time in Australia, so maybe park this life change until the weather cools down… But is it necessary to bathe every day? As we learn more about the microbiome on our skin, more and more people are questioning their hygiene routine. Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence for and against regular washing.  References: A natural history of hygiene The Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin Cleansers The Role of Every-Day Cosmetics in Altering the Skin Microbiome: A Study Using Biodiversity How Often People in Various Countries Shower - The Atlantic What Happens When You Don’t Shower For Five Years - Science Friday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia January is an especially sweaty time in Australia, so maybe park this life change until the weather cools down… But is it necessary to bathe every day? As we learn more about the microbiome on our skin, more and more people are questioning their hygiene routine. Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence for and against regular washing.  References: A natural history of hygiene The Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin Cleansers The Role of Every-Day Cosmetics in Altering the Skin Microbiome: A Study Using Biodiversity How Often People in Various Countries Shower - The Atlantic What Happens When You Don’t Shower For Five Years - Science Friday January is an especially sweaty time in Australia, so maybe park this life change until the weather cools down… But is it necessary to bathe every day? As we learn more about the microbiome on our skin, more and more people are questioning their hygiene routine. Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence for and against regular washing.  References: A natural history of hygiene The Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin Cleansers The Role of Every-Day Cosmetics in Altering the Skin Microbiome: A Study Using Biodiversity How Often People in Various Countries Shower - The Atlantic What Happens When You Don’t Shower For Five Years - Science Friday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices January is an especially sweaty time in Australia, so maybe park this life change until the weather cools down…

But is it necessary to bathe every day?

As we learn more about the microbiome on our skin, more and more people are questioning their hygiene routine.

Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence for and against regular washing. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1091 Should you base your diet on your blood type? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/blood-type-diet-evidence/104592280 You might've heard of the blood type diet popularised in the 90s off the back of a best-selling book. It’s based on the theory that blood types emerged at different times in history, when our ancestors had very different diets. So does that mean certain foods are better for an A-, an AB+ or even an O-?As Norman and Tegan explain, it’s a complicated story. References: Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic review Blood Type Is Not Associated with Changes in Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Response to a Plant-Based Dietary Intervention Genetically Determined ABO Blood Group and its Associations With Health and Disease The Role of ABO Blood Type in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might've heard of the blood type diet popularised in the 90s off the back of a best-selling book. It’s based on the theory that blood types emerged at different times in history, when our ancestors had very different diets. So does that mean certain foods are better for an A-, an AB+ or even an O-?As Norman and Tegan explain, it’s a complicated story. References: Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic review Blood Type Is Not Associated with Changes in Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Response to a Plant-Based Dietary Intervention Genetically Determined ABO Blood Group and its Associations With Health and Disease The Role of ABO Blood Type in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review   You might've heard of the blood type diet popularised in the 90s off the back of a best-selling book. It’s based on the theory that blood types emerged at different times in history, when our ancestors had very different diets. So does that mean certain foods are better for an A-, an AB+ or even an O-?As Norman and Tegan explain, it’s a complicated story. References: Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic review Blood Type Is Not Associated with Changes in Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Response to a Plant-Based Dietary Intervention Genetically Determined ABO Blood Group and its Associations With Health and Disease The Role of ABO Blood Type in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might've heard of the blood type diet popularised in the 90s off the back of a best-selling book.

It’s based on the theory that blood types emerged at different times in history, when our ancestors had very different diets.

So does that mean certain foods are better for an A-, an AB+ or even an O-?As Norman and Tegan explain, it’s a complicated story.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1121 The four steps you need to form a habit https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/habit-formation-lifestyle-goals/104690822 There are MANY books out there on habit formation. Are they all saying the same thing? Some habits are more complicated than others. Some habits require us to untangle one automatic set of behaviours and replace them with another. It can be a long process — much longer than the 21 days that's often promised.   Norman and Tegan tell us how to form a new habit, in far less than 300 pages, so you can get started.  References Neurobiology of habit formation How the brain controls our habits - MIT Bridging the gap between striatal plasticity and learning Basal ganglia and beyond: The interplay between motor and cognitive aspects in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation You are what you repeatedly do: Links between personality and habit How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world How does habit form? Guidelines for tracking real-world habit formation The role of habit in compulsivity Goal-Directed and Habitual Control in Human Substance Use: State of the Art and Future Directions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are MANY books out there on habit formation. Are they all saying the same thing? Some habits are more complicated than others. Some habits require us to untangle one automatic set of behaviours and replace them with another. It can be a long process — much longer than the 21 days that's often promised.   Norman and Tegan tell us how to form a new habit, in far less than 300 pages, so you can get started.  References Neurobiology of habit formation How the brain controls our habits - MIT Bridging the gap between striatal plasticity and learning Basal ganglia and beyond: The interplay between motor and cognitive aspects in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation You are what you repeatedly do: Links between personality and habit How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world How does habit form? Guidelines for tracking real-world habit formation The role of habit in compulsivity Goal-Directed and Habitual Control in Human Substance Use: State of the Art and Future Directions There are MANY books out there on habit formation. Are they all saying the same thing? Some habits are more complicated than others. Some habits require us to untangle one automatic set of behaviours and replace them with another. It can be a long process — much longer than the 21 days that's often promised.   Norman and Tegan tell us how to form a new habit, in far less than 300 pages, so you can get started.  References Neurobiology of habit formation How the brain controls our habits - MIT Bridging the gap between striatal plasticity and learning Basal ganglia and beyond: The interplay between motor and cognitive aspects in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation You are what you repeatedly do: Links between personality and habit How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world How does habit form? Guidelines for tracking real-world habit formation The role of habit in compulsivity Goal-Directed and Habitual Control in Human Substance Use: State of the Art and Future Directions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are MANY books out there on habit formation. Are they all saying the same thing?

Some habits are more complicated than others. Some habits require us to untangle one automatic set of behaviours and replace them with another.

It can be a long process — much longer than the 21 days that's often promised.  

Norman and Tegan tell us how to form a new habit, in far less than 300 pages, so you can get started. 

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1237 Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/red-wine-health-benefits-christmas/104690818 'Tis the season to indulge.  As you sit down with family and friends, an age-old debate might arise: does drinking a single glass of red wine make you healthier? In this episode first published May 1, 2024, Norman and Tegan try to find out the answer once and for all.  References:  The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 'Tis the season to indulge.  As you sit down with family and friends, an age-old debate might arise: does drinking a single glass of red wine make you healthier? In this episode first published May 1, 2024, Norman and Tegan try to find out the answer once and for all.  References:  The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate 'Tis the season to indulge.  As you sit down with family and friends, an age-old debate might arise: does drinking a single glass of red wine make you healthier? In this episode first published May 1, 2024, Norman and Tegan try to find out the answer once and for all.  References:  The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 'Tis the season to indulge. 

As you sit down with family and friends, an age-old debate might arise: does drinking a single glass of red wine make you healthier?

In this episode first published May 1, 2024, Norman and Tegan try to find out the answer once and for all. 

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 935 Infrared, ultraviolet and LED therapy – can lights cure us? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-lights-cure-us/104526660 You might have seen those robot-looking red light masks being sold for skincare purposes.  You might have thought — looks technological, but does it work? It's not just red light. There are a spectrum of health claims from infrared to ultraviolet. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not.  References: Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Review of Recent Progress and Their Target Molecules for Cancer Therapy Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis Photodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic Appearance Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review The efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acne Featured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema? Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might have seen those robot-looking red light masks being sold for skincare purposes.  You might have thought — looks technological, but does it work? It's not just red light. There are a spectrum of health claims from infrared to ultraviolet. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not.  References: Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Review of Recent Progress and Their Target Molecules for Cancer Therapy Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis Photodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic Appearance Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review The efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acne Featured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema? Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder You might have seen those robot-looking red light masks being sold for skincare purposes.  You might have thought — looks technological, but does it work? It's not just red light. There are a spectrum of health claims from infrared to ultraviolet. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not.  References: Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Review of Recent Progress and Their Target Molecules for Cancer Therapy Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis Photodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic Appearance Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review The efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acne Featured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema? Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might have seen those robot-looking red light masks being sold for skincare purposes. 

You might have thought — looks technological, but does it work?

It's not just red light. There are a spectrum of health claims from infrared to ultraviolet.

Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1274 What's the lowdown on energy drinks? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/energy-drinks-caffeine-evidence/104683610 Life can be exhausting, and while a nap might be in order, it’s rare you’ve got time to take one. Caffeine can come to the rescue, but you might not be a fan of tea of coffee. Energy drinks are an alternative, but are they any good for you? Norman and Tegan explain what modern energy drinks contain, and what the ingredients do. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Prevalence and Amounts of Common Ingredients Found in Energy Drinks and Shots International society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes Energy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of a decaffeinated energy drink shows no significant acute effect on mental energy Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging This scientist treated her own cancer with viruses she grew in the lab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Life can be exhausting, and while a nap might be in order, it’s rare you’ve got time to take one. Caffeine can come to the rescue, but you might not be a fan of tea of coffee. Energy drinks are an alternative, but are they any good for you? Norman and Tegan explain what modern energy drinks contain, and what the ingredients do. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Prevalence and Amounts of Common Ingredients Found in Energy Drinks and Shots International society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes Energy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of a decaffeinated energy drink shows no significant acute effect on mental energy Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging This scientist treated her own cancer with viruses she grew in the lab Life can be exhausting, and while a nap might be in order, it’s rare you’ve got time to take one. Caffeine can come to the rescue, but you might not be a fan of tea of coffee. Energy drinks are an alternative, but are they any good for you? Norman and Tegan explain what modern energy drinks contain, and what the ingredients do. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Prevalence and Amounts of Common Ingredients Found in Energy Drinks and Shots International society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes Energy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of a decaffeinated energy drink shows no significant acute effect on mental energy Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging This scientist treated her own cancer with viruses she grew in the lab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Life can be exhausting, and while a nap might be in order, it’s rare you’ve got time to take one.

Caffeine can come to the rescue, but you might not be a fan of tea of coffee. Energy drinks are an alternative, but are they any good for you?

Norman and Tegan explain what modern energy drinks contain, and what the ingredients do.

What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1183 Is sitting the new smoking? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sedentary-behaviour-health-harms/104676736 Many people live sedentary lives, sitting in an office all day then coming home to sit on the couch all night. What are the health harms of too much sitting? And do they compare to smoking as some headlines claim? Norman and Tegan settle in to explain the risks, and what you can do to avoid them. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? Trends in Self-Reported Sitting Time by Physical Activity Levels Among US Adults, NHANES 2007/2008–2017/2018 Recent Trends in Sedentary Time: A Systematic Literature Review Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews Around 10,000 steps a day may counteract health risks of high sedentary time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Many people live sedentary lives, sitting in an office all day then coming home to sit on the couch all night. What are the health harms of too much sitting? And do they compare to smoking as some headlines claim? Norman and Tegan settle in to explain the risks, and what you can do to avoid them. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? Trends in Self-Reported Sitting Time by Physical Activity Levels Among US Adults, NHANES 2007/2008–2017/2018 Recent Trends in Sedentary Time: A Systematic Literature Review Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews Around 10,000 steps a day may counteract health risks of high sedentary time   Many people live sedentary lives, sitting in an office all day then coming home to sit on the couch all night. What are the health harms of too much sitting? And do they compare to smoking as some headlines claim? Norman and Tegan settle in to explain the risks, and what you can do to avoid them. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? Trends in Self-Reported Sitting Time by Physical Activity Levels Among US Adults, NHANES 2007/2008–2017/2018 Recent Trends in Sedentary Time: A Systematic Literature Review Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews Around 10,000 steps a day may counteract health risks of high sedentary time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Many people live sedentary lives, sitting in an office all day then coming home to sit on the couch all night.

What are the health harms of too much sitting? And do they compare to smoking as some headlines claim?

Norman and Tegan settle in to explain the risks, and what you can do to avoid them.

What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1241 Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/collagen-supplements-ageing-skin/104642974 We live in a world full of influencers pushing us products promising to keep us looking bouncy and youthful forever.  Collagen is a hugely important protein that does play a role in plumping up our skin — as well as supporting muscles, bones and connective tissues.  Norman and Tegan find out how effective collagen supplements are in skin care, and which kind you should look out for if you want to see results.   What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications The impact of collagen protein ingestion on musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling: a narrative review  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We live in a world full of influencers pushing us products promising to keep us looking bouncy and youthful forever.  Collagen is a hugely important protein that does play a role in plumping up our skin — as well as supporting muscles, bones and connective tissues.  Norman and Tegan find out how effective collagen supplements are in skin care, and which kind you should look out for if you want to see results.   What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications The impact of collagen protein ingestion on musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling: a narrative review    We live in a world full of influencers pushing us products promising to keep us looking bouncy and youthful forever.  Collagen is a hugely important protein that does play a role in plumping up our skin — as well as supporting muscles, bones and connective tissues.  Norman and Tegan find out how effective collagen supplements are in skin care, and which kind you should look out for if you want to see results.   What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast.  References: Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications The impact of collagen protein ingestion on musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling: a narrative review  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We live in a world full of influencers pushing us products promising to keep us looking bouncy and youthful forever. 

Collagen is a hugely important protein that does play a role in plumping up our skin — as well as supporting muscles, bones and connective tissues. 

Norman and Tegan find out how effective collagen supplements are in skin care, and which kind you should look out for if you want to see results.  

What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1247 Are mobile phones giving us cancer? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/mobile-phones-radiation-cancer/104613970 These days, our mobile phones are rarely far away. Whether it’s in your hand, your pocket, or under your pillow at night. Mobiles do emit radiation in order to connect to phone towers, which enables us to stay in contact with people and the internet. But is that radiation doing us harm? Norman and Tegan talk through the facts – what we do know, don’t know and suspect about our tech companions. What's That Rash? is coming to YouTube! Keep an eye out for the video version of this episode on ABC Science.  References: National Cancer Institute - Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Mobile phone use and incidence of brain tumour histological types, grading or anatomical location: a population-based ecological study Has the incidence of brain cancer risen in Australia since the introduction of mobile phones 29 years ago? 5G: the new generation of the mobile phone network and health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia These days, our mobile phones are rarely far away. Whether it’s in your hand, your pocket, or under your pillow at night. Mobiles do emit radiation in order to connect to phone towers, which enables us to stay in contact with people and the internet. But is that radiation doing us harm? Norman and Tegan talk through the facts – what we do know, don’t know and suspect about our tech companions. What's That Rash? is coming to YouTube! Keep an eye out for the video version of this episode on ABC Science.  References: National Cancer Institute - Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Mobile phone use and incidence of brain tumour histological types, grading or anatomical location: a population-based ecological study Has the incidence of brain cancer risen in Australia since the introduction of mobile phones 29 years ago? 5G: the new generation of the mobile phone network and health These days, our mobile phones are rarely far away. Whether it’s in your hand, your pocket, or under your pillow at night. Mobiles do emit radiation in order to connect to phone towers, which enables us to stay in contact with people and the internet. But is that radiation doing us harm? Norman and Tegan talk through the facts – what we do know, don’t know and suspect about our tech companions. What's That Rash? is coming to YouTube! Keep an eye out for the video version of this episode on ABC Science.  References: National Cancer Institute - Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Mobile phone use and incidence of brain tumour histological types, grading or anatomical location: a population-based ecological study Has the incidence of brain cancer risen in Australia since the introduction of mobile phones 29 years ago? 5G: the new generation of the mobile phone network and health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices These days, our mobile phones are rarely far away. Whether it’s in your hand, your pocket, or under your pillow at night.

Mobiles do emit radiation in order to connect to phone towers, which enables us to stay in contact with people and the internet.

But is that radiation doing us harm?

Norman and Tegan talk through the facts – what we do know, don’t know and suspect about our tech companions.

What's That Rash? is coming to YouTube! Keep an eye out for the video version of this episode on ABC Science. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1218 Should you be avoiding nightshades? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nightshade-foods-arthritis/104585358 Why are people with arthritis being told to stop eating potatoes, tomatoes and egg plants? Vegetables in the nightshade family have been under scrutiny for decades, but the fad of cutting them out of our diets has seen a recent resurgence. Norman and Tegan investigate where all this shade comes from, and whether there's any evidence to support it. References: Deadly Nightshade: A Botanical Biography Flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins: are these plant-derived compounds an alternative to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? A literature review Risk assessment of glycoalkaloids in feed and food, in particular in potatoes and potato-derived products α-Solanine attenuates chondrocyte pyroptosis to improve osteoarthritis via suppressing NF-κB pathway Antioxidants in Potatoes: A Functional View on One of the Major Food Crops Worldwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Why are people with arthritis being told to stop eating potatoes, tomatoes and egg plants? Vegetables in the nightshade family have been under scrutiny for decades, but the fad of cutting them out of our diets has seen a recent resurgence. Norman and Tegan investigate where all this shade comes from, and whether there's any evidence to support it. References: Deadly Nightshade: A Botanical Biography Flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins: are these plant-derived compounds an alternative to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? A literature review Risk assessment of glycoalkaloids in feed and food, in particular in potatoes and potato-derived products α-Solanine attenuates chondrocyte pyroptosis to improve osteoarthritis via suppressing NF-κB pathway Antioxidants in Potatoes: A Functional View on One of the Major Food Crops Worldwide Why are people with arthritis being told to stop eating potatoes, tomatoes and egg plants? Vegetables in the nightshade family have been under scrutiny for decades, but the fad of cutting them out of our diets has seen a recent resurgence. Norman and Tegan investigate where all this shade comes from, and whether there's any evidence to support it. References: Deadly Nightshade: A Botanical Biography Flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins: are these plant-derived compounds an alternative to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? A literature review Risk assessment of glycoalkaloids in feed and food, in particular in potatoes and potato-derived products α-Solanine attenuates chondrocyte pyroptosis to improve osteoarthritis via suppressing NF-κB pathway Antioxidants in Potatoes: A Functional View on One of the Major Food Crops Worldwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Why are people with arthritis being told to stop eating potatoes, tomatoes and egg plants?

Vegetables in the nightshade family have been under scrutiny for decades, but the fad of cutting them out of our diets has seen a recent resurgence.

Norman and Tegan investigate where all this shade comes from, and whether there's any evidence to support it.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 932 Is NAD+ a miracle anti-aging supplement? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nad-nmn-anti-aging-supplement/104559310 We've been searching for a fountain of youth for millennia. How can we not only live longer, but live healthier for longer? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the latest anti-ageing candidate under the microscope. Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and whether supplements promising to boost NAD actually do what's advertised on the bottle. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We've been searching for a fountain of youth for millennia. How can we not only live longer, but live healthier for longer? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the latest anti-ageing candidate under the microscope. Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and whether supplements promising to boost NAD actually do what's advertised on the bottle. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging We've been searching for a fountain of youth for millennia. How can we not only live longer, but live healthier for longer? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the latest anti-ageing candidate under the microscope. Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and whether supplements promising to boost NAD actually do what's advertised on the bottle. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We've been searching for a fountain of youth for millennia. How can we not only live longer, but live healthier for longer?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the latest anti-ageing candidate under the microscope.

Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and whether supplements promising to boost NAD actually do what's advertised on the bottle.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1121 How medical mysteries fed monster myths https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/halloween-monster-medical-explanations/103084042 Vampires and werewolves and zombies, oh my! Where did all these monsters come from? Undiagnosed medical conditions might have fuelled the mythology behind some of these creatures. Norman and Tegan delve into why vampires drink blood, why werewolves howl at the full moon and how a hex might have its intended effect. References: ABC's FrankenScience: Can Vampires Get Syphilis? and Witchcraft or Just a Placebo? All in the Mind: What's behind a paranormal experience? Porphyria and Vampirism—A Myth, Sensationalized Moon and Health: Myth or Reality? The undead in culture and science Reversibility of apoptosis in cancer cells Medical practice and placebo response: an inseparable bond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Vampires and werewolves and zombies, oh my! Where did all these monsters come from? Undiagnosed medical conditions might have fuelled the mythology behind some of these creatures. Norman and Tegan delve into why vampires drink blood, why werewolves howl at the full moon and how a hex might have its intended effect. References: ABC's FrankenScience: Can Vampires Get Syphilis? and Witchcraft or Just a Placebo? All in the Mind: What's behind a paranormal experience? Porphyria and Vampirism—A Myth, Sensationalized Moon and Health: Myth or Reality? The undead in culture and science Reversibility of apoptosis in cancer cells Medical practice and placebo response: an inseparable bond? Vampires and werewolves and zombies, oh my! Where did all these monsters come from? Undiagnosed medical conditions might have fuelled the mythology behind some of these creatures. Norman and Tegan delve into why vampires drink blood, why werewolves howl at the full moon and how a hex might have its intended effect. References: ABC's FrankenScience: Can Vampires Get Syphilis? and Witchcraft or Just a Placebo? All in the Mind: What's behind a paranormal experience? Porphyria and Vampirism—A Myth, Sensationalized Moon and Health: Myth or Reality? The undead in culture and science Reversibility of apoptosis in cancer cells Medical practice and placebo response: an inseparable bond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Vampires and werewolves and zombies, oh my! Where did all these monsters come from?

Undiagnosed medical conditions might have fuelled the mythology behind some of these creatures.

Norman and Tegan delve into why vampires drink blood, why werewolves howl at the full moon and how a hex might have its intended effect.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1171 Can't stop sneezing? What to do when hay fever hits https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hay-fever-pollen-allergies/104471014 It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common ailment. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it.  References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common ailment. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it.  References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common ailment. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it.  References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common ailment.

Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it.

Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it. 

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1165 What on earth is grounding?! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/grounding-earthing-electrons-debunked/104471012 Many of us are disconnected from nature – we live in cities, work in offices, exercise indoors. There is a hypothesis that our disconnection from the earth itself – the ground – is causing a range of illnesses. But the people selling this hypothesis are also trying to sell you a range of expensive products. Norman and Tegan debunk a pseudoscience that has been gaining traction. References: Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Many of us are disconnected from nature – we live in cities, work in offices, exercise indoors. There is a hypothesis that our disconnection from the earth itself – the ground – is causing a range of illnesses. But the people selling this hypothesis are also trying to sell you a range of expensive products. Norman and Tegan debunk a pseudoscience that has been gaining traction. References: Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence Many of us are disconnected from nature – we live in cities, work in offices, exercise indoors. There is a hypothesis that our disconnection from the earth itself – the ground – is causing a range of illnesses. But the people selling this hypothesis are also trying to sell you a range of expensive products. Norman and Tegan debunk a pseudoscience that has been gaining traction. References: Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Many of us are disconnected from nature – we live in cities, work in offices, exercise indoors.

There is a hypothesis that our disconnection from the earth itself – the ground – is causing a range of illnesses.

But the people selling this hypothesis are also trying to sell you a range of expensive products.

Norman and Tegan debunk a pseudoscience that has been gaining traction.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1085 MSG's messy myths and racist tropes https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/msg-additive-myths/104447016 Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that often gets a bad wrap. You might know someone who swears it makes them sick, or you yourself might steer clear of foods unless they have that 'no added MSG' label. Norman and Tegan explain why the bad PR around MSG has more to do with shonky research and misconceptions than the ingredient itself. References: MSG in food - Food Standards Australia and New Zealand A review of the alleged health hazards of monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate sensitivity in asthma Chinese-Restaurant Syndrome - New England Journal of Medicine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that often gets a bad wrap. You might know someone who swears it makes them sick, or you yourself might steer clear of foods unless they have that 'no added MSG' label. Norman and Tegan explain why the bad PR around MSG has more to do with shonky research and misconceptions than the ingredient itself. References: MSG in food - Food Standards Australia and New Zealand A review of the alleged health hazards of monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate sensitivity in asthma Chinese-Restaurant Syndrome - New England Journal of Medicine Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that often gets a bad wrap. You might know someone who swears it makes them sick, or you yourself might steer clear of foods unless they have that 'no added MSG' label. Norman and Tegan explain why the bad PR around MSG has more to do with shonky research and misconceptions than the ingredient itself. References: MSG in food - Food Standards Australia and New Zealand A review of the alleged health hazards of monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate sensitivity in asthma Chinese-Restaurant Syndrome - New England Journal of Medicine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that often gets a bad wrap.

You might know someone who swears it makes them sick, or you yourself might steer clear of foods unless they have that 'no added MSG' label.

Norman and Tegan explain why the bad PR around MSG has more to do with shonky research and misconceptions than the ingredient itself.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1232 Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/cortisol-lower-stress-hormones/104414058 If you've found yourself in a particular corner of health and wellness TikTok, chances are you've heard all about cortisol. Influencers might be urging you to massage your face, stuff your mouth full of dates and even supplement your diet with sea moss. Norman and Tegan explain why some of that MIGHT make you healthier, but not in the way that you think.  References Forgotten episodes of the birth of cortisone The effects of exercise intensity on the cortisol response to a subsequent acute psychosocial stressor Signalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you've found yourself in a particular corner of health and wellness TikTok, chances are you've heard all about cortisol. Influencers might be urging you to massage your face, stuff your mouth full of dates and even supplement your diet with sea moss. Norman and Tegan explain why some of that MIGHT make you healthier, but not in the way that you think.  References Forgotten episodes of the birth of cortisone The effects of exercise intensity on the cortisol response to a subsequent acute psychosocial stressor Signalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis   If you've found yourself in a particular corner of health and wellness TikTok, chances are you've heard all about cortisol. Influencers might be urging you to massage your face, stuff your mouth full of dates and even supplement your diet with sea moss. Norman and Tegan explain why some of that MIGHT make you healthier, but not in the way that you think.  References Forgotten episodes of the birth of cortisone The effects of exercise intensity on the cortisol response to a subsequent acute psychosocial stressor Signalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you've found yourself in a particular corner of health and wellness TikTok, chances are you've heard all about cortisol.

Influencers might be urging you to massage your face, stuff your mouth full of dates and even supplement your diet with sea moss.

Norman and Tegan explain why some of that MIGHT make you healthier, but not in the way that you think. 

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1229 Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/melatonin-sleep-supplement-insomnia/104388918 If you've ever complained about a bad night's sleep, you might've been urged to take melatonin.  It's a hormone our bodies naturally produce, and also a supplement that many claim can cure insomnia and leave you better rested.  But Norman and Tegan tuck into all the reasons we shouldn't be taking melatonin lightly.  References What do we really know about the safety and efficacy of melatonin for sleep disorders? Is melatonin safe for children? Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold in the US Clinical trial on the effect of regular tea drinking on iron accumulation in genetic haemochromatosis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you've ever complained about a bad night's sleep, you might've been urged to take melatonin.  It's a hormone our bodies naturally produce, and also a supplement that many claim can cure insomnia and leave you better rested.  But Norman and Tegan tuck into all the reasons we shouldn't be taking melatonin lightly.  References What do we really know about the safety and efficacy of melatonin for sleep disorders? Is melatonin safe for children? Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold in the US Clinical trial on the effect of regular tea drinking on iron accumulation in genetic haemochromatosis If you've ever complained about a bad night's sleep, you might've been urged to take melatonin.  It's a hormone our bodies naturally produce, and also a supplement that many claim can cure insomnia and leave you better rested.  But Norman and Tegan tuck into all the reasons we shouldn't be taking melatonin lightly.  References What do we really know about the safety and efficacy of melatonin for sleep disorders? Is melatonin safe for children? Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold in the US Clinical trial on the effect of regular tea drinking on iron accumulation in genetic haemochromatosis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you've ever complained about a bad night's sleep, you might've been urged to take melatonin. 

It's a hormone our bodies naturally produce, and also a supplement that many claim can cure insomnia and leave you better rested. 

But Norman and Tegan tuck into all the reasons we shouldn't be taking melatonin lightly. 

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1217 What it takes to avoid iron deficiency https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/iron-deficiency-supplement-infusion/104282638 Iron deficiency is incredibly common, especially in menstruating women. But this mineral is vital. Our bodies use iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to our cells. Norman and Tegan take us through what it means to have adequate iron levels, and what it takes. References A Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron Absorption Intermittent iron supplementation for reducing anaemia and its associated impairments in adolescent and adult menstruating women The yersiniabactin transport system is critical for the pathogenesis of bubonic and pneumonic plague Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Iron deficiency is incredibly common, especially in menstruating women. But this mineral is vital. Our bodies use iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to our cells. Norman and Tegan take us through what it means to have adequate iron levels, and what it takes. References A Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron Absorption Intermittent iron supplementation for reducing anaemia and its associated impairments in adolescent and adult menstruating women The yersiniabactin transport system is critical for the pathogenesis of bubonic and pneumonic plague Iron deficiency is incredibly common, especially in menstruating women. But this mineral is vital. Our bodies use iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to our cells. Norman and Tegan take us through what it means to have adequate iron levels, and what it takes. References A Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron Absorption Intermittent iron supplementation for reducing anaemia and its associated impairments in adolescent and adult menstruating women The yersiniabactin transport system is critical for the pathogenesis of bubonic and pneumonic plague Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Iron deficiency is incredibly common, especially in menstruating women.

But this mineral is vital. Our bodies use iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to our cells.

Norman and Tegan take us through what it means to have adequate iron levels, and what it takes.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1126 Why do hangovers get worse as we age? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hangovers-worse-ageing/104275094 It's a tale as old as time – as you age, hangovers hit harder. The tolerance of your youth wastes away. There's no doubt that any alcohol consumption is bad for you. But that doesn’t mean people aren't drinking. Norman and Tegan explain what alcohol is doing to the body, and why the after effects get harder to cope with as you get older. References The Assessment of Overall Hangover Severity Aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme variation and alcoholism in Japan Endogenous formation of 1-propanol and methanol after consumption of alcoholic beverages Understanding trends in Australian alcohol consumption—an age–period–cohort model The Alcohol Hangover Research Group: Ten Years of Progress in Research on the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of the Alcohol Hangover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's a tale as old as time – as you age, hangovers hit harder. The tolerance of your youth wastes away. There's no doubt that any alcohol consumption is bad for you. But that doesn’t mean people aren't drinking. Norman and Tegan explain what alcohol is doing to the body, and why the after effects get harder to cope with as you get older. References The Assessment of Overall Hangover Severity Aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme variation and alcoholism in Japan Endogenous formation of 1-propanol and methanol after consumption of alcoholic beverages Understanding trends in Australian alcohol consumption—an age–period–cohort model The Alcohol Hangover Research Group: Ten Years of Progress in Research on the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of the Alcohol Hangover It's a tale as old as time – as you age, hangovers hit harder. The tolerance of your youth wastes away. There's no doubt that any alcohol consumption is bad for you. But that doesn’t mean people aren't drinking. Norman and Tegan explain what alcohol is doing to the body, and why the after effects get harder to cope with as you get older. References The Assessment of Overall Hangover Severity Aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme variation and alcoholism in Japan Endogenous formation of 1-propanol and methanol after consumption of alcoholic beverages Understanding trends in Australian alcohol consumption—an age–period–cohort model The Alcohol Hangover Research Group: Ten Years of Progress in Research on the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of the Alcohol Hangover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's a tale as old as time – as you age, hangovers hit harder. The tolerance of your youth wastes away.

There's no doubt that any alcohol consumption is bad for you. But that doesn’t mean people aren't drinking.

Norman and Tegan explain what alcohol is doing to the body, and why the after effects get harder to cope with as you get older.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1143 Rapid-fire round: Answering your sleep questions https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/rapid-fire-sleep-special/104275092 We get a LOT of questions about sleep – on everything from cheese dreams to sleep farts. Why do you jerk awake as you're drifting off? Why are you itchy as soon as you get into bed? Norman and Tegan snooze through some sleep-related questions in this rapid-fire special. References Too Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreams Sleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complications The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study Nocturnal Pruritus: The Battle for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We get a LOT of questions about sleep – on everything from cheese dreams to sleep farts. Why do you jerk awake as you're drifting off? Why are you itchy as soon as you get into bed? Norman and Tegan snooze through some sleep-related questions in this rapid-fire special. References Too Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreams Sleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complications The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study Nocturnal Pruritus: The Battle for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep We get a LOT of questions about sleep – on everything from cheese dreams to sleep farts. Why do you jerk awake as you're drifting off? Why are you itchy as soon as you get into bed? Norman and Tegan snooze through some sleep-related questions in this rapid-fire special. References Too Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreams Sleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complications The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study Nocturnal Pruritus: The Battle for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We get a LOT of questions about sleep – on everything from cheese dreams to sleep farts.

Why do you jerk awake as you're drifting off? Why are you itchy as soon as you get into bed?

Norman and Tegan snooze through some sleep-related questions in this rapid-fire special.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1145 Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/electrical-muscle-stimulation-ems/104275090 It might not seem like it, but we humans are electrical beings. We rely on electrical impulses to stay alive. So can we rely on electrical impulses … to get swole? Norman and Tegan investigate the various claims surrounding electrical muscle stimulation. References  Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord Injury Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes : A Systematic Review Feasibility and efficacy of progressive electrostimulation strength training for competitive tennis players Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on the Energy-Restriction-Induced Reduction of Muscle Mass During Intended Weight Loss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It might not seem like it, but we humans are electrical beings. We rely on electrical impulses to stay alive. So can we rely on electrical impulses … to get swole? Norman and Tegan investigate the various claims surrounding electrical muscle stimulation. References  Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord Injury Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes : A Systematic Review Feasibility and efficacy of progressive electrostimulation strength training for competitive tennis players Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on the Energy-Restriction-Induced Reduction of Muscle Mass During Intended Weight Loss It might not seem like it, but we humans are electrical beings. We rely on electrical impulses to stay alive. So can we rely on electrical impulses … to get swole? Norman and Tegan investigate the various claims surrounding electrical muscle stimulation. References  Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord Injury Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes : A Systematic Review Feasibility and efficacy of progressive electrostimulation strength training for competitive tennis players Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on the Energy-Restriction-Induced Reduction of Muscle Mass During Intended Weight Loss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It might not seem like it, but we humans are electrical beings. We rely on electrical impulses to stay alive.

So can we rely on electrical impulses … to get swole?

Norman and Tegan investigate the various claims surrounding electrical muscle stimulation.

References 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1125 Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/mediterranean-diet-nutrition/104246670 The Mediterranean diet is the most well studied dietary pattern out there. So – what is it? It’s more than just vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and sparing consumption of meat. Norman and Tegan take us through ALL the elements that make up this way of eating, which has been attributed to a myriad of health benefits. References Scientific evidence supporting the newly developed one-health labeling tool “Med-Index” Mediterranean diet and health outcomes: a systematic meta-review Perspective: Beyond the Mediterranean Diet—Exploring Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage Diets as Cultural Models of Healthy Eating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Mediterranean diet is the most well studied dietary pattern out there. So – what is it? It’s more than just vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and sparing consumption of meat. Norman and Tegan take us through ALL the elements that make up this way of eating, which has been attributed to a myriad of health benefits. References Scientific evidence supporting the newly developed one-health labeling tool “Med-Index” Mediterranean diet and health outcomes: a systematic meta-review Perspective: Beyond the Mediterranean Diet—Exploring Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage Diets as Cultural Models of Healthy Eating The Mediterranean diet is the most well studied dietary pattern out there. So – what is it? It’s more than just vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and sparing consumption of meat. Norman and Tegan take us through ALL the elements that make up this way of eating, which has been attributed to a myriad of health benefits. References Scientific evidence supporting the newly developed one-health labeling tool “Med-Index” Mediterranean diet and health outcomes: a systematic meta-review Perspective: Beyond the Mediterranean Diet—Exploring Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage Diets as Cultural Models of Healthy Eating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Mediterranean diet is the most well studied dietary pattern out there. So – what is it?

It’s more than just vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and sparing consumption of meat.

Norman and Tegan take us through ALL the elements that make up this way of eating, which has been attributed to a myriad of health benefits.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1156 Sweaty sauna bathing for better health https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sauna-sweat-health-benefits/104221000 In some parts of the world sauna bathing is a daily activity. In Finland, it would even be rude to deny an invitation to get hot and sweaty with a business associate. As well as being culturally significant, the sauna has many touted health benefits – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, to fending off cognitive decline. Norman and Tegan sort through the evidence. References The multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish sauna Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In some parts of the world sauna bathing is a daily activity. In Finland, it would even be rude to deny an invitation to get hot and sweaty with a business associate. As well as being culturally significant, the sauna has many touted health benefits – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, to fending off cognitive decline. Norman and Tegan sort through the evidence. References The multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish sauna Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence In some parts of the world sauna bathing is a daily activity. In Finland, it would even be rude to deny an invitation to get hot and sweaty with a business associate. As well as being culturally significant, the sauna has many touted health benefits – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, to fending off cognitive decline. Norman and Tegan sort through the evidence. References The multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish sauna Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In some parts of the world sauna bathing is a daily activity.

In Finland, it would even be rude to deny an invitation to get hot and sweaty with a business associate.

As well as being culturally significant, the sauna has many touted health benefits – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, to fending off cognitive decline.

Norman and Tegan sort through the evidence.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1158 Can't stop biting your nails? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nail-biting-habit-breaking/104190912 Many people go through phases of nail biting in childhood, and fewer people continue biting their nails into adulthood. It's a habit that can be difficult to break – especially when anxiety can be a trigger, along with boredom. Norman and Tegan take us through the current treatments available for people who want to stop munching on their cuticles. References Onychophagia and onychotillomania can be effectively managed Prevalence and correlates of clinically significant body-focused repetitive behaviors in a non-clinical sample Habit reversal vs. negative practice treatment of nailbiting A review of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of grooming disorders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Many people go through phases of nail biting in childhood, and fewer people continue biting their nails into adulthood. It's a habit that can be difficult to break – especially when anxiety can be a trigger, along with boredom. Norman and Tegan take us through the current treatments available for people who want to stop munching on their cuticles. References Onychophagia and onychotillomania can be effectively managed Prevalence and correlates of clinically significant body-focused repetitive behaviors in a non-clinical sample Habit reversal vs. negative practice treatment of nailbiting A review of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of grooming disorders Many people go through phases of nail biting in childhood, and fewer people continue biting their nails into adulthood. It's a habit that can be difficult to break – especially when anxiety can be a trigger, along with boredom. Norman and Tegan take us through the current treatments available for people who want to stop munching on their cuticles. References Onychophagia and onychotillomania can be effectively managed Prevalence and correlates of clinically significant body-focused repetitive behaviors in a non-clinical sample Habit reversal vs. negative practice treatment of nailbiting A review of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of grooming disorders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Many people go through phases of nail biting in childhood, and fewer people continue biting their nails into adulthood.

It's a habit that can be difficult to break – especially when anxiety can be a trigger, along with boredom.

Norman and Tegan take us through the current treatments available for people who want to stop munching on their cuticles.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1092 Is being an Olympian bad for your health? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/olympics-elite-sports-health/104159678 If you're glued to your couch watching the Paris Games, you know that elite athletes are beyond impressive. But does that mean they're healthy? Not necessarily. Norman and Tegan unpack the positive and negative impacts of elite-level sport on the body and the mind. References Female and male US Olympic athletes live 5 years longer than their general population counterparts: a study of 8124 former US Olympians Long-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping review The mental health of Australian elite athletes Adaptation to life after sport for retired athletes: A scoping review of existing reviews and programs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you're glued to your couch watching the Paris Games, you know that elite athletes are beyond impressive. But does that mean they're healthy? Not necessarily. Norman and Tegan unpack the positive and negative impacts of elite-level sport on the body and the mind. References Female and male US Olympic athletes live 5 years longer than their general population counterparts: a study of 8124 former US Olympians Long-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping review The mental health of Australian elite athletes Adaptation to life after sport for retired athletes: A scoping review of existing reviews and programs If you're glued to your couch watching the Paris Games, you know that elite athletes are beyond impressive. But does that mean they're healthy? Not necessarily. Norman and Tegan unpack the positive and negative impacts of elite-level sport on the body and the mind. References Female and male US Olympic athletes live 5 years longer than their general population counterparts: a study of 8124 former US Olympians Long-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping review The mental health of Australian elite athletes Adaptation to life after sport for retired athletes: A scoping review of existing reviews and programs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you're glued to your couch watching the Paris Games, you know that elite athletes are beyond impressive.

But does that mean they're healthy? Not necessarily.

Norman and Tegan unpack the positive and negative impacts of elite-level sport on the body and the mind.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1161 Are office jobs ruining our bodies? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/office-job-sitting-sedentary-ergonomics/104128082 Offices are catching up to the idea that sitting for eight hours a day might not be great for your health. Standing desks, adjustable monitors and hand rests are common tools in the arsenal of ergonomics. But are we getting it all wrong? Norman and Tegan dispel some myths about the impact of office jobs on the body. References Having 'good' posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Offices are catching up to the idea that sitting for eight hours a day might not be great for your health. Standing desks, adjustable monitors and hand rests are common tools in the arsenal of ergonomics. But are we getting it all wrong? Norman and Tegan dispel some myths about the impact of office jobs on the body. References Having 'good' posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review Offices are catching up to the idea that sitting for eight hours a day might not be great for your health. Standing desks, adjustable monitors and hand rests are common tools in the arsenal of ergonomics. But are we getting it all wrong? Norman and Tegan dispel some myths about the impact of office jobs on the body. References Having 'good' posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Offices are catching up to the idea that sitting for eight hours a day might not be great for your health.

Standing desks, adjustable monitors and hand rests are common tools in the arsenal of ergonomics.

But are we getting it all wrong? Norman and Tegan dispel some myths about the impact of office jobs on the body.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1115 What does sneezing have to do with orgasms? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sneezing-orgasms-nervous-system/104100482 Bodies are weird … but are they THAT weird? Sexually-induced sneezing has been written about in medical texts for hundreds of years. In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and why it might happen. References Sneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Bodies are weird … but are they THAT weird? Sexually-induced sneezing has been written about in medical texts for hundreds of years. In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and why it might happen. References Sneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon Bodies are weird … but are they THAT weird? Sexually-induced sneezing has been written about in medical texts for hundreds of years. In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and why it might happen. References Sneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Bodies are weird … but are they THAT weird?

Sexually-induced sneezing has been written about in medical texts for hundreds of years.

In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and why it might happen.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 751 Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ice-bath-cold-water-immersion/104064364 You've either seen it, or you've tried it. Ice baths are all the rage right now, in part because they claim to be an effective health and wellbeing booster. Is this just a fad, or is there solid evidence that dipping into freezing cold water can improve your immune system, calm down inflammation and better your mood? Norman went for the plunge – and lived to tell Tegan the tale. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References Does the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants? A systematic review Getting colder ... the invigorating effect of ice baths - The Health Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You've either seen it, or you've tried it. Ice baths are all the rage right now, in part because they claim to be an effective health and wellbeing booster. Is this just a fad, or is there solid evidence that dipping into freezing cold water can improve your immune system, calm down inflammation and better your mood? Norman went for the plunge – and lived to tell Tegan the tale. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References Does the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants? A systematic review Getting colder ... the invigorating effect of ice baths - The Health Report   You've either seen it, or you've tried it. Ice baths are all the rage right now, in part because they claim to be an effective health and wellbeing booster. Is this just a fad, or is there solid evidence that dipping into freezing cold water can improve your immune system, calm down inflammation and better your mood? Norman went for the plunge – and lived to tell Tegan the tale. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References Does the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants? A systematic review Getting colder ... the invigorating effect of ice baths - The Health Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You've either seen it, or you've tried it. Ice baths are all the rage right now, in part because they claim to be an effective health and wellbeing booster.

Is this just a fad, or is there solid evidence that dipping into freezing cold water can improve your immune system, calm down inflammation and better your mood?

Norman went for the plunge – and lived to tell Tegan the tale.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1038 How risky is sharing a toothbrush? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/toothbrush-sharing-dental-health/104024088 Once you get past the initial ick-factor of toothbrush sharing, it's worth considering whether there are any actual harms. Whether we like it or not, our mouths are home to a unique microbiome. As Norman and Tegan explain, it's influenced by what we eat, who we kiss – and yes, who we might share a toothbrush with. References Armed to the Teeth—The Oral Mucosa Immunity System and Microbiota Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo Study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Once you get past the initial ick-factor of toothbrush sharing, it's worth considering whether there are any actual harms. Whether we like it or not, our mouths are home to a unique microbiome. As Norman and Tegan explain, it's influenced by what we eat, who we kiss – and yes, who we might share a toothbrush with. References Armed to the Teeth—The Oral Mucosa Immunity System and Microbiota Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo Study Once you get past the initial ick-factor of toothbrush sharing, it's worth considering whether there are any actual harms. Whether we like it or not, our mouths are home to a unique microbiome. As Norman and Tegan explain, it's influenced by what we eat, who we kiss – and yes, who we might share a toothbrush with. References Armed to the Teeth—The Oral Mucosa Immunity System and Microbiota Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo Study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Once you get past the initial ick-factor of toothbrush sharing, it's worth considering whether there are any actual harms.

Whether we like it or not, our mouths are home to a unique microbiome.

As Norman and Tegan explain, it's influenced by what we eat, who we kiss – and yes, who we might share a toothbrush with.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1063 Is gluten really the enemy? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/gluten-free-diet-coeliac/103996126 There's no doubt people with coeliac disease should stay away from gluten, but what about the rest of us? There is nothing inherently harmful about gluten when it doesn’t cause you gut trouble. Norman and Tegan talk us through why a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy one. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References Avoiding gluten when you’re not a coeliac - Health Report Coeliac disease: review of diagnosis and management Gluten-Free Diet: Gaps and Needs for a Healthier Diet Gluten-free diet may increase risk of arsenic, mercury exposure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's no doubt people with coeliac disease should stay away from gluten, but what about the rest of us? There is nothing inherently harmful about gluten when it doesn’t cause you gut trouble. Norman and Tegan talk us through why a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy one. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References Avoiding gluten when you’re not a coeliac - Health Report Coeliac disease: review of diagnosis and management Gluten-Free Diet: Gaps and Needs for a Healthier Diet Gluten-free diet may increase risk of arsenic, mercury exposure   There's no doubt people with coeliac disease should stay away from gluten, but what about the rest of us? There is nothing inherently harmful about gluten when it doesn’t cause you gut trouble. Norman and Tegan talk us through why a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy one. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References Avoiding gluten when you’re not a coeliac - Health Report Coeliac disease: review of diagnosis and management Gluten-Free Diet: Gaps and Needs for a Healthier Diet Gluten-free diet may increase risk of arsenic, mercury exposure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's no doubt people with coeliac disease should stay away from gluten, but what about the rest of us?

There is nothing inherently harmful about gluten when it doesn’t cause you gut trouble.

Norman and Tegan talk us through why a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy one.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1105 Phlegm — better out than in? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/phlegm-cold-flu-cough/103991994 Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up? At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing… In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up? At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing… In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer. Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up? At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing… In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up?

At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing…

In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 784 Is botox worth a shot? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/botox-preventative-wrinkles/103965692 It might feel like this wrinkle-busting procedure has been around forever, but it's a relatively recent cosmetic concoction. At first, it was a procedure for already aged skin. Now 20-somethings are using it to try prevent wrinkles from ever forming. Norman and Tegan unpack how we got to this point, and the do's and dont's of the procedure. References: The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles - Cochrane review Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy: A Wanted or Unwanted Effect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It might feel like this wrinkle-busting procedure has been around forever, but it's a relatively recent cosmetic concoction. At first, it was a procedure for already aged skin. Now 20-somethings are using it to try prevent wrinkles from ever forming. Norman and Tegan unpack how we got to this point, and the do's and dont's of the procedure. References: The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles - Cochrane review Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy: A Wanted or Unwanted Effect It might feel like this wrinkle-busting procedure has been around forever, but it's a relatively recent cosmetic concoction. At first, it was a procedure for already aged skin. Now 20-somethings are using it to try prevent wrinkles from ever forming. Norman and Tegan unpack how we got to this point, and the do's and dont's of the procedure. References: The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles - Cochrane review Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy: A Wanted or Unwanted Effect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It might feel like this wrinkle-busting procedure has been around forever, but it's a relatively recent cosmetic concoction.

At first, it was a procedure for already aged skin. Now 20-somethings are using it to try prevent wrinkles from ever forming.

Norman and Tegan unpack how we got to this point, and the do's and dont's of the procedure.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1168 Should we all be vegetarian? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/meat-health-benefits-harms/103934602 For the meat eaters still out there, you may be wondering how much is too much when it comes to your health. You will have to weigh up the benefits and the harms. Norman and Tegan take us through the recommendations, and the science to back them up. References: Health effects associated with consumption of unprocessed red meat: a Burden of Proof study Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption and All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis Plant-based diets and long-term health: findings from the EPIC-Oxford study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For the meat eaters still out there, you may be wondering how much is too much when it comes to your health. You will have to weigh up the benefits and the harms. Norman and Tegan take us through the recommendations, and the science to back them up. References: Health effects associated with consumption of unprocessed red meat: a Burden of Proof study Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption and All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis Plant-based diets and long-term health: findings from the EPIC-Oxford study For the meat eaters still out there, you may be wondering how much is too much when it comes to your health. You will have to weigh up the benefits and the harms. Norman and Tegan take us through the recommendations, and the science to back them up. References: Health effects associated with consumption of unprocessed red meat: a Burden of Proof study Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption and All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis Plant-based diets and long-term health: findings from the EPIC-Oxford study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For the meat eaters still out there, you may be wondering how much is too much when it comes to your health.

You will have to weigh up the benefits and the harms.

Norman and Tegan take us through the recommendations, and the science to back them up.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1006 Is apple cider vinegar a cure-all tonic? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/apple-cider-vinegar-health-benefits/103898182 Apple cider vinegar is revered in wellness spaces for its health-giving benefits, but is there anything to it? There are claims it can aid with weight loss, boost your gut microbiome and manage blood sugar levels.  Norman and Tegan explain how this salad dressing became so famous, and what the science tells us. References: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study  Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 May 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Apple cider vinegar is revered in wellness spaces for its health-giving benefits, but is there anything to it? There are claims it can aid with weight loss, boost your gut microbiome and manage blood sugar levels.  Norman and Tegan explain how this salad dressing became so famous, and what the science tells us. References: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study  Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Apple cider vinegar is revered in wellness spaces for its health-giving benefits, but is there anything to it? There are claims it can aid with weight loss, boost your gut microbiome and manage blood sugar levels.  Norman and Tegan explain how this salad dressing became so famous, and what the science tells us. References: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study  Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Apple cider vinegar is revered in wellness spaces for its health-giving benefits, but is there anything to it?

There are claims it can aid with weight loss, boost your gut microbiome and manage blood sugar levels. 

Norman and Tegan explain how this salad dressing became so famous, and what the science tells us.

References:

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1168 Can you train yourself to sleep less? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sleep-duration-quality-health/103870612 Sometimes 24 hours doesn’t feel like nearly enough time to get everything done — those to-do lists aren't going to check themselves. Especially when you're spending around eight hours of that time in bed. Norman and Tegan assess whether it's possible to train yourself to sleep less without any of the negatives. References: Which Is More Important for Health: Sleep Quantity or Sleep Quality? Sleep in the Military Familial natural short sleep mutations reduce Alzheimer pathology in mice What's That Rash? on napping and Norman's nap-time tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 May 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sometimes 24 hours doesn’t feel like nearly enough time to get everything done — those to-do lists aren't going to check themselves. Especially when you're spending around eight hours of that time in bed. Norman and Tegan assess whether it's possible to train yourself to sleep less without any of the negatives. References: Which Is More Important for Health: Sleep Quantity or Sleep Quality? Sleep in the Military Familial natural short sleep mutations reduce Alzheimer pathology in mice What's That Rash? on napping and Norman's nap-time tips Sometimes 24 hours doesn’t feel like nearly enough time to get everything done — those to-do lists aren't going to check themselves. Especially when you're spending around eight hours of that time in bed. Norman and Tegan assess whether it's possible to train yourself to sleep less without any of the negatives. References: Which Is More Important for Health: Sleep Quantity or Sleep Quality? Sleep in the Military Familial natural short sleep mutations reduce Alzheimer pathology in mice What's That Rash? on napping and Norman's nap-time tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sometimes 24 hours doesn’t feel like nearly enough time to get everything done — those to-do lists aren't going to check themselves.

Especially when you're spending around eight hours of that time in bed.

Norman and Tegan assess whether it's possible to train yourself to sleep less without any of the negatives.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 824 Why everything hurts when you turn 30 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/body-hurt-aches-age-30/103840572 It's an age-old adage that youth is wasted on the young – you don't know what you’ve got until it's gone. The aches and pains that start to linger longer as you approach your 30s can feel like a rite of passage. Norman and Tegan explore why this happens, and whether it's inevitable. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References: Does your body really start falling apart in your 30s? - ABC Health Age changes in pain perception: A systematic-review and meta-analysis of age effects on pain and tolerance thresholds Declining muscle mass is part of aging, but that does not mean you are helpless to stop it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 May 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's an age-old adage that youth is wasted on the young – you don't know what you’ve got until it's gone. The aches and pains that start to linger longer as you approach your 30s can feel like a rite of passage. Norman and Tegan explore why this happens, and whether it's inevitable. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References: Does your body really start falling apart in your 30s? - ABC Health Age changes in pain perception: A systematic-review and meta-analysis of age effects on pain and tolerance thresholds Declining muscle mass is part of aging, but that does not mean you are helpless to stop it It's an age-old adage that youth is wasted on the young – you don't know what you’ve got until it's gone. The aches and pains that start to linger longer as you approach your 30s can feel like a rite of passage. Norman and Tegan explore why this happens, and whether it's inevitable. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References: Does your body really start falling apart in your 30s? - ABC Health Age changes in pain perception: A systematic-review and meta-analysis of age effects on pain and tolerance thresholds Declining muscle mass is part of aging, but that does not mean you are helpless to stop it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's an age-old adage that youth is wasted on the young – you don't know what you’ve got until it's gone.

The aches and pains that start to linger longer as you approach your 30s can feel like a rite of passage.

Norman and Tegan explore why this happens, and whether it's inevitable.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 815 Can sudoku really keep your brain younger for longer? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sudoku-brain-games-dementia/103809928 Dementia is common – more than 400,000 Australians are living with it – but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing. There are ways to lower your risk, and the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. Norman and Tegan give us the top tips needed to lower your risk of developing the illness as you get older. References: Physical and Mental Activity, Disease Susceptibility, and Risk of Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on UK Biobank Association of Lifespan Cognitive Reserve Indicator With Dementia Risk in the Presence of Brain Pathologies Drugs Contributing to Anticholinergic Burden and Risk of Fall or Fall-Related Injury among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia and Multiple Chronic Conditions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 May 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Dementia is common – more than 400,000 Australians are living with it – but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing. There are ways to lower your risk, and the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. Norman and Tegan give us the top tips needed to lower your risk of developing the illness as you get older. References: Physical and Mental Activity, Disease Susceptibility, and Risk of Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on UK Biobank Association of Lifespan Cognitive Reserve Indicator With Dementia Risk in the Presence of Brain Pathologies Drugs Contributing to Anticholinergic Burden and Risk of Fall or Fall-Related Injury among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia and Multiple Chronic Conditions Dementia is common – more than 400,000 Australians are living with it – but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing. There are ways to lower your risk, and the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. Norman and Tegan give us the top tips needed to lower your risk of developing the illness as you get older. References: Physical and Mental Activity, Disease Susceptibility, and Risk of Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on UK Biobank Association of Lifespan Cognitive Reserve Indicator With Dementia Risk in the Presence of Brain Pathologies Drugs Contributing to Anticholinergic Burden and Risk of Fall or Fall-Related Injury among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia and Multiple Chronic Conditions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Dementia is common – more than 400,000 Australians are living with it – but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing.

There are ways to lower your risk, and the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.

Norman and Tegan give us the top tips needed to lower your risk of developing the illness as you get older.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1101 A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/red-wine-single-glass-health/103779368 Much has been said about the single glass of red wine. It's good for you, it’s bad for you, it's good for you again. It can be confusing to follow. Norman and Tegan take on this age-old health question — does a single glass of red wine have health boosting benefits? References:  The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Much has been said about the single glass of red wine. It's good for you, it’s bad for you, it's good for you again. It can be confusing to follow. Norman and Tegan take on this age-old health question — does a single glass of red wine have health boosting benefits? References:  The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate Much has been said about the single glass of red wine. It's good for you, it’s bad for you, it's good for you again. It can be confusing to follow. Norman and Tegan take on this age-old health question — does a single glass of red wine have health boosting benefits? References:  The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Much has been said about the single glass of red wine. It's good for you, it’s bad for you, it's good for you again.

It can be confusing to follow.

Norman and Tegan take on this age-old health question — does a single glass of red wine have health boosting benefits?

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 935 Your emotional support water bottle is probably too big https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/water-bottle-litres-drink/103756962 Do you have your water bottle beside you right now? How close are you to reaching your daily water goal? It can feel like a slog sometimes to meet the recommended two lites of water a day. Norman and Tegan pour over the evidence to find out whether it's REALLY necessary to drink that much. References: Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners Statement of the 3rd International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Do you have your water bottle beside you right now? How close are you to reaching your daily water goal? It can feel like a slog sometimes to meet the recommended two lites of water a day. Norman and Tegan pour over the evidence to find out whether it's REALLY necessary to drink that much. References: Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners Statement of the 3rd International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference Do you have your water bottle beside you right now? How close are you to reaching your daily water goal? It can feel like a slog sometimes to meet the recommended two lites of water a day. Norman and Tegan pour over the evidence to find out whether it's REALLY necessary to drink that much. References: Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners Statement of the 3rd International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you have your water bottle beside you right now? How close are you to reaching your daily water goal?

It can feel like a slog sometimes to meet the recommended two lites of water a day.

Norman and Tegan pour over the evidence to find out whether it's REALLY necessary to drink that much.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1036 How can you boost your immune system? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/boost-immune-system-cold-flu/103708480 As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu. And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often. Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t). References: Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm Effect of air pollution on the human immune system Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu. And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often. Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t). References: Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm Effect of air pollution on the human immune system Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu. And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often. Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t). References: Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm Effect of air pollution on the human immune system Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the weather cools down, you may be noticing more people around you are dropping from cold or flu.

And with COVID-19 also in the mix, it’s understandable that many are wondering how they can boost their immunity to avoid getting sick so often.

Norman and Tegan take us through some of the approaches that have the evidence to back them up (and the ones that don’t).

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1184 Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/preworkout-exercise-supplements/103686394 It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise.  Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity. Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it. Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness… Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References:  Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review Effects of Beta-Alanine on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance:A Review of the Current Literature Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise.  Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity. Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it. Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness… Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References:  Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review Effects of Beta-Alanine on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance:A Review of the Current Literature Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021 It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise.  Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity. Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it. Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness… Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! References:  Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review Effects of Beta-Alanine on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance:A Review of the Current Literature Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It can sometimes be tough to summon the motivation and energy to go to exercise. 

Well, there’s a product for that and it’s gaining popularity.

Pre-workout mixtures come in powders, pills, drinks, gummies — you name it, they’ve got it.

Norman and Tegan run through what they actually contain, and what the evidence says about their effectiveness…

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1176 How do over-the-counter painkillers compare? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/over-counter-painkillers-ibuprofen-paracetemol-aspirin/103641144 When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol? Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects. Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation. References:  Paracetamol versus ibuprofen – which works best and when? Is paracetamol effective for low back pain? The dangers of NSAIDs: Look both ways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol? Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects. Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation. References:  Paracetamol versus ibuprofen – which works best and when? Is paracetamol effective for low back pain? The dangers of NSAIDs: Look both ways When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol? Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects. Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation. References:  Paracetamol versus ibuprofen – which works best and when? Is paracetamol effective for low back pain? The dangers of NSAIDs: Look both ways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you get a headache, what do you reach for? Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol?

Over-the-counter painkillers can be difficult to differentiate, but they do vary, not only in their effectiveness but also in their side effects.

Norman and Tegan talk us through how these drugs work, and which one might be best depending on your situation.

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1034 Restless Legs Syndrome and how it's treated https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/restless-legs-syndrome/103629828 Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition with somewhat mysterious underpinnings… While it can be a side effect on an underlying condition, many people suffer for no known reason. Norman and Tegan take us through what we know, what we suspect and some of the treatments for those jittery legs… References: Iron and restless legs syndrome: Treatment, genetics and pathophysiology Iron-deficiency and dopaminergic treatment effects on RLS-Like behaviors of an animal model with the brain iron deficiency pattern of the restless legs syndrome The Management of Restless Legs Syndrome:An Updated Algorithm Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition with somewhat mysterious underpinnings… While it can be a side effect on an underlying condition, many people suffer for no known reason. Norman and Tegan take us through what we know, what we suspect and some of the treatments for those jittery legs… References: Iron and restless legs syndrome: Treatment, genetics and pathophysiology Iron-deficiency and dopaminergic treatment effects on RLS-Like behaviors of an animal model with the brain iron deficiency pattern of the restless legs syndrome The Management of Restless Legs Syndrome:An Updated Algorithm Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition with somewhat mysterious underpinnings… While it can be a side effect on an underlying condition, many people suffer for no known reason. Norman and Tegan take us through what we know, what we suspect and some of the treatments for those jittery legs… References: Iron and restless legs syndrome: Treatment, genetics and pathophysiology Iron-deficiency and dopaminergic treatment effects on RLS-Like behaviors of an animal model with the brain iron deficiency pattern of the restless legs syndrome The Management of Restless Legs Syndrome:An Updated Algorithm Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition with somewhat mysterious underpinnings…

While it can be a side effect on an underlying condition, many people suffer for no known reason.

Norman and Tegan take us through what we know, what we suspect and some of the treatments for those jittery legs…

References:

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1010 Kate's cancer announcement: What do we know about her health? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/kates-cancer-announcement-what-do-we-know-about-her-health/103624190 Kate Middleton announced via a video message that she is undergoing treatment for cancer.  The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye since Christmas. This is the first official announcement about her condition since she revealed she would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.  So what What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? What is the likely treatment? And, given she is relatively young, what's the message for people who do have unexpected new symptoms? What is preventative chemotherapy? What could treatment look like? What are some of the side effects of chemotherapy? How long does it take to recover from? We're answering the health questions everyone's asking on What's That Rash? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 23 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Kate Middleton announced via a video message that she is undergoing treatment for cancer.  The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye since Christmas. This is the first official announcement about her condition since she revealed she would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.  So what What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? What is the likely treatment? And, given she is relatively young, what's the message for people who do have unexpected new symptoms? What is preventative chemotherapy? What could treatment look like? What are some of the side effects of chemotherapy? How long does it take to recover from? We're answering the health questions everyone's asking on What's That Rash? Kate Middleton announced via a video message that she is undergoing treatment for cancer.  The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye since Christmas. This is the first official announcement about her condition since she revealed she would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.  So what What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? What is the likely treatment? And, given she is relatively young, what's the message for people who do have unexpected new symptoms? What is preventative chemotherapy? What could treatment look like? What are some of the side effects of chemotherapy? How long does it take to recover from? We're answering the health questions everyone's asking on What's That Rash? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Kate Middleton announced via a video message that she is undergoing treatment for cancer. 

The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye since Christmas. This is the first official announcement about her condition since she revealed she would be undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January. 

So what What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? What is the likely treatment? And, given she is relatively young, what's the message for people who do have unexpected new symptoms?

What is preventative chemotherapy? What could treatment look like? What are some of the side effects of chemotherapy? How long does it take to recover from? We're answering the health questions everyone's asking on What's That Rash?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1286 Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/artificial-natural-sweeteners-sugar/103593486 Did you know that we're evolutionarily predisposed to seek out sweet treats? Simple carbs were harder to come by in caveman times than they are today. Now, the consensus is we all need to cut down our sugar intake. One way people are doing that is by replacing their sucrose with non-sugar sweeteners. Norman and Tegan explore whether this is actually a healthy alternative. References: Sweetness and food preference Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis The World Health Organisation on aspartame, and dietary guidelines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Did you know that we're evolutionarily predisposed to seek out sweet treats? Simple carbs were harder to come by in caveman times than they are today. Now, the consensus is we all need to cut down our sugar intake. One way people are doing that is by replacing their sucrose with non-sugar sweeteners. Norman and Tegan explore whether this is actually a healthy alternative. References: Sweetness and food preference Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis The World Health Organisation on aspartame, and dietary guidelines Did you know that we're evolutionarily predisposed to seek out sweet treats? Simple carbs were harder to come by in caveman times than they are today. Now, the consensus is we all need to cut down our sugar intake. One way people are doing that is by replacing their sucrose with non-sugar sweeteners. Norman and Tegan explore whether this is actually a healthy alternative. References: Sweetness and food preference Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis The World Health Organisation on aspartame, and dietary guidelines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Did you know that we're evolutionarily predisposed to seek out sweet treats?

Simple carbs were harder to come by in caveman times than they are today. Now, the consensus is we all need to cut down our sugar intake.

One way people are doing that is by replacing their sucrose with non-sugar sweeteners.

Norman and Tegan explore whether this is actually a healthy alternative.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1147 Pimples, spots and pleuks: The who, why and what (to do) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/acne-pimples-who-why-what-to-do/103576148 Although it’s often thought of as an adolescent affliction, acne can affect people well into adulthood. But some people seem to be immune to pimples. Why? Norman and Tegan investigate why some people are more prone to pimples than others, and what you might be able to do about it. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Racial Differences in Clinical Characteristics, Perceptions and Behaviors, and Psychosocial Impact of Adult Female Acne The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Seasonal aggravation of acne in summers and the effect of temperature and humidity in a study in a tropical setting Enjoyment of watching pimple popping videos: An fMRI investigation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Although it’s often thought of as an adolescent affliction, acne can affect people well into adulthood. But some people seem to be immune to pimples. Why? Norman and Tegan investigate why some people are more prone to pimples than others, and what you might be able to do about it. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Racial Differences in Clinical Characteristics, Perceptions and Behaviors, and Psychosocial Impact of Adult Female Acne The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Seasonal aggravation of acne in summers and the effect of temperature and humidity in a study in a tropical setting Enjoyment of watching pimple popping videos: An fMRI investigation Although it’s often thought of as an adolescent affliction, acne can affect people well into adulthood. But some people seem to be immune to pimples. Why? Norman and Tegan investigate why some people are more prone to pimples than others, and what you might be able to do about it. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Racial Differences in Clinical Characteristics, Perceptions and Behaviors, and Psychosocial Impact of Adult Female Acne The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Seasonal aggravation of acne in summers and the effect of temperature and humidity in a study in a tropical setting Enjoyment of watching pimple popping videos: An fMRI investigation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Although it’s often thought of as an adolescent affliction, acne can affect people well into adulthood.

But some people seem to be immune to pimples. Why?

Norman and Tegan investigate why some people are more prone to pimples than others, and what you might be able to do about it.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1150 Why are mosquitoes so attracted to me? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/mosquitoes-attracted-to-me/103511652 Some people are mosquito magnets. The blood suckers do, in fact, have their favourites.  And this could pose a major health risk. After all, mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth.  Norman and Tegan take us through the science of why some people attract more mozzies than others.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets Olfactory responses and field attraction of mosquitoes to volatiles from Limburger cheese and human foot odor Composition of Human Skin Microbiota Affects Attractiveness to Malaria Mosquitoes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Some people are mosquito magnets. The blood suckers do, in fact, have their favourites.  And this could pose a major health risk. After all, mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth.  Norman and Tegan take us through the science of why some people attract more mozzies than others.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets Olfactory responses and field attraction of mosquitoes to volatiles from Limburger cheese and human foot odor Composition of Human Skin Microbiota Affects Attractiveness to Malaria Mosquitoes Some people are mosquito magnets. The blood suckers do, in fact, have their favourites.  And this could pose a major health risk. After all, mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth.  Norman and Tegan take us through the science of why some people attract more mozzies than others.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets Olfactory responses and field attraction of mosquitoes to volatiles from Limburger cheese and human foot odor Composition of Human Skin Microbiota Affects Attractiveness to Malaria Mosquitoes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Some people are mosquito magnets. The blood suckers do, in fact, have their favourites. 

And this could pose a major health risk. After all, mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth. 

Norman and Tegan take us through the science of why some people attract more mozzies than others. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1030 We're doing a live show! Bring your rash to Brisbane March 22 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/live-show-brisbane-world-science-festival/103532788 What's That Rash? is coming to the World Science Festival Brisbane! Bring yourself (and your non-communicable rash) to a live podcast recording with Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor.  We've got two double passes to give away to the Social Science event on March 22 for those who'll be in Brisbane. Send us your questions for a chance to win. AND it's an adults-only event with mature content and coarse language, so go wild —  thatrash@abc.net.au We're not the only ones attending. All in the Mind will also be doing a live show, and Dr Karl will be there for some Great Moments in Science! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What's That Rash? is coming to the World Science Festival Brisbane! Bring yourself (and your non-communicable rash) to a live podcast recording with Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor.  We've got two double passes to give away to the Social Science event on March 22 for those who'll be in Brisbane. Send us your questions for a chance to win. AND it's an adults-only event with mature content and coarse language, so go wild —  thatrash@abc.net.au We're not the only ones attending. All in the Mind will also be doing a live show, and Dr Karl will be there for some Great Moments in Science! What's That Rash? is coming to the World Science Festival Brisbane! Bring yourself (and your non-communicable rash) to a live podcast recording with Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor.  We've got two double passes to give away to the Social Science event on March 22 for those who'll be in Brisbane. Send us your questions for a chance to win. AND it's an adults-only event with mature content and coarse language, so go wild —  thatrash@abc.net.au We're not the only ones attending. All in the Mind will also be doing a live show, and Dr Karl will be there for some Great Moments in Science! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What's That Rash? is coming to the World Science Festival Brisbane!

Bring yourself (and your non-communicable rash) to a live podcast recording with Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor. 

We've got two double passes to give away to the Social Science event on March 22 for those who'll be in Brisbane.

Send us your questions for a chance to win. AND it's an adults-only event with mature content and coarse language, so go wild —  thatrash@abc.net.au

We're not the only ones attending. All in the Mind will also be doing a live show, and Dr Karl will be there for some Great Moments in Science!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 154 Are hormones hindering your workout? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hormones-workout-menstrual-cycle/103511650 Have you ever been told to 'listen to your body' when it comes to fitness? It makes sense. You shouldn't push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion. But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to 'listen to your body'. One strategy that's rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle. Norman and Tegan explore whether this kind of tech is advancing faster than the research. References: Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Performance The Efects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis Bidirectional Interactions between the Menstrual Cycle, Exercise Training, and Macronutrient Intake in Women: A Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Have you ever been told to 'listen to your body' when it comes to fitness? It makes sense. You shouldn't push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion. But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to 'listen to your body'. One strategy that's rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle. Norman and Tegan explore whether this kind of tech is advancing faster than the research. References: Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Performance The Efects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis Bidirectional Interactions between the Menstrual Cycle, Exercise Training, and Macronutrient Intake in Women: A Review Have you ever been told to 'listen to your body' when it comes to fitness? It makes sense. You shouldn't push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion. But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to 'listen to your body'. One strategy that's rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle. Norman and Tegan explore whether this kind of tech is advancing faster than the research. References: Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Performance The Efects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis Bidirectional Interactions between the Menstrual Cycle, Exercise Training, and Macronutrient Intake in Women: A Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Have you ever been told to 'listen to your body' when it comes to fitness?

It makes sense. You shouldn't push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion.

But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to 'listen to your body'.

One strategy that's rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle.

Norman and Tegan explore whether this kind of tech is advancing faster than the research.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 989 Why do we have wisdom teeth? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-do-we-have-wisdom-teeth/103455212 The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble. Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)? Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis: Associated Dental Anomalies in Non-Syndromic 5923 Patients Childhood diet may contribute to impacted wisdom teeth, research shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble. Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)? Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis: Associated Dental Anomalies in Non-Syndromic 5923 Patients Childhood diet may contribute to impacted wisdom teeth, research shows The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble. Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)? Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease‐free impacted wisdom teeth Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis: Associated Dental Anomalies in Non-Syndromic 5923 Patients Childhood diet may contribute to impacted wisdom teeth, research shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble.

Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)?

Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 914 Multivitamins: Are they a scam? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/multivitamins-supplement-health/103455210 Let's say you're a pretty healthy person. You have a balanced diet, exercise regularly and don't have any health issues. A multivitamin can only help, right? Not necessarily. There are lots of multivitamins out there, catering to different circumstances. Norman and Tegan take us through the evidence for (and against) taking these catch-all supplements. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Should I Take a Daily Multivitamin? Dietary antioxidants and primary prevention of age related macular degeneration: systematic review and meta-analysis Dietary flavanols restore hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults with lower diet quality and lower habitual flavanol consumption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Let's say you're a pretty healthy person. You have a balanced diet, exercise regularly and don't have any health issues. A multivitamin can only help, right? Not necessarily. There are lots of multivitamins out there, catering to different circumstances. Norman and Tegan take us through the evidence for (and against) taking these catch-all supplements. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Should I Take a Daily Multivitamin? Dietary antioxidants and primary prevention of age related macular degeneration: systematic review and meta-analysis Dietary flavanols restore hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults with lower diet quality and lower habitual flavanol consumption Let's say you're a pretty healthy person. You have a balanced diet, exercise regularly and don't have any health issues. A multivitamin can only help, right? Not necessarily. There are lots of multivitamins out there, catering to different circumstances. Norman and Tegan take us through the evidence for (and against) taking these catch-all supplements. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Should I Take a Daily Multivitamin? Dietary antioxidants and primary prevention of age related macular degeneration: systematic review and meta-analysis Dietary flavanols restore hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults with lower diet quality and lower habitual flavanol consumption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Let's say you're a pretty healthy person. You have a balanced diet, exercise regularly and don't have any health issues. A multivitamin can only help, right?

Not necessarily. There are lots of multivitamins out there, catering to different circumstances.

Norman and Tegan take us through the evidence for (and against) taking these catch-all supplements.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1044 Are chiropractors charlatans or misunderstood? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-chiropractors-charlatans-or-misunderstood/103431058 Thousands of Australians see a chiropractor for relief from back pain, headaches or stiffness. There has been a level of controversy surrounding the profession since its inception in the 19th century. But looking beyond the field's storied history, where does the evidence stand now on chiropractic? Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials Anatomical Sciences in Chiropractic Education: A Survey of Chiropractic Programs in Australia A Phase 3 Randomised Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Thousands of Australians see a chiropractor for relief from back pain, headaches or stiffness. There has been a level of controversy surrounding the profession since its inception in the 19th century. But looking beyond the field's storied history, where does the evidence stand now on chiropractic? Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials Anatomical Sciences in Chiropractic Education: A Survey of Chiropractic Programs in Australia A Phase 3 Randomised Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention Thousands of Australians see a chiropractor for relief from back pain, headaches or stiffness. There has been a level of controversy surrounding the profession since its inception in the 19th century. But looking beyond the field's storied history, where does the evidence stand now on chiropractic? Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials Anatomical Sciences in Chiropractic Education: A Survey of Chiropractic Programs in Australia A Phase 3 Randomised Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thousands of Australians see a chiropractor for relief from back pain, headaches or stiffness.

There has been a level of controversy surrounding the profession since its inception in the 19th century.

But looking beyond the field's storied history, where does the evidence stand now on chiropractic?

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1011 Does anti-ageing skincare actually work? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/does-anti-ageing-skincare-actually-work/103400064 There are so many weird and wonderful skin potions out there, promising to fend off or reverse the signs of ageing. But do they work? And if so, how do they work? Norman and Tegan take us through their skincare routines (and some evidence, of course). Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Genetics and skin ageing - Dermato-Endocrinology Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments Role of antioxidants in the skin: Anti-ageing effects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are so many weird and wonderful skin potions out there, promising to fend off or reverse the signs of ageing. But do they work? And if so, how do they work? Norman and Tegan take us through their skincare routines (and some evidence, of course). Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Genetics and skin ageing - Dermato-Endocrinology Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments Role of antioxidants in the skin: Anti-ageing effects There are so many weird and wonderful skin potions out there, promising to fend off or reverse the signs of ageing. But do they work? And if so, how do they work? Norman and Tegan take us through their skincare routines (and some evidence, of course). Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Genetics and skin ageing - Dermato-Endocrinology Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments Role of antioxidants in the skin: Anti-ageing effects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are so many weird and wonderful skin potions out there, promising to fend off or reverse the signs of ageing.

But do they work? And if so, how do they work?

Norman and Tegan take us through their skincare routines (and some evidence, of course).

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1004 What's the deal with night terrors? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-s-the-deal-with-night-terrors/103234694 Night terrors are distressing awakenings of intense screaming, thrashing and fear that often happen at the same time each night.  They're more common in children than in adults, but they can hang around or emerge later in life.  Norman takes us through his own childhood night terror, and Tegan weighs in on some of the reasons they happen in the first place.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Night Terrors: Clinical Characteristics and Personality Patterns An evolutionary perspective on night terrors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Night terrors are distressing awakenings of intense screaming, thrashing and fear that often happen at the same time each night.  They're more common in children than in adults, but they can hang around or emerge later in life.  Norman takes us through his own childhood night terror, and Tegan weighs in on some of the reasons they happen in the first place.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Night Terrors: Clinical Characteristics and Personality Patterns An evolutionary perspective on night terrors Night terrors are distressing awakenings of intense screaming, thrashing and fear that often happen at the same time each night.  They're more common in children than in adults, but they can hang around or emerge later in life.  Norman takes us through his own childhood night terror, and Tegan weighs in on some of the reasons they happen in the first place.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Night Terrors: Clinical Characteristics and Personality Patterns An evolutionary perspective on night terrors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Night terrors are distressing awakenings of intense screaming, thrashing and fear that often happen at the same time each night. 

They're more common in children than in adults, but they can hang around or emerge later in life. 

Norman takes us through his own childhood night terror, and Tegan weighs in on some of the reasons they happen in the first place. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 949 Why do we eat cereal for breakfast? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-do-we-eat-cereal-for-breakfast/103173952 Have you ever been chastised for eating a bowl of cereal for lunch? Or having leftovers for breakfast? There are certain foods designed 'breakfast foods' in the collective imagination: eggs, toast, cornflakes, pancakes.  But the stories of how they came to earn their morning timeslot are far from science-based.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? Bath Breakfast Project Towards an Evidence-Based Recommendation for a Balanced Breakfast Breakfast skipping and timing of lunch and dinner: Relationship with BMI and obesity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Have you ever been chastised for eating a bowl of cereal for lunch? Or having leftovers for breakfast? There are certain foods designed 'breakfast foods' in the collective imagination: eggs, toast, cornflakes, pancakes.  But the stories of how they came to earn their morning timeslot are far from science-based.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? Bath Breakfast Project Towards an Evidence-Based Recommendation for a Balanced Breakfast Breakfast skipping and timing of lunch and dinner: Relationship with BMI and obesity Have you ever been chastised for eating a bowl of cereal for lunch? Or having leftovers for breakfast? There are certain foods designed 'breakfast foods' in the collective imagination: eggs, toast, cornflakes, pancakes.  But the stories of how they came to earn their morning timeslot are far from science-based.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? Bath Breakfast Project Towards an Evidence-Based Recommendation for a Balanced Breakfast Breakfast skipping and timing of lunch and dinner: Relationship with BMI and obesity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Have you ever been chastised for eating a bowl of cereal for lunch? Or having leftovers for breakfast?

There are certain foods designed 'breakfast foods' in the collective imagination: eggs, toast, cornflakes, pancakes. 

But the stories of how they came to earn their morning timeslot are far from science-based. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 627 Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/no-pain-no-gain/103200918 No pain, no gain — right? Well, if you're looking to build muscle, not necessarily. Chasing discomfort might even slow you down.  Norman and Tegan discuss delayed-onset muscle soreness, and why it's not always indicative of a good workout.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Critical Neural Microdamage-Derived Neuroinflammation Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Do They Have Anything in Common? Effects of Descending Stair Walking on Health and Fitness of Elderly Obese Women “The Glorious Pain”: Attaining Pleasure and Gratification in Times of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) among Gym Goers   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia No pain, no gain — right? Well, if you're looking to build muscle, not necessarily. Chasing discomfort might even slow you down.  Norman and Tegan discuss delayed-onset muscle soreness, and why it's not always indicative of a good workout.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Critical Neural Microdamage-Derived Neuroinflammation Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Do They Have Anything in Common? Effects of Descending Stair Walking on Health and Fitness of Elderly Obese Women “The Glorious Pain”: Attaining Pleasure and Gratification in Times of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) among Gym Goers   No pain, no gain — right? Well, if you're looking to build muscle, not necessarily. Chasing discomfort might even slow you down.  Norman and Tegan discuss delayed-onset muscle soreness, and why it's not always indicative of a good workout.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Critical Neural Microdamage-Derived Neuroinflammation Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Do They Have Anything in Common? Effects of Descending Stair Walking on Health and Fitness of Elderly Obese Women “The Glorious Pain”: Attaining Pleasure and Gratification in Times of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) among Gym Goers   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices No pain, no gain — right?

Well, if you're looking to build muscle, not necessarily. Chasing discomfort might even slow you down. 

Norman and Tegan discuss delayed-onset muscle soreness, and why it's not always indicative of a good workout. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References:

  •  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 973 Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-sunlight/103165894 Because of the country's high UV levels, Australians hear a lot about the risks of sun exposure. But there are some benefits too.  Sunlight enables us to produce vitamin D for strong bones and immune function. But there are other ways rays can help our health.  Norman and Tegan take a look at how the right dose of sunlight can be beneficial.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review Sanatoria revisited: sunlight and health     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Because of the country's high UV levels, Australians hear a lot about the risks of sun exposure. But there are some benefits too.  Sunlight enables us to produce vitamin D for strong bones and immune function. But there are other ways rays can help our health.  Norman and Tegan take a look at how the right dose of sunlight can be beneficial.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review Sanatoria revisited: sunlight and health     Because of the country's high UV levels, Australians hear a lot about the risks of sun exposure. But there are some benefits too.  Sunlight enables us to produce vitamin D for strong bones and immune function. But there are other ways rays can help our health.  Norman and Tegan take a look at how the right dose of sunlight can be beneficial.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review Sanatoria revisited: sunlight and health     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Because of the country's high UV levels, Australians hear a lot about the risks of sun exposure. But there are some benefits too. 

Sunlight enables us to produce vitamin D for strong bones and immune function. But there are other ways rays can help our health. 

Norman and Tegan take a look at how the right dose of sunlight can be beneficial. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References:

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 908 Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/adapt-pet-allergies-dog-cat/103173956 Pet allergies can range from mild to severe — from a nuisance to, occasionally, anaphylaxis.  When all you've got is some itchiness and a runny nose, are you doomed to a life without a furry friend? Norman and Tegan discuss the possibility of building up a tolerance to allergens.   Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Dog ownership at three months of age is associated with protection against food allergy Sensitisation, asthma, and a modified Th2 response in children exposed to cat allergen Specific gut microbiome signatures and the associated pro-inflammatory functions are linked to paediatric allergy and acquisition of immune tolerance   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Pet allergies can range from mild to severe — from a nuisance to, occasionally, anaphylaxis.  When all you've got is some itchiness and a runny nose, are you doomed to a life without a furry friend? Norman and Tegan discuss the possibility of building up a tolerance to allergens.   Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Dog ownership at three months of age is associated with protection against food allergy Sensitisation, asthma, and a modified Th2 response in children exposed to cat allergen Specific gut microbiome signatures and the associated pro-inflammatory functions are linked to paediatric allergy and acquisition of immune tolerance   Pet allergies can range from mild to severe — from a nuisance to, occasionally, anaphylaxis.  When all you've got is some itchiness and a runny nose, are you doomed to a life without a furry friend? Norman and Tegan discuss the possibility of building up a tolerance to allergens.   Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References:  Dog ownership at three months of age is associated with protection against food allergy Sensitisation, asthma, and a modified Th2 response in children exposed to cat allergen Specific gut microbiome signatures and the associated pro-inflammatory functions are linked to paediatric allergy and acquisition of immune tolerance   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Pet allergies can range from mild to severe — from a nuisance to, occasionally, anaphylaxis. 

When all you've got is some itchiness and a runny nose, are you doomed to a life without a furry friend?

Norman and Tegan discuss the possibility of building up a tolerance to allergens.  

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References: 

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 942 Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-do-you-feel-so-tired-after-a-big-meal/103102344 It's holiday season, and family feasts are inevitable. But is the post-feast nap also inevitable? Norman and Tegan explain why you get so tired after a big meal. And no ... it has nothing to do with being around your extended family. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's holiday season, and family feasts are inevitable. But is the post-feast nap also inevitable? Norman and Tegan explain why you get so tired after a big meal. And no ... it has nothing to do with being around your extended family. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report It's holiday season, and family feasts are inevitable. But is the post-feast nap also inevitable? Norman and Tegan explain why you get so tired after a big meal. And no ... it has nothing to do with being around your extended family. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's holiday season, and family feasts are inevitable. But is the post-feast nap also inevitable?

Norman and Tegan explain why you get so tired after a big meal. And no ... it has nothing to do with being around your extended family.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 875 Can listening to music make you smarter? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-listening-to-music-make-you-smarter/103173954 Binaural beats are a phenomenon that happens in your brain when you listen to two different tones in each ear.  There are lots of claims surrounding them — that they can trigger different brain waves and promote different states of mind.  Norman and Tegan are here to unpack whether there's any evidence this musical illusion can aid with concentration.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Reverse effect of home-use binaural beats brain stimulation Pilot feasibility study of binaural auditory beats for reducing symptoms of inattention in children and adolescents with ADHD Binaural beats reduce feeling of pain and discomfort during colonoscopy procedure in not-sedated patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Binaural beats are a phenomenon that happens in your brain when you listen to two different tones in each ear.  There are lots of claims surrounding them — that they can trigger different brain waves and promote different states of mind.  Norman and Tegan are here to unpack whether there's any evidence this musical illusion can aid with concentration.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Reverse effect of home-use binaural beats brain stimulation Pilot feasibility study of binaural auditory beats for reducing symptoms of inattention in children and adolescents with ADHD Binaural beats reduce feeling of pain and discomfort during colonoscopy procedure in not-sedated patients Binaural beats are a phenomenon that happens in your brain when you listen to two different tones in each ear.  There are lots of claims surrounding them — that they can trigger different brain waves and promote different states of mind.  Norman and Tegan are here to unpack whether there's any evidence this musical illusion can aid with concentration.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Reverse effect of home-use binaural beats brain stimulation Pilot feasibility study of binaural auditory beats for reducing symptoms of inattention in children and adolescents with ADHD Binaural beats reduce feeling of pain and discomfort during colonoscopy procedure in not-sedated patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Binaural beats are a phenomenon that happens in your brain when you listen to two different tones in each ear. 

There are lots of claims surrounding them — that they can trigger different brain waves and promote different states of mind. 

Norman and Tegan are here to unpack whether there's any evidence this musical illusion can aid with concentration. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 801 Am I addicted to caffeine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/am-i-addicted-to-caffeine/103167188 Caffeine is a part of many people's routines, whether it be a shot of coffee or a cup of tea.  If you've ever noticed a headache creeping in when you've missed your morning cup of joe, Norman and Tegan are here to explain why.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Adenosine, caffeine, and sleep–wake regulation: state of the science and perspectives Caffeine for headaches: Helpful or harmful? Caffeine in the management of patients with headache Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Caffeine is a part of many people's routines, whether it be a shot of coffee or a cup of tea.  If you've ever noticed a headache creeping in when you've missed your morning cup of joe, Norman and Tegan are here to explain why.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Adenosine, caffeine, and sleep–wake regulation: state of the science and perspectives Caffeine for headaches: Helpful or harmful? Caffeine in the management of patients with headache Caffeine is a part of many people's routines, whether it be a shot of coffee or a cup of tea.  If you've ever noticed a headache creeping in when you've missed your morning cup of joe, Norman and Tegan are here to explain why.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Adenosine, caffeine, and sleep–wake regulation: state of the science and perspectives Caffeine for headaches: Helpful or harmful? Caffeine in the management of patients with headache Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Caffeine is a part of many people's routines, whether it be a shot of coffee or a cup of tea. 

If you've ever noticed a headache creeping in when you've missed your morning cup of joe, Norman and Tegan are here to explain why. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 865 What is the perfect nap duration? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-is-the-perfect-nap-duration/103163300 Napping can be risky. Will you wake up feeling better or worse? There's no doubt that sometimes an afternoon snooze is an absolute necessity.  Norman and Tegan explore what's going on when you nap, and what you can do to get the most benefit. References: Influence of mid-afternoon nap duration and sleep parameters on memory encoding, mood, processing speed, and vigilance Lifestyle mediators of associations among siestas, obesity, and metabolic health Effects of planned cockpit rest on crew performance and alertness in long-haul operations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Napping can be risky. Will you wake up feeling better or worse? There's no doubt that sometimes an afternoon snooze is an absolute necessity.  Norman and Tegan explore what's going on when you nap, and what you can do to get the most benefit. References: Influence of mid-afternoon nap duration and sleep parameters on memory encoding, mood, processing speed, and vigilance Lifestyle mediators of associations among siestas, obesity, and metabolic health Effects of planned cockpit rest on crew performance and alertness in long-haul operations Napping can be risky. Will you wake up feeling better or worse? There's no doubt that sometimes an afternoon snooze is an absolute necessity.  Norman and Tegan explore what's going on when you nap, and what you can do to get the most benefit. References: Influence of mid-afternoon nap duration and sleep parameters on memory encoding, mood, processing speed, and vigilance Lifestyle mediators of associations among siestas, obesity, and metabolic health Effects of planned cockpit rest on crew performance and alertness in long-haul operations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Napping can be risky. Will you wake up feeling better or worse?

There's no doubt that sometimes an afternoon snooze is an absolute necessity. 

Norman and Tegan explore what's going on when you nap, and what you can do to get the most benefit.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 853 Are probiotics worth the money? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-probiotics-worth-the-money/103114710 If you've ever been told to take a probiotic — after a course of antibiotics, or just for your general health — you may be wondering what they actually do.  Well, Norman and Tegan are here to dig into the research about these over-the-counter supplements, which claim to support digestion, boost immunity and even improve mood.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Probiotics for the prevention of paediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhoea  Multispecies Probiotic for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea in Children A systematic review of gut microbiota composition in observational studies of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia  Post-Antibiotic Gut Mucosal Microbiome Reconstitution Is Impaired by Probiotics and Improved by Autologous FMT   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you've ever been told to take a probiotic — after a course of antibiotics, or just for your general health — you may be wondering what they actually do.  Well, Norman and Tegan are here to dig into the research about these over-the-counter supplements, which claim to support digestion, boost immunity and even improve mood.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Probiotics for the prevention of paediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhoea  Multispecies Probiotic for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea in Children A systematic review of gut microbiota composition in observational studies of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia  Post-Antibiotic Gut Mucosal Microbiome Reconstitution Is Impaired by Probiotics and Improved by Autologous FMT   If you've ever been told to take a probiotic — after a course of antibiotics, or just for your general health — you may be wondering what they actually do.  Well, Norman and Tegan are here to dig into the research about these over-the-counter supplements, which claim to support digestion, boost immunity and even improve mood.  Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report References: Probiotics for the prevention of paediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhoea  Multispecies Probiotic for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea in Children A systematic review of gut microbiota composition in observational studies of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia  Post-Antibiotic Gut Mucosal Microbiome Reconstitution Is Impaired by Probiotics and Improved by Autologous FMT   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you've ever been told to take a probiotic — after a course of antibiotics, or just for your general health — you may be wondering what they actually do. 

Well, Norman and Tegan are here to dig into the research about these over-the-counter supplements, which claim to support digestion, boost immunity and even improve mood. 

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

References:

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]]> 954 Does it matter whether I enjoy exercise? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/does-it-matter-whether-i-enjoy-exercise/103097868 Consistent exercise is good for you, but does it make any difference whether you actually enjoy what you're doing? Norman and Tegan explore how fun might help you establish a work-out habit that benefits your body and your mind. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Consistent exercise is good for you, but does it make any difference whether you actually enjoy what you're doing? Norman and Tegan explore how fun might help you establish a work-out habit that benefits your body and your mind. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report Consistent exercise is good for you, but does it make any difference whether you actually enjoy what you're doing? Norman and Tegan explore how fun might help you establish a work-out habit that benefits your body and your mind. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Consistent exercise is good for you, but does it make any difference whether you actually enjoy what you're doing?

Norman and Tegan explore how fun might help you establish a work-out habit that benefits your body and your mind.

Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We'd love to hear from you!

Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don't panic, they've moved over to The Health Report

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 920 End of Coronacast, but we're not going away! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/end-of-coronacast-but-we-re-not-going-away/103075062 As the saying goes: All good things must come to an end. But don't go away, we've got something big coming! Obviously we're not talking about the pandemic — as it certainly isn't good and it certainly isn't over. We're talking about Coronacast: your little pandemic friend that (hopefully!) helped you through the scary times over the last three years. Today is Coronacast's last episode, and we're going out with a bang! What's going on with case numbers (spoiler: rising again)? Are we finally seeing the rise of a new variant? And what do we think we've learned over the last three years? BUT DON'T UNSUBSCRIBE! While Coronacast will be leaving us like OG SARS-CoV-2, Tegan and Norman aren't going anywhere.  They'll be staying right here with a new show that's all about answering the health questions everyone's asking! We know good health information is hard to come by and it's impossible to know who to trust. So send in your your health questions to our new show: What's That Rash? Every week, Norman and Tegan will have a swing at answering them, and give you some useful information and amazing stories to help you live a healthier life. Email us at thatrash@abc.net.au. First episode out 15th November. Also, genuinely, A MASSIVE thank you to every single person whose ever listened to Coronacast and/or sent in a question over the past few years. Without you, we've never have done more than 500 episodes over more than three years. You're the reason we're here and the reason we've loved doing this show. So thankyou! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the saying goes: All good things must come to an end. But don't go away, we've got something big coming! Obviously we're not talking about the pandemic — as it certainly isn't good and it certainly isn't over. We're talking about Coronacast: your little pandemic friend that (hopefully!) helped you through the scary times over the last three years. Today is Coronacast's last episode, and we're going out with a bang! What's going on with case numbers (spoiler: rising again)? Are we finally seeing the rise of a new variant? And what do we think we've learned over the last three years? BUT DON'T UNSUBSCRIBE! While Coronacast will be leaving us like OG SARS-CoV-2, Tegan and Norman aren't going anywhere.  They'll be staying right here with a new show that's all about answering the health questions everyone's asking! We know good health information is hard to come by and it's impossible to know who to trust. So send in your your health questions to our new show: What's That Rash? Every week, Norman and Tegan will have a swing at answering them, and give you some useful information and amazing stories to help you live a healthier life. Email us at thatrash@abc.net.au. First episode out 15th November. Also, genuinely, A MASSIVE thank you to every single person whose ever listened to Coronacast and/or sent in a question over the past few years. Without you, we've never have done more than 500 episodes over more than three years. You're the reason we're here and the reason we've loved doing this show. So thankyou! As the saying goes: All good things must come to an end. But don't go away, we've got something big coming! Obviously we're not talking about the pandemic — as it certainly isn't good and it certainly isn't over. We're talking about Coronacast: your little pandemic friend that (hopefully!) helped you through the scary times over the last three years. Today is Coronacast's last episode, and we're going out with a bang! What's going on with case numbers (spoiler: rising again)? Are we finally seeing the rise of a new variant? And what do we think we've learned over the last three years? BUT DON'T UNSUBSCRIBE! While Coronacast will be leaving us like OG SARS-CoV-2, Tegan and Norman aren't going anywhere.  They'll be staying right here with a new show that's all about answering the health questions everyone's asking! We know good health information is hard to come by and it's impossible to know who to trust. So send in your your health questions to our new show: What's That Rash? Every week, Norman and Tegan will have a swing at answering them, and give you some useful information and amazing stories to help you live a healthier life. Email us at thatrash@abc.net.au. First episode out 15th November. Also, genuinely, A MASSIVE thank you to every single person whose ever listened to Coronacast and/or sent in a question over the past few years. Without you, we've never have done more than 500 episodes over more than three years. You're the reason we're here and the reason we've loved doing this show. So thankyou! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the saying goes: All good things must come to an end. But don't go away, we've got something big coming!

Obviously we're not talking about the pandemic — as it certainly isn't good and it certainly isn't over.

We're talking about Coronacast: your little pandemic friend that (hopefully!) helped you through the scary times over the last three years.

Today is Coronacast's last episode, and we're going out with a bang! What's going on with case numbers (spoiler: rising again)? Are we finally seeing the rise of a new variant? And what do we think we've learned over the last three years?

BUT DON'T UNSUBSCRIBE! While Coronacast will be leaving us like OG SARS-CoV-2, Tegan and Norman aren't going anywhere. 

They'll be staying right here with a new show that's all about answering the health questions everyone's asking!

We know good health information is hard to come by and it's impossible to know who to trust. So send in your your health questions to our new show: What's That Rash?

Every week, Norman and Tegan will have a swing at answering them, and give you some useful information and amazing stories to help you live a healthier life.

Email us at thatrash@abc.net.au. First episode out 15th November.

Also, genuinely, A MASSIVE thank you to every single person whose ever listened to Coronacast and/or sent in a question over the past few years.

Without you, we've never have done more than 500 episodes over more than three years. You're the reason we're here and the reason we've loved doing this show. So thankyou!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1046 INTRODUCING — Hello AI Overlords (and some Coronacast news!) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/introducing-hello-ai-overlords-and-some-coronacast-news/103015520 Hello Coronacasters - it's been a while! We have a little bit of news to share about what's coming up for Coronacast. Also, Tegan's here to share a very special podcast recommendation! It's a new season of Science Friction! It's called Hello AI Overlords - and it's an entire season diving deep into AI. Where's it come from? Where are we heading? And what happens if it's controlled by only a handful of people. So make sure you check it out right now! Tell all your friends. And why not tell ChatGPT too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Oct 2023 14:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Hello Coronacasters - it's been a while! We have a little bit of news to share about what's coming up for Coronacast. Also, Tegan's here to share a very special podcast recommendation! It's a new season of Science Friction! It's called Hello AI Overlords - and it's an entire season diving deep into AI. Where's it come from? Where are we heading? And what happens if it's controlled by only a handful of people. So make sure you check it out right now! Tell all your friends. And why not tell ChatGPT too. Hello Coronacasters - it's been a while! We have a little bit of news to share about what's coming up for Coronacast. Also, Tegan's here to share a very special podcast recommendation! It's a new season of Science Friction! It's called Hello AI Overlords - and it's an entire season diving deep into AI. Where's it come from? Where are we heading? And what happens if it's controlled by only a handful of people. So make sure you check it out right now! Tell all your friends. And why not tell ChatGPT too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hello Coronacasters - it's been a while! We have a little bit of news to share about what's coming up for Coronacast.

Also, Tegan's here to share a very special podcast recommendation!

It's a new season of Science Friction! It's called Hello AI Overlords - and it's an entire season diving deep into AI. Where's it come from? Where are we heading? And what happens if it's controlled by only a handful of people.

So make sure you check it out right now! Tell all your friends. And why not tell ChatGPT too.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 313 Getting a (strong) grip on Long COVID https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/getting-a-strong-grip-on-long-covid/102840158 There's still so much to learn about COVID, and this week we have two big things about Long COVID and how long we spread the virus. Firstly, a recent study has drawn a link between hand grip strength and post Long COVID symptoms, especially when it comes to who gets it and how badly. And secondly, a study from Hong Kong has tried to nail down what's going on in a person's immune system and how that effects the duration of shedding the virus. That's on this week's Coronacast. (And please note, we're taking the next few weeks off! But we'll be back in October) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's still so much to learn about COVID, and this week we have two big things about Long COVID and how long we spread the virus. Firstly, a recent study has drawn a link between hand grip strength and post Long COVID symptoms, especially when it comes to who gets it and how badly. And secondly, a study from Hong Kong has tried to nail down what's going on in a person's immune system and how that effects the duration of shedding the virus. That's on this week's Coronacast. (And please note, we're taking the next few weeks off! But we'll be back in October) There's still so much to learn about COVID, and this week we have two big things about Long COVID and how long we spread the virus. Firstly, a recent study has drawn a link between hand grip strength and post Long COVID symptoms, especially when it comes to who gets it and how badly. And secondly, a study from Hong Kong has tried to nail down what's going on in a person's immune system and how that effects the duration of shedding the virus. That's on this week's Coronacast. (And please note, we're taking the next few weeks off! But we'll be back in October) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's still so much to learn about COVID, and this week we have two big things about Long COVID and how long we spread the virus.

Firstly, a recent study has drawn a link between hand grip strength and post Long COVID symptoms, especially when it comes to who gets it and how badly.

And secondly, a study from Hong Kong has tried to nail down what's going on in a person's immune system and how that effects the duration of shedding the virus.

That's on this week's Coronacast.

(And please note, we're taking the next few weeks off! But we'll be back in October)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 752 When will we be out of the COVID pandemic phase? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-will-we-be-out-of-the-covid-pandemic-phase/102840156 It's a question that we've been asking since the very beginning of the pandemic: when will it really end? It's easy to think that because people are vaccinated and less attention is paid to COVID, it's over.  In reality more than 5000 people have died of COVID this year, and the disease burden rises every time there's a new variant. On today's Coronacast, a chat with Professor Brendan Crabb, an infectious disease expert who heads up the Burnet Institute on how he thinks the past several years have gone, and whether COVID will remain a forever virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's a question that we've been asking since the very beginning of the pandemic: when will it really end? It's easy to think that because people are vaccinated and less attention is paid to COVID, it's over.  In reality more than 5000 people have died of COVID this year, and the disease burden rises every time there's a new variant. On today's Coronacast, a chat with Professor Brendan Crabb, an infectious disease expert who heads up the Burnet Institute on how he thinks the past several years have gone, and whether COVID will remain a forever virus. It's a question that we've been asking since the very beginning of the pandemic: when will it really end? It's easy to think that because people are vaccinated and less attention is paid to COVID, it's over.  In reality more than 5000 people have died of COVID this year, and the disease burden rises every time there's a new variant. On today's Coronacast, a chat with Professor Brendan Crabb, an infectious disease expert who heads up the Burnet Institute on how he thinks the past several years have gone, and whether COVID will remain a forever virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's a question that we've been asking since the very beginning of the pandemic: when will it really end?

It's easy to think that because people are vaccinated and less attention is paid to COVID, it's over. 

In reality more than 5000 people have died of COVID this year, and the disease burden rises every time there's a new variant.

On today's Coronacast, a chat with Professor Brendan Crabb, an infectious disease expert who heads up the Burnet Institute on how he thinks the past several years have gone, and whether COVID will remain a forever virus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 984 We're finally feeling a bit less lonely! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-re-finally-feeling-a-bit-less-lonely/102840154 The COVID pandemic brought on a whole bunch of change to nearly everyone in the world. All of a sudden people were under lockdowns, out of work, unable to see their loved ones, even fighting for their lives.  But ever so steadily, things have improved. Vaccines came along and we tried to get back to normal.  But for some that’s not so easy.  According to a survey from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - we’re feeling less lonely than we were in the early days of the pandemic. But, sadly, it’s not all great news.  That’s on this week’s Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The COVID pandemic brought on a whole bunch of change to nearly everyone in the world. All of a sudden people were under lockdowns, out of work, unable to see their loved ones, even fighting for their lives.  But ever so steadily, things have improved. Vaccines came along and we tried to get back to normal.  But for some that’s not so easy.  According to a survey from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - we’re feeling less lonely than we were in the early days of the pandemic. But, sadly, it’s not all great news.  That’s on this week’s Coronacast. The COVID pandemic brought on a whole bunch of change to nearly everyone in the world. All of a sudden people were under lockdowns, out of work, unable to see their loved ones, even fighting for their lives.  But ever so steadily, things have improved. Vaccines came along and we tried to get back to normal.  But for some that’s not so easy.  According to a survey from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - we’re feeling less lonely than we were in the early days of the pandemic. But, sadly, it’s not all great news.  That’s on this week’s Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The COVID pandemic brought on a whole bunch of change to nearly everyone in the world.

All of a sudden people were under lockdowns, out of work, unable to see their loved ones, even fighting for their lives. 

But ever so steadily, things have improved. Vaccines came along and we tried to get back to normal.  But for some that’s not so easy. 

According to a survey from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - we’re feeling less lonely than we were in the early days of the pandemic.

But, sadly, it’s not all great news. 

That’s on this week’s Coronacast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 Why the risk of Long COVID might be falling https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-the-risk-of-long-covid-might-be-falling/102816698 One of the big scary unknowns that remains with COVID is long-COVID. There are hundreds of thousands of Australians with the condition. But little bit by little bit, researchers are working out more and more about it. And in some good news - it seems that the risk of long-COVID has fallen over the last couple of years.  Also, why shoving certain drugs up your nose might help avoid COVID in the first place. That’s on this week’s Coronacast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the big scary unknowns that remains with COVID is long-COVID. There are hundreds of thousands of Australians with the condition. But little bit by little bit, researchers are working out more and more about it. And in some good news - it seems that the risk of long-COVID has fallen over the last couple of years.  Also, why shoving certain drugs up your nose might help avoid COVID in the first place. That’s on this week’s Coronacast One of the big scary unknowns that remains with COVID is long-COVID. There are hundreds of thousands of Australians with the condition. But little bit by little bit, researchers are working out more and more about it. And in some good news - it seems that the risk of long-COVID has fallen over the last couple of years.  Also, why shoving certain drugs up your nose might help avoid COVID in the first place. That’s on this week’s Coronacast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the big scary unknowns that remains with COVID is long-COVID.

There are hundreds of thousands of Australians with the condition.

But little bit by little bit, researchers are working out more and more about it.

And in some good news - it seems that the risk of long-COVID has fallen over the last couple of years. 

Also, why shoving certain drugs up your nose might help avoid COVID in the first place.

That’s on this week’s Coronacast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 842 Where have all the new variants gone? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/where-have-all-the-new-variants-gone/102784972 In the early days of COVID, it seemed like we were getting new variants of concern every few months. Wuhan led to Alpha then to Delta via a side trip to Beta for parts of the world. But ever since Omicron came in like a wrecking ball at the end of 2021... sure there has been a lot of new sub-variants, but no new challenger to take on the Big Boss. So could Omicron be the final variant? Are things starting to settle down? Will saying this mean a new variant is around the corner? All the big questions on this week's Coroncast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In the early days of COVID, it seemed like we were getting new variants of concern every few months. Wuhan led to Alpha then to Delta via a side trip to Beta for parts of the world. But ever since Omicron came in like a wrecking ball at the end of 2021... sure there has been a lot of new sub-variants, but no new challenger to take on the Big Boss. So could Omicron be the final variant? Are things starting to settle down? Will saying this mean a new variant is around the corner? All the big questions on this week's Coroncast. In the early days of COVID, it seemed like we were getting new variants of concern every few months. Wuhan led to Alpha then to Delta via a side trip to Beta for parts of the world. But ever since Omicron came in like a wrecking ball at the end of 2021... sure there has been a lot of new sub-variants, but no new challenger to take on the Big Boss. So could Omicron be the final variant? Are things starting to settle down? Will saying this mean a new variant is around the corner? All the big questions on this week's Coroncast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the early days of COVID, it seemed like we were getting new variants of concern every few months.

Wuhan led to Alpha then to Delta via a side trip to Beta for parts of the world.

But ever since Omicron came in like a wrecking ball at the end of 2021... sure there has been a lot of new sub-variants, but no new challenger to take on the Big Boss.

So could Omicron be the final variant? Are things starting to settle down? Will saying this mean a new variant is around the corner?

All the big questions on this week's Coroncast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 804 Pirola! An asteroid? Football player? No, it's the latest strain! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/pirola-the-latest-strain/102760760 It seems like a mere week ago that we were talking about the last new variant - because it was only a week ago. Move over Eris, there's a new variant in town: Pirola.  Unlike most of the recent strains going around, this one branched off further back in the Omicron family tree.  But what of the usual questions: is it better at evading immunity? Does it cause worse disease? How do I protect myself? Also, how normal is it for a virus to mutate this much? Is it really moving this quickly, or is just because we're watching it so closely?  That's on this week's Coronacast.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It seems like a mere week ago that we were talking about the last new variant - because it was only a week ago. Move over Eris, there's a new variant in town: Pirola.  Unlike most of the recent strains going around, this one branched off further back in the Omicron family tree.  But what of the usual questions: is it better at evading immunity? Does it cause worse disease? How do I protect myself? Also, how normal is it for a virus to mutate this much? Is it really moving this quickly, or is just because we're watching it so closely?  That's on this week's Coronacast.   It seems like a mere week ago that we were talking about the last new variant - because it was only a week ago. Move over Eris, there's a new variant in town: Pirola.  Unlike most of the recent strains going around, this one branched off further back in the Omicron family tree.  But what of the usual questions: is it better at evading immunity? Does it cause worse disease? How do I protect myself? Also, how normal is it for a virus to mutate this much? Is it really moving this quickly, or is just because we're watching it so closely?  That's on this week's Coronacast.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It seems like a mere week ago that we were talking about the last new variant - because it was only a week ago.

Move over Eris, there's a new variant in town: Pirola. 

Unlike most of the recent strains going around, this one branched off further back in the Omicron family tree. 

But what of the usual questions: is it better at evading immunity? Does it cause worse disease? How do I protect myself? Also, how normal is it for a virus to mutate this much? Is it really moving this quickly, or is just because we're watching it so closely? 

That's on this week's Coronacast.  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 730 Hello furry mammal are you the next pandemic? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hello-furry-mammal-are-you-the-next-pandemic/102728232 Wherever you look, viruses are going into and coming out of animals. Mostly this happens without much fanfare, though occasionally it causes big problems. Which is why it's concerning that researchers in Europe have started to sound the alarm about fur farms in Europe and other researchers looking at pig farms have found more swine flu variants than they expected. So what's going on? References: Infection prevention and control in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a living guideline, 10 August 2023 Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection on multiple fur farms in the South and Central Ostrobothnia regions of Finland, July 2023 The genomic landscape of swine influenza A viruses in Southeast Asia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Wherever you look, viruses are going into and coming out of animals. Mostly this happens without much fanfare, though occasionally it causes big problems. Which is why it's concerning that researchers in Europe have started to sound the alarm about fur farms in Europe and other researchers looking at pig farms have found more swine flu variants than they expected. So what's going on?   References: Infection prevention and control in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a living guideline, 10 August 2023 Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection on multiple fur farms in the South and Central Ostrobothnia regions of Finland, July 2023 The genomic landscape of swine influenza A viruses in Southeast Asia Wherever you look, viruses are going into and coming out of animals. Mostly this happens without much fanfare, though occasionally it causes big problems. Which is why it's concerning that researchers in Europe have started to sound the alarm about fur farms in Europe and other researchers looking at pig farms have found more swine flu variants than they expected. So what's going on? References: Infection prevention and control in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a living guideline, 10 August 2023 Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection on multiple fur farms in the South and Central Ostrobothnia regions of Finland, July 2023 The genomic landscape of swine influenza A viruses in Southeast Asia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wherever you look, viruses are going into and coming out of animals.

Mostly this happens without much fanfare, though occasionally it causes big problems.

Which is why it's concerning that researchers in Europe have started to sound the alarm about fur farms in Europe and other researchers looking at pig farms have found more swine flu variants than they expected.

So what's going on?

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 783 Can picking your nose lead to COVID https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-picking-your-nose-lead-to-covid/102703392 If you think that excavating your nose is a harmless if somewhat disgusting habit - think again. A new study reckons you could emerge with COVID-19. Other studies worry about how forgetful having your fingernail so close to the brain might make you. And have you ever given thought to your nasal microbiome much less what our primate cousins get up to (hint: it's even more disgusting)? We drill deep on rhinotillexis. References Rhinotillexomania: psychiatric disorder or habit? A review of nose picking in primates with new evidence of its occurrence in Daubentonia madagascariensis Staphylococcus aureus and the ecology of the nasal microbiome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you think that excavating your nose is a harmless if somewhat disgusting habit - think again. A new study reckons you could emerge with COVID-19. Other studies worry about how forgetful having your fingernail so close to the brain might make you. And have you ever given thought to your nasal microbiome much less what our primate cousins get up to (hint: it's even more disgusting)? We drill deep on rhinotillexis. References Rhinotillexomania: psychiatric disorder or habit? A review of nose picking in primates with new evidence of its occurrence in Daubentonia madagascariensis Staphylococcus aureus and the ecology of the nasal microbiome If you think that excavating your nose is a harmless if somewhat disgusting habit - think again. A new study reckons you could emerge with COVID-19. Other studies worry about how forgetful having your fingernail so close to the brain might make you. And have you ever given thought to your nasal microbiome much less what our primate cousins get up to (hint: it's even more disgusting)? We drill deep on rhinotillexis. References Rhinotillexomania: psychiatric disorder or habit? A review of nose picking in primates with new evidence of its occurrence in Daubentonia madagascariensis Staphylococcus aureus and the ecology of the nasal microbiome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you think that excavating your nose is a harmless if somewhat disgusting habit - think again.

A new study reckons you could emerge with COVID-19.

Other studies worry about how forgetful having your fingernail so close to the brain might make you. And have you ever given thought to your nasal microbiome much less what our primate cousins get up to (hint: it's even more disgusting)?

We drill deep on rhinotillexis.

References

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 769 How you and 200 friends can save one hospitalisation https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-you-and-200-friends-can-save-one-hospitalisation/102674004 We've said it before and we'll say it again - make sure you get your booster dose.  But what, you ask, is in it for me? How likely am I to be the one who dodges severe disease?  Well a new study has quantified this. It's a number familiar to epidemiologists - the number needed to treat to prevent a certain outcome.  Also this week: where are we at with repurposing existing drugs to prevent COVID?  What's happening with flu numbers? And who was Tegan's surprise fluffy office visitor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We've said it before and we'll say it again - make sure you get your booster dose.  But what, you ask, is in it for me? How likely am I to be the one who dodges severe disease?  Well a new study has quantified this. It's a number familiar to epidemiologists - the number needed to treat to prevent a certain outcome.  Also this week: where are we at with repurposing existing drugs to prevent COVID?  What's happening with flu numbers? And who was Tegan's surprise fluffy office visitor? We've said it before and we'll say it again - make sure you get your booster dose.  But what, you ask, is in it for me? How likely am I to be the one who dodges severe disease?  Well a new study has quantified this. It's a number familiar to epidemiologists - the number needed to treat to prevent a certain outcome.  Also this week: where are we at with repurposing existing drugs to prevent COVID?  What's happening with flu numbers? And who was Tegan's surprise fluffy office visitor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We've said it before and we'll say it again - make sure you get your booster dose. 

But what, you ask, is in it for me? How likely am I to be the one who dodges severe disease? 

Well a new study has quantified this. It's a number familiar to epidemiologists - the number needed to treat to prevent a certain outcome. 

Also this week: where are we at with repurposing existing drugs to prevent COVID? 

What's happening with flu numbers? And who was Tegan's surprise fluffy office visitor?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 866 COVID's not alone in the wastewater https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/covid-is-not-alone-in-the-wastewater/102646418 In the early days of COVID, we used wastewater surveillance to spot undetected community transmission. Our sewage gave public health authorities early alerts that COVID was spreading. Wastewater surveillance also gives information on sub variants: what's on the rise and what's in decline. But there's other stuff in wastewater - and it's downright criminal.  That's captured on today's rather smelly Coronacast. References: A common allele of HLA is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection Viral and antibody dynamics of acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.529): a prospective cohort study from Shenzhen, China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In the early days of COVID, we used wastewater surveillance to spot undetected community transmission. Our sewage gave public health authorities early alerts that COVID was spreading. Wastewater surveillance also gives information on sub variants: what's on the rise and what's in decline. But there's other stuff in wastewater - and it's downright criminal.  That's captured on today's rather smelly Coronacast. References: A common allele of HLA is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection Viral and antibody dynamics of acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.529): a prospective cohort study from Shenzhen, China In the early days of COVID, we used wastewater surveillance to spot undetected community transmission. Our sewage gave public health authorities early alerts that COVID was spreading. Wastewater surveillance also gives information on sub variants: what's on the rise and what's in decline. But there's other stuff in wastewater - and it's downright criminal.  That's captured on today's rather smelly Coronacast. References: A common allele of HLA is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection Viral and antibody dynamics of acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.529): a prospective cohort study from Shenzhen, China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the early days of COVID, we used wastewater surveillance to spot undetected community transmission.

Our sewage gave public health authorities early alerts that COVID was spreading.

Wastewater surveillance also gives information on sub variants: what's on the rise and what's in decline.

But there's other stuff in wastewater - and it's downright criminal. 

That's captured on today's rather smelly Coronacast.

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 792 How do COVID antivirals work? And what's with the rebound? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-covid-antivirals-work-and-whats-with-the-rebound/102616200 A lot has been said about COVID antivirals, especially on how they might help bring down the number of deaths from the disease. But occasionally an interesting phenomenon occurs: a patient takes the antiviral drugs, feels better, only to come down with COVID again. So how do COVID antivirals work and why does the rebound sometimes happen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A lot has been said about COVID antivirals, especially on how they might help bring down the number of deaths from the disease. But occasionally an interesting phenomenon occurs: a patient takes the antiviral drugs, feels better, only to come down with COVID again. So how do COVID antivirals work and why does the rebound sometimes happen? A lot has been said about COVID antivirals, especially on how they might help bring down the number of deaths from the disease. But occasionally an interesting phenomenon occurs: a patient takes the antiviral drugs, feels better, only to come down with COVID again. So how do COVID antivirals work and why does the rebound sometimes happen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A lot has been said about COVID antivirals, especially on how they might help bring down the number of deaths from the disease.

But occasionally an interesting phenomenon occurs: a patient takes the antiviral drugs, feels better, only to come down with COVID again.

So how do COVID antivirals work and why does the rebound sometimes happen?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 797 What's RSV again? The *other* winter virus that's hitting hard https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-s-rsv-again-the-other-winter-virus-that-s-hitting-hard/102588784 It's the depths of winter, and every second person you know has a cold of some sort.  Most are mild but some can hit hard - as we all know from COVID and influenza. But what about the third virus in the unholy trinity of winter bugs?  RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is tracking a lot higher than usual for this time of year.  Who's most at risk, how can you protect yourself, and how much do the numbers have to do with increased testing overall? Oh, and what does "syncytial" even mean?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's the depths of winter, and every second person you know has a cold of some sort.  Most are mild but some can hit hard - as we all know from COVID and influenza. But what about the third virus in the unholy trinity of winter bugs?  RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is tracking a lot higher than usual for this time of year.  Who's most at risk, how can you protect yourself, and how much do the numbers have to do with increased testing overall? Oh, and what does "syncytial" even mean?  It's the depths of winter, and every second person you know has a cold of some sort.  Most are mild but some can hit hard - as we all know from COVID and influenza. But what about the third virus in the unholy trinity of winter bugs?  RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is tracking a lot higher than usual for this time of year.  Who's most at risk, how can you protect yourself, and how much do the numbers have to do with increased testing overall? Oh, and what does "syncytial" even mean?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's the depths of winter, and every second person you know has a cold of some sort. 

Most are mild but some can hit hard - as we all know from COVID and influenza. But what about the third virus in the unholy trinity of winter bugs? 

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is tracking a lot higher than usual for this time of year. 

Who's most at risk, how can you protect yourself, and how much do the numbers have to do with increased testing overall? Oh, and what does "syncytial" even mean? 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 727 What happened to Sweden? We're answering your questions! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-happened-to-sweden-we-re-answering-your-questions/102559556 It was a massive question at the start of the pandemic: is Sweden's strategy of keeping things open a better way forward? Zoom ahead a few years, and it's still on the minds of Coronacast listeners. This week, we're digging into what happened in Sweden and we also answer a question about the psychological impact of the pandemic on teenagers. Everything and more, on this week's Coronacast. Ask a question here: https://yourquestions.abc.net.au/hc/en-au/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360002468535 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It was a massive question at the start of the pandemic: is Sweden's strategy of keeping things open a better way forward? Zoom ahead a few years, and it's still on the minds of Coronacast listeners. This week, we're digging into what happened in Sweden and we also answer a question about the psychological impact of the pandemic on teenagers. Everything and more, on this week's Coronacast. Ask a question here: https://yourquestions.abc.net.au/hc/en-au/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360002468535 It was a massive question at the start of the pandemic: is Sweden's strategy of keeping things open a better way forward? Zoom ahead a few years, and it's still on the minds of Coronacast listeners. This week, we're digging into what happened in Sweden and we also answer a question about the psychological impact of the pandemic on teenagers. Everything and more, on this week's Coronacast. Ask a question here: https://yourquestions.abc.net.au/hc/en-au/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360002468535 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It was a massive question at the start of the pandemic: is Sweden's strategy of keeping things open a better way forward?

Zoom ahead a few years, and it's still on the minds of Coronacast listeners.

This week, we're digging into what happened in Sweden and we also answer a question about the psychological impact of the pandemic on teenagers.

Everything and more, on this week's Coronacast.

Ask a question here: https://yourquestions.abc.net.au/hc/en-au/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360002468535

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 645 Is this why it feels like everyone keeps getting COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-this-why-it-feels-like-everyone-keeps-getting-covid/102528750 Our immune system does an amazing job keeping us healthy - but it works in mysterious ways, especially when it comes into contact with novel viruses like SARS-CoV-2. We've talked a bit before about imprinting - the concept where the first time your immune system sees a virus can determine how it'll react to that virus in the future. And a recent study in the prestigious journal Science has found the Omicron variant could be taking advantage of that - possibly showing why people seem to be getting repeat Omicron infections. So what could this mean for public vaccination strategy and our risk of reinfection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Our immune system does an amazing job keeping us healthy - but it works in mysterious ways, especially when it comes into contact with novel viruses like SARS-CoV-2. We've talked a bit before about imprinting - the concept where the first time your immune system sees a virus can determine how it'll react to that virus in the future. And a recent study in the prestigious journal Science has found the Omicron variant could be taking advantage of that - possibly showing why people seem to be getting repeat Omicron infections. So what could this mean for public vaccination strategy and our risk of reinfection? Our immune system does an amazing job keeping us healthy - but it works in mysterious ways, especially when it comes into contact with novel viruses like SARS-CoV-2. We've talked a bit before about imprinting - the concept where the first time your immune system sees a virus can determine how it'll react to that virus in the future. And a recent study in the prestigious journal Science has found the Omicron variant could be taking advantage of that - possibly showing why people seem to be getting repeat Omicron infections. So what could this mean for public vaccination strategy and our risk of reinfection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Our immune system does an amazing job keeping us healthy - but it works in mysterious ways, especially when it comes into contact with novel viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

We've talked a bit before about imprinting - the concept where the first time your immune system sees a virus can determine how it'll react to that virus in the future.

And a recent study in the prestigious journal Science has found the Omicron variant could be taking advantage of that - possibly showing why people seem to be getting repeat Omicron infections.

So what could this mean for public vaccination strategy and our risk of reinfection?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 844 What makes a COVID superspreader? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-makes-a-covid-superspreader/102501100 We've all heard that COVID spreads in clusters and sometimes the cluster comes from a single person who can infect nearly everyone around them. They're superspreaders and it's been opaque how much virus a superspreader is actually responsible for spreading around. Now a study has found that in a group of deliberately infected people, just two of them were responsible for nearly 90 percent of all the virus emitted - even though they only had mild symptoms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We've all heard that COVID spreads in clusters and sometimes the cluster comes from a single person who can infect nearly everyone around them. They're superspreaders and it's been opaque how much virus a superspreader is actually responsible for spreading around. Now a study has found that in a group of deliberately infected people, just two of them were responsible for nearly 90 percent of all the virus emitted - even though they only had mild symptoms. We've all heard that COVID spreads in clusters and sometimes the cluster comes from a single person who can infect nearly everyone around them. They're superspreaders and it's been opaque how much virus a superspreader is actually responsible for spreading around. Now a study has found that in a group of deliberately infected people, just two of them were responsible for nearly 90 percent of all the virus emitted - even though they only had mild symptoms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We've all heard that COVID spreads in clusters and sometimes the cluster comes from a single person who can infect nearly everyone around them.

They're superspreaders and it's been opaque how much virus a superspreader is actually responsible for spreading around.

Now a study has found that in a group of deliberately infected people, just two of them were responsible for nearly 90 percent of all the virus emitted - even though they only had mild symptoms.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 834 What could a diabetes drug do for long COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-could-a-diabetes-drug-do-for-long-covid/102474066 Sometimes a study comes along that shows some amazing results and one published in The Lancet does just that. The study - which looked at people aged between 30 and 85 who were overweight or had obesity - has found a "globally available, low-cost, and safe" diabetes drug called metformin could drastically reduce the instances of long COVID by 40 per cent. Sadly they didn't find the same results with ivermectin (and they looked). So what could be going on? How could this old drug be so good at what it's doing? And how could this drug be used to help bring down long COVID cases? That's on this week's Coronacast - along with a clarification of NSW hospital data and antiviral prescriptions. Or watch us on YouTube here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sometimes a study comes along that shows some amazing results and one published in The Lancet does just that. The study - which looked at people aged between 30 and 85 who were overweight or had obesity - has found a "globally available, low-cost, and safe" diabetes drug called metformin could drastically reduce the instances of long COVID by 40 per cent. Sadly they didn't find the same results with ivermectin (and they looked). So what could be going on? How could this old drug be so good at what it's doing? And how could this drug be used to help bring down long COVID cases? That's on this week's Coronacast - along with a clarification of NSW hospital data and antiviral prescriptions. Or watch us on YouTube here Sometimes a study comes along that shows some amazing results and one published in The Lancet does just that. The study - which looked at people aged between 30 and 85 who were overweight or had obesity - has found a "globally available, low-cost, and safe" diabetes drug called metformin could drastically reduce the instances of long COVID by 40 per cent. Sadly they didn't find the same results with ivermectin (and they looked). So what could be going on? How could this old drug be so good at what it's doing? And how could this drug be used to help bring down long COVID cases? That's on this week's Coronacast - along with a clarification of NSW hospital data and antiviral prescriptions. Or watch us on YouTube here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sometimes a study comes along that shows some amazing results and one published in The Lancet does just that.

The study - which looked at people aged between 30 and 85 who were overweight or had obesity - has found a "globally available, low-cost, and safe" diabetes drug called metformin could drastically reduce the instances of long COVID by 40 per cent.

Sadly they didn't find the same results with ivermectin (and they looked).

So what could be going on? How could this old drug be so good at what it's doing? And how could this drug be used to help bring down long COVID cases?

That's on this week's Coronacast - along with a clarification of NSW hospital data and antiviral prescriptions.

Or watch us on YouTube here

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 868 Introducing - Quick Smart https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/quick-smart-tegan-new-podcast/102456108 Tegan has been playing away, making another show. It's called Quick Smart, and because you're such a loyal Coronacast listener, we'll give you a preview here.  If you like it, please find the Quick Smart feed and subscribe!  This first ep is about something weird that's happened in the last 12 months or so - the fact that all your friends - and perhaps you as well - have ADHD now. So where did this ADHD spike come from? Just how big is the gap between people seeking treatment and those able to give it? And if people are being overdiagnosed, or underdiagnosed, or diagnosed with the wrong thing... what are the risks? Check it out here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 10 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Tegan has been playing away, making another show. It's called Quick Smart, and because you're such a loyal Coronacast listener, we'll give you a preview here.  If you like it, please find the Quick Smart feed and subscribe!  This first ep is about something weird that's happened in the last 12 months or so - the fact that all your friends - and perhaps you as well - have ADHD now. So where did this ADHD spike come from? Just how big is the gap between people seeking treatment and those able to give it? And if people are being overdiagnosed, or underdiagnosed, or diagnosed with the wrong thing... what are the risks? Check it out here! Tegan has been playing away, making another show. It's called Quick Smart, and because you're such a loyal Coronacast listener, we'll give you a preview here.  If you like it, please find the Quick Smart feed and subscribe!  This first ep is about something weird that's happened in the last 12 months or so - the fact that all your friends - and perhaps you as well - have ADHD now. So where did this ADHD spike come from? Just how big is the gap between people seeking treatment and those able to give it? And if people are being overdiagnosed, or underdiagnosed, or diagnosed with the wrong thing... what are the risks? Check it out here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tegan has been playing away, making another show.

It's called Quick Smart, and because you're such a loyal Coronacast listener, we'll give you a preview here. 

If you like it, please find the Quick Smart feed and subscribe! 

This first ep is about something weird that's happened in the last 12 months or so - the fact that all your friends - and perhaps you as well - have ADHD now.

So where did this ADHD spike come from? Just how big is the gap between people seeking treatment and those able to give it? And if people are being overdiagnosed, or underdiagnosed, or diagnosed with the wrong thing... what are the risks?

Check it out here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 777 We're in a wave - are more drugs the answer?  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-re-in-a-wave-are-more-drugs-the-answer/102445514 The public health measures we relied on in years past to control COVID have now largely gone. Social distancing is no more and there aren't nearly as many masks around as there once was and we're grossly under-immunised. So what about antivirals? Could making them more available to more people be a way to reduce the amount of severe disease and limit the waves of COVID? Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE7At1S7tho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The public health measures we relied on in years past to control COVID have now largely gone. Social distancing is no more and there aren't nearly as many masks around as there once was and we're grossly under-immunised. So what about antivirals? Could making them more available to more people be a way to reduce the amount of severe disease and limit the waves of COVID? Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE7At1S7tho The public health measures we relied on in years past to control COVID have now largely gone. Social distancing is no more and there aren't nearly as many masks around as there once was and we're grossly under-immunised. So what about antivirals? Could making them more available to more people be a way to reduce the amount of severe disease and limit the waves of COVID? Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE7At1S7tho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The public health measures we relied on in years past to control COVID have now largely gone.

Social distancing is no more and there aren't nearly as many masks around as there once was and we're grossly under-immunised.

So what about antivirals? Could making them more available to more people be a way to reduce the amount of severe disease and limit the waves of COVID?

Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE7At1S7tho

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 848 Wait ... how many people have long COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/wait-how-many-people-have-long-covid/102412216 Long COVID has nearly been around as long as COVID itself.  It wasn't long after the pandemic began before we started hearing about long haulers - people who were suffering from the virus long after testing negative. But even today, we still don't know the precise definitions of what exactly long COVID is and how many people suffer from it. But we are getting closer to a clearer picture. So why is it important to know? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 May 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Long COVID has nearly been around as long as COVID itself.  It wasn't long after the pandemic began before we started hearing about long haulers - people who were suffering from the virus long after testing negative. But even today, we still don't know the precise definitions of what exactly long COVID is and how many people suffer from it. But we are getting closer to a clearer picture. So why is it important to know? Long COVID has nearly been around as long as COVID itself.  It wasn't long after the pandemic began before we started hearing about long haulers - people who were suffering from the virus long after testing negative. But even today, we still don't know the precise definitions of what exactly long COVID is and how many people suffer from it. But we are getting closer to a clearer picture. So why is it important to know? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Long COVID has nearly been around as long as COVID itself. 

It wasn't long after the pandemic began before we started hearing about long haulers - people who were suffering from the virus long after testing negative.

But even today, we still don't know the precise definitions of what exactly long COVID is and how many people suffer from it.

But we are getting closer to a clearer picture. So why is it important to know?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 919 How many shots should I have had by now? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-many-shots-should-i-have-had-by-now/102382872 In 2021, Aussies were queueing round the block quite literally for COVID-19 vaccines one and two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In 2021, Aussies were queueing round the block quite literally for COVID-19 vaccines one and two. In 2021, Aussies were queueing round the block quite literally for COVID-19 vaccines one and two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In 2021, Aussies were queueing round the block quite literally for COVID-19 vaccines one and two.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 918 Is there a new flu surge? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-there-a-new-flu-surge/102353352 As respiratory disease goes, COVID got us good. But it's important we don't forget the old school ones like flu and RSV. There's quite a bit of flu around at the moment too. It could even be described as a surge.  So what's going on? Why are we being attacked by COVID, flu and RSV all at once? Also on today's show: * Remember that time a stranger made Norman stick something up his nose in an abandoned dungeon?  * What's going on in China now that they've dropped COVID restrictions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 May 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As respiratory disease goes, COVID got us good. But it's important we don't forget the old school ones like flu and RSV. There's quite a bit of flu around at the moment too. It could even be described as a surge.  So what's going on? Why are we being attacked by COVID, flu and RSV all at once? Also on today's show: * Remember that time a stranger made Norman stick something up his nose in an abandoned dungeon?  * What's going on in China now that they've dropped COVID restrictions? As respiratory disease goes, COVID got us good. But it's important we don't forget the old school ones like flu and RSV. There's quite a bit of flu around at the moment too. It could even be described as a surge.  So what's going on? Why are we being attacked by COVID, flu and RSV all at once? Also on today's show: * Remember that time a stranger made Norman stick something up his nose in an abandoned dungeon?  * What's going on in China now that they've dropped COVID restrictions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As respiratory disease goes, COVID got us good. But it's important we don't forget the old school ones like flu and RSV.

There's quite a bit of flu around at the moment too. It could even be described as a surge. 

So what's going on? Why are we being attacked by COVID, flu and RSV all at once?

Also on today's show:

* Remember that time a stranger made Norman stick something up his nose in an abandoned dungeon? 

* What's going on in China now that they've dropped COVID restrictions?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 730 WHO's given up on COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/who-s-given-up-on-covid-/102323096 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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 May 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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? 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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 785 Arcturus' rise: Another COVID (sub sub sub) variant! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/arcturus-rise-another-covid-sub-sub-sub-variant/102293604 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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 May 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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 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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 839 What would it take to guard against future pandemics? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-would-it-take-to-guard-against-future-pandemics/102153818 The coronavirus pandemic might not be a 'pandemic' for much longer So, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The coronavirus pandemic might not be a 'pandemic' for much longer So, 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 The coronavirus pandemic might not be a 'pandemic' for much longer So, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The coronavirus pandemic might not be a 'pandemic' for much longer

So, 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:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 758 Animal origin theory suddenly has a lot more weight behind it https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/animal-origin-theory-suddenly-has-a-lot-more-weight-behind-it/102124470 A team has analysed data out of China, proving the presence of animals in the Wuhan market capable of hosting SARS-CoV-2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A team has analysed data out of China, proving the presence of animals in the Wuhan market capable of hosting SARS-CoV-2. A team has analysed data out of China, proving the presence of animals in the Wuhan market capable of hosting SARS-CoV-2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A team has analysed data out of China, proving the presence of animals in the Wuhan market capable of hosting SARS-CoV-2.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1140 Not again! A new wave is building, so what now? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-new-wave-is-building-so-what-now/102093062 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 Condition Severe COVID-19 outcomes by cardiovascular risk profile in England in 2020: a population-based cohort study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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 Condition Severe COVID-19 outcomes by cardiovascular risk profile in England in 2020: a population-based cohort study 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 Condition Severe COVID-19 outcomes by cardiovascular risk profile in England in 2020: a population-based cohort study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 712 Almost 20,000 more deaths than expected last year – is it all down to COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/almost-20-000-more-deaths-than-expected-last-year/102059720 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 Australia One-Year Adverse Outcomes Among US Adults With Post-COVID-19 Condition vs Those Without COVID-19 in a Large Commercial Insurance Database Life expectancy changes since COVID-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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 Australia One-Year Adverse Outcomes Among US Adults With Post-COVID-19 Condition vs Those Without COVID-19 in a Large Commercial Insurance Database Life expectancy changes since COVID-19 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 Australia One-Year Adverse Outcomes Among US Adults With Post-COVID-19 Condition vs Those Without COVID-19 in a Large Commercial Insurance Database Life expectancy changes since COVID-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 765 We're all getting boosters – why aren't little kids? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-re-all-getting-boosters-why-aren-t-little-kids/102035024 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 children Effect of Higher-Dose Ivermectin for 6 Days vs Placebo on Time to Sustained Recovery in Outpatients With COVID-19 Lab Leak Most Likely Origin of Covid-19 Pandemic, Energy Department Now Says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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 children Effect of Higher-Dose Ivermectin for 6 Days vs Placebo on Time to Sustained Recovery in Outpatients With COVID-19 Lab Leak Most Likely Origin of Covid-19 Pandemic, Energy Department Now Says 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 children Effect of Higher-Dose Ivermectin for 6 Days vs Placebo on Time to Sustained Recovery in Outpatients With COVID-19 Lab Leak Most Likely Origin of Covid-19 Pandemic, Energy Department Now Says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 705 Do antivirals increase your risk of rebound COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-antivirals-increase-your-risk-of-rebound-covid/102003218 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 Sorrell University of Sydney References:  SARS-CoV-2 rebound with and without antivirals Viral burden rebound in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 receiving oral antivirals in Hong Kong: a population-wide retrospective cohort study Submission—Inquiry into long COVID and repeated COVID infections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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 Sorrell University of Sydney References:  SARS-CoV-2 rebound with and without antivirals Viral burden rebound in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 receiving oral antivirals in Hong Kong: a population-wide retrospective cohort study Submission—Inquiry into long COVID and repeated COVID infections 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 Sorrell University of Sydney References:  SARS-CoV-2 rebound with and without antivirals Viral burden rebound in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 receiving oral antivirals in Hong Kong: a population-wide retrospective cohort study Submission—Inquiry into long COVID and repeated COVID infections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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 Sorrell

University of Sydney

References: 

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]]> 773 Don't chuck out your mask — and when to get boosted https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/don-t-chuck-out-your-mask-and-when-to-get-boosted/101970828 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 viruses Yes, masks reduce the risk of spreading COVID, despite a review saying they don't Fibroblast-expressed LRRC15 is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike and controls antiviral and antifibrotic transcriptional programs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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 viruses Yes, masks reduce the risk of spreading COVID, despite a review saying they don't Fibroblast-expressed LRRC15 is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike and controls antiviral and antifibrotic transcriptional programs 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 viruses Yes, masks reduce the risk of spreading COVID, despite a review saying they don't Fibroblast-expressed LRRC15 is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike and controls antiviral and antifibrotic transcriptional programs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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: 

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]]> 758 BONUS: ATAGI updates its booster advice — it's not just about the fifth dose https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/atagi-updates-its-booster-advice/101944492 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 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. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 244 How well does getting COVID protect you from COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-well-does-getting-covid-protect-you-from-covid/101941066 The majority of Australians have received at least two doses of a COVID vaccine — and they've most likely caught the virus as well.  New research suggests this hybrid immunity offers good protection against severe disease, although the risk of long COVID persists with even mild bouts of infection.  There could soon be a simple model to predict how likely you are to recover well from COVID, or whether you'll go on to develop post-viral symptoms.  Guest:  Professor Jeremy Nicholson Director, Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute References: Protective effectiveness of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and hybrid immunity against the omicron variant and severe disease: a systematic review and meta-regression A patient-centric modeling framework captures recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The majority of Australians have received at least two doses of a COVID vaccine — and they've most likely caught the virus as well.  New research suggests this hybrid immunity offers good protection against severe disease, although the risk of long COVID persists with even mild bouts of infection.  There could soon be a simple model to predict how likely you are to recover well from COVID, or whether you'll go on to develop post-viral symptoms.  Guest:  Professor Jeremy Nicholson Director, Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute References: Protective effectiveness of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and hybrid immunity against the omicron variant and severe disease: a systematic review and meta-regression A patient-centric modeling framework captures recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection The majority of Australians have received at least two doses of a COVID vaccine — and they've most likely caught the virus as well.  New research suggests this hybrid immunity offers good protection against severe disease, although the risk of long COVID persists with even mild bouts of infection.  There could soon be a simple model to predict how likely you are to recover well from COVID, or whether you'll go on to develop post-viral symptoms.  Guest:  Professor Jeremy Nicholson Director, Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute References: Protective effectiveness of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and hybrid immunity against the omicron variant and severe disease: a systematic review and meta-regression A patient-centric modeling framework captures recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The majority of Australians have received at least two doses of a COVID vaccine — and they've most likely caught the virus as well. 

New research suggests this hybrid immunity offers good protection against severe disease, although the risk of long COVID persists with even mild bouts of infection. 

There could soon be a simple model to predict how likely you are to recover well from COVID, or whether you'll go on to develop post-viral symptoms. 

Guest: 

Professor Jeremy Nicholson

Director, Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute

References:

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]]> 777 Three years on, is COVID still an emergency? Or should we be more worried about the flu? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/three-years-on-is-covid-still-an-emergency/101909976 It has been three years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global health emergency.  The WHO isn't ready to downgrade the status of the pandemic, but the committee has agreed we're at a 'transition' point.  Meanwhile an outbreak of influenza in mink has highlighted the need for greater animal-human disease surveillance.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It has been three years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global health emergency.  The WHO isn't ready to downgrade the status of the pandemic, but the committee has agreed we're at a 'transition' point.  Meanwhile an outbreak of influenza in mink has highlighted the need for greater animal-human disease surveillance.    It has been three years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global health emergency.  The WHO isn't ready to downgrade the status of the pandemic, but the committee has agreed we're at a 'transition' point.  Meanwhile an outbreak of influenza in mink has highlighted the need for greater animal-human disease surveillance.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It has been three years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global health emergency. 

The WHO isn't ready to downgrade the status of the pandemic, but the committee has agreed we're at a 'transition' point. 

Meanwhile an outbreak of influenza in mink has highlighted the need for greater animal-human disease surveillance.   

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 664 We're back! So what did we miss? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-re-back-so-what-did-we-miss/101886254 Although we didn't begin this year with any lockdowns or border closures, the pandemic hasn't abated. In fact we're off to a worse start than we had in 2022. Australia surpassed 1,000 deaths a whole week earlier than it did last year.  New subvariants are circulating fast. So what's changed? What's the best protection? And could sluggish surveillance be leaving us vulnerable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Although we didn't begin this year with any lockdowns or border closures, the pandemic hasn't abated. In fact we're off to a worse start than we had in 2022. Australia surpassed 1,000 deaths a whole week earlier than it did last year.  New subvariants are circulating fast. So what's changed? What's the best protection? And could sluggish surveillance be leaving us vulnerable? Although we didn't begin this year with any lockdowns or border closures, the pandemic hasn't abated. In fact we're off to a worse start than we had in 2022. Australia surpassed 1,000 deaths a whole week earlier than it did last year.  New subvariants are circulating fast. So what's changed? What's the best protection? And could sluggish surveillance be leaving us vulnerable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Although we didn't begin this year with any lockdowns or border closures, the pandemic hasn't abated.

In fact we're off to a worse start than we had in 2022. Australia surpassed 1,000 deaths a whole week earlier than it did last year. 

New subvariants are circulating fast. So what's changed? What's the best protection? And could sluggish surveillance be leaving us vulnerable?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 788 What has COVID cost us in 2022? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-has-covid-cost-us-in-2022/101794572 What a year 2022 has been for COVID.  We started with a new variant sweeping the world, heavy restrictions and border closures and we end with very few restrictions remaining. We also sadly end with millions not fully vaccinated, and an aged care system that is still battling the virus. So on the last Coronacast of the year, we go down the 2022 rabbit hole and try to make some predictions for 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What a year 2022 has been for COVID.  We started with a new variant sweeping the world, heavy restrictions and border closures and we end with very few restrictions remaining. We also sadly end with millions not fully vaccinated, and an aged care system that is still battling the virus. So on the last Coronacast of the year, we go down the 2022 rabbit hole and try to make some predictions for 2023. What a year 2022 has been for COVID.  We started with a new variant sweeping the world, heavy restrictions and border closures and we end with very few restrictions remaining. We also sadly end with millions not fully vaccinated, and an aged care system that is still battling the virus. So on the last Coronacast of the year, we go down the 2022 rabbit hole and try to make some predictions for 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What a year 2022 has been for COVID. 

We started with a new variant sweeping the world, heavy restrictions and border closures and we end with very few restrictions remaining.

We also sadly end with millions not fully vaccinated, and an aged care system that is still battling the virus.

So on the last Coronacast of the year, we go down the 2022 rabbit hole and try to make some predictions for 2023.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 673 Are we going to be free of this wave by Christmas? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-we-going-to-be-free-of-this-wave-by-christmas/101766754 The number of new weekly COVID cases seems to be slowing, but sadly doesn't seem to be slowing fast enough to be free of the current wave by Christmas. Last year was a strong COVID Christmas, as the Omicron variant took over from Delta bringing thousands and thousands of new cases. This time, the wave will be smaller - but still noticeable. And we break down the big announcements from National Cabinet: PCR testing and the country's COVID strategy in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The number of new weekly COVID cases seems to be slowing, but sadly doesn't seem to be slowing fast enough to be free of the current wave by Christmas. Last year was a strong COVID Christmas, as the Omicron variant took over from Delta bringing thousands and thousands of new cases. This time, the wave will be smaller - but still noticeable. And we break down the big announcements from National Cabinet: PCR testing and the country's COVID strategy in 2023. The number of new weekly COVID cases seems to be slowing, but sadly doesn't seem to be slowing fast enough to be free of the current wave by Christmas. Last year was a strong COVID Christmas, as the Omicron variant took over from Delta bringing thousands and thousands of new cases. This time, the wave will be smaller - but still noticeable. And we break down the big announcements from National Cabinet: PCR testing and the country's COVID strategy in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The number of new weekly COVID cases seems to be slowing, but sadly doesn't seem to be slowing fast enough to be free of the current wave by Christmas.

Last year was a strong COVID Christmas, as the Omicron variant took over from Delta bringing thousands and thousands of new cases.

This time, the wave will be smaller - but still noticeable.

And we break down the big announcements from National Cabinet: PCR testing and the country's COVID strategy in 2023.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 784 How do you know if a pandemic is from a lab leak? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-you-know-if-a-pandemic-is-from-a-lab-leak/101738642 There's been a lot of discussion about the origins of COVID, especially on the question of did it come from a lab, did it form naturally - or maybe a mix of both. Well a new book called Dark Winter has tackled this question and has come to the conclusion that we better get better at identifying outbreaks - because sometimes they're intentional. While there's no direct evidence that COVID came from a lab leak, author and Professor Raina MacIntyre argues it is possible and some have been too quick to wave away the possibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been a lot of discussion about the origins of COVID, especially on the question of did it come from a lab, did it form naturally - or maybe a mix of both. Well a new book called Dark Winter has tackled this question and has come to the conclusion that we better get better at identifying outbreaks - because sometimes they're intentional. While there's no direct evidence that COVID came from a lab leak, author and Professor Raina MacIntyre argues it is possible and some have been too quick to wave away the possibility. There's been a lot of discussion about the origins of COVID, especially on the question of did it come from a lab, did it form naturally - or maybe a mix of both. Well a new book called Dark Winter has tackled this question and has come to the conclusion that we better get better at identifying outbreaks - because sometimes they're intentional. While there's no direct evidence that COVID came from a lab leak, author and Professor Raina MacIntyre argues it is possible and some have been too quick to wave away the possibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been a lot of discussion about the origins of COVID, especially on the question of did it come from a lab, did it form naturally - or maybe a mix of both.

Well a new book called Dark Winter has tackled this question and has come to the conclusion that we better get better at identifying outbreaks - because sometimes they're intentional.

While there's no direct evidence that COVID came from a lab leak, author and Professor Raina MacIntyre argues it is possible and some have been too quick to wave away the possibility.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 760 Is this the end of China's COVID zero? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-this-the-end-of-china-s-covid-zero/101710954 Protests are breaking out across parts of China in response to the Chinese government zero COVID restrictions. The number of COVID cases has soared in China in recent weeks, rising at a similar rate to what happened in March this year. The outbreak was quickly brought under control, by the use of the Government's severe measures such as forced external quarantine and city wide lockdowns. But with widespread discontent and protests, it may prove harder to keep this outbreak under control. So is this the end of China's COVID zero? References: China Covid: Shocking protests are huge challenge for China's leaders - Stephen McDonell Associations between COVID‐19 and hospitalisation with respiratory and non‐respiratory conditions: a record linkage study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Protests are breaking out across parts of China in response to the Chinese government zero COVID restrictions. The number of COVID cases has soared in China in recent weeks, rising at a similar rate to what happened in March this year. The outbreak was quickly brought under control, by the use of the Government's severe measures such as forced external quarantine and city wide lockdowns. But with widespread discontent and protests, it may prove harder to keep this outbreak under control. So is this the end of China's COVID zero? References: China Covid: Shocking protests are huge challenge for China's leaders - Stephen McDonell Associations between COVID‐19 and hospitalisation with respiratory and non‐respiratory conditions: a record linkage study Protests are breaking out across parts of China in response to the Chinese government zero COVID restrictions. The number of COVID cases has soared in China in recent weeks, rising at a similar rate to what happened in March this year. The outbreak was quickly brought under control, by the use of the Government's severe measures such as forced external quarantine and city wide lockdowns. But with widespread discontent and protests, it may prove harder to keep this outbreak under control. So is this the end of China's COVID zero? References: China Covid: Shocking protests are huge challenge for China's leaders - Stephen McDonell Associations between COVID‐19 and hospitalisation with respiratory and non‐respiratory conditions: a record linkage study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Protests are breaking out across parts of China in response to the Chinese government zero COVID restrictions.

The number of COVID cases has soared in China in recent weeks, rising at a similar rate to what happened in March this year.

The outbreak was quickly brought under control, by the use of the Government's severe measures such as forced external quarantine and city wide lockdowns.

But with widespread discontent and protests, it may prove harder to keep this outbreak under control. So is this the end of China's COVID zero?

References:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 789 Are the waves getting smaller? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-the-waves-getting-smaller/101679654 There's hope that the current Omicron sub variant wave will be in decline again just in time for Christmas - but like everything COVID, it's hard to know for sure. Both case loads and hospitalisations due to COVID have continued to increase in the last week. The latest advice from state health authorities say that overseas experience suggests the current wave might pass relatively quickly, though they warn local conditions may mean it's different here. So what do we know about the latest wave? And is it better to have a quick one, or one that lasts for a longer time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's hope that the current Omicron sub variant wave will be in decline again just in time for Christmas - but like everything COVID, it's hard to know for sure. Both case loads and hospitalisations due to COVID have continued to increase in the last week. The latest advice from state health authorities say that overseas experience suggests the current wave might pass relatively quickly, though they warn local conditions may mean it's different here. So what do we know about the latest wave? And is it better to have a quick one, or one that lasts for a longer time? There's hope that the current Omicron sub variant wave will be in decline again just in time for Christmas - but like everything COVID, it's hard to know for sure. Both case loads and hospitalisations due to COVID have continued to increase in the last week. The latest advice from state health authorities say that overseas experience suggests the current wave might pass relatively quickly, though they warn local conditions may mean it's different here. So what do we know about the latest wave? And is it better to have a quick one, or one that lasts for a longer time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's hope that the current Omicron sub variant wave will be in decline again just in time for Christmas - but like everything COVID, it's hard to know for sure.

Both case loads and hospitalisations due to COVID have continued to increase in the last week.

The latest advice from state health authorities say that overseas experience suggests the current wave might pass relatively quickly, though they warn local conditions may mean it's different here.

So what do we know about the latest wave? And is it better to have a quick one, or one that lasts for a longer time?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 692 Ok, now it's off and running - how do we slow it down? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ok-now-its-off-and-running-how-do-we-slow-it-down/101652606 Another week, another big jump in COVID case numbers and rising admissions to hospitals. The next wave is well and truly underway, with the BA4 and BA5 sub variants rapidly being replaced by versions that are even more immune evasive. However, when Omicron turned up last year there were a variety of public health measures in place to try and slow infection rates.  This time though, we've only got vaccination and an optional sense of public duty. So can we slow down the next wave, or is it coming in hard and fast?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Another week, another big jump in COVID case numbers and rising admissions to hospitals. The next wave is well and truly underway, with the BA4 and BA5 sub variants rapidly being replaced by versions that are even more immune evasive. However, when Omicron turned up last year there were a variety of public health measures in place to try and slow infection rates.  This time though, we've only got vaccination and an optional sense of public duty. So can we slow down the next wave, or is it coming in hard and fast?  Another week, another big jump in COVID case numbers and rising admissions to hospitals. The next wave is well and truly underway, with the BA4 and BA5 sub variants rapidly being replaced by versions that are even more immune evasive. However, when Omicron turned up last year there were a variety of public health measures in place to try and slow infection rates.  This time though, we've only got vaccination and an optional sense of public duty. So can we slow down the next wave, or is it coming in hard and fast?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Another week, another big jump in COVID case numbers and rising admissions to hospitals.

The next wave is well and truly underway, with the BA4 and BA5 sub variants rapidly being replaced by versions that are even more immune evasive.

However, when Omicron turned up last year there were a variety of public health measures in place to try and slow infection rates. 

This time though, we've only got vaccination and an optional sense of public duty.

So can we slow down the next wave, or is it coming in hard and fast? 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 869 Does anyone give a rat about RATs anymore? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/does-anyone-give-a-rat-about-rats-anymore/101629316 Rapid-antigen tests promised so much: a quick, cheap and easy way to tell if you were COVID positive so you could make a decision to help protect yourself, family and community. But in reality, it's far more complicated. The tests were initially hard to come by, expensive for some and the rollout was patchy. And now, add to that the fact that the coronavirus has continued to evolve - making it hard to tell if RATs can even detect COVID. So on this week's Coronacast, should we give a rat about RATs anymore? And why is it important that the tests do as they say? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Rapid-antigen tests promised so much: a quick, cheap and easy way to tell if you were COVID positive so you could make a decision to help protect yourself, family and community. But in reality, it's far more complicated. The tests were initially hard to come by, expensive for some and the rollout was patchy. And now, add to that the fact that the coronavirus has continued to evolve - making it hard to tell if RATs can even detect COVID. So on this week's Coronacast, should we give a rat about RATs anymore? And why is it important that the tests do as they say? Rapid-antigen tests promised so much: a quick, cheap and easy way to tell if you were COVID positive so you could make a decision to help protect yourself, family and community. But in reality, it's far more complicated. The tests were initially hard to come by, expensive for some and the rollout was patchy. And now, add to that the fact that the coronavirus has continued to evolve - making it hard to tell if RATs can even detect COVID. So on this week's Coronacast, should we give a rat about RATs anymore? And why is it important that the tests do as they say? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Rapid-antigen tests promised so much: a quick, cheap and easy way to tell if you were COVID positive so you could make a decision to help protect yourself, family and community.

But in reality, it's far more complicated. The tests were initially hard to come by, expensive for some and the rollout was patchy.

And now, add to that the fact that the coronavirus has continued to evolve - making it hard to tell if RATs can even detect COVID.

So on this week's Coronacast, should we give a rat about RATs anymore? And why is it important that the tests do as they say?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 925 Has the next wave already begun? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/has-the-next-wave-already-begun/101602260 New sub-variants of Coronavirus are increasingly appearing in Government statistics and clinical breakdowns of the virus' spread. The BQ1 and XBB sub-variants of Omicron have surged overseas, and are also starting to pick up in Australia. It's likely that they'll take over the BA5 subvariant that's been dominant for the past several months. So what could these new variants bring and given they're likely to evade our immune systems, what could it mean for spread and severe disease? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia New sub-variants of Coronavirus are increasingly appearing in Government statistics and clinical breakdowns of the virus' spread. The BQ1 and XBB sub-variants of Omicron have surged overseas, and are also starting to pick up in Australia. It's likely that they'll take over the BA5 subvariant that's been dominant for the past several months. So what could these new variants bring and given they're likely to evade our immune systems, what could it mean for spread and severe disease? New sub-variants of Coronavirus are increasingly appearing in Government statistics and clinical breakdowns of the virus' spread. The BQ1 and XBB sub-variants of Omicron have surged overseas, and are also starting to pick up in Australia. It's likely that they'll take over the BA5 subvariant that's been dominant for the past several months. So what could these new variants bring and given they're likely to evade our immune systems, what could it mean for spread and severe disease? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices New sub-variants of Coronavirus are increasingly appearing in Government statistics and clinical breakdowns of the virus' spread.

The BQ1 and XBB sub-variants of Omicron have surged overseas, and are also starting to pick up in Australia.

It's likely that they'll take over the BA5 subvariant that's been dominant for the past several months.

So what could these new variants bring and given they're likely to evade our immune systems, what could it mean for spread and severe disease?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 796 What could the floods mean for disease outbreak? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-could-the-floods-mean-for-disease-outbreak/101575486 For those keeping count, 2022 hasn't been a great year for animal virus outbreaks into human populations. A new study has suggested that the Omicron variant may have had a reservoir in mice. Also, there are warnings that the East Coast floods may see a rise in people infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus, and parts of Uganda are locked down to prevent an Ebola outbreak from spreading into cities and across borders. So what's going on and how can we make sense of it all? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For those keeping count, 2022 hasn't been a great year for animal virus outbreaks into human populations. A new study has suggested that the Omicron variant may have had a reservoir in mice. Also, there are warnings that the East Coast floods may see a rise in people infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus, and parts of Uganda are locked down to prevent an Ebola outbreak from spreading into cities and across borders. So what's going on and how can we make sense of it all? For those keeping count, 2022 hasn't been a great year for animal virus outbreaks into human populations. A new study has suggested that the Omicron variant may have had a reservoir in mice. Also, there are warnings that the East Coast floods may see a rise in people infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus, and parts of Uganda are locked down to prevent an Ebola outbreak from spreading into cities and across borders. So what's going on and how can we make sense of it all? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For those keeping count, 2022 hasn't been a great year for animal virus outbreaks into human populations.

A new study has suggested that the Omicron variant may have had a reservoir in mice.

Also, there are warnings that the East Coast floods may see a rise in people infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus, and parts of Uganda are locked down to prevent an Ebola outbreak from spreading into cities and across borders.

So what's going on and how can we make sense of it all?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 801 Australia's COVID report card is in. How did we do? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/australias-covid-report-card-is-in-how-did-we-do/101543756 After all big events, it's important to look back and think about what worked and what didn't. And one of the biggest events lately is COVID, and especially how Australia handled it. A group of researchers and experts have done just that, analyzing everything from the vaccine rollout to virus control measures to looking at what could be improved for the next pandemic. So what did we do well, and what could we have done better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia After all big events, it's important to look back and think about what worked and what didn't. And one of the biggest events lately is COVID, and especially how Australia handled it. A group of researchers and experts have done just that, analyzing everything from the vaccine rollout to virus control measures to looking at what could be improved for the next pandemic. So what did we do well, and what could we have done better? After all big events, it's important to look back and think about what worked and what didn't. And one of the biggest events lately is COVID, and especially how Australia handled it. A group of researchers and experts have done just that, analyzing everything from the vaccine rollout to virus control measures to looking at what could be improved for the next pandemic. So what did we do well, and what could we have done better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After all big events, it's important to look back and think about what worked and what didn't.

And one of the biggest events lately is COVID, and especially how Australia handled it.

A group of researchers and experts have done just that, analyzing everything from the vaccine rollout to virus control measures to looking at what could be improved for the next pandemic.

So what did we do well, and what could we have done better?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 776 New Omicron booster is here! How well will it work?  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/new-omicron-booster-is-here-how-well-will-it-work/101500836 The first COVID booster that targets the Omicron variant has finally been introduced to Australia's vaccine rollout. The vaccine from Moderna targets the BA.1 Omicron subvariant, but that's no longer the dominant strain. Omicron has continued to evolve since the vaccine was updated, and the dominant strain is now BA5. So how well will the new vaccine work with BA5? And if you've already had 4 doses, why can't you get this one as your 5th? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The first COVID booster that targets the Omicron variant has finally been introduced to Australia's vaccine rollout. The vaccine from Moderna targets the BA.1 Omicron subvariant, but that's no longer the dominant strain. Omicron has continued to evolve since the vaccine was updated, and the dominant strain is now BA5. So how well will the new vaccine work with BA5? And if you've already had 4 doses, why can't you get this one as your 5th? The first COVID booster that targets the Omicron variant has finally been introduced to Australia's vaccine rollout. The vaccine from Moderna targets the BA.1 Omicron subvariant, but that's no longer the dominant strain. Omicron has continued to evolve since the vaccine was updated, and the dominant strain is now BA5. So how well will the new vaccine work with BA5? And if you've already had 4 doses, why can't you get this one as your 5th? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The first COVID booster that targets the Omicron variant has finally been introduced to Australia's vaccine rollout.

The vaccine from Moderna targets the BA.1 Omicron subvariant, but that's no longer the dominant strain.

Omicron has continued to evolve since the vaccine was updated, and the dominant strain is now BA5.

So how well will the new vaccine work with BA5? And if you've already had 4 doses, why can't you get this one as your 5th?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 854 What could the end to mandatory isolation mean? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-could-the-end-to-mandatory-isolation-mean/101299682 The decision by National Cabinet to remove mandatory isolation for people testing positive to COVID-19 is seen by many as an "official" end to the pandemic. The period had already been reduced from two weeks to one week to 5 days, but soon it'll be gone entirely. It's one of the final public health controls that remained to try and slow the spread of the virus, and some experts say it'll lead to problems down the road. So for how long should we treat COVID differently? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The decision by National Cabinet to remove mandatory isolation for people testing positive to COVID-19 is seen by many as an "official" end to the pandemic. The period had already been reduced from two weeks to one week to 5 days, but soon it'll be gone entirely. It's one of the final public health controls that remained to try and slow the spread of the virus, and some experts say it'll lead to problems down the road. So for how long should we treat COVID differently? The decision by National Cabinet to remove mandatory isolation for people testing positive to COVID-19 is seen by many as an "official" end to the pandemic. The period had already been reduced from two weeks to one week to 5 days, but soon it'll be gone entirely. It's one of the final public health controls that remained to try and slow the spread of the virus, and some experts say it'll lead to problems down the road. So for how long should we treat COVID differently? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The decision by National Cabinet to remove mandatory isolation for people testing positive to COVID-19 is seen by many as an "official" end to the pandemic.

The period had already been reduced from two weeks to one week to 5 days, but soon it'll be gone entirely.

It's one of the final public health controls that remained to try and slow the spread of the virus, and some experts say it'll lead to problems down the road.

So for how long should we treat COVID differently?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 780 Putin isn't our only worry from Russia https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/putin-isn-t-our-only-worry-from-russia/101479296 Russia has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, and here's another concern to add to the list. Scientists are on the alert about the risk of another virus spilling over from animals to humans. This time it's Russian horseshoe bats and a coronavirus from the SARS family. It's known as Khosta 2 and while there has been no known human transmission so far, unlike Khosta 1 scientists say there is the possibility that it could occur. And it's not affected by vaccines for COVID-19. That's on this week's Cororonacast. Also on today's show: * Tracking new COVID variants: we look at 2.75.2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Russia has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, and here's another concern to add to the list. Scientists are on the alert about the risk of another virus spilling over from animals to humans. This time it's Russian horseshoe bats and a coronavirus from the SARS family. It's known as Khosta 2 and while there has been no known human transmission so far, unlike Khosta 1 scientists say there is the possibility that it could occur. And it's not affected by vaccines for COVID-19. That's on this week's Cororonacast. Also on today's show: * Tracking new COVID variants: we look at 2.75.2 Russia has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, and here's another concern to add to the list. Scientists are on the alert about the risk of another virus spilling over from animals to humans. This time it's Russian horseshoe bats and a coronavirus from the SARS family. It's known as Khosta 2 and while there has been no known human transmission so far, unlike Khosta 1 scientists say there is the possibility that it could occur. And it's not affected by vaccines for COVID-19. That's on this week's Cororonacast. Also on today's show: * Tracking new COVID variants: we look at 2.75.2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Russia has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, and here's another concern to add to the list.

Scientists are on the alert about the risk of another virus spilling over from animals to humans. This time it's Russian horseshoe bats and a coronavirus from the SARS family.

It's known as Khosta 2 and while there has been no known human transmission so far, unlike Khosta 1 scientists say there is the possibility that it could occur.

And it's not affected by vaccines for COVID-19.

That's on this week's Cororonacast.

Also on today's show:

* Tracking new COVID variants: we look at 2.75.2

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 739 COVID numbers just got a whole lot harder to interpret https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/covid-numbers-just-got-a-whole-lot-harder-to-interpret/101454620 One of the mainstays over the past few years has been daily reporting of COVID cases, hospitalisations, ICUs and deaths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the mainstays over the past few years has been daily reporting of COVID cases, hospitalisations, ICUs and deaths. One of the mainstays over the past few years has been daily reporting of COVID cases, hospitalisations, ICUs and deaths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the mainstays over the past few years has been daily reporting of COVID cases, hospitalisations, ICUs and deaths.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 712 How else has COVID been killing people? Taking another look at excess deaths. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-else-has-covid-been-killing-people/101434814 When COVID hit, there were a whole lot of predictions about how many people would die. Not just of the virus itself, but the knock on effects from reduced care and other diseases. One of the latest attempts at working out the number of excess deaths is recently published and has taken a wide view of the population looking for trends. And while the group found that excess deaths from undiagnosed COVID is likely low in Australia, increased deaths from COVID-caused complications is beginning to show up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Sep 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When COVID hit, there were a whole lot of predictions about how many people would die. Not just of the virus itself, but the knock on effects from reduced care and other diseases. One of the latest attempts at working out the number of excess deaths is recently published and has taken a wide view of the population looking for trends. And while the group found that excess deaths from undiagnosed COVID is likely low in Australia, increased deaths from COVID-caused complications is beginning to show up. When COVID hit, there were a whole lot of predictions about how many people would die. Not just of the virus itself, but the knock on effects from reduced care and other diseases. One of the latest attempts at working out the number of excess deaths is recently published and has taken a wide view of the population looking for trends. And while the group found that excess deaths from undiagnosed COVID is likely low in Australia, increased deaths from COVID-caused complications is beginning to show up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When COVID hit, there were a whole lot of predictions about how many people would die.

Not just of the virus itself, but the knock on effects from reduced care and other diseases.

One of the latest attempts at working out the number of excess deaths is recently published and has taken a wide view of the population looking for trends.

And while the group found that excess deaths from undiagnosed COVID is likely low in Australia, increased deaths from COVID-caused complications is beginning to show up.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 740 Where’s my Omicron specific booster? And will it help? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/where-is-my-omicron-specific-booster-and-will-it-help/101410674 It may not be long before Omicron specific vaccines are available in Australia, like they are elsewhere in the world. Last week the Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approved an Omicron variant specific vaccine, but we’re still waiting on ATAGI to recommend its use. So with it likely to be available soon, is it worth waiting for if you’re due for your booster or should you just get what’s available now? Also on today’s show: * Snot and the inner parts of your nose - could this be the key to finally ending the pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It may not be long before Omicron specific vaccines are available in Australia, like they are elsewhere in the world. Last week the Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approved an Omicron variant specific vaccine, but we’re still waiting on ATAGI to recommend its use. So with it likely to be available soon, is it worth waiting for if you’re due for your booster or should you just get what’s available now? Also on today’s show: * Snot and the inner parts of your nose - could this be the key to finally ending the pandemic?   It may not be long before Omicron specific vaccines are available in Australia, like they are elsewhere in the world. Last week the Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approved an Omicron variant specific vaccine, but we’re still waiting on ATAGI to recommend its use. So with it likely to be available soon, is it worth waiting for if you’re due for your booster or should you just get what’s available now? Also on today’s show: * Snot and the inner parts of your nose - could this be the key to finally ending the pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It may not be long before Omicron specific vaccines are available in Australia, like they are elsewhere in the world.

Last week the Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approved an Omicron variant specific vaccine, but we’re still waiting on ATAGI to recommend its use.

So with it likely to be available soon, is it worth waiting for if you’re due for your booster or should you just get what’s available now?

Also on today’s show:

* Snot and the inner parts of your nose - could this be the key to finally ending the pandemic?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 772 Is it time to scrap COVID isolation?  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-it-time-to-scrap-covid-isolation/101387236 Back at the start of the pandemic, if you tested positive for COVID - or even if you were a contact - you were looking at two weeks of isolation.  These days, that's been downgraded to a week, and contacts are generally free to go about their normal life.  But while COVID is still undeniably a health risk, having masses of people undergoing mandatory isolation takes its own toll.  So should compulsory isolation be shortened or even scrapped altogether? Also on today's show: * Are vaccination requirements still useful?  * Moderna sues Pfizer/BioNTech * Didn't I see Norman out and about without a mask on the other day?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Aug 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Back at the start of the pandemic, if you tested positive for COVID - or even if you were a contact - you were looking at two weeks of isolation.  These days, that's been downgraded to a week, and contacts are generally free to go about their normal life.  But while COVID is still undeniably a health risk, having masses of people undergoing mandatory isolation takes its own toll.  So should compulsory isolation be shortened or even scrapped altogether? Also on today's show: * Are vaccination requirements still useful?  * Moderna sues Pfizer/BioNTech * Didn't I see Norman out and about without a mask on the other day?  Back at the start of the pandemic, if you tested positive for COVID - or even if you were a contact - you were looking at two weeks of isolation.  These days, that's been downgraded to a week, and contacts are generally free to go about their normal life.  But while COVID is still undeniably a health risk, having masses of people undergoing mandatory isolation takes its own toll.  So should compulsory isolation be shortened or even scrapped altogether? Also on today's show: * Are vaccination requirements still useful?  * Moderna sues Pfizer/BioNTech * Didn't I see Norman out and about without a mask on the other day?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Back at the start of the pandemic, if you tested positive for COVID - or even if you were a contact - you were looking at two weeks of isolation. 

These days, that's been downgraded to a week, and contacts are generally free to go about their normal life. 

But while COVID is still undeniably a health risk, having masses of people undergoing mandatory isolation takes its own toll. 

So should compulsory isolation be shortened or even scrapped altogether?

Also on today's show:

* Are vaccination requirements still useful? 

* Moderna sues Pfizer/BioNTech

* Didn't I see Norman out and about without a mask on the other day? 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 760 The best news since January - but can it last? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-best-news-since-january-but-can-it-last/101360990 It seems that COVID cases in the latest wave have indeed peaked, and all things across the usual pandemic metrics are improving. It's the best COVID caseload we've had since Omicron came into our lives late last year. So has BA5 burnt itself out or is this just a small respite? And are we due for another variant? Also on today's show: * How is COVID associated with increased risks of neurological and psychiatric conditions? * Is monkeypox getting away from us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It seems that COVID cases in the latest wave have indeed peaked, and all things across the usual pandemic metrics are improving. It's the best COVID caseload we've had since Omicron came into our lives late last year. So has BA5 burnt itself out or is this just a small respite? And are we due for another variant? Also on today's show: * How is COVID associated with increased risks of neurological and psychiatric conditions? * Is monkeypox getting away from us? It seems that COVID cases in the latest wave have indeed peaked, and all things across the usual pandemic metrics are improving. It's the best COVID caseload we've had since Omicron came into our lives late last year. So has BA5 burnt itself out or is this just a small respite? And are we due for another variant? Also on today's show: * How is COVID associated with increased risks of neurological and psychiatric conditions? * Is monkeypox getting away from us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It seems that COVID cases in the latest wave have indeed peaked, and all things across the usual pandemic metrics are improving.

It's the best COVID caseload we've had since Omicron came into our lives late last year.

So has BA5 burnt itself out or is this just a small respite? And are we due for another variant?

Also on today's show:

* How is COVID associated with increased risks of neurological and psychiatric conditions?

* Is monkeypox getting away from us?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 887 How much coronavirus is coming out of your mouth? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-much-coronavirus-is-coming-out-of-your-mouth/101337912 Pretty much ever since the pandemic began, we've been told to socially distance by at least 1.5 meters if possible to reduce the chances of infection. But as the science is gathered on how much viral load flows from an infected person, how relevant is that recommendation? Was it even correct in the first place? Well a new - yet to be peer reviewed - study has attempted to explain just how much virus is in one's exhaled breath aerosols. And what does this mean for how the virus is spread? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Pretty much ever since the pandemic began, we've been told to socially distance by at least 1.5 meters if possible to reduce the chances of infection. But as the science is gathered on how much viral load flows from an infected person, how relevant is that recommendation? Was it even correct in the first place? Well a new - yet to be peer reviewed - study has attempted to explain just how much virus is in one's exhaled breath aerosols. And what does this mean for how the virus is spread? Pretty much ever since the pandemic began, we've been told to socially distance by at least 1.5 meters if possible to reduce the chances of infection. But as the science is gathered on how much viral load flows from an infected person, how relevant is that recommendation? Was it even correct in the first place? Well a new - yet to be peer reviewed - study has attempted to explain just how much virus is in one's exhaled breath aerosols. And what does this mean for how the virus is spread? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Pretty much ever since the pandemic began, we've been told to socially distance by at least 1.5 meters if possible to reduce the chances of infection.

But as the science is gathered on how much viral load flows from an infected person, how relevant is that recommendation? Was it even correct in the first place?

Well a new - yet to be peer reviewed - study has attempted to explain just how much virus is in one's exhaled breath aerosols.

And what does this mean for how the virus is spread?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 843 Can we wave bye bye to the B5 wave? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-we-wave-bye-bye-to-the-b5-wave/101315854 Is it finally time to say a big see ya later to the latest B5 COVID wave? The Omicron family has already brought us several waves - the first at the start of the year when it muscled out Delta and the most recent big one via B5. But there are signs that it is finally slowing down. Cases are dropping and there are small, but positive, signs that deaths are also falling. So while it may be the end of the worst of B5, what could be next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Is it finally time to say a big see ya later to the latest B5 COVID wave? The Omicron family has already brought us several waves - the first at the start of the year when it muscled out Delta and the most recent big one via B5. But there are signs that it is finally slowing down. Cases are dropping and there are small, but positive, signs that deaths are also falling. So while it may be the end of the worst of B5, what could be next? Is it finally time to say a big see ya later to the latest B5 COVID wave? The Omicron family has already brought us several waves - the first at the start of the year when it muscled out Delta and the most recent big one via B5. But there are signs that it is finally slowing down. Cases are dropping and there are small, but positive, signs that deaths are also falling. So while it may be the end of the worst of B5, what could be next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Is it finally time to say a big see ya later to the latest B5 COVID wave?

The Omicron family has already brought us several waves - the first at the start of the year when it muscled out Delta and the most recent big one via B5.

But there are signs that it is finally slowing down. Cases are dropping and there are small, but positive, signs that deaths are also falling.

So while it may be the end of the worst of B5, what could be next?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 688 Rebound? Reinfection? Release me from this pandemic prison! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/rebound-reinfection-release-me-from-this-pandemic-prison/13999762 As more and more people become infected with COVID-19, more and more people are also going to be reinfected. But there's another type of reinfection known as a rebound infection, which can happen in the days after you've recovered. The US President Joe Biden tested positive again this week for COVID-19 only a few days after he was cleared following his treatment with antiviral medication Paxlovid. So what could be going on? How common are rebound infections and could it extend to people who don't take the drugs also being reinfected? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Aug 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As more and more people become infected with COVID-19, more and more people are also going to be reinfected. But there's another type of reinfection known as a rebound infection, which can happen in the days after you've recovered. The US President Joe Biden tested positive again this week for COVID-19 only a few days after he was cleared following his treatment with antiviral medication Paxlovid. So what could be going on? How common are rebound infections and could it extend to people who don't take the drugs also being reinfected? As more and more people become infected with COVID-19, more and more people are also going to be reinfected. But there's another type of reinfection known as a rebound infection, which can happen in the days after you've recovered. The US President Joe Biden tested positive again this week for COVID-19 only a few days after he was cleared following his treatment with antiviral medication Paxlovid. So what could be going on? How common are rebound infections and could it extend to people who don't take the drugs also being reinfected? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As more and more people become infected with COVID-19, more and more people are also going to be reinfected.

But there's another type of reinfection known as a rebound infection, which can happen in the days after you've recovered.

The US President Joe Biden tested positive again this week for COVID-19 only a few days after he was cleared following his treatment with antiviral medication Paxlovid.

So what could be going on? How common are rebound infections and could it extend to people who don't take the drugs also being reinfected?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 780 Do we need a new health revolution? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-we-need-a-new-health-revolution/13995208 When the pandemic started we were so worried about surfaces. But it turned out that wasn't so much of a concern. The big thing was the very air we breathe. But as Governments largely scale back on mandates and restrictions, experts are urging more be done on things that can prevent spread of the virus And the big target is better ventilation. On today's special Coronacast, Tegan Taylor takes a look around to see how bad the air is in everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 31 Jul 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When the pandemic started we were so worried about surfaces. But it turned out that wasn't so much of a concern. The big thing was the very air we breathe. But as Governments largely scale back on mandates and restrictions, experts are urging more be done on things that can prevent spread of the virus And the big target is better ventilation. On today's special Coronacast, Tegan Taylor takes a look around to see how bad the air is in everyday life. When the pandemic started we were so worried about surfaces. But it turned out that wasn't so much of a concern. The big thing was the very air we breathe. But as Governments largely scale back on mandates and restrictions, experts are urging more be done on things that can prevent spread of the virus And the big target is better ventilation. On today's special Coronacast, Tegan Taylor takes a look around to see how bad the air is in everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When the pandemic started we were so worried about surfaces. But it turned out that wasn't so much of a concern.

The big thing was the very air we breathe.

But as Governments largely scale back on mandates and restrictions, experts are urging more be done on things that can prevent spread of the virus

And the big target is better ventilation.

On today's special Coronacast, Tegan Taylor takes a look around to see how bad the air is in everyday life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 836 Why BA5 isn't like measles, but is still a big worry https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-ba5-isnt-like-measles,-but-is-still-a-big-worry/13989556 BA5 sure is making itself well known, and is responsible for soaring infection and reinfection rates right across the country. So how does it compare in infectiousness to other diseases? Well working that out is a difficult question. It's partly down to changing variables like vaccination and controls, but also changes to the virus itself. So on this week's Coronacast, why it doesn't really matter if BA5 is as infectious as measles - it's still doing a lot of damage. Also on today's show: * Enough about BA5 - what about BA2.75? Bring on the 'Centaurus' talk! * An update on pregnancy and COVID-19 * And BA5 in schools - will a booster help? cvp_20220727_episode477_ba5_infectious.mp3 13286016 830000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Jul 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia BA5 sure is making itself well known, and is responsible for soaring infection and reinfection rates right across the country. So how does it compare in infectiousness to other diseases? Well working that out is a difficult question. It's partly down to changing variables like vaccination and controls, but also changes to the virus itself. So on this week's Coronacast, why it doesn't really matter if BA5 is as infectious as measles - it's still doing a lot of damage. Also on today's show: * Enough about BA5 - what about BA2.75? Bring on the 'Centaurus' talk! * An update on pregnancy and COVID-19 * And BA5 in schools - will a booster help? cvp_20220727_episode477_ba5_infectious.mp3 13286016 830000 BA5 sure is making itself well known, and is responsible for soaring infection and reinfection rates right across the country. So how does it compare in infectiousness to other diseases? Well working that out is a difficult question. It's partly down to changing variables like vaccination and controls, but also changes to the virus itself. So on this week's Coronacast, why it doesn't really matter if BA5 is as infectious as measles - it's still doing a lot of damage. Also on today's show: * Enough about BA5 - what about BA2.75? Bring on the 'Centaurus' talk! * An update on pregnancy and COVID-19 * And BA5 in schools - will a booster help? cvp_20220727_episode477_ba5_infectious.mp3 13286016 830000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices BA5 sure is making itself well known, and is responsible for soaring infection and reinfection rates right across the country.

So how does it compare in infectiousness to other diseases? Well working that out is a difficult question.

It's partly down to changing variables like vaccination and controls, but also changes to the virus itself.

So on this week's Coronacast, why it doesn't really matter if BA5 is as infectious as measles - it's still doing a lot of damage.

Also on today's show:

* Enough about BA5 - what about BA2.75? Bring on the 'Centaurus' talk!

* An update on pregnancy and COVID-19

* And BA5 in schools - will a booster help?

cvp_20220727_episode477_ba5_infectious.mp3

13286016

830000

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]]> 890 The Doctor is back. What's Australia's COVID prognosis? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-doctor-is-back-whats-australias-covid-prognosis/13978940 It's been a month since Coronacast took a break, and since then a lot has changed. The BA4 and 5 variants have become dominant, and immunologists are starting to worry about the state of play. Firstly, BA4 and 5 are acting a bit like new variants. They're evading vaccines and prior infections even more than original Omicron and there's no sign they're slowing down. And secondly, COVID case loads are surging and hospitals are feeling the pressure. So what else has changed over the last month, and what's the rest of winter looking like? Also on today's show: * I'm suddenly eligible for a fourth dose. Do I bother getting it? * Can you get the 2nd booster shot 28 days after having COVID (in line with information that re-infection can occur after 28 days), or is it still best to wait the 3 months, and if so, why is it best to wait? * I've had two AstraZeneca and one Moderna shots. What should I have as my fourth dose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been a month since Coronacast took a break, and since then a lot has changed. The BA4 and 5 variants have become dominant, and immunologists are starting to worry about the state of play. Firstly, BA4 and 5 are acting a bit like new variants. They're evading vaccines and prior infections even more than original Omicron and there's no sign they're slowing down. And secondly, COVID case loads are surging and hospitals are feeling the pressure. So what else has changed over the last month, and what's the rest of winter looking like? Also on today's show: * I'm suddenly eligible for a fourth dose. Do I bother getting it? * Can you get the 2nd booster shot 28 days after having COVID (in line with information that re-infection can occur after 28 days), or is it still best to wait the 3 months, and if so, why is it best to wait? * I've had two AstraZeneca and one Moderna shots. What should I have as my fourth dose? It's been a month since Coronacast took a break, and since then a lot has changed. The BA4 and 5 variants have become dominant, and immunologists are starting to worry about the state of play. Firstly, BA4 and 5 are acting a bit like new variants. They're evading vaccines and prior infections even more than original Omicron and there's no sign they're slowing down. And secondly, COVID case loads are surging and hospitals are feeling the pressure. So what else has changed over the last month, and what's the rest of winter looking like? Also on today's show: * I'm suddenly eligible for a fourth dose. Do I bother getting it? * Can you get the 2nd booster shot 28 days after having COVID (in line with information that re-infection can occur after 28 days), or is it still best to wait the 3 months, and if so, why is it best to wait? * I've had two AstraZeneca and one Moderna shots. What should I have as my fourth dose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been a month since Coronacast took a break, and since then a lot has changed.

The BA4 and 5 variants have become dominant, and immunologists are starting to worry about the state of play.

Firstly, BA4 and 5 are acting a bit like new variants. They're evading vaccines and prior infections even more than original Omicron and there's no sign they're slowing down.

And secondly, COVID case loads are surging and hospitals are feeling the pressure.

So what else has changed over the last month, and what's the rest of winter looking like?

Also on today's show:

* I'm suddenly eligible for a fourth dose. Do I bother getting it?

* Can you get the 2nd booster shot 28 days after having COVID (in line with information that re-infection can occur after 28 days), or is it still best to wait the 3 months, and if so, why is it best to wait?

* I've had two AstraZeneca and one Moderna shots. What should I have as my fourth dose?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 832 The latest great news for young kids and COVID! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-latest-great-news-for-young-kids-and-covid/13928408 There's been a bunch of good news this week about kids and COVID, including kids under 5 moving a touch closer to become eligible for vaccination A Scandanavian study has shown that before babies are born, they get an immune benefit from their vaccinated mother. Another study has looked at a rare condition that can happen in kids after COVID, called MIS-C, and found vaccinated kids are way more protected from it And also both Pfizer and Moderna have moved slightly closer to being registered for kids under 5 in the USA. Also on today's show: * Are there rapid tests available to test for influenza? * I've noticed that cases seem to be falling. Is it just that it's being under reported? I haven't heard any mention of it in the media but it's the opposite of what I expected as we head into winter. AND WE'LL BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE NEXT MONTH BECAUSE NORMAN IS ON HOLIDAYS. SO KEEP AN EYE ON THE FEED AND WE'LL BE BACK SOON. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been a bunch of good news this week about kids and COVID, including kids under 5 moving a touch closer to become eligible for vaccination A Scandanavian study has shown that before babies are born, they get an immune benefit from their vaccinated mother. Another study has looked at a rare condition that can happen in kids after COVID, called MIS-C, and found vaccinated kids are way more protected from it And also both Pfizer and Moderna have moved slightly closer to being registered for kids under 5 in the USA. Also on today's show: * Are there rapid tests available to test for influenza? * I've noticed that cases seem to be falling. Is it just that it's being under reported? I haven't heard any mention of it in the media but it's the opposite of what I expected as we head into winter. AND WE'LL BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE NEXT MONTH BECAUSE NORMAN IS ON HOLIDAYS. SO KEEP AN EYE ON THE FEED AND WE'LL BE BACK SOON. There's been a bunch of good news this week about kids and COVID, including kids under 5 moving a touch closer to become eligible for vaccination A Scandanavian study has shown that before babies are born, they get an immune benefit from their vaccinated mother. Another study has looked at a rare condition that can happen in kids after COVID, called MIS-C, and found vaccinated kids are way more protected from it And also both Pfizer and Moderna have moved slightly closer to being registered for kids under 5 in the USA. Also on today's show: * Are there rapid tests available to test for influenza? * I've noticed that cases seem to be falling. Is it just that it's being under reported? I haven't heard any mention of it in the media but it's the opposite of what I expected as we head into winter. AND WE'LL BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE NEXT MONTH BECAUSE NORMAN IS ON HOLIDAYS. SO KEEP AN EYE ON THE FEED AND WE'LL BE BACK SOON. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been a bunch of good news this week about kids and COVID, including kids under 5 moving a touch closer to become eligible for vaccination

A Scandanavian study has shown that before babies are born, they get an immune benefit from their vaccinated mother.

Another study has looked at a rare condition that can happen in kids after COVID, called MIS-C, and found vaccinated kids are way more protected from it

And also both Pfizer and Moderna have moved slightly closer to being registered for kids under 5 in the USA.

Also on today's show:

* Are there rapid tests available to test for influenza?

* I've noticed that cases seem to be falling. Is it just that it's being under reported? I haven't heard any mention of it in the media but it's the opposite of what I expected as we head into winter.

AND WE'LL BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE NEXT MONTH BECAUSE NORMAN IS ON HOLIDAYS. SO KEEP AN EYE ON THE FEED AND WE'LL BE BACK SOON.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 777 Have we lost our vaccine mojo? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/have-we-lost-our-vaccine-mojo/13918506 This time last year, Australia's vaccination program was getting underway and many were coming forward for their first or second shots. But Australia's haven't embraced the third dose as quickly or in as large numbers. The third dose is vital for the best protection against disease, and is recommended for the majority of Australians. So why aren't people coming forward as quickly? Also on today's show: * Is it possible that we may have caught COVID without realising it? * Are there instances of assumed second COVID infections that are actually just relapses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia This time last year, Australia's vaccination program was getting underway and many were coming forward for their first or second shots. But Australia's haven't embraced the third dose as quickly or in as large numbers. The third dose is vital for the best protection against disease, and is recommended for the majority of Australians. So why aren't people coming forward as quickly? Also on today's show: * Is it possible that we may have caught COVID without realising it? * Are there instances of assumed second COVID infections that are actually just relapses? This time last year, Australia's vaccination program was getting underway and many were coming forward for their first or second shots. But Australia's haven't embraced the third dose as quickly or in as large numbers. The third dose is vital for the best protection against disease, and is recommended for the majority of Australians. So why aren't people coming forward as quickly? Also on today's show: * Is it possible that we may have caught COVID without realising it? * Are there instances of assumed second COVID infections that are actually just relapses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This time last year, Australia's vaccination program was getting underway and many were coming forward for their first or second shots.

But Australia's haven't embraced the third dose as quickly or in as large numbers.

The third dose is vital for the best protection against disease, and is recommended for the majority of Australians.

So why aren't people coming forward as quickly?

Also on today's show:

* Is it possible that we may have caught COVID without realising it?

* Are there instances of assumed second COVID infections that are actually just relapses?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 740 Which subvariant will be the One True Omicron? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/which-subvariant-will-be-the-one-true-omicron/13908292 Since the variant we now know as Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, it's proved to be a shapeshifter, spawning no fewer than five subvariants so far. Each have their own characteristics, but which is the most likely to become the dominant strain? There's finally enough data around to start making a comparison - so which subvariant will rule them all, what features give it the advantage, and what possible tools we might use to fight it? Also on today's show: * If I'm triple vaccinated and COVID is everywhere, could I have encountered it and fought it off, making me even more immune now? * What's the latest on the scary, mysterious hepatitis that's been reported in kids? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 May 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Since the variant we now know as Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, it's proved to be a shapeshifter, spawning no fewer than five subvariants so far. Each have their own characteristics, but which is the most likely to become the dominant strain? There's finally enough data around to start making a comparison - so which subvariant will rule them all, what features give it the advantage, and what possible tools we might use to fight it? Also on today's show: * If I'm triple vaccinated and COVID is everywhere, could I have encountered it and fought it off, making me even more immune now? * What's the latest on the scary, mysterious hepatitis that's been reported in kids? Since the variant we now know as Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, it's proved to be a shapeshifter, spawning no fewer than five subvariants so far. Each have their own characteristics, but which is the most likely to become the dominant strain? There's finally enough data around to start making a comparison - so which subvariant will rule them all, what features give it the advantage, and what possible tools we might use to fight it? Also on today's show: * If I'm triple vaccinated and COVID is everywhere, could I have encountered it and fought it off, making me even more immune now? * What's the latest on the scary, mysterious hepatitis that's been reported in kids? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Since the variant we now know as Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, it's proved to be a shapeshifter, spawning no fewer than five subvariants so far.

Each have their own characteristics, but which is the most likely to become the dominant strain?

There's finally enough data around to start making a comparison - so which subvariant will rule them all, what features give it the advantage, and what possible tools we might use to fight it?

Also on today's show:

* If I'm triple vaccinated and COVID is everywhere, could I have encountered it and fought it off, making me even more immune now?

* What's the latest on the scary, mysterious hepatitis that's been reported in kids?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 680 How worried should we be about monkeypox? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-worried-should-we-be-about-monkeypox/13666546 While COVID continues to ravage the world, it's far from the only virus that's affecting humans at the moment. Cases of flu are soaring in Australia, and the Queensland Government is worried enough about it that it's offering all Queenslanders a free flu vaccination. And to add to that is a new outbreak of monkeypox in Europe and North America with 100 suspected and confirmed cases so far, though cases have not been severe. So what is Monkeypox, could it end up like COVID and how worried should we be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 May 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While COVID continues to ravage the world, it's far from the only virus that's affecting humans at the moment. Cases of flu are soaring in Australia, and the Queensland Government is worried enough about it that it's offering all Queenslanders a free flu vaccination. And to add to that is a new outbreak of monkeypox in Europe and North America with 100 suspected and confirmed cases so far, though cases have not been severe. So what is Monkeypox, could it end up like COVID and how worried should we be? While COVID continues to ravage the world, it's far from the only virus that's affecting humans at the moment. Cases of flu are soaring in Australia, and the Queensland Government is worried enough about it that it's offering all Queenslanders a free flu vaccination. And to add to that is a new outbreak of monkeypox in Europe and North America with 100 suspected and confirmed cases so far, though cases have not been severe. So what is Monkeypox, could it end up like COVID and how worried should we be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While COVID continues to ravage the world, it's far from the only virus that's affecting humans at the moment.

Cases of flu are soaring in Australia, and the Queensland Government is worried enough about it that it's offering all Queenslanders a free flu vaccination.

And to add to that is a new outbreak of monkeypox in Europe and North America with 100 suspected and confirmed cases so far, though cases have not been severe.

So what is Monkeypox, could it end up like COVID and how worried should we be?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 716 The BIG COVID challenge facing Australia’s next government https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-big-covid-challenge-facing-australia-next-government/13885254 We are only days away from the 2022 Federal Election, where we'll find out who'll be leading the country for the next few years. But for whoever wins, there's the huge reality of dealing with and managing the ongoing COVID pandemic, which is still killing an average of 40 Australians a day. COVID policy and response hasn't featured much during the election campaign. So on today's Coronacast, what COVID issues will face whoever wins office next? Also on today's show: * Our daughter tested positive on a RAT. We had a PCR test the same day and it came back negative. So we tested again via a RAT and it was positive again. Does this mean the PCR test wasn't done properly? * I have been diagnosed with COVID twice this year. Is this the future, COVID every 4 or 5 months? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 May 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We are only days away from the 2022 Federal Election, where we'll find out who'll be leading the country for the next few years. But for whoever wins, there's the huge reality of dealing with and managing the ongoing COVID pandemic, which is still killing an average of 40 Australians a day. COVID policy and response hasn't featured much during the election campaign. So on today's Coronacast, what COVID issues will face whoever wins office next? Also on today's show: * Our daughter tested positive on a RAT. We had a PCR test the same day and it came back negative. So we tested again via a RAT and it was positive again. Does this mean the PCR test wasn't done properly? * I have been diagnosed with COVID twice this year. Is this the future, COVID every 4 or 5 months? We are only days away from the 2022 Federal Election, where we'll find out who'll be leading the country for the next few years. But for whoever wins, there's the huge reality of dealing with and managing the ongoing COVID pandemic, which is still killing an average of 40 Australians a day. COVID policy and response hasn't featured much during the election campaign. So on today's Coronacast, what COVID issues will face whoever wins office next? Also on today's show: * Our daughter tested positive on a RAT. We had a PCR test the same day and it came back negative. So we tested again via a RAT and it was positive again. Does this mean the PCR test wasn't done properly? * I have been diagnosed with COVID twice this year. Is this the future, COVID every 4 or 5 months? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We are only days away from the 2022 Federal Election, where we'll find out who'll be leading the country for the next few years.

But for whoever wins, there's the huge reality of dealing with and managing the ongoing COVID pandemic, which is still killing an average of 40 Australians a day.

COVID policy and response hasn't featured much during the election campaign.

So on today's Coronacast, what COVID issues will face whoever wins office next?

Also on today's show:

* Our daughter tested positive on a RAT. We had a PCR test the same day and it came back negative. So we tested again via a RAT and it was positive again. Does this mean the PCR test wasn't done properly?

* I have been diagnosed with COVID twice this year. Is this the future, COVID every 4 or 5 months?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 707 Yes, you can get long COVID if you're triple vaxxed https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/yes-you-can-get-long-covid-if-youre-triple-vaxxed/13875284 A British COVID report has finally answered a question many have had: can you get long COVID, even after you're triple vaccinated. And the answer is, sadly, yes. About eight to nine percent of people have some sort of long-COVID symptoms, even after they've had their third dose. But there is some good news: long COVID is still far lower in vaccinated people than in unvaccinated. Also on today's show: * What's happening with second generation vaccines? * How worried should we really be about surface transmission? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 May 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A British COVID report has finally answered a question many have had: can you get long COVID, even after you're triple vaccinated. And the answer is, sadly, yes. About eight to nine percent of people have some sort of long-COVID symptoms, even after they've had their third dose. But there is some good news: long COVID is still far lower in vaccinated people than in unvaccinated. Also on today's show: * What's happening with second generation vaccines? * How worried should we really be about surface transmission? A British COVID report has finally answered a question many have had: can you get long COVID, even after you're triple vaccinated. And the answer is, sadly, yes. About eight to nine percent of people have some sort of long-COVID symptoms, even after they've had their third dose. But there is some good news: long COVID is still far lower in vaccinated people than in unvaccinated. Also on today's show: * What's happening with second generation vaccines? * How worried should we really be about surface transmission? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A British COVID report has finally answered a question many have had: can you get long COVID, even after you're triple vaccinated.

And the answer is, sadly, yes. About eight to nine percent of people have some sort of long-COVID symptoms, even after they've had their third dose.

But there is some good news: long COVID is still far lower in vaccinated people than in unvaccinated.

Also on today's show:

* What's happening with second generation vaccines?

* How worried should we really be about surface transmission?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 719 5000 deaths this year and counting https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/5000-deaths-this-year-and-counting/13865000 While most of the Australian population is vaccinated against COVID-19, going by the amount of people who have died in 2022, this is by far the worst year of the pandemic. More than 5000 people have died so far this year, and another 30 or 40 are continuing to die on average each day at the moment. So on this week’s Coronacast, why have we stopped paying attention to deaths and can we do anything to reduce them? Also on today’s show: * Paxlovid is now part of the PBS. So what is the drug again? Who should take it? When? And why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 May 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While most of the Australian population is vaccinated against COVID-19, going by the amount of people who have died in 2022, this is by far the worst year of the pandemic. More than 5000 people have died so far this year, and another 30 or 40 are continuing to die on average each day at the moment. So on this week’s Coronacast, why have we stopped paying attention to deaths and can we do anything to reduce them? Also on today’s show: * Paxlovid is now part of the PBS. So what is the drug again? Who should take it? When? And why? While most of the Australian population is vaccinated against COVID-19, going by the amount of people who have died in 2022, this is by far the worst year of the pandemic. More than 5000 people have died so far this year, and another 30 or 40 are continuing to die on average each day at the moment. So on this week’s Coronacast, why have we stopped paying attention to deaths and can we do anything to reduce them? Also on today’s show: * Paxlovid is now part of the PBS. So what is the drug again? Who should take it? When? And why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While most of the Australian population is vaccinated against COVID-19, going by the amount of people who have died in 2022, this is by far the worst year of the pandemic.

More than 5000 people have died so far this year, and another 30 or 40 are continuing to die on average each day at the moment.

So on this week’s Coronacast, why have we stopped paying attention to deaths and can we do anything to reduce them?

Also on today’s show:

* Paxlovid is now part of the PBS. So what is the drug again? Who should take it? When? And why?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 718 The sub-variants just keep coming https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-sub-variants-just-keep-coming/13855350 When Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, scientists were shocked at how many mutations it had compared to previous variants. We now know that it's way more transmissible than previous variants and less nasty than Delta, although that hasn't stopped it from causing a lot of severe disease and death. But biology isn't static and Omicron has continued to evolve. First came BA1, then came a new wave of BA2 and now we're starting to see another new subvariant: BA4. So on today's Coronacast, what is BA4, where did it come from and how much of a worry is it? Also on today's show: * What's going on with the hepatitis condition in kids? Is it being caused by COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Apr 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, scientists were shocked at how many mutations it had compared to previous variants. We now know that it's way more transmissible than previous variants and less nasty than Delta, although that hasn't stopped it from causing a lot of severe disease and death. But biology isn't static and Omicron has continued to evolve. First came BA1, then came a new wave of BA2 and now we're starting to see another new subvariant: BA4. So on today's Coronacast, what is BA4, where did it come from and how much of a worry is it? Also on today's show: * What's going on with the hepatitis condition in kids? Is it being caused by COVID-19? When Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, scientists were shocked at how many mutations it had compared to previous variants. We now know that it's way more transmissible than previous variants and less nasty than Delta, although that hasn't stopped it from causing a lot of severe disease and death. But biology isn't static and Omicron has continued to evolve. First came BA1, then came a new wave of BA2 and now we're starting to see another new subvariant: BA4. So on today's Coronacast, what is BA4, where did it come from and how much of a worry is it? Also on today's show: * What's going on with the hepatitis condition in kids? Is it being caused by COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When Omicron burst onto the scene late last year, scientists were shocked at how many mutations it had compared to previous variants.

We now know that it's way more transmissible than previous variants and less nasty than Delta, although that hasn't stopped it from causing a lot of severe disease and death.

But biology isn't static and Omicron has continued to evolve. First came BA1, then came a new wave of BA2 and now we're starting to see another new subvariant: BA4.

So on today's Coronacast, what is BA4, where did it come from and how much of a worry is it?

Also on today's show:

* What's going on with the hepatitis condition in kids? Is it being caused by COVID-19?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 841 How long can any country stay COVID zero? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-long-can-any-country-stay-covid-zero/13837866 China is fighting its largest coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic begun, but the lockdown being used to try and control it is facing resistance? Videos on social media appear to show small riots breaking out in parts of Shanghai while some residents are recording themselves screaming and yelling from their apartments in desperation. So is China's zero-COVID policy unable to withstand the onslaught of Omicron? And why is China resorting to lockdowns? Also on today's show: * How's COVID going in the USA? * Omicron refresher: Do RATs work against it? What are the main symptoms? How long is the incubation? * How much of the world has had COVID now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia China is fighting its largest coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic begun, but the lockdown being used to try and control it is facing resistance? Videos on social media appear to show small riots breaking out in parts of Shanghai while some residents are recording themselves screaming and yelling from their apartments in desperation. So is China's zero-COVID policy unable to withstand the onslaught of Omicron? And why is China resorting to lockdowns? Also on today's show: * How's COVID going in the USA? * Omicron refresher: Do RATs work against it? What are the main symptoms? How long is the incubation? * How much of the world has had COVID now? China is fighting its largest coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic begun, but the lockdown being used to try and control it is facing resistance? Videos on social media appear to show small riots breaking out in parts of Shanghai while some residents are recording themselves screaming and yelling from their apartments in desperation. So is China's zero-COVID policy unable to withstand the onslaught of Omicron? And why is China resorting to lockdowns? Also on today's show: * How's COVID going in the USA? * Omicron refresher: Do RATs work against it? What are the main symptoms? How long is the incubation? * How much of the world has had COVID now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices China is fighting its largest coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic begun, but the lockdown being used to try and control it is facing resistance?

Videos on social media appear to show small riots breaking out in parts of Shanghai while some residents are recording themselves screaming and yelling from their apartments in desperation.

So is China's zero-COVID policy unable to withstand the onslaught of Omicron? And why is China resorting to lockdowns?

Also on today's show:

* How's COVID going in the USA?

* Omicron refresher: Do RATs work against it? What are the main symptoms? How long is the incubation?

* How much of the world has had COVID now?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 704 Our first proper flu AND covid season looms https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/our-first-proper-flu-and-covid-season-looms/13828278 The race has well and truly been on for third dose COVID-19 vaccinations, but now add to that vaccination for the coming flu season. The past couple of years have seen a lull in flu infections because closed borders kept more than just COVID out — but that will change this year. So what happens if you get both COVID-19 and the flu and the same time? Is it even possible? And how do you reduce the risk of that happening? Also on today's show: * Why isn't Australia pulling its weight when it comes to reporting on vaccine effectiveness? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Apr 2022 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The race has well and truly been on for third dose COVID-19 vaccinations, but now add to that vaccination for the coming flu season. The past couple of years have seen a lull in flu infections because closed borders kept more than just COVID out — but that will change this year. So what happens if you get both COVID-19 and the flu and the same time? Is it even possible? And how do you reduce the risk of that happening? Also on today's show: * Why isn't Australia pulling its weight when it comes to reporting on vaccine effectiveness? The race has well and truly been on for third dose COVID-19 vaccinations, but now add to that vaccination for the coming flu season. The past couple of years have seen a lull in flu infections because closed borders kept more than just COVID out — but that will change this year. So what happens if you get both COVID-19 and the flu and the same time? Is it even possible? And how do you reduce the risk of that happening? Also on today's show: * Why isn't Australia pulling its weight when it comes to reporting on vaccine effectiveness? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The race has well and truly been on for third dose COVID-19 vaccinations, but now add to that vaccination for the coming flu season.

The past couple of years have seen a lull in flu infections because closed borders kept more than just COVID out — but that will change this year.

So what happens if you get both COVID-19 and the flu and the same time? Is it even possible? And how do you reduce the risk of that happening?

Also on today's show:

* Why isn't Australia pulling its weight when it comes to reporting on vaccine effectiveness?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 742 When two variants become one https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-two-variants-become-one/13817640 As the BA2 subvariant of Omicron infects its way to the top of the coronavirus leaderboard, we're thanking our lucky stars that it's not as or more severe than Delta. But imagine a coronavirus variant that has genes from both Omicron and Delta: enter Deltacron The ability for two variants to combine and share genetic information is possible, and according to recent research has already happened. So what's the possibility the next variant of concern will not be due to mutation, but instead combining? Also on today's show: * Antibody profile after Omicron * What makes something a subvariant and not just a new variant? * Lots of questions about fourth doses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Mar 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the BA2 subvariant of Omicron infects its way to the top of the coronavirus leaderboard, we're thanking our lucky stars that it's not as or more severe than Delta. But imagine a coronavirus variant that has genes from both Omicron and Delta: enter Deltacron The ability for two variants to combine and share genetic information is possible, and according to recent research has already happened. So what's the possibility the next variant of concern will not be due to mutation, but instead combining? Also on today's show: * Antibody profile after Omicron * What makes something a subvariant and not just a new variant? * Lots of questions about fourth doses As the BA2 subvariant of Omicron infects its way to the top of the coronavirus leaderboard, we're thanking our lucky stars that it's not as or more severe than Delta. But imagine a coronavirus variant that has genes from both Omicron and Delta: enter Deltacron The ability for two variants to combine and share genetic information is possible, and according to recent research has already happened. So what's the possibility the next variant of concern will not be due to mutation, but instead combining? Also on today's show: * Antibody profile after Omicron * What makes something a subvariant and not just a new variant? * Lots of questions about fourth doses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the BA2 subvariant of Omicron infects its way to the top of the coronavirus leaderboard, we're thanking our lucky stars that it's not as or more severe than Delta.

But imagine a coronavirus variant that has genes from both Omicron and Delta: enter Deltacron

The ability for two variants to combine and share genetic information is possible, and according to recent research has already happened.

So what's the possibility the next variant of concern will not be due to mutation, but instead combining?

Also on today's show:

* Antibody profile after Omicron

* What makes something a subvariant and not just a new variant?

* Lots of questions about fourth doses

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 721 Wasn't the peak meant to be in January? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/wasnt-the-peak-meant-to-be-in-january/13807350 With cases rising quickly again, it's left many wondering: wasn't the peak supposed to be behind us? Well, turns out the pandemic isn't over and a mix of relaxed restrictions and the BA2 sub-variant have combined to once again push up infections. It also shows that the rollercoaster ride that we're on may not be stopping for a while, and the up and down nature is something we'll have to get used to. Also on today's show: * Increase in diabetes with long COVID * More on if we're going to need a 4th dose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Mar 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With cases rising quickly again, it's left many wondering: wasn't the peak supposed to be behind us? Well, turns out the pandemic isn't over and a mix of relaxed restrictions and the BA2 sub-variant have combined to once again push up infections. It also shows that the rollercoaster ride that we're on may not be stopping for a while, and the up and down nature is something we'll have to get used to. Also on today's show: * Increase in diabetes with long COVID * More on if we're going to need a 4th dose With cases rising quickly again, it's left many wondering: wasn't the peak supposed to be behind us? Well, turns out the pandemic isn't over and a mix of relaxed restrictions and the BA2 sub-variant have combined to once again push up infections. It also shows that the rollercoaster ride that we're on may not be stopping for a while, and the up and down nature is something we'll have to get used to. Also on today's show: * Increase in diabetes with long COVID * More on if we're going to need a 4th dose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With cases rising quickly again, it's left many wondering: wasn't the peak supposed to be behind us?

Well, turns out the pandemic isn't over and a mix of relaxed restrictions and the BA2 sub-variant have combined to once again push up infections.

It also shows that the rollercoaster ride that we're on may not be stopping for a while, and the up and down nature is something we'll have to get used to.

Also on today's show:

* Increase in diabetes with long COVID

* More on if we're going to need a 4th dose

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 761 BONUS: Introducing Australia, If You're Listening https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/introducing-australia-if-youre-listening/13797222 The sixth season of If You're Listening tells the story of Australia's turbulent history with climate change, and what that means for the future. As we approach a federal election where climate and energy is a key battleground, this eight episode series will examine how Australia wasted decades fighting change, instead of capitalising on it. This is a special listen of the first episode and is the only time it'll appear in the Coronacast feed, so if you want to check it out search for "Australia, If You're Listening" where ever you get your podcasts. Or find the links here on the ABC website: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/if-youre-listening/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Mar 2022 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The sixth season of If You're Listening tells the story of Australia's turbulent history with climate change, and what that means for the future. As we approach a federal election where climate and energy is a key battleground, this eight episode series will examine how Australia wasted decades fighting change, instead of capitalising on it. This is a special listen of the first episode and is the only time it'll appear in the Coronacast feed, so if you want to check it out search for "Australia, If You're Listening" where ever you get your podcasts. Or find the links here on the ABC website: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/if-youre-listening/ The sixth season of If You're Listening tells the story of Australia's turbulent history with climate change, and what that means for the future. As we approach a federal election where climate and energy is a key battleground, this eight episode series will examine how Australia wasted decades fighting change, instead of capitalising on it. This is a special listen of the first episode and is the only time it'll appear in the Coronacast feed, so if you want to check it out search for "Australia, If You're Listening" where ever you get your podcasts. Or find the links here on the ABC website: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/if-youre-listening/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The sixth season of If You're Listening tells the story of Australia's turbulent history with climate change, and what that means for the future.

As we approach a federal election where climate and energy is a key battleground, this eight episode series will examine how Australia wasted decades fighting change, instead of capitalising on it.

This is a special listen of the first episode and is the only time it'll appear in the Coronacast feed, so if you want to check it out search for "Australia, If You're Listening" where ever you get your podcasts.

Or find the links here on the ABC website: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/if-youre-listening/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2139 What will winter bring as the sibling of Omicron rises? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-will-winter-bring-as-the-sibling-of-omicron-rises/13797184 The sub-variant of Omicron, known at the moment as BA2, is being blamed for a rise in cases in NSW and likely in other states and territories. And overseas, Hong Kong is struggling with a wave which is killing more and more people due to low levels of vaccination in high risk age groups. So what could the sub-variant mean for Australia as the weather slowly cools down and we enter darker, cooler times? Also on today's show: * China goes into lockdown in several big cities * Australian researchers have uncovered resistance mutations to Sotrovimab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The sub-variant of Omicron, known at the moment as BA2, is being blamed for a rise in cases in NSW and likely in other states and territories. And overseas, Hong Kong is struggling with a wave which is killing more and more people due to low levels of vaccination in high risk age groups. So what could the sub-variant mean for Australia as the weather slowly cools down and we enter darker, cooler times? Also on today's show: * China goes into lockdown in several big cities * Australian researchers have uncovered resistance mutations to Sotrovimab The sub-variant of Omicron, known at the moment as BA2, is being blamed for a rise in cases in NSW and likely in other states and territories. And overseas, Hong Kong is struggling with a wave which is killing more and more people due to low levels of vaccination in high risk age groups. So what could the sub-variant mean for Australia as the weather slowly cools down and we enter darker, cooler times? Also on today's show: * China goes into lockdown in several big cities * Australian researchers have uncovered resistance mutations to Sotrovimab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The sub-variant of Omicron, known at the moment as BA2, is being blamed for a rise in cases in NSW and likely in other states and territories.

And overseas, Hong Kong is struggling with a wave which is killing more and more people due to low levels of vaccination in high risk age groups.

So what could the sub-variant mean for Australia as the weather slowly cools down and we enter darker, cooler times?

Also on today's show:

* China goes into lockdown in several big cities

* Australian researchers have uncovered resistance mutations to Sotrovimab

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 668 How many people had COVID before me? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-many-people-had-covid-before-me/13791170 Occasionally, Coronacast gets a question from the audience that not only stumps them, it stumps the expert scientists as well. And this week, that question came from Helen who was wondering how many people before her had COVID and passed it on to someone else, stretching all the way from her back to Wuhan in China. It raises many interesting questions about viral evolution and how we can reduce the number of infections globally. Also on today's show: * BA2 Omicron sub-variant becoming more and more dominant, according to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard * Coronacast will be dropping back to weekly. We'll be out every Wednesday so watch your feed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Occasionally, Coronacast gets a question from the audience that not only stumps them, it stumps the expert scientists as well. And this week, that question came from Helen who was wondering how many people before her had COVID and passed it on to someone else, stretching all the way from her back to Wuhan in China. It raises many interesting questions about viral evolution and how we can reduce the number of infections globally. Also on today's show: * BA2 Omicron sub-variant becoming more and more dominant, according to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard * Coronacast will be dropping back to weekly. We'll be out every Wednesday so watch your feed! Occasionally, Coronacast gets a question from the audience that not only stumps them, it stumps the expert scientists as well. And this week, that question came from Helen who was wondering how many people before her had COVID and passed it on to someone else, stretching all the way from her back to Wuhan in China. It raises many interesting questions about viral evolution and how we can reduce the number of infections globally. Also on today's show: * BA2 Omicron sub-variant becoming more and more dominant, according to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard * Coronacast will be dropping back to weekly. We'll be out every Wednesday so watch your feed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Occasionally, Coronacast gets a question from the audience that not only stumps them, it stumps the expert scientists as well.

And this week, that question came from Helen who was wondering how many people before her had COVID and passed it on to someone else, stretching all the way from her back to Wuhan in China.

It raises many interesting questions about viral evolution and how we can reduce the number of infections globally.

Also on today's show:

* BA2 Omicron sub-variant becoming more and more dominant, according to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard

* Coronacast will be dropping back to weekly. We'll be out every Wednesday so watch your feed!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 718 What's COVID doing to your brain? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-covid-doing-to-your-brain/13787442 A study has found that COVID is associated with changes to the human brain in some people after they've been infected. The study, published in the journal Nature, has found brain related abnormalities in patients six months or so after their initial infection. The findings suggest this can happen regardless of severity but may be worse in those with severe disease Also on today's show: * My wife and I are in isolation at the moment after both testing positive to COVID. Her symptoms are worse than mine and she suggested I isolate in a different part of the home? * The virus in my body is a direct descendant of the virus that infected people in the wet market in Wuhan. How many people do you think it has been through to get to me? * If there is every chance we will all, eventually get Omicron, is there an argument to getting it sooner than later? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A study has found that COVID is associated with changes to the human brain in some people after they've been infected. The study, published in the journal Nature, has found brain related abnormalities in patients six months or so after their initial infection. The findings suggest this can happen regardless of severity but may be worse in those with severe disease Also on today's show: * My wife and I are in isolation at the moment after both testing positive to COVID. Her symptoms are worse than mine and she suggested I isolate in a different part of the home? * The virus in my body is a direct descendant of the virus that infected people in the wet market in Wuhan. How many people do you think it has been through to get to me? * If there is every chance we will all, eventually get Omicron, is there an argument to getting it sooner than later? A study has found that COVID is associated with changes to the human brain in some people after they've been infected. The study, published in the journal Nature, has found brain related abnormalities in patients six months or so after their initial infection. The findings suggest this can happen regardless of severity but may be worse in those with severe disease Also on today's show: * My wife and I are in isolation at the moment after both testing positive to COVID. Her symptoms are worse than mine and she suggested I isolate in a different part of the home? * The virus in my body is a direct descendant of the virus that infected people in the wet market in Wuhan. How many people do you think it has been through to get to me? * If there is every chance we will all, eventually get Omicron, is there an argument to getting it sooner than later? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A study has found that COVID is associated with changes to the human brain in some people after they've been infected.

The study, published in the journal Nature, has found brain related abnormalities in patients six months or so after their initial infection.

The findings suggest this can happen regardless of severity but may be worse in those with severe disease

Also on today's show:

* My wife and I are in isolation at the moment after both testing positive to COVID. Her symptoms are worse than mine and she suggested I isolate in a different part of the home?

* The virus in my body is a direct descendant of the virus that infected people in the wet market in Wuhan. How many people do you think it has been through to get to me?

* If there is every chance we will all, eventually get Omicron, is there an argument to getting it sooner than later?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 750 Rethinking the lab escape theory https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/rethinking-the-lab-escape-theory/13780324 Did COVID escape from a lab? Was it natural evolution? How did it happen? These are all very big questions that scientists have been working on answering ever since SARS-CoV-2 arrived in our lives in late 2019. Now, the release of two (still to be peer reviewed) articles have outlined more evidence that COVID didn't escape a lab, and instead evolved naturally in animals before jumping to humans. And on today's Coronacast, they may have even found the very cage in the Wuhan market where COVID made the jump. GUEST:Professor Eddie Holmes, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 06 Mar 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Did COVID escape from a lab? Was it natural evolution? How did it happen? These are all very big questions that scientists have been working on answering ever since SARS-CoV-2 arrived in our lives in late 2019. Now, the release of two (still to be peer reviewed) articles have outlined more evidence that COVID didn't escape a lab, and instead evolved naturally in animals before jumping to humans. And on today's Coronacast, they may have even found the very cage in the Wuhan market where COVID made the jump. GUEST: Professor Eddie Holmes, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Did COVID escape from a lab? Was it natural evolution? How did it happen? These are all very big questions that scientists have been working on answering ever since SARS-CoV-2 arrived in our lives in late 2019. Now, the release of two (still to be peer reviewed) articles have outlined more evidence that COVID didn't escape a lab, and instead evolved naturally in animals before jumping to humans. And on today's Coronacast, they may have even found the very cage in the Wuhan market where COVID made the jump. GUEST:Professor Eddie Holmes, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Did COVID escape from a lab? Was it natural evolution? How did it happen?

These are all very big questions that scientists have been working on answering ever since SARS-CoV-2 arrived in our lives in late 2019.

Now, the release of two (still to be peer reviewed) articles have outlined more evidence that COVID didn't escape a lab, and instead evolved naturally in animals before jumping to humans.

And on today's Coronacast, they may have even found the very cage in the Wuhan market where COVID made the jump.

GUEST:Professor Eddie Holmes, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 881 Australia is one again! So how are we tracking? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/australia-is-one-again-so-how-are-we-tracking/13780322 Western Australia has reopened its border after more than a year of staying shut off from the world as part of its COVID control strategy. While people can once again travel, WA is in the middle of a growing outbreak - but it has imposed restrictions to help flatten the curve. With WA now open again, Australia is once again whole - so how is the nation tracking for COVID and how does 2022 compare to previous years? Also on today's show: * The TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's combination antibodies. What is it? How does it differ from vaccination? And why might it be useful? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Western Australia has reopened its border after more than a year of staying shut off from the world as part of its COVID control strategy. While people can once again travel, WA is in the middle of a growing outbreak - but it has imposed restrictions to help flatten the curve. With WA now open again, Australia is once again whole - so how is the nation tracking for COVID and how does 2022 compare to previous years? Also on today's show: * The TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's combination antibodies. What is it? How does it differ from vaccination? And why might it be useful? Western Australia has reopened its border after more than a year of staying shut off from the world as part of its COVID control strategy. While people can once again travel, WA is in the middle of a growing outbreak - but it has imposed restrictions to help flatten the curve. With WA now open again, Australia is once again whole - so how is the nation tracking for COVID and how does 2022 compare to previous years? Also on today's show: * The TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's combination antibodies. What is it? How does it differ from vaccination? And why might it be useful? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Western Australia has reopened its border after more than a year of staying shut off from the world as part of its COVID control strategy.

While people can once again travel, WA is in the middle of a growing outbreak - but it has imposed restrictions to help flatten the curve.

With WA now open again, Australia is once again whole - so how is the nation tracking for COVID and how does 2022 compare to previous years?

Also on today's show:

* The TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's combination antibodies. What is it? How does it differ from vaccination? And why might it be useful?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 671 Are kids getting vaccinated too slowly? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-kids-getting-vaccinated-too-slowly/13769720 Last year was all about the push to vaccinate adults and teens against COVID-19, and despite a slow start we certainly got there in the end. Now this year the vaccine focus has turned to two things: third doses for adults, and first doses for younger kids. So how is the vaccine rollout for 5-11s going? How do the vaccines work in kids and what is the latest of safety and efficacy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 27 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Last year was all about the push to vaccinate adults and teens against COVID-19, and despite a slow start we certainly got there in the end. Now this year the vaccine focus has turned to two things: third doses for adults, and first doses for younger kids. So how is the vaccine rollout for 5-11s going? How do the vaccines work in kids and what is the latest of safety and efficacy? Last year was all about the push to vaccinate adults and teens against COVID-19, and despite a slow start we certainly got there in the end. Now this year the vaccine focus has turned to two things: third doses for adults, and first doses for younger kids. So how is the vaccine rollout for 5-11s going? How do the vaccines work in kids and what is the latest of safety and efficacy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Last year was all about the push to vaccinate adults and teens against COVID-19, and despite a slow start we certainly got there in the end.

Now this year the vaccine focus has turned to two things: third doses for adults, and first doses for younger kids.

So how is the vaccine rollout for 5-11s going? How do the vaccines work in kids and what is the latest of safety and efficacy?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 850 How wars can supercharge pandemics https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-wars-can-supercharge-pandemics/13769718 Throughout history, war and disease have gone hand in hand. As the Russian/Ukrainian war escalates, it's still too early to know what effect it'll have on the COVID-19 pandemic but it certainly won't help. So what can we learn from previous conflicts and pandemics, like the 1918 flu pandemic or even the plague? That's on today's Coronacast Also on today's show: * What can we learn from two Omicron superspreading events in Newcastle? * Cases in WA continue to go up * Quick(ish) Fire Friday returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Throughout history, war and disease have gone hand in hand. As the Russian/Ukrainian war escalates, it's still too early to know what effect it'll have on the COVID-19 pandemic but it certainly won't help. So what can we learn from previous conflicts and pandemics, like the 1918 flu pandemic or even the plague? That's on today's Coronacast Also on today's show: * What can we learn from two Omicron superspreading events in Newcastle? * Cases in WA continue to go up * Quick(ish) Fire Friday returns! Throughout history, war and disease have gone hand in hand. As the Russian/Ukrainian war escalates, it's still too early to know what effect it'll have on the COVID-19 pandemic but it certainly won't help. So what can we learn from previous conflicts and pandemics, like the 1918 flu pandemic or even the plague? That's on today's Coronacast Also on today's show: * What can we learn from two Omicron superspreading events in Newcastle? * Cases in WA continue to go up * Quick(ish) Fire Friday returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Throughout history, war and disease have gone hand in hand.

As the Russian/Ukrainian war escalates, it's still too early to know what effect it'll have on the COVID-19 pandemic but it certainly won't help.

So what can we learn from previous conflicts and pandemics, like the 1918 flu pandemic or even the plague?

That's on today's Coronacast

Also on today's show:

* What can we learn from two Omicron superspreading events in Newcastle?

* Cases in WA continue to go up

* Quick(ish) Fire Friday returns!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 712 Restrictions finally easing up. Are they gone for good? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/restrictions-finally-easing-up.-are-they-gone-for-good/13765724 More and more states and territories are slowly removing restrictions, and letting people try to return to a sense of a normal life. Victoria yesterday said that masks can come off in most indoor environments from midnight Friday and Queensland is scrapping density limits and stopping daily press conferences. So is this finally the end of the pandemic, or more just a lull between variants? Also on today's show: * Vaccination while pregnant safe, another study finds * Worried about long-COVID? Here are four possible risk factors that might trigger it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia More and more states and territories are slowly removing restrictions, and letting people try to return to a sense of a normal life. Victoria yesterday said that masks can come off in most indoor environments from midnight Friday and Queensland is scrapping density limits and stopping daily press conferences. So is this finally the end of the pandemic, or more just a lull between variants? Also on today's show: * Vaccination while pregnant safe, another study finds * Worried about long-COVID? Here are four possible risk factors that might trigger it. More and more states and territories are slowly removing restrictions, and letting people try to return to a sense of a normal life. Victoria yesterday said that masks can come off in most indoor environments from midnight Friday and Queensland is scrapping density limits and stopping daily press conferences. So is this finally the end of the pandemic, or more just a lull between variants? Also on today's show: * Vaccination while pregnant safe, another study finds * Worried about long-COVID? Here are four possible risk factors that might trigger it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices More and more states and territories are slowly removing restrictions, and letting people try to return to a sense of a normal life.

Victoria yesterday said that masks can come off in most indoor environments from midnight Friday and Queensland is scrapping density limits and stopping daily press conferences.

So is this finally the end of the pandemic, or more just a lull between variants?

Also on today's show:

* Vaccination while pregnant safe, another study finds

* Worried about long-COVID? Here are four possible risk factors that might trigger it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 720 I'm worried about how worried I am https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/im-worried-about-how-worried-i-am/13759396 As we move to the next phases of the pandemic, there are many people who are yet to make the psychological jump and mental readjustment to a different life. Many are only mildly anxious, but there are also groups of people who are still worried about leaving their house. So what can you do if you have a friend or family member suffering from pandemic related anxiety or even depression? GUEST: Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, a psychologist and mental health researcher at the University of Newcastle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 20 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As we move to the next phases of the pandemic, there are many people who are yet to make the psychological jump and mental readjustment to a different life. Many are only mildly anxious, but there are also groups of people who are still worried about leaving their house. So what can you do if you have a friend or family member suffering from pandemic related anxiety or even depression? GUEST: Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, a psychologist and mental health researcher at the University of Newcastle As we move to the next phases of the pandemic, there are many people who are yet to make the psychological jump and mental readjustment to a different life. Many are only mildly anxious, but there are also groups of people who are still worried about leaving their house. So what can you do if you have a friend or family member suffering from pandemic related anxiety or even depression? GUEST: Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, a psychologist and mental health researcher at the University of Newcastle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we move to the next phases of the pandemic, there are many people who are yet to make the psychological jump and mental readjustment to a different life.

Many are only mildly anxious, but there are also groups of people who are still worried about leaving their house.

So what can you do if you have a friend or family member suffering from pandemic related anxiety or even depression?

GUEST:

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, a psychologist and mental health researcher at the University of Newcastle

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 833 Exponential growth gets there eventually https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/exponential-growth-gets-there-eventually/13759394 It's taken several weeks, but the number of new COVID-19 cases in Western Australia is now increasing rapidly. At the start of February, WA had a 7-day average of 19 cases a day. Now that average is nearly 100. So from here, can we expect to see a very rapid increase in cases like we saw in the eastern states over Christmas/New Year? Or could the delayed reopening and closed borders help flatten that curve? Also on today's show: * Victoria and NSW announce they're loosening restrictions even more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's taken several weeks, but the number of new COVID-19 cases in Western Australia is now increasing rapidly. At the start of February, WA had a 7-day average of 19 cases a day. Now that average is nearly 100. So from here, can we expect to see a very rapid increase in cases like we saw in the eastern states over Christmas/New Year? Or could the delayed reopening and closed borders help flatten that curve? Also on today's show: * Victoria and NSW announce they're loosening restrictions even more It's taken several weeks, but the number of new COVID-19 cases in Western Australia is now increasing rapidly. At the start of February, WA had a 7-day average of 19 cases a day. Now that average is nearly 100. So from here, can we expect to see a very rapid increase in cases like we saw in the eastern states over Christmas/New Year? Or could the delayed reopening and closed borders help flatten that curve? Also on today's show: * Victoria and NSW announce they're loosening restrictions even more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's taken several weeks, but the number of new COVID-19 cases in Western Australia is now increasing rapidly.

At the start of February, WA had a 7-day average of 19 cases a day. Now that average is nearly 100.

So from here, can we expect to see a very rapid increase in cases like we saw in the eastern states over Christmas/New Year?

Or could the delayed reopening and closed borders help flatten that curve?

Also on today's show:

* Victoria and NSW announce they're loosening restrictions even more

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 661 Four scenarios for the pandemic's next phase https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/four-scenarios-for-the-pandemics-next-phase/13755904 So, where's this pandemic actually heading? It's a good question and quite hard to answer as... well... no one can tell you the future. But experts have never shied away from making some educated guesses, including SAGE, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies in the UK. They've published four scenarios ranging from as good as it can be given the circumstances to downright doom and gloom. So on today's Coronacast, what does SAGE think we can expect from the pandemic over the next few years and which scenario is most likely to be right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia So, where's this pandemic actually heading? It's a good question and quite hard to answer as... well... no one can tell you the future. But experts have never shied away from making some educated guesses, including SAGE, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies in the UK. They've published four scenarios ranging from as good as it can be given the circumstances to downright doom and gloom. So on today's Coronacast, what does SAGE think we can expect from the pandemic over the next few years and which scenario is most likely to be right? So, where's this pandemic actually heading? It's a good question and quite hard to answer as... well... no one can tell you the future. But experts have never shied away from making some educated guesses, including SAGE, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies in the UK. They've published four scenarios ranging from as good as it can be given the circumstances to downright doom and gloom. So on today's Coronacast, what does SAGE think we can expect from the pandemic over the next few years and which scenario is most likely to be right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices So, where's this pandemic actually heading? It's a good question and quite hard to answer as... well... no one can tell you the future.

But experts have never shied away from making some educated guesses, including SAGE, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies in the UK.

They've published four scenarios ranging from as good as it can be given the circumstances to downright doom and gloom.

So on today's Coronacast, what does SAGE think we can expect from the pandemic over the next few years and which scenario is most likely to be right?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 637 How do we sidestep the next pandemic? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-we-sidestep-the-next-pandemic/13749192 When COVID burst onto the scene in late 2019, it came as a shock to most of the world's population and we've all been dealing with it ever since. But to many researchers, it was less of a surprise and more of an inevitability - and now they're urging governments to act now to stop the next one. It comes down to the old medical saying: prevention is better than cure. So what can be done to help prevent the next pandemic and how much will it cost? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 13 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When COVID burst onto the scene in late 2019, it came as a shock to most of the world's population and we've all been dealing with it ever since. But to many researchers, it was less of a surprise and more of an inevitability - and now they're urging governments to act now to stop the next one. It comes down to the old medical saying: prevention is better than cure. So what can be done to help prevent the next pandemic and how much will it cost? When COVID burst onto the scene in late 2019, it came as a shock to most of the world's population and we've all been dealing with it ever since. But to many researchers, it was less of a surprise and more of an inevitability - and now they're urging governments to act now to stop the next one. It comes down to the old medical saying: prevention is better than cure. So what can be done to help prevent the next pandemic and how much will it cost? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When COVID burst onto the scene in late 2019, it came as a shock to most of the world's population and we've all been dealing with it ever since.

But to many researchers, it was less of a surprise and more of an inevitability - and now they're urging governments to act now to stop the next one.

It comes down to the old medical saying: prevention is better than cure.

So what can be done to help prevent the next pandemic and how much will it cost?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 877 It's OFFICIAL: you now need THREE doses https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/its-official-you-now-need-three-doses/13749194 For months now, experts have been saying we'll need three doses to be protected from coronavirus, especially the Omicron variant. And now, it's official. Yesterday, the rules changed and people over 16 will be required to have all three doses of a COVID vaccine to be considered "up to date". So why make the change now when previously two vaccines were considered good enough? And might it mean for vaccine mandates down the track? Also on today's show: * Should me and my family just go out and get Omicron? * Should I wait the full eight weeks to get my daughters second vaccination or should I do it at six? * Does testing positive just after my booster reduce its effectiveness? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For months now, experts have been saying we'll need three doses to be protected from coronavirus, especially the Omicron variant. And now, it's official. Yesterday, the rules changed and people over 16 will be required to have all three doses of a COVID vaccine to be considered "up to date". So why make the change now when previously two vaccines were considered good enough? And might it mean for vaccine mandates down the track? Also on today's show: * Should me and my family just go out and get Omicron? * Should I wait the full eight weeks to get my daughters second vaccination or should I do it at six? * Does testing positive just after my booster reduce its effectiveness? For months now, experts have been saying we'll need three doses to be protected from coronavirus, especially the Omicron variant. And now, it's official. Yesterday, the rules changed and people over 16 will be required to have all three doses of a COVID vaccine to be considered "up to date". So why make the change now when previously two vaccines were considered good enough? And might it mean for vaccine mandates down the track? Also on today's show: * Should me and my family just go out and get Omicron? * Should I wait the full eight weeks to get my daughters second vaccination or should I do it at six? * Does testing positive just after my booster reduce its effectiveness? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For months now, experts have been saying we'll need three doses to be protected from coronavirus, especially the Omicron variant.

And now, it's official.

Yesterday, the rules changed and people over 16 will be required to have all three doses of a COVID vaccine to be considered "up to date".

So why make the change now when previously two vaccines were considered good enough? And might it mean for vaccine mandates down the track?

Also on today's show:

* Should me and my family just go out and get Omicron?

* Should I wait the full eight weeks to get my daughters second vaccination or should I do it at six?

* Does testing positive just after my booster reduce its effectiveness?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 770 An unexpected COVID crisis https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/an-unexpected-covid-crisis/13745728 Two years into the pandemic, we're still discovering new things about COVID almost daily. The latest is what COVID can do to your heart, a year after you've been infected. A huge study has shown really disturbing problems from heart attacks, to strokes, to blood clots on the lungs to heart failure. So on today's Coronacast, who is at most risk? And what does this tell us about COVID as a disease? Also on today's show: * International tourists - what will they bring? * The real story about aged care * Who needs a fourth dose, when and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Two years into the pandemic, we're still discovering new things about COVID almost daily. The latest is what COVID can do to your heart, a year after you've been infected. A huge study has shown really disturbing problems from heart attacks, to strokes, to blood clots on the lungs to heart failure. So on today's Coronacast, who is at most risk? And what does this tell us about COVID as a disease? Also on today's show: * International tourists - what will they bring? * The real story about aged care * Who needs a fourth dose, when and why? Two years into the pandemic, we're still discovering new things about COVID almost daily. The latest is what COVID can do to your heart, a year after you've been infected. A huge study has shown really disturbing problems from heart attacks, to strokes, to blood clots on the lungs to heart failure. So on today's Coronacast, who is at most risk? And what does this tell us about COVID as a disease? Also on today's show: * International tourists - what will they bring? * The real story about aged care * Who needs a fourth dose, when and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Two years into the pandemic, we're still discovering new things about COVID almost daily.

The latest is what COVID can do to your heart, a year after you've been infected.

A huge study has shown really disturbing problems from heart attacks, to strokes, to blood clots on the lungs to heart failure.

So on today's Coronacast, who is at most risk? And what does this tell us about COVID as a disease?

Also on today's show:

* International tourists - what will they bring?

* The real story about aged care

* Who needs a fourth dose, when and why?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 738 How will fancy new antivirals help fight COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-will-fancy-new-antivirals-help-fight-covid/13741258 When it comes to ways to fight COVID-19, vaccines have been the main tool we've used so far during the pandemic. But new antivirals are being produced for use including in Australia which has recently provisionally approved two different drugs. They promise to help stop at-risk people ending up in hospital and dying. So what are the drugs, how do they work and will they usher in a new way of handling the pandemic? GUEST:Professor Josh Davis, Infectious Diseases, Uni Newcastle, past president of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases and member of the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 06 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When it comes to ways to fight COVID-19, vaccines have been the main tool we've used so far during the pandemic. But new antivirals are being produced for use including in Australia which has recently provisionally approved two different drugs. They promise to help stop at-risk people ending up in hospital and dying. So what are the drugs, how do they work and will they usher in a new way of handling the pandemic? GUEST: Professor Josh Davis, Infectious Diseases, Uni Newcastle, past president of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases and member of the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce When it comes to ways to fight COVID-19, vaccines have been the main tool we've used so far during the pandemic. But new antivirals are being produced for use including in Australia which has recently provisionally approved two different drugs. They promise to help stop at-risk people ending up in hospital and dying. So what are the drugs, how do they work and will they usher in a new way of handling the pandemic? GUEST:Professor Josh Davis, Infectious Diseases, Uni Newcastle, past president of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases and member of the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When it comes to ways to fight COVID-19, vaccines have been the main tool we've used so far during the pandemic.

But new antivirals are being produced for use including in Australia which has recently provisionally approved two different drugs.

They promise to help stop at-risk people ending up in hospital and dying.

So what are the drugs, how do they work and will they usher in a new way of handling the pandemic?

GUEST:Professor Josh Davis, Infectious Diseases, Uni Newcastle, past president of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases and member of the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 842 Wishful thinking and the end of the pandemic https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/wishful-thinking-and-the-end-of-the-pandemic/13740088 As the Omicron wave continues to subside, there's the temptation to hope that now that it's over, the whole pandemic is done. And while we can dream that it's true, hoping unfortunately won't help that become reality. The general weariness is understandable for us everyday people, but what about for policy makers and their preparations for new variants or the next wave? Also on today's show: * Are we really at Omicron's peak? * Can a person be infected simultaneously with two or more strains of coronavirus? * Why aren't COVID case numbers exploding in WA? * Will Novavax be offered as a booster? * Can you be asymptomatic and get long COVID? Could this explain why I am so tired? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the Omicron wave continues to subside, there's the temptation to hope that now that it's over, the whole pandemic is done. And while we can dream that it's true, hoping unfortunately won't help that become reality. The general weariness is understandable for us everyday people, but what about for policy makers and their preparations for new variants or the next wave? Also on today's show: * Are we really at Omicron's peak? * Can a person be infected simultaneously with two or more strains of coronavirus? * Why aren't COVID case numbers exploding in WA? * Will Novavax be offered as a booster? * Can you be asymptomatic and get long COVID? Could this explain why I am so tired? As the Omicron wave continues to subside, there's the temptation to hope that now that it's over, the whole pandemic is done. And while we can dream that it's true, hoping unfortunately won't help that become reality. The general weariness is understandable for us everyday people, but what about for policy makers and their preparations for new variants or the next wave? Also on today's show: * Are we really at Omicron's peak? * Can a person be infected simultaneously with two or more strains of coronavirus? * Why aren't COVID case numbers exploding in WA? * Will Novavax be offered as a booster? * Can you be asymptomatic and get long COVID? Could this explain why I am so tired? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the Omicron wave continues to subside, there's the temptation to hope that now that it's over, the whole pandemic is done.

And while we can dream that it's true, hoping unfortunately won't help that become reality.

The general weariness is understandable for us everyday people, but what about for policy makers and their preparations for new variants or the next wave?

Also on today's show:

* Are we really at Omicron's peak?

* Can a person be infected simultaneously with two or more strains of coronavirus?

* Why aren't COVID case numbers exploding in WA?

* Will Novavax be offered as a booster?

* Can you be asymptomatic and get long COVID? Could this explain why I am so tired?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 785 The brothers and sisters of Omicron https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-brothers-and-sisters-of-omicron/13736084 Looking at the family tree of coronavirus is a bit like taking a trip down memory lane. The whole crew is there including the famous ones like Alpha, Beta and Delta, and the ones that never really made it into the big time. But what if we zoom in on Omicron? Lately, there's been a bit of noise made about a few Omicron sub variants. What are they? And how much should we worry? Also on today's show: * TGA releases a post-market review for rapid antigen tests. What can we learn from it? References: https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-antigen-and-rapid-antigen-tests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Looking at the family tree of coronavirus is a bit like taking a trip down memory lane. The whole crew is there including the famous ones like Alpha, Beta and Delta, and the ones that never really made it into the big time. But what if we zoom in on Omicron? Lately, there's been a bit of noise made about a few Omicron sub variants. What are they? And how much should we worry? Also on today's show: * TGA releases a post-market review for rapid antigen tests. What can we learn from it? References: https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-antigen-and-rapid-antigen-tests Looking at the family tree of coronavirus is a bit like taking a trip down memory lane. The whole crew is there including the famous ones like Alpha, Beta and Delta, and the ones that never really made it into the big time. But what if we zoom in on Omicron? Lately, there's been a bit of noise made about a few Omicron sub variants. What are they? And how much should we worry? Also on today's show: * TGA releases a post-market review for rapid antigen tests. What can we learn from it? References: https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-antigen-and-rapid-antigen-tests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Looking at the family tree of coronavirus is a bit like taking a trip down memory lane.

The whole crew is there including the famous ones like Alpha, Beta and Delta, and the ones that never really made it into the big time.

But what if we zoom in on Omicron? Lately, there's been a bit of noise made about a few Omicron sub variants. What are they? And how much should we worry?

Also on today's show:

* TGA releases a post-market review for rapid antigen tests. What can we learn from it?

References:

https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-antigen-and-rapid-antigen-tests

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 The great big lull after Omicron https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-great-big-lull-after-omicron/13731070 As the scary peaks in all states and territories in Australia, except WA, seems to be behind us, there is now a new sense of calm. Daily coronavirus cases seem to be falling for now, and there's renewed hope that the worst of this wave is behind us. And according to some experts, it could well be the case both here and globally. Due to so many people now either infected by Omicron or vaccinated, they say we may be settling into a new trough of equilibrium. So is it the end of the pandemic? Or just a calm before the next storm? Also on this week's show: * Deaths are still high * WA cases are increasing. What are their options? * Vaccines help protect against long COVID Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the scary peaks in all states and territories in Australia, except WA, seems to be behind us, there is now a new sense of calm. Daily coronavirus cases seem to be falling for now, and there's renewed hope that the worst of this wave is behind us. And according to some experts, it could well be the case both here and globally. Due to so many people now either infected by Omicron or vaccinated, they say we may be settling into a new trough of equilibrium. So is it the end of the pandemic? Or just a calm before the next storm? Also on this week's show: * Deaths are still high * WA cases are increasing. What are their options? * Vaccines help protect against long COVID As the scary peaks in all states and territories in Australia, except WA, seems to be behind us, there is now a new sense of calm. Daily coronavirus cases seem to be falling for now, and there's renewed hope that the worst of this wave is behind us. And according to some experts, it could well be the case both here and globally. Due to so many people now either infected by Omicron or vaccinated, they say we may be settling into a new trough of equilibrium. So is it the end of the pandemic? Or just a calm before the next storm? Also on this week's show: * Deaths are still high * WA cases are increasing. What are their options? * Vaccines help protect against long COVID Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the scary peaks in all states and territories in Australia, except WA, seems to be behind us, there is now a new sense of calm.

Daily coronavirus cases seem to be falling for now, and there's renewed hope that the worst of this wave is behind us.

And according to some experts, it could well be the case both here and globally.

Due to so many people now either infected by Omicron or vaccinated, they say we may be settling into a new trough of equilibrium.

So is it the end of the pandemic? Or just a calm before the next storm?

Also on this week's show:

* Deaths are still high

* WA cases are increasing. What are their options?

* Vaccines help protect against long COVID

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1520 Is the death rate too high? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-death-rate-too-high/13722702 The number of people dying from COVID hit a record high this week, as large case numbers continue in most states and territories. It comes as no surprise then that NSW and Victoria announced that people can get their third dose at the three month mark, bringing it forward from the 31st January which was originally planned. So why roll out boosters even earlier? Could the number of deaths be tied to people not being as protected as they could be? Also on this week's show: * Vaccine supply and logistics * Novavax approved! * Is the term "elective surgery" a bad way of phrasing it? * Peaks? Coming soon? * How reliable are rapid antigen tests? * Kids vaccination, kids going back to school and keeping kids safe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The number of people dying from COVID hit a record high this week, as large case numbers continue in most states and territories. It comes as no surprise then that NSW and Victoria announced that people can get their third dose at the three month mark, bringing it forward from the 31st January which was originally planned. So why roll out boosters even earlier? Could the number of deaths be tied to people not being as protected as they could be? Also on this week's show: * Vaccine supply and logistics * Novavax approved! * Is the term "elective surgery" a bad way of phrasing it? * Peaks? Coming soon? * How reliable are rapid antigen tests? * Kids vaccination, kids going back to school and keeping kids safe The number of people dying from COVID hit a record high this week, as large case numbers continue in most states and territories. It comes as no surprise then that NSW and Victoria announced that people can get their third dose at the three month mark, bringing it forward from the 31st January which was originally planned. So why roll out boosters even earlier? Could the number of deaths be tied to people not being as protected as they could be? Also on this week's show: * Vaccine supply and logistics * Novavax approved! * Is the term "elective surgery" a bad way of phrasing it? * Peaks? Coming soon? * How reliable are rapid antigen tests? * Kids vaccination, kids going back to school and keeping kids safe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The number of people dying from COVID hit a record high this week, as large case numbers continue in most states and territories.

It comes as no surprise then that NSW and Victoria announced that people can get their third dose at the three month mark, bringing it forward from the 31st January which was originally planned.

So why roll out boosters even earlier? Could the number of deaths be tied to people not being as protected as they could be?

Also on this week's show:

* Vaccine supply and logistics

* Novavax approved!

* Is the term "elective surgery" a bad way of phrasing it?

* Peaks? Coming soon?

* How reliable are rapid antigen tests?

* Kids vaccination, kids going back to school and keeping kids safe

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1485 Is Omicron the last variant? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-omicron-the-last-variant/13704620 We're all no doubt very tired of the pandemic by now and could be forgiven for hoping now that Omicron has landed in Australia, once we get over the current outbreak it's all over. But according to evolutionary virologist Eddie Holmes, sadly Omicron won't be the last and in fact the next variant probably won't evolve from Omicron. So what can we do apart from get vaccinated and hope this terrible roller coaster ride will somehow end soon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We're all no doubt very tired of the pandemic by now and could be forgiven for hoping now that Omicron has landed in Australia, once we get over the current outbreak it's all over. But according to evolutionary virologist Eddie Holmes, sadly Omicron won't be the last and in fact the next variant probably won't evolve from Omicron. So what can we do apart from get vaccinated and hope this terrible roller coaster ride will somehow end soon? We're all no doubt very tired of the pandemic by now and could be forgiven for hoping now that Omicron has landed in Australia, once we get over the current outbreak it's all over. But according to evolutionary virologist Eddie Holmes, sadly Omicron won't be the last and in fact the next variant probably won't evolve from Omicron. So what can we do apart from get vaccinated and hope this terrible roller coaster ride will somehow end soon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We're all no doubt very tired of the pandemic by now and could be forgiven for hoping now that Omicron has landed in Australia, once we get over the current outbreak it's all over.

But according to evolutionary virologist Eddie Holmes, sadly Omicron won't be the last and in fact the next variant probably won't evolve from Omicron.

So what can we do apart from get vaccinated and hope this terrible roller coaster ride will somehow end soon?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1331 We're back! Now, when will the outbreak peak?! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/were-back-now-when-will-the-outbreak-peak/13697582 Well, that escalated quickly. When Coronacast left you last year, there were nearly 4000 national daily cases. Yesterday, there were more than 72,000 and there's no sign it's slowing down. Health systems in most states and territories are beginning to groan under significant pressure. Add to it probably more than one or two hundred thousand cases a day going unreported, it's fair to say COVID in Australia is in a bit of a mess. So on today's Coronacast - which will be coming out weekly for at least the next few weeks - when might the peak be here? And what can we expect in coming days and weeks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Jan 2022 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Well, that escalated quickly. When Coronacast left you last year, there were nearly 4000 national daily cases. Yesterday, there were more than 72,000 and there's no sign it's slowing down. Health systems in most states and territories are beginning to groan under significant pressure. Add to it probably more than one or two hundred thousand cases a day going unreported, it's fair to say COVID in Australia is in a bit of a mess. So on today's Coronacast - which will be coming out weekly for at least the next few weeks - when might the peak be here? And what can we expect in coming days and weeks? Well, that escalated quickly. When Coronacast left you last year, there were nearly 4000 national daily cases. Yesterday, there were more than 72,000 and there's no sign it's slowing down. Health systems in most states and territories are beginning to groan under significant pressure. Add to it probably more than one or two hundred thousand cases a day going unreported, it's fair to say COVID in Australia is in a bit of a mess. So on today's Coronacast - which will be coming out weekly for at least the next few weeks - when might the peak be here? And what can we expect in coming days and weeks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Well, that escalated quickly.

When Coronacast left you last year, there were nearly 4000 national daily cases. Yesterday, there were more than 72,000 and there's no sign it's slowing down.

Health systems in most states and territories are beginning to groan under significant pressure.

Add to it probably more than one or two hundred thousand cases a day going unreported, it's fair to say COVID in Australia is in a bit of a mess.

So on today's Coronacast - which will be coming out weekly for at least the next few weeks - when might the peak be here? And what can we expect in coming days and weeks?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1378 See ya 2021. What does 2022 have in store? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/see-ya-2021-what-does-2022-have-in-store/13679996 It's been a massive year for coronavirus and COVID-19. There have been outbreaks, lockdowns and a pile of new variants. But there have also been massive successes like the vast majority of Australians coming forward to be vaccinated. But sadly, the pandemic seems like it's far from over. So on today's last Coronacast of the year, we look forward to 2022 and offer some tips on how to stay safe this summer. We'll be back around February 2022! Thanks so much for listening and writing this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been a massive year for coronavirus and COVID-19. There have been outbreaks, lockdowns and a pile of new variants. But there have also been massive successes like the vast majority of Australians coming forward to be vaccinated. But sadly, the pandemic seems like it's far from over. So on today's last Coronacast of the year, we look forward to 2022 and offer some tips on how to stay safe this summer. We'll be back around February 2022! Thanks so much for listening and writing this year. It's been a massive year for coronavirus and COVID-19. There have been outbreaks, lockdowns and a pile of new variants. But there have also been massive successes like the vast majority of Australians coming forward to be vaccinated. But sadly, the pandemic seems like it's far from over. So on today's last Coronacast of the year, we look forward to 2022 and offer some tips on how to stay safe this summer. We'll be back around February 2022! Thanks so much for listening and writing this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been a massive year for coronavirus and COVID-19.

There have been outbreaks, lockdowns and a pile of new variants.

But there have also been massive successes like the vast majority of Australians coming forward to be vaccinated.

But sadly, the pandemic seems like it's far from over.

So on today's last Coronacast of the year, we look forward to 2022 and offer some tips on how to stay safe this summer.

We'll be back around February 2022! Thanks so much for listening and writing this year.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 669 Wowsers, 25,000 cases a day? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/wowsers-25,000-cases-a-day/13678548 As COVID numbers continue to rapidly increase in NSW - likely due to the Omicron variant - we're being warned that modelling is pointing to 25,000 cases a day by the end of January. Yesterday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard talked about modelling by the University of NSW which said case numbers could reach heights not seen before in Australia. And it comes as NSW continues to let its foot off the restrictions brake, redefining what a close contact is. So is what is happening there likely to happen everywhere else in the country Omicron has found its way into? Also on today's show: * A very special guest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As COVID numbers continue to rapidly increase in NSW - likely due to the Omicron variant - we're being warned that modelling is pointing to 25,000 cases a day by the end of January. Yesterday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard talked about modelling by the University of NSW which said case numbers could reach heights not seen before in Australia. And it comes as NSW continues to let its foot off the restrictions brake, redefining what a close contact is. So is what is happening there likely to happen everywhere else in the country Omicron has found its way into? Also on today's show: * A very special guest! As COVID numbers continue to rapidly increase in NSW - likely due to the Omicron variant - we're being warned that modelling is pointing to 25,000 cases a day by the end of January. Yesterday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard talked about modelling by the University of NSW which said case numbers could reach heights not seen before in Australia. And it comes as NSW continues to let its foot off the restrictions brake, redefining what a close contact is. So is what is happening there likely to happen everywhere else in the country Omicron has found its way into? Also on today's show: * A very special guest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As COVID numbers continue to rapidly increase in NSW - likely due to the Omicron variant - we're being warned that modelling is pointing to 25,000 cases a day by the end of January.

Yesterday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard talked about modelling by the University of NSW which said case numbers could reach heights not seen before in Australia.

And it comes as NSW continues to let its foot off the restrictions brake, redefining what a close contact is.

So is what is happening there likely to happen everywhere else in the country Omicron has found its way into?

Also on today's show:

* A very special guest!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1053 Is NSW going to the dogs? (And does it matter?) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-nsw-going-to-the-dogs-and-does-it-matter/13676732 There was a large jump in COVID cases in NSW yesterday, and while we're largely moving on from day to day case numbers - this one is worth talking about. Why? Well, there's a new variant in town and health authorities are already suggesting that we can expect far more from Omicron in coming weeks. The same goes for other states and territories - like Victoria which still has higher daily figures than NSW, but hasn't yet seen a big jump. So on today's Coronacast what should we make of the rising caseload and does it matter? Also on today's show: * A deeper look at what's going on in South Africa * An announcement on Coronacast for 2022! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There was a large jump in COVID cases in NSW yesterday, and while we're largely moving on from day to day case numbers - this one is worth talking about. Why? Well, there's a new variant in town and health authorities are already suggesting that we can expect far more from Omicron in coming weeks. The same goes for other states and territories - like Victoria which still has higher daily figures than NSW, but hasn't yet seen a big jump. So on today's Coronacast what should we make of the rising caseload and does it matter? Also on today's show: * A deeper look at what's going on in South Africa * An announcement on Coronacast for 2022! There was a large jump in COVID cases in NSW yesterday, and while we're largely moving on from day to day case numbers - this one is worth talking about. Why? Well, there's a new variant in town and health authorities are already suggesting that we can expect far more from Omicron in coming weeks. The same goes for other states and territories - like Victoria which still has higher daily figures than NSW, but hasn't yet seen a big jump. So on today's Coronacast what should we make of the rising caseload and does it matter? Also on today's show: * A deeper look at what's going on in South Africa * An announcement on Coronacast for 2022! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There was a large jump in COVID cases in NSW yesterday, and while we're largely moving on from day to day case numbers - this one is worth talking about.

Why? Well, there's a new variant in town and health authorities are already suggesting that we can expect far more from Omicron in coming weeks.

The same goes for other states and territories - like Victoria which still has higher daily figures than NSW, but hasn't yet seen a big jump.

So on today's Coronacast what should we make of the rising caseload and does it matter?

Also on today's show:

* A deeper look at what's going on in South Africa

* An announcement on Coronacast for 2022!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 728 All our (travel) bubbles are bursting. What comes next? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/all-our-travel-bubbles-are-bursting-what-comes-next/13675214 After nearly two years of constant internal border changes, by the end of this week large parts of Australia will once again be open for domestic travel. South Australia opened a few weeks ago, Queensland opened yesterday and Tasmania is due to open tomorrow. Western Australia has also finally given a date and will reopen on the 5th of February next year. So with state and territory bubbles bursting all over the place, what might come next for people who live there? Also on today's show: * How is decoupling going? * Fourth dose anyone? * Pregnancy and booster shots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia After nearly two years of constant internal border changes, by the end of this week large parts of Australia will once again be open for domestic travel. South Australia opened a few weeks ago, Queensland opened yesterday and Tasmania is due to open tomorrow. Western Australia has also finally given a date and will reopen on the 5th of February next year. So with state and territory bubbles bursting all over the place, what might come next for people who live there? Also on today's show: * How is decoupling going? * Fourth dose anyone? * Pregnancy and booster shots After nearly two years of constant internal border changes, by the end of this week large parts of Australia will once again be open for domestic travel. South Australia opened a few weeks ago, Queensland opened yesterday and Tasmania is due to open tomorrow. Western Australia has also finally given a date and will reopen on the 5th of February next year. So with state and territory bubbles bursting all over the place, what might come next for people who live there? Also on today's show: * How is decoupling going? * Fourth dose anyone? * Pregnancy and booster shots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After nearly two years of constant internal border changes, by the end of this week large parts of Australia will once again be open for domestic travel.

South Australia opened a few weeks ago, Queensland opened yesterday and Tasmania is due to open tomorrow.

Western Australia has also finally given a date and will reopen on the 5th of February next year.

So with state and territory bubbles bursting all over the place, what might come next for people who live there?

Also on today's show:

* How is decoupling going?

* Fourth dose anyone?

* Pregnancy and booster shots

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 670 Why is the Moderna booster a half shot? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-is-the-moderna-booster-a-half-shot/13673880 Australia now has two different booster options to choose from when the inevitable time comes for the third dose of coronavirus vaccine. Moderna was approved by the country's vaccine expert group ATAGI over the weekend. We'll also be able to get the booster a month earlier, with the Government announcing a shorter period due to the threat of waning immunity and new variants. So if Moderna is a choice, should you take it over Pfizer? Does it even matter? And why is the Moderna booster only a half shot? Also on today's show: * A preprint study has found that Astra seems to wane faster than other vaccines, leaving no protective effect against symptomatic disease from Omicron 15 weeks after the second dose. What could this mean for the country's booster campaign? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 12 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia now has two different booster options to choose from when the inevitable time comes for the third dose of coronavirus vaccine. Moderna was approved by the country's vaccine expert group ATAGI over the weekend. We'll also be able to get the booster a month earlier, with the Government announcing a shorter period due to the threat of waning immunity and new variants. So if Moderna is a choice, should you take it over Pfizer? Does it even matter? And why is the Moderna booster only a half shot? Also on today's show: * A preprint study has found that Astra seems to wane faster than other vaccines, leaving no protective effect against symptomatic disease from Omicron 15 weeks after the second dose. What could this mean for the country's booster campaign? Australia now has two different booster options to choose from when the inevitable time comes for the third dose of coronavirus vaccine. Moderna was approved by the country's vaccine expert group ATAGI over the weekend. We'll also be able to get the booster a month earlier, with the Government announcing a shorter period due to the threat of waning immunity and new variants. So if Moderna is a choice, should you take it over Pfizer? Does it even matter? And why is the Moderna booster only a half shot? Also on today's show: * A preprint study has found that Astra seems to wane faster than other vaccines, leaving no protective effect against symptomatic disease from Omicron 15 weeks after the second dose. What could this mean for the country's booster campaign? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia now has two different booster options to choose from when the inevitable time comes for the third dose of coronavirus vaccine.

Moderna was approved by the country's vaccine expert group ATAGI over the weekend.

We'll also be able to get the booster a month earlier, with the Government announcing a shorter period due to the threat of waning immunity and new variants.

So if Moderna is a choice, should you take it over Pfizer? Does it even matter? And why is the Moderna booster only a half shot?

Also on today's show:

* A preprint study has found that Astra seems to wane faster than other vaccines, leaving no protective effect against symptomatic disease from Omicron 15 weeks after the second dose. What could this mean for the country's booster campaign?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 All roads lead to third doses https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/all-roads-lead-to-third-doses/13670460 As the data from initial studies into how Omicron evades our immunity continue to flow in, it's becoming more and more likely that a third dose - or booster - is going to be essential. Several more studies have been released, all showing large falls in immunity to the Omicron variant. One thing that the studies imply though is that there are much higher antibody levels in people who have either been infected, or received a third dose. So how much will third doses be needed to combat Omicron? Also on today's show: Quick Fire Friday! (booster edition) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the data from initial studies into how Omicron evades our immunity continue to flow in, it's becoming more and more likely that a third dose - or booster - is going to be essential. Several more studies have been released, all showing large falls in immunity to the Omicron variant. One thing that the studies imply though is that there are much higher antibody levels in people who have either been infected, or received a third dose. So how much will third doses be needed to combat Omicron? Also on today's show: Quick Fire Friday! (booster edition) As the data from initial studies into how Omicron evades our immunity continue to flow in, it's becoming more and more likely that a third dose - or booster - is going to be essential. Several more studies have been released, all showing large falls in immunity to the Omicron variant. One thing that the studies imply though is that there are much higher antibody levels in people who have either been infected, or received a third dose. So how much will third doses be needed to combat Omicron? Also on today's show: Quick Fire Friday! (booster edition) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the data from initial studies into how Omicron evades our immunity continue to flow in, it's becoming more and more likely that a third dose - or booster - is going to be essential.

Several more studies have been released, all showing large falls in immunity to the Omicron variant.

One thing that the studies imply though is that there are much higher antibody levels in people who have either been infected, or received a third dose.

So how much will third doses be needed to combat Omicron?

Also on today's show:

Quick Fire Friday! (booster edition)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 709 Omicron evades vaccines, but not all is lost https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/omicron-evades-vaccines-but-not-all-is-lost/13668348 One of the first studies into Omicron and immunity has reported back and it's not super great news: there's significant evasion of antibodies produced by the Pfizer vaccine. But not all is lost. The study says that the Omicron variant uses the same way of getting into our cells, meaning our existing tools and techniques should be relatively easy to change so they work better. The study is not yet published, and is a very small sample size so it's worth keeping in mind that this is still a very new area of science and is subject to change. Nonetheless, as today's Coronacast explains, it does give us a glimpse of what is likely to come. Also on today's show: * Could a mozzie vaccinate someone by biting a vaxed person and then an unvaxed person? * Your booster experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the first studies into Omicron and immunity has reported back and it's not super great news: there's significant evasion of antibodies produced by the Pfizer vaccine. But not all is lost. The study says that the Omicron variant uses the same way of getting into our cells, meaning our existing tools and techniques should be relatively easy to change so they work better. The study is not yet published, and is a very small sample size so it's worth keeping in mind that this is still a very new area of science and is subject to change. Nonetheless, as today's Coronacast explains, it does give us a glimpse of what is likely to come. Also on today's show: * Could a mozzie vaccinate someone by biting a vaxed person and then an unvaxed person? * Your booster experiences One of the first studies into Omicron and immunity has reported back and it's not super great news: there's significant evasion of antibodies produced by the Pfizer vaccine. But not all is lost. The study says that the Omicron variant uses the same way of getting into our cells, meaning our existing tools and techniques should be relatively easy to change so they work better. The study is not yet published, and is a very small sample size so it's worth keeping in mind that this is still a very new area of science and is subject to change. Nonetheless, as today's Coronacast explains, it does give us a glimpse of what is likely to come. Also on today's show: * Could a mozzie vaccinate someone by biting a vaxed person and then an unvaxed person? * Your booster experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the first studies into Omicron and immunity has reported back and it's not super great news: there's significant evasion of antibodies produced by the Pfizer vaccine.

But not all is lost. The study says that the Omicron variant uses the same way of getting into our cells, meaning our existing tools and techniques should be relatively easy to change so they work better.

The study is not yet published, and is a very small sample size so it's worth keeping in mind that this is still a very new area of science and is subject to change.

Nonetheless, as today's Coronacast explains, it does give us a glimpse of what is likely to come.

Also on today's show:

* Could a mozzie vaccinate someone by biting a vaxed person and then an unvaxed person?

* Your booster experiences

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 728 Do vaccinated people get long COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-vaccinated-people-get-long-covid/13584082 Beyond the nasty and sometimes life-threatening symptoms that COVID can bring, there's another risk: long COVID. It's the collection of prolonged symptoms including brain fog, smell loss and fatigue. And while we know that being vaccinated drastically reduces your risk of a bad bout of COVID itself, a lingering question has been whether it also protects you from long COVID. Well, according to a yet to be peer reviewed study, the answer is yes it does. Also on today's show: * Is there any research work being done to modify the virus to develop a relatively benign but transmissible COVID variant which could be released to "crowd out" the current dangerous variants? * Is there a chance that Omicron is different enough that instead of replacing Delta, you get both if not together then one after another? * And we're after your stories about getting third-doses. Was it easy? Or hard? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Beyond the nasty and sometimes life-threatening symptoms that COVID can bring, there's another risk: long COVID. It's the collection of prolonged symptoms including brain fog, smell loss and fatigue. And while we know that being vaccinated drastically reduces your risk of a bad bout of COVID itself, a lingering question has been whether it also protects you from long COVID. Well, according to a yet to be peer reviewed study, the answer is yes it does. Also on today's show: * Is there any research work being done to modify the virus to develop a relatively benign but transmissible COVID variant which could be released to "crowd out" the current dangerous variants? * Is there a chance that Omicron is different enough that instead of replacing Delta, you get both if not together then one after another? * And we're after your stories about getting third-doses. Was it easy? Or hard? Beyond the nasty and sometimes life-threatening symptoms that COVID can bring, there's another risk: long COVID. It's the collection of prolonged symptoms including brain fog, smell loss and fatigue. And while we know that being vaccinated drastically reduces your risk of a bad bout of COVID itself, a lingering question has been whether it also protects you from long COVID. Well, according to a yet to be peer reviewed study, the answer is yes it does. Also on today's show: * Is there any research work being done to modify the virus to develop a relatively benign but transmissible COVID variant which could be released to "crowd out" the current dangerous variants? * Is there a chance that Omicron is different enough that instead of replacing Delta, you get both if not together then one after another? * And we're after your stories about getting third-doses. Was it easy? Or hard? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Beyond the nasty and sometimes life-threatening symptoms that COVID can bring, there's another risk: long COVID.

It's the collection of prolonged symptoms including brain fog, smell loss and fatigue.

And while we know that being vaccinated drastically reduces your risk of a bad bout of COVID itself, a lingering question has been whether it also protects you from long COVID.

Well, according to a yet to be peer reviewed study, the answer is yes it does.

Also on today's show:

* Is there any research work being done to modify the virus to develop a relatively benign but transmissible COVID variant which could be released to "crowd out" the current dangerous variants?

* Is there a chance that Omicron is different enough that instead of replacing Delta, you get both if not together then one after another?

* And we're after your stories about getting third-doses. Was it easy? Or hard?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 687 When (and how) will we know if Omicron is taking over? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-and-how-will-we-know-if-omicron-is-taking-over/13664562 Over the next several months, the fight between Delta and Omicron is going to be scientifically fascinating. In the red corner is the current world champion Delta, which easily beat out every other variant of concern to date. In the blue corner is the challenger Omicron, whose continued existence probably relies on its ability to beat out the champion. But how will we know who's winning and when will we get a better sense of it all? Also on today's show: * What makes a virus go viral? * Who decides which variants you make vaccines for? * What happens if Omicron turns up in a place with no Delta (like Queensland or Tasmania, for example)? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Over the next several months, the fight between Delta and Omicron is going to be scientifically fascinating. In the red corner is the current world champion Delta, which easily beat out every other variant of concern to date. In the blue corner is the challenger Omicron, whose continued existence probably relies on its ability to beat out the champion. But how will we know who's winning and when will we get a better sense of it all? Also on today's show: * What makes a virus go viral? * Who decides which variants you make vaccines for? * What happens if Omicron turns up in a place with no Delta (like Queensland or Tasmania, for example)? Over the next several months, the fight between Delta and Omicron is going to be scientifically fascinating. In the red corner is the current world champion Delta, which easily beat out every other variant of concern to date. In the blue corner is the challenger Omicron, whose continued existence probably relies on its ability to beat out the champion. But how will we know who's winning and when will we get a better sense of it all? Also on today's show: * What makes a virus go viral? * Who decides which variants you make vaccines for? * What happens if Omicron turns up in a place with no Delta (like Queensland or Tasmania, for example)? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the next several months, the fight between Delta and Omicron is going to be scientifically fascinating.

In the red corner is the current world champion Delta, which easily beat out every other variant of concern to date.

In the blue corner is the challenger Omicron, whose continued existence probably relies on its ability to beat out the champion.

But how will we know who's winning and when will we get a better sense of it all?

Also on today's show:

* What makes a virus go viral?

* Who decides which variants you make vaccines for?

* What happens if Omicron turns up in a place with no Delta (like Queensland or Tasmania, for example)?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 750 Omicron's latest clues are a bit concerning https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/omicrons-latest-clues-are-a-bit-concerning/13663032 It's been a bit more than a week since we learned of Omicron, the newest coronavirus variant of concern. And while we're still a while from knowing solid answers, the world's scientists have done an amazing job over the last 7 days unraveling parts of Omicron's mysteries. The three big questions are will our vaccines continue to work? For people who do get the virus, will it be severe and will it beat Delta to become the coronavirus champion of the world? So on today's Coronacast, what we know from the latest science about answering those big questions. Also on today's show * Does it escape previous immunity and/or our vaccines? * Is it better at spreading than Delta? * Does it matter? Does it make you sicker than previous variants? * Where's Dr Norman Swan's Omicronometer of Panic heading? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 05 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been a bit more than a week since we learned of Omicron, the newest coronavirus variant of concern. And while we're still a while from knowing solid answers, the world's scientists have done an amazing job over the last 7 days unraveling parts of Omicron's mysteries. The three big questions are will our vaccines continue to work? For people who do get the virus, will it be severe and will it beat Delta to become the coronavirus champion of the world? So on today's Coronacast, what we know from the latest science about answering those big questions. Also on today's show * Does it escape previous immunity and/or our vaccines? * Is it better at spreading than Delta? * Does it matter? Does it make you sicker than previous variants? * Where's Dr Norman Swan's Omicronometer of Panic heading? It's been a bit more than a week since we learned of Omicron, the newest coronavirus variant of concern. And while we're still a while from knowing solid answers, the world's scientists have done an amazing job over the last 7 days unraveling parts of Omicron's mysteries. The three big questions are will our vaccines continue to work? For people who do get the virus, will it be severe and will it beat Delta to become the coronavirus champion of the world? So on today's Coronacast, what we know from the latest science about answering those big questions. Also on today's show * Does it escape previous immunity and/or our vaccines? * Is it better at spreading than Delta? * Does it matter? Does it make you sicker than previous variants? * Where's Dr Norman Swan's Omicronometer of Panic heading? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been a bit more than a week since we learned of Omicron, the newest coronavirus variant of concern.

And while we're still a while from knowing solid answers, the world's scientists have done an amazing job over the last 7 days unraveling parts of Omicron's mysteries.

The three big questions are will our vaccines continue to work? For people who do get the virus, will it be severe and will it beat Delta to become the coronavirus champion of the world?

So on today's Coronacast, what we know from the latest science about answering those big questions.

Also on today's show

* Does it escape previous immunity and/or our vaccines?

* Is it better at spreading than Delta?

* Does it matter? Does it make you sicker than previous variants?

* Where's Dr Norman Swan's Omicronometer of Panic heading?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 794 Pfizer, Moderna, au naturale? What works best! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/pfizer-moderna-au-naturale-what-works-best/13659266 Just like we're likely going to be stuck with COVID for the rest of our lives, we're probably also going to be stuck wondering which is the most effective vaccine to protect against it. Well lucky we've got science to help sort it out, with a new study putting the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines head-to-head across hundreds of thousands of people. And other scientists have been busy working out how much protection you have against reinfection, if you are infected in the first place. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday * Tegan interrupts Quick Fire Friday with her own - excellent - Quick Fire Question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Just like we're likely going to be stuck with COVID for the rest of our lives, we're probably also going to be stuck wondering which is the most effective vaccine to protect against it. Well lucky we've got science to help sort it out, with a new study putting the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines head-to-head across hundreds of thousands of people. And other scientists have been busy working out how much protection you have against reinfection, if you are infected in the first place. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday * Tegan interrupts Quick Fire Friday with her own - excellent - Quick Fire Question. Just like we're likely going to be stuck with COVID for the rest of our lives, we're probably also going to be stuck wondering which is the most effective vaccine to protect against it. Well lucky we've got science to help sort it out, with a new study putting the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines head-to-head across hundreds of thousands of people. And other scientists have been busy working out how much protection you have against reinfection, if you are infected in the first place. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday * Tegan interrupts Quick Fire Friday with her own - excellent - Quick Fire Question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Just like we're likely going to be stuck with COVID for the rest of our lives, we're probably also going to be stuck wondering which is the most effective vaccine to protect against it.

Well lucky we've got science to help sort it out, with a new study putting the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines head-to-head across hundreds of thousands of people.

And other scientists have been busy working out how much protection you have against reinfection, if you are infected in the first place.

Also on today's show:

* Quick Fire Friday

* Tegan interrupts Quick Fire Friday with her own - excellent - Quick Fire Question.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 610 Can Omicron evade our vaccines? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-omicron-evade-our-vaccines/13657570 As the days tick by since Omicron was discovered, it's slowly spreading around the world. One example is reports of a couple of Israeli doctors who likely picked up Omicron in the United Kingdom, before flying back home. Their symptoms are said to be mild at the moment, but more worryingly, both of the doctors were fully vaccinated with Pfizer - that's all three doses. So what do we know about how Omicron works with our current vaccines? Also on today's show: * If we have been vaccinated to recognise the spike protein, why are variants so concerning? Is it the spike that changes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the days tick by since Omicron was discovered, it's slowly spreading around the world. One example is reports of a couple of Israeli doctors who likely picked up Omicron in the United Kingdom, before flying back home. Their symptoms are said to be mild at the moment, but more worryingly, both of the doctors were fully vaccinated with Pfizer - that's all three doses. So what do we know about how Omicron works with our current vaccines? Also on today's show: * If we have been vaccinated to recognise the spike protein, why are variants so concerning? Is it the spike that changes? As the days tick by since Omicron was discovered, it's slowly spreading around the world. One example is reports of a couple of Israeli doctors who likely picked up Omicron in the United Kingdom, before flying back home. Their symptoms are said to be mild at the moment, but more worryingly, both of the doctors were fully vaccinated with Pfizer - that's all three doses. So what do we know about how Omicron works with our current vaccines? Also on today's show: * If we have been vaccinated to recognise the spike protein, why are variants so concerning? Is it the spike that changes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the days tick by since Omicron was discovered, it's slowly spreading around the world.

One example is reports of a couple of Israeli doctors who likely picked up Omicron in the United Kingdom, before flying back home.

Their symptoms are said to be mild at the moment, but more worryingly, both of the doctors were fully vaccinated with Pfizer - that's all three doses.

So what do we know about how Omicron works with our current vaccines?

Also on today's show:

* If we have been vaccinated to recognise the spike protein, why are variants so concerning? Is it the spike that changes?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 682 Do we really know yet if Omicron is "milder"? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-we-really-know-yet-if-omicron-is-milder/13655946 Nearly two years into the global coronavirus pandemic, it's probably safe to say that we're all pretty much ready for it to be done. So no wonder we're hoping that very early reports from South Africa are possibly, just maybe, indicating that the Omicron variant is "milder" than variants before. But how much evidence is there for that yet? Is it true, or just wishful thinking? Also on today's show: * Is it possible that the emergence of this variant is actually an encouraging development for the COVID pandemic? * No big changes yet for Australia's international borders * The Omicron variant mutation that might end up helping us (a bit) * In previous episodes you have mentioned that variants can "out compete" other variants. What exactly does this mean and what is the mechanism behind it? * An update to the Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Nearly two years into the global coronavirus pandemic, it's probably safe to say that we're all pretty much ready for it to be done. So no wonder we're hoping that very early reports from South Africa are possibly, just maybe, indicating that the Omicron variant is "milder" than variants before. But how much evidence is there for that yet? Is it true, or just wishful thinking? Also on today's show: * Is it possible that the emergence of this variant is actually an encouraging development for the COVID pandemic? * No big changes yet for Australia's international borders * The Omicron variant mutation that might end up helping us (a bit) * In previous episodes you have mentioned that variants can "out compete" other variants. What exactly does this mean and what is the mechanism behind it? * An update to the Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic Nearly two years into the global coronavirus pandemic, it's probably safe to say that we're all pretty much ready for it to be done. So no wonder we're hoping that very early reports from South Africa are possibly, just maybe, indicating that the Omicron variant is "milder" than variants before. But how much evidence is there for that yet? Is it true, or just wishful thinking? Also on today's show: * Is it possible that the emergence of this variant is actually an encouraging development for the COVID pandemic? * No big changes yet for Australia's international borders * The Omicron variant mutation that might end up helping us (a bit) * In previous episodes you have mentioned that variants can "out compete" other variants. What exactly does this mean and what is the mechanism behind it? * An update to the Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Nearly two years into the global coronavirus pandemic, it's probably safe to say that we're all pretty much ready for it to be done.

So no wonder we're hoping that very early reports from South Africa are possibly, just maybe, indicating that the Omicron variant is "milder" than variants before.

But how much evidence is there for that yet? Is it true, or just wishful thinking?

Also on today's show:

* Is it possible that the emergence of this variant is actually an encouraging development for the COVID pandemic?

* No big changes yet for Australia's international borders

* The Omicron variant mutation that might end up helping us (a bit)

* In previous episodes you have mentioned that variants can "out compete" other variants. What exactly does this mean and what is the mechanism behind it?

* An update to the Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 683 The three theories of Omicron's origin https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-three-theories-of-omicrons-origin/13654018 As the world desperately awaits news from scientists on anything Omicron, some experts have started thinking about where the variant might have come from. One theory is that it's from someone severely immunocompromised, where the virus has had millions of opportunities to evolve against a poor immune response. But it's far from the only theory. So on today's Coronacast, a few other possibilities of where - and when - Omicron might have popped into existence. Also on today's show: * The evolutionary lineage of Omicron * How should Australia be preparing? * The Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic is born Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the world desperately awaits news from scientists on anything Omicron, some experts have started thinking about where the variant might have come from. One theory is that it's from someone severely immunocompromised, where the virus has had millions of opportunities to evolve against a poor immune response. But it's far from the only theory. So on today's Coronacast, a few other possibilities of where - and when - Omicron might have popped into existence. Also on today's show: * The evolutionary lineage of Omicron * How should Australia be preparing? * The Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic is born As the world desperately awaits news from scientists on anything Omicron, some experts have started thinking about where the variant might have come from. One theory is that it's from someone severely immunocompromised, where the virus has had millions of opportunities to evolve against a poor immune response. But it's far from the only theory. So on today's Coronacast, a few other possibilities of where - and when - Omicron might have popped into existence. Also on today's show: * The evolutionary lineage of Omicron * How should Australia be preparing? * The Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic is born Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the world desperately awaits news from scientists on anything Omicron, some experts have started thinking about where the variant might have come from.

One theory is that it's from someone severely immunocompromised, where the virus has had millions of opportunities to evolve against a poor immune response.

But it's far from the only theory.

So on today's Coronacast, a few other possibilities of where - and when - Omicron might have popped into existence.

Also on today's show:

* The evolutionary lineage of Omicron

* How should Australia be preparing?

* The Dr Norman Swan Omicronometer of Panic is born

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 719 Hello Omicron. Goodbye Delta? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hello-omicron-goodbye-delta/13652824 It's the news we didn't want: There's a new variant of concern in town and it's got all sorts of mutations just where you don't want them. It's also got a new fancy name: Omicron, and it's reportedly outpacing Delta in countries in southern Africa. But is it really? Is it more infectious? Is it more virulent? Is it vaccine resistant, and if so by how much? How much do we really know at the moment? Should I panic? Also on today's show: * What if the Omicron variant is the sort epidemiologists expected to see earlier in the pandemic: highly transmissible and less virulent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 28 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's the news we didn't want: There's a new variant of concern in town and it's got all sorts of mutations just where you don't want them. It's also got a new fancy name: Omicron, and it's reportedly outpacing Delta in countries in southern Africa. But is it really? Is it more infectious? Is it more virulent? Is it vaccine resistant, and if so by how much? How much do we really know at the moment? Should I panic? Also on today's show: * What if the Omicron variant is the sort epidemiologists expected to see earlier in the pandemic: highly transmissible and less virulent? It's the news we didn't want: There's a new variant of concern in town and it's got all sorts of mutations just where you don't want them. It's also got a new fancy name: Omicron, and it's reportedly outpacing Delta in countries in southern Africa. But is it really? Is it more infectious? Is it more virulent? Is it vaccine resistant, and if so by how much? How much do we really know at the moment? Should I panic? Also on today's show: * What if the Omicron variant is the sort epidemiologists expected to see earlier in the pandemic: highly transmissible and less virulent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's the news we didn't want: There's a new variant of concern in town and it's got all sorts of mutations just where you don't want them.

It's also got a new fancy name: Omicron, and it's reportedly outpacing Delta in countries in southern Africa.

But is it really? Is it more infectious? Is it more virulent? Is it vaccine resistant, and if so by how much? How much do we really know at the moment? Should I panic?

Also on today's show:

* What if the Omicron variant is the sort epidemiologists expected to see earlier in the pandemic: highly transmissible and less virulent?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 888 How does COVID rank against other pandemics? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-does-covid-rank-against-other-pandemics/13648694 As pandemics go, the coronavirus one is pretty big. It rapidly spread around the world, and is still causing problems. But how does it compare to past pandemics? Are we actually living in a fortunate time in human history? If we could magically replace COVID with a bug from the past, would it be a good or bad idea? Would you prefer the plague? Syphilis? Perhaps a flu pandemic might tickle your fancy. Well to help you decide, on today's Coronacast, we go through the pandemics in history. Also on today's show: * Rapid antigen tests work well against Delta * Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As pandemics go, the coronavirus one is pretty big. It rapidly spread around the world, and is still causing problems. But how does it compare to past pandemics? Are we actually living in a fortunate time in human history? If we could magically replace COVID with a bug from the past, would it be a good or bad idea? Would you prefer the plague? Syphilis? Perhaps a flu pandemic might tickle your fancy. Well to help you decide, on today's Coronacast, we go through the pandemics in history. Also on today's show: * Rapid antigen tests work well against Delta * Quick Fire Friday! As pandemics go, the coronavirus one is pretty big. It rapidly spread around the world, and is still causing problems. But how does it compare to past pandemics? Are we actually living in a fortunate time in human history? If we could magically replace COVID with a bug from the past, would it be a good or bad idea? Would you prefer the plague? Syphilis? Perhaps a flu pandemic might tickle your fancy. Well to help you decide, on today's Coronacast, we go through the pandemics in history. Also on today's show: * Rapid antigen tests work well against Delta * Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As pandemics go, the coronavirus one is pretty big. It rapidly spread around the world, and is still causing problems.

But how does it compare to past pandemics? Are we actually living in a fortunate time in human history?

If we could magically replace COVID with a bug from the past, would it be a good or bad idea? Would you prefer the plague? Syphilis? Perhaps a flu pandemic might tickle your fancy.

Well to help you decide, on today's Coronacast, we go through the pandemics in history.

Also on today's show:

* Rapid antigen tests work well against Delta

* Quick Fire Friday!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 767 At 90%, what's the point of mandating vaccination? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/at-90-per-cent-whats-the-point-of-mandating-vaccination/13646462 All around the country at the moment are family discussions and debates about what to do about that one relative or friend who still doesn't want to get vaccinated. The numbers of double vaccinated people continue to rise as people realise it's in their benefit to get the jab. But there will always be holdouts, no matter what policies are put in place. So how much does it matter if someone at the Christmas party is unvaccinated when nearly 90 percent of us 12 or older are double dosed? Also on today's show: * How careful should my vaccinated pregnant daughter be about where she goes and who she sees? * What's the latest science on viral loads? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia All around the country at the moment are family discussions and debates about what to do about that one relative or friend who still doesn't want to get vaccinated. The numbers of double vaccinated people continue to rise as people realise it's in their benefit to get the jab. But there will always be holdouts, no matter what policies are put in place. So how much does it matter if someone at the Christmas party is unvaccinated when nearly 90 percent of us 12 or older are double dosed? Also on today's show: * How careful should my vaccinated pregnant daughter be about where she goes and who she sees? * What's the latest science on viral loads? All around the country at the moment are family discussions and debates about what to do about that one relative or friend who still doesn't want to get vaccinated. The numbers of double vaccinated people continue to rise as people realise it's in their benefit to get the jab. But there will always be holdouts, no matter what policies are put in place. So how much does it matter if someone at the Christmas party is unvaccinated when nearly 90 percent of us 12 or older are double dosed? Also on today's show: * How careful should my vaccinated pregnant daughter be about where she goes and who she sees? * What's the latest science on viral loads? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices All around the country at the moment are family discussions and debates about what to do about that one relative or friend who still doesn't want to get vaccinated.

The numbers of double vaccinated people continue to rise as people realise it's in their benefit to get the jab.

But there will always be holdouts, no matter what policies are put in place.

So how much does it matter if someone at the Christmas party is unvaccinated when nearly 90 percent of us 12 or older are double dosed?

Also on today's show:

* How careful should my vaccinated pregnant daughter be about where she goes and who she sees?

* What's the latest science on viral loads?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 621 Will vaccination cause new variants? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-vaccination-cause-new-variants/13644716 When the slew of variants popped into existence last year, scientists began worrying what it could mean for vaccine resistant variants down the line. So far, the Delta variant has remained top dog. While it is much more infectious than the original coronavirus, thankfully it doesn't evade our vaccines by much. But what about down the line? As more and more of the world is vaccinated, will the virus find a way to evolve to get around vaccines? That’s on today’s Coronacast. Also on today’s show: * Lockdowns return to Europe * How is Japan doing such a good job? * What side effects can I expect from my Pfizer booster shot if I had AstraZeneca for my first and second shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When the slew of variants popped into existence last year, scientists began worrying what it could mean for vaccine resistant variants down the line. So far, the Delta variant has remained top dog. While it is much more infectious than the original coronavirus, thankfully it doesn't evade our vaccines by much. But what about down the line? As more and more of the world is vaccinated, will the virus find a way to evolve to get around vaccines? That’s on today’s Coronacast. Also on today’s show: * Lockdowns return to Europe * How is Japan doing such a good job? * What side effects can I expect from my Pfizer booster shot if I had AstraZeneca for my first and second shot? When the slew of variants popped into existence last year, scientists began worrying what it could mean for vaccine resistant variants down the line. So far, the Delta variant has remained top dog. While it is much more infectious than the original coronavirus, thankfully it doesn't evade our vaccines by much. But what about down the line? As more and more of the world is vaccinated, will the virus find a way to evolve to get around vaccines? That’s on today’s Coronacast. Also on today’s show: * Lockdowns return to Europe * How is Japan doing such a good job? * What side effects can I expect from my Pfizer booster shot if I had AstraZeneca for my first and second shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When the slew of variants popped into existence last year, scientists began worrying what it could mean for vaccine resistant variants down the line.

So far, the Delta variant has remained top dog. While it is much more infectious than the original coronavirus, thankfully it doesn't evade our vaccines by much.

But what about down the line? As more and more of the world is vaccinated, will the virus find a way to evolve to get around vaccines?

That’s on today’s Coronacast.

Also on today’s show:

* Lockdowns return to Europe

* How is Japan doing such a good job?

* What side effects can I expect from my Pfizer booster shot if I had AstraZeneca for my first and second shot?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 688 COVID isn't the only thing coming this summer https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/covid-isnt-the-only-thing-coming-this-summer/13642864 As we start to reopen to the world, it's inevitable that we'll start to see more cases of COVID-19 travel over our international and domestic borders. But it's far from the only bug that will make the journey while travelling inside a human. Influenza is one viruses we've been largely protected from over the last 18 months, after international border closures put a halt to incoming flights. So on today's Coronacast, what do we have to keep in mind when reopening and can we protect ourselves and our kids against virus we haven't seen in quite a while. Also on today's show: * Will a third dose give me better protection against variants? * Is there any evidence that taking paracetamol or ibuprofen after vaccination would reduce the body's immune response? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As we start to reopen to the world, it's inevitable that we'll start to see more cases of COVID-19 travel over our international and domestic borders. But it's far from the only bug that will make the journey while travelling inside a human. Influenza is one viruses we've been largely protected from over the last 18 months, after international border closures put a halt to incoming flights. So on today's Coronacast, what do we have to keep in mind when reopening and can we protect ourselves and our kids against virus we haven't seen in quite a while. Also on today's show: * Will a third dose give me better protection against variants? * Is there any evidence that taking paracetamol or ibuprofen after vaccination would reduce the body's immune response? As we start to reopen to the world, it's inevitable that we'll start to see more cases of COVID-19 travel over our international and domestic borders. But it's far from the only bug that will make the journey while travelling inside a human. Influenza is one viruses we've been largely protected from over the last 18 months, after international border closures put a halt to incoming flights. So on today's Coronacast, what do we have to keep in mind when reopening and can we protect ourselves and our kids against virus we haven't seen in quite a while. Also on today's show: * Will a third dose give me better protection against variants? * Is there any evidence that taking paracetamol or ibuprofen after vaccination would reduce the body's immune response? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we start to reopen to the world, it's inevitable that we'll start to see more cases of COVID-19 travel over our international and domestic borders.

But it's far from the only bug that will make the journey while travelling inside a human.

Influenza is one viruses we've been largely protected from over the last 18 months, after international border closures put a halt to incoming flights.

So on today's Coronacast, what do we have to keep in mind when reopening and can we protect ourselves and our kids against virus we haven't seen in quite a while.

Also on today's show:

* Will a third dose give me better protection against variants?

* Is there any evidence that taking paracetamol or ibuprofen after vaccination would reduce the body's immune response?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 605 Why it's not worth waiting for Novavax https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-its-not-worth-waiting-for-novavax/13641420 It's become a common claim among people who are still COVID-19 vaccine hesitant, that they say they're "waiting for Novavax". While there are currently three safe and effective vaccines available in Australia, Novavax is still not approved for use. Australia ordered Novavax a year ago, but as yet there's still no sign of it and the TGA says its application for approval is still under evaluation. So on today's Coronacast, if someone says they're waiting for Novavax, here's what you might want to reply with. Also on today's show: * Is it best to have Astra as my third shot? * We want to hear from you! Please fill in our listener survey and tell us what you think of the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 21 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's become a common claim among people who are still COVID-19 vaccine hesitant, that they say they're "waiting for Novavax". While there are currently three safe and effective vaccines available in Australia, Novavax is still not approved for use. Australia ordered Novavax a year ago, but as yet there's still no sign of it and the TGA says its application for approval is still under evaluation. So on today's Coronacast, if someone says they're waiting for Novavax, here's what you might want to reply with. Also on today's show: * Is it best to have Astra as my third shot? * We want to hear from you! Please fill in our listener survey and tell us what you think of the show. It's become a common claim among people who are still COVID-19 vaccine hesitant, that they say they're "waiting for Novavax". While there are currently three safe and effective vaccines available in Australia, Novavax is still not approved for use. Australia ordered Novavax a year ago, but as yet there's still no sign of it and the TGA says its application for approval is still under evaluation. So on today's Coronacast, if someone says they're waiting for Novavax, here's what you might want to reply with. Also on today's show: * Is it best to have Astra as my third shot? * We want to hear from you! Please fill in our listener survey and tell us what you think of the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's become a common claim among people who are still COVID-19 vaccine hesitant, that they say they're "waiting for Novavax".

While there are currently three safe and effective vaccines available in Australia, Novavax is still not approved for use.

Australia ordered Novavax a year ago, but as yet there's still no sign of it and the TGA says its application for approval is still under evaluation.

So on today's Coronacast, if someone says they're waiting for Novavax, here's what you might want to reply with.

Also on today's show:

* Is it best to have Astra as my third shot?

* We want to hear from you! Please fill in our listener survey and tell us what you think of the show.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 620 Why is Indigenous vaccination so patchy? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-is-indigenous-vaccination-so-patchy/13637534 The head of the umbrella organisation for Australia's Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations says she's nervous about the country's reopening over the next month. CEO of NACCHO Pat Turner says while some Indigenous communities are 100% fully vaccinated, others are far from done. She says part of the problem is state and territory governments wanting to leave it to the Commonwealth, and also certain religious groups bringing in misinformation and myths from the United States. On today's Coronacast, the patchy response to outbreaks in Indigenous communities and what else needs to be done before state borders reopen. GUEST:Pat Turner. CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The head of the umbrella organisation for Australia's Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations says she's nervous about the country's reopening over the next month. CEO of NACCHO Pat Turner says while some Indigenous communities are 100% fully vaccinated, others are far from done. She says part of the problem is state and territory governments wanting to leave it to the Commonwealth, and also certain religious groups bringing in misinformation and myths from the United States. On today's Coronacast, the patchy response to outbreaks in Indigenous communities and what else needs to be done before state borders reopen. GUEST: Pat Turner. CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) The head of the umbrella organisation for Australia's Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations says she's nervous about the country's reopening over the next month. CEO of NACCHO Pat Turner says while some Indigenous communities are 100% fully vaccinated, others are far from done. She says part of the problem is state and territory governments wanting to leave it to the Commonwealth, and also certain religious groups bringing in misinformation and myths from the United States. On today's Coronacast, the patchy response to outbreaks in Indigenous communities and what else needs to be done before state borders reopen. GUEST:Pat Turner. CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The head of the umbrella organisation for Australia's Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations says she's nervous about the country's reopening over the next month.

CEO of NACCHO Pat Turner says while some Indigenous communities are 100% fully vaccinated, others are far from done.

She says part of the problem is state and territory governments wanting to leave it to the Commonwealth, and also certain religious groups bringing in misinformation and myths from the United States.

On today's Coronacast, the patchy response to outbreaks in Indigenous communities and what else needs to be done before state borders reopen.

GUEST:Pat Turner. CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 840 Don't be scared of bird flu headlines... yet https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/dont-be-scared-of-bird-flu-headlines-yet/13635544 For obvious reasons, pandemics are pretty hot news right now. And it seems every few weeks, we see headlines about a possible new outbreak of potentially pandemic proportions. Thankfully, we haven't seen any new disease outbreaks yet, but it doesn't mean it won't happen sometime in the future. So what should we make of recent stories revealing a jump in avian influenza cases in 2021, and how likely is it that we'll be facing down a new pandemic anytime soon? Also on today's show: * A bit of a deeper dive into a recent article/story in the British Medical Journal, alleging issues with a trial site and its phase three trials of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For obvious reasons, pandemics are pretty hot news right now. And it seems every few weeks, we see headlines about a possible new outbreak of potentially pandemic proportions. Thankfully, we haven't seen any new disease outbreaks yet, but it doesn't mean it won't happen sometime in the future. So what should we make of recent stories revealing a jump in avian influenza cases in 2021, and how likely is it that we'll be facing down a new pandemic anytime soon? Also on today's show: * A bit of a deeper dive into a recent article/story in the British Medical Journal, alleging issues with a trial site and its phase three trials of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. For obvious reasons, pandemics are pretty hot news right now. And it seems every few weeks, we see headlines about a possible new outbreak of potentially pandemic proportions. Thankfully, we haven't seen any new disease outbreaks yet, but it doesn't mean it won't happen sometime in the future. So what should we make of recent stories revealing a jump in avian influenza cases in 2021, and how likely is it that we'll be facing down a new pandemic anytime soon? Also on today's show: * A bit of a deeper dive into a recent article/story in the British Medical Journal, alleging issues with a trial site and its phase three trials of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For obvious reasons, pandemics are pretty hot news right now.

And it seems every few weeks, we see headlines about a possible new outbreak of potentially pandemic proportions.

Thankfully, we haven't seen any new disease outbreaks yet, but it doesn't mean it won't happen sometime in the future.

So what should we make of recent stories revealing a jump in avian influenza cases in 2021, and how likely is it that we'll be facing down a new pandemic anytime soon?

Also on today's show:

* A bit of a deeper dive into a recent article/story in the British Medical Journal, alleging issues with a trial site and its phase three trials of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 709 The NT's worst local COVID-19 day ever https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-nts-worst-local-covid-19-day-ever/13633886 When the NT's Chief Minister Michael Gunner held the COVID-19 press conference yesterday, he revealed news that many have been dreading. A significant cluster of COVID has been detected, and all the people who were announced yesterday to have contracted the disease are Indigenous Australians. It's the worst day ever for local cases in the NT since the pandemic began. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Where's our vaccination compensation scheme? * Very good news on boosters/third dose * If I've had two doses of Astra and we know that its efficacy wanes quite quickly, where does that leave me after a dose of Pfizer for my third dose? Have I caught up with all the people who had two doses of Pfizer or will I forever have less protection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When the NT's Chief Minister Michael Gunner held the COVID-19 press conference yesterday, he revealed news that many have been dreading. A significant cluster of COVID has been detected, and all the people who were announced yesterday to have contracted the disease are Indigenous Australians. It's the worst day ever for local cases in the NT since the pandemic began. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Where's our vaccination compensation scheme? * Very good news on boosters/third dose * If I've had two doses of Astra and we know that its efficacy wanes quite quickly, where does that leave me after a dose of Pfizer for my third dose? Have I caught up with all the people who had two doses of Pfizer or will I forever have less protection? When the NT's Chief Minister Michael Gunner held the COVID-19 press conference yesterday, he revealed news that many have been dreading. A significant cluster of COVID has been detected, and all the people who were announced yesterday to have contracted the disease are Indigenous Australians. It's the worst day ever for local cases in the NT since the pandemic began. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Where's our vaccination compensation scheme? * Very good news on boosters/third dose * If I've had two doses of Astra and we know that its efficacy wanes quite quickly, where does that leave me after a dose of Pfizer for my third dose? Have I caught up with all the people who had two doses of Pfizer or will I forever have less protection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When the NT's Chief Minister Michael Gunner held the COVID-19 press conference yesterday, he revealed news that many have been dreading.

A significant cluster of COVID has been detected, and all the people who were announced yesterday to have contracted the disease are Indigenous Australians.

It's the worst day ever for local cases in the NT since the pandemic began.

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Where's our vaccination compensation scheme?

* Very good news on boosters/third dose

* If I've had two doses of Astra and we know that its efficacy wanes quite quickly, where does that leave me after a dose of Pfizer for my third dose? Have I caught up with all the people who had two doses of Pfizer or will I forever have less protection?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 859 One week until SA throws open the doors https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/one-week-until-sa-throws-open-the-doors/13631836 Nerves are running high in South Australia, as the state is now only one week away from opening the doors and inevitably letting COVID in. South Australia is leading the way for zero-COVID states, and will be the first to open its doors to people travelling from Victoria, NSW and ACT. It has a vaccination rate that is slowly increasing and may just get to 80 per cent fully vaccinated 16+ by next week. But on today's Coronacast, many are worried about what the future may hold. Also on today's show: * Good news for antibodies in breast milk * Just because you think you had COVID, doesn't mean you did Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Nerves are running high in South Australia, as the state is now only one week away from opening the doors and inevitably letting COVID in. South Australia is leading the way for zero-COVID states, and will be the first to open its doors to people travelling from Victoria, NSW and ACT. It has a vaccination rate that is slowly increasing and may just get to 80 per cent fully vaccinated 16+ by next week. But on today's Coronacast, many are worried about what the future may hold. Also on today's show: * Good news for antibodies in breast milk * Just because you think you had COVID, doesn't mean you did Nerves are running high in South Australia, as the state is now only one week away from opening the doors and inevitably letting COVID in. South Australia is leading the way for zero-COVID states, and will be the first to open its doors to people travelling from Victoria, NSW and ACT. It has a vaccination rate that is slowly increasing and may just get to 80 per cent fully vaccinated 16+ by next week. But on today's Coronacast, many are worried about what the future may hold. Also on today's show: * Good news for antibodies in breast milk * Just because you think you had COVID, doesn't mean you did Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Nerves are running high in South Australia, as the state is now only one week away from opening the doors and inevitably letting COVID in.

South Australia is leading the way for zero-COVID states, and will be the first to open its doors to people travelling from Victoria, NSW and ACT.

It has a vaccination rate that is slowly increasing and may just get to 80 per cent fully vaccinated 16+ by next week.

But on today's Coronacast, many are worried about what the future may hold.

Also on today's show:

* Good news for antibodies in breast milk

* Just because you think you had COVID, doesn't mean you did

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 710 Europe's first winter with Delta is already looking grim https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/europes-first-winter-with-delta-is-already-looking-grim/13630756 Australians know full well that the Delta variant loves winter. As the weather warms up here things are looking up, but overseas it's getting colder and case numbers in Europe are rising. Hopefully the heavy impact of winter and Delta won't be felt, thanks to high levels of vaccination in many western European countries. But on today's Coronacast, it hasn't stopped the reimposition of some public health control measures in Denmark. Also on today's show: * Since the pandemic started there's been a massive ramping up of technology development relating to vaccines. If they can develop a vaccine for a new pathogen so quickly, what's next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 14 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australians know full well that the Delta variant loves winter. As the weather warms up here things are looking up, but overseas it's getting colder and case numbers in Europe are rising. Hopefully the heavy impact of winter and Delta won't be felt, thanks to high levels of vaccination in many western European countries. But on today's Coronacast, it hasn't stopped the reimposition of some public health control measures in Denmark. Also on today's show: * Since the pandemic started there's been a massive ramping up of technology development relating to vaccines. If they can develop a vaccine for a new pathogen so quickly, what's next? Australians know full well that the Delta variant loves winter. As the weather warms up here things are looking up, but overseas it's getting colder and case numbers in Europe are rising. Hopefully the heavy impact of winter and Delta won't be felt, thanks to high levels of vaccination in many western European countries. But on today's Coronacast, it hasn't stopped the reimposition of some public health control measures in Denmark. Also on today's show: * Since the pandemic started there's been a massive ramping up of technology development relating to vaccines. If they can develop a vaccine for a new pathogen so quickly, what's next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australians know full well that the Delta variant loves winter.

As the weather warms up here things are looking up, but overseas it's getting colder and case numbers in Europe are rising.

Hopefully the heavy impact of winter and Delta won't be felt, thanks to high levels of vaccination in many western European countries.

But on today's Coronacast, it hasn't stopped the reimposition of some public health control measures in Denmark.

Also on today's show:

* Since the pandemic started there's been a massive ramping up of technology development relating to vaccines. If they can develop a vaccine for a new pathogen so quickly, what's next?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 676 Shouldn't Victoria's numbers be falling by now? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/shouldnt-victorias-numbers-be-falling-by-now/13627340 When it was clear that the daily new COVID cases in Victoria had peaked, there was hope and speculation that the numbers would drop off quickly like what happened in NSW. But sadly, we're still getting about more than a thousand new cases a day and it's starting to level off at that figure. NSW has levelled off too lately, but at a much lower level of only a couple of hundred a day. So what could be going on and why aren't Victoria's numbers falling faster? And does it matter? Also on today's show: * Could anti-virals cause unvaccinated people to double down on not being vaccinated? * If you are due for a booster in the middle of the summer, might it be much better to wait until April/May and have the next shot when it starts to get colder? * Does Norman hate South Australia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When it was clear that the daily new COVID cases in Victoria had peaked, there was hope and speculation that the numbers would drop off quickly like what happened in NSW. But sadly, we're still getting about more than a thousand new cases a day and it's starting to level off at that figure. NSW has levelled off too lately, but at a much lower level of only a couple of hundred a day. So what could be going on and why aren't Victoria's numbers falling faster? And does it matter? Also on today's show: * Could anti-virals cause unvaccinated people to double down on not being vaccinated? * If you are due for a booster in the middle of the summer, might it be much better to wait until April/May and have the next shot when it starts to get colder? * Does Norman hate South Australia? When it was clear that the daily new COVID cases in Victoria had peaked, there was hope and speculation that the numbers would drop off quickly like what happened in NSW. But sadly, we're still getting about more than a thousand new cases a day and it's starting to level off at that figure. NSW has levelled off too lately, but at a much lower level of only a couple of hundred a day. So what could be going on and why aren't Victoria's numbers falling faster? And does it matter? Also on today's show: * Could anti-virals cause unvaccinated people to double down on not being vaccinated? * If you are due for a booster in the middle of the summer, might it be much better to wait until April/May and have the next shot when it starts to get colder? * Does Norman hate South Australia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When it was clear that the daily new COVID cases in Victoria had peaked, there was hope and speculation that the numbers would drop off quickly like what happened in NSW.

But sadly, we're still getting about more than a thousand new cases a day and it's starting to level off at that figure.

NSW has levelled off too lately, but at a much lower level of only a couple of hundred a day.

So what could be going on and why aren't Victoria's numbers falling faster? And does it matter?

Also on today's show:

* Could anti-virals cause unvaccinated people to double down on not being vaccinated?

* If you are due for a booster in the middle of the summer, might it be much better to wait until April/May and have the next shot when it starts to get colder?

* Does Norman hate South Australia?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 747 How do I talk to people who don't want to be vaccinated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-i-talk-to-people-who-dont-want-to-be-vaccinated/13625458 As vaccination rates increase and restrictions ease, plenty of us are starting to make plans for the Christmas and New Year breaks. But in most of Australia, restrictions aren't easing for everyone. For many people who aren't vaccinated, restrictions are staying or even getting harsher. So is this fair? Is it an effective way of getting the vaccination rate up? And how do you navigate tricky conversations with loved ones who don't feel the same way as you about the vax? GUEST:Professor Julie Leask, a social scientist and professor in the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As vaccination rates increase and restrictions ease, plenty of us are starting to make plans for the Christmas and New Year breaks. But in most of Australia, restrictions aren't easing for everyone. For many people who aren't vaccinated, restrictions are staying or even getting harsher. So is this fair? Is it an effective way of getting the vaccination rate up? And how do you navigate tricky conversations with loved ones who don't feel the same way as you about the vax? GUEST: Professor Julie Leask, a social scientist and professor in the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. As vaccination rates increase and restrictions ease, plenty of us are starting to make plans for the Christmas and New Year breaks. But in most of Australia, restrictions aren't easing for everyone. For many people who aren't vaccinated, restrictions are staying or even getting harsher. So is this fair? Is it an effective way of getting the vaccination rate up? And how do you navigate tricky conversations with loved ones who don't feel the same way as you about the vax? GUEST:Professor Julie Leask, a social scientist and professor in the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As vaccination rates increase and restrictions ease, plenty of us are starting to make plans for the Christmas and New Year breaks.

But in most of Australia, restrictions aren't easing for everyone. For many people who aren't vaccinated, restrictions are staying or even getting harsher.

So is this fair? Is it an effective way of getting the vaccination rate up? And how do you navigate tricky conversations with loved ones who don't feel the same way as you about the vax?

GUEST:Professor Julie Leask, a social scientist and professor in the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 881 Let's dust off the crystal ball! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lets-dust-off-the-crystal-ball/13623406 With the news that NSW has hit 90 percent double vaccination in 16+, with other parts of the country to follow soon, you could be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic is finally over. But like it or not, we're still living through a pandemic and it's likely in the coming months there'll continue to be outbreaks and waves of COVID-19. It's not all bad news though. New drugs are likely to come online soon giving doctors even more tools to treat infections and prevent deaths. So what else could be in store for us in 2022? On today's Coronacast, we pull out the crystal ball for some blatant speculation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With the news that NSW has hit 90 percent double vaccination in 16+, with other parts of the country to follow soon, you could be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic is finally over. But like it or not, we're still living through a pandemic and it's likely in the coming months there'll continue to be outbreaks and waves of COVID-19. It's not all bad news though. New drugs are likely to come online soon giving doctors even more tools to treat infections and prevent deaths. So what else could be in store for us in 2022? On today's Coronacast, we pull out the crystal ball for some blatant speculation. With the news that NSW has hit 90 percent double vaccination in 16+, with other parts of the country to follow soon, you could be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic is finally over. But like it or not, we're still living through a pandemic and it's likely in the coming months there'll continue to be outbreaks and waves of COVID-19. It's not all bad news though. New drugs are likely to come online soon giving doctors even more tools to treat infections and prevent deaths. So what else could be in store for us in 2022? On today's Coronacast, we pull out the crystal ball for some blatant speculation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With the news that NSW has hit 90 percent double vaccination in 16+, with other parts of the country to follow soon, you could be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic is finally over.

But like it or not, we're still living through a pandemic and it's likely in the coming months there'll continue to be outbreaks and waves of COVID-19.

It's not all bad news though. New drugs are likely to come online soon giving doctors even more tools to treat infections and prevent deaths.

So what else could be in store for us in 2022? On today's Coronacast, we pull out the crystal ball for some blatant speculation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 786 Keeping schools open through COVID outbreaks https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/keeping-schools-open-through-covid-outbreaks/13621912 When the Doherty model was released a few months ago, it set Australia on a path to reopening at various stages of vaccination. Now that the country has hit 80 per cent double dose for 16+, experts from Doherty, Burnet and other organisations have released new models on what we can expect a little further down the line. One of the big ones is how schools can remain open - even when positive cases are detected - so long as students are tested regularly via rapid antigen testing. And the new Doherty modelling has possible ways forward for international arrivals, and vulnerable remote Indigenous communities. Also on today's show: * Why is a booster necessary? After having been double vaccinated, even if the antibody level has waned, shouldn't the memory cells of the immune system kick into action? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When the Doherty model was released a few months ago, it set Australia on a path to reopening at various stages of vaccination. Now that the country has hit 80 per cent double dose for 16+, experts from Doherty, Burnet and other organisations have released new models on what we can expect a little further down the line. One of the big ones is how schools can remain open - even when positive cases are detected - so long as students are tested regularly via rapid antigen testing. And the new Doherty modelling has possible ways forward for international arrivals, and vulnerable remote Indigenous communities. Also on today's show: * Why is a booster necessary? After having been double vaccinated, even if the antibody level has waned, shouldn't the memory cells of the immune system kick into action? When the Doherty model was released a few months ago, it set Australia on a path to reopening at various stages of vaccination. Now that the country has hit 80 per cent double dose for 16+, experts from Doherty, Burnet and other organisations have released new models on what we can expect a little further down the line. One of the big ones is how schools can remain open - even when positive cases are detected - so long as students are tested regularly via rapid antigen testing. And the new Doherty modelling has possible ways forward for international arrivals, and vulnerable remote Indigenous communities. Also on today's show: * Why is a booster necessary? After having been double vaccinated, even if the antibody level has waned, shouldn't the memory cells of the immune system kick into action? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When the Doherty model was released a few months ago, it set Australia on a path to reopening at various stages of vaccination.

Now that the country has hit 80 per cent double dose for 16+, experts from Doherty, Burnet and other organisations have released new models on what we can expect a little further down the line.

One of the big ones is how schools can remain open - even when positive cases are detected - so long as students are tested regularly via rapid antigen testing.

And the new Doherty modelling has possible ways forward for international arrivals, and vulnerable remote Indigenous communities.

Also on today's show:

* Why is a booster necessary? After having been double vaccinated, even if the antibody level has waned, shouldn't the memory cells of the immune system kick into action?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 630 A lot of little kids are getting COVID. Why? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-lot-of-little-kids-are-getting-covid-why/13620692 The largest age group of active COVID cases in Victoria at the moment are kids, under 9 years old. While hard to compare directly, it's a similar story in NSW. Kids are currently unable to be vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to infection as more COVID circulates through the community - though thankfully, disease is often very mild in children. But on today's Coronacast, overseas experiences tell us that as more and more kids get COVID, we'll see more rare, but serious events popup. Also on today's show: * Are any of the rapid antigen tests approved/suitable for young children? * Do we have another COVID treatment with that new Pfizer anti-viral drug? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The largest age group of active COVID cases in Victoria at the moment are kids, under 9 years old. While hard to compare directly, it's a similar story in NSW. Kids are currently unable to be vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to infection as more COVID circulates through the community - though thankfully, disease is often very mild in children. But on today's Coronacast, overseas experiences tell us that as more and more kids get COVID, we'll see more rare, but serious events popup. Also on today's show: * Are any of the rapid antigen tests approved/suitable for young children? * Do we have another COVID treatment with that new Pfizer anti-viral drug? The largest age group of active COVID cases in Victoria at the moment are kids, under 9 years old. While hard to compare directly, it's a similar story in NSW. Kids are currently unable to be vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to infection as more COVID circulates through the community - though thankfully, disease is often very mild in children. But on today's Coronacast, overseas experiences tell us that as more and more kids get COVID, we'll see more rare, but serious events popup. Also on today's show: * Are any of the rapid antigen tests approved/suitable for young children? * Do we have another COVID treatment with that new Pfizer anti-viral drug? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The largest age group of active COVID cases in Victoria at the moment are kids, under 9 years old.

While hard to compare directly, it's a similar story in NSW.

Kids are currently unable to be vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to infection as more COVID circulates through the community - though thankfully, disease is often very mild in children.

But on today's Coronacast, overseas experiences tell us that as more and more kids get COVID, we'll see more rare, but serious events popup.

Also on today's show:

* Are any of the rapid antigen tests approved/suitable for young children?

* Do we have another COVID treatment with that new Pfizer anti-viral drug?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 647 How many people have really died from COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-many-people-have-really-died-from-covid/13617002 The world passed a grim milestone a few days ago: 5 million deaths from COVID-19 and counting. But the reality is, that the actual deaths from the pandemic are much, much higher. Estimating how high is hard, but researchers can use data around excess deaths - ie, an increase beyond the normal number of people who die on average year to year - as a guide. So on today's Coronacast, why reported COVID deaths are probably grossly underestimated. Also on today's show: * Australia's vaccination rate starts to slow * Who are we missing in relation to vaccination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The world passed a grim milestone a few days ago: 5 million deaths from COVID-19 and counting. But the reality is, that the actual deaths from the pandemic are much, much higher. Estimating how high is hard, but researchers can use data around excess deaths - ie, an increase beyond the normal number of people who die on average year to year - as a guide. So on today's Coronacast, why reported COVID deaths are probably grossly underestimated. Also on today's show: * Australia's vaccination rate starts to slow * Who are we missing in relation to vaccination? The world passed a grim milestone a few days ago: 5 million deaths from COVID-19 and counting. But the reality is, that the actual deaths from the pandemic are much, much higher. Estimating how high is hard, but researchers can use data around excess deaths - ie, an increase beyond the normal number of people who die on average year to year - as a guide. So on today's Coronacast, why reported COVID deaths are probably grossly underestimated. Also on today's show: * Australia's vaccination rate starts to slow * Who are we missing in relation to vaccination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The world passed a grim milestone a few days ago: 5 million deaths from COVID-19 and counting.

But the reality is, that the actual deaths from the pandemic are much, much higher.

Estimating how high is hard, but researchers can use data around excess deaths - ie, an increase beyond the normal number of people who die on average year to year - as a guide.

So on today's Coronacast, why reported COVID deaths are probably grossly underestimated.

Also on today's show:

* Australia's vaccination rate starts to slow

* Who are we missing in relation to vaccination?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 640 Let's talk about kids and vaccine side effects https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lets-talk-about-kids-and-vaccine-side-effects/13615148 A program to vaccinate children in the United States has come closer to reality, after the CDC endorseds the use of COVID-19 shots in kids from 5 to 11. Australian health authorities and regulators have yet to decide if it should happen here, but it is expected to happen in the next couple of months. There has been some debate about whether kids should be vaccinated, with some questioning the very small risks versus the rewards. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about health problems in children from the vaccine compared to getting COVID-19 itself? Also on today's show: * More on rapid antigen tests * A new COVID treatment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A program to vaccinate children in the United States has come closer to reality, after the CDC endorseds the use of COVID-19 shots in kids from 5 to 11. Australian health authorities and regulators have yet to decide if it should happen here, but it is expected to happen in the next couple of months. There has been some debate about whether kids should be vaccinated, with some questioning the very small risks versus the rewards. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about health problems in children from the vaccine compared to getting COVID-19 itself? Also on today's show: * More on rapid antigen tests * A new COVID treatment? A program to vaccinate children in the United States has come closer to reality, after the CDC endorseds the use of COVID-19 shots in kids from 5 to 11. Australian health authorities and regulators have yet to decide if it should happen here, but it is expected to happen in the next couple of months. There has been some debate about whether kids should be vaccinated, with some questioning the very small risks versus the rewards. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about health problems in children from the vaccine compared to getting COVID-19 itself? Also on today's show: * More on rapid antigen tests * A new COVID treatment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A program to vaccinate children in the United States has come closer to reality, after the CDC endorseds the use of COVID-19 shots in kids from 5 to 11.

Australian health authorities and regulators have yet to decide if it should happen here, but it is expected to happen in the next couple of months.

There has been some debate about whether kids should be vaccinated, with some questioning the very small risks versus the rewards.

So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about health problems in children from the vaccine compared to getting COVID-19 itself?

Also on today's show:

* More on rapid antigen tests

* A new COVID treatment?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 589 Is NSW going to run out of people to vaccinate? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-nsw-going-to-run-out-of-people-to-vaccinate/13613628 The rules for fully vaccinated people in NSW are changing for the better next week, with a bunch of restrictions being lifted early thanks to high vaccination rates. But the unvaccinated will have to wait with restrictions longer, as the state aims for even higher levels of vaccination across the population. NSW, Victoria and the ACT are showing that it's possible to get to 95 per cent 12+ vaccination, which is resulting in case numbers falling. So on today's Coronacast, at the rate we're going, when might we run out of arms to stick needles into? Also on today's show: * More on finding which rapid-antigen test is best * If we vaccinated everyone in the world, would SARS-CoV-2 die off? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The rules for fully vaccinated people in NSW are changing for the better next week, with a bunch of restrictions being lifted early thanks to high vaccination rates. But the unvaccinated will have to wait with restrictions longer, as the state aims for even higher levels of vaccination across the population. NSW, Victoria and the ACT are showing that it's possible to get to 95 per cent 12+ vaccination, which is resulting in case numbers falling. So on today's Coronacast, at the rate we're going, when might we run out of arms to stick needles into? Also on today's show: * More on finding which rapid-antigen test is best * If we vaccinated everyone in the world, would SARS-CoV-2 die off? The rules for fully vaccinated people in NSW are changing for the better next week, with a bunch of restrictions being lifted early thanks to high vaccination rates. But the unvaccinated will have to wait with restrictions longer, as the state aims for even higher levels of vaccination across the population. NSW, Victoria and the ACT are showing that it's possible to get to 95 per cent 12+ vaccination, which is resulting in case numbers falling. So on today's Coronacast, at the rate we're going, when might we run out of arms to stick needles into? Also on today's show: * More on finding which rapid-antigen test is best * If we vaccinated everyone in the world, would SARS-CoV-2 die off? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The rules for fully vaccinated people in NSW are changing for the better next week, with a bunch of restrictions being lifted early thanks to high vaccination rates.

But the unvaccinated will have to wait with restrictions longer, as the state aims for even higher levels of vaccination across the population.

NSW, Victoria and the ACT are showing that it's possible to get to 95 per cent 12+ vaccination, which is resulting in case numbers falling.

So on today's Coronacast, at the rate we're going, when might we run out of arms to stick needles into?

Also on today's show:

* More on finding which rapid-antigen test is best

* If we vaccinated everyone in the world, would SARS-CoV-2 die off?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 659 Why so long between scary variants? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-so-long-between-scary-variants/13611928 It was in early May when the Delta variant was officially listed as a variant of concern. Delta turned out to be far more contagious than previous variants, and challenged Australia's public health response. But since then, there haven't been any new variants of concern listed by the World Health Organisation, though there have been a couple of new variants of interest. So why not? And what do we know about the AY4.2 variant that's causing some concern in the UK? Also on today's show: * Should I go overseas on holiday? * My friends believe that the only benefit of being vaccinated to prevent oneself from severe disease. Is this true? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It was in early May when the Delta variant was officially listed as a variant of concern. Delta turned out to be far more contagious than previous variants, and challenged Australia's public health response. But since then, there haven't been any new variants of concern listed by the World Health Organisation, though there have been a couple of new variants of interest. So why not? And what do we know about the AY4.2 variant that's causing some concern in the UK? Also on today's show: * Should I go overseas on holiday? * My friends believe that the only benefit of being vaccinated to prevent oneself from severe disease. Is this true? It was in early May when the Delta variant was officially listed as a variant of concern. Delta turned out to be far more contagious than previous variants, and challenged Australia's public health response. But since then, there haven't been any new variants of concern listed by the World Health Organisation, though there have been a couple of new variants of interest. So why not? And what do we know about the AY4.2 variant that's causing some concern in the UK? Also on today's show: * Should I go overseas on holiday? * My friends believe that the only benefit of being vaccinated to prevent oneself from severe disease. Is this true? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It was in early May when the Delta variant was officially listed as a variant of concern.

Delta turned out to be far more contagious than previous variants, and challenged Australia's public health response.

But since then, there haven't been any new variants of concern listed by the World Health Organisation, though there have been a couple of new variants of interest.

So why not? And what do we know about the AY4.2 variant that's causing some concern in the UK?

Also on today's show:

* Should I go overseas on holiday?

* My friends believe that the only benefit of being vaccinated to prevent oneself from severe disease. Is this true?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 711 Finally we can test ourselves at home! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/finally-we-can-test-ourselves-at-home/13611310 From today, you can buy rapid antigen tests from the shop and use them on yourself to see if you've got COVID-19 or not. Previously, the home, general-public use of antigen tests wasn't available for purchase by the general public. So with a bunch of them on the market for the first time, what should you keep in mind and how do they differ from the usual PCR test we're so used to? That's on today's Coronacast. GUEST: Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director, Respond Global Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 31 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia From today, you can buy rapid antigen tests from the shop and use them on yourself to see if you've got COVID-19 or not. Previously, the home, general-public use of antigen tests wasn't available for purchase by the general public. So with a bunch of them on the market for the first time, what should you keep in mind and how do they differ from the usual PCR test we're so used to? That's on today's Coronacast. GUEST: Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director, Respond Global From today, you can buy rapid antigen tests from the shop and use them on yourself to see if you've got COVID-19 or not. Previously, the home, general-public use of antigen tests wasn't available for purchase by the general public. So with a bunch of them on the market for the first time, what should you keep in mind and how do they differ from the usual PCR test we're so used to? That's on today's Coronacast. GUEST: Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director, Respond Global Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From today, you can buy rapid antigen tests from the shop and use them on yourself to see if you've got COVID-19 or not.

Previously, the home, general-public use of antigen tests wasn't available for purchase by the general public.

So with a bunch of them on the market for the first time, what should you keep in mind and how do they differ from the usual PCR test we're so used to?

That's on today's Coronacast.

GUEST:

Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director, Respond Global

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 735 Boy do you have booster questions! Let's answer some https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/boy-do-you-have-booster-questions!-lets-answer-some/13607956 Australians over 18 years of age who've waited six months from their second COVID vaccine will be given the chance to grab a booster shot if they want one. While the focus will be on aged care and healthcare workers to start, yesterday, the expert panel on vaccinations approved the use of Pfizer booster doses. And - at the moment - it's being sold as a boost, not a requirement to be considered "fully vaccinated" So on today's Coronacast, how did ATAGI come to its recommendation and what can we expect in the months ahead? Also on today's show: * Only Pfizer is approved at the moment, but I want Moderna. Should I wait? * What about mixing vaccines? * Is Norman back at the gym? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australians over 18 years of age who've waited six months from their second COVID vaccine will be given the chance to grab a booster shot if they want one. While the focus will be on aged care and healthcare workers to start, yesterday, the expert panel on vaccinations approved the use of Pfizer booster doses. And - at the moment - it's being sold as a boost, not a requirement to be considered "fully vaccinated" So on today's Coronacast, how did ATAGI come to its recommendation and what can we expect in the months ahead? Also on today's show: * Only Pfizer is approved at the moment, but I want Moderna. Should I wait? * What about mixing vaccines? * Is Norman back at the gym? Australians over 18 years of age who've waited six months from their second COVID vaccine will be given the chance to grab a booster shot if they want one. While the focus will be on aged care and healthcare workers to start, yesterday, the expert panel on vaccinations approved the use of Pfizer booster doses. And - at the moment - it's being sold as a boost, not a requirement to be considered "fully vaccinated" So on today's Coronacast, how did ATAGI come to its recommendation and what can we expect in the months ahead? Also on today's show: * Only Pfizer is approved at the moment, but I want Moderna. Should I wait? * What about mixing vaccines? * Is Norman back at the gym? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australians over 18 years of age who've waited six months from their second COVID vaccine will be given the chance to grab a booster shot if they want one.

While the focus will be on aged care and healthcare workers to start, yesterday, the expert panel on vaccinations approved the use of Pfizer booster doses.

And - at the moment - it's being sold as a boost, not a requirement to be considered "fully vaccinated"

So on today's Coronacast, how did ATAGI come to its recommendation and what can we expect in the months ahead?

Also on today's show:

* Only Pfizer is approved at the moment, but I want Moderna. Should I wait?

* What about mixing vaccines?

* Is Norman back at the gym?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 761 Should a 3rd dose be required to be FULLY vaccinated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/should-a-3rd-dose-be-required-to-be-fully-vaccinated/13605828 Australia's expert vaccination panel may soon tick off on a major expansion to the country's coronavirus vaccination program, paving the way for third doses to be administered. Yesterday, the medicines regulator the TGA approved Pfizer for use as a third dose - sometimes referred to as a booster - for Australians aged 18 or over after six months after their second dose. But despite the third dose boosting immunity, the Federal Government says they won't require it to be considered fully vaccinated. Also on today's show: * How does the TGA and ATAGI work in approving and recommending vaccines? * Why only 18 years or over? * Can I go get it a bit early? * What about side effects? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia's expert vaccination panel may soon tick off on a major expansion to the country's coronavirus vaccination program, paving the way for third doses to be administered. Yesterday, the medicines regulator the TGA approved Pfizer for use as a third dose - sometimes referred to as a booster - for Australians aged 18 or over after six months after their second dose. But despite the third dose boosting immunity, the Federal Government says they won't require it to be considered fully vaccinated. Also on today's show: * How does the TGA and ATAGI work in approving and recommending vaccines? * Why only 18 years or over? * Can I go get it a bit early? * What about side effects? Australia's expert vaccination panel may soon tick off on a major expansion to the country's coronavirus vaccination program, paving the way for third doses to be administered. Yesterday, the medicines regulator the TGA approved Pfizer for use as a third dose - sometimes referred to as a booster - for Australians aged 18 or over after six months after their second dose. But despite the third dose boosting immunity, the Federal Government says they won't require it to be considered fully vaccinated. Also on today's show: * How does the TGA and ATAGI work in approving and recommending vaccines? * Why only 18 years or over? * Can I go get it a bit early? * What about side effects? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia's expert vaccination panel may soon tick off on a major expansion to the country's coronavirus vaccination program, paving the way for third doses to be administered.

Yesterday, the medicines regulator the TGA approved Pfizer for use as a third dose - sometimes referred to as a booster - for Australians aged 18 or over after six months after their second dose.

But despite the third dose boosting immunity, the Federal Government says they won't require it to be considered fully vaccinated.

Also on today's show:

* How does the TGA and ATAGI work in approving and recommending vaccines?

* Why only 18 years or over?

* Can I go get it a bit early?

* What about side effects?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 675 Will vaccines stop me getting long COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-vaccines-stop-me-getting-long-covid/13603902 One of the big unknowns with coronavirus is why some people are left with symptoms from the illness long after they test negative. It's known as long COVID, and studies overseas suggest it affects more than half of people who get COVID to varying degrees of severity. So now we're nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, have we learnt more about long-COVID and what type of symptoms seem to be most common? And because Australia has been fortunate enough to get to high levels of vaccination before massive outbreaks, are we likely to avoid the worst of it? Also on today's show: * Is Norman at odds with Australia's chief medical officer on vaccines waning? * Some of my friends in WA are hesitant to get the vaccine and anti-mandate. What do I do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the big unknowns with coronavirus is why some people are left with symptoms from the illness long after they test negative. It's known as long COVID, and studies overseas suggest it affects more than half of people who get COVID to varying degrees of severity. So now we're nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, have we learnt more about long-COVID and what type of symptoms seem to be most common? And because Australia has been fortunate enough to get to high levels of vaccination before massive outbreaks, are we likely to avoid the worst of it? Also on today's show: * Is Norman at odds with Australia's chief medical officer on vaccines waning? * Some of my friends in WA are hesitant to get the vaccine and anti-mandate. What do I do? One of the big unknowns with coronavirus is why some people are left with symptoms from the illness long after they test negative. It's known as long COVID, and studies overseas suggest it affects more than half of people who get COVID to varying degrees of severity. So now we're nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, have we learnt more about long-COVID and what type of symptoms seem to be most common? And because Australia has been fortunate enough to get to high levels of vaccination before massive outbreaks, are we likely to avoid the worst of it? Also on today's show: * Is Norman at odds with Australia's chief medical officer on vaccines waning? * Some of my friends in WA are hesitant to get the vaccine and anti-mandate. What do I do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the big unknowns with coronavirus is why some people are left with symptoms from the illness long after they test negative.

It's known as long COVID, and studies overseas suggest it affects more than half of people who get COVID to varying degrees of severity.

So now we're nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, have we learnt more about long-COVID and what type of symptoms seem to be most common?

And because Australia has been fortunate enough to get to high levels of vaccination before massive outbreaks, are we likely to avoid the worst of it?

Also on today's show:

* Is Norman at odds with Australia's chief medical officer on vaccines waning?

* Some of my friends in WA are hesitant to get the vaccine and anti-mandate. What do I do?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 676 How do I protect the vulnerable people I love? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-i-protect-the-vulnerable-people-i-love/13602416 As more states open their borders in coming months, more COVID than ever will be circulating through the community. Vaccines will help protect many of us, but for vulnerable people - like the elderly or immunocompromised - additional protections may be needed. So if you have someone close that is more vulnerable to severe disease from a COVID-19 infection, what are some of the things you can do to help reduce the risk? Also on today's show: * 2nd generation vaccines vs natural immunity * Will my pets need to be vaccinated too? * Are there/will there be any plant based COVID vaccines? * A study on fertility and the AstraZeneca vaccine (no problems found) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As more states open their borders in coming months, more COVID than ever will be circulating through the community. Vaccines will help protect many of us, but for vulnerable people - like the elderly or immunocompromised - additional protections may be needed. So if you have someone close that is more vulnerable to severe disease from a COVID-19 infection, what are some of the things you can do to help reduce the risk? Also on today's show: * 2nd generation vaccines vs natural immunity * Will my pets need to be vaccinated too? * Are there/will there be any plant based COVID vaccines? * A study on fertility and the AstraZeneca vaccine (no problems found) As more states open their borders in coming months, more COVID than ever will be circulating through the community. Vaccines will help protect many of us, but for vulnerable people - like the elderly or immunocompromised - additional protections may be needed. So if you have someone close that is more vulnerable to severe disease from a COVID-19 infection, what are some of the things you can do to help reduce the risk? Also on today's show: * 2nd generation vaccines vs natural immunity * Will my pets need to be vaccinated too? * Are there/will there be any plant based COVID vaccines? * A study on fertility and the AstraZeneca vaccine (no problems found) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As more states open their borders in coming months, more COVID than ever will be circulating through the community.

Vaccines will help protect many of us, but for vulnerable people - like the elderly or immunocompromised - additional protections may be needed.

So if you have someone close that is more vulnerable to severe disease from a COVID-19 infection, what are some of the things you can do to help reduce the risk?

Also on today's show:

* 2nd generation vaccines vs natural immunity

* Will my pets need to be vaccinated too?

* Are there/will there be any plant based COVID vaccines?

* A study on fertility and the AstraZeneca vaccine (no problems found)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 584 How will we know if we're reopening too fast? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-will-we-know-if-were-reopening-too-fast/13601166 As more and more of the country is vaccinated, state and territory governments are starting to outline which restrictions we will lose when we reach very high levels of coverage. Over the weekend, Victoria revealed that when it reaches 90 per cent double dose in a month there will be no density caps, and masks will only be mandatory at certain high-risk settings. But how do we know when is the right time to lift restrictions and what can we learn from countries that have been this way before? Also on today's show: * Surgical masks give me "mascne" so I was going to invest in some 100 per cent silk reusable masks that are less likely to cause breakouts. They have a cotton interior but do you think they'd be effective enough against Delta? * When a zero-COVID state opens up with hopefully high vaccination rates, will it be more vulnerable because there is no natural immunity in the community from infections? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As more and more of the country is vaccinated, state and territory governments are starting to outline which restrictions we will lose when we reach very high levels of coverage. Over the weekend, Victoria revealed that when it reaches 90 per cent double dose in a month there will be no density caps, and masks will only be mandatory at certain high-risk settings. But how do we know when is the right time to lift restrictions and what can we learn from countries that have been this way before? Also on today's show: * Surgical masks give me "mascne" so I was going to invest in some 100 per cent silk reusable masks that are less likely to cause breakouts. They have a cotton interior but do you think they'd be effective enough against Delta? * When a zero-COVID state opens up with hopefully high vaccination rates, will it be more vulnerable because there is no natural immunity in the community from infections? As more and more of the country is vaccinated, state and territory governments are starting to outline which restrictions we will lose when we reach very high levels of coverage. Over the weekend, Victoria revealed that when it reaches 90 per cent double dose in a month there will be no density caps, and masks will only be mandatory at certain high-risk settings. But how do we know when is the right time to lift restrictions and what can we learn from countries that have been this way before? Also on today's show: * Surgical masks give me "mascne" so I was going to invest in some 100 per cent silk reusable masks that are less likely to cause breakouts. They have a cotton interior but do you think they'd be effective enough against Delta? * When a zero-COVID state opens up with hopefully high vaccination rates, will it be more vulnerable because there is no natural immunity in the community from infections? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As more and more of the country is vaccinated, state and territory governments are starting to outline which restrictions we will lose when we reach very high levels of coverage.

Over the weekend, Victoria revealed that when it reaches 90 per cent double dose in a month there will be no density caps, and masks will only be mandatory at certain high-risk settings.

But how do we know when is the right time to lift restrictions and what can we learn from countries that have been this way before?

Also on today's show:

* Surgical masks give me "mascne" so I was going to invest in some 100 per cent silk reusable masks that are less likely to cause breakouts. They have a cotton interior but do you think they'd be effective enough against Delta?

* When a zero-COVID state opens up with hopefully high vaccination rates, will it be more vulnerable because there is no natural immunity in the community from infections?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 759 Norman's moving the goal posts again everyone https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/normans-moving-the-goal-posts-again-everyone/13597478 There's been all sorts of vaccination targets bandied about over the last year: 70 per cent, 80 per cent, 16+ eligibility, 12+ eligibility. It never seems to end. But what if - and this might not make you happy because it seems almost impossible at the moment - the real target should be 95 per cent? It's been done overseas: in Portugal and Iceland. So what would it take to do it here and what benefits do you get? Also on today's show: * Vaccine mandates are coming * When will we have a vaccine approved for children under 12yrs? * Where's Novavax? * Where's Ollie? Wally? What? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been all sorts of vaccination targets bandied about over the last year: 70 per cent, 80 per cent, 16+ eligibility, 12+ eligibility. It never seems to end. But what if - and this might not make you happy because it seems almost impossible at the moment - the real target should be 95 per cent? It's been done overseas: in Portugal and Iceland. So what would it take to do it here and what benefits do you get? Also on today's show: * Vaccine mandates are coming * When will we have a vaccine approved for children under 12yrs? * Where's Novavax? * Where's Ollie? Wally? What? There's been all sorts of vaccination targets bandied about over the last year: 70 per cent, 80 per cent, 16+ eligibility, 12+ eligibility. It never seems to end. But what if - and this might not make you happy because it seems almost impossible at the moment - the real target should be 95 per cent? It's been done overseas: in Portugal and Iceland. So what would it take to do it here and what benefits do you get? Also on today's show: * Vaccine mandates are coming * When will we have a vaccine approved for children under 12yrs? * Where's Novavax? * Where's Ollie? Wally? What? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been all sorts of vaccination targets bandied about over the last year: 70 per cent, 80 per cent, 16+ eligibility, 12+ eligibility. It never seems to end.

But what if - and this might not make you happy because it seems almost impossible at the moment - the real target should be 95 per cent?

It's been done overseas: in Portugal and Iceland. So what would it take to do it here and what benefits do you get?

Also on today's show:

* Vaccine mandates are coming

* When will we have a vaccine approved for children under 12yrs?

* Where's Novavax?

* Where's Ollie? Wally? What?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 691 Reopening with thousands of cases a day https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/reopening-with-thousands-of-cases-a-day/13594744 Greater Melbourne will finally come out of lockdown a minute before the strike of midnight tonight, which will be a huge relief to millions of people. But the city comes out of lockdown with high daily caseloads - with the rolling five day average being around 1850. When NSW came out of lockdown, its daily caseload was much lower - and has remained low and is showing no signs of increasing again. So can we expect cases to fall in Melbourne? Rise? Level off? And does reopening with a large caseload in a highly vaccinated population even matter? Also on today's show: * Australia hits 70 per cent double-dosed * Norman wants to see some quokkas * What is the difference going to be for Victoria opening up with so many more cases than NSW? * Can you get COVID-19 three times? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Greater Melbourne will finally come out of lockdown a minute before the strike of midnight tonight, which will be a huge relief to millions of people. But the city comes out of lockdown with high daily caseloads - with the rolling five day average being around 1850. When NSW came out of lockdown, its daily caseload was much lower - and has remained low and is showing no signs of increasing again. So can we expect cases to fall in Melbourne? Rise? Level off? And does reopening with a large caseload in a highly vaccinated population even matter? Also on today's show: * Australia hits 70 per cent double-dosed * Norman wants to see some quokkas * What is the difference going to be for Victoria opening up with so many more cases than NSW? * Can you get COVID-19 three times? Greater Melbourne will finally come out of lockdown a minute before the strike of midnight tonight, which will be a huge relief to millions of people. But the city comes out of lockdown with high daily caseloads - with the rolling five day average being around 1850. When NSW came out of lockdown, its daily caseload was much lower - and has remained low and is showing no signs of increasing again. So can we expect cases to fall in Melbourne? Rise? Level off? And does reopening with a large caseload in a highly vaccinated population even matter? Also on today's show: * Australia hits 70 per cent double-dosed * Norman wants to see some quokkas * What is the difference going to be for Victoria opening up with so many more cases than NSW? * Can you get COVID-19 three times? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Greater Melbourne will finally come out of lockdown a minute before the strike of midnight tonight, which will be a huge relief to millions of people.

But the city comes out of lockdown with high daily caseloads - with the rolling five day average being around 1850.

When NSW came out of lockdown, its daily caseload was much lower - and has remained low and is showing no signs of increasing again.

So can we expect cases to fall in Melbourne? Rise? Level off? And does reopening with a large caseload in a highly vaccinated population even matter?

Also on today's show:

* Australia hits 70 per cent double-dosed

* Norman wants to see some quokkas

* What is the difference going to be for Victoria opening up with so many more cases than NSW?

* Can you get COVID-19 three times?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 718 A third dose? When will it end! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-third-dose-when-will-it-end/13593220 When the various states and territories report their daily vaccination rates as a mix of single and double doses, should they perhaps also be adding in third doses? The COVID-19 vaccines in Australia are currently limited to two doses, but so far only immunocompromised people have been approved to get a third shot. So should that be extended to older people and perhaps healthcare workers who got their vaccine in March or April? On today's Coronacast, all your questions about the third dose including waning protection from Astra and Pfizer, timing and when to count it all from. Also: thank you to all our listeners - especially those who've listened to all 400 episodes of Coronacast. You are champions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When the various states and territories report their daily vaccination rates as a mix of single and double doses, should they perhaps also be adding in third doses? The COVID-19 vaccines in Australia are currently limited to two doses, but so far only immunocompromised people have been approved to get a third shot. So should that be extended to older people and perhaps healthcare workers who got their vaccine in March or April? On today's Coronacast, all your questions about the third dose including waning protection from Astra and Pfizer, timing and when to count it all from. Also: thank you to all our listeners - especially those who've listened to all 400 episodes of Coronacast. You are champions! When the various states and territories report their daily vaccination rates as a mix of single and double doses, should they perhaps also be adding in third doses? The COVID-19 vaccines in Australia are currently limited to two doses, but so far only immunocompromised people have been approved to get a third shot. So should that be extended to older people and perhaps healthcare workers who got their vaccine in March or April? On today's Coronacast, all your questions about the third dose including waning protection from Astra and Pfizer, timing and when to count it all from. Also: thank you to all our listeners - especially those who've listened to all 400 episodes of Coronacast. You are champions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When the various states and territories report their daily vaccination rates as a mix of single and double doses, should they perhaps also be adding in third doses?

The COVID-19 vaccines in Australia are currently limited to two doses, but so far only immunocompromised people have been approved to get a third shot.

So should that be extended to older people and perhaps healthcare workers who got their vaccine in March or April?

On today's Coronacast, all your questions about the third dose including waning protection from Astra and Pfizer, timing and when to count it all from.

Also: thank you to all our listeners - especially those who've listened to all 400 episodes of Coronacast. You are champions!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 772 Queensland sets the date to end COVID-zero https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/queensland-sets-the-date-to-end-covid-zero/13591566 Until now, a lot of the worry about COVID-19 in Australia has been about how zero-COVID states will rejoin NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Well yesterday, Queensland put its plan forward saying that December 17, 2021 is the date its borders will be broadly reopened once again to other states, including hotspots. So with vaccination rates in Queensland lagging, will this be the push some need to go and get the jab? And what might it mean for other zero-COVID states? Also on today's show: * Third doses and Norman's mea culpa * Southern Tasmania comes out of lockdown * Your ideas to boost vaccination rates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Until now, a lot of the worry about COVID-19 in Australia has been about how zero-COVID states will rejoin NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Well yesterday, Queensland put its plan forward saying that December 17, 2021 is the date its borders will be broadly reopened once again to other states, including hotspots. So with vaccination rates in Queensland lagging, will this be the push some need to go and get the jab? And what might it mean for other zero-COVID states? Also on today's show: * Third doses and Norman's mea culpa * Southern Tasmania comes out of lockdown * Your ideas to boost vaccination rates Until now, a lot of the worry about COVID-19 in Australia has been about how zero-COVID states will rejoin NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Well yesterday, Queensland put its plan forward saying that December 17, 2021 is the date its borders will be broadly reopened once again to other states, including hotspots. So with vaccination rates in Queensland lagging, will this be the push some need to go and get the jab? And what might it mean for other zero-COVID states? Also on today's show: * Third doses and Norman's mea culpa * Southern Tasmania comes out of lockdown * Your ideas to boost vaccination rates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Until now, a lot of the worry about COVID-19 in Australia has been about how zero-COVID states will rejoin NSW, Victoria and the ACT.

Well yesterday, Queensland put its plan forward saying that December 17, 2021 is the date its borders will be broadly reopened once again to other states, including hotspots.

So with vaccination rates in Queensland lagging, will this be the push some need to go and get the jab?

And what might it mean for other zero-COVID states?

Also on today's show:

* Third doses and Norman's mea culpa

* Southern Tasmania comes out of lockdown

* Your ideas to boost vaccination rates

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 669 The end of Victoria's lockdown era is finally here https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-end-of-victorias-lockdown-era-is-finally-here/13590478 Victoria's lockdown will end this Thursday night, when the state expects to reach its first vaccine goal of 70 per cent double vaccinated. Reasons to leave the home and the curfew will be lifted, which will be a huge relief to the people of Melbourne which have suffered through many long lockdowns. But it's not as if the pandemic will end this week: many working in the hospital system are in for a rough time as the state opens up. Also on today's show * Mixing and matching boosters * NSW hits 80 per cent. What comes next? * The new drug Ronapreve. What is it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 17 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victoria's lockdown will end this Thursday night, when the state expects to reach its first vaccine goal of 70 per cent double vaccinated. Reasons to leave the home and the curfew will be lifted, which will be a huge relief to the people of Melbourne which have suffered through many long lockdowns. But it's not as if the pandemic will end this week: many working in the hospital system are in for a rough time as the state opens up. Also on today's show * Mixing and matching boosters * NSW hits 80 per cent. What comes next? * The new drug Ronapreve. What is it? Victoria's lockdown will end this Thursday night, when the state expects to reach its first vaccine goal of 70 per cent double vaccinated. Reasons to leave the home and the curfew will be lifted, which will be a huge relief to the people of Melbourne which have suffered through many long lockdowns. But it's not as if the pandemic will end this week: many working in the hospital system are in for a rough time as the state opens up. Also on today's show * Mixing and matching boosters * NSW hits 80 per cent. What comes next? * The new drug Ronapreve. What is it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victoria's lockdown will end this Thursday night, when the state expects to reach its first vaccine goal of 70 per cent double vaccinated.

Reasons to leave the home and the curfew will be lifted, which will be a huge relief to the people of Melbourne which have suffered through many long lockdowns.

But it's not as if the pandemic will end this week: many working in the hospital system are in for a rough time as the state opens up.

Also on today's show

* Mixing and matching boosters

* NSW hits 80 per cent. What comes next?

* The new drug Ronapreve. What is it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 768 What's coming after Delta? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-coming-after-delta/13586698 The arrival of the Delta variant really was a massive curveball that few experts saw coming. It ripped through populations overseas and quickly punched holes in Fortress Australia. It especially challenged our public health response with its incredible infectiousness and has taken hold in NSW, Victoria and ACT. But how did Delta come into existence in the first place? And as more and more of us are vaccinated, what might come next as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve? On today's Coronacast, a very special guest explains all. GUEST: * University of Sydney evolutionary biologist Professor Eddie Holmes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The arrival of the Delta variant really was a massive curveball that few experts saw coming. It ripped through populations overseas and quickly punched holes in Fortress Australia. It especially challenged our public health response with its incredible infectiousness and has taken hold in NSW, Victoria and ACT. But how did Delta come into existence in the first place? And as more and more of us are vaccinated, what might come next as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve? On today's Coronacast, a very special guest explains all. GUEST: * University of Sydney evolutionary biologist Professor Eddie Holmes The arrival of the Delta variant really was a massive curveball that few experts saw coming. It ripped through populations overseas and quickly punched holes in Fortress Australia. It especially challenged our public health response with its incredible infectiousness and has taken hold in NSW, Victoria and ACT. But how did Delta come into existence in the first place? And as more and more of us are vaccinated, what might come next as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve? On today's Coronacast, a very special guest explains all. GUEST: * University of Sydney evolutionary biologist Professor Eddie Holmes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The arrival of the Delta variant really was a massive curveball that few experts saw coming.

It ripped through populations overseas and quickly punched holes in Fortress Australia.

It especially challenged our public health response with its incredible infectiousness and has taken hold in NSW, Victoria and ACT.

But how did Delta come into existence in the first place? And as more and more of us are vaccinated, what might come next as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve?

On today's Coronacast, a very special guest explains all.

GUEST:

* University of Sydney evolutionary biologist Professor Eddie Holmes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1016 What's COVID done to the world's mental health? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-covid-done-to-the-worlds-mental-health/13213336 It's sometimes easy to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic affects more than just physical health. It also taken a massive toll on mental health. And according to some new research, the two pandemic factors that lead to the worst mental health outcomes are rising case numbers and lockdowns. Globally, the most affected groups are young people and women, and poorer countries in particular have seen higher mental health burdens. Also on today's show: * Why do some people get sicker from COVID than others? * You seem confident we will get booster shots but I heard Dr Paul Kelly sat last week that there is evidence to suggest not - that the vaccine may even last a lifetime? Did I hear incorrectly? * I live in a rural community and regularly drive past the sewerage works. The smell is often very noticeable. Is there a risk of virus carrying aerosol droplets leading to catching COVID? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's sometimes easy to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic affects more than just physical health. It also taken a massive toll on mental health. And according to some new research, the two pandemic factors that lead to the worst mental health outcomes are rising case numbers and lockdowns. Globally, the most affected groups are young people and women, and poorer countries in particular have seen higher mental health burdens. Also on today's show: * Why do some people get sicker from COVID than others? * You seem confident we will get booster shots but I heard Dr Paul Kelly sat last week that there is evidence to suggest not - that the vaccine may even last a lifetime? Did I hear incorrectly? * I live in a rural community and regularly drive past the sewerage works. The smell is often very noticeable. Is there a risk of virus carrying aerosol droplets leading to catching COVID? It's sometimes easy to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic affects more than just physical health. It also taken a massive toll on mental health. And according to some new research, the two pandemic factors that lead to the worst mental health outcomes are rising case numbers and lockdowns. Globally, the most affected groups are young people and women, and poorer countries in particular have seen higher mental health burdens. Also on today's show: * Why do some people get sicker from COVID than others? * You seem confident we will get booster shots but I heard Dr Paul Kelly sat last week that there is evidence to suggest not - that the vaccine may even last a lifetime? Did I hear incorrectly? * I live in a rural community and regularly drive past the sewerage works. The smell is often very noticeable. Is there a risk of virus carrying aerosol droplets leading to catching COVID? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's sometimes easy to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic affects more than just physical health. It also taken a massive toll on mental health.

And according to some new research, the two pandemic factors that lead to the worst mental health outcomes are rising case numbers and lockdowns.

Globally, the most affected groups are young people and women, and poorer countries in particular have seen higher mental health burdens.

Also on today's show:

* Why do some people get sicker from COVID than others?

* You seem confident we will get booster shots but I heard Dr Paul Kelly sat last week that there is evidence to suggest not - that the vaccine may even last a lifetime? Did I hear incorrectly?

* I live in a rural community and regularly drive past the sewerage works. The smell is often very noticeable. Is there a risk of virus carrying aerosol droplets leading to catching COVID?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 576 What do zero-COVID states have ahead of them? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-do-zero-covid-states-have-ahead-of-them/13582018 A lot of the discussion about COVID lately has been on the big outbreaks in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, and less about states that don't have current outbreaks. But as states like WA, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory start to plan their border reopenings, it also means COVID will eventually find its way in. So what can the smaller and still COVID free states expect in coming months? Will cases skyrocket in a highly vaccinated population? And will people there have to get used to restrictions that currently don't apply? Also on today's show: * What does full vaccination mean for getting (or not getting) long COVID? * We keep hearing the risk for under 12s is very low. Could you please clarify the best understanding of the hospitalisation, death, and long COVID risk for children under 12s? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A lot of the discussion about COVID lately has been on the big outbreaks in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, and less about states that don't have current outbreaks. But as states like WA, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory start to plan their border reopenings, it also means COVID will eventually find its way in. So what can the smaller and still COVID free states expect in coming months? Will cases skyrocket in a highly vaccinated population? And will people there have to get used to restrictions that currently don't apply? Also on today's show: * What does full vaccination mean for getting (or not getting) long COVID? * We keep hearing the risk for under 12s is very low. Could you please clarify the best understanding of the hospitalisation, death, and long COVID risk for children under 12s? A lot of the discussion about COVID lately has been on the big outbreaks in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, and less about states that don't have current outbreaks. But as states like WA, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory start to plan their border reopenings, it also means COVID will eventually find its way in. So what can the smaller and still COVID free states expect in coming months? Will cases skyrocket in a highly vaccinated population? And will people there have to get used to restrictions that currently don't apply? Also on today's show: * What does full vaccination mean for getting (or not getting) long COVID? * We keep hearing the risk for under 12s is very low. Could you please clarify the best understanding of the hospitalisation, death, and long COVID risk for children under 12s? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A lot of the discussion about COVID lately has been on the big outbreaks in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, and less about states that don't have current outbreaks.

But as states like WA, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory start to plan their border reopenings, it also means COVID will eventually find its way in.

So what can the smaller and still COVID free states expect in coming months? Will cases skyrocket in a highly vaccinated population? And will people there have to get used to restrictions that currently don't apply?

Also on today's show:

* What does full vaccination mean for getting (or not getting) long COVID?

* We keep hearing the risk for under 12s is very low. Could you please clarify the best understanding of the hospitalisation, death, and long COVID risk for children under 12s?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 680 Are we all just going to get COVID eventually? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-we-all-just-going-to-get-covid-eventually/13579920 While COVID-19 is currently in two of Australia's states and the ACT, the reality is eventually it will get everywhere. And eventually, the theory goes, COVID-19 will infect everyone. Vaccination will help stop the vast majority of people getting severe symptoms which may put them in hospital, but there'll always be people who can't or won't be immunised. So does getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated help with longer term immunity? And therefore if you're fully vaccinated, is it worth trying to get infected on purpose? Also on today's show: * How many people don't get their second dose? * What might happen now in NSW? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While COVID-19 is currently in two of Australia's states and the ACT, the reality is eventually it will get everywhere. And eventually, the theory goes, COVID-19 will infect everyone. Vaccination will help stop the vast majority of people getting severe symptoms which may put them in hospital, but there'll always be people who can't or won't be immunised. So does getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated help with longer term immunity? And therefore if you're fully vaccinated, is it worth trying to get infected on purpose? Also on today's show: * How many people don't get their second dose? * What might happen now in NSW? While COVID-19 is currently in two of Australia's states and the ACT, the reality is eventually it will get everywhere. And eventually, the theory goes, COVID-19 will infect everyone. Vaccination will help stop the vast majority of people getting severe symptoms which may put them in hospital, but there'll always be people who can't or won't be immunised. So does getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated help with longer term immunity? And therefore if you're fully vaccinated, is it worth trying to get infected on purpose? Also on today's show: * How many people don't get their second dose? * What might happen now in NSW? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While COVID-19 is currently in two of Australia's states and the ACT, the reality is eventually it will get everywhere.

And eventually, the theory goes, COVID-19 will infect everyone.

Vaccination will help stop the vast majority of people getting severe symptoms which may put them in hospital, but there'll always be people who can't or won't be immunised.

So does getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated help with longer term immunity? And therefore if you're fully vaccinated, is it worth trying to get infected on purpose?

Also on today's show:

* How many people don't get their second dose?

* What might happen now in NSW?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 576 OMG lockdown's lifting and I'm just not ready https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/omg-lockdowns-lifting-and-im-just-not-ready/13578940 Many restrictions are being lifted in NSW today, after the state last week hit the 70 percent double vaccination target. For many, it's a time to reconnect with loved ones and start to live life once again - this time in a more COVID-normal way. But for others, the reopening is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking - as people take time to re-adjust. Also on today's show: * I'm worried about my kids going back to school * What's going on with Moderna and myocarditis/pericarditis in young men? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Many restrictions are being lifted in NSW today, after the state last week hit the 70 percent double vaccination target. For many, it's a time to reconnect with loved ones and start to live life once again - this time in a more COVID-normal way. But for others, the reopening is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking - as people take time to re-adjust. Also on today's show: * I'm worried about my kids going back to school * What's going on with Moderna and myocarditis/pericarditis in young men? Many restrictions are being lifted in NSW today, after the state last week hit the 70 percent double vaccination target. For many, it's a time to reconnect with loved ones and start to live life once again - this time in a more COVID-normal way. But for others, the reopening is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking - as people take time to re-adjust. Also on today's show: * I'm worried about my kids going back to school * What's going on with Moderna and myocarditis/pericarditis in young men? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Many restrictions are being lifted in NSW today, after the state last week hit the 70 percent double vaccination target.

For many, it's a time to reconnect with loved ones and start to live life once again - this time in a more COVID-normal way.

But for others, the reopening is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking - as people take time to re-adjust.

Also on today's show:

* I'm worried about my kids going back to school

* What's going on with Moderna and myocarditis/pericarditis in young men?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 704 NSW's bigger than expected step out of lockdown https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nsws-bigger-than-expected-step-out-of-lockdown/13575358 NSW will take its first step out of lockdown on Monday, and it'll be slightly bigger than expected. The state's new Premier has made some small changes in relation to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do in just a few days. So what can we expect to case numbers, vaccination rates, hospitalisation and ICU admissions? And what about the rest of the country - like Victoria and ACT - which will be taking the same steps as NSW in coming weeks and months? On today's Coronacast, a very special guest to help talks us through all the data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia NSW will take its first step out of lockdown on Monday, and it'll be slightly bigger than expected. The state's new Premier has made some small changes in relation to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do in just a few days. So what can we expect to case numbers, vaccination rates, hospitalisation and ICU admissions? And what about the rest of the country - like Victoria and ACT - which will be taking the same steps as NSW in coming weeks and months? On today's Coronacast, a very special guest to help talks us through all the data. NSW will take its first step out of lockdown on Monday, and it'll be slightly bigger than expected. The state's new Premier has made some small changes in relation to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do in just a few days. So what can we expect to case numbers, vaccination rates, hospitalisation and ICU admissions? And what about the rest of the country - like Victoria and ACT - which will be taking the same steps as NSW in coming weeks and months? On today's Coronacast, a very special guest to help talks us through all the data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices NSW will take its first step out of lockdown on Monday, and it'll be slightly bigger than expected.

The state's new Premier has made some small changes in relation to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do in just a few days.

So what can we expect to case numbers, vaccination rates, hospitalisation and ICU admissions?

And what about the rest of the country - like Victoria and ACT - which will be taking the same steps as NSW in coming weeks and months?

On today's Coronacast, a very special guest to help talks us through all the data.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 978 Life as a vaccinated close contact... https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/life-as-a-vaccinated-close-contact/13572908 As case numbers continue to decline in NSW and the date for opening up gets closer, the state has started to provide details on how isolation requirements for close contacts might work for the vaccinated. For vaccinated people, isolation after close contact will be halved if you're vaccinated - though movement restrictions may still apply. It's just one of many changes coming for people in NSW and Victoria - and likely other states in coming months - as more risk tolerant ,COVID-normal policies are implemented. So on today's Coroancast, what could it look like and how have other parts of the world handled it? Also on today's show: * Why are you dissing Tamiflu? * Tegan's etymology club gains more members. It's got four people now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As case numbers continue to decline in NSW and the date for opening up gets closer, the state has started to provide details on how isolation requirements for close contacts might work for the vaccinated. For vaccinated people, isolation after close contact will be halved if you're vaccinated - though movement restrictions may still apply. It's just one of many changes coming for people in NSW and Victoria - and likely other states in coming months - as more risk tolerant ,COVID-normal policies are implemented. So on today's Coroancast, what could it look like and how have other parts of the world handled it? Also on today's show: * Why are you dissing Tamiflu? * Tegan's etymology club gains more members. It's got four people now! As case numbers continue to decline in NSW and the date for opening up gets closer, the state has started to provide details on how isolation requirements for close contacts might work for the vaccinated. For vaccinated people, isolation after close contact will be halved if you're vaccinated - though movement restrictions may still apply. It's just one of many changes coming for people in NSW and Victoria - and likely other states in coming months - as more risk tolerant ,COVID-normal policies are implemented. So on today's Coroancast, what could it look like and how have other parts of the world handled it? Also on today's show: * Why are you dissing Tamiflu? * Tegan's etymology club gains more members. It's got four people now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As case numbers continue to decline in NSW and the date for opening up gets closer, the state has started to provide details on how isolation requirements for close contacts might work for the vaccinated.

For vaccinated people, isolation after close contact will be halved if you're vaccinated - though movement restrictions may still apply.

It's just one of many changes coming for people in NSW and Victoria - and likely other states in coming months - as more risk tolerant ,COVID-normal policies are implemented.

So on today's Coroancast, what could it look like and how have other parts of the world handled it?

Also on today's show:

* Why are you dissing Tamiflu?

* Tegan's etymology club gains more members. It's got four people now!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 772 Where is Victoria's peak? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/where-is-victorias-peak/13570826 Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases. There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way. So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and schools and ventilation * I know this could change any second, but how have we managed to dodge so many bullets in Queensland? * Can you tell me what the difference is between a 12 year old and a 10 year old getting vaccinated? * Tegan starts a drug name etymology club. Who wants in?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases. There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way. So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and schools and ventilation * I know this could change any second, but how have we managed to dodge so many bullets in Queensland? * Can you tell me what the difference is between a 12 year old and a 10 year old getting vaccinated? * Tegan starts a drug name etymology club. Who wants in?! Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases. There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way. So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and schools and ventilation * I know this could change any second, but how have we managed to dodge so many bullets in Queensland? * Can you tell me what the difference is between a 12 year old and a 10 year old getting vaccinated? * Tegan starts a drug name etymology club. Who wants in?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases.

There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way.

So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago.

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Kids and schools and ventilation

* I know this could change any second, but how have we managed to dodge so many bullets in Queensland?

* Can you tell me what the difference is between a 12 year old and a 10 year old getting vaccinated?

* Tegan starts a drug name etymology club. Who wants in?!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 651 The vaccine is working! Here's how we can tell https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-vaccine-is-working-heres-how-we-can-tell/13569524 NSW is only days away from hitting the 70 per cent double dose vaccination figure, which will see the city begin its reopening from early next week. And while Victoria is a few weeks behind, hospitalisation and ICU data there are showing dramatic drop offs in the percentages who are admitted. It's yet another success story for COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully is a sign of even better things to come. But on today's Coronacast, if vaccines are so successful why are we hearing about more people in hospital for COVID treatment who have had a shot? Also on today's show: * All you questions on COVID-19 treatments answered: we talk molnupiravir and sotrovimab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Oct 2021 14:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia NSW is only days away from hitting the 70 per cent double dose vaccination figure, which will see the city begin its reopening from early next week. And while Victoria is a few weeks behind, hospitalisation and ICU data there are showing dramatic drop offs in the percentages who are admitted. It's yet another success story for COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully is a sign of even better things to come. But on today's Coronacast, if vaccines are so successful why are we hearing about more people in hospital for COVID treatment who have had a shot? Also on today's show: * All you questions on COVID-19 treatments answered: we talk molnupiravir and sotrovimab NSW is only days away from hitting the 70 per cent double dose vaccination figure, which will see the city begin its reopening from early next week. And while Victoria is a few weeks behind, hospitalisation and ICU data there are showing dramatic drop offs in the percentages who are admitted. It's yet another success story for COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully is a sign of even better things to come. But on today's Coronacast, if vaccines are so successful why are we hearing about more people in hospital for COVID treatment who have had a shot? Also on today's show: * All you questions on COVID-19 treatments answered: we talk molnupiravir and sotrovimab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices NSW is only days away from hitting the 70 per cent double dose vaccination figure, which will see the city begin its reopening from early next week.

And while Victoria is a few weeks behind, hospitalisation and ICU data there are showing dramatic drop offs in the percentages who are admitted.

It's yet another success story for COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully is a sign of even better things to come.

But on today's Coronacast, if vaccines are so successful why are we hearing about more people in hospital for COVID treatment who have had a shot?

Also on today's show:

* All you questions on COVID-19 treatments answered: we talk molnupiravir and sotrovimab

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 685 Faster to lockdown - so why is the curve the same? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/faster-to-lockdown-so-why-is-the-curve-the-same/13565226 'Go hard, go early' was the playbook when there was a Delta outbreak in Victoria in early August. But nearly two months later the state is on the same curve as NSW was. So why is Victoria tracking the same way NSW did when it responded more quickly? And does it mean we can expect the curve to bend when vaccination rates rise? Also on today's show: * If I successfully fend of an infection, does that help my immune system? * What's the ideal gap for AstraZeneca vaccination? * Quick Fire Friday returns with: What Would Norman Do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 'Go hard, go early' was the playbook when there was a Delta outbreak in Victoria in early August. But nearly two months later the state is on the same curve as NSW was. So why is Victoria tracking the same way NSW did when it responded more quickly? And does it mean we can expect the curve to bend when vaccination rates rise? Also on today's show: * If I successfully fend of an infection, does that help my immune system? * What's the ideal gap for AstraZeneca vaccination? * Quick Fire Friday returns with: What Would Norman Do? 'Go hard, go early' was the playbook when there was a Delta outbreak in Victoria in early August. But nearly two months later the state is on the same curve as NSW was. So why is Victoria tracking the same way NSW did when it responded more quickly? And does it mean we can expect the curve to bend when vaccination rates rise? Also on today's show: * If I successfully fend of an infection, does that help my immune system? * What's the ideal gap for AstraZeneca vaccination? * Quick Fire Friday returns with: What Would Norman Do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 'Go hard, go early' was the playbook when there was a Delta outbreak in Victoria in early August.

But nearly two months later the state is on the same curve as NSW was.

So why is Victoria tracking the same way NSW did when it responded more quickly? And does it mean we can expect the curve to bend when vaccination rates rise?

Also on today's show:

* If I successfully fend of an infection, does that help my immune system?

* What's the ideal gap for AstraZeneca vaccination?

* Quick Fire Friday returns with: What Would Norman Do?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 731 How are Australia's outbreaks tracking? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-are-australias-outbreaks-tracking/13563588 The outbreaks in NSW and Victoria are now large enough that it's impossible to follow what's happening with the detail that we once used to be able to. But one thing that we should keep an eye on is hospitalisation and deaths coming from the outbreaks. In NSW, it seems as though hospitalisations are falling - as more people come forward for vaccinations. In Victoria, the numbers are still rising. So on today's Coronacast, how are Australia's outbreaks tracking? And what might we expect in coming weeks? Also on today's show: * Hello South Australia * Clarifications about Monday's episode on Pfizer transmission data Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The outbreaks in NSW and Victoria are now large enough that it's impossible to follow what's happening with the detail that we once used to be able to. But one thing that we should keep an eye on is hospitalisation and deaths coming from the outbreaks. In NSW, it seems as though hospitalisations are falling - as more people come forward for vaccinations. In Victoria, the numbers are still rising. So on today's Coronacast, how are Australia's outbreaks tracking? And what might we expect in coming weeks? Also on today's show: * Hello South Australia * Clarifications about Monday's episode on Pfizer transmission data The outbreaks in NSW and Victoria are now large enough that it's impossible to follow what's happening with the detail that we once used to be able to. But one thing that we should keep an eye on is hospitalisation and deaths coming from the outbreaks. In NSW, it seems as though hospitalisations are falling - as more people come forward for vaccinations. In Victoria, the numbers are still rising. So on today's Coronacast, how are Australia's outbreaks tracking? And what might we expect in coming weeks? Also on today's show: * Hello South Australia * Clarifications about Monday's episode on Pfizer transmission data Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The outbreaks in NSW and Victoria are now large enough that it's impossible to follow what's happening with the detail that we once used to be able to.

But one thing that we should keep an eye on is hospitalisation and deaths coming from the outbreaks.

In NSW, it seems as though hospitalisations are falling - as more people come forward for vaccinations. In Victoria, the numbers are still rising.

So on today's Coronacast, how are Australia's outbreaks tracking? And what might we expect in coming weeks?

Also on today's show:

* Hello South Australia

* Clarifications about Monday's episode on Pfizer transmission data

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 781 What does DIY COVID testing mean for the months ahead? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-does-diy-covid-testing-mean-for-the-months-ahead/13561820 The medicines regulator in Australia has paved the way for home-testing COVID-19 kits to be made available from November 1st. Currently, the most common way people are tested for COVID is via a PCR test, which requires at least a day's wait, a lab and fancy equipment. But soon, people will be able to do a rapid antigen test at home and get a result in 15 minutes. So on today's Coronacast, what is a rapid antigen test? And why might it be more useful as we start to reopen? Also on today's show: * Whatever happened to fully vaccinated meaning 2 doses + 2 weeks? * Norman, when do you think you will feel comfortable boarding an airplane? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The medicines regulator in Australia has paved the way for home-testing COVID-19 kits to be made available from November 1st. Currently, the most common way people are tested for COVID is via a PCR test, which requires at least a day's wait, a lab and fancy equipment. But soon, people will be able to do a rapid antigen test at home and get a result in 15 minutes. So on today's Coronacast, what is a rapid antigen test? And why might it be more useful as we start to reopen? Also on today's show: * Whatever happened to fully vaccinated meaning 2 doses + 2 weeks? * Norman, when do you think you will feel comfortable boarding an airplane? The medicines regulator in Australia has paved the way for home-testing COVID-19 kits to be made available from November 1st. Currently, the most common way people are tested for COVID is via a PCR test, which requires at least a day's wait, a lab and fancy equipment. But soon, people will be able to do a rapid antigen test at home and get a result in 15 minutes. So on today's Coronacast, what is a rapid antigen test? And why might it be more useful as we start to reopen? Also on today's show: * Whatever happened to fully vaccinated meaning 2 doses + 2 weeks? * Norman, when do you think you will feel comfortable boarding an airplane? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The medicines regulator in Australia has paved the way for home-testing COVID-19 kits to be made available from November 1st.

Currently, the most common way people are tested for COVID is via a PCR test, which requires at least a day's wait, a lab and fancy equipment.

But soon, people will be able to do a rapid antigen test at home and get a result in 15 minutes.

So on today's Coronacast, what is a rapid antigen test? And why might it be more useful as we start to reopen?

Also on today's show:

* Whatever happened to fully vaccinated meaning 2 doses + 2 weeks?

* Norman, when do you think you will feel comfortable boarding an airplane?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 663 What can the world tell us about reopening? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-can-the-world-tell-us-about-reopening/13560034 With nearly 52 per cent of Australians over 16 years now fully vaccinated, there is more and more talk about opening up once it's safe. But there are other parts of the world that are a bit ahead of us, opening up and removing all restrictions. The UK removed restrictions in July, Denmark ended COVID restrictions two weeks ago, and Norway removed restrictions over the weekend. So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from those countries on our own path to eventually reopening? Also on today's show: * You said that Pfizer drops 22 per cent every month in effectiveness. Does this mean that after 5 months if you had Pfizer, you're no longer protected against COVID? * Is there any risk of catching the virus from swimming pool water? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With nearly 52 per cent of Australians over 16 years now fully vaccinated, there is more and more talk about opening up once it's safe. But there are other parts of the world that are a bit ahead of us, opening up and removing all restrictions. The UK removed restrictions in July, Denmark ended COVID restrictions two weeks ago, and Norway removed restrictions over the weekend. So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from those countries on our own path to eventually reopening? Also on today's show: * You said that Pfizer drops 22 per cent every month in effectiveness. Does this mean that after 5 months if you had Pfizer, you're no longer protected against COVID? * Is there any risk of catching the virus from swimming pool water? With nearly 52 per cent of Australians over 16 years now fully vaccinated, there is more and more talk about opening up once it's safe. But there are other parts of the world that are a bit ahead of us, opening up and removing all restrictions. The UK removed restrictions in July, Denmark ended COVID restrictions two weeks ago, and Norway removed restrictions over the weekend. So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from those countries on our own path to eventually reopening? Also on today's show: * You said that Pfizer drops 22 per cent every month in effectiveness. Does this mean that after 5 months if you had Pfizer, you're no longer protected against COVID? * Is there any risk of catching the virus from swimming pool water? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With nearly 52 per cent of Australians over 16 years now fully vaccinated, there is more and more talk about opening up once it's safe.

But there are other parts of the world that are a bit ahead of us, opening up and removing all restrictions.

The UK removed restrictions in July, Denmark ended COVID restrictions two weeks ago, and Norway removed restrictions over the weekend.

So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from those countries on our own path to eventually reopening?

Also on today's show:

* You said that Pfizer drops 22 per cent every month in effectiveness. Does this mean that after 5 months if you had Pfizer, you're no longer protected against COVID?

* Is there any risk of catching the virus from swimming pool water?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 661 Are vaccines better at preventing infection than we thought? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-vaccines-better-at-preventing-infection-than-we-thought/13558936 Australia's vaccination rate increasing over the weeks has been a thing of beauty to watch, and hopefully soon will help pay out dividends. But along with helping prevent the hospital system from collapsing, vaccines might be better than we thought at helping you avoid catching COVID-19 at all. A pre-print study out of the UK has recently reported back in a massive study and has been able to slice and dice all sorts of variables when it comes to avoiding COVID. But there are some interesting differences depending on which vaccine you got. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 26 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia's vaccination rate increasing over the weeks has been a thing of beauty to watch, and hopefully soon will help pay out dividends. But along with helping prevent the hospital system from collapsing, vaccines might be better than we thought at helping you avoid catching COVID-19 at all. A pre-print study out of the UK has recently reported back in a massive study and has been able to slice and dice all sorts of variables when it comes to avoiding COVID. But there are some interesting differences depending on which vaccine you got. Australia's vaccination rate increasing over the weeks has been a thing of beauty to watch, and hopefully soon will help pay out dividends. But along with helping prevent the hospital system from collapsing, vaccines might be better than we thought at helping you avoid catching COVID-19 at all. A pre-print study out of the UK has recently reported back in a massive study and has been able to slice and dice all sorts of variables when it comes to avoiding COVID. But there are some interesting differences depending on which vaccine you got. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia's vaccination rate increasing over the weeks has been a thing of beauty to watch, and hopefully soon will help pay out dividends.

But along with helping prevent the hospital system from collapsing, vaccines might be better than we thought at helping you avoid catching COVID-19 at all.

A pre-print study out of the UK has recently reported back in a massive study and has been able to slice and dice all sorts of variables when it comes to avoiding COVID.

But there are some interesting differences depending on which vaccine you got.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 636 Is the path out of lockdowns a one-way street? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-path-out-of-lockdowns-a-one-way-street/13544802 *** AFTER THIS EPISODE, WE'RE TAKING A WEEK OFF! WE'LL BACK ON THE 27TH SEPTEMBER! *** Victorians have hit their first big vaccine milestone of 70 percent first dose coverage, and have been given a slight reprieve in lockdown restrictions. Small outdoor gatherings, increased distances of travel for shopping or exercise and reopening of outdoor exercise equipment are some of the changes. But as Melbourne - and Sydney - take small steps to eventual reopening, what are the chances that they - or other parts of the country - will end up back in lockdown down the line? Also on today's show: * Do NSW data show that our vaccines might be better at preventing infection than we thought? * Peer reviewed data from Israel shows boosters work for the Pfizer vaccine * How long will it be until a person with COVID-19 does not need to isolate for 14 days? * Has any research been conducted to determine a difference in vaccine reactions between males and females? * My son is 15 months old and has never been sick. Is there any research about what COVID-19 might do with an almost completely new immune system? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia *** AFTER THIS EPISODE, WE'RE TAKING A WEEK OFF! WE'LL BACK ON THE 27TH SEPTEMBER! *** Victorians have hit their first big vaccine milestone of 70 percent first dose coverage, and have been given a slight reprieve in lockdown restrictions. Small outdoor gatherings, increased distances of travel for shopping or exercise and reopening of outdoor exercise equipment are some of the changes. But as Melbourne - and Sydney - take small steps to eventual reopening, what are the chances that they - or other parts of the country - will end up back in lockdown down the line? Also on today's show: * Do NSW data show that our vaccines might be better at preventing infection than we thought? * Peer reviewed data from Israel shows boosters work for the Pfizer vaccine * How long will it be until a person with COVID-19 does not need to isolate for 14 days? * Has any research been conducted to determine a difference in vaccine reactions between males and females? * My son is 15 months old and has never been sick. Is there any research about what COVID-19 might do with an almost completely new immune system? *** AFTER THIS EPISODE, WE'RE TAKING A WEEK OFF! WE'LL BACK ON THE 27TH SEPTEMBER! *** Victorians have hit their first big vaccine milestone of 70 percent first dose coverage, and have been given a slight reprieve in lockdown restrictions. Small outdoor gatherings, increased distances of travel for shopping or exercise and reopening of outdoor exercise equipment are some of the changes. But as Melbourne - and Sydney - take small steps to eventual reopening, what are the chances that they - or other parts of the country - will end up back in lockdown down the line? Also on today's show: * Do NSW data show that our vaccines might be better at preventing infection than we thought? * Peer reviewed data from Israel shows boosters work for the Pfizer vaccine * How long will it be until a person with COVID-19 does not need to isolate for 14 days? * Has any research been conducted to determine a difference in vaccine reactions between males and females? * My son is 15 months old and has never been sick. Is there any research about what COVID-19 might do with an almost completely new immune system? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices *** AFTER THIS EPISODE, WE'RE TAKING A WEEK OFF! WE'LL BACK ON THE 27TH SEPTEMBER! ***

Victorians have hit their first big vaccine milestone of 70 percent first dose coverage, and have been given a slight reprieve in lockdown restrictions.

Small outdoor gatherings, increased distances of travel for shopping or exercise and reopening of outdoor exercise equipment are some of the changes.

But as Melbourne - and Sydney - take small steps to eventual reopening, what are the chances that they - or other parts of the country - will end up back in lockdown down the line?

Also on today's show:

* Do NSW data show that our vaccines might be better at preventing infection than we thought?

* Peer reviewed data from Israel shows boosters work for the Pfizer vaccine

* How long will it be until a person with COVID-19 does not need to isolate for 14 days?

* Has any research been conducted to determine a difference in vaccine reactions between males and females?

* My son is 15 months old and has never been sick. Is there any research about what COVID-19 might do with an almost completely new immune system?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 697 Is the NSW curve bending or flattening? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-nsw-curve-bending-or-flattening/13543446 NSW yesterday hit a new milestone for vaccination in Australia. More than 80 per cent of the state has now had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it's still rocketing along. While it's still several more weeks before the 70 per cent double vaccination targets are met, for everyone under lockdown it's a wonderful thing to see. Add to that the hope that the state could be starting to see that the curve in new cases is levelling off. Also on today's show: * Lockdowns see life get worse for many Australians * What are the chances of someone taking the COVID-19 virus to a gym or club, pub or restaurant if only the fully vaccinated are allowed in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia NSW yesterday hit a new milestone for vaccination in Australia. More than 80 per cent of the state has now had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it's still rocketing along. While it's still several more weeks before the 70 per cent double vaccination targets are met, for everyone under lockdown it's a wonderful thing to see. Add to that the hope that the state could be starting to see that the curve in new cases is levelling off. Also on today's show: * Lockdowns see life get worse for many Australians * What are the chances of someone taking the COVID-19 virus to a gym or club, pub or restaurant if only the fully vaccinated are allowed in? NSW yesterday hit a new milestone for vaccination in Australia. More than 80 per cent of the state has now had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it's still rocketing along. While it's still several more weeks before the 70 per cent double vaccination targets are met, for everyone under lockdown it's a wonderful thing to see. Add to that the hope that the state could be starting to see that the curve in new cases is levelling off. Also on today's show: * Lockdowns see life get worse for many Australians * What are the chances of someone taking the COVID-19 virus to a gym or club, pub or restaurant if only the fully vaccinated are allowed in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices NSW yesterday hit a new milestone for vaccination in Australia.

More than 80 per cent of the state has now had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it's still rocketing along.

While it's still several more weeks before the 70 per cent double vaccination targets are met, for everyone under lockdown it's a wonderful thing to see.

Add to that the hope that the state could be starting to see that the curve in new cases is levelling off.

Also on today's show:

* Lockdowns see life get worse for many Australians

* What are the chances of someone taking the COVID-19 virus to a gym or club, pub or restaurant if only the fully vaccinated are allowed in?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 Why vaccinated people shouldn't have more freedoms (quite yet) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-vaccinated-people-shouldnt-have-more-freedoms-quite-yet/13541680 Fully vaccinated people in NSW are counting down the days until they can get some additional freedoms when the state reaches the 70 per cent vaccination rate. But some experts are warning that releasing the brake too quickly might see case numbers and then hospitalisations shoot up again So why could cases once again rise when 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Dr Swan said he would not go back to the gym at 70 per cent vaccination rates. Why not? As a fully vaccinated person isn't it safe? * Cases dropping in NSW? ACT goes another month for lockdowns and Victoria still struggling * Western Australians over 60 can get Pfizer jab now. Should we redirect the vaccine to NSW and/or Victoria? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Fully vaccinated people in NSW are counting down the days until they can get some additional freedoms when the state reaches the 70 per cent vaccination rate. But some experts are warning that releasing the brake too quickly might see case numbers and then hospitalisations shoot up again So why could cases once again rise when 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Dr Swan said he would not go back to the gym at 70 per cent vaccination rates. Why not? As a fully vaccinated person isn't it safe? * Cases dropping in NSW? ACT goes another month for lockdowns and Victoria still struggling * Western Australians over 60 can get Pfizer jab now. Should we redirect the vaccine to NSW and/or Victoria? Fully vaccinated people in NSW are counting down the days until they can get some additional freedoms when the state reaches the 70 per cent vaccination rate. But some experts are warning that releasing the brake too quickly might see case numbers and then hospitalisations shoot up again So why could cases once again rise when 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Dr Swan said he would not go back to the gym at 70 per cent vaccination rates. Why not? As a fully vaccinated person isn't it safe? * Cases dropping in NSW? ACT goes another month for lockdowns and Victoria still struggling * Western Australians over 60 can get Pfizer jab now. Should we redirect the vaccine to NSW and/or Victoria? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fully vaccinated people in NSW are counting down the days until they can get some additional freedoms when the state reaches the 70 per cent vaccination rate.

But some experts are warning that releasing the brake too quickly might see case numbers and then hospitalisations shoot up again

So why could cases once again rise when 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated?

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Dr Swan said he would not go back to the gym at 70 per cent vaccination rates. Why not? As a fully vaccinated person isn't it safe?

* Cases dropping in NSW? ACT goes another month for lockdowns and Victoria still struggling

* Western Australians over 60 can get Pfizer jab now. Should we redirect the vaccine to NSW and/or Victoria?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 781 Even with high vaccination, we might need more ... https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/even-with-high-vaccination-we-might-need-more/13539716 We keep hearing that vaccination might not be enough to get us out of the grip of COVID - so what will be enough? Well, a new group of Australian experts has taken a stab at the types of interventions that may be required alongside vaccination if we are to successfully live with COVID-19. While high vaccination rates are part of it, it also includes measures like proper ventilation in buildings, vaccinating children when possible, masks and extra vaccine doses. So on today's Coronacast, how might we live with COVID-19 in 2022? Also on today's show: * What was the first year of COVID like in Australia for our health? * Updates on NSW and Victoria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We keep hearing that vaccination might not be enough to get us out of the grip of COVID - so what will be enough? Well, a new group of Australian experts has taken a stab at the types of interventions that may be required alongside vaccination if we are to successfully live with COVID-19. While high vaccination rates are part of it, it also includes measures like proper ventilation in buildings, vaccinating children when possible, masks and extra vaccine doses. So on today's Coronacast, how might we live with COVID-19 in 2022? Also on today's show: * What was the first year of COVID like in Australia for our health? * Updates on NSW and Victoria. We keep hearing that vaccination might not be enough to get us out of the grip of COVID - so what will be enough? Well, a new group of Australian experts has taken a stab at the types of interventions that may be required alongside vaccination if we are to successfully live with COVID-19. While high vaccination rates are part of it, it also includes measures like proper ventilation in buildings, vaccinating children when possible, masks and extra vaccine doses. So on today's Coronacast, how might we live with COVID-19 in 2022? Also on today's show: * What was the first year of COVID like in Australia for our health? * Updates on NSW and Victoria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We keep hearing that vaccination might not be enough to get us out of the grip of COVID - so what will be enough?

Well, a new group of Australian experts has taken a stab at the types of interventions that may be required alongside vaccination if we are to successfully live with COVID-19.

While high vaccination rates are part of it, it also includes measures like proper ventilation in buildings, vaccinating children when possible, masks and extra vaccine doses.

So on today's Coronacast, how might we live with COVID-19 in 2022?

Also on today's show:

* What was the first year of COVID like in Australia for our health?

* Updates on NSW and Victoria.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 667 Moderna is coming! What is it again? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/moderna-is-coming-what-is-it-again/13538582 A new vaccine will be arriving next week in Australia, to help bolster vaccine rates and protect Australians from COVID-19. The Moderna vaccine, known by its brand name Spikevax or by its scientific name mRNA-1273, is the country's third vaccine to be administered to the public. The Federal Government yesterday announced additional supplies of Moderna, in addition to the ten million doses already coming later this year. So on today's Coronacast, who is Moderna? And what can we expect from this vaccine? Also on today's show: * Will Norman go back to the Gym at 70 per cent? * What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnancy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 12 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A new vaccine will be arriving next week in Australia, to help bolster vaccine rates and protect Australians from COVID-19. The Moderna vaccine, known by its brand name Spikevax or by its scientific name mRNA-1273, is the country's third vaccine to be administered to the public. The Federal Government yesterday announced additional supplies of Moderna, in addition to the ten million doses already coming later this year. So on today's Coronacast, who is Moderna? And what can we expect from this vaccine? Also on today's show: * Will Norman go back to the Gym at 70 per cent? * What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnancy? A new vaccine will be arriving next week in Australia, to help bolster vaccine rates and protect Australians from COVID-19. The Moderna vaccine, known by its brand name Spikevax or by its scientific name mRNA-1273, is the country's third vaccine to be administered to the public. The Federal Government yesterday announced additional supplies of Moderna, in addition to the ten million doses already coming later this year. So on today's Coronacast, who is Moderna? And what can we expect from this vaccine? Also on today's show: * Will Norman go back to the Gym at 70 per cent? * What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnancy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A new vaccine will be arriving next week in Australia, to help bolster vaccine rates and protect Australians from COVID-19.

The Moderna vaccine, known by its brand name Spikevax or by its scientific name mRNA-1273, is the country's third vaccine to be administered to the public.

The Federal Government yesterday announced additional supplies of Moderna, in addition to the ten million doses already coming later this year.

So on today's Coronacast, who is Moderna? And what can we expect from this vaccine?

Also on today's show:

* Will Norman go back to the Gym at 70 per cent?

* What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnancy?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 666 NSW's big (risky?) leap to reopening! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nsws-big-leap-to-reopening/13534906 The NSW Government has released its plan on what will happen once the state passes the 70 per cent double-vaccination target. Changes for fully vaccinated people include abilities to visit more hospitality and retail venues, visit each other at home and head back into stadiums. But the 70 per cent double-vaccination target is only of eligible people, so works out to be roughly 56 per cent of the whole population. So on today's Coronacast, how risky is the plan? Also on today's show: * Vaccine passports! Coming to a place near you. How might they work and how reliable are they? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The NSW Government has released its plan on what will happen once the state passes the 70 per cent double-vaccination target. Changes for fully vaccinated people include abilities to visit more hospitality and retail venues, visit each other at home and head back into stadiums. But the 70 per cent double-vaccination target is only of eligible people, so works out to be roughly 56 per cent of the whole population. So on today's Coronacast, how risky is the plan? Also on today's show: * Vaccine passports! Coming to a place near you. How might they work and how reliable are they? The NSW Government has released its plan on what will happen once the state passes the 70 per cent double-vaccination target. Changes for fully vaccinated people include abilities to visit more hospitality and retail venues, visit each other at home and head back into stadiums. But the 70 per cent double-vaccination target is only of eligible people, so works out to be roughly 56 per cent of the whole population. So on today's Coronacast, how risky is the plan? Also on today's show: * Vaccine passports! Coming to a place near you. How might they work and how reliable are they? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The NSW Government has released its plan on what will happen once the state passes the 70 per cent double-vaccination target.

Changes for fully vaccinated people include abilities to visit more hospitality and retail venues, visit each other at home and head back into stadiums.

But the 70 per cent double-vaccination target is only of eligible people, so works out to be roughly 56 per cent of the whole population.

So on today's Coronacast, how risky is the plan?

Also on today's show:

* Vaccine passports! Coming to a place near you. How might they work and how reliable are they?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 723 What might the next few weeks look like? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-might-the-next-few-weeks-look-like/13532644 After a massive few months of outbreaks and lockdowns popping up across the country, things seem to have stabilised a bit lately. While health authorities remain on alert around the nation, serious outbreaks are being managed in three jurisdictions: NSW, Victoria and ACT. Everyone is racing towards high levels of vaccination to either control the outbreak or to avoid the worst of it if another one pops up. So on today's Coronacast, how is everything going and the race to 80 per cent plus. Also on today's show: * If you've been double vaccinated, isn't it better to get exposed to covid to get a good immune response rather than getting a booster shot? * What is the rate of hospitalisation once we reach 70 per cent (16+) and 80 per cent vaccinated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia After a massive few months of outbreaks and lockdowns popping up across the country, things seem to have stabilised a bit lately. While health authorities remain on alert around the nation, serious outbreaks are being managed in three jurisdictions: NSW, Victoria and ACT. Everyone is racing towards high levels of vaccination to either control the outbreak or to avoid the worst of it if another one pops up. So on today's Coronacast, how is everything going and the race to 80 per cent plus. Also on today's show: * If you've been double vaccinated, isn't it better to get exposed to covid to get a good immune response rather than getting a booster shot? * What is the rate of hospitalisation once we reach 70 per cent (16+) and 80 per cent vaccinated? After a massive few months of outbreaks and lockdowns popping up across the country, things seem to have stabilised a bit lately. While health authorities remain on alert around the nation, serious outbreaks are being managed in three jurisdictions: NSW, Victoria and ACT. Everyone is racing towards high levels of vaccination to either control the outbreak or to avoid the worst of it if another one pops up. So on today's Coronacast, how is everything going and the race to 80 per cent plus. Also on today's show: * If you've been double vaccinated, isn't it better to get exposed to covid to get a good immune response rather than getting a booster shot? * What is the rate of hospitalisation once we reach 70 per cent (16+) and 80 per cent vaccinated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After a massive few months of outbreaks and lockdowns popping up across the country, things seem to have stabilised a bit lately.

While health authorities remain on alert around the nation, serious outbreaks are being managed in three jurisdictions: NSW, Victoria and ACT.

Everyone is racing towards high levels of vaccination to either control the outbreak or to avoid the worst of it if another one pops up.

So on today's Coronacast, how is everything going and the race to 80 per cent plus.

Also on today's show:

* If you've been double vaccinated, isn't it better to get exposed to covid to get a good immune response rather than getting a booster shot?

* What is the rate of hospitalisation once we reach 70 per cent (16+) and 80 per cent vaccinated?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 661 I know the vaccine will protect me, but will it protect others? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/i-know-the-vaccine-will-protect-me-but-will-it-protect-others/13530722 We keep hearing that the coronavirus vaccine isn't 100 per cent effective in stopping transmission of the virus from one person to another. And so you could be forgiven for thinking, well what's the point of getting vaccinated if it only protects you from severe disease and doesn't help protect others around you. Well, the good news is that it does help protect others because it does lower the risk of transmitting the virus, and we have the evidence to prove it. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Are we getting to the peak of the outbreak in NSW? * Why do you have to inject the COVID-19 vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We keep hearing that the coronavirus vaccine isn't 100 per cent effective in stopping transmission of the virus from one person to another. And so you could be forgiven for thinking, well what's the point of getting vaccinated if it only protects you from severe disease and doesn't help protect others around you. Well, the good news is that it does help protect others because it does lower the risk of transmitting the virus, and we have the evidence to prove it. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Are we getting to the peak of the outbreak in NSW? * Why do you have to inject the COVID-19 vaccine? We keep hearing that the coronavirus vaccine isn't 100 per cent effective in stopping transmission of the virus from one person to another. And so you could be forgiven for thinking, well what's the point of getting vaccinated if it only protects you from severe disease and doesn't help protect others around you. Well, the good news is that it does help protect others because it does lower the risk of transmitting the virus, and we have the evidence to prove it. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Are we getting to the peak of the outbreak in NSW? * Why do you have to inject the COVID-19 vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We keep hearing that the coronavirus vaccine isn't 100 per cent effective in stopping transmission of the virus from one person to another.

And so you could be forgiven for thinking, well what's the point of getting vaccinated if it only protects you from severe disease and doesn't help protect others around you.

Well, the good news is that it does help protect others because it does lower the risk of transmitting the virus, and we have the evidence to prove it.

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Are we getting to the peak of the outbreak in NSW?

* Why do you have to inject the COVID-19 vaccine?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 691 Why aren't more Indigenous people vaccinated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-arent-more-indigenous-people-vaccinated/13529438 As we race towards our national COVID-19 vaccination targets, it's sometimes easy to forget that broad averages like 70 and 80 per cent don't always tell the full story. One area in particular to keep an eye on is the vaccination rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Indigenous Australians are well behind non-Indigenous Australians in the vaccination rollout across large parts of the country. So on today's Coronacast, what are the barriers to First Nations' people being vaccinated? Also on today's show: * When will NSW peak? * Duration of peak infectiousness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As we race towards our national COVID-19 vaccination targets, it's sometimes easy to forget that broad averages like 70 and 80 per cent don't always tell the full story. One area in particular to keep an eye on is the vaccination rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Indigenous Australians are well behind non-Indigenous Australians in the vaccination rollout across large parts of the country. So on today's Coronacast, what are the barriers to First Nations' people being vaccinated? Also on today's show: * When will NSW peak? * Duration of peak infectiousness As we race towards our national COVID-19 vaccination targets, it's sometimes easy to forget that broad averages like 70 and 80 per cent don't always tell the full story. One area in particular to keep an eye on is the vaccination rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Indigenous Australians are well behind non-Indigenous Australians in the vaccination rollout across large parts of the country. So on today's Coronacast, what are the barriers to First Nations' people being vaccinated? Also on today's show: * When will NSW peak? * Duration of peak infectiousness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we race towards our national COVID-19 vaccination targets, it's sometimes easy to forget that broad averages like 70 and 80 per cent don't always tell the full story.

One area in particular to keep an eye on is the vaccination rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Indigenous Australians are well behind non-Indigenous Australians in the vaccination rollout across large parts of the country.

So on today's Coronacast, what are the barriers to First Nations' people being vaccinated?

Also on today's show:

* When will NSW peak?

* Duration of peak infectiousness

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 732 Is it fair to wait to reopen until kids are vaccinated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-it-fair-to-wait-to-reopen-until-kids-are-vaccinated/13528580 As Australia's vaccine rollout continues to grow, and more people get the opportunity to be vaccinated, attention is turning to those who can't. From the 13th September, kids aged 12-15 can get their jab. But many are wondering when - or if - children younger than that may get their chance. And in Queensland, Premier Anna Palaszczuk has suggested delaying opening up until kids under 12 can get a shot - but there are still no vaccines approved anywhere in the world for that age group. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about young children and Delta? And is it fair to wait until they too can be vaccinated? Also on today's show: * Does vaccination reduce your risk of long COVID? * And what do we know about AstraZeneca and booster doses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 05 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As Australia's vaccine rollout continues to grow, and more people get the opportunity to be vaccinated, attention is turning to those who can't. From the 13th September, kids aged 12-15 can get their jab. But many are wondering when - or if - children younger than that may get their chance. And in Queensland, Premier Anna Palaszczuk has suggested delaying opening up until kids under 12 can get a shot - but there are still no vaccines approved anywhere in the world for that age group. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about young children and Delta? And is it fair to wait until they too can be vaccinated? Also on today's show: * Does vaccination reduce your risk of long COVID? * And what do we know about AstraZeneca and booster doses? As Australia's vaccine rollout continues to grow, and more people get the opportunity to be vaccinated, attention is turning to those who can't. From the 13th September, kids aged 12-15 can get their jab. But many are wondering when - or if - children younger than that may get their chance. And in Queensland, Premier Anna Palaszczuk has suggested delaying opening up until kids under 12 can get a shot - but there are still no vaccines approved anywhere in the world for that age group. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about young children and Delta? And is it fair to wait until they too can be vaccinated? Also on today's show: * Does vaccination reduce your risk of long COVID? * And what do we know about AstraZeneca and booster doses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As Australia's vaccine rollout continues to grow, and more people get the opportunity to be vaccinated, attention is turning to those who can't.

From the 13th September, kids aged 12-15 can get their jab. But many are wondering when - or if - children younger than that may get their chance.

And in Queensland, Premier Anna Palaszczuk has suggested delaying opening up until kids under 12 can get a shot - but there are still no vaccines approved anywhere in the world for that age group.

So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about young children and Delta? And is it fair to wait until they too can be vaccinated?

Also on today's show:

* Does vaccination reduce your risk of long COVID?

* And what do we know about AstraZeneca and booster doses?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 Boost me baby! Should we all actually have three doses? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/boost-me-baby!-should-we-all-actually-have-three-doses/13524898 It's well known by now that you need to have both doses of whatever vaccine you have for the best possible protection against coronavirus. But what if it actually takes three shots to get there? We are learning more and more about immunity against COVID-19 from overseas experiences, including a successful booster program in Israel. So might the ol' two dose vaccine regime actually take three? That's on today's Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's well known by now that you need to have both doses of whatever vaccine you have for the best possible protection against coronavirus. But what if it actually takes three shots to get there? We are learning more and more about immunity against COVID-19 from overseas experiences, including a successful booster program in Israel. So might the ol' two dose vaccine regime actually take three? That's on today's Coronacast. It's well known by now that you need to have both doses of whatever vaccine you have for the best possible protection against coronavirus. But what if it actually takes three shots to get there? We are learning more and more about immunity against COVID-19 from overseas experiences, including a successful booster program in Israel. So might the ol' two dose vaccine regime actually take three? That's on today's Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's well known by now that you need to have both doses of whatever vaccine you have for the best possible protection against coronavirus.

But what if it actually takes three shots to get there?

We are learning more and more about immunity against COVID-19 from overseas experiences, including a successful booster program in Israel.

So might the ol' two dose vaccine regime actually take three? That's on today's Coronacast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 720 Victoria gives up on donut days forever https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/victoria-gives-up-on-donut-days-forever/13522674 There are to be no large changes to Victoria's lockdown restrictions, after a large jump in cases overnight and Government acceptance that the Delta outbreak can't be brought back to zero. Apart from some small changes, such as reopening playgrounds, people in Melbourne will remain in lockdown until vaccine levels get high enough. But that's not to say the lockdown in both Victoria and NSW has been without success. Modelling has shown many tens of thousands of cases have been prevented with the extreme social distancing. So on today's Coronacast, what happened in Victoria and what could it mean for other states? Also on today's show: * An interesting study from Hong Kong on eye sight and lockdowns. * My kid's best friends come from a family that's vehemently opposed to the vaccine. We hang out all the time. I'm not going to convince them and I don't want to stop being with them but I'm concerned there is additional risk there for us. What should I do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Sep 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are to be no large changes to Victoria's lockdown restrictions, after a large jump in cases overnight and Government acceptance that the Delta outbreak can't be brought back to zero. Apart from some small changes, such as reopening playgrounds, people in Melbourne will remain in lockdown until vaccine levels get high enough. But that's not to say the lockdown in both Victoria and NSW has been without success. Modelling has shown many tens of thousands of cases have been prevented with the extreme social distancing. So on today's Coronacast, what happened in Victoria and what could it mean for other states? Also on today's show: * An interesting study from Hong Kong on eye sight and lockdowns. * My kid's best friends come from a family that's vehemently opposed to the vaccine. We hang out all the time. I'm not going to convince them and I don't want to stop being with them but I'm concerned there is additional risk there for us. What should I do? There are to be no large changes to Victoria's lockdown restrictions, after a large jump in cases overnight and Government acceptance that the Delta outbreak can't be brought back to zero. Apart from some small changes, such as reopening playgrounds, people in Melbourne will remain in lockdown until vaccine levels get high enough. But that's not to say the lockdown in both Victoria and NSW has been without success. Modelling has shown many tens of thousands of cases have been prevented with the extreme social distancing. So on today's Coronacast, what happened in Victoria and what could it mean for other states? Also on today's show: * An interesting study from Hong Kong on eye sight and lockdowns. * My kid's best friends come from a family that's vehemently opposed to the vaccine. We hang out all the time. I'm not going to convince them and I don't want to stop being with them but I'm concerned there is additional risk there for us. What should I do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are to be no large changes to Victoria's lockdown restrictions, after a large jump in cases overnight and Government acceptance that the Delta outbreak can't be brought back to zero.

Apart from some small changes, such as reopening playgrounds, people in Melbourne will remain in lockdown until vaccine levels get high enough.

But that's not to say the lockdown in both Victoria and NSW has been without success. Modelling has shown many tens of thousands of cases have been prevented with the extreme social distancing.

So on today's Coronacast, what happened in Victoria and what could it mean for other states?

Also on today's show:

* An interesting study from Hong Kong on eye sight and lockdowns.

* My kid's best friends come from a family that's vehemently opposed to the vaccine. We hang out all the time. I'm not going to convince them and I don't want to stop being with them but I'm concerned there is additional risk there for us. What should I do?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 685 From COVID-zero to the ultimate balancing act https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/from-covid-zero-to-the-ultimate-balancing-act/13521558 The Victorian Government will today announce details around how it plans to manage COVID-19 cases as it rushes to vaccinate as many people as possible. Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews said he'd be meeting with health officials to develop thresholds for the easing of the lockdown, where possible. It's a move away from the COVID-zero goal of the past, as it appears unlikely that the state will manage to eliminate the spread of the Delta variant. So on today's Coronacast, is this a new medium term strategy of balancing caseloads with the hope enough people will be vaccinated before the health system crumbles? Also on today's show: * Is there any research on having a mRNA shot first followed by Astra in terms of efficacy and safety? * An interesting study on COVID-19 and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Victorian Government will today announce details around how it plans to manage COVID-19 cases as it rushes to vaccinate as many people as possible. Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews said he'd be meeting with health officials to develop thresholds for the easing of the lockdown, where possible. It's a move away from the COVID-zero goal of the past, as it appears unlikely that the state will manage to eliminate the spread of the Delta variant. So on today's Coronacast, is this a new medium term strategy of balancing caseloads with the hope enough people will be vaccinated before the health system crumbles? Also on today's show: * Is there any research on having a mRNA shot first followed by Astra in terms of efficacy and safety? * An interesting study on COVID-19 and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases The Victorian Government will today announce details around how it plans to manage COVID-19 cases as it rushes to vaccinate as many people as possible. Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews said he'd be meeting with health officials to develop thresholds for the easing of the lockdown, where possible. It's a move away from the COVID-zero goal of the past, as it appears unlikely that the state will manage to eliminate the spread of the Delta variant. So on today's Coronacast, is this a new medium term strategy of balancing caseloads with the hope enough people will be vaccinated before the health system crumbles? Also on today's show: * Is there any research on having a mRNA shot first followed by Astra in terms of efficacy and safety? * An interesting study on COVID-19 and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Victorian Government will today announce details around how it plans to manage COVID-19 cases as it rushes to vaccinate as many people as possible.

Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews said he'd be meeting with health officials to develop thresholds for the easing of the lockdown, where possible.

It's a move away from the COVID-zero goal of the past, as it appears unlikely that the state will manage to eliminate the spread of the Delta variant.

So on today's Coronacast, is this a new medium term strategy of balancing caseloads with the hope enough people will be vaccinated before the health system crumbles?

Also on today's show:

* Is there any research on having a mRNA shot first followed by Astra in terms of efficacy and safety?

* An interesting study on COVID-19 and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 646 Why is the "worst month" for NSW in October? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-is-the-worst-month-for-nsw-in-october/13520032 It was another record day yesterday for NSW in COVID-19 cases, and the wave is showing no signs of slowing down. And yesterday in even more grim news, the Premier Gladys Berejiklian flagged that October would be the worst month for hospitals and ICU units. That's despite the vaccination rate in NSW charging ahead thanks to a population rushing forward to be vaccinated and additional supply helping things out. So on today's Coronacast, why is October being tipped to be bad when the vaccine rate is growing so quickly? Also on today's show: * What can we learn about long-COVID from the people who've lived with it longest? * I am confused by the target of 70 to 80 per cent immunisation before opening up. There is a very big difference between 70 and 80. Can you explain please? * What's the likelihood that our third doses of mRNA vaccine will have been changed to specifically target the Delta variant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It was another record day yesterday for NSW in COVID-19 cases, and the wave is showing no signs of slowing down. And yesterday in even more grim news, the Premier Gladys Berejiklian flagged that October would be the worst month for hospitals and ICU units. That's despite the vaccination rate in NSW charging ahead thanks to a population rushing forward to be vaccinated and additional supply helping things out. So on today's Coronacast, why is October being tipped to be bad when the vaccine rate is growing so quickly? Also on today's show: * What can we learn about long-COVID from the people who've lived with it longest? * I am confused by the target of 70 to 80 per cent immunisation before opening up. There is a very big difference between 70 and 80. Can you explain please? * What's the likelihood that our third doses of mRNA vaccine will have been changed to specifically target the Delta variant? It was another record day yesterday for NSW in COVID-19 cases, and the wave is showing no signs of slowing down. And yesterday in even more grim news, the Premier Gladys Berejiklian flagged that October would be the worst month for hospitals and ICU units. That's despite the vaccination rate in NSW charging ahead thanks to a population rushing forward to be vaccinated and additional supply helping things out. So on today's Coronacast, why is October being tipped to be bad when the vaccine rate is growing so quickly? Also on today's show: * What can we learn about long-COVID from the people who've lived with it longest? * I am confused by the target of 70 to 80 per cent immunisation before opening up. There is a very big difference between 70 and 80. Can you explain please? * What's the likelihood that our third doses of mRNA vaccine will have been changed to specifically target the Delta variant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It was another record day yesterday for NSW in COVID-19 cases, and the wave is showing no signs of slowing down.

And yesterday in even more grim news, the Premier Gladys Berejiklian flagged that October would be the worst month for hospitals and ICU units.

That's despite the vaccination rate in NSW charging ahead thanks to a population rushing forward to be vaccinated and additional supply helping things out.

So on today's Coronacast, why is October being tipped to be bad when the vaccine rate is growing so quickly?

Also on today's show:

* What can we learn about long-COVID from the people who've lived with it longest?

* I am confused by the target of 70 to 80 per cent immunisation before opening up. There is a very big difference between 70 and 80. Can you explain please?

* What's the likelihood that our third doses of mRNA vaccine will have been changed to specifically target the Delta variant?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 Didn't Victoria do everything right? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/didnt-victoria-do-everything-right/13519030 Case numbers in both Victoria and NSW continue to climb, with both states yesterday posting new daily records for this year. While Victoria's daily cases are far behind NSW, Victoria is on a similar trajectory as NSW was - despite locking down hard and early. So what's going on? Why are cases continuing to rise? Also on today's show: * ATAGI recommends vaccinations for 12-15 year olds * With kids getting the vaccines, what will that mean for the 70/80 per cent targets (as more people are now getting vaccinated) * What is the likelihood of an even more transmissible or deadly strain emerging and what should we be doing to be ready for it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 29 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Case numbers in both Victoria and NSW continue to climb, with both states yesterday posting new daily records for this year. While Victoria's daily cases are far behind NSW, Victoria is on a similar trajectory as NSW was - despite locking down hard and early. So what's going on? Why are cases continuing to rise? Also on today's show: * ATAGI recommends vaccinations for 12-15 year olds * With kids getting the vaccines, what will that mean for the 70/80 per cent targets (as more people are now getting vaccinated) * What is the likelihood of an even more transmissible or deadly strain emerging and what should we be doing to be ready for it? Case numbers in both Victoria and NSW continue to climb, with both states yesterday posting new daily records for this year. While Victoria's daily cases are far behind NSW, Victoria is on a similar trajectory as NSW was - despite locking down hard and early. So what's going on? Why are cases continuing to rise? Also on today's show: * ATAGI recommends vaccinations for 12-15 year olds * With kids getting the vaccines, what will that mean for the 70/80 per cent targets (as more people are now getting vaccinated) * What is the likelihood of an even more transmissible or deadly strain emerging and what should we be doing to be ready for it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Case numbers in both Victoria and NSW continue to climb, with both states yesterday posting new daily records for this year.

While Victoria's daily cases are far behind NSW, Victoria is on a similar trajectory as NSW was - despite locking down hard and early.

So what's going on? Why are cases continuing to rise?

Also on today's show:

* ATAGI recommends vaccinations for 12-15 year olds

* With kids getting the vaccines, what will that mean for the 70/80 per cent targets (as more people are now getting vaccinated)

* What is the likelihood of an even more transmissible or deadly strain emerging and what should we be doing to be ready for it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 659 Despite 1000+ cases, a sliver of freedom for NSW https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/despite-1000-cases-a-sliver-of-freedom-for-nsw/13515672 Fully vaccinated NSW residents will be given a very small increase in freedoms, after the state reached more than 6 million vaccination doses earlier this week. The state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday revealed that from mid-September, people who are fully vaccinated will be able to meet more people or spend more time outdoors - depending on where they live. But it wasn't all good news, with the state revealing more than 1000 new COVID-19 cases - the highest it's been in Australia at any point of the pandemic. So on today's Coronacast, is this a turning point in how lockdowns operate as we move on from trying to eliminate COVID spread? Also on today's show: * How are we supposed to keep following the rules when we get nothing in return? * Please tell us about Lambda and AY3. Should we be concerned? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Fully vaccinated NSW residents will be given a very small increase in freedoms, after the state reached more than 6 million vaccination doses earlier this week. The state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday revealed that from mid-September, people who are fully vaccinated will be able to meet more people or spend more time outdoors - depending on where they live. But it wasn't all good news, with the state revealing more than 1000 new COVID-19 cases - the highest it's been in Australia at any point of the pandemic. So on today's Coronacast, is this a turning point in how lockdowns operate as we move on from trying to eliminate COVID spread? Also on today's show: * How are we supposed to keep following the rules when we get nothing in return? * Please tell us about Lambda and AY3. Should we be concerned? Fully vaccinated NSW residents will be given a very small increase in freedoms, after the state reached more than 6 million vaccination doses earlier this week. The state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday revealed that from mid-September, people who are fully vaccinated will be able to meet more people or spend more time outdoors - depending on where they live. But it wasn't all good news, with the state revealing more than 1000 new COVID-19 cases - the highest it's been in Australia at any point of the pandemic. So on today's Coronacast, is this a turning point in how lockdowns operate as we move on from trying to eliminate COVID spread? Also on today's show: * How are we supposed to keep following the rules when we get nothing in return? * Please tell us about Lambda and AY3. Should we be concerned? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fully vaccinated NSW residents will be given a very small increase in freedoms, after the state reached more than 6 million vaccination doses earlier this week.

The state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday revealed that from mid-September, people who are fully vaccinated will be able to meet more people or spend more time outdoors - depending on where they live.

But it wasn't all good news, with the state revealing more than 1000 new COVID-19 cases - the highest it's been in Australia at any point of the pandemic.

So on today's Coronacast, is this a turning point in how lockdowns operate as we move on from trying to eliminate COVID spread?

Also on today's show:

* How are we supposed to keep following the rules when we get nothing in return?

* Please tell us about Lambda and AY3. Should we be concerned?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 649 Does Pfizer wear off more quickly? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/does-pfizer-wear-off-more-quickly/13513852 You might have heard a friend or family member say 'I'm waiting for Pfizer', on the assumption that the mRNA vaccine works better than others. But according to a recent study from the University of Oxford, immunity from the Pfizer vaccine may actually start to wane faster than AstraZeneca. A month ago, Israel began a program of booster shots, giving older people a third shot of the vaccine to try and help tame a growing outbreak of the Delta variant. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how long immunity may last? Also on today's show: * What effect would it have on our community if those who are fully vaccinated were given some benefits, such as reduced restrictions? * When do we stop contact tracing altogether? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might have heard a friend or family member say 'I'm waiting for Pfizer', on the assumption that the mRNA vaccine works better than others. But according to a recent study from the University of Oxford, immunity from the Pfizer vaccine may actually start to wane faster than AstraZeneca. A month ago, Israel began a program of booster shots, giving older people a third shot of the vaccine to try and help tame a growing outbreak of the Delta variant. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how long immunity may last? Also on today's show: * What effect would it have on our community if those who are fully vaccinated were given some benefits, such as reduced restrictions? * When do we stop contact tracing altogether? You might have heard a friend or family member say 'I'm waiting for Pfizer', on the assumption that the mRNA vaccine works better than others. But according to a recent study from the University of Oxford, immunity from the Pfizer vaccine may actually start to wane faster than AstraZeneca. A month ago, Israel began a program of booster shots, giving older people a third shot of the vaccine to try and help tame a growing outbreak of the Delta variant. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how long immunity may last? Also on today's show: * What effect would it have on our community if those who are fully vaccinated were given some benefits, such as reduced restrictions? * When do we stop contact tracing altogether? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might have heard a friend or family member say 'I'm waiting for Pfizer', on the assumption that the mRNA vaccine works better than others.

But according to a recent study from the University of Oxford, immunity from the Pfizer vaccine may actually start to wane faster than AstraZeneca.

A month ago, Israel began a program of booster shots, giving older people a third shot of the vaccine to try and help tame a growing outbreak of the Delta variant.

So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how long immunity may last?

Also on today's show:

* What effect would it have on our community if those who are fully vaccinated were given some benefits, such as reduced restrictions?

* When do we stop contact tracing altogether?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 725 What are the assumptions in the Doherty Model? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-are-the-assumptions-in-the-doherty-model/13512188 The Doherty Institute Model is the hottest ticket in town, with everyone from politicians to punters talking about what happens when we reach 70 and 80 per cent vaccination levels. But there are a lot of assumptions that have to be made to come up with a model, and Doherty Institute's plan is no different. Among other things, it assumes a certain level of cases, a functioning contact tracing system even at high numbers and vaccines that keep us immune to COVID-19. But on today's Coronacast, how valid are those assumptions in the real world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Doherty Institute Model is the hottest ticket in town, with everyone from politicians to punters talking about what happens when we reach 70 and 80 per cent vaccination levels. But there are a lot of assumptions that have to be made to come up with a model, and Doherty Institute's plan is no different. Among other things, it assumes a certain level of cases, a functioning contact tracing system even at high numbers and vaccines that keep us immune to COVID-19. But on today's Coronacast, how valid are those assumptions in the real world? The Doherty Institute Model is the hottest ticket in town, with everyone from politicians to punters talking about what happens when we reach 70 and 80 per cent vaccination levels. But there are a lot of assumptions that have to be made to come up with a model, and Doherty Institute's plan is no different. Among other things, it assumes a certain level of cases, a functioning contact tracing system even at high numbers and vaccines that keep us immune to COVID-19. But on today's Coronacast, how valid are those assumptions in the real world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Doherty Institute Model is the hottest ticket in town, with everyone from politicians to punters talking about what happens when we reach 70 and 80 per cent vaccination levels.

But there are a lot of assumptions that have to be made to come up with a model, and Doherty Institute's plan is no different.

Among other things, it assumes a certain level of cases, a functioning contact tracing system even at high numbers and vaccines that keep us immune to COVID-19.

But on today's Coronacast, how valid are those assumptions in the real world?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 780 Are kids getting sicker with Delta? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-kids-getting-sicker-with-delta/13510220 A glance at the headlines reveals some worrying news: it seems the Delta coronavirus variant is affecting young people and kids far more than previous strains. And it's true, but while more kids are getting Delta, they're not getting more sick. Data from NSW shows that the infection rate is around 10 to 15 times higher, but the rate of hospitalisation is about the same at roughly 2 per cent. So what could be going on? And what does should we aim for in regards to vaccinating kids? Also on today's show: * From hard lockdowns to softer ones? * Do old strains of coronavirus disappear after it has mutated into the new strain? Is there only the Delta strain now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A glance at the headlines reveals some worrying news: it seems the Delta coronavirus variant is affecting young people and kids far more than previous strains. And it's true, but while more kids are getting Delta, they're not getting more sick. Data from NSW shows that the infection rate is around 10 to 15 times higher, but the rate of hospitalisation is about the same at roughly 2 per cent. So what could be going on? And what does should we aim for in regards to vaccinating kids? Also on today's show: * From hard lockdowns to softer ones? * Do old strains of coronavirus disappear after it has mutated into the new strain? Is there only the Delta strain now? A glance at the headlines reveals some worrying news: it seems the Delta coronavirus variant is affecting young people and kids far more than previous strains. And it's true, but while more kids are getting Delta, they're not getting more sick. Data from NSW shows that the infection rate is around 10 to 15 times higher, but the rate of hospitalisation is about the same at roughly 2 per cent. So what could be going on? And what does should we aim for in regards to vaccinating kids? Also on today's show: * From hard lockdowns to softer ones? * Do old strains of coronavirus disappear after it has mutated into the new strain? Is there only the Delta strain now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A glance at the headlines reveals some worrying news: it seems the Delta coronavirus variant is affecting young people and kids far more than previous strains.

And it's true, but while more kids are getting Delta, they're not getting more sick.

Data from NSW shows that the infection rate is around 10 to 15 times higher, but the rate of hospitalisation is about the same at roughly 2 per cent.

So what could be going on? And what does should we aim for in regards to vaccinating kids?

Also on today's show:

* From hard lockdowns to softer ones?

* Do old strains of coronavirus disappear after it has mutated into the new strain? Is there only the Delta strain now?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 814 Australia's vaccination rollout goes for gold! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/australias-vaccination-rollout-goes-for-gold/13509432 Australia's vaccine rollout got off to a rough start. It slow to begin and was plagued with problems regarding patchy supply and shifting eligibility. But in the last few weeks, we've really hit our stride with data from the ABC showing that NSW is now vaccinating more people per million each week than the UK and the USA at their peak. So on today's Coronacast, with increased supply of Pfizer and Moderna due next month and young people running out to get AstraZeneca, can we maintain the pace and will it help us end lockdowns forever? Also on today's show: * Can you do an update on exactly what vaccination does and doesn't do in terms of protecting individuals and society? * I have had one dose of Pfizer. Do I have any protection against the virus yet? * I'm in Tasmania and over 60 years old but worried about AstraZeneca. Is there any possible alternative? * Norman always says lockdown early. Can you please explain how Melbourne numbers are going up so quickly despite locking down at the first case? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 22 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia's vaccine rollout got off to a rough start. It slow to begin and was plagued with problems regarding patchy supply and shifting eligibility. But in the last few weeks, we've really hit our stride with data from the ABC showing that NSW is now vaccinating more people per million each week than the UK and the USA at their peak. So on today's Coronacast, with increased supply of Pfizer and Moderna due next month and young people running out to get AstraZeneca, can we maintain the pace and will it help us end lockdowns forever? Also on today's show: * Can you do an update on exactly what vaccination does and doesn't do in terms of protecting individuals and society? * I have had one dose of Pfizer. Do I have any protection against the virus yet? * I'm in Tasmania and over 60 years old but worried about AstraZeneca. Is there any possible alternative? * Norman always says lockdown early. Can you please explain how Melbourne numbers are going up so quickly despite locking down at the first case? Australia's vaccine rollout got off to a rough start. It slow to begin and was plagued with problems regarding patchy supply and shifting eligibility. But in the last few weeks, we've really hit our stride with data from the ABC showing that NSW is now vaccinating more people per million each week than the UK and the USA at their peak. So on today's Coronacast, with increased supply of Pfizer and Moderna due next month and young people running out to get AstraZeneca, can we maintain the pace and will it help us end lockdowns forever? Also on today's show: * Can you do an update on exactly what vaccination does and doesn't do in terms of protecting individuals and society? * I have had one dose of Pfizer. Do I have any protection against the virus yet? * I'm in Tasmania and over 60 years old but worried about AstraZeneca. Is there any possible alternative? * Norman always says lockdown early. Can you please explain how Melbourne numbers are going up so quickly despite locking down at the first case? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia's vaccine rollout got off to a rough start. It slow to begin and was plagued with problems regarding patchy supply and shifting eligibility.

But in the last few weeks, we've really hit our stride with data from the ABC showing that NSW is now vaccinating more people per million each week than the UK and the USA at their peak.

So on today's Coronacast, with increased supply of Pfizer and Moderna due next month and young people running out to get AstraZeneca, can we maintain the pace and will it help us end lockdowns forever?

Also on today's show:

* Can you do an update on exactly what vaccination does and doesn't do in terms of protecting individuals and society?

* I have had one dose of Pfizer. Do I have any protection against the virus yet?

* I'm in Tasmania and over 60 years old but worried about AstraZeneca. Is there any possible alternative?

* Norman always says lockdown early. Can you please explain how Melbourne numbers are going up so quickly despite locking down at the first case?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 708 If COVID was a play, what act are we in? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/if-covid-was-a-play-what-act-are-we-in/13505050 If there's one thing that's become a feature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that it has seemed to drag on and on. While it seems like a long time ago, it was only early last year when the SARS-CoV-2 virus popped into our lives. But how far left have we got to go? If it was a play, what act are we in? And can we take an interval break? Also on today's show: * Doherty Institute modelling said we can start opening up at 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination rate. This was based on small numbers in the community. What would be the effect of opening with large numbers? * Since NSW is headed for thousands more cases, could people living there be travelling internationally before everyone else? * Has anyone caught COVID-19 twice? If so, was it worse the second time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If there's one thing that's become a feature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that it has seemed to drag on and on. While it seems like a long time ago, it was only early last year when the SARS-CoV-2 virus popped into our lives. But how far left have we got to go? If it was a play, what act are we in? And can we take an interval break? Also on today's show: * Doherty Institute modelling said we can start opening up at 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination rate. This was based on small numbers in the community. What would be the effect of opening with large numbers? * Since NSW is headed for thousands more cases, could people living there be travelling internationally before everyone else? * Has anyone caught COVID-19 twice? If so, was it worse the second time? If there's one thing that's become a feature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that it has seemed to drag on and on. While it seems like a long time ago, it was only early last year when the SARS-CoV-2 virus popped into our lives. But how far left have we got to go? If it was a play, what act are we in? And can we take an interval break? Also on today's show: * Doherty Institute modelling said we can start opening up at 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination rate. This was based on small numbers in the community. What would be the effect of opening with large numbers? * Since NSW is headed for thousands more cases, could people living there be travelling internationally before everyone else? * Has anyone caught COVID-19 twice? If so, was it worse the second time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If there's one thing that's become a feature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that it has seemed to drag on and on.

While it seems like a long time ago, it was only early last year when the SARS-CoV-2 virus popped into our lives.

But how far left have we got to go? If it was a play, what act are we in? And can we take an interval break?

Also on today's show:

* Doherty Institute modelling said we can start opening up at 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination rate. This was based on small numbers in the community. What would be the effect of opening with large numbers?

* Since NSW is headed for thousands more cases, could people living there be travelling internationally before everyone else?

* Has anyone caught COVID-19 twice? If so, was it worse the second time?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 622 Why it's so bad when COVID gets into the regions https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-its-so-bad-when-covid-gets-into-the-regions/13501700 As the COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney continue to rise exponentially, regional NSW is also busy battling the spread of the virus. Of the 633 cases yesterday, there were 23 cases from western NSW, 16 from the Hunter region and 4 in far western NSW. The continued spread in regional areas is a massive worry, as regional areas have both vulnerable populations and unique challenges not found in metropolitan areas. Also on today's show: * Big jump in NSW's testing positivity rate * Victoria, ACT and New Zealand continue to battle their own outbreaks * If zero cases in NSW is no longer an option, but it is still possible elsewhere, what do we do? * What does Norman mean when he refers to getting the NSW second wave "under control". He often says this after quoting experts who think COVID zero is out of reach. What are we aiming for in NSW? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney continue to rise exponentially, regional NSW is also busy battling the spread of the virus. Of the 633 cases yesterday, there were 23 cases from western NSW, 16 from the Hunter region and 4 in far western NSW. The continued spread in regional areas is a massive worry, as regional areas have both vulnerable populations and unique challenges not found in metropolitan areas. Also on today's show: * Big jump in NSW's testing positivity rate * Victoria, ACT and New Zealand continue to battle their own outbreaks * If zero cases in NSW is no longer an option, but it is still possible elsewhere, what do we do? * What does Norman mean when he refers to getting the NSW second wave "under control". He often says this after quoting experts who think COVID zero is out of reach. What are we aiming for in NSW? As the COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney continue to rise exponentially, regional NSW is also busy battling the spread of the virus. Of the 633 cases yesterday, there were 23 cases from western NSW, 16 from the Hunter region and 4 in far western NSW. The continued spread in regional areas is a massive worry, as regional areas have both vulnerable populations and unique challenges not found in metropolitan areas. Also on today's show: * Big jump in NSW's testing positivity rate * Victoria, ACT and New Zealand continue to battle their own outbreaks * If zero cases in NSW is no longer an option, but it is still possible elsewhere, what do we do? * What does Norman mean when he refers to getting the NSW second wave "under control". He often says this after quoting experts who think COVID zero is out of reach. What are we aiming for in NSW? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney continue to rise exponentially, regional NSW is also busy battling the spread of the virus.

Of the 633 cases yesterday, there were 23 cases from western NSW, 16 from the Hunter region and 4 in far western NSW.

The continued spread in regional areas is a massive worry, as regional areas have both vulnerable populations and unique challenges not found in metropolitan areas.

Also on today's show:

* Big jump in NSW's testing positivity rate

* Victoria, ACT and New Zealand continue to battle their own outbreaks

* If zero cases in NSW is no longer an option, but it is still possible elsewhere, what do we do?

* What does Norman mean when he refers to getting the NSW second wave "under control". He often says this after quoting experts who think COVID zero is out of reach. What are we aiming for in NSW?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 815 Three scenarios for our future with COVID https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/three-scenarios-for-our-future-with-covid/13499752 As we can see from what's happening around the country, the Delta variant has changed the game when it comes to controlling the spread of coronavirus. It seems unlikely Sydney will ever regain control, and there are major battles in ACT and Melbourne. The Delta variant has surprised virologists with how it popped into existence and how it has so rapidly taken over. But not all is lost. On today's Coronacast, the three scenarios of where we could be headed next. Also on today's show: * A worrying risk of double infections in children * What's going on with NSW contact tracing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As we can see from what's happening around the country, the Delta variant has changed the game when it comes to controlling the spread of coronavirus. It seems unlikely Sydney will ever regain control, and there are major battles in ACT and Melbourne. The Delta variant has surprised virologists with how it popped into existence and how it has so rapidly taken over. But not all is lost. On today's Coronacast, the three scenarios of where we could be headed next. Also on today's show: * A worrying risk of double infections in children * What's going on with NSW contact tracing? As we can see from what's happening around the country, the Delta variant has changed the game when it comes to controlling the spread of coronavirus. It seems unlikely Sydney will ever regain control, and there are major battles in ACT and Melbourne. The Delta variant has surprised virologists with how it popped into existence and how it has so rapidly taken over. But not all is lost. On today's Coronacast, the three scenarios of where we could be headed next. Also on today's show: * A worrying risk of double infections in children * What's going on with NSW contact tracing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we can see from what's happening around the country, the Delta variant has changed the game when it comes to controlling the spread of coronavirus.

It seems unlikely Sydney will ever regain control, and there are major battles in ACT and Melbourne.

The Delta variant has surprised virologists with how it popped into existence and how it has so rapidly taken over.

But not all is lost. On today's Coronacast, the three scenarios of where we could be headed next.

Also on today's show:

* A worrying risk of double infections in children

* What's going on with NSW contact tracing?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 707 COVID infiltrates the capital. Can Sydney stop the spread? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/covid-infiltrates-the-capital-can-sydney-stop-the-spread/13494996 The ACT is in a week-long lockdown, joining many other regional NSW local government areas and Melbourne on their journey to stopping Delta. The ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman says as yet there's no known link back to known Sydney cases, and genomic information will be available today. And Victoria yesterday recorded two cases in hotel quarantine who had arrived on a plane from Sydney. So on today's Coronacast, with the virus continuing to push outwards, can anything be done to stop it? Coronacast is taking a small break. We'll be back on Wednesday 18th August! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The ACT is in a week-long lockdown, joining many other regional NSW local government areas and Melbourne on their journey to stopping Delta. The ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman says as yet there's no known link back to known Sydney cases, and genomic information will be available today. And Victoria yesterday recorded two cases in hotel quarantine who had arrived on a plane from Sydney. So on today's Coronacast, with the virus continuing to push outwards, can anything be done to stop it? Coronacast is taking a small break. We'll be back on Wednesday 18th August! The ACT is in a week-long lockdown, joining many other regional NSW local government areas and Melbourne on their journey to stopping Delta. The ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman says as yet there's no known link back to known Sydney cases, and genomic information will be available today. And Victoria yesterday recorded two cases in hotel quarantine who had arrived on a plane from Sydney. So on today's Coronacast, with the virus continuing to push outwards, can anything be done to stop it? Coronacast is taking a small break. We'll be back on Wednesday 18th August! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The ACT is in a week-long lockdown, joining many other regional NSW local government areas and Melbourne on their journey to stopping Delta.

The ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman says as yet there's no known link back to known Sydney cases, and genomic information will be available today.

And Victoria yesterday recorded two cases in hotel quarantine who had arrived on a plane from Sydney.

So on today's Coronacast, with the virus continuing to push outwards, can anything be done to stop it?

Coronacast is taking a small break. We'll be back on Wednesday 18th August!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 758 Could the world eradicate COVID-19? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/could-the-world-eradicate-covid-19/13493176 It sounds impossible: the complete and utter annihilation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, worldwide. Almost too silly to even mention. Well, according to a research paper published in the British Medical Journal's Global Health it's something that - while very difficult - may be possible. The article says that COVID-19 eradication might be slightly more feasible than for polio, which was almost eradicated from the world. So on today's Coronacast, is it possible? And what else is the research telling us about COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It sounds impossible: the complete and utter annihilation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, worldwide. Almost too silly to even mention. Well, according to a research paper published in the British Medical Journal's Global Health it's something that - while very difficult - may be possible. The article says that COVID-19 eradication might be slightly more feasible than for polio, which was almost eradicated from the world. So on today's Coronacast, is it possible? And what else is the research telling us about COVID-19? It sounds impossible: the complete and utter annihilation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, worldwide. Almost too silly to even mention. Well, according to a research paper published in the British Medical Journal's Global Health it's something that - while very difficult - may be possible. The article says that COVID-19 eradication might be slightly more feasible than for polio, which was almost eradicated from the world. So on today's Coronacast, is it possible? And what else is the research telling us about COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It sounds impossible: the complete and utter annihilation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, worldwide. Almost too silly to even mention.

Well, according to a research paper published in the British Medical Journal's Global Health it's something that - while very difficult - may be possible.

The article says that COVID-19 eradication might be slightly more feasible than for polio, which was almost eradicated from the world.

So on today's Coronacast, is it possible? And what else is the research telling us about COVID-19?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 653 Are the rules different for Sydney's Delta fight? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-the-rules-different-for-sydneys-delta-fight/13490818 If you've been following the daily COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney, you'll know the numbers are steadily increasing. So far, despite a lockdown lasting weeks and weeks, the NSW Government's restrictions have not yet managed to bend the curve. The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the fight against Delta means the old way of doing things needs to be revisited and it needs a different approach. So on today's Coronacast, does Delta change things? And if so, how? Also on today's show: * Research finds infections were three times lower in people who were fully vaccinated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you've been following the daily COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney, you'll know the numbers are steadily increasing. So far, despite a lockdown lasting weeks and weeks, the NSW Government's restrictions have not yet managed to bend the curve. The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the fight against Delta means the old way of doing things needs to be revisited and it needs a different approach. So on today's Coronacast, does Delta change things? And if so, how? Also on today's show: * Research finds infections were three times lower in people who were fully vaccinated If you've been following the daily COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney, you'll know the numbers are steadily increasing. So far, despite a lockdown lasting weeks and weeks, the NSW Government's restrictions have not yet managed to bend the curve. The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the fight against Delta means the old way of doing things needs to be revisited and it needs a different approach. So on today's Coronacast, does Delta change things? And if so, how? Also on today's show: * Research finds infections were three times lower in people who were fully vaccinated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you've been following the daily COVID-19 case numbers in Sydney, you'll know the numbers are steadily increasing.

So far, despite a lockdown lasting weeks and weeks, the NSW Government's restrictions have not yet managed to bend the curve.

The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the fight against Delta means the old way of doing things needs to be revisited and it needs a different approach.

So on today's Coronacast, does Delta change things? And if so, how?

Also on today's show:

* Research finds infections were three times lower in people who were fully vaccinated

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 721 How do we keep kids safe if they can't get vaccinated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-we-keep-kids-safe-if-they-cant-get-vaccinated/13489116 The nation's vaccine goals are all about getting 70 to 80 per cent of people aged 16 or more vaccinated. But that still leaves large numbers of people who aren't vaccinated, and the vast majority of them are kids. So what's the plan for kids when the country starts opening up and what do we know about when vaccines might be trialled and approved for children? Also on today's show: * If two doses of either COVID-19 vaccines offer around 90 per cent protection against hospitalisation and death from the virus, that is still a 1 in 10 chance of being hospitalised if I get the virus. I thought that without being vaccinated the hospitalisation rate was around 1 in 10. I must be missing something here. Can you please explain? * More on the time gap between AstraZeneca shots in different states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The nation's vaccine goals are all about getting 70 to 80 per cent of people aged 16 or more vaccinated. But that still leaves large numbers of people who aren't vaccinated, and the vast majority of them are kids. So what's the plan for kids when the country starts opening up and what do we know about when vaccines might be trialled and approved for children? Also on today's show: * If two doses of either COVID-19 vaccines offer around 90 per cent protection against hospitalisation and death from the virus, that is still a 1 in 10 chance of being hospitalised if I get the virus. I thought that without being vaccinated the hospitalisation rate was around 1 in 10. I must be missing something here. Can you please explain? * More on the time gap between AstraZeneca shots in different states. The nation's vaccine goals are all about getting 70 to 80 per cent of people aged 16 or more vaccinated. But that still leaves large numbers of people who aren't vaccinated, and the vast majority of them are kids. So what's the plan for kids when the country starts opening up and what do we know about when vaccines might be trialled and approved for children? Also on today's show: * If two doses of either COVID-19 vaccines offer around 90 per cent protection against hospitalisation and death from the virus, that is still a 1 in 10 chance of being hospitalised if I get the virus. I thought that without being vaccinated the hospitalisation rate was around 1 in 10. I must be missing something here. Can you please explain? * More on the time gap between AstraZeneca shots in different states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The nation's vaccine goals are all about getting 70 to 80 per cent of people aged 16 or more vaccinated.

But that still leaves large numbers of people who aren't vaccinated, and the vast majority of them are kids.

So what's the plan for kids when the country starts opening up and what do we know about when vaccines might be trialled and approved for children?

Also on today's show:

* If two doses of either COVID-19 vaccines offer around 90 per cent protection against hospitalisation and death from the virus, that is still a 1 in 10 chance of being hospitalised if I get the virus. I thought that without being vaccinated the hospitalisation rate was around 1 in 10. I must be missing something here. Can you please explain?

* More on the time gap between AstraZeneca shots in different states.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 656 The new reality of short, sharp lockdowns https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-new-reality-of-short-sharp-lockdowns/13487658 It seems short, sharp lockdowns are the new black, and are now being used regularly down the east coast of mainland Australia. Brisbane's short, sharp lockdown lifted yesterday, but Victoria, Cairns and parts of regional NSW have all entered one since last week. So are we going to see large parts of Australia enter and exit lockdown until enough of us are vaccinated? Also on today's show: * Why you may be better covered by getting AstraZeneca today, rather than waiting for another option * You spoke about a study that indicated that Pfizer is 88 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic disease. Does that also mean that the remaining 12 per cent means that even if you do get symptoms they are likely to be far less severe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 08 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It seems short, sharp lockdowns are the new black, and are now being used regularly down the east coast of mainland Australia. Brisbane's short, sharp lockdown lifted yesterday, but Victoria, Cairns and parts of regional NSW have all entered one since last week. So are we going to see large parts of Australia enter and exit lockdown until enough of us are vaccinated? Also on today's show: * Why you may be better covered by getting AstraZeneca today, rather than waiting for another option * You spoke about a study that indicated that Pfizer is 88 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic disease. Does that also mean that the remaining 12 per cent means that even if you do get symptoms they are likely to be far less severe? It seems short, sharp lockdowns are the new black, and are now being used regularly down the east coast of mainland Australia. Brisbane's short, sharp lockdown lifted yesterday, but Victoria, Cairns and parts of regional NSW have all entered one since last week. So are we going to see large parts of Australia enter and exit lockdown until enough of us are vaccinated? Also on today's show: * Why you may be better covered by getting AstraZeneca today, rather than waiting for another option * You spoke about a study that indicated that Pfizer is 88 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic disease. Does that also mean that the remaining 12 per cent means that even if you do get symptoms they are likely to be far less severe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It seems short, sharp lockdowns are the new black, and are now being used regularly down the east coast of mainland Australia.

Brisbane's short, sharp lockdown lifted yesterday, but Victoria, Cairns and parts of regional NSW have all entered one since last week.

So are we going to see large parts of Australia enter and exit lockdown until enough of us are vaccinated?

Also on today's show:

* Why you may be better covered by getting AstraZeneca today, rather than waiting for another option

* You spoke about a study that indicated that Pfizer is 88 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic disease. Does that also mean that the remaining 12 per cent means that even if you do get symptoms they are likely to be far less severe?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 722 Why not make vaccinations mandatory? (for certain jobs?) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-not-make-vaccinations-mandatory-for-certain-jobs/13485946 As Australia's march towards higher and higher rates of vaccination rolls on, more and more ideas are being thrown around to try and convince eligible people to get the jab. Yesterday, fruit and vegetable processor SPC became the first Australian company to mandate vaccines for all onsite staff and visitors. It raises the question: if SPC can do it, why aren't we seeing similar mandates for healthcare, aged care and child care workers? At the moment, the answer is ... complicated, as you'll hear on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and long COVID. Good news! * How effective are masks? I've read 80 per cent, then heard someone say 40 per cent. What's the latest research? * Norman has often said that 80 to 90 per cent of people don't pass on the virus. I don't have any special data on this but that *feels* way too high. Is it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As Australia's march towards higher and higher rates of vaccination rolls on, more and more ideas are being thrown around to try and convince eligible people to get the jab. Yesterday, fruit and vegetable processor SPC became the first Australian company to mandate vaccines for all onsite staff and visitors. It raises the question: if SPC can do it, why aren't we seeing similar mandates for healthcare, aged care and child care workers? At the moment, the answer is ... complicated, as you'll hear on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and long COVID. Good news! * How effective are masks? I've read 80 per cent, then heard someone say 40 per cent. What's the latest research? * Norman has often said that 80 to 90 per cent of people don't pass on the virus. I don't have any special data on this but that *feels* way too high. Is it? As Australia's march towards higher and higher rates of vaccination rolls on, more and more ideas are being thrown around to try and convince eligible people to get the jab. Yesterday, fruit and vegetable processor SPC became the first Australian company to mandate vaccines for all onsite staff and visitors. It raises the question: if SPC can do it, why aren't we seeing similar mandates for healthcare, aged care and child care workers? At the moment, the answer is ... complicated, as you'll hear on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and long COVID. Good news! * How effective are masks? I've read 80 per cent, then heard someone say 40 per cent. What's the latest research? * Norman has often said that 80 to 90 per cent of people don't pass on the virus. I don't have any special data on this but that *feels* way too high. Is it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As Australia's march towards higher and higher rates of vaccination rolls on, more and more ideas are being thrown around to try and convince eligible people to get the jab.

Yesterday, fruit and vegetable processor SPC became the first Australian company to mandate vaccines for all onsite staff and visitors.

It raises the question: if SPC can do it, why aren't we seeing similar mandates for healthcare, aged care and child care workers?

At the moment, the answer is ... complicated, as you'll hear on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Kids and long COVID. Good news!

* How effective are masks? I've read 80 per cent, then heard someone say 40 per cent. What's the latest research?

* Norman has often said that 80 to 90 per cent of people don't pass on the virus. I don't have any special data on this but that *feels* way too high. Is it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 Give me some hope Doc! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/give-me-some-hope-doc/13483902 With the coronavirus outbreak in NSW not yet showing many signs of getting better, and another outbreak in Queensland growing by the day - it's all a bit depressing But there is good news: the vaccine program is finally speeding up and with every passing day thousands more people are vaccinated against COVID-19. So on today's Coronacast, if very high vaccination rates can continue in NSW, a turn around might not be as far away as we fear. Also on today's show: * The end of winter will coincide with predicted population vaccination goals. How do we distinguish between the seasonal aspect of COVID and vaccine effect? * Why is forcing over 60s to have AstraZeneca not being recognised as discrimination and agism? * I am 61, when will I be eligible for the Pfizer jab? * Can we get more Pfizer doses by using the remaining amount at the end of each vial? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With the coronavirus outbreak in NSW not yet showing many signs of getting better, and another outbreak in Queensland growing by the day - it's all a bit depressing But there is good news: the vaccine program is finally speeding up and with every passing day thousands more people are vaccinated against COVID-19. So on today's Coronacast, if very high vaccination rates can continue in NSW, a turn around might not be as far away as we fear. Also on today's show: * The end of winter will coincide with predicted population vaccination goals. How do we distinguish between the seasonal aspect of COVID and vaccine effect? * Why is forcing over 60s to have AstraZeneca not being recognised as discrimination and agism? * I am 61, when will I be eligible for the Pfizer jab? * Can we get more Pfizer doses by using the remaining amount at the end of each vial? With the coronavirus outbreak in NSW not yet showing many signs of getting better, and another outbreak in Queensland growing by the day - it's all a bit depressing But there is good news: the vaccine program is finally speeding up and with every passing day thousands more people are vaccinated against COVID-19. So on today's Coronacast, if very high vaccination rates can continue in NSW, a turn around might not be as far away as we fear. Also on today's show: * The end of winter will coincide with predicted population vaccination goals. How do we distinguish between the seasonal aspect of COVID and vaccine effect? * Why is forcing over 60s to have AstraZeneca not being recognised as discrimination and agism? * I am 61, when will I be eligible for the Pfizer jab? * Can we get more Pfizer doses by using the remaining amount at the end of each vial? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With the coronavirus outbreak in NSW not yet showing many signs of getting better, and another outbreak in Queensland growing by the day - it's all a bit depressing

But there is good news: the vaccine program is finally speeding up and with every passing day thousands more people are vaccinated against COVID-19.

So on today's Coronacast, if very high vaccination rates can continue in NSW, a turn around might not be as far away as we fear.

Also on today's show:

* The end of winter will coincide with predicted population vaccination goals. How do we distinguish between the seasonal aspect of COVID and vaccine effect?

* Why is forcing over 60s to have AstraZeneca not being recognised as discrimination and agism?

* I am 61, when will I be eligible for the Pfizer jab?

* Can we get more Pfizer doses by using the remaining amount at the end of each vial?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 672 The official modelling is out! Now what?! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-official-modelling-is-out-now-what/13482046 If you thought we’ve suddenly been awash with modelling on the best way forward for Australia's response to coronavirus and how to reach so-called herd immunity you’d be right. But yesterday we got the report we’ve all been waiting for: the assumptions and details behind the Doherty Institute’s modelling. The Doherty Institute is one of the best in the country and it's the organisation that’s been advising the Commonwealth on how to get a soft landing in this pandemic when we eventually reopen to the world. So on today’s Coronacast, what can we take away from the report and might we soon see a vaccine rollout shakeup? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you thought we’ve suddenly been awash with modelling on the best way forward for Australia's response to coronavirus and how to reach so-called herd immunity you’d be right. But yesterday we got the report we’ve all been waiting for: the assumptions and details behind the Doherty Institute’s modelling. The Doherty Institute is one of the best in the country and it's the organisation that’s been advising the Commonwealth on how to get a soft landing in this pandemic when we eventually reopen to the world. So on today’s Coronacast, what can we take away from the report and might we soon see a vaccine rollout shakeup? If you thought we’ve suddenly been awash with modelling on the best way forward for Australia's response to coronavirus and how to reach so-called herd immunity you’d be right. But yesterday we got the report we’ve all been waiting for: the assumptions and details behind the Doherty Institute’s modelling. The Doherty Institute is one of the best in the country and it's the organisation that’s been advising the Commonwealth on how to get a soft landing in this pandemic when we eventually reopen to the world. So on today’s Coronacast, what can we take away from the report and might we soon see a vaccine rollout shakeup? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you thought we’ve suddenly been awash with modelling on the best way forward for Australia's response to coronavirus and how to reach so-called herd immunity you’d be right.

But yesterday we got the report we’ve all been waiting for: the assumptions and details behind the Doherty Institute’s modelling.

The Doherty Institute is one of the best in the country and it's the organisation that’s been advising the Commonwealth on how to get a soft landing in this pandemic when we eventually reopen to the world.

So on today’s Coronacast, what can we take away from the report and might we soon see a vaccine rollout shakeup?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 816 What is it like inside Sydney's ICU wards? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-is-it-like-inside-sydneys-icu-wards/13480300 As the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney continues to grow, so do the numbers of people in hospital and intensive care. Currently, there are 232 COVID-19 cases in hospital in NSW. 54 of them are in intensive care and 25 require ventilation. So what's it like inside Sydney's ICU wards? And how does it differ from last year? Also on today's show: * Why are kids under 16 left out of the national roadmap? * Are we throwing under 16's or under 12's under a bus by not including them in the roll out for the vaccine? * Why do we still have vaccine eligibility? Wouldn't it be better to set up a hub and let anyone who wants it come and get it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney continues to grow, so do the numbers of people in hospital and intensive care. Currently, there are 232 COVID-19 cases in hospital in NSW. 54 of them are in intensive care and 25 require ventilation. So what's it like inside Sydney's ICU wards? And how does it differ from last year? Also on today's show: * Why are kids under 16 left out of the national roadmap? * Are we throwing under 16's or under 12's under a bus by not including them in the roll out for the vaccine? * Why do we still have vaccine eligibility? Wouldn't it be better to set up a hub and let anyone who wants it come and get it? As the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney continues to grow, so do the numbers of people in hospital and intensive care. Currently, there are 232 COVID-19 cases in hospital in NSW. 54 of them are in intensive care and 25 require ventilation. So what's it like inside Sydney's ICU wards? And how does it differ from last year? Also on today's show: * Why are kids under 16 left out of the national roadmap? * Are we throwing under 16's or under 12's under a bus by not including them in the roll out for the vaccine? * Why do we still have vaccine eligibility? Wouldn't it be better to set up a hub and let anyone who wants it come and get it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney continues to grow, so do the numbers of people in hospital and intensive care.

Currently, there are 232 COVID-19 cases in hospital in NSW. 54 of them are in intensive care and 25 require ventilation.

So what's it like inside Sydney's ICU wards? And how does it differ from last year?

Also on today's show:

* Why are kids under 16 left out of the national roadmap?

* Are we throwing under 16's or under 12's under a bus by not including them in the roll out for the vaccine?

* Why do we still have vaccine eligibility? Wouldn't it be better to set up a hub and let anyone who wants it come and get it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 683 Is 70 per cent fully vaccinated enough? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-70-per-cent-fully-vaccinated-enough/13479270 Australia is planning on taking the next big steps in its response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The Federal Government last week released a four-stage plan on how we'll manage virus outbreaks as more and more of us are vaccinated. In it, the first trigger point comes when 70 per cent of the eligible population - that's 16 years or older - are fully vaccinated. On today's Coronacast, why that number might be a bit easier to reach than you'd think and why it might not be enough to see the end of restrictions. Also on today's show: * What is the reasoning behind NSW Government's decision to prioritise vaccinating year 12 students? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 01 Aug 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia is planning on taking the next big steps in its response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The Federal Government last week released a four-stage plan on how we'll manage virus outbreaks as more and more of us are vaccinated. In it, the first trigger point comes when 70 per cent of the eligible population - that's 16 years or older - are fully vaccinated. On today's Coronacast, why that number might be a bit easier to reach than you'd think and why it might not be enough to see the end of restrictions. Also on today's show: * What is the reasoning behind NSW Government's decision to prioritise vaccinating year 12 students? Australia is planning on taking the next big steps in its response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The Federal Government last week released a four-stage plan on how we'll manage virus outbreaks as more and more of us are vaccinated. In it, the first trigger point comes when 70 per cent of the eligible population - that's 16 years or older - are fully vaccinated. On today's Coronacast, why that number might be a bit easier to reach than you'd think and why it might not be enough to see the end of restrictions. Also on today's show: * What is the reasoning behind NSW Government's decision to prioritise vaccinating year 12 students? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia is planning on taking the next big steps in its response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The Federal Government last week released a four-stage plan on how we'll manage virus outbreaks as more and more of us are vaccinated.

In it, the first trigger point comes when 70 per cent of the eligible population - that's 16 years or older - are fully vaccinated.

On today's Coronacast, why that number might be a bit easier to reach than you'd think and why it might not be enough to see the end of restrictions.

Also on today's show:

* What is the reasoning behind NSW Government's decision to prioritise vaccinating year 12 students?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 676 The magic number to end lockdowns forever https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-magic-number-to-end-lockdowns-forever/13476226 Do you like the sound of no more lockdowns? What about minimal to no restrictions on day-to-day life? We constantly hear vaccination is our way out of this bloody pandemic, but just how many of us need to get vaccinated before it can end? Well, the experts over at the Grattan Institute have tackled this very problem and say the figure is 80 per cent of Australians. So on today's Coronacast, since only 32 per cent of us have at least one dose, it seems like there's a road to travel. But how long might it take? GUEST:Professor Stephen Duckett, Director, Health Program at Grattan Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Do you like the sound of no more lockdowns? What about minimal to no restrictions on day-to-day life? We constantly hear vaccination is our way out of this bloody pandemic, but just how many of us need to get vaccinated before it can end? Well, the experts over at the Grattan Institute have tackled this very problem and say the figure is 80 per cent of Australians. So on today's Coronacast, since only 32 per cent of us have at least one dose, it seems like there's a road to travel. But how long might it take? GUEST: Professor Stephen Duckett, Director, Health Program at Grattan Institute Do you like the sound of no more lockdowns? What about minimal to no restrictions on day-to-day life? We constantly hear vaccination is our way out of this bloody pandemic, but just how many of us need to get vaccinated before it can end? Well, the experts over at the Grattan Institute have tackled this very problem and say the figure is 80 per cent of Australians. So on today's Coronacast, since only 32 per cent of us have at least one dose, it seems like there's a road to travel. But how long might it take? GUEST:Professor Stephen Duckett, Director, Health Program at Grattan Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you like the sound of no more lockdowns? What about minimal to no restrictions on day-to-day life?

We constantly hear vaccination is our way out of this bloody pandemic, but just how many of us need to get vaccinated before it can end?

Well, the experts over at the Grattan Institute have tackled this very problem and say the figure is 80 per cent of Australians.

So on today's Coronacast, since only 32 per cent of us have at least one dose, it seems like there's a road to travel. But how long might it take?

GUEST:Professor Stephen Duckett, Director, Health Program at Grattan Institute

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 773 Another four weeks. Will it change things? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/another-four-weeks-will-it-change-things/13474244 Sydneysiders face another four weeks in lockdown, as health authorities desperately try to bend the curve of coronavirus infections. While there has been some tightening of restrictions, epidemiologists remain skeptical it'll achieve a decline in caseloads anytime soon. Restrictions are tighter in eight of Sydney's local government areas, which were expanded to include Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River where people can't leave unless for very specific work. So on today's Coronacast, will four more weeks be enough? Or in a month, could we be in the same place we are now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sydneysiders face another four weeks in lockdown, as health authorities desperately try to bend the curve of coronavirus infections. While there has been some tightening of restrictions, epidemiologists remain skeptical it'll achieve a decline in caseloads anytime soon. Restrictions are tighter in eight of Sydney's local government areas, which were expanded to include Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River where people can't leave unless for very specific work. So on today's Coronacast, will four more weeks be enough? Or in a month, could we be in the same place we are now? Sydneysiders face another four weeks in lockdown, as health authorities desperately try to bend the curve of coronavirus infections. While there has been some tightening of restrictions, epidemiologists remain skeptical it'll achieve a decline in caseloads anytime soon. Restrictions are tighter in eight of Sydney's local government areas, which were expanded to include Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River where people can't leave unless for very specific work. So on today's Coronacast, will four more weeks be enough? Or in a month, could we be in the same place we are now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sydneysiders face another four weeks in lockdown, as health authorities desperately try to bend the curve of coronavirus infections.

While there has been some tightening of restrictions, epidemiologists remain skeptical it'll achieve a decline in caseloads anytime soon.

Restrictions are tighter in eight of Sydney's local government areas, which were expanded to include Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River where people can't leave unless for very specific work.

So on today's Coronacast, will four more weeks be enough? Or in a month, could we be in the same place we are now?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 685 What next for Sydney's lockdown? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-next-for-sydneys-lockdown/13472256 As lockdowns lift in Victoria and South Australia overnight, big problems remain in New South Wales. A week ago, NSW had posted 110 locally acquired cases. Yesterday, it recorded 172 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since the outbreak began in June. So on today's Coronacast, as Sydneysiders wait to hear about the future of the lockdown, what might the NSW Government be considering? Also on today's show: * What is the latest on natural immunity? How long does it last? * There was talk in Victoria with some cases testing positive on day 13 in isolation. Doesn't Delta have a quicker onset than other strains? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As lockdowns lift in Victoria and South Australia overnight, big problems remain in New South Wales. A week ago, NSW had posted 110 locally acquired cases. Yesterday, it recorded 172 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since the outbreak began in June. So on today's Coronacast, as Sydneysiders wait to hear about the future of the lockdown, what might the NSW Government be considering? Also on today's show: * What is the latest on natural immunity? How long does it last? * There was talk in Victoria with some cases testing positive on day 13 in isolation. Doesn't Delta have a quicker onset than other strains? As lockdowns lift in Victoria and South Australia overnight, big problems remain in New South Wales. A week ago, NSW had posted 110 locally acquired cases. Yesterday, it recorded 172 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since the outbreak began in June. So on today's Coronacast, as Sydneysiders wait to hear about the future of the lockdown, what might the NSW Government be considering? Also on today's show: * What is the latest on natural immunity? How long does it last? * There was talk in Victoria with some cases testing positive on day 13 in isolation. Doesn't Delta have a quicker onset than other strains? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As lockdowns lift in Victoria and South Australia overnight, big problems remain in New South Wales.

A week ago, NSW had posted 110 locally acquired cases.

Yesterday, it recorded 172 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since the outbreak began in June.

So on today's Coronacast, as Sydneysiders wait to hear about the future of the lockdown, what might the NSW Government be considering?

Also on today's show:

* What is the latest on natural immunity? How long does it last?

* There was talk in Victoria with some cases testing positive on day 13 in isolation. Doesn't Delta have a quicker onset than other strains?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 781 Is Delta deadlier for younger people? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-delta-deadlier-for-younger-people/13470692 As new coronavirus variants come onto the scene, it forces us to revisit what we know about COVID-19 and how to deal with it. We already know the Delta variant is more infectious, but is it more deadly? Early data from overseas, and from Australia on ICU admissions imply that it is - but knowing for sure may take a bit longer to know. Also on today's show: * Say you got the vaccine and then 30 seconds later, a shark bit off your arm. Would the vaccine still be effective, or does enough of the vaccine stuff happen in your arm itself that you'd need another dose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As new coronavirus variants come onto the scene, it forces us to revisit what we know about COVID-19 and how to deal with it. We already know the Delta variant is more infectious, but is it more deadly? Early data from overseas, and from Australia on ICU admissions imply that it is - but knowing for sure may take a bit longer to know. Also on today's show: * Say you got the vaccine and then 30 seconds later, a shark bit off your arm. Would the vaccine still be effective, or does enough of the vaccine stuff happen in your arm itself that you'd need another dose? As new coronavirus variants come onto the scene, it forces us to revisit what we know about COVID-19 and how to deal with it. We already know the Delta variant is more infectious, but is it more deadly? Early data from overseas, and from Australia on ICU admissions imply that it is - but knowing for sure may take a bit longer to know. Also on today's show: * Say you got the vaccine and then 30 seconds later, a shark bit off your arm. Would the vaccine still be effective, or does enough of the vaccine stuff happen in your arm itself that you'd need another dose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As new coronavirus variants come onto the scene, it forces us to revisit what we know about COVID-19 and how to deal with it.

We already know the Delta variant is more infectious, but is it more deadly?

Early data from overseas, and from Australia on ICU admissions imply that it is - but knowing for sure may take a bit longer to know.

Also on today's show:

* Say you got the vaccine and then 30 seconds later, a shark bit off your arm. Would the vaccine still be effective, or does enough of the vaccine stuff happen in your arm itself that you'd need another dose?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 694 Why are 40% of Australians in their 60s not vaccinated yet? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-are-40-of-australians-in-their-60s-not-vaccinated-yet/13469632 While millions of young people wait for enough vaccine to arrive in the country, there are still large numbers of people who are eligible today that haven't yet gotten a shot. According to Commonwealth data, roughly 40 per cent of Australians in their 60s have not yet been vaccinated. It's vital that as many people are vaccinated as possible, and for the Delta variant currently circulating in the country's largest states, a person needs two shots for the best protection. On today's Coronacast, if people in their 60s are waiting for Pfizer, they might be waiting for a while. Also on today's show: * If Delta is more contagious, are masks less effective? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 25 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While millions of young people wait for enough vaccine to arrive in the country, there are still large numbers of people who are eligible today that haven't yet gotten a shot. According to Commonwealth data, roughly 40 per cent of Australians in their 60s have not yet been vaccinated. It's vital that as many people are vaccinated as possible, and for the Delta variant currently circulating in the country's largest states, a person needs two shots for the best protection. On today's Coronacast, if people in their 60s are waiting for Pfizer, they might be waiting for a while. Also on today's show: * If Delta is more contagious, are masks less effective? While millions of young people wait for enough vaccine to arrive in the country, there are still large numbers of people who are eligible today that haven't yet gotten a shot. According to Commonwealth data, roughly 40 per cent of Australians in their 60s have not yet been vaccinated. It's vital that as many people are vaccinated as possible, and for the Delta variant currently circulating in the country's largest states, a person needs two shots for the best protection. On today's Coronacast, if people in their 60s are waiting for Pfizer, they might be waiting for a while. Also on today's show: * If Delta is more contagious, are masks less effective? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While millions of young people wait for enough vaccine to arrive in the country, there are still large numbers of people who are eligible today that haven't yet gotten a shot.

According to Commonwealth data, roughly 40 per cent of Australians in their 60s have not yet been vaccinated.

It's vital that as many people are vaccinated as possible, and for the Delta variant currently circulating in the country's largest states, a person needs two shots for the best protection.

On today's Coronacast, if people in their 60s are waiting for Pfizer, they might be waiting for a while.

Also on today's show:

* If Delta is more contagious, are masks less effective?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 678 What if NSW can't get it under control? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-if-nsw-cant-get-it-under-control/13466108 A lot is riding on NSW being able to get its hand around its COVID-19 outbreak and bring it all back under control, but there's no guarantee that it'll be able to do it. And there are huge implications for the rest of the country. What will happen to hotel quarantine? Will other states give up vaccine allocations to the state most in need? And how will people travel in and out of NSW? Also on today's show: * Comparative effectiveness of COVID vaccines against Delta * Aaaaand Quick Fire Friday References: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2108891 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A lot is riding on NSW being able to get its hand around its COVID-19 outbreak and bring it all back under control, but there's no guarantee that it'll be able to do it. And there are huge implications for the rest of the country. What will happen to hotel quarantine? Will other states give up vaccine allocations to the state most in need? And how will people travel in and out of NSW? Also on today's show: * Comparative effectiveness of COVID vaccines against Delta * Aaaaand Quick Fire Friday References: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2108891 A lot is riding on NSW being able to get its hand around its COVID-19 outbreak and bring it all back under control, but there's no guarantee that it'll be able to do it. And there are huge implications for the rest of the country. What will happen to hotel quarantine? Will other states give up vaccine allocations to the state most in need? And how will people travel in and out of NSW? Also on today's show: * Comparative effectiveness of COVID vaccines against Delta * Aaaaand Quick Fire Friday References: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2108891 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A lot is riding on NSW being able to get its hand around its COVID-19 outbreak and bring it all back under control, but there's no guarantee that it'll be able to do it.

And there are huge implications for the rest of the country.

What will happen to hotel quarantine? Will other states give up vaccine allocations to the state most in need? And how will people travel in and out of NSW?

Also on today's show:

* Comparative effectiveness of COVID vaccines against Delta

* Aaaaand Quick Fire Friday

References:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2108891

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 What can we learn from the UK's Freedom Day? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-can-we-learn-from-the-uks-freedom-day/13464184 Ever since the pandemic begun, we've all be looking forward to the day it's finally over. As Australia grapples with Delta outbreaks in three capital cities, other places in the world - like the UK - are throwing the doors open and hoping for the best. The UK's experience can give a guide on how many people need to be fully vaccinated before big moves are made, but with surging infections it also may provide a warning. So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from the UK's Freedom Day? Also on today's show: * What does Delta mean for 1.5 meter separation and 15 minute exposure windows? * What if NSW can't get on top of the Delta outbreak? * More stories on testing times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Ever since the pandemic begun, we've all be looking forward to the day it's finally over. As Australia grapples with Delta outbreaks in three capital cities, other places in the world - like the UK - are throwing the doors open and hoping for the best. The UK's experience can give a guide on how many people need to be fully vaccinated before big moves are made, but with surging infections it also may provide a warning. So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from the UK's Freedom Day? Also on today's show: * What does Delta mean for 1.5 meter separation and 15 minute exposure windows? * What if NSW can't get on top of the Delta outbreak? * More stories on testing times Ever since the pandemic begun, we've all be looking forward to the day it's finally over. As Australia grapples with Delta outbreaks in three capital cities, other places in the world - like the UK - are throwing the doors open and hoping for the best. The UK's experience can give a guide on how many people need to be fully vaccinated before big moves are made, but with surging infections it also may provide a warning. So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from the UK's Freedom Day? Also on today's show: * What does Delta mean for 1.5 meter separation and 15 minute exposure windows? * What if NSW can't get on top of the Delta outbreak? * More stories on testing times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever since the pandemic begun, we've all be looking forward to the day it's finally over.

As Australia grapples with Delta outbreaks in three capital cities, other places in the world - like the UK - are throwing the doors open and hoping for the best.

The UK's experience can give a guide on how many people need to be fully vaccinated before big moves are made, but with surging infections it also may provide a warning.

So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from the UK's Freedom Day?

Also on today's show:

* What does Delta mean for 1.5 meter separation and 15 minute exposure windows?

* What if NSW can't get on top of the Delta outbreak?

* More stories on testing times

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 698 Is Delta changing the way we go into lockdown? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-delta-changing-the-way-we-go-into-lockdown/13462292 South Australia has spent the first night of a week long lockdown after discovering a bunch of community cases of the highly infectious Delta variant. It's a different way of handling an outbreak, especially when compared to NSW which waited much longer before declaring a lockdown. So why do we still see some states act faster than others? And has the Delta variant changed the way contact tracing can help avoid locking down. Also on today's show: * More concerns about testing times in NSW and a possible way to reduce the stress on the system * Whatever happened to deep cleaning? * How can you consult your GP about vaccines if you don't have one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia South Australia has spent the first night of a week long lockdown after discovering a bunch of community cases of the highly infectious Delta variant. It's a different way of handling an outbreak, especially when compared to NSW which waited much longer before declaring a lockdown. So why do we still see some states act faster than others? And has the Delta variant changed the way contact tracing can help avoid locking down. Also on today's show: * More concerns about testing times in NSW and a possible way to reduce the stress on the system * Whatever happened to deep cleaning? * How can you consult your GP about vaccines if you don't have one? South Australia has spent the first night of a week long lockdown after discovering a bunch of community cases of the highly infectious Delta variant. It's a different way of handling an outbreak, especially when compared to NSW which waited much longer before declaring a lockdown. So why do we still see some states act faster than others? And has the Delta variant changed the way contact tracing can help avoid locking down. Also on today's show: * More concerns about testing times in NSW and a possible way to reduce the stress on the system * Whatever happened to deep cleaning? * How can you consult your GP about vaccines if you don't have one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices South Australia has spent the first night of a week long lockdown after discovering a bunch of community cases of the highly infectious Delta variant.

It's a different way of handling an outbreak, especially when compared to NSW which waited much longer before declaring a lockdown.

So why do we still see some states act faster than others? And has the Delta variant changed the way contact tracing can help avoid locking down.

Also on today's show:

* More concerns about testing times in NSW and a possible way to reduce the stress on the system

* Whatever happened to deep cleaning?

* How can you consult your GP about vaccines if you don't have one?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 699 The quick, cheap test coming to a stadium near you? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-quick-cheap-test-coming-to-a-stadium-near-you/13460774 The standard way of testing for coronavirus is to shove a swab up your nose, and then run the sample through sensitive equipment in a pathology lab. But while its the gold standard way of working out if someone is positive or not for COVID-19, it can take a while to get the result back. So it is time to consider a different way of testing people where you need lots of tests done quickly - like sporting games, for example? Also on today's show: * NSW and VIC record slightly lower numbers * How much Pfizer vaccine is going to waste (your comments/responses) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The standard way of testing for coronavirus is to shove a swab up your nose, and then run the sample through sensitive equipment in a pathology lab. But while its the gold standard way of working out if someone is positive or not for COVID-19, it can take a while to get the result back. So it is time to consider a different way of testing people where you need lots of tests done quickly - like sporting games, for example? Also on today's show: * NSW and VIC record slightly lower numbers * How much Pfizer vaccine is going to waste (your comments/responses) The standard way of testing for coronavirus is to shove a swab up your nose, and then run the sample through sensitive equipment in a pathology lab. But while its the gold standard way of working out if someone is positive or not for COVID-19, it can take a while to get the result back. So it is time to consider a different way of testing people where you need lots of tests done quickly - like sporting games, for example? Also on today's show: * NSW and VIC record slightly lower numbers * How much Pfizer vaccine is going to waste (your comments/responses) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The standard way of testing for coronavirus is to shove a swab up your nose, and then run the sample through sensitive equipment in a pathology lab.

But while its the gold standard way of working out if someone is positive or not for COVID-19, it can take a while to get the result back.

So it is time to consider a different way of testing people where you need lots of tests done quickly - like sporting games, for example?

Also on today's show:

* NSW and VIC record slightly lower numbers

* How much Pfizer vaccine is going to waste (your comments/responses)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 757 It's not getting worse... but it's also not getting better https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/its-not-getting-worse-but-its-also-not-getting-better/13450042 COVID-19 is in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment. It's not getting worse in Sydney, but then again despite lockdowns now going for several weeks it's not getting better yet either. In Melbourne, it's still too early to know how the outbreak is trending, but case numbers have remained in the high teens over the weekend. But we are learning more by the day about the Delta variant, and how it works in a low vaccination environment and under lockdowns. So on today's Coronacast, the one number that helps contact tracers get cities out of lockdown. Also on today's show: * A clarification on the average number of contacts per COVID-19 case, and what happens under lockdowns * Average ages of the Victorian outbreak * What is happening to unused doses? Are they out there? We want to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 18 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia COVID-19 is in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment. It's not getting worse in Sydney, but then again despite lockdowns now going for several weeks it's not getting better yet either. In Melbourne, it's still too early to know how the outbreak is trending, but case numbers have remained in the high teens over the weekend. But we are learning more by the day about the Delta variant, and how it works in a low vaccination environment and under lockdowns. So on today's Coronacast, the one number that helps contact tracers get cities out of lockdown. Also on today's show: * A clarification on the average number of contacts per COVID-19 case, and what happens under lockdowns * Average ages of the Victorian outbreak * What is happening to unused doses? Are they out there? We want to hear from you! COVID-19 is in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment. It's not getting worse in Sydney, but then again despite lockdowns now going for several weeks it's not getting better yet either. In Melbourne, it's still too early to know how the outbreak is trending, but case numbers have remained in the high teens over the weekend. But we are learning more by the day about the Delta variant, and how it works in a low vaccination environment and under lockdowns. So on today's Coronacast, the one number that helps contact tracers get cities out of lockdown. Also on today's show: * A clarification on the average number of contacts per COVID-19 case, and what happens under lockdowns * Average ages of the Victorian outbreak * What is happening to unused doses? Are they out there? We want to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices COVID-19 is in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment.

It's not getting worse in Sydney, but then again despite lockdowns now going for several weeks it's not getting better yet either.

In Melbourne, it's still too early to know how the outbreak is trending, but case numbers have remained in the high teens over the weekend.

But we are learning more by the day about the Delta variant, and how it works in a low vaccination environment and under lockdowns.

So on today's Coronacast, the one number that helps contact tracers get cities out of lockdown.

Also on today's show:

* A clarification on the average number of contacts per COVID-19 case, and what happens under lockdowns

* Average ages of the Victorian outbreak

* What is happening to unused doses? Are they out there? We want to hear from you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 712 All for one, and one for all? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/all-for-one-and-one-for-all/13447198 With Australia's two biggest cities now in lockdown, you'd be forgiven for wondering when is this all going to end. Lockdowns are an incredibly blunt tool to control pandemics, but in many cases - if you want to keep control over spread - they're one of the only options available. Yesterday, Melbourne joined Sydney in locking down thanks to the highly infectious Delta variant, which continues to put pressure on Australia's pandemic response. So on today's Coronacast, what is the point of a lockdown? And are they worth it? Also on today's show: * University of Sydney modelling looks at Sydney's response * Symptoms to keep an eye out for after AstraZeneca vaccination And it's time for Quick Fire Friday! (Because it's Friday) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With Australia's two biggest cities now in lockdown, you'd be forgiven for wondering when is this all going to end. Lockdowns are an incredibly blunt tool to control pandemics, but in many cases - if you want to keep control over spread - they're one of the only options available. Yesterday, Melbourne joined Sydney in locking down thanks to the highly infectious Delta variant, which continues to put pressure on Australia's pandemic response. So on today's Coronacast, what is the point of a lockdown? And are they worth it? Also on today's show: * University of Sydney modelling looks at Sydney's response * Symptoms to keep an eye out for after AstraZeneca vaccination And it's time for Quick Fire Friday! (Because it's Friday) With Australia's two biggest cities now in lockdown, you'd be forgiven for wondering when is this all going to end. Lockdowns are an incredibly blunt tool to control pandemics, but in many cases - if you want to keep control over spread - they're one of the only options available. Yesterday, Melbourne joined Sydney in locking down thanks to the highly infectious Delta variant, which continues to put pressure on Australia's pandemic response. So on today's Coronacast, what is the point of a lockdown? And are they worth it? Also on today's show: * University of Sydney modelling looks at Sydney's response * Symptoms to keep an eye out for after AstraZeneca vaccination And it's time for Quick Fire Friday! (Because it's Friday) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With Australia's two biggest cities now in lockdown, you'd be forgiven for wondering when is this all going to end.

Lockdowns are an incredibly blunt tool to control pandemics, but in many cases - if you want to keep control over spread - they're one of the only options available.

Yesterday, Melbourne joined Sydney in locking down thanks to the highly infectious Delta variant, which continues to put pressure on Australia's pandemic response.

So on today's Coronacast, what is the point of a lockdown? And are they worth it?

Also on today's show:

* University of Sydney modelling looks at Sydney's response

* Symptoms to keep an eye out for after AstraZeneca vaccination

And it's time for Quick Fire Friday! (Because it's Friday)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 965 From Sydney to Melbourne... https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/from-sydney-to-melbourne/13445218 It should be clear by now that coronavirus, especially the Delta variant, is incredibly infectious. Victoria is the latest state to get hit, after the Delta variant found its way in two different ways: a family returning from Sydney and a removalist crew. In Sydney, it's proving hard to get under control - with the NSW Government extending the lockdown in Greater Sydney by at least two weeks. Also on today's show: * ATAGI's updated advice on AstraZeneca * An idea to make Pfizer go further * Norman is accosted in a park * Please get vaccinated (if you can) with an actual vaccination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It should be clear by now that coronavirus, especially the Delta variant, is incredibly infectious. Victoria is the latest state to get hit, after the Delta variant found its way in two different ways: a family returning from Sydney and a removalist crew. In Sydney, it's proving hard to get under control - with the NSW Government extending the lockdown in Greater Sydney by at least two weeks. Also on today's show: * ATAGI's updated advice on AstraZeneca * An idea to make Pfizer go further * Norman is accosted in a park * Please get vaccinated (if you can) with an actual vaccination It should be clear by now that coronavirus, especially the Delta variant, is incredibly infectious. Victoria is the latest state to get hit, after the Delta variant found its way in two different ways: a family returning from Sydney and a removalist crew. In Sydney, it's proving hard to get under control - with the NSW Government extending the lockdown in Greater Sydney by at least two weeks. Also on today's show: * ATAGI's updated advice on AstraZeneca * An idea to make Pfizer go further * Norman is accosted in a park * Please get vaccinated (if you can) with an actual vaccination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It should be clear by now that coronavirus, especially the Delta variant, is incredibly infectious.

Victoria is the latest state to get hit, after the Delta variant found its way in two different ways: a family returning from Sydney and a removalist crew.

In Sydney, it's proving hard to get under control - with the NSW Government extending the lockdown in Greater Sydney by at least two weeks.

Also on today's show:

* ATAGI's updated advice on AstraZeneca

* An idea to make Pfizer go further

* Norman is accosted in a park

* Please get vaccinated (if you can) with an actual vaccination

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 739 A dip in numbers! Let's hope it's a trend https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-dip-in-numbers-lets-hope-its-a-trend/13443452 Every day when cases fall is a good day, and in NSW yesterday the numbers reduced in two key areas. The first was the total number of new cases, and the second was the number of people out in the community while infectious. However a single day does not make a trend, but the entire country is no doubt hoping that Sydney's outbreak has peaked. Also on today's show: * Origins of the coronavirus * Warning for rare syndrome added to Johnson & Johnson label Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Every day when cases fall is a good day, and in NSW yesterday the numbers reduced in two key areas. The first was the total number of new cases, and the second was the number of people out in the community while infectious. However a single day does not make a trend, but the entire country is no doubt hoping that Sydney's outbreak has peaked. Also on today's show: * Origins of the coronavirus * Warning for rare syndrome added to Johnson & Johnson label Every day when cases fall is a good day, and in NSW yesterday the numbers reduced in two key areas. The first was the total number of new cases, and the second was the number of people out in the community while infectious. However a single day does not make a trend, but the entire country is no doubt hoping that Sydney's outbreak has peaked. Also on today's show: * Origins of the coronavirus * Warning for rare syndrome added to Johnson & Johnson label Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Every day when cases fall is a good day, and in NSW yesterday the numbers reduced in two key areas.

The first was the total number of new cases, and the second was the number of people out in the community while infectious.

However a single day does not make a trend, but the entire country is no doubt hoping that Sydney's outbreak has peaked.

Also on today's show:

* Origins of the coronavirus

* Warning for rare syndrome added to Johnson & Johnson label

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 765 The modelling is in. How long might Sydney's lockdown last? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-modelling-is-in-how-long-might-sydneys-lockdown-last/13441890 Knowing for sure how long a lockdown will last is almost impossible, but scientific modelling might help us at least get a ballpark idea. NSW yesterday recorded 112 new COVID-19 cases, despite being in lockdown for the last few weeks. Modelling from the Burnet Institute has shown that while the current lockdown settings will work, it'll take months for caseloads to drop significantly. So on today's Coronacast, what could help reduce the amount of time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Knowing for sure how long a lockdown will last is almost impossible, but scientific modelling might help us at least get a ballpark idea. NSW yesterday recorded 112 new COVID-19 cases, despite being in lockdown for the last few weeks. Modelling from the Burnet Institute has shown that while the current lockdown settings will work, it'll take months for caseloads to drop significantly. So on today's Coronacast, what could help reduce the amount of time? Knowing for sure how long a lockdown will last is almost impossible, but scientific modelling might help us at least get a ballpark idea. NSW yesterday recorded 112 new COVID-19 cases, despite being in lockdown for the last few weeks. Modelling from the Burnet Institute has shown that while the current lockdown settings will work, it'll take months for caseloads to drop significantly. So on today's Coronacast, what could help reduce the amount of time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Knowing for sure how long a lockdown will last is almost impossible, but scientific modelling might help us at least get a ballpark idea.

NSW yesterday recorded 112 new COVID-19 cases, despite being in lockdown for the last few weeks.

Modelling from the Burnet Institute has shown that while the current lockdown settings will work, it'll take months for caseloads to drop significantly.

So on today's Coronacast, what could help reduce the amount of time?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 627 How much worse is it going to get? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-much-worse-is-it-going-to-get/13440768 It's certainly taken a turn for the worse in Sydney, with the number of COVID-19 cases per day doubling over the last four to five days. We've heard that it's going to get worse before it gets better, and there are forecasts of more than a hundred cases today. So how much longer are we in the upward trajectory of this curve? When will numbers finally start to come back down? And how long, realistically, are we looking at with this lockdown? Also on today's show: * Norman brings his 2nd AstraZeneca dose forward (that's his personal choice, talk to your doctor before making yours) * How do we know if the vaccines will have long term effects or not? * Will COVID-19 become a disease of the young? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 11 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's certainly taken a turn for the worse in Sydney, with the number of COVID-19 cases per day doubling over the last four to five days. We've heard that it's going to get worse before it gets better, and there are forecasts of more than a hundred cases today. So how much longer are we in the upward trajectory of this curve? When will numbers finally start to come back down? And how long, realistically, are we looking at with this lockdown? Also on today's show: * Norman brings his 2nd AstraZeneca dose forward (that's his personal choice, talk to your doctor before making yours) * How do we know if the vaccines will have long term effects or not? * Will COVID-19 become a disease of the young? It's certainly taken a turn for the worse in Sydney, with the number of COVID-19 cases per day doubling over the last four to five days. We've heard that it's going to get worse before it gets better, and there are forecasts of more than a hundred cases today. So how much longer are we in the upward trajectory of this curve? When will numbers finally start to come back down? And how long, realistically, are we looking at with this lockdown? Also on today's show: * Norman brings his 2nd AstraZeneca dose forward (that's his personal choice, talk to your doctor before making yours) * How do we know if the vaccines will have long term effects or not? * Will COVID-19 become a disease of the young? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's certainly taken a turn for the worse in Sydney, with the number of COVID-19 cases per day doubling over the last four to five days.

We've heard that it's going to get worse before it gets better, and there are forecasts of more than a hundred cases today.

So how much longer are we in the upward trajectory of this curve? When will numbers finally start to come back down? And how long, realistically, are we looking at with this lockdown?

Also on today's show:

* Norman brings his 2nd AstraZeneca dose forward (that's his personal choice, talk to your doctor before making yours)

* How do we know if the vaccines will have long term effects or not?

* Will COVID-19 become a disease of the young?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 742 Why Sydney's lockdown could grumble along for a while https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-sydneys-lockdown-could-grumble-along-for-a-while/13437410 Nearly two weeks into Sydney's lockdown, and yesterday the state has recorded its highest daily number of COVID-19 cases in the outbreak so far. It's not good news for residents, as many of the cases were in public while infectious - which may lead to further chains of transmission. It's also becoming clearer that this outbreak is dragging on longer than hoped, and it seems the epidemiological figures back that up. So on today's Coronacast, if something doesn't change in Sydney, the lockdown may last for quite a while yet. GUEST: Adrian Esterman, Professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Adelaide NOTE: The episode's audio incorrectly refers to Professor Esterman as being from the University of Adelaide. He is from the University of South Australia. The transcript has been amended to reflect this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Nearly two weeks into Sydney's lockdown, and yesterday the state has recorded its highest daily number of COVID-19 cases in the outbreak so far. It's not good news for residents, as many of the cases were in public while infectious - which may lead to further chains of transmission. It's also becoming clearer that this outbreak is dragging on longer than hoped, and it seems the epidemiological figures back that up. So on today's Coronacast, if something doesn't change in Sydney, the lockdown may last for quite a while yet. GUEST: Adrian Esterman, Professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Adelaide NOTE: The episode's audio incorrectly refers to Professor Esterman as being from the University of Adelaide. He is from the University of South Australia. The transcript has been amended to reflect this. Nearly two weeks into Sydney's lockdown, and yesterday the state has recorded its highest daily number of COVID-19 cases in the outbreak so far. It's not good news for residents, as many of the cases were in public while infectious - which may lead to further chains of transmission. It's also becoming clearer that this outbreak is dragging on longer than hoped, and it seems the epidemiological figures back that up. So on today's Coronacast, if something doesn't change in Sydney, the lockdown may last for quite a while yet. GUEST: Adrian Esterman, Professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Adelaide NOTE: The episode's audio incorrectly refers to Professor Esterman as being from the University of Adelaide. He is from the University of South Australia. The transcript has been amended to reflect this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Nearly two weeks into Sydney's lockdown, and yesterday the state has recorded its highest daily number of COVID-19 cases in the outbreak so far.

It's not good news for residents, as many of the cases were in public while infectious - which may lead to further chains of transmission.

It's also becoming clearer that this outbreak is dragging on longer than hoped, and it seems the epidemiological figures back that up.

So on today's Coronacast, if something doesn't change in Sydney, the lockdown may last for quite a while yet.

GUEST:

Adrian Esterman, Professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Adelaide

NOTE: The episode's audio incorrectly refers to Professor Esterman as being from the University of Adelaide. He is from the University of South Australia. The transcript has been amended to reflect this.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 638 Why does Sydney need another week? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-does-sydney-need-another-week/13435794 Sadly, greater Sydney and surrounding areas are to spend another week in lockdown after COVID-19 cases have refused to come down to more comfortable levels. The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned cases today will likely also be high, and that additional restrictions may need to be imposed. So on today's Coronacast, why do authorities need more time? And what can we tell about the Delta variant from the cases so far? Also on today's show: * Is the number of people in ICU in the Sydney outbreak unusually high? * Why isn't Dr Norman Swan having a second AstraZeneca shot now that it's 8 weeks after his very public first shot? * We hear a lot about the Delta variant and now Kappa and Lambda variants. Were there variants in between that got named? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sadly, greater Sydney and surrounding areas are to spend another week in lockdown after COVID-19 cases have refused to come down to more comfortable levels. The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned cases today will likely also be high, and that additional restrictions may need to be imposed. So on today's Coronacast, why do authorities need more time? And what can we tell about the Delta variant from the cases so far? Also on today's show: * Is the number of people in ICU in the Sydney outbreak unusually high? * Why isn't Dr Norman Swan having a second AstraZeneca shot now that it's 8 weeks after his very public first shot? * We hear a lot about the Delta variant and now Kappa and Lambda variants. Were there variants in between that got named? Sadly, greater Sydney and surrounding areas are to spend another week in lockdown after COVID-19 cases have refused to come down to more comfortable levels. The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned cases today will likely also be high, and that additional restrictions may need to be imposed. So on today's Coronacast, why do authorities need more time? And what can we tell about the Delta variant from the cases so far? Also on today's show: * Is the number of people in ICU in the Sydney outbreak unusually high? * Why isn't Dr Norman Swan having a second AstraZeneca shot now that it's 8 weeks after his very public first shot? * We hear a lot about the Delta variant and now Kappa and Lambda variants. Were there variants in between that got named? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sadly, greater Sydney and surrounding areas are to spend another week in lockdown after COVID-19 cases have refused to come down to more comfortable levels.

The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned cases today will likely also be high, and that additional restrictions may need to be imposed.

So on today's Coronacast, why do authorities need more time? And what can we tell about the Delta variant from the cases so far?

Also on today's show:

* Is the number of people in ICU in the Sydney outbreak unusually high?

* Why isn't Dr Norman Swan having a second AstraZeneca shot now that it's 8 weeks after his very public first shot?

* We hear a lot about the Delta variant and now Kappa and Lambda variants. Were there variants in between that got named?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 Sydney's big moment: will lockdown lift? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sydneys-big-moment-will-lockdown-lift/13433874 It's been over a week and a bit since greater Sydney and surrounds were put into lockdown to battle the Delta outbreak which started three weeks ago. While case numbers haven't soared over the last two weeks, they haven't dramatically reduced either. And there are still people testing positive without being in isolation. Today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is expected to provide more information as to what happens next in the city. Will lockdowns be lifted, or will it continue? So on today's Coronacast, what might happen? Also on today's show: * A new variant to keep an eye on: Lambda. * I have an 11 year old child who may be eligible for vaccine next year. How safe are the vaccines for children aged 12? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been over a week and a bit since greater Sydney and surrounds were put into lockdown to battle the Delta outbreak which started three weeks ago. While case numbers haven't soared over the last two weeks, they haven't dramatically reduced either. And there are still people testing positive without being in isolation. Today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is expected to provide more information as to what happens next in the city. Will lockdowns be lifted, or will it continue? So on today's Coronacast, what might happen? Also on today's show: * A new variant to keep an eye on: Lambda. * I have an 11 year old child who may be eligible for vaccine next year. How safe are the vaccines for children aged 12? It's been over a week and a bit since greater Sydney and surrounds were put into lockdown to battle the Delta outbreak which started three weeks ago. While case numbers haven't soared over the last two weeks, they haven't dramatically reduced either. And there are still people testing positive without being in isolation. Today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is expected to provide more information as to what happens next in the city. Will lockdowns be lifted, or will it continue? So on today's Coronacast, what might happen? Also on today's show: * A new variant to keep an eye on: Lambda. * I have an 11 year old child who may be eligible for vaccine next year. How safe are the vaccines for children aged 12? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been over a week and a bit since greater Sydney and surrounds were put into lockdown to battle the Delta outbreak which started three weeks ago.

While case numbers haven't soared over the last two weeks, they haven't dramatically reduced either. And there are still people testing positive without being in isolation.

Today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is expected to provide more information as to what happens next in the city. Will lockdowns be lifted, or will it continue?

So on today's Coronacast, what might happen?

Also on today's show:

* A new variant to keep an eye on: Lambda.

* I have an 11 year old child who may be eligible for vaccine next year. How safe are the vaccines for children aged 12?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 673 Let's jump ahead 12 months https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lets-jump-ahead-12-months/13432374 With all the uncertainties a pandemic brings, it's sometimes worth remembering that it will one day be over. It might not be tomorrow, but it will eventually end - and one of the main ways we'll manage that is by mass vaccination of the global population. Currently, countries are at various stages of the rollout, and one much further ahead than Australia is Singapore. So on today's Coroncast, what can we learn from them and what might life look like this time next year? Also on today's show: * Once our vaccination rate is sufficient for us to treat COVID-19 like flu, will the 'test, trace and isolate' strategies nonetheless still be required? * Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe for breastfeeding? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Jul 2021 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With all the uncertainties a pandemic brings, it's sometimes worth remembering that it will one day be over. It might not be tomorrow, but it will eventually end - and one of the main ways we'll manage that is by mass vaccination of the global population. Currently, countries are at various stages of the rollout, and one much further ahead than Australia is Singapore. So on today's Coroncast, what can we learn from them and what might life look like this time next year? Also on today's show: * Once our vaccination rate is sufficient for us to treat COVID-19 like flu, will the 'test, trace and isolate' strategies nonetheless still be required? * Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe for breastfeeding? With all the uncertainties a pandemic brings, it's sometimes worth remembering that it will one day be over. It might not be tomorrow, but it will eventually end - and one of the main ways we'll manage that is by mass vaccination of the global population. Currently, countries are at various stages of the rollout, and one much further ahead than Australia is Singapore. So on today's Coroncast, what can we learn from them and what might life look like this time next year? Also on today's show: * Once our vaccination rate is sufficient for us to treat COVID-19 like flu, will the 'test, trace and isolate' strategies nonetheless still be required? * Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe for breastfeeding? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With all the uncertainties a pandemic brings, it's sometimes worth remembering that it will one day be over.

It might not be tomorrow, but it will eventually end - and one of the main ways we'll manage that is by mass vaccination of the global population.

Currently, countries are at various stages of the rollout, and one much further ahead than Australia is Singapore.

So on today's Coroncast, what can we learn from them and what might life look like this time next year?

Also on today's show:

* Once our vaccination rate is sufficient for us to treat COVID-19 like flu, will the 'test, trace and isolate' strategies nonetheless still be required?

* Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe for breastfeeding?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 648 Three lockdowns end! Will Sydney soon follow? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/three-lockdowns-end-will-sydney-soon-follow/13431294 Over the weekend, lockdowns ended in WA, NT and Queensland - leaving only Greater Sydney and surrounding areas with heavy restrictions. New South Wales' health authorities have been battling a much bigger outbreak, but there's hope that it might finally being brought under control. But many challenges remain, such as an outbreak in an aged-care home and still several mystery cases. So on today's Coronacast, what's the chance Sydney's lockdown will end this week? Also on today's show: * When do you think research will tell us whether or not we should have another COVID-19 shot next year? * The US, UK, Canada and some European countries are mixing and matching vaccines. When do you Australia will follow suit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 04 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Over the weekend, lockdowns ended in WA, NT and Queensland - leaving only Greater Sydney and surrounding areas with heavy restrictions. New South Wales' health authorities have been battling a much bigger outbreak, but there's hope that it might finally being brought under control. But many challenges remain, such as an outbreak in an aged-care home and still several mystery cases. So on today's Coronacast, what's the chance Sydney's lockdown will end this week? Also on today's show: * When do you think research will tell us whether or not we should have another COVID-19 shot next year? * The US, UK, Canada and some European countries are mixing and matching vaccines. When do you Australia will follow suit? Over the weekend, lockdowns ended in WA, NT and Queensland - leaving only Greater Sydney and surrounding areas with heavy restrictions. New South Wales' health authorities have been battling a much bigger outbreak, but there's hope that it might finally being brought under control. But many challenges remain, such as an outbreak in an aged-care home and still several mystery cases. So on today's Coronacast, what's the chance Sydney's lockdown will end this week? Also on today's show: * When do you think research will tell us whether or not we should have another COVID-19 shot next year? * The US, UK, Canada and some European countries are mixing and matching vaccines. When do you Australia will follow suit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the weekend, lockdowns ended in WA, NT and Queensland - leaving only Greater Sydney and surrounding areas with heavy restrictions.

New South Wales' health authorities have been battling a much bigger outbreak, but there's hope that it might finally being brought under control.

But many challenges remain, such as an outbreak in an aged-care home and still several mystery cases.

So on today's Coronacast, what's the chance Sydney's lockdown will end this week?

Also on today's show:

* When do you think research will tell us whether or not we should have another COVID-19 shot next year?

* The US, UK, Canada and some European countries are mixing and matching vaccines. When do you Australia will follow suit?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 820 How are Australia's outbreaks looking one week in? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-are-australias-outbreaks-looking-one-week-in/13427916 As we well know with coronavirus by now, sometimes you just have wait to see if things will get better - or worse. We're nearly a week in since COVID-19 exploded across the country, with outbreaks and lockdowns in NSW, Queensland, NT and WA. So as we head into the weekend, how's it looking in the hotspots of Sydney and Brisbane? And what - if any - lockdowns may need to be extended? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * There's a study which says the reason the the rare blood clotting disorder after AstraZeneca might be down to the way the vaccines are delivered. How likely is that? * And Quick Fire Friday is here (finally!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As we well know with coronavirus by now, sometimes you just have wait to see if things will get better - or worse. We're nearly a week in since COVID-19 exploded across the country, with outbreaks and lockdowns in NSW, Queensland, NT and WA. So as we head into the weekend, how's it looking in the hotspots of Sydney and Brisbane? And what - if any - lockdowns may need to be extended? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * There's a study which says the reason the the rare blood clotting disorder after AstraZeneca might be down to the way the vaccines are delivered. How likely is that? * And Quick Fire Friday is here (finally!) As we well know with coronavirus by now, sometimes you just have wait to see if things will get better - or worse. We're nearly a week in since COVID-19 exploded across the country, with outbreaks and lockdowns in NSW, Queensland, NT and WA. So as we head into the weekend, how's it looking in the hotspots of Sydney and Brisbane? And what - if any - lockdowns may need to be extended? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * There's a study which says the reason the the rare blood clotting disorder after AstraZeneca might be down to the way the vaccines are delivered. How likely is that? * And Quick Fire Friday is here (finally!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we well know with coronavirus by now, sometimes you just have wait to see if things will get better - or worse.

We're nearly a week in since COVID-19 exploded across the country, with outbreaks and lockdowns in NSW, Queensland, NT and WA.

So as we head into the weekend, how's it looking in the hotspots of Sydney and Brisbane? And what - if any - lockdowns may need to be extended?

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* There's a study which says the reason the the rare blood clotting disorder after AstraZeneca might be down to the way the vaccines are delivered. How likely is that?

* And Quick Fire Friday is here (finally!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 734 How did we get into this position with vaccines? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-did-we-get-into-this-position-with-vaccines/13425840 If there's one thing everyone can agree on regarding Australia's vaccine rollout it's that it's a bit of a mess. As politicians, health authorities and health experts seem to give conflicting advice - it might be worth looking back to see how we go here in the first place. What exactly changed on Monday with the Prime Minister announcing that under 40s can now access the AstraZeneca vaccine and what do we know about the risk versus the reward? That's on today's Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If there's one thing everyone can agree on regarding Australia's vaccine rollout it's that it's a bit of a mess. As politicians, health authorities and health experts seem to give conflicting advice - it might be worth looking back to see how we go here in the first place. What exactly changed on Monday with the Prime Minister announcing that under 40s can now access the AstraZeneca vaccine and what do we know about the risk versus the reward? That's on today's Coronacast. If there's one thing everyone can agree on regarding Australia's vaccine rollout it's that it's a bit of a mess. As politicians, health authorities and health experts seem to give conflicting advice - it might be worth looking back to see how we go here in the first place. What exactly changed on Monday with the Prime Minister announcing that under 40s can now access the AstraZeneca vaccine and what do we know about the risk versus the reward? That's on today's Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If there's one thing everyone can agree on regarding Australia's vaccine rollout it's that it's a bit of a mess.

As politicians, health authorities and health experts seem to give conflicting advice - it might be worth looking back to see how we go here in the first place.

What exactly changed on Monday with the Prime Minister announcing that under 40s can now access the AstraZeneca vaccine and what do we know about the risk versus the reward?

That's on today's Coronacast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 718 I'm under 40. Should I get the Astra vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/im-under-40-should-i-get-the-astra-vaccine/13424146 Much has been said about the AstraZeneca vaccine over the past year. We've discussed its production, distribution, efficacy, link to rare blood clots, availability and everything else in between. On Monday night, the Prime Minister said that anyone under the age of 40 can go to their GP and request the AstraZeneca vaccine. But on today's Coronacast, if you're under 40, should you? Also on today's show: * What's all this talk about reducing the time between Astra shots from 12 to 8 weeks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Much has been said about the AstraZeneca vaccine over the past year. We've discussed its production, distribution, efficacy, link to rare blood clots, availability and everything else in between. On Monday night, the Prime Minister said that anyone under the age of 40 can go to their GP and request the AstraZeneca vaccine. But on today's Coronacast, if you're under 40, should you? Also on today's show: * What's all this talk about reducing the time between Astra shots from 12 to 8 weeks? Much has been said about the AstraZeneca vaccine over the past year. We've discussed its production, distribution, efficacy, link to rare blood clots, availability and everything else in between. On Monday night, the Prime Minister said that anyone under the age of 40 can go to their GP and request the AstraZeneca vaccine. But on today's Coronacast, if you're under 40, should you? Also on today's show: * What's all this talk about reducing the time between Astra shots from 12 to 8 weeks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Much has been said about the AstraZeneca vaccine over the past year.

We've discussed its production, distribution, efficacy, link to rare blood clots, availability and everything else in between.

On Monday night, the Prime Minister said that anyone under the age of 40 can go to their GP and request the AstraZeneca vaccine.

But on today's Coronacast, if you're under 40, should you?

Also on today's show:

* What's all this talk about reducing the time between Astra shots from 12 to 8 weeks?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 621 Will lockdown need to be longer in the age of Delta? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-lockdown-need-to-be-longer-in-the-age-of-delta/13422322 Sydneysiders are being warned to expect daily case numbers to jump around over the next few days, as the scale of the outbreak becomes clearer. In other states and territories, the outbreaks are smaller - but it's still too early to know where this might head next. One thing is for sure: the Delta variant is far more infectious than previous strains - and according to modelling, that means we can expect to see more cases than we otherwise would have. So on today's Coronacast, when might the outbreaks peak and can we stay ahead of this virus? Also on today's show: * NSW Health Minister reveals an interesting story about vaccination and the superspreading birthday party * You said in a podcast recently that the government should focus on just getting as many first doses out there, but then it was mentioned that a first shot of AstraZeneca or Pfizer isn't that effective and you need that second dose. These statements seem to conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sydneysiders are being warned to expect daily case numbers to jump around over the next few days, as the scale of the outbreak becomes clearer. In other states and territories, the outbreaks are smaller - but it's still too early to know where this might head next. One thing is for sure: the Delta variant is far more infectious than previous strains - and according to modelling, that means we can expect to see more cases than we otherwise would have. So on today's Coronacast, when might the outbreaks peak and can we stay ahead of this virus? Also on today's show: * NSW Health Minister reveals an interesting story about vaccination and the superspreading birthday party * You said in a podcast recently that the government should focus on just getting as many first doses out there, but then it was mentioned that a first shot of AstraZeneca or Pfizer isn't that effective and you need that second dose. These statements seem to conflict. Sydneysiders are being warned to expect daily case numbers to jump around over the next few days, as the scale of the outbreak becomes clearer. In other states and territories, the outbreaks are smaller - but it's still too early to know where this might head next. One thing is for sure: the Delta variant is far more infectious than previous strains - and according to modelling, that means we can expect to see more cases than we otherwise would have. So on today's Coronacast, when might the outbreaks peak and can we stay ahead of this virus? Also on today's show: * NSW Health Minister reveals an interesting story about vaccination and the superspreading birthday party * You said in a podcast recently that the government should focus on just getting as many first doses out there, but then it was mentioned that a first shot of AstraZeneca or Pfizer isn't that effective and you need that second dose. These statements seem to conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sydneysiders are being warned to expect daily case numbers to jump around over the next few days, as the scale of the outbreak becomes clearer.

In other states and territories, the outbreaks are smaller - but it's still too early to know where this might head next.

One thing is for sure: the Delta variant is far more infectious than previous strains - and according to modelling, that means we can expect to see more cases than we otherwise would have.

So on today's Coronacast, when might the outbreaks peak and can we stay ahead of this virus?

Also on today's show:

* NSW Health Minister reveals an interesting story about vaccination and the superspreading birthday party

* You said in a podcast recently that the government should focus on just getting as many first doses out there, but then it was mentioned that a first shot of AstraZeneca or Pfizer isn't that effective and you need that second dose. These statements seem to conflict.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 602 How did it all go so bad so quickly? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-did-it-all-go-so-bad-so-quickly/13421314 If you haven't been paying attention to the news over the weekend, there's some bad news. Sydney is in lockdown. Darwin is too. And there's new restrictions for Perth. Rather quickly, coronavirus has found its way around the country from the east to the west and to the top end. So on today's Coronacast, what has happened and how did it all go so badly so quickly? Also on today's show: * Re-examining symptoms: what are the most common if you're unvaccinated, if you've had one dose and if you've been fully vaccinated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 27 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you haven't been paying attention to the news over the weekend, there's some bad news. Sydney is in lockdown. Darwin is too. And there's new restrictions for Perth. Rather quickly, coronavirus has found its way around the country from the east to the west and to the top end. So on today's Coronacast, what has happened and how did it all go so badly so quickly? Also on today's show: * Re-examining symptoms: what are the most common if you're unvaccinated, if you've had one dose and if you've been fully vaccinated. If you haven't been paying attention to the news over the weekend, there's some bad news. Sydney is in lockdown. Darwin is too. And there's new restrictions for Perth. Rather quickly, coronavirus has found its way around the country from the east to the west and to the top end. So on today's Coronacast, what has happened and how did it all go so badly so quickly? Also on today's show: * Re-examining symptoms: what are the most common if you're unvaccinated, if you've had one dose and if you've been fully vaccinated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you haven't been paying attention to the news over the weekend, there's some bad news.

Sydney is in lockdown. Darwin is too. And there's new restrictions for Perth.

Rather quickly, coronavirus has found its way around the country from the east to the west and to the top end.

So on today's Coronacast, what has happened and how did it all go so badly so quickly?

Also on today's show:

* Re-examining symptoms: what are the most common if you're unvaccinated, if you've had one dose and if you've been fully vaccinated.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 796 I've been vaccinated, why can't I do what I want? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ive-been-vaccinated-why-cant-i-do-what-i-want/13417948 As Sydney's outbreak continues to grow, so do the number of people who have been fully vaccinated. But, as more people are vaccinated - many are wondering, since they're fully vaccinated, why do they have to be subject to lockdowns and restrictions? Well, it's because of several reasons, as today's Coronacast explains. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday with all your quick fire questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As Sydney's outbreak continues to grow, so do the number of people who have been fully vaccinated. But, as more people are vaccinated - many are wondering, since they're fully vaccinated, why do they have to be subject to lockdowns and restrictions? Well, it's because of several reasons, as today's Coronacast explains. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday with all your quick fire questions! As Sydney's outbreak continues to grow, so do the number of people who have been fully vaccinated. But, as more people are vaccinated - many are wondering, since they're fully vaccinated, why do they have to be subject to lockdowns and restrictions? Well, it's because of several reasons, as today's Coronacast explains. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday with all your quick fire questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As Sydney's outbreak continues to grow, so do the number of people who have been fully vaccinated.

But, as more people are vaccinated - many are wondering, since they're fully vaccinated, why do they have to be subject to lockdowns and restrictions?

Well, it's because of several reasons, as today's Coronacast explains.

Also on today's show:

* Quick Fire Friday with all your quick fire questions!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 683 Sydney's outbreak grows from bad to worse https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sydneys-outbreak-grows-from-bad-to-worse/13409456 People living in Sydney and surrounding cities are living under much heavier restrictions today, after the COVID-19 outbreak significantly worsened yesterday. There are now serious limits on the number of people who can visit at home, capacity limits on businesses and masks are essential in public spaces. Part of the increased concern was a superspreading event at a birthday party, where at least 30 percent of attendees have now tested positive - with more cases expected. So on today's Coronacast, as the number of exposure sites in Sydney also continues to grow, what could the city be facing in the days ahead? Also on today's show: * I've been fully vaccinated, why am I subject to all state travel restrictions, regardless of my vaccination status? * Another leak within hotel quarantine, this time in Brisbane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia People living in Sydney and surrounding cities are living under much heavier restrictions today, after the COVID-19 outbreak significantly worsened yesterday. There are now serious limits on the number of people who can visit at home, capacity limits on businesses and masks are essential in public spaces. Part of the increased concern was a superspreading event at a birthday party, where at least 30 percent of attendees have now tested positive - with more cases expected. So on today's Coronacast, as the number of exposure sites in Sydney also continues to grow, what could the city be facing in the days ahead? Also on today's show: * I've been fully vaccinated, why am I subject to all state travel restrictions, regardless of my vaccination status? * Another leak within hotel quarantine, this time in Brisbane People living in Sydney and surrounding cities are living under much heavier restrictions today, after the COVID-19 outbreak significantly worsened yesterday. There are now serious limits on the number of people who can visit at home, capacity limits on businesses and masks are essential in public spaces. Part of the increased concern was a superspreading event at a birthday party, where at least 30 percent of attendees have now tested positive - with more cases expected. So on today's Coronacast, as the number of exposure sites in Sydney also continues to grow, what could the city be facing in the days ahead? Also on today's show: * I've been fully vaccinated, why am I subject to all state travel restrictions, regardless of my vaccination status? * Another leak within hotel quarantine, this time in Brisbane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices People living in Sydney and surrounding cities are living under much heavier restrictions today, after the COVID-19 outbreak significantly worsened yesterday.

There are now serious limits on the number of people who can visit at home, capacity limits on businesses and masks are essential in public spaces.

Part of the increased concern was a superspreading event at a birthday party, where at least 30 percent of attendees have now tested positive - with more cases expected.

So on today's Coronacast, as the number of exposure sites in Sydney also continues to grow, what could the city be facing in the days ahead?

Also on today's show:

* I've been fully vaccinated, why am I subject to all state travel restrictions, regardless of my vaccination status?

* Another leak within hotel quarantine, this time in Brisbane

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 656 Is Sydney going to need a lockdown? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-sydney-going-to-need-a-lockdown/13406918 There's been a rather large jump in the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney, with the cluster growing beyond 20 people. While the majority of the cases reported yesterday were already in isolation, there was at least one mystery case in which contract tracers have had to hunt down the source. The NSW Government has mandated the use of masks on public transport and in all public indoor venues Sydney wide. So on today's Coronacast, why there hasn't been a lockdown in Sydney so far. Also on today's show: * Living with lockdowns over the next several months * Possible surface transmission in Queensland * What effect does vaccination have on pregnancy? * Should I breastfeed after I've been vaccinated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been a rather large jump in the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney, with the cluster growing beyond 20 people. While the majority of the cases reported yesterday were already in isolation, there was at least one mystery case in which contract tracers have had to hunt down the source. The NSW Government has mandated the use of masks on public transport and in all public indoor venues Sydney wide. So on today's Coronacast, why there hasn't been a lockdown in Sydney so far. Also on today's show: * Living with lockdowns over the next several months * Possible surface transmission in Queensland * What effect does vaccination have on pregnancy? * Should I breastfeed after I've been vaccinated? There's been a rather large jump in the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney, with the cluster growing beyond 20 people. While the majority of the cases reported yesterday were already in isolation, there was at least one mystery case in which contract tracers have had to hunt down the source. The NSW Government has mandated the use of masks on public transport and in all public indoor venues Sydney wide. So on today's Coronacast, why there hasn't been a lockdown in Sydney so far. Also on today's show: * Living with lockdowns over the next several months * Possible surface transmission in Queensland * What effect does vaccination have on pregnancy? * Should I breastfeed after I've been vaccinated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been a rather large jump in the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney, with the cluster growing beyond 20 people.

While the majority of the cases reported yesterday were already in isolation, there was at least one mystery case in which contract tracers have had to hunt down the source.

The NSW Government has mandated the use of masks on public transport and in all public indoor venues Sydney wide.

So on today's Coronacast, why there hasn't been a lockdown in Sydney so far.

Also on today's show:

* Living with lockdowns over the next several months

* Possible surface transmission in Queensland

* What effect does vaccination have on pregnancy?

* Should I breastfeed after I've been vaccinated?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 827 Why can't I just switch to Pfizer now? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-cant-i-just-switch-to-pfizer-now/13404360 While it's still too early to know how many people have cancelled their second Astra dose, doctors are urging people to make sure they receive both doses of the same vaccine. The risk of serious side effects from the second dose are reported to be significantly lower, and on the plus side - a second dose gives you even better protection against COVID-19. Currently, there's no approval from medicine regulators to mix doses. On today's Coronacast, if you've had your first Astra shot, why getting your second is important. Also on today's show: * Is there any news on research for a cure or at least treatments for those with COVID-19? * What more to we know regarding menstrual problem after Pfizer vaccination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While it's still too early to know how many people have cancelled their second Astra dose, doctors are urging people to make sure they receive both doses of the same vaccine. The risk of serious side effects from the second dose are reported to be significantly lower, and on the plus side - a second dose gives you even better protection against COVID-19. Currently, there's no approval from medicine regulators to mix doses. On today's Coronacast, if you've had your first Astra shot, why getting your second is important. Also on today's show: * Is there any news on research for a cure or at least treatments for those with COVID-19? * What more to we know regarding menstrual problem after Pfizer vaccination? While it's still too early to know how many people have cancelled their second Astra dose, doctors are urging people to make sure they receive both doses of the same vaccine. The risk of serious side effects from the second dose are reported to be significantly lower, and on the plus side - a second dose gives you even better protection against COVID-19. Currently, there's no approval from medicine regulators to mix doses. On today's Coronacast, if you've had your first Astra shot, why getting your second is important. Also on today's show: * Is there any news on research for a cure or at least treatments for those with COVID-19? * What more to we know regarding menstrual problem after Pfizer vaccination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While it's still too early to know how many people have cancelled their second Astra dose, doctors are urging people to make sure they receive both doses of the same vaccine.

The risk of serious side effects from the second dose are reported to be significantly lower, and on the plus side - a second dose gives you even better protection against COVID-19.

Currently, there's no approval from medicine regulators to mix doses.

On today's Coronacast, if you've had your first Astra shot, why getting your second is important.

Also on today's show:

* Is there any news on research for a cure or at least treatments for those with COVID-19?

* What more to we know regarding menstrual problem after Pfizer vaccination?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 733 Ok let's talk about fleetingness. Is it more infectious? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ok-lets-talk-about-fleetingness-is-it-more-infectious/13401540 There's been a lot of talk over the last several weeks about how the coronavirus variants in Melbourne and Sydney is transmitting in more "fleeting" contact than we've previously seen. The outbreak in Sydney is the Delta variant and Melbourne's main outbreak was Kappa - and in both cities politicians or health officials say they're seeing people infected in very short periods of time. So is the virus actually more fleeting - or infectious? Or is it just better contact tracing? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Victoria announces mRNA funding * It's not looking so good for the next mRNA vaccine candidate * But it's not all bad - an outbreak in German aged care facility shows us why Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 20 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been a lot of talk over the last several weeks about how the coronavirus variants in Melbourne and Sydney is transmitting in more "fleeting" contact than we've previously seen. The outbreak in Sydney is the Delta variant and Melbourne's main outbreak was Kappa - and in both cities politicians or health officials say they're seeing people infected in very short periods of time. So is the virus actually more fleeting - or infectious? Or is it just better contact tracing? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Victoria announces mRNA funding * It's not looking so good for the next mRNA vaccine candidate * But it's not all bad - an outbreak in German aged care facility shows us why There's been a lot of talk over the last several weeks about how the coronavirus variants in Melbourne and Sydney is transmitting in more "fleeting" contact than we've previously seen. The outbreak in Sydney is the Delta variant and Melbourne's main outbreak was Kappa - and in both cities politicians or health officials say they're seeing people infected in very short periods of time. So is the virus actually more fleeting - or infectious? Or is it just better contact tracing? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Victoria announces mRNA funding * It's not looking so good for the next mRNA vaccine candidate * But it's not all bad - an outbreak in German aged care facility shows us why Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been a lot of talk over the last several weeks about how the coronavirus variants in Melbourne and Sydney is transmitting in more "fleeting" contact than we've previously seen.

The outbreak in Sydney is the Delta variant and Melbourne's main outbreak was Kappa - and in both cities politicians or health officials say they're seeing people infected in very short periods of time.

So is the virus actually more fleeting - or infectious? Or is it just better contact tracing?

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Victoria announces mRNA funding

* It's not looking so good for the next mRNA vaccine candidate

* But it's not all bad - an outbreak in German aged care facility shows us why

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 739 I've had my first Astra shot. What now? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ive-had-my-first-astra-shot-what-now/13396042 The national vaccine rollout has suffered another setback, with the federal government now saying that only people over 60 years should get the AstraZeneca vaccine. It's likely to set the date to full vaccination back even further as Pfizer vaccine supplies are limited and it'll be months before Novavax and Moderna vaccines arrive. It's also left many wondering what they should do if they've had their first AstraZeneca dose, and what are the new levels of risk for their age group? On today's Coronacast, with Australia's two largest cities fighting COVID-19 - how vulnerable are we? Also on today's show: * The latest on the Sydney outbreak * No Quick Fire Friday today sorry :( What do you think we are? Timelords?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The national vaccine rollout has suffered another setback, with the federal government now saying that only people over 60 years should get the AstraZeneca vaccine. It's likely to set the date to full vaccination back even further as Pfizer vaccine supplies are limited and it'll be months before Novavax and Moderna vaccines arrive. It's also left many wondering what they should do if they've had their first AstraZeneca dose, and what are the new levels of risk for their age group? On today's Coronacast, with Australia's two largest cities fighting COVID-19 - how vulnerable are we? Also on today's show: * The latest on the Sydney outbreak * No Quick Fire Friday today sorry :( What do you think we are? Timelords?! The national vaccine rollout has suffered another setback, with the federal government now saying that only people over 60 years should get the AstraZeneca vaccine. It's likely to set the date to full vaccination back even further as Pfizer vaccine supplies are limited and it'll be months before Novavax and Moderna vaccines arrive. It's also left many wondering what they should do if they've had their first AstraZeneca dose, and what are the new levels of risk for their age group? On today's Coronacast, with Australia's two largest cities fighting COVID-19 - how vulnerable are we? Also on today's show: * The latest on the Sydney outbreak * No Quick Fire Friday today sorry :( What do you think we are? Timelords?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The national vaccine rollout has suffered another setback, with the federal government now saying that only people over 60 years should get the AstraZeneca vaccine.

It's likely to set the date to full vaccination back even further as Pfizer vaccine supplies are limited and it'll be months before Novavax and Moderna vaccines arrive.

It's also left many wondering what they should do if they've had their first AstraZeneca dose, and what are the new levels of risk for their age group?

On today's Coronacast, with Australia's two largest cities fighting COVID-19 - how vulnerable are we?

Also on today's show:

* The latest on the Sydney outbreak

* No Quick Fire Friday today sorry :( What do you think we are? Timelords?!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 746 The sneaky leaky virus always finds a way https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-sneaky-leaky-virus-always-finds-a-way/13392532 NSW Health authorities are dealing with a new COVID-19 outbreak that appears to have slipped through our borders via a driver who transports international flight crew. And late on Tuesday, NSW Health said two people staying in a quarantine hotel may have been infected from people staying in a room next door. Further south in Melbourne, contact tracers are also trying to work out how many people in a Southbank apartment are infected. So on today's Coronacast, how might this sneaky leaky virus be circulating? Also on today's show: * What we know about myocarditis and mRNA vaccines in young people * I'm under 50 and had AstraZenca as my first shot. If I get the chance of a Pfizer shot before my 2nd, should I take it or get my 2nd AstraZenca? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia NSW Health authorities are dealing with a new COVID-19 outbreak that appears to have slipped through our borders via a driver who transports international flight crew. And late on Tuesday, NSW Health said two people staying in a quarantine hotel may have been infected from people staying in a room next door. Further south in Melbourne, contact tracers are also trying to work out how many people in a Southbank apartment are infected. So on today's Coronacast, how might this sneaky leaky virus be circulating? Also on today's show: * What we know about myocarditis and mRNA vaccines in young people * I'm under 50 and had AstraZenca as my first shot. If I get the chance of a Pfizer shot before my 2nd, should I take it or get my 2nd AstraZenca? NSW Health authorities are dealing with a new COVID-19 outbreak that appears to have slipped through our borders via a driver who transports international flight crew. And late on Tuesday, NSW Health said two people staying in a quarantine hotel may have been infected from people staying in a room next door. Further south in Melbourne, contact tracers are also trying to work out how many people in a Southbank apartment are infected. So on today's Coronacast, how might this sneaky leaky virus be circulating? Also on today's show: * What we know about myocarditis and mRNA vaccines in young people * I'm under 50 and had AstraZenca as my first shot. If I get the chance of a Pfizer shot before my 2nd, should I take it or get my 2nd AstraZenca? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices NSW Health authorities are dealing with a new COVID-19 outbreak that appears to have slipped through our borders via a driver who transports international flight crew.

And late on Tuesday, NSW Health said two people staying in a quarantine hotel may have been infected from people staying in a room next door.

Further south in Melbourne, contact tracers are also trying to work out how many people in a Southbank apartment are infected.

So on today's Coronacast, how might this sneaky leaky virus be circulating?

Also on today's show:

* What we know about myocarditis and mRNA vaccines in young people

* I'm under 50 and had AstraZenca as my first shot. If I get the chance of a Pfizer shot before my 2nd, should I take it or get my 2nd AstraZenca?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 726 Can Novavax save Australia's vaccine rollout? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-novavax-save-australias-vaccine-rollout/13389330 The clinical trial results are in for another coronavirus vaccine, this one made by the company Novavax, and at first glance they look really good. We say first glance because the results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and are from the company's press release. They show the shot is very effective against COVID-19 and also shows promise for some of the more concerning variants we're up against. So on today's Coronacast, what could this mean for Australia's vaccine rollout and might Novavax be able to give the campaign a much needed shot in the arm. Also on today's show: * What has the medical community's reaction been to last week's death of a 52-year-old woman who'd received the AstraZeneca vaccine? * Worries about the spread of the Delta variant in the UK delay complete reopening * Canada's vaccine rollout surges ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The clinical trial results are in for another coronavirus vaccine, this one made by the company Novavax, and at first glance they look really good. We say first glance because the results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and are from the company's press release. They show the shot is very effective against COVID-19 and also shows promise for some of the more concerning variants we're up against. So on today's Coronacast, what could this mean for Australia's vaccine rollout and might Novavax be able to give the campaign a much needed shot in the arm. Also on today's show: * What has the medical community's reaction been to last week's death of a 52-year-old woman who'd received the AstraZeneca vaccine? * Worries about the spread of the Delta variant in the UK delay complete reopening * Canada's vaccine rollout surges ahead The clinical trial results are in for another coronavirus vaccine, this one made by the company Novavax, and at first glance they look really good. We say first glance because the results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and are from the company's press release. They show the shot is very effective against COVID-19 and also shows promise for some of the more concerning variants we're up against. So on today's Coronacast, what could this mean for Australia's vaccine rollout and might Novavax be able to give the campaign a much needed shot in the arm. Also on today's show: * What has the medical community's reaction been to last week's death of a 52-year-old woman who'd received the AstraZeneca vaccine? * Worries about the spread of the Delta variant in the UK delay complete reopening * Canada's vaccine rollout surges ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The clinical trial results are in for another coronavirus vaccine, this one made by the company Novavax, and at first glance they look really good.

We say first glance because the results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and are from the company's press release.

They show the shot is very effective against COVID-19 and also shows promise for some of the more concerning variants we're up against.

So on today's Coronacast, what could this mean for Australia's vaccine rollout and might Novavax be able to give the campaign a much needed shot in the arm.

Also on today's show:

* What has the medical community's reaction been to last week's death of a 52-year-old woman who'd received the AstraZeneca vaccine?

* Worries about the spread of the Delta variant in the UK delay complete reopening

* Canada's vaccine rollout surges ahead

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 779 Will lockdowns and restrictions end when we're vaccinated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-lockdowns-and-restrictions-end-when-were-vaccinated/13382134 We know that vaccination is the fastest way out of this pandemic, and the sooner we can get the jab the sooner we're protected. But according to modelling from the Burnet Institute, even with high levels of vaccination, it might be a while yet before we can say goodbye to restrictions and other impositions on our lives. That's partly because of unknowns like how variants will continue to evolve, and because the vaccines don't work 100 per cent of the time in some people. So on today's Coronacast, looking ahead - what can we expect, even if we get to very high levels of vaccination? Guest:Burnet Institute Deputy Director and infectious diseases and public health specialist, Professor Margaret Hellard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We know that vaccination is the fastest way out of this pandemic, and the sooner we can get the jab the sooner we're protected. But according to modelling from the Burnet Institute, even with high levels of vaccination, it might be a while yet before we can say goodbye to restrictions and other impositions on our lives. That's partly because of unknowns like how variants will continue to evolve, and because the vaccines don't work 100 per cent of the time in some people. So on today's Coronacast, looking ahead - what can we expect, even if we get to very high levels of vaccination? Guest: Burnet Institute Deputy Director and infectious diseases and public health specialist, Professor Margaret Hellard We know that vaccination is the fastest way out of this pandemic, and the sooner we can get the jab the sooner we're protected. But according to modelling from the Burnet Institute, even with high levels of vaccination, it might be a while yet before we can say goodbye to restrictions and other impositions on our lives. That's partly because of unknowns like how variants will continue to evolve, and because the vaccines don't work 100 per cent of the time in some people. So on today's Coronacast, looking ahead - what can we expect, even if we get to very high levels of vaccination? Guest:Burnet Institute Deputy Director and infectious diseases and public health specialist, Professor Margaret Hellard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We know that vaccination is the fastest way out of this pandemic, and the sooner we can get the jab the sooner we're protected.

But according to modelling from the Burnet Institute, even with high levels of vaccination, it might be a while yet before we can say goodbye to restrictions and other impositions on our lives.

That's partly because of unknowns like how variants will continue to evolve, and because the vaccines don't work 100 per cent of the time in some people.

So on today's Coronacast, looking ahead - what can we expect, even if we get to very high levels of vaccination?

Guest:Burnet Institute Deputy Director and infectious diseases and public health specialist, Professor Margaret Hellard

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 959 Goodbye Alpha. Hello Delta. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/goodbye-alpha-hello-delta/13380606 There are lots of words that are used to describe the Delta coronavirus variant: highly contagious, very infectious, fast moving. But maybe it's time to add the word successful. The Delta variant has now overtaken the homegrown Alpha variant in the UK as the most dominant strain, and numbers are rising in the United States as well. So on today's Coronacast, we look ahead as to what the rise of Delta might mean for the world. Also on today's show: * Why is there a variation state to state on vaccination rollouts? * Evidence from Germany shows earlier detection and better treatment is lowering AstraZeneca clot mortality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are lots of words that are used to describe the Delta coronavirus variant: highly contagious, very infectious, fast moving. But maybe it's time to add the word successful. The Delta variant has now overtaken the homegrown Alpha variant in the UK as the most dominant strain, and numbers are rising in the United States as well. So on today's Coronacast, we look ahead as to what the rise of Delta might mean for the world. Also on today's show: * Why is there a variation state to state on vaccination rollouts? * Evidence from Germany shows earlier detection and better treatment is lowering AstraZeneca clot mortality There are lots of words that are used to describe the Delta coronavirus variant: highly contagious, very infectious, fast moving. But maybe it's time to add the word successful. The Delta variant has now overtaken the homegrown Alpha variant in the UK as the most dominant strain, and numbers are rising in the United States as well. So on today's Coronacast, we look ahead as to what the rise of Delta might mean for the world. Also on today's show: * Why is there a variation state to state on vaccination rollouts? * Evidence from Germany shows earlier detection and better treatment is lowering AstraZeneca clot mortality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are lots of words that are used to describe the Delta coronavirus variant: highly contagious, very infectious, fast moving.

But maybe it's time to add the word successful.

The Delta variant has now overtaken the homegrown Alpha variant in the UK as the most dominant strain, and numbers are rising in the United States as well.

So on today's Coronacast, we look ahead as to what the rise of Delta might mean for the world.

Also on today's show:

* Why is there a variation state to state on vaccination rollouts?

* Evidence from Germany shows earlier detection and better treatment is lowering AstraZeneca clot mortality

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 751 A hotel trip to write home about! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-hotel-trip-to-write-home-about/13378868 It sounds like a lovely holiday: a week or two in Melbourne, see the sights before travelling north to the picturesque sandy beaches of Jervis Bay. Well, it's nice if you're a person. If it's the coronavirus variant of concern known as Delta, it's not not really a getaway you want to be part of. According to Victorian health authorities, the Delta cluster they're battling has been traced back to a guest from early May who came through hotel quarantine. On today's Coroncast, why that discovery will hopefully help them end the lockdown on time. Also on today's show: * More about getting your 2nd Pfizer dose in Victoria * Is there any evidence that vaccinated people are shedding the virus post vaccine? * Do mRNA vaccines change your DNA? * What happens if you don't get vaccinated by the time Australia reopens to the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It sounds like a lovely holiday: a week or two in Melbourne, see the sights before travelling north to the picturesque sandy beaches of Jervis Bay. Well, it's nice if you're a person. If it's the coronavirus variant of concern known as Delta, it's not not really a getaway you want to be part of. According to Victorian health authorities, the Delta cluster they're battling has been traced back to a guest from early May who came through hotel quarantine. On today's Coroncast, why that discovery will hopefully help them end the lockdown on time. Also on today's show: * More about getting your 2nd Pfizer dose in Victoria * Is there any evidence that vaccinated people are shedding the virus post vaccine? * Do mRNA vaccines change your DNA? * What happens if you don't get vaccinated by the time Australia reopens to the world? It sounds like a lovely holiday: a week or two in Melbourne, see the sights before travelling north to the picturesque sandy beaches of Jervis Bay. Well, it's nice if you're a person. If it's the coronavirus variant of concern known as Delta, it's not not really a getaway you want to be part of. According to Victorian health authorities, the Delta cluster they're battling has been traced back to a guest from early May who came through hotel quarantine. On today's Coroncast, why that discovery will hopefully help them end the lockdown on time. Also on today's show: * More about getting your 2nd Pfizer dose in Victoria * Is there any evidence that vaccinated people are shedding the virus post vaccine? * Do mRNA vaccines change your DNA? * What happens if you don't get vaccinated by the time Australia reopens to the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It sounds like a lovely holiday: a week or two in Melbourne, see the sights before travelling north to the picturesque sandy beaches of Jervis Bay.

Well, it's nice if you're a person. If it's the coronavirus variant of concern known as Delta, it's not not really a getaway you want to be part of.

According to Victorian health authorities, the Delta cluster they're battling has been traced back to a guest from early May who came through hotel quarantine.

On today's Coroncast, why that discovery will hopefully help them end the lockdown on time.

Also on today's show:

* More about getting your 2nd Pfizer dose in Victoria

* Is there any evidence that vaccinated people are shedding the virus post vaccine?

* Do mRNA vaccines change your DNA?

* What happens if you don't get vaccinated by the time Australia reopens to the world?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 789 What's worse: big numbers or one mystery case? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-worse-big-numbers-or-one-mystery-case/13376986 As the days count down to Thursday, the question on everyone's mind is: will Victoria come out of lockdown or do they need a bit longer? Every day, health authorities say they're taking it one day at a time as more and more information is gathered. So what does it mean that Victoria has posted 11 new cases yesterday, when it was low single figures the day before? Thankfully, all the cases have been linked to existing cases and many were already in quarantine. But as today's Coronacast explains, issues still remain. Also on today's show: * Lockdown hard and fast or keep everything open? * Many Victorian Coronacasters are reporting issues with getting their second Pfizer booking. What's going on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the days count down to Thursday, the question on everyone's mind is: will Victoria come out of lockdown or do they need a bit longer? Every day, health authorities say they're taking it one day at a time as more and more information is gathered. So what does it mean that Victoria has posted 11 new cases yesterday, when it was low single figures the day before? Thankfully, all the cases have been linked to existing cases and many were already in quarantine. But as today's Coronacast explains, issues still remain. Also on today's show: * Lockdown hard and fast or keep everything open? * Many Victorian Coronacasters are reporting issues with getting their second Pfizer booking. What's going on? As the days count down to Thursday, the question on everyone's mind is: will Victoria come out of lockdown or do they need a bit longer? Every day, health authorities say they're taking it one day at a time as more and more information is gathered. So what does it mean that Victoria has posted 11 new cases yesterday, when it was low single figures the day before? Thankfully, all the cases have been linked to existing cases and many were already in quarantine. But as today's Coronacast explains, issues still remain. Also on today's show: * Lockdown hard and fast or keep everything open? * Many Victorian Coronacasters are reporting issues with getting their second Pfizer booking. What's going on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the days count down to Thursday, the question on everyone's mind is: will Victoria come out of lockdown or do they need a bit longer?

Every day, health authorities say they're taking it one day at a time as more and more information is gathered.

So what does it mean that Victoria has posted 11 new cases yesterday, when it was low single figures the day before?

Thankfully, all the cases have been linked to existing cases and many were already in quarantine. But as today's Coronacast explains, issues still remain.

Also on today's show:

* Lockdown hard and fast or keep everything open?

* Many Victorian Coronacasters are reporting issues with getting their second Pfizer booking. What's going on?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 625 So where's all this heading by Thursday? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/so-wheres-all-this-heading-by-thursday/13375952 Over the last few days in Victoria, there have been low numbers of new COVID cases - but every new case is not the same. Recently, many of them are people already in quarantine, which shows that contact tracers have successfully found and isolated people before they can infect more people in the community. But others, like two cases to be announced today, are slightly more problematic: they're another health care worker and aged-care resident. And then there's the cluster that no one saw coming: the discovery of a different variant not known to be circulating in the community. So on today's Coronacast, how's it looking for Victoria's hopeful reopening this Thursday? Also on today's show: * If the vaccines only stop severe illness and do not stop spread, how is herd immunity possible? * Are the Delta and Kappa variants covered by the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines? * I've been donating plasma, but now that I'm vaccinated I'm feeling a bit selfish about giving away my newly made antibodies. Should I be concerned? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Over the last few days in Victoria, there have been low numbers of new COVID cases - but every new case is not the same. Recently, many of them are people already in quarantine, which shows that contact tracers have successfully found and isolated people before they can infect more people in the community. But others, like two cases to be announced today, are slightly more problematic: they're another health care worker and aged-care resident. And then there's the cluster that no one saw coming: the discovery of a different variant not known to be circulating in the community. So on today's Coronacast, how's it looking for Victoria's hopeful reopening this Thursday? Also on today's show: * If the vaccines only stop severe illness and do not stop spread, how is herd immunity possible? * Are the Delta and Kappa variants covered by the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines? * I've been donating plasma, but now that I'm vaccinated I'm feeling a bit selfish about giving away my newly made antibodies. Should I be concerned? Over the last few days in Victoria, there have been low numbers of new COVID cases - but every new case is not the same. Recently, many of them are people already in quarantine, which shows that contact tracers have successfully found and isolated people before they can infect more people in the community. But others, like two cases to be announced today, are slightly more problematic: they're another health care worker and aged-care resident. And then there's the cluster that no one saw coming: the discovery of a different variant not known to be circulating in the community. So on today's Coronacast, how's it looking for Victoria's hopeful reopening this Thursday? Also on today's show: * If the vaccines only stop severe illness and do not stop spread, how is herd immunity possible? * Are the Delta and Kappa variants covered by the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines? * I've been donating plasma, but now that I'm vaccinated I'm feeling a bit selfish about giving away my newly made antibodies. Should I be concerned? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the last few days in Victoria, there have been low numbers of new COVID cases - but every new case is not the same.

Recently, many of them are people already in quarantine, which shows that contact tracers have successfully found and isolated people before they can infect more people in the community.

But others, like two cases to be announced today, are slightly more problematic: they're another health care worker and aged-care resident.

And then there's the cluster that no one saw coming: the discovery of a different variant not known to be circulating in the community.

So on today's Coronacast, how's it looking for Victoria's hopeful reopening this Thursday?

Also on today's show:

* If the vaccines only stop severe illness and do not stop spread, how is herd immunity possible?

* Are the Delta and Kappa variants covered by the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines?

* I've been donating plasma, but now that I'm vaccinated I'm feeling a bit selfish about giving away my newly made antibodies. Should I be concerned?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 802 Is the Kappa variant really more infectious? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-kappa-variant-really-more-infectious/13372614 The situation in Victoria improved slightly yesterday, with only a few cases and all being linked to people already in quarantine. Residents of Melbourne and health authorities will be hoping that the worst is behind them, and it'll be smooth sailing from here. But as we know by now, you should never underestimate a virus that'll exploit every weakness it can. So on today's Coronacast, is the variant currently in Melbourne better at exploiting weaknesses than what we've seen before? Also on today's show: * Why Melbourne? * How should I try to convince people that are willing to get the Pfizer vaccine to be also ok with the AstraZeneca vaccine? * If I'm vaccinated and get COVID, because I may have no symptoms, will I be able to give it to people without me knowing? And it's Friday, which means it's time for Quick Fire Friday (Friday edition!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The situation in Victoria improved slightly yesterday, with only a few cases and all being linked to people already in quarantine. Residents of Melbourne and health authorities will be hoping that the worst is behind them, and it'll be smooth sailing from here. But as we know by now, you should never underestimate a virus that'll exploit every weakness it can. So on today's Coronacast, is the variant currently in Melbourne better at exploiting weaknesses than what we've seen before? Also on today's show: * Why Melbourne? * How should I try to convince people that are willing to get the Pfizer vaccine to be also ok with the AstraZeneca vaccine? * If I'm vaccinated and get COVID, because I may have no symptoms, will I be able to give it to people without me knowing? And it's Friday, which means it's time for Quick Fire Friday (Friday edition!) The situation in Victoria improved slightly yesterday, with only a few cases and all being linked to people already in quarantine. Residents of Melbourne and health authorities will be hoping that the worst is behind them, and it'll be smooth sailing from here. But as we know by now, you should never underestimate a virus that'll exploit every weakness it can. So on today's Coronacast, is the variant currently in Melbourne better at exploiting weaknesses than what we've seen before? Also on today's show: * Why Melbourne? * How should I try to convince people that are willing to get the Pfizer vaccine to be also ok with the AstraZeneca vaccine? * If I'm vaccinated and get COVID, because I may have no symptoms, will I be able to give it to people without me knowing? And it's Friday, which means it's time for Quick Fire Friday (Friday edition!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The situation in Victoria improved slightly yesterday, with only a few cases and all being linked to people already in quarantine.

Residents of Melbourne and health authorities will be hoping that the worst is behind them, and it'll be smooth sailing from here.

But as we know by now, you should never underestimate a virus that'll exploit every weakness it can.

So on today's Coronacast, is the variant currently in Melbourne better at exploiting weaknesses than what we've seen before?

Also on today's show:

* Why Melbourne?

* How should I try to convince people that are willing to get the Pfizer vaccine to be also ok with the AstraZeneca vaccine?

* If I'm vaccinated and get COVID, because I may have no symptoms, will I be able to give it to people without me knowing?

And it's Friday, which means it's time for Quick Fire Friday (Friday edition!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 788 Seven days in, seven more to go https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/seven-days-in-seven-more-to-go/13370816 The initial seven day lockdown in Melbourne has not been enough to get control of the outbreak in the city. As a result, Melbournians will need to do at least another seven days to give health authorities more time. They've also revealed that the plan is to get the state back to zero spread - or eradication of community spread. So on today's Coronacast, what'll they have to do to get there? Also on today's show: * We've had heaps of questions over the past several weeks on blood clotting from the AstraZeneca vaccine, so we've got Dr Tim Brighton, a haematologist in Sydney and member of Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand in to answer your questions. GUEST: Dr Tim Brighton, haematologist in Sydney, member of THANZ (Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The initial seven day lockdown in Melbourne has not been enough to get control of the outbreak in the city. As a result, Melbournians will need to do at least another seven days to give health authorities more time. They've also revealed that the plan is to get the state back to zero spread - or eradication of community spread. So on today's Coronacast, what'll they have to do to get there? Also on today's show: * We've had heaps of questions over the past several weeks on blood clotting from the AstraZeneca vaccine, so we've got Dr Tim Brighton, a haematologist in Sydney and member of Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand in to answer your questions. GUEST: Dr Tim Brighton, haematologist in Sydney, member of THANZ (Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand) The initial seven day lockdown in Melbourne has not been enough to get control of the outbreak in the city. As a result, Melbournians will need to do at least another seven days to give health authorities more time. They've also revealed that the plan is to get the state back to zero spread - or eradication of community spread. So on today's Coronacast, what'll they have to do to get there? Also on today's show: * We've had heaps of questions over the past several weeks on blood clotting from the AstraZeneca vaccine, so we've got Dr Tim Brighton, a haematologist in Sydney and member of Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand in to answer your questions. GUEST: Dr Tim Brighton, haematologist in Sydney, member of THANZ (Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The initial seven day lockdown in Melbourne has not been enough to get control of the outbreak in the city.

As a result, Melbournians will need to do at least another seven days to give health authorities more time.

They've also revealed that the plan is to get the state back to zero spread - or eradication of community spread.

So on today's Coronacast, what'll they have to do to get there?

Also on today's show:

* We've had heaps of questions over the past several weeks on blood clotting from the AstraZeneca vaccine, so we've got Dr Tim Brighton, a haematologist in Sydney and member of Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand in to answer your questions.

GUEST:

Dr Tim Brighton, haematologist in Sydney, member of THANZ (Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1035 How casual can a contact be? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-casual-can-a-contact-be/13368892 Health authorities in Victoria sounded slightly more upbeat yesterday, thanks to no new cases being posted from the aged care sector. But worryingly, there are still mystery cases to sort out and what's even more concerning is said to be acting differently than it has with previous outbreaks. Authorities have described the behaviour as "fleeting", saying it is showing remarkable ability to infect people in settings with only very brief contact. So on today's Coronacast, with at least four transmissions occurring this way so far, how casual can a contact be? Also on today's show: * And it's Wednesday, so it's time for Quick Fire... Friday? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Jun 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Health authorities in Victoria sounded slightly more upbeat yesterday, thanks to no new cases being posted from the aged care sector. But worryingly, there are still mystery cases to sort out and what's even more concerning is said to be acting differently than it has with previous outbreaks. Authorities have described the behaviour as "fleeting", saying it is showing remarkable ability to infect people in settings with only very brief contact. So on today's Coronacast, with at least four transmissions occurring this way so far, how casual can a contact be? Also on today's show: * And it's Wednesday, so it's time for Quick Fire... Friday? Health authorities in Victoria sounded slightly more upbeat yesterday, thanks to no new cases being posted from the aged care sector. But worryingly, there are still mystery cases to sort out and what's even more concerning is said to be acting differently than it has with previous outbreaks. Authorities have described the behaviour as "fleeting", saying it is showing remarkable ability to infect people in settings with only very brief contact. So on today's Coronacast, with at least four transmissions occurring this way so far, how casual can a contact be? Also on today's show: * And it's Wednesday, so it's time for Quick Fire... Friday? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Health authorities in Victoria sounded slightly more upbeat yesterday, thanks to no new cases being posted from the aged care sector.

But worryingly, there are still mystery cases to sort out and what's even more concerning is said to be acting differently than it has with previous outbreaks.

Authorities have described the behaviour as "fleeting", saying it is showing remarkable ability to infect people in settings with only very brief contact.

So on today's Coronacast, with at least four transmissions occurring this way so far, how casual can a contact be?

Also on today's show:

* And it's Wednesday, so it's time for Quick Fire... Friday?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 641 How could we let an aged care outbreak happen again? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-could-we-let-an-aged-care-outbreak-happen-again/13367190 The second wave in Victoria in 2020 revealed aged care to be a major vulnerability in Australia's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the many hundreds of deaths from the second wave, the majority were in private aged care homes. And, sadly, COVID-19 has once again made it back into aged care - with coronavirus currently in two facilities in Melbourne. So on today's Coronacast, wasn't aged care supposed to be protected by now? Also on today's show: * When does a cluster become a wave? * What research has been done on shortening the gap between 1st and 2nd doses? * Why can't we just vaccinate people on day 1 of hotel quarantine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 31 May 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The second wave in Victoria in 2020 revealed aged care to be a major vulnerability in Australia's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the many hundreds of deaths from the second wave, the majority were in private aged care homes. And, sadly, COVID-19 has once again made it back into aged care - with coronavirus currently in two facilities in Melbourne. So on today's Coronacast, wasn't aged care supposed to be protected by now? Also on today's show: * When does a cluster become a wave? * What research has been done on shortening the gap between 1st and 2nd doses? * Why can't we just vaccinate people on day 1 of hotel quarantine? The second wave in Victoria in 2020 revealed aged care to be a major vulnerability in Australia's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the many hundreds of deaths from the second wave, the majority were in private aged care homes. And, sadly, COVID-19 has once again made it back into aged care - with coronavirus currently in two facilities in Melbourne. So on today's Coronacast, wasn't aged care supposed to be protected by now? Also on today's show: * When does a cluster become a wave? * What research has been done on shortening the gap between 1st and 2nd doses? * Why can't we just vaccinate people on day 1 of hotel quarantine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The second wave in Victoria in 2020 revealed aged care to be a major vulnerability in Australia's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Of the many hundreds of deaths from the second wave, the majority were in private aged care homes.

And, sadly, COVID-19 has once again made it back into aged care - with coronavirus currently in two facilities in Melbourne.

So on today's Coronacast, wasn't aged care supposed to be protected by now?

Also on today's show:

* When does a cluster become a wave?

* What research has been done on shortening the gap between 1st and 2nd doses?

* Why can't we just vaccinate people on day 1 of hotel quarantine?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 703 But vaccination is a race, isn't it? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/but-vaccination-is-a-race-isnt-it/13366016 As Melbourne entered its third day of lockdown, the news came that many were dreading: coronavirus had made it back into an aged care facility and it was a mystery case. The health care worker and roughly 70 percent of residents had been vaccinated with their first shot. It came as senior Federal Government ministers insisted that the vaccine rollout is not a race, saying it needs to be systematic. But on today's Coronacast, the systematic approach had aged care residents to be vaccinated within a month and a half as part 1a - so what happened? Also on today's show: * Weren't all aged care residents supposed to be vaccinated by now? * What's going on in the UK? Why are numbers rising again? * What are the known risk factors to AstraZeneca blood clots? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 30 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As Melbourne entered its third day of lockdown, the news came that many were dreading: coronavirus had made it back into an aged care facility and it was a mystery case. The health care worker and roughly 70 percent of residents had been vaccinated with their first shot. It came as senior Federal Government ministers insisted that the vaccine rollout is not a race, saying it needs to be systematic. But on today's Coronacast, the systematic approach had aged care residents to be vaccinated within a month and a half as part 1a - so what happened? Also on today's show: * Weren't all aged care residents supposed to be vaccinated by now? * What's going on in the UK? Why are numbers rising again? * What are the known risk factors to AstraZeneca blood clots? As Melbourne entered its third day of lockdown, the news came that many were dreading: coronavirus had made it back into an aged care facility and it was a mystery case. The health care worker and roughly 70 percent of residents had been vaccinated with their first shot. It came as senior Federal Government ministers insisted that the vaccine rollout is not a race, saying it needs to be systematic. But on today's Coronacast, the systematic approach had aged care residents to be vaccinated within a month and a half as part 1a - so what happened? Also on today's show: * Weren't all aged care residents supposed to be vaccinated by now? * What's going on in the UK? Why are numbers rising again? * What are the known risk factors to AstraZeneca blood clots? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As Melbourne entered its third day of lockdown, the news came that many were dreading: coronavirus had made it back into an aged care facility and it was a mystery case.

The health care worker and roughly 70 percent of residents had been vaccinated with their first shot.

It came as senior Federal Government ministers insisted that the vaccine rollout is not a race, saying it needs to be systematic.

But on today's Coronacast, the systematic approach had aged care residents to be vaccinated within a month and a half as part 1a - so what happened?

Also on today's show:

* Weren't all aged care residents supposed to be vaccinated by now?

* What's going on in the UK? Why are numbers rising again?

* What are the known risk factors to AstraZeneca blood clots?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 810 18 seconds into hell https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/18-seconds-into-hell/13362682 Victoria is back where it least wanted to be: in lockdown. And this time it'll last for seven days. Perhaps a bit lost among the debate over vaccinations and contact tracing is the fact that an entire state is in lockdown because of another failure of hotel quarantine. A recent pre-print study on Australia's hotel quarantine system has found that for every 172 COVID positive returned travellers, there's a leak and 57% of the time, it results in a lockdown. So on today's Coronacast, a look into the last quarantine leak, which could have happened in just 18 seconds. Also on today's show: * Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation updates the risk of clotting post AstraZeneca vaccination * If I am unlucky and do get blood clots from the AstraZeneca immunisation what is the treatment? Can this be treated in country areas? * Why do some people after a COVID-19 vaccination get symptoms like shivers, aches and pains, headache, sore arm, etc and others don't? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 May 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victoria is back where it least wanted to be: in lockdown. And this time it'll last for seven days. Perhaps a bit lost among the debate over vaccinations and contact tracing is the fact that an entire state is in lockdown because of another failure of hotel quarantine. A recent pre-print study on Australia's hotel quarantine system has found that for every 172 COVID positive returned travellers, there's a leak and 57% of the time, it results in a lockdown. So on today's Coronacast, a look into the last quarantine leak, which could have happened in just 18 seconds. Also on today's show: * Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation updates the risk of clotting post AstraZeneca vaccination * If I am unlucky and do get blood clots from the AstraZeneca immunisation what is the treatment? Can this be treated in country areas? * Why do some people after a COVID-19 vaccination get symptoms like shivers, aches and pains, headache, sore arm, etc and others don't? Victoria is back where it least wanted to be: in lockdown. And this time it'll last for seven days. Perhaps a bit lost among the debate over vaccinations and contact tracing is the fact that an entire state is in lockdown because of another failure of hotel quarantine. A recent pre-print study on Australia's hotel quarantine system has found that for every 172 COVID positive returned travellers, there's a leak and 57% of the time, it results in a lockdown. So on today's Coronacast, a look into the last quarantine leak, which could have happened in just 18 seconds. Also on today's show: * Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation updates the risk of clotting post AstraZeneca vaccination * If I am unlucky and do get blood clots from the AstraZeneca immunisation what is the treatment? Can this be treated in country areas? * Why do some people after a COVID-19 vaccination get symptoms like shivers, aches and pains, headache, sore arm, etc and others don't? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victoria is back where it least wanted to be: in lockdown. And this time it'll last for seven days.

Perhaps a bit lost among the debate over vaccinations and contact tracing is the fact that an entire state is in lockdown because of another failure of hotel quarantine.

A recent pre-print study on Australia's hotel quarantine system has found that for every 172 COVID positive returned travellers, there's a leak and 57% of the time, it results in a lockdown.

So on today's Coronacast, a look into the last quarantine leak, which could have happened in just 18 seconds.

Also on today's show:

* Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation updates the risk of clotting post AstraZeneca vaccination

* If I am unlucky and do get blood clots from the AstraZeneca immunisation what is the treatment? Can this be treated in country areas?

* Why do some people after a COVID-19 vaccination get symptoms like shivers, aches and pains, headache, sore arm, etc and others don't?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 778 Australia's been caught with its pants down https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/australias-been-caught-with-its-pants-down/13360800 It often takes a crisis to expose all the weak points in a system, and this week's coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne has done just that. The whole thing started with yet another breach of hotel quarantine. Then there's the slowness of the vaccine rollout, which has left millions of eligible people exposed. Add to that the state issues of lacklustre QR code usage, and a testing system that is groaning under huge demand. With herculean efforts by contact tracers and a bit of luck, Victoria mightn't suffer too much damage. Or maybe the virus will get away. It's still too early to know. But on today's Coronacast, did it have to be like this? Also on today's show: * We had our 1st AstraZeneca shot a month ago. We have decided to have the 2nd dose in 8 weeks, rather than 12. What do you think? Also, is clotting risk present with the 2nd shot? * If I have AstraZeneca for doses 1 and 2, with both shots completed by August, could I have a Pfizer shot in December? Would this provide better protection or could it be harmful? * I received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 10 days ago. Can you tell me if I'm less likely to catch COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 May 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It often takes a crisis to expose all the weak points in a system, and this week's coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne has done just that. The whole thing started with yet another breach of hotel quarantine. Then there's the slowness of the vaccine rollout, which has left millions of eligible people exposed. Add to that the state issues of lacklustre QR code usage, and a testing system that is groaning under huge demand. With herculean efforts by contact tracers and a bit of luck, Victoria mightn't suffer too much damage. Or maybe the virus will get away. It's still too early to know. But on today's Coronacast, did it have to be like this? Also on today's show: * We had our 1st AstraZeneca shot a month ago. We have decided to have the 2nd dose in 8 weeks, rather than 12. What do you think? Also, is clotting risk present with the 2nd shot? * If I have AstraZeneca for doses 1 and 2, with both shots completed by August, could I have a Pfizer shot in December? Would this provide better protection or could it be harmful? * I received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 10 days ago. Can you tell me if I'm less likely to catch COVID-19? It often takes a crisis to expose all the weak points in a system, and this week's coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne has done just that. The whole thing started with yet another breach of hotel quarantine. Then there's the slowness of the vaccine rollout, which has left millions of eligible people exposed. Add to that the state issues of lacklustre QR code usage, and a testing system that is groaning under huge demand. With herculean efforts by contact tracers and a bit of luck, Victoria mightn't suffer too much damage. Or maybe the virus will get away. It's still too early to know. But on today's Coronacast, did it have to be like this? Also on today's show: * We had our 1st AstraZeneca shot a month ago. We have decided to have the 2nd dose in 8 weeks, rather than 12. What do you think? Also, is clotting risk present with the 2nd shot? * If I have AstraZeneca for doses 1 and 2, with both shots completed by August, could I have a Pfizer shot in December? Would this provide better protection or could it be harmful? * I received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 10 days ago. Can you tell me if I'm less likely to catch COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It often takes a crisis to expose all the weak points in a system, and this week's coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne has done just that.

The whole thing started with yet another breach of hotel quarantine. Then there's the slowness of the vaccine rollout, which has left millions of eligible people exposed.

Add to that the state issues of lacklustre QR code usage, and a testing system that is groaning under huge demand.

With herculean efforts by contact tracers and a bit of luck, Victoria mightn't suffer too much damage. Or maybe the virus will get away. It's still too early to know.

But on today's Coronacast, did it have to be like this?

Also on today's show:

* We had our 1st AstraZeneca shot a month ago. We have decided to have the 2nd dose in 8 weeks, rather than 12. What do you think? Also, is clotting risk present with the 2nd shot?

* If I have AstraZeneca for doses 1 and 2, with both shots completed by August, could I have a Pfizer shot in December? Would this provide better protection or could it be harmful?

* I received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 10 days ago. Can you tell me if I'm less likely to catch COVID-19?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 722 The urgent search for Melbourne's missing link https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-urgent-search-for-melbournes-missing-link/13359008 What started with just four coronavirus cases in Melbourne a few days ago has now more than doubled, as close contacts are tracked down, isolated and tested. While cases are being linked to each other, how they relate back to a hotel quarantine breach in South Australia is still unclear. The other big challenge facing health authorities will be making sure every case is tracked down, but that's a job that gets harder with every new positive case. So on today's Coronacast, what are we hoping for in the days ahead? Also on today's show: * The TGA allows more flexibility for storing Pfizer vaccine * What information is there on how the vaccine works for people with blood disorders? * A few of your vaccination stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 May 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What started with just four coronavirus cases in Melbourne a few days ago has now more than doubled, as close contacts are tracked down, isolated and tested. While cases are being linked to each other, how they relate back to a hotel quarantine breach in South Australia is still unclear. The other big challenge facing health authorities will be making sure every case is tracked down, but that's a job that gets harder with every new positive case. So on today's Coronacast, what are we hoping for in the days ahead? Also on today's show: * The TGA allows more flexibility for storing Pfizer vaccine * What information is there on how the vaccine works for people with blood disorders? * A few of your vaccination stories What started with just four coronavirus cases in Melbourne a few days ago has now more than doubled, as close contacts are tracked down, isolated and tested. While cases are being linked to each other, how they relate back to a hotel quarantine breach in South Australia is still unclear. The other big challenge facing health authorities will be making sure every case is tracked down, but that's a job that gets harder with every new positive case. So on today's Coronacast, what are we hoping for in the days ahead? Also on today's show: * The TGA allows more flexibility for storing Pfizer vaccine * What information is there on how the vaccine works for people with blood disorders? * A few of your vaccination stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What started with just four coronavirus cases in Melbourne a few days ago has now more than doubled, as close contacts are tracked down, isolated and tested.

While cases are being linked to each other, how they relate back to a hotel quarantine breach in South Australia is still unclear.

The other big challenge facing health authorities will be making sure every case is tracked down, but that's a job that gets harder with every new positive case.

So on today's Coronacast, what are we hoping for in the days ahead?

Also on today's show:

* The TGA allows more flexibility for storing Pfizer vaccine

* What information is there on how the vaccine works for people with blood disorders?

* A few of your vaccination stories

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 728 Melbourne's outbreak and the coming winds of winter https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/melbournes-outbreak-and-the-coming-winds-of-winter/13357322 Several cases of community transmission of coronavirus have been detected in Melbourne, as authorities rush to identify exposure sites and close contacts. While we brace for more cases, much is still unknown, such as where the virus came, its genomic information and how many missing links there might be. Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says it's a concern as we head into the winter months, as people are more indoors where we know the virus is far more likely to spread. Also on today's show: * More on the British vaccine and data that were discussed yesterday. It seems Astra might not be as effective as hoped, but could mixing it with a Pfizer booster shot make it better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Several cases of community transmission of coronavirus have been detected in Melbourne, as authorities rush to identify exposure sites and close contacts. While we brace for more cases, much is still unknown, such as where the virus came, its genomic information and how many missing links there might be. Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says it's a concern as we head into the winter months, as people are more indoors where we know the virus is far more likely to spread. Also on today's show: * More on the British vaccine and data that were discussed yesterday. It seems Astra might not be as effective as hoped, but could mixing it with a Pfizer booster shot make it better? Several cases of community transmission of coronavirus have been detected in Melbourne, as authorities rush to identify exposure sites and close contacts. While we brace for more cases, much is still unknown, such as where the virus came, its genomic information and how many missing links there might be. Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says it's a concern as we head into the winter months, as people are more indoors where we know the virus is far more likely to spread. Also on today's show: * More on the British vaccine and data that were discussed yesterday. It seems Astra might not be as effective as hoped, but could mixing it with a Pfizer booster shot make it better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Several cases of community transmission of coronavirus have been detected in Melbourne, as authorities rush to identify exposure sites and close contacts.

While we brace for more cases, much is still unknown, such as where the virus came, its genomic information and how many missing links there might be.

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says it's a concern as we head into the winter months, as people are more indoors where we know the virus is far more likely to spread.

Also on today's show:

* More on the British vaccine and data that were discussed yesterday. It seems Astra might not be as effective as hoped, but could mixing it with a Pfizer booster shot make it better?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 874 As the Indian variant takes over, some good news https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/as-the-indian-variant-takes-over-some-good-news/13355966 The so-called Indian coronavirus variant B617 is on a mission to take over the world, and it appears that it's slowly achieving that goal. According to recent data from the UK, it's edging out the local version B117 to become the dominant variant. So what does this all mean? Well, it means that it's probably more infectious and that might be what is giving it the edge. But is it more deadly or more resistant to vaccines? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * My parents have both been fully vaccinated with Pfizer in the UK. Why can't Australia allow fully vaccinated people to visit? * How true is the 0 to 10 per cent effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the South African strain of coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 23 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The so-called Indian coronavirus variant B617 is on a mission to take over the world, and it appears that it's slowly achieving that goal. According to recent data from the UK, it's edging out the local version B117 to become the dominant variant. So what does this all mean? Well, it means that it's probably more infectious and that might be what is giving it the edge. But is it more deadly or more resistant to vaccines? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * My parents have both been fully vaccinated with Pfizer in the UK. Why can't Australia allow fully vaccinated people to visit? * How true is the 0 to 10 per cent effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the South African strain of coronavirus? The so-called Indian coronavirus variant B617 is on a mission to take over the world, and it appears that it's slowly achieving that goal. According to recent data from the UK, it's edging out the local version B117 to become the dominant variant. So what does this all mean? Well, it means that it's probably more infectious and that might be what is giving it the edge. But is it more deadly or more resistant to vaccines? That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * My parents have both been fully vaccinated with Pfizer in the UK. Why can't Australia allow fully vaccinated people to visit? * How true is the 0 to 10 per cent effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the South African strain of coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The so-called Indian coronavirus variant B617 is on a mission to take over the world, and it appears that it's slowly achieving that goal.

According to recent data from the UK, it's edging out the local version B117 to become the dominant variant.

So what does this all mean? Well, it means that it's probably more infectious and that might be what is giving it the edge.

But is it more deadly or more resistant to vaccines? That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* My parents have both been fully vaccinated with Pfizer in the UK. Why can't Australia allow fully vaccinated people to visit?

* How true is the 0 to 10 per cent effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the South African strain of coronavirus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 596 Why should I bother getting AstraZeneca today? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-should-i-bother-getting-astrazeneca-today/13352830 Congratulations, you're eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine! Since you're over 50, that means you're going to be offered AstraZeneca. But as many Australians are asking, why aren't you being given a choice? How worried should you be about these blood clots we keep hearing about? Are you being treated as a second-class citizen? And if there's no COVID-19 in Australia and the borders are still closed indefinitely, what's the rush anyway? Also on today's show: * Could a second dose of Pfizer rather than a second dose of AstraZeneca provide better protection against variants? * If it's possible for fully vaccinated people to still be infected with the virus, will they still get long COVID? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Congratulations, you're eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine! Since you're over 50, that means you're going to be offered AstraZeneca. But as many Australians are asking, why aren't you being given a choice? How worried should you be about these blood clots we keep hearing about? Are you being treated as a second-class citizen? And if there's no COVID-19 in Australia and the borders are still closed indefinitely, what's the rush anyway? Also on today's show: * Could a second dose of Pfizer rather than a second dose of AstraZeneca provide better protection against variants? * If it's possible for fully vaccinated people to still be infected with the virus, will they still get long COVID? Congratulations, you're eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine! Since you're over 50, that means you're going to be offered AstraZeneca. But as many Australians are asking, why aren't you being given a choice? How worried should you be about these blood clots we keep hearing about? Are you being treated as a second-class citizen? And if there's no COVID-19 in Australia and the borders are still closed indefinitely, what's the rush anyway? Also on today's show: * Could a second dose of Pfizer rather than a second dose of AstraZeneca provide better protection against variants? * If it's possible for fully vaccinated people to still be infected with the virus, will they still get long COVID? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Congratulations, you're eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine! Since you're over 50, that means you're going to be offered AstraZeneca.

But as many Australians are asking, why aren't you being given a choice?

How worried should you be about these blood clots we keep hearing about? Are you being treated as a second-class citizen?

And if there's no COVID-19 in Australia and the borders are still closed indefinitely, what's the rush anyway?

Also on today's show:

* Could a second dose of Pfizer rather than a second dose of AstraZeneca provide better protection against variants?

* If it's possible for fully vaccinated people to still be infected with the virus, will they still get long COVID?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 Your amazing ideas to get Australia vaccinated! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/your-amazing-ideas-to-get-australia-vaccinated/13351030 When we asked for your advertising campaign ideas to get Australia vaccinated, we never expected such an amazing response. Coronacast listeners from across Australia and the world have written in with very clever ideas to try and convince the nation to go out and get vaccinated. Ideas include using messages of hope from Australian celebrities to scaring the pants off people by asking them if they'd prefer to be vaccinated or on a ventilator. So on today's Coronacast, your ideas for the country's next big Government messaging campaign. Also on today's show: * Who needs a third dose of vaccine? * TGA makes a "provisional" approval for the Pfizer to be used for adults 12 years of age or older Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When we asked for your advertising campaign ideas to get Australia vaccinated, we never expected such an amazing response. Coronacast listeners from across Australia and the world have written in with very clever ideas to try and convince the nation to go out and get vaccinated. Ideas include using messages of hope from Australian celebrities to scaring the pants off people by asking them if they'd prefer to be vaccinated or on a ventilator. So on today's Coronacast, your ideas for the country's next big Government messaging campaign. Also on today's show: * Who needs a third dose of vaccine? * TGA makes a "provisional" approval for the Pfizer to be used for adults 12 years of age or older When we asked for your advertising campaign ideas to get Australia vaccinated, we never expected such an amazing response. Coronacast listeners from across Australia and the world have written in with very clever ideas to try and convince the nation to go out and get vaccinated. Ideas include using messages of hope from Australian celebrities to scaring the pants off people by asking them if they'd prefer to be vaccinated or on a ventilator. So on today's Coronacast, your ideas for the country's next big Government messaging campaign. Also on today's show: * Who needs a third dose of vaccine? * TGA makes a "provisional" approval for the Pfizer to be used for adults 12 years of age or older Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When we asked for your advertising campaign ideas to get Australia vaccinated, we never expected such an amazing response.

Coronacast listeners from across Australia and the world have written in with very clever ideas to try and convince the nation to go out and get vaccinated.

Ideas include using messages of hope from Australian celebrities to scaring the pants off people by asking them if they'd prefer to be vaccinated or on a ventilator.

So on today's Coronacast, your ideas for the country's next big Government messaging campaign.

Also on today's show:

* Who needs a third dose of vaccine?

* TGA makes a "provisional" approval for the Pfizer to be used for adults 12 years of age or older

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 668 How would you sell Australia's vaccination campaign? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-would-you-sell-australias-vaccination-campaign/13349510 While it's great to see that the number of Australians vaccinated against COVID-19 rises by the day, it's still far from the numbers needed to get it done by the end of the year. So perhaps a national advertising campaign selling the benefits, or maybe pointing out what could happen if we're not vaccinated is needed. Other countries have tried campaigns so far, including Singapore and New Zealand - is it time Australia joined them? So on today's Coronacast, a few ideas on what might work and why it's time for people to get the jab. We're after your ideas too! So send us your pitch for a national ad campaign that'll get Australians out and vaccinated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While it's great to see that the number of Australians vaccinated against COVID-19 rises by the day, it's still far from the numbers needed to get it done by the end of the year. So perhaps a national advertising campaign selling the benefits, or maybe pointing out what could happen if we're not vaccinated is needed. Other countries have tried campaigns so far, including Singapore and New Zealand - is it time Australia joined them? So on today's Coronacast, a few ideas on what might work and why it's time for people to get the jab. We're after your ideas too! So send us your pitch for a national ad campaign that'll get Australians out and vaccinated! While it's great to see that the number of Australians vaccinated against COVID-19 rises by the day, it's still far from the numbers needed to get it done by the end of the year. So perhaps a national advertising campaign selling the benefits, or maybe pointing out what could happen if we're not vaccinated is needed. Other countries have tried campaigns so far, including Singapore and New Zealand - is it time Australia joined them? So on today's Coronacast, a few ideas on what might work and why it's time for people to get the jab. We're after your ideas too! So send us your pitch for a national ad campaign that'll get Australians out and vaccinated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While it's great to see that the number of Australians vaccinated against COVID-19 rises by the day, it's still far from the numbers needed to get it done by the end of the year.

So perhaps a national advertising campaign selling the benefits, or maybe pointing out what could happen if we're not vaccinated is needed.

Other countries have tried campaigns so far, including Singapore and New Zealand - is it time Australia joined them?

So on today's Coronacast, a few ideas on what might work and why it's time for people to get the jab.

We're after your ideas too! So send us your pitch for a national ad campaign that'll get Australians out and vaccinated!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 704 Two doses, two different vaccines: Does it work? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/two-doses-two-different-vaccines-does-it-work/13347794 When you're scheduled in for your COVID vaccine, depending on your age you'll get two doses of either AstraZeneca or Pfizer. But what if you had one brand, and for your secord shot you had the other? Well, researchers have been looking at this for a whole bunch of reasons - a main one being it makes rolling out the vaccines simpler. And on today's Coronacast, early results suggest that mixing brands might also make the vaccines work better too. Also on today's show: * Do blood clots only happen after the first dose of the vaccine, or are they also happening after the second? * When people talk of a booster vaccination does it simply mean another jab of exactly the same ingredients as in the first injection? And we are joined by special guest Professor Paul Monagle from the University of Melbourne, to talk about the possibility of using the common drug heparin as a short term protective shield to stop you getting COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you're scheduled in for your COVID vaccine, depending on your age you'll get two doses of either AstraZeneca or Pfizer. But what if you had one brand, and for your secord shot you had the other? Well, researchers have been looking at this for a whole bunch of reasons - a main one being it makes rolling out the vaccines simpler. And on today's Coronacast, early results suggest that mixing brands might also make the vaccines work better too. Also on today's show: * Do blood clots only happen after the first dose of the vaccine, or are they also happening after the second? * When people talk of a booster vaccination does it simply mean another jab of exactly the same ingredients as in the first injection? And we are joined by special guest Professor Paul Monagle from the University of Melbourne, to talk about the possibility of using the common drug heparin as a short term protective shield to stop you getting COVID-19. When you're scheduled in for your COVID vaccine, depending on your age you'll get two doses of either AstraZeneca or Pfizer. But what if you had one brand, and for your secord shot you had the other? Well, researchers have been looking at this for a whole bunch of reasons - a main one being it makes rolling out the vaccines simpler. And on today's Coronacast, early results suggest that mixing brands might also make the vaccines work better too. Also on today's show: * Do blood clots only happen after the first dose of the vaccine, or are they also happening after the second? * When people talk of a booster vaccination does it simply mean another jab of exactly the same ingredients as in the first injection? And we are joined by special guest Professor Paul Monagle from the University of Melbourne, to talk about the possibility of using the common drug heparin as a short term protective shield to stop you getting COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you're scheduled in for your COVID vaccine, depending on your age you'll get two doses of either AstraZeneca or Pfizer.

But what if you had one brand, and for your secord shot you had the other?

Well, researchers have been looking at this for a whole bunch of reasons - a main one being it makes rolling out the vaccines simpler.

And on today's Coronacast, early results suggest that mixing brands might also make the vaccines work better too.

Also on today's show:

* Do blood clots only happen after the first dose of the vaccine, or are they also happening after the second?

* When people talk of a booster vaccination does it simply mean another jab of exactly the same ingredients as in the first injection?

And we are joined by special guest Professor Paul Monagle from the University of Melbourne, to talk about the possibility of using the common drug heparin as a short term protective shield to stop you getting COVID-19.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 800 Why is there suddenly so much talk about the border reopening? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-is-there-suddenly-so-much-talk-about-the-border-reopening/13346654 The transition from Australia being pretty much free of COVID to reopening the border and allowing it in, is a complicated and fraught issue. The country will eventually have to rejoin the world so people can see family, travel for pleasure or business and go overseas again - but according to experts, there's a list of things that have to happen before then. The most obvious is a very high level of vaccination, so that when coronavirus does arrive again, it won't result in an overburdened hospital system And on today's Coronacast, there's also the big issue of possible vaccine resistant variants. Also on today's show: * More cases of blood clots and low blood platelets * A clarification and refinement of the R0 value discussion from last week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 16 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The transition from Australia being pretty much free of COVID to reopening the border and allowing it in, is a complicated and fraught issue. The country will eventually have to rejoin the world so people can see family, travel for pleasure or business and go overseas again - but according to experts, there's a list of things that have to happen before then. The most obvious is a very high level of vaccination, so that when coronavirus does arrive again, it won't result in an overburdened hospital system And on today's Coronacast, there's also the big issue of possible vaccine resistant variants. Also on today's show: * More cases of blood clots and low blood platelets * A clarification and refinement of the R0 value discussion from last week The transition from Australia being pretty much free of COVID to reopening the border and allowing it in, is a complicated and fraught issue. The country will eventually have to rejoin the world so people can see family, travel for pleasure or business and go overseas again - but according to experts, there's a list of things that have to happen before then. The most obvious is a very high level of vaccination, so that when coronavirus does arrive again, it won't result in an overburdened hospital system And on today's Coronacast, there's also the big issue of possible vaccine resistant variants. Also on today's show: * More cases of blood clots and low blood platelets * A clarification and refinement of the R0 value discussion from last week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The transition from Australia being pretty much free of COVID to reopening the border and allowing it in, is a complicated and fraught issue.

The country will eventually have to rejoin the world so people can see family, travel for pleasure or business and go overseas again - but according to experts, there's a list of things that have to happen before then.

The most obvious is a very high level of vaccination, so that when coronavirus does arrive again, it won't result in an overburdened hospital system

And on today's Coronacast, there's also the big issue of possible vaccine resistant variants.

Also on today's show:

* More cases of blood clots and low blood platelets

* A clarification and refinement of the R0 value discussion from last week

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 702 Does the 617 variant change everything? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/does-the-617-variant-change-everything/13343632 The coronavirus variant sweeping through India appears to be a stronger more contagious version than we've previously seen. While there is still little peer-reviewed scientific information on B.1.617 variants, health authorities are increasingly becoming worried about the threats the strains present. Australia has had two close calls with 617 over the past few weeks: firstly in Sydney then again in Melbourne after it escaped from a South Australian quarantine hotel. So on today's Coronacast, does the 617 variant change everything and will we have to revisit our base assumptions? Also on today's show: * Moderna coming to Australia later this year (pending TGA approvals) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 May 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The coronavirus variant sweeping through India appears to be a stronger more contagious version than we've previously seen. While there is still little peer-reviewed scientific information on B.1.617 variants, health authorities are increasingly becoming worried about the threats the strains present. Australia has had two close calls with 617 over the past few weeks: firstly in Sydney then again in Melbourne after it escaped from a South Australian quarantine hotel. So on today's Coronacast, does the 617 variant change everything and will we have to revisit our base assumptions? Also on today's show: * Moderna coming to Australia later this year (pending TGA approvals) The coronavirus variant sweeping through India appears to be a stronger more contagious version than we've previously seen. While there is still little peer-reviewed scientific information on B.1.617 variants, health authorities are increasingly becoming worried about the threats the strains present. Australia has had two close calls with 617 over the past few weeks: firstly in Sydney then again in Melbourne after it escaped from a South Australian quarantine hotel. So on today's Coronacast, does the 617 variant change everything and will we have to revisit our base assumptions? Also on today's show: * Moderna coming to Australia later this year (pending TGA approvals) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The coronavirus variant sweeping through India appears to be a stronger more contagious version than we've previously seen.

While there is still little peer-reviewed scientific information on B.1.617 variants, health authorities are increasingly becoming worried about the threats the strains present.

Australia has had two close calls with 617 over the past few weeks: firstly in Sydney then again in Melbourne after it escaped from a South Australian quarantine hotel.

So on today's Coronacast, does the 617 variant change everything and will we have to revisit our base assumptions?

Also on today's show:

* Moderna coming to Australia later this year (pending TGA approvals)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 730 Australia's borders are reopening when?? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/australias-borders-are-reopening-when/13341750 It seems that every time we talk about the timeframe of Australia's borders reopening to the world, the estimated date slips further into the future. In this week's budget, the government indicated that borders will probably remain shut until 2022 at least. And Qantas has also pushed back its plans to restart international flights by at least two months. So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the reason for the slippages of border reopenings? Also on today's show: * Will we really need to get a vaccine every year for covid 19 for the foreseeable future? * Children don't usually get severe COVID-19, why am I seeing reports of kids dying in India? * If a combined coronavirus and flu vaccine is being developed, why can't existing coronavirus and flu vaccines be given at the same time? * I'm due for the second shot of Pfizer next week and am feeling a bit under the weather. What do I do? References A Misleading C.D.C. Number https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/briefing/outdoor-covid-transmission-cdc-number.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It seems that every time we talk about the timeframe of Australia's borders reopening to the world, the estimated date slips further into the future. In this week's budget, the government indicated that borders will probably remain shut until 2022 at least. And Qantas has also pushed back its plans to restart international flights by at least two months. So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the reason for the slippages of border reopenings? Also on today's show: * Will we really need to get a vaccine every year for covid 19 for the foreseeable future? * Children don't usually get severe COVID-19, why am I seeing reports of kids dying in India? * If a combined coronavirus and flu vaccine is being developed, why can't existing coronavirus and flu vaccines be given at the same time? * I'm due for the second shot of Pfizer next week and am feeling a bit under the weather. What do I do? References A Misleading C.D.C. Number https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/briefing/outdoor-covid-transmission-cdc-number.html It seems that every time we talk about the timeframe of Australia's borders reopening to the world, the estimated date slips further into the future. In this week's budget, the government indicated that borders will probably remain shut until 2022 at least. And Qantas has also pushed back its plans to restart international flights by at least two months. So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the reason for the slippages of border reopenings? Also on today's show: * Will we really need to get a vaccine every year for covid 19 for the foreseeable future? * Children don't usually get severe COVID-19, why am I seeing reports of kids dying in India? * If a combined coronavirus and flu vaccine is being developed, why can't existing coronavirus and flu vaccines be given at the same time? * I'm due for the second shot of Pfizer next week and am feeling a bit under the weather. What do I do? References A Misleading C.D.C. Number https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/briefing/outdoor-covid-transmission-cdc-number.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It seems that every time we talk about the timeframe of Australia's borders reopening to the world, the estimated date slips further into the future.

In this week's budget, the government indicated that borders will probably remain shut until 2022 at least.

And Qantas has also pushed back its plans to restart international flights by at least two months.

So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the reason for the slippages of border reopenings?

Also on today's show:

* Will we really need to get a vaccine every year for covid 19 for the foreseeable future?

* Children don't usually get severe COVID-19, why am I seeing reports of kids dying in India?

* If a combined coronavirus and flu vaccine is being developed, why can't existing coronavirus and flu vaccines be given at the same time?

* I'm due for the second shot of Pfizer next week and am feeling a bit under the weather. What do I do?

References

A Misleading C.D.C. Number

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/briefing/outdoor-covid-transmission-cdc-number.html

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 710 It's Victoria's turn to hunt down coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/it-is-victoria-turn-to-hunt-down-coronavirus/13339766 It's Victoria's turn to hunt down coronavirus, after Victorian health authorities revealed a man tested positive to the virus yesterday morning. The man was a recent arrival from overseas, who completed his 14 days quarantine in South Australia before heading home to Victoria earlier this month. Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says he believes the man contracted the virus in hotel quarantine in South Australia. So on today's Coronacast, how could you spend two weeks in quarantine only to catch the virus just as you're leaving? Also on today's show: * I'm seeing testing fatigue. Once we're all vaccinated can we stop being tested? * I had my first shot of AstraZeneca and suffered no side effects except for maybe feeling a bit tired. Does this mean the vaccine did not work? * FDA approves Pfizer for older kids * Norman talks a bit about the Novavax vaccine which mixes a COVID shot with a flu shot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 May 2021 15:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's Victoria's turn to hunt down coronavirus, after Victorian health authorities revealed a man tested positive to the virus yesterday morning. The man was a recent arrival from overseas, who completed his 14 days quarantine in South Australia before heading home to Victoria earlier this month. Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says he believes the man contracted the virus in hotel quarantine in South Australia. So on today's Coronacast, how could you spend two weeks in quarantine only to catch the virus just as you're leaving? Also on today's show: * I'm seeing testing fatigue. Once we're all vaccinated can we stop being tested? * I had my first shot of AstraZeneca and suffered no side effects except for maybe feeling a bit tired. Does this mean the vaccine did not work? * FDA approves Pfizer for older kids * Norman talks a bit about the Novavax vaccine which mixes a COVID shot with a flu shot It's Victoria's turn to hunt down coronavirus, after Victorian health authorities revealed a man tested positive to the virus yesterday morning. The man was a recent arrival from overseas, who completed his 14 days quarantine in South Australia before heading home to Victoria earlier this month. Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says he believes the man contracted the virus in hotel quarantine in South Australia. So on today's Coronacast, how could you spend two weeks in quarantine only to catch the virus just as you're leaving? Also on today's show: * I'm seeing testing fatigue. Once we're all vaccinated can we stop being tested? * I had my first shot of AstraZeneca and suffered no side effects except for maybe feeling a bit tired. Does this mean the vaccine did not work? * FDA approves Pfizer for older kids * Norman talks a bit about the Novavax vaccine which mixes a COVID shot with a flu shot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Victoria's turn to hunt down coronavirus, after Victorian health authorities revealed a man tested positive to the virus yesterday morning.

The man was a recent arrival from overseas, who completed his 14 days quarantine in South Australia before heading home to Victoria earlier this month.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says he believes the man contracted the virus in hotel quarantine in South Australia.

So on today's Coronacast, how could you spend two weeks in quarantine only to catch the virus just as you're leaving?

Also on today's show:

* I'm seeing testing fatigue. Once we're all vaccinated can we stop being tested?

* I had my first shot of AstraZeneca and suffered no side effects except for maybe feeling a bit tired. Does this mean the vaccine did not work?

* FDA approves Pfizer for older kids

* Norman talks a bit about the Novavax vaccine which mixes a COVID shot with a flu shot

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 801 The one silver lining of coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-one-silver-lining-of-coronavirus/13337914 We've spoken a lot over the last year or so about coronavirus, and for good reason. But there are plenty of other viruses out there that can make us seriously sick or kill us. One is the flu, or influenza, and usually at this time of the year, we'd be seeing a solid rise in the number of reported cases. But not this year. In fact, there's so little flu around that there's actually been more COVID detected than influenza. So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on? Also on today's show: * Is there any information on how long should someone with a flu wait before I get the Pfizer vaccine? * Is there a correlation between the degree of side effects experienced immediately after your first dose of AstraZeneca and the possibility of developing clots? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We've spoken a lot over the last year or so about coronavirus, and for good reason. But there are plenty of other viruses out there that can make us seriously sick or kill us. One is the flu, or influenza, and usually at this time of the year, we'd be seeing a solid rise in the number of reported cases. But not this year. In fact, there's so little flu around that there's actually been more COVID detected than influenza. So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on? Also on today's show: * Is there any information on how long should someone with a flu wait before I get the Pfizer vaccine? * Is there a correlation between the degree of side effects experienced immediately after your first dose of AstraZeneca and the possibility of developing clots? We've spoken a lot over the last year or so about coronavirus, and for good reason. But there are plenty of other viruses out there that can make us seriously sick or kill us. One is the flu, or influenza, and usually at this time of the year, we'd be seeing a solid rise in the number of reported cases. But not this year. In fact, there's so little flu around that there's actually been more COVID detected than influenza. So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on? Also on today's show: * Is there any information on how long should someone with a flu wait before I get the Pfizer vaccine? * Is there a correlation between the degree of side effects experienced immediately after your first dose of AstraZeneca and the possibility of developing clots? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We've spoken a lot over the last year or so about coronavirus, and for good reason. But there are plenty of other viruses out there that can make us seriously sick or kill us.

One is the flu, or influenza, and usually at this time of the year, we'd be seeing a solid rise in the number of reported cases.

But not this year. In fact, there's so little flu around that there's actually been more COVID detected than influenza.

So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on?

Also on today's show:

* Is there any information on how long should someone with a flu wait before I get the Pfizer vaccine?

* Is there a correlation between the degree of side effects experienced immediately after your first dose of AstraZeneca and the possibility of developing clots?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 784 How worrying is Sydney's missing link? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-worrying-is-sydneys-missing-link/13336660 A string of community transmission donut days in NSW has been a nice to see since a mystery COVID-19 case popped up in Sydney late last week. However, despite its best efforts, NSW Health has not been able to find out how the case jumped from hotel quarantine into the community. The man has clearly picked up the virus from a mystery person in the community, who could well have spread it to others. So on today's Coronacast, how worrying it is that the link hasn't been found? Also on today's show: * The virus found in Sydney - B.1.617.2 - is declared a variant of concern by the UK Government * Why don't these supposed very contagious variants seem to spread in Australia? And don't forget to check out the new season of Patient Zero! * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rn-presents-patient-zero/id1370255107 * ABC Listen app: https://abclisten.page.link/UgUg8Z4JtCaEh71p6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 09 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A string of community transmission donut days in NSW has been a nice to see since a mystery COVID-19 case popped up in Sydney late last week. However, despite its best efforts, NSW Health has not been able to find out how the case jumped from hotel quarantine into the community. The man has clearly picked up the virus from a mystery person in the community, who could well have spread it to others. So on today's Coronacast, how worrying it is that the link hasn't been found? Also on today's show: * The virus found in Sydney - B.1.617.2 - is declared a variant of concern by the UK Government * Why don't these supposed very contagious variants seem to spread in Australia? And don't forget to check out the new season of Patient Zero! * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rn-presents-patient-zero/id1370255107 * ABC Listen app: https://abclisten.page.link/UgUg8Z4JtCaEh71p6 A string of community transmission donut days in NSW has been a nice to see since a mystery COVID-19 case popped up in Sydney late last week. However, despite its best efforts, NSW Health has not been able to find out how the case jumped from hotel quarantine into the community. The man has clearly picked up the virus from a mystery person in the community, who could well have spread it to others. So on today's Coronacast, how worrying it is that the link hasn't been found? Also on today's show: * The virus found in Sydney - B.1.617.2 - is declared a variant of concern by the UK Government * Why don't these supposed very contagious variants seem to spread in Australia? And don't forget to check out the new season of Patient Zero! * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rn-presents-patient-zero/id1370255107 * ABC Listen app: https://abclisten.page.link/UgUg8Z4JtCaEh71p6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A string of community transmission donut days in NSW has been a nice to see since a mystery COVID-19 case popped up in Sydney late last week.

However, despite its best efforts, NSW Health has not been able to find out how the case jumped from hotel quarantine into the community.

The man has clearly picked up the virus from a mystery person in the community, who could well have spread it to others.

So on today's Coronacast, how worrying it is that the link hasn't been found?

Also on today's show:

* The virus found in Sydney - B.1.617.2 - is declared a variant of concern by the UK Government

* Why don't these supposed very contagious variants seem to spread in Australia?

And don't forget to check out the new season of Patient Zero!

* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rn-presents-patient-zero/id1370255107

* ABC Listen app: https://abclisten.page.link/UgUg8Z4JtCaEh71p6

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 865 A new case of COVID and five new clots https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-new-case-of-covid-and-five-new-clots/13332802 Just when you think it's getting boring in coronavirus land, you're hit with an avalanche of news. Sydney is continuing to battle an outbreak of COVID-19, as health detectives narrow in on where it might have come from. And Australia's medicines regulator has revealed five more people have developed blood clots after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, bringing the total to 11 from around 1.4 million doses since the rollout began. So what have we learned about the variant circulating in Sydney? And what's the current likelihood of developing a clot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Just when you think it's getting boring in coronavirus land, you're hit with an avalanche of news. Sydney is continuing to battle an outbreak of COVID-19, as health detectives narrow in on where it might have come from. And Australia's medicines regulator has revealed five more people have developed blood clots after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, bringing the total to 11 from around 1.4 million doses since the rollout began. So what have we learned about the variant circulating in Sydney? And what's the current likelihood of developing a clot? Just when you think it's getting boring in coronavirus land, you're hit with an avalanche of news. Sydney is continuing to battle an outbreak of COVID-19, as health detectives narrow in on where it might have come from. And Australia's medicines regulator has revealed five more people have developed blood clots after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, bringing the total to 11 from around 1.4 million doses since the rollout began. So what have we learned about the variant circulating in Sydney? And what's the current likelihood of developing a clot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Just when you think it's getting boring in coronavirus land, you're hit with an avalanche of news.

Sydney is continuing to battle an outbreak of COVID-19, as health detectives narrow in on where it might have come from.

And Australia's medicines regulator has revealed five more people have developed blood clots after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, bringing the total to 11 from around 1.4 million doses since the rollout began.

So what have we learned about the variant circulating in Sydney? And what's the current likelihood of developing a clot?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 692 Sydney's sudden and mysterious COVID case https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sydneys-sudden-and-mysterious-covid-case/13330738 When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian started her press conference yesterday, she got straight to the point: NSW had detected a case of COVID in the community. And as yet, there’s no known source. The patient has not been overseas or interstate and has no known links to hotel quarantine. He's also been infectious in the community for the last several days. So as NSW Health tries to pin down where he might have got it, Coronacast asks how this mysterious case compares to other recent outbreaks. Also on today's show: * A study shows digital contact tracing apps can work * Norman gets vaccinated * If a person isn't vaccinated and contracts COVID, is the vaccine then administered to aid in recovery? * Can I get the AstraZeneca vaccine now and Pfizer later to be even more protected? * Can you advise me please on the recommended timing between a flu shot and the AstraZeneca shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian started her press conference yesterday, she got straight to the point: NSW had detected a case of COVID in the community. And as yet, there’s no known source. The patient has not been overseas or interstate and has no known links to hotel quarantine. He's also been infectious in the community for the last several days. So as NSW Health tries to pin down where he might have got it, Coronacast asks how this mysterious case compares to other recent outbreaks. Also on today's show: * A study shows digital contact tracing apps can work * Norman gets vaccinated * If a person isn't vaccinated and contracts COVID, is the vaccine then administered to aid in recovery? * Can I get the AstraZeneca vaccine now and Pfizer later to be even more protected? * Can you advise me please on the recommended timing between a flu shot and the AstraZeneca shot? When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian started her press conference yesterday, she got straight to the point: NSW had detected a case of COVID in the community. And as yet, there’s no known source. The patient has not been overseas or interstate and has no known links to hotel quarantine. He's also been infectious in the community for the last several days. So as NSW Health tries to pin down where he might have got it, Coronacast asks how this mysterious case compares to other recent outbreaks. Also on today's show: * A study shows digital contact tracing apps can work * Norman gets vaccinated * If a person isn't vaccinated and contracts COVID, is the vaccine then administered to aid in recovery? * Can I get the AstraZeneca vaccine now and Pfizer later to be even more protected? * Can you advise me please on the recommended timing between a flu shot and the AstraZeneca shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian started her press conference yesterday, she got straight to the point: NSW had detected a case of COVID in the community.

And as yet, there’s no known source. The patient has not been overseas or interstate and has no known links to hotel quarantine.

He's also been infectious in the community for the last several days.

So as NSW Health tries to pin down where he might have got it, Coronacast asks how this mysterious case compares to other recent outbreaks.

Also on today's show:

* A study shows digital contact tracing apps can work

* Norman gets vaccinated

* If a person isn't vaccinated and contracts COVID, is the vaccine then administered to aid in recovery?

* Can I get the AstraZeneca vaccine now and Pfizer later to be even more protected?

* Can you advise me please on the recommended timing between a flu shot and the AstraZeneca shot?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 671 One billion doses! But a long way to go https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/one-billion-doses-but-a-long-way-to-go/13328748 In a global pandemic, you have to take your successes where you can find them. Among the doom and gloom of three-quarters of a million new cases a day worldwide, it's important to look at how much progress we've made in fighting back against COVID-19. To date, more than a billion vaccines doses have been given out globally - a number that will hopefully continue to rapidly increase as more supply becomes available and distributed to those who need it most. Because - as explained on today's Coronacast - the faster we can vaccinate, the less chance we'll have of even worse variants popping into existence. Also on today's show: * Why is the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines constantly referred to as complex when the flu vaccine is rolled out every year to millions of people in Australia? * Your feedback and experiences on tracking down and getting a vaccine under the next phase of the rollout * The trouble with organ transplants and COVID-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In a global pandemic, you have to take your successes where you can find them. Among the doom and gloom of three-quarters of a million new cases a day worldwide, it's important to look at how much progress we've made in fighting back against COVID-19. To date, more than a billion vaccines doses have been given out globally - a number that will hopefully continue to rapidly increase as more supply becomes available and distributed to those who need it most. Because - as explained on today's Coronacast - the faster we can vaccinate, the less chance we'll have of even worse variants popping into existence. Also on today's show: * Why is the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines constantly referred to as complex when the flu vaccine is rolled out every year to millions of people in Australia? * Your feedback and experiences on tracking down and getting a vaccine under the next phase of the rollout * The trouble with organ transplants and COVID-19 In a global pandemic, you have to take your successes where you can find them. Among the doom and gloom of three-quarters of a million new cases a day worldwide, it's important to look at how much progress we've made in fighting back against COVID-19. To date, more than a billion vaccines doses have been given out globally - a number that will hopefully continue to rapidly increase as more supply becomes available and distributed to those who need it most. Because - as explained on today's Coronacast - the faster we can vaccinate, the less chance we'll have of even worse variants popping into existence. Also on today's show: * Why is the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines constantly referred to as complex when the flu vaccine is rolled out every year to millions of people in Australia? * Your feedback and experiences on tracking down and getting a vaccine under the next phase of the rollout * The trouble with organ transplants and COVID-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In a global pandemic, you have to take your successes where you can find them.

Among the doom and gloom of three-quarters of a million new cases a day worldwide, it's important to look at how much progress we've made in fighting back against COVID-19.

To date, more than a billion vaccines doses have been given out globally - a number that will hopefully continue to rapidly increase as more supply becomes available and distributed to those who need it most.

Because - as explained on today's Coronacast - the faster we can vaccinate, the less chance we'll have of even worse variants popping into existence.

Also on today's show:

* Why is the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines constantly referred to as complex when the flu vaccine is rolled out every year to millions of people in Australia?

* Your feedback and experiences on tracking down and getting a vaccine under the next phase of the rollout

* The trouble with organ transplants and COVID-19

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 651 Will we finally see a jump in vaccinations? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-we-finally-see-a-jump-in-vaccinations/13327432 The next phase of Australia's vaccination program began yesterday, and millions of people aged over 50 are now eligible to receive a vaccine. But many are still finding the booking process difficult and confusing, and while vaccines are available it can take a bit of work to find one. Before now, only the vulnerable and front line workers have been eligible, so health officials and experts will be hoping that finally we'll see a dramatic increase in the COVID-19 vaccination rate. So will we finally see a jump in vaccinations? Also on today's show: * I've heard that the vaccine immunity lasts only for 6 months. So does that mean that I'll need another 2 shots of the vaccine when Australia finally opens up, and I want to travel? * I am a First Nations person who is 36 with no other comorbidities. Is it clear yet when Pfizer will be available to me? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The next phase of Australia's vaccination program began yesterday, and millions of people aged over 50 are now eligible to receive a vaccine. But many are still finding the booking process difficult and confusing, and while vaccines are available it can take a bit of work to find one. Before now, only the vulnerable and front line workers have been eligible, so health officials and experts will be hoping that finally we'll see a dramatic increase in the COVID-19 vaccination rate. So will we finally see a jump in vaccinations? Also on today's show: * I've heard that the vaccine immunity lasts only for 6 months. So does that mean that I'll need another 2 shots of the vaccine when Australia finally opens up, and I want to travel? * I am a First Nations person who is 36 with no other comorbidities. Is it clear yet when Pfizer will be available to me? The next phase of Australia's vaccination program began yesterday, and millions of people aged over 50 are now eligible to receive a vaccine. But many are still finding the booking process difficult and confusing, and while vaccines are available it can take a bit of work to find one. Before now, only the vulnerable and front line workers have been eligible, so health officials and experts will be hoping that finally we'll see a dramatic increase in the COVID-19 vaccination rate. So will we finally see a jump in vaccinations? Also on today's show: * I've heard that the vaccine immunity lasts only for 6 months. So does that mean that I'll need another 2 shots of the vaccine when Australia finally opens up, and I want to travel? * I am a First Nations person who is 36 with no other comorbidities. Is it clear yet when Pfizer will be available to me? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The next phase of Australia's vaccination program began yesterday, and millions of people aged over 50 are now eligible to receive a vaccine.

But many are still finding the booking process difficult and confusing, and while vaccines are available it can take a bit of work to find one.

Before now, only the vulnerable and front line workers have been eligible, so health officials and experts will be hoping that finally we'll see a dramatic increase in the COVID-19 vaccination rate.

So will we finally see a jump in vaccinations?

Also on today's show:

* I've heard that the vaccine immunity lasts only for 6 months. So does that mean that I'll need another 2 shots of the vaccine when Australia finally opens up, and I want to travel?

* I am a First Nations person who is 36 with no other comorbidities. Is it clear yet when Pfizer will be available to me?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 645 Perth's new outbreak. Can we avoid another lockdown? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/perths-new-outbreak-can-we-avoid-another-lockdown/13326426 For the second time in a fortnight, residents of Perth are facing lockdowns or increased restrictions due to a coronavirus outbreak from hotel quarantine. Last week, a security guard contracted the virus in a WA quarantine hotel. From there, it's broken into the community with at least two close contacts testing positive. It's again put a spotlight on hotels being used for quarantine and has disrupted the lives of millions of West Australians. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about the latest outbreak and are more lockdowns coming? Also on today's show: * Does the AstraZeneca vaccine protect against serious illness from the serious variants? * Will Australia be getting the Moderna vaccine. If so can it approved and be released this year? * And a study about a man who suffered from COVID-19 for 8 months! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 02 May 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For the second time in a fortnight, residents of Perth are facing lockdowns or increased restrictions due to a coronavirus outbreak from hotel quarantine. Last week, a security guard contracted the virus in a WA quarantine hotel. From there, it's broken into the community with at least two close contacts testing positive. It's again put a spotlight on hotels being used for quarantine and has disrupted the lives of millions of West Australians. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about the latest outbreak and are more lockdowns coming? Also on today's show: * Does the AstraZeneca vaccine protect against serious illness from the serious variants? * Will Australia be getting the Moderna vaccine. If so can it approved and be released this year? * And a study about a man who suffered from COVID-19 for 8 months! For the second time in a fortnight, residents of Perth are facing lockdowns or increased restrictions due to a coronavirus outbreak from hotel quarantine. Last week, a security guard contracted the virus in a WA quarantine hotel. From there, it's broken into the community with at least two close contacts testing positive. It's again put a spotlight on hotels being used for quarantine and has disrupted the lives of millions of West Australians. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about the latest outbreak and are more lockdowns coming? Also on today's show: * Does the AstraZeneca vaccine protect against serious illness from the serious variants? * Will Australia be getting the Moderna vaccine. If so can it approved and be released this year? * And a study about a man who suffered from COVID-19 for 8 months! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For the second time in a fortnight, residents of Perth are facing lockdowns or increased restrictions due to a coronavirus outbreak from hotel quarantine.

Last week, a security guard contracted the virus in a WA quarantine hotel. From there, it's broken into the community with at least two close contacts testing positive.

It's again put a spotlight on hotels being used for quarantine and has disrupted the lives of millions of West Australians.

So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about the latest outbreak and are more lockdowns coming?

Also on today's show:

* Does the AstraZeneca vaccine protect against serious illness from the serious variants?

* Will Australia be getting the Moderna vaccine. If so can it approved and be released this year?

* And a study about a man who suffered from COVID-19 for 8 months!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 668 Could a little pill help treat COVID-19? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/could-a-little-pill-help-treat-covid-19/13323172 There's been a lot of talk over the last few months about coronavirus vaccines and how they'll hopefully end the pandemic sooner rather than later. But it'll be years before the world's entire population is vaccinated, and variants will also continue to provide a threat. So the world needs COVID treatments - drugs to help manage a patient's illness and stop them dying if they contract the virus. On today's Coronacast, what can we make of an-anti COVID pill from Pfizer which is now in early clinical trials? Also on today's show: * A study on why you don't want to be COVID positive and pregnant and another on pregnancy and vaccines And it's Friday. So you know what that means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been a lot of talk over the last few months about coronavirus vaccines and how they'll hopefully end the pandemic sooner rather than later. But it'll be years before the world's entire population is vaccinated, and variants will also continue to provide a threat. So the world needs COVID treatments - drugs to help manage a patient's illness and stop them dying if they contract the virus. On today's Coronacast, what can we make of an-anti COVID pill from Pfizer which is now in early clinical trials? Also on today's show: * A study on why you don't want to be COVID positive and pregnant and another on pregnancy and vaccines And it's Friday. So you know what that means. There's been a lot of talk over the last few months about coronavirus vaccines and how they'll hopefully end the pandemic sooner rather than later. But it'll be years before the world's entire population is vaccinated, and variants will also continue to provide a threat. So the world needs COVID treatments - drugs to help manage a patient's illness and stop them dying if they contract the virus. On today's Coronacast, what can we make of an-anti COVID pill from Pfizer which is now in early clinical trials? Also on today's show: * A study on why you don't want to be COVID positive and pregnant and another on pregnancy and vaccines And it's Friday. So you know what that means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been a lot of talk over the last few months about coronavirus vaccines and how they'll hopefully end the pandemic sooner rather than later.

But it'll be years before the world's entire population is vaccinated, and variants will also continue to provide a threat.

So the world needs COVID treatments - drugs to help manage a patient's illness and stop them dying if they contract the virus.

On today's Coronacast, what can we make of an-anti COVID pill from Pfizer which is now in early clinical trials?

Also on today's show:

* A study on why you don't want to be COVID positive and pregnant and another on pregnancy and vaccines

And it's Friday. So you know what that means.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 636 Turns out, the vaccines do stop you getting COVID-19 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/vaccines-do-stop-you-getting-covid-19/13321388 One of the biggest unknowns in the pandemic was whether or not vaccination would stop you getting infected with coronavirus, or just stop you getting sick. It sounds like much the same thing, but the difference is actually huge. Stopping infection means you don't have the virus at all, and thus won't go on to infect others. A study in the journal The Lancet has looked at both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines and found that they do indeed stop infection, which is great news - but sadly not all the time. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * If you are a blood donor and have been vaccinated, will the antibodies you have developed help the recipient of your blood? * I've already received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Is it safe for me to swap over and get Pfizer if it is available to me? I'm in category 1B as I'm a health worker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the biggest unknowns in the pandemic was whether or not vaccination would stop you getting infected with coronavirus, or just stop you getting sick. It sounds like much the same thing, but the difference is actually huge. Stopping infection means you don't have the virus at all, and thus won't go on to infect others. A study in the journal The Lancet has looked at both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines and found that they do indeed stop infection, which is great news - but sadly not all the time. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * If you are a blood donor and have been vaccinated, will the antibodies you have developed help the recipient of your blood? * I've already received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Is it safe for me to swap over and get Pfizer if it is available to me? I'm in category 1B as I'm a health worker. One of the biggest unknowns in the pandemic was whether or not vaccination would stop you getting infected with coronavirus, or just stop you getting sick. It sounds like much the same thing, but the difference is actually huge. Stopping infection means you don't have the virus at all, and thus won't go on to infect others. A study in the journal The Lancet has looked at both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines and found that they do indeed stop infection, which is great news - but sadly not all the time. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * If you are a blood donor and have been vaccinated, will the antibodies you have developed help the recipient of your blood? * I've already received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Is it safe for me to swap over and get Pfizer if it is available to me? I'm in category 1B as I'm a health worker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the biggest unknowns in the pandemic was whether or not vaccination would stop you getting infected with coronavirus, or just stop you getting sick.

It sounds like much the same thing, but the difference is actually huge. Stopping infection means you don't have the virus at all, and thus won't go on to infect others.

A study in the journal The Lancet has looked at both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines and found that they do indeed stop infection, which is great news - but sadly not all the time.

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* If you are a blood donor and have been vaccinated, will the antibodies you have developed help the recipient of your blood?

* I've already received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Is it safe for me to swap over and get Pfizer if it is available to me? I'm in category 1B as I'm a health worker.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 609 Is the UK variant not so bad after all? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-uk-variant-not-so-bad-after-all/13319726 The UK variant, or as it's known the Kent variant or B117, is taking over the United Kingdom and other countries it's spread to. It's dominance is due to it to being far more transmissible than other variants, but according to new research just being more contagious doesn't mean it's more deadly. In fact, the study has found that it might be less deadly in people with severe COVID-19. But as with all things coronavirus, conditions apply. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Is relative youth a proven causal link for the blood clotting problem or is it merely a correlation? * Is 14 days still the incubation period? * Is the 50 year old cut off an immune phenomenon related to menopause status? * What is the current advice regarding vaccination and pregnancy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The UK variant, or as it's known the Kent variant or B117, is taking over the United Kingdom and other countries it's spread to. It's dominance is due to it to being far more transmissible than other variants, but according to new research just being more contagious doesn't mean it's more deadly. In fact, the study has found that it might be less deadly in people with severe COVID-19. But as with all things coronavirus, conditions apply. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Is relative youth a proven causal link for the blood clotting problem or is it merely a correlation? * Is 14 days still the incubation period? * Is the 50 year old cut off an immune phenomenon related to menopause status? * What is the current advice regarding vaccination and pregnancy? The UK variant, or as it's known the Kent variant or B117, is taking over the United Kingdom and other countries it's spread to. It's dominance is due to it to being far more transmissible than other variants, but according to new research just being more contagious doesn't mean it's more deadly. In fact, the study has found that it might be less deadly in people with severe COVID-19. But as with all things coronavirus, conditions apply. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Is relative youth a proven causal link for the blood clotting problem or is it merely a correlation? * Is 14 days still the incubation period? * Is the 50 year old cut off an immune phenomenon related to menopause status? * What is the current advice regarding vaccination and pregnancy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The UK variant, or as it's known the Kent variant or B117, is taking over the United Kingdom and other countries it's spread to.

It's dominance is due to it to being far more transmissible than other variants, but according to new research just being more contagious doesn't mean it's more deadly.

In fact, the study has found that it might be less deadly in people with severe COVID-19.

But as with all things coronavirus, conditions apply.

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Is relative youth a proven causal link for the blood clotting problem or is it merely a correlation?

* Is 14 days still the incubation period?

* Is the 50 year old cut off an immune phenomenon related to menopause status?

* What is the current advice regarding vaccination and pregnancy?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 Perth's lockdown ends. Hotel quarantine fight goes on https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/perths-lockdown-ends-hotel-quarantine-fight-goes-on/13318234 Residents of Perth are out of a snap three day lockdown, with many hoping life will again return to normal over the coming days. The lockdown orders were lifted at midnight, after zero new cases were found yesterday, and testing numbers over the last three days have been high. However the debate about hotel quarantine is on-going. So on today's Coronacast, what could be a good way to allow Australians to return from overseas, but reduce the risk for people already at home? Also on today's show: * Which countries have banned travel from India? * What magic occurs when you turn 50 that makes AstraZeneca ok? * How do you know you have a blood clot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Residents of Perth are out of a snap three day lockdown, with many hoping life will again return to normal over the coming days. The lockdown orders were lifted at midnight, after zero new cases were found yesterday, and testing numbers over the last three days have been high. However the debate about hotel quarantine is on-going. So on today's Coronacast, what could be a good way to allow Australians to return from overseas, but reduce the risk for people already at home? Also on today's show: * Which countries have banned travel from India? * What magic occurs when you turn 50 that makes AstraZeneca ok? * How do you know you have a blood clot? Residents of Perth are out of a snap three day lockdown, with many hoping life will again return to normal over the coming days. The lockdown orders were lifted at midnight, after zero new cases were found yesterday, and testing numbers over the last three days have been high. However the debate about hotel quarantine is on-going. So on today's Coronacast, what could be a good way to allow Australians to return from overseas, but reduce the risk for people already at home? Also on today's show: * Which countries have banned travel from India? * What magic occurs when you turn 50 that makes AstraZeneca ok? * How do you know you have a blood clot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Residents of Perth are out of a snap three day lockdown, with many hoping life will again return to normal over the coming days.

The lockdown orders were lifted at midnight, after zero new cases were found yesterday, and testing numbers over the last three days have been high.

However the debate about hotel quarantine is on-going.

So on today's Coronacast, what could be a good way to allow Australians to return from overseas, but reduce the risk for people already at home?

Also on today's show:

* Which countries have banned travel from India?

* What magic occurs when you turn 50 that makes AstraZeneca ok?

* How do you know you have a blood clot?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 758 Perth's tense wait - will lockdown end on time? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/perths-tense-wait-will-lockdown-end-on-time/13317284 Residents of Perth and the Peel region were given a boost of hope yesterday, when no new cases of coronavirus were discovered. The areas are in a lockdown until at least midnight tonight, after coronavirus escaped hotel quarantine late last week and has spread into the community. WA Premier Mark McGowan says it's too early to predict what will happen with the lockdown after Monday And it's also promoted another debate about who should run hotel quarantine: the states or the federal government. Also on today's show: * We get some better numbers from ATAGI on the chance of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine, depending on how old you are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 25 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Residents of Perth and the Peel region were given a boost of hope yesterday, when no new cases of coronavirus were discovered. The areas are in a lockdown until at least midnight tonight, after coronavirus escaped hotel quarantine late last week and has spread into the community. WA Premier Mark McGowan says it's too early to predict what will happen with the lockdown after Monday And it's also promoted another debate about who should run hotel quarantine: the states or the federal government. Also on today's show: * We get some better numbers from ATAGI on the chance of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine, depending on how old you are. Residents of Perth and the Peel region were given a boost of hope yesterday, when no new cases of coronavirus were discovered. The areas are in a lockdown until at least midnight tonight, after coronavirus escaped hotel quarantine late last week and has spread into the community. WA Premier Mark McGowan says it's too early to predict what will happen with the lockdown after Monday And it's also promoted another debate about who should run hotel quarantine: the states or the federal government. Also on today's show: * We get some better numbers from ATAGI on the chance of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine, depending on how old you are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Residents of Perth and the Peel region were given a boost of hope yesterday, when no new cases of coronavirus were discovered.

The areas are in a lockdown until at least midnight tonight, after coronavirus escaped hotel quarantine late last week and has spread into the community.

WA Premier Mark McGowan says it's too early to predict what will happen with the lockdown after Monday

And it's also promoted another debate about who should run hotel quarantine: the states or the federal government.

Also on today's show:

* We get some better numbers from ATAGI on the chance of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine, depending on how old you are.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 661 Rush on down for our COVID stocktake! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/rush-on-down-for-our-covid-stocktake/13314122 At the start of the year when vaccines were starting to roll out, there was much hope that maybe, just maybe, the worst was behind us. But oh no. Not in this global pandemic. Suddenly we had several variants of concern to worry about, vaccines remained in very short supply and countries argued with each other for who needed it more. So today, Coronacast is doing a bit of a stocktake - taking a step back to have a look at we are and what might come next. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday and today the answers are quick. We promise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia At the start of the year when vaccines were starting to roll out, there was much hope that maybe, just maybe, the worst was behind us. But oh no. Not in this global pandemic. Suddenly we had several variants of concern to worry about, vaccines remained in very short supply and countries argued with each other for who needed it more. So today, Coronacast is doing a bit of a stocktake - taking a step back to have a look at we are and what might come next. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday and today the answers are quick. We promise. At the start of the year when vaccines were starting to roll out, there was much hope that maybe, just maybe, the worst was behind us. But oh no. Not in this global pandemic. Suddenly we had several variants of concern to worry about, vaccines remained in very short supply and countries argued with each other for who needed it more. So today, Coronacast is doing a bit of a stocktake - taking a step back to have a look at we are and what might come next. Also on today's show: * Quick Fire Friday and today the answers are quick. We promise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices At the start of the year when vaccines were starting to roll out, there was much hope that maybe, just maybe, the worst was behind us.

But oh no. Not in this global pandemic. Suddenly we had several variants of concern to worry about, vaccines remained in very short supply and countries argued with each other for who needed it more.

So today, Coronacast is doing a bit of a stocktake - taking a step back to have a look at we are and what might come next.

Also on today's show:

* Quick Fire Friday and today the answers are quick. We promise.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 759 Uh oh. Can mRNA vaccines cause clots too? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/uh-oh-can-mrna-vaccines-cause-clots-too/13312418 The European Medicines Agency has reported that it's aware of 25 cases of rare blood clots from people who have had the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, and 5 cases from people who have had the Moderna vaccine. The numbers were revealed during a press briefing into blood clotting issues related to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. It's the first time such a number has been reported by a medical regulator, and may suggest very rare clotting events may not be confined only to AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. The co-chair of Australia's vaccination advisory group Professor Allen Cheng has told Coronacast that there is still a lot of uncertainty, especially if reported cases have been fully investigated. So on today's Coronacast, what has the EMA said and is it real? References: EMA press conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The European Medicines Agency has reported that it's aware of 25 cases of rare blood clots from people who have had the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, and 5 cases from people who have had the Moderna vaccine. The numbers were revealed during a press briefing into blood clotting issues related to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. It's the first time such a number has been reported by a medical regulator, and may suggest very rare clotting events may not be confined only to AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. The co-chair of Australia's vaccination advisory group Professor Allen Cheng has told Coronacast that there is still a lot of uncertainty, especially if reported cases have been fully investigated. So on today's Coronacast, what has the EMA said and is it real? References: EMA press conference The European Medicines Agency has reported that it's aware of 25 cases of rare blood clots from people who have had the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, and 5 cases from people who have had the Moderna vaccine. The numbers were revealed during a press briefing into blood clotting issues related to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. It's the first time such a number has been reported by a medical regulator, and may suggest very rare clotting events may not be confined only to AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. The co-chair of Australia's vaccination advisory group Professor Allen Cheng has told Coronacast that there is still a lot of uncertainty, especially if reported cases have been fully investigated. So on today's Coronacast, what has the EMA said and is it real? References: EMA press conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The European Medicines Agency has reported that it's aware of 25 cases of rare blood clots from people who have had the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, and 5 cases from people who have had the Moderna vaccine.

The numbers were revealed during a press briefing into blood clotting issues related to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

It's the first time such a number has been reported by a medical regulator, and may suggest very rare clotting events may not be confined only to AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson.

The co-chair of Australia's vaccination advisory group Professor Allen Cheng has told Coronacast that there is still a lot of uncertainty, especially if reported cases have been fully investigated.

So on today's Coronacast, what has the EMA said and is it real?

References:

EMA press conference

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 753 What's behind soaring COVID numbers in India? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-behind-soaring-covid-numbers-in-india/13310494 The number of daily COVID-19 cases in India has been surging in recent weeks, and some are putting it down to a so-called double mutant COVID variant. New case records are being set nearly daily, and the number of people dying from COVID is also growing fast. The huge surge in cases is also being felt here, with the most recent NSW data showing people arriving from India are making up 20 percent of all cases in hotel quarantine. So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the surge in India? Also on today's show: * NZ vaccinated border worker tests positive for COVID-19 * What is the treatment for those who get the blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine? * What do we know about mixing vaccines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The number of daily COVID-19 cases in India has been surging in recent weeks, and some are putting it down to a so-called double mutant COVID variant. New case records are being set nearly daily, and the number of people dying from COVID is also growing fast. The huge surge in cases is also being felt here, with the most recent NSW data showing people arriving from India are making up 20 percent of all cases in hotel quarantine. So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the surge in India? Also on today's show: * NZ vaccinated border worker tests positive for COVID-19 * What is the treatment for those who get the blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine? * What do we know about mixing vaccines? The number of daily COVID-19 cases in India has been surging in recent weeks, and some are putting it down to a so-called double mutant COVID variant. New case records are being set nearly daily, and the number of people dying from COVID is also growing fast. The huge surge in cases is also being felt here, with the most recent NSW data showing people arriving from India are making up 20 percent of all cases in hotel quarantine. So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the surge in India? Also on today's show: * NZ vaccinated border worker tests positive for COVID-19 * What is the treatment for those who get the blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine? * What do we know about mixing vaccines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The number of daily COVID-19 cases in India has been surging in recent weeks, and some are putting it down to a so-called double mutant COVID variant.

New case records are being set nearly daily, and the number of people dying from COVID is also growing fast.

The huge surge in cases is also being felt here, with the most recent NSW data showing people arriving from India are making up 20 percent of all cases in hotel quarantine.

So on today's Coronacast, what could be behind the surge in India?

Also on today's show:

* NZ vaccinated border worker tests positive for COVID-19

* What is the treatment for those who get the blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine?

* What do we know about mixing vaccines?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 706 Vaccines for everyone over 50!* (conditions apply) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/vaccines-for-everyone-over-50-conditions-apply/13308970 The Federal Government is hoping for a vaccine rollout reset, and it may come later this week with National Cabinet agreeing 'in principle' to bring forward vaccinations for those over 50 Currently, people in phase 1a and 1b can get access to vaccinations - which is mostly the AstraZeneca vaccine. As local production of the AstraZeneca vaccine ramps, it may be very soon when the doors are opened to everyone who's over 50. So on today's Coronacast, the washup from yesterday's National Cabinet. Also on today's show: * ATAGI releases some slides * Is there any data on the blood groups of the people who have experienced clotting? * What about for people who have had blood clots in the past? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Federal Government is hoping for a vaccine rollout reset, and it may come later this week with National Cabinet agreeing 'in principle' to bring forward vaccinations for those over 50 Currently, people in phase 1a and 1b can get access to vaccinations - which is mostly the AstraZeneca vaccine. As local production of the AstraZeneca vaccine ramps, it may be very soon when the doors are opened to everyone who's over 50. So on today's Coronacast, the washup from yesterday's National Cabinet. Also on today's show: * ATAGI releases some slides * Is there any data on the blood groups of the people who have experienced clotting? * What about for people who have had blood clots in the past? The Federal Government is hoping for a vaccine rollout reset, and it may come later this week with National Cabinet agreeing 'in principle' to bring forward vaccinations for those over 50 Currently, people in phase 1a and 1b can get access to vaccinations - which is mostly the AstraZeneca vaccine. As local production of the AstraZeneca vaccine ramps, it may be very soon when the doors are opened to everyone who's over 50. So on today's Coronacast, the washup from yesterday's National Cabinet. Also on today's show: * ATAGI releases some slides * Is there any data on the blood groups of the people who have experienced clotting? * What about for people who have had blood clots in the past? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Federal Government is hoping for a vaccine rollout reset, and it may come later this week with National Cabinet agreeing 'in principle' to bring forward vaccinations for those over 50

Currently, people in phase 1a and 1b can get access to vaccinations - which is mostly the AstraZeneca vaccine.

As local production of the AstraZeneca vaccine ramps, it may be very soon when the doors are opened to everyone who's over 50.

So on today's Coronacast, the washup from yesterday's National Cabinet.

Also on today's show:

* ATAGI releases some slides

* Is there any data on the blood groups of the people who have experienced clotting?

* What about for people who have had blood clots in the past?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 677 Will we be taking international flights by October? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-we-be-taking-international-flights-by-october/13307760 With every vaccination, we are a step closer to returning back to something that resembles the normal life we had before the coronavirus pandemic. And one of the big hopes is that people will once again be able to travel overseas to visit family, for work or for holidays. Airlines are taking bookings for later in the year, and report strong bookings so far. The Prime Minister was also yesterday talking about international travel opening up, albeit slowly and for essential travel. So on today's Coronacast, how likely is it we'll be travelling internationally again by October? Also on today's show: * Why variants are again the unknown when it comes to a normal life * Coronavirus slips out of one hotel quarantine room and into another in Sydney * Is the University of Queensland vaccine is still being developed? * A GP says roughly 10 percent of patients are pulling out from receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 18 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With every vaccination, we are a step closer to returning back to something that resembles the normal life we had before the coronavirus pandemic. And one of the big hopes is that people will once again be able to travel overseas to visit family, for work or for holidays. Airlines are taking bookings for later in the year, and report strong bookings so far. The Prime Minister was also yesterday talking about international travel opening up, albeit slowly and for essential travel. So on today's Coronacast, how likely is it we'll be travelling internationally again by October? Also on today's show: * Why variants are again the unknown when it comes to a normal life * Coronavirus slips out of one hotel quarantine room and into another in Sydney * Is the University of Queensland vaccine is still being developed? * A GP says roughly 10 percent of patients are pulling out from receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine With every vaccination, we are a step closer to returning back to something that resembles the normal life we had before the coronavirus pandemic. And one of the big hopes is that people will once again be able to travel overseas to visit family, for work or for holidays. Airlines are taking bookings for later in the year, and report strong bookings so far. The Prime Minister was also yesterday talking about international travel opening up, albeit slowly and for essential travel. So on today's Coronacast, how likely is it we'll be travelling internationally again by October? Also on today's show: * Why variants are again the unknown when it comes to a normal life * Coronavirus slips out of one hotel quarantine room and into another in Sydney * Is the University of Queensland vaccine is still being developed? * A GP says roughly 10 percent of patients are pulling out from receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With every vaccination, we are a step closer to returning back to something that resembles the normal life we had before the coronavirus pandemic.

And one of the big hopes is that people will once again be able to travel overseas to visit family, for work or for holidays.

Airlines are taking bookings for later in the year, and report strong bookings so far. The Prime Minister was also yesterday talking about international travel opening up, albeit slowly and for essential travel.

So on today's Coronacast, how likely is it we'll be travelling internationally again by October?

Also on today's show:

* Why variants are again the unknown when it comes to a normal life

* Coronavirus slips out of one hotel quarantine room and into another in Sydney

* Is the University of Queensland vaccine is still being developed?

* A GP says roughly 10 percent of patients are pulling out from receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 817 Is there such a thing as knowing too much? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-there-such-a-thing-as-knowing-too-much/13304628 During the COVID-19 pandemic, so much information has been flying around - some of it good and some not so good. Official information from Government and health authorities would be solidly in the good camp, but sometimes there's been a reluctance to provide us with all the information. Take blood clotting for example. In the USA, information has been made widely available and their vaccine advisory panel meets in public. On today's Coronacast, why being transparent in medical decision making processes can help ease the public's concerns. Also on today's show: * Some good news out of Israel and good news about vaccination numbers in Australia * Quick Fire Friday returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia During the COVID-19 pandemic, so much information has been flying around - some of it good and some not so good. Official information from Government and health authorities would be solidly in the good camp, but sometimes there's been a reluctance to provide us with all the information. Take blood clotting for example. In the USA, information has been made widely available and their vaccine advisory panel meets in public. On today's Coronacast, why being transparent in medical decision making processes can help ease the public's concerns. Also on today's show: * Some good news out of Israel and good news about vaccination numbers in Australia * Quick Fire Friday returns! During the COVID-19 pandemic, so much information has been flying around - some of it good and some not so good. Official information from Government and health authorities would be solidly in the good camp, but sometimes there's been a reluctance to provide us with all the information. Take blood clotting for example. In the USA, information has been made widely available and their vaccine advisory panel meets in public. On today's Coronacast, why being transparent in medical decision making processes can help ease the public's concerns. Also on today's show: * Some good news out of Israel and good news about vaccination numbers in Australia * Quick Fire Friday returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices During the COVID-19 pandemic, so much information has been flying around - some of it good and some not so good.

Official information from Government and health authorities would be solidly in the good camp, but sometimes there's been a reluctance to provide us with all the information.

Take blood clotting for example. In the USA, information has been made widely available and their vaccine advisory panel meets in public.

On today's Coronacast, why being transparent in medical decision making processes can help ease the public's concerns.

Also on today's show:

* Some good news out of Israel and good news about vaccination numbers in Australia

* Quick Fire Friday returns!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 776 Are all viral vector vaccines a problem? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-all-viral-vector-vaccines-a-problem/13302684 American health regulators have paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, following reports of rare blood clotting in six recipients. Like the AstraZeneca vaccine, Johnson & Johnson is what's known as a viral vector vaccine - where another virus is used like a taxi to deliver a bit of coronavirus to help teach the immune system. So on today's Coronacast, what are viral vector vaccines and could the rare blood-clots be a problem with them more broadly? Also on today's show: * What do the data show regarding the risks of clotting for people over the age of 50? * What can we learn from the US vaccine rollout? (We hear from special guest Anthony Fauci, who Tegan interviewed as part of an event presented by UNSW) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia American health regulators have paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, following reports of rare blood clotting in six recipients. Like the AstraZeneca vaccine, Johnson & Johnson is what's known as a viral vector vaccine - where another virus is used like a taxi to deliver a bit of coronavirus to help teach the immune system. So on today's Coronacast, what are viral vector vaccines and could the rare blood-clots be a problem with them more broadly? Also on today's show: * What do the data show regarding the risks of clotting for people over the age of 50? * What can we learn from the US vaccine rollout? (We hear from special guest Anthony Fauci, who Tegan interviewed as part of an event presented by UNSW) American health regulators have paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, following reports of rare blood clotting in six recipients. Like the AstraZeneca vaccine, Johnson & Johnson is what's known as a viral vector vaccine - where another virus is used like a taxi to deliver a bit of coronavirus to help teach the immune system. So on today's Coronacast, what are viral vector vaccines and could the rare blood-clots be a problem with them more broadly? Also on today's show: * What do the data show regarding the risks of clotting for people over the age of 50? * What can we learn from the US vaccine rollout? (We hear from special guest Anthony Fauci, who Tegan interviewed as part of an event presented by UNSW) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices American health regulators have paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, following reports of rare blood clotting in six recipients.

Like the AstraZeneca vaccine, Johnson & Johnson is what's known as a viral vector vaccine - where another virus is used like a taxi to deliver a bit of coronavirus to help teach the immune system.

So on today's Coronacast, what are viral vector vaccines and could the rare blood-clots be a problem with them more broadly?

Also on today's show:

* What do the data show regarding the risks of clotting for people over the age of 50?

* What can we learn from the US vaccine rollout? (We hear from special guest Anthony Fauci, who Tegan interviewed as part of an event presented by UNSW)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 734 Revisiting the great debate: how deadly is coronavirus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/revisiting-the-great-debate-how-deadly-is-coronavirus-really/13301196 With all the talk of blood clots, various levels of risk and worries about possible coronavirus outbreaks over winter, it's important to remember that vaccines do save lives. And they especially help older people because they are at the most at risk of dying from COVID-19. Scientists have recently revisited the chances of dying if you're infected with coronavirus, and found an exponential growth in the death rate the older you get. So on today's Coronacast, we revisit a question from the beginning: without vaccination, how deadly can coronavirus be? Also on today's show: * A second Australian has the blood clotting syndrome post AstraZeneca vaccine * Informed consent. What are you actually agreeing to? * Why is everyone talking about "no fault compensation" in relation to vaccines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With all the talk of blood clots, various levels of risk and worries about possible coronavirus outbreaks over winter, it's important to remember that vaccines do save lives. And they especially help older people because they are at the most at risk of dying from COVID-19. Scientists have recently revisited the chances of dying if you're infected with coronavirus, and found an exponential growth in the death rate the older you get. So on today's Coronacast, we revisit a question from the beginning: without vaccination, how deadly can coronavirus be? Also on today's show: * A second Australian has the blood clotting syndrome post AstraZeneca vaccine * Informed consent. What are you actually agreeing to? * Why is everyone talking about "no fault compensation" in relation to vaccines? With all the talk of blood clots, various levels of risk and worries about possible coronavirus outbreaks over winter, it's important to remember that vaccines do save lives. And they especially help older people because they are at the most at risk of dying from COVID-19. Scientists have recently revisited the chances of dying if you're infected with coronavirus, and found an exponential growth in the death rate the older you get. So on today's Coronacast, we revisit a question from the beginning: without vaccination, how deadly can coronavirus be? Also on today's show: * A second Australian has the blood clotting syndrome post AstraZeneca vaccine * Informed consent. What are you actually agreeing to? * Why is everyone talking about "no fault compensation" in relation to vaccines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With all the talk of blood clots, various levels of risk and worries about possible coronavirus outbreaks over winter, it's important to remember that vaccines do save lives.

And they especially help older people because they are at the most at risk of dying from COVID-19.

Scientists have recently revisited the chances of dying if you're infected with coronavirus, and found an exponential growth in the death rate the older you get.

So on today's Coronacast, we revisit a question from the beginning: without vaccination, how deadly can coronavirus be?

Also on today's show:

* A second Australian has the blood clotting syndrome post AstraZeneca vaccine

* Informed consent. What are you actually agreeing to?

* Why is everyone talking about "no fault compensation" in relation to vaccines?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 756 How do you run a vaccine rollout with no targets? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-you-run-a-vaccine-rollout-with-no-targets/13299596 The Federal Government has jettisoned vaccine rollout targets and the Prime Minister says there's no point creating them anyway because COVID-19 "writes its own rules". Instead, the government is "just getting on with it" in rolling out the coronavirus vaccine to the Australian population. But with few details and limited vaccine supply, it's hard to tell at the moment how the Federal Government plans to do it. However we do have AstraZeneca vaccines available and Pfizer is due to deliver many millions more eventually, so on today's Coronacast, a guess on how Australia's rocky rollout might be achieved by year's end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Federal Government has jettisoned vaccine rollout targets and the Prime Minister says there's no point creating them anyway because COVID-19 "writes its own rules". Instead, the government is "just getting on with it" in rolling out the coronavirus vaccine to the Australian population. But with few details and limited vaccine supply, it's hard to tell at the moment how the Federal Government plans to do it. However we do have AstraZeneca vaccines available and Pfizer is due to deliver many millions more eventually, so on today's Coronacast, a guess on how Australia's rocky rollout might be achieved by year's end. The Federal Government has jettisoned vaccine rollout targets and the Prime Minister says there's no point creating them anyway because COVID-19 "writes its own rules". Instead, the government is "just getting on with it" in rolling out the coronavirus vaccine to the Australian population. But with few details and limited vaccine supply, it's hard to tell at the moment how the Federal Government plans to do it. However we do have AstraZeneca vaccines available and Pfizer is due to deliver many millions more eventually, so on today's Coronacast, a guess on how Australia's rocky rollout might be achieved by year's end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Federal Government has jettisoned vaccine rollout targets and the Prime Minister says there's no point creating them anyway because COVID-19 "writes its own rules".

Instead, the government is "just getting on with it" in rolling out the coronavirus vaccine to the Australian population.

But with few details and limited vaccine supply, it's hard to tell at the moment how the Federal Government plans to do it.

However we do have AstraZeneca vaccines available and Pfizer is due to deliver many millions more eventually, so on today's Coronacast, a guess on how Australia's rocky rollout might be achieved by year's end.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 Let's push the reset button on the vaccine rollout https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lets-push-the-reset-button-on-the-vaccine-rollout/13298272 A lot has happened with the coronavirus vaccine rollout over the last week. Firstly, it's been recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine not be given to under 50 year-old due to concerns about rare blood clotting. And secondly, there's been significant debate about why the rollout has been taking longer than anyone expected. So on today's Coronacast, it's time to take a rollout reset. Let's look through exactly what's happened over the last week and find out what it all means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 11 Apr 2021 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A lot has happened with the coronavirus vaccine rollout over the last week. Firstly, it's been recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine not be given to under 50 year-old due to concerns about rare blood clotting. And secondly, there's been significant debate about why the rollout has been taking longer than anyone expected. So on today's Coronacast, it's time to take a rollout reset. Let's look through exactly what's happened over the last week and find out what it all means. A lot has happened with the coronavirus vaccine rollout over the last week. Firstly, it's been recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine not be given to under 50 year-old due to concerns about rare blood clotting. And secondly, there's been significant debate about why the rollout has been taking longer than anyone expected. So on today's Coronacast, it's time to take a rollout reset. Let's look through exactly what's happened over the last week and find out what it all means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A lot has happened with the coronavirus vaccine rollout over the last week.

Firstly, it's been recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine not be given to under 50 year-old due to concerns about rare blood clotting.

And secondly, there's been significant debate about why the rollout has been taking longer than anyone expected.

So on today's Coronacast, it's time to take a rollout reset. Let's look through exactly what's happened over the last week and find out what it all means.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 925 The Goodest Friday! Lockdown restrictions lift in time for Easter https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-goodest-friday/13286382 After two coronavirus clusters sparked a sharp, three-day lockdown, greater Brisbane has opened back up just in time for Easter weekend. But the outbreak hasn't been without its fallout, with Byron Bay having to cancel a major music festival for the second year in a row and some restrictions remaining in place in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Meanwhile, Australia's vaccine rollout has had a slow start, and some of the reasons why are becoming clearer. So where do we rank internationally, and what's the end goal for global vaccine coverage? Also on today's Coronacast: * What's the latest with the vaccine rollout pace? * How does Australia rank internationally in terms of vaccine coverage? * New results on how the Pfizer vaccine performs in kids aged 12-15 years And we're taking a break! Coronacast will be back in your pod feed on Monday 12 April. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia After two coronavirus clusters sparked a sharp, three-day lockdown, greater Brisbane has opened back up just in time for Easter weekend. But the outbreak hasn't been without its fallout, with Byron Bay having to cancel a major music festival for the second year in a row and some restrictions remaining in place in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Meanwhile, Australia's vaccine rollout has had a slow start, and some of the reasons why are becoming clearer. So where do we rank internationally, and what's the end goal for global vaccine coverage? Also on today's Coronacast: * What's the latest with the vaccine rollout pace? * How does Australia rank internationally in terms of vaccine coverage? * New results on how the Pfizer vaccine performs in kids aged 12-15 years And we're taking a break! Coronacast will be back in your pod feed on Monday 12 April. After two coronavirus clusters sparked a sharp, three-day lockdown, greater Brisbane has opened back up just in time for Easter weekend. But the outbreak hasn't been without its fallout, with Byron Bay having to cancel a major music festival for the second year in a row and some restrictions remaining in place in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Meanwhile, Australia's vaccine rollout has had a slow start, and some of the reasons why are becoming clearer. So where do we rank internationally, and what's the end goal for global vaccine coverage? Also on today's Coronacast: * What's the latest with the vaccine rollout pace? * How does Australia rank internationally in terms of vaccine coverage? * New results on how the Pfizer vaccine performs in kids aged 12-15 years And we're taking a break! Coronacast will be back in your pod feed on Monday 12 April. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After two coronavirus clusters sparked a sharp, three-day lockdown, greater Brisbane has opened back up just in time for Easter weekend.

But the outbreak hasn't been without its fallout, with Byron Bay having to cancel a major music festival for the second year in a row and some restrictions remaining in place in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Meanwhile, Australia's vaccine rollout has had a slow start, and some of the reasons why are becoming clearer.

So where do we rank internationally, and what's the end goal for global vaccine coverage?

Also on today's Coronacast:

* What's the latest with the vaccine rollout pace?

* How does Australia rank internationally in terms of vaccine coverage?

* New results on how the Pfizer vaccine performs in kids aged 12-15 years

And we're taking a break! Coronacast will be back in your pod feed on Monday 12 April.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 650 Light on the horizon for Queensland or too soon to say? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/light-on-the-horizon-for-queensland-or-too-soon-to-say/13284468 Millions of Queenslanders will be hoping for good news today when announcements are made whether Brisbane's lockdown will end or continue in some way. Yesterday saw two community cases of transmission in Queensland, and one popping up in northern New South Wales. While it's hoped that health authorities are getting on top of things, it will still be a few days before we know for sure. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on the show: * Federal-State relations getting a touch tetchy * More worries about AstraZeneca and reports of blood clots * The DL on making mRNA vaccines in Australia. Is it really that hard? GUEST: Colin Pouton, Professor of Pharmaceutical Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 31 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Millions of Queenslanders will be hoping for good news today when announcements are made whether Brisbane's lockdown will end or continue in some way. Yesterday saw two community cases of transmission in Queensland, and one popping up in northern New South Wales. While it's hoped that health authorities are getting on top of things, it will still be a few days before we know for sure. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on the show: * Federal-State relations getting a touch tetchy * More worries about AstraZeneca and reports of blood clots * The DL on making mRNA vaccines in Australia. Is it really that hard? GUEST: Colin Pouton, Professor of Pharmaceutical Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Millions of Queenslanders will be hoping for good news today when announcements are made whether Brisbane's lockdown will end or continue in some way. Yesterday saw two community cases of transmission in Queensland, and one popping up in northern New South Wales. While it's hoped that health authorities are getting on top of things, it will still be a few days before we know for sure. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on the show: * Federal-State relations getting a touch tetchy * More worries about AstraZeneca and reports of blood clots * The DL on making mRNA vaccines in Australia. Is it really that hard? GUEST: Colin Pouton, Professor of Pharmaceutical Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Millions of Queenslanders will be hoping for good news today when announcements are made whether Brisbane's lockdown will end or continue in some way.

Yesterday saw two community cases of transmission in Queensland, and one popping up in northern New South Wales.

While it's hoped that health authorities are getting on top of things, it will still be a few days before we know for sure.

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on the show:

* Federal-State relations getting a touch tetchy

* More worries about AstraZeneca and reports of blood clots

* The DL on making mRNA vaccines in Australia. Is it really that hard?

GUEST:

Colin Pouton, Professor of Pharmaceutical Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 802 Why are health workers still getting COVID at work? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-are-health-workers-still-getting-covid-at-work/13282420 The extent of the outbreak in Brisbane has become clearer, after authorities revealed that they were dealing with two separate coronavirus clusters. And at the heart of both outbreaks are health care workers who have somehow contracted it from COVID positive patients in hospital. As they work closely with patients, healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus. But on today's Coronacast, with vaccines now available and a year's worth of knowledge about the virus why are health workers still getting COVID at work? Also on today's show: * Is there a case for vaccinating younger populations first considering they tend to be more active within the community? * Should I cancel my travel for the holidays? * You mentioned that the AstraZeneca vaccine 'escapes the South African variant to some extent'. Can you talk about that some more? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The extent of the outbreak in Brisbane has become clearer, after authorities revealed that they were dealing with two separate coronavirus clusters. And at the heart of both outbreaks are health care workers who have somehow contracted it from COVID positive patients in hospital. As they work closely with patients, healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus. But on today's Coronacast, with vaccines now available and a year's worth of knowledge about the virus why are health workers still getting COVID at work? Also on today's show: * Is there a case for vaccinating younger populations first considering they tend to be more active within the community? * Should I cancel my travel for the holidays? * You mentioned that the AstraZeneca vaccine 'escapes the South African variant to some extent'. Can you talk about that some more? The extent of the outbreak in Brisbane has become clearer, after authorities revealed that they were dealing with two separate coronavirus clusters. And at the heart of both outbreaks are health care workers who have somehow contracted it from COVID positive patients in hospital. As they work closely with patients, healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus. But on today's Coronacast, with vaccines now available and a year's worth of knowledge about the virus why are health workers still getting COVID at work? Also on today's show: * Is there a case for vaccinating younger populations first considering they tend to be more active within the community? * Should I cancel my travel for the holidays? * You mentioned that the AstraZeneca vaccine 'escapes the South African variant to some extent'. Can you talk about that some more? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The extent of the outbreak in Brisbane has become clearer, after authorities revealed that they were dealing with two separate coronavirus clusters.

And at the heart of both outbreaks are health care workers who have somehow contracted it from COVID positive patients in hospital.

As they work closely with patients, healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus.

But on today's Coronacast, with vaccines now available and a year's worth of knowledge about the virus why are health workers still getting COVID at work?

Also on today's show:

* Is there a case for vaccinating younger populations first considering they tend to be more active within the community?

* Should I cancel my travel for the holidays?

* You mentioned that the AstraZeneca vaccine 'escapes the South African variant to some extent'. Can you talk about that some more?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 Suddenly, the Brisbane outbreak looks a lot more worrying https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/suddenly-the-brisbane-outbreak-looks-a-lot-more-worrying/13280486 Until yesterday, the outbreak in Brisbane looked small and manageable, but it just shows how fast things can change in a pandemic. Today is the first day greater Brisbane will spend in at least a three day snap lockdown, after a rise in community transmission cases. So on today's Coronacast what changed so quickly? And why do we need lockdowns now when we have vaccines? Also on today's show: * My parents have just had the COVID vaccine and are flying to Melbourne from Queensland. Will the vaccine cause them to test positive? * When will I receive my vaccine? I'm of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander descent. Will the vaccine stop me from getting COVID-19 and or spreading it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Until yesterday, the outbreak in Brisbane looked small and manageable, but it just shows how fast things can change in a pandemic. Today is the first day greater Brisbane will spend in at least a three day snap lockdown, after a rise in community transmission cases. So on today's Coronacast what changed so quickly? And why do we need lockdowns now when we have vaccines? Also on today's show: * My parents have just had the COVID vaccine and are flying to Melbourne from Queensland. Will the vaccine cause them to test positive? * When will I receive my vaccine? I'm of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander descent. Will the vaccine stop me from getting COVID-19 and or spreading it? Until yesterday, the outbreak in Brisbane looked small and manageable, but it just shows how fast things can change in a pandemic. Today is the first day greater Brisbane will spend in at least a three day snap lockdown, after a rise in community transmission cases. So on today's Coronacast what changed so quickly? And why do we need lockdowns now when we have vaccines? Also on today's show: * My parents have just had the COVID vaccine and are flying to Melbourne from Queensland. Will the vaccine cause them to test positive? * When will I receive my vaccine? I'm of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander descent. Will the vaccine stop me from getting COVID-19 and or spreading it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Until yesterday, the outbreak in Brisbane looked small and manageable, but it just shows how fast things can change in a pandemic.

Today is the first day greater Brisbane will spend in at least a three day snap lockdown, after a rise in community transmission cases.

So on today's Coronacast what changed so quickly? And why do we need lockdowns now when we have vaccines?

Also on today's show:

* My parents have just had the COVID vaccine and are flying to Melbourne from Queensland. Will the vaccine cause them to test positive?

* When will I receive my vaccine? I'm of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander descent. Will the vaccine stop me from getting COVID-19 and or spreading it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 672 No Brisbane snap lockdown? What's changed? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/no-brisbane-snap-lockdown-whats-changed/13279250 It's been a while, but an Australian state is again dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19. Queensland detected a positive case of the so-called UK variant - B117 - on Thursday. A second case was detected over the weekend that may be the link to the existing cluster. In a positive sign, the number of tests in Queensland jumped over the weekend - but considering how long the person was infectious out in the community, it'll be a few more days before we can see how far it might have spread. So on today's Coronacast, last time this happened the city was plunged into a three day lockdown. What's different this time? Also on today's show: * Clinical advice from Victorial about AstraZeneca and thrombosis * I had my jab of AstraZeneca and I had a fever and headaches. I gather this is normal. Why do we get these symptoms? * Does taking paracetamol after vaccination reduce the efficacy of the vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 28 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been a while, but an Australian state is again dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19. Queensland detected a positive case of the so-called UK variant - B117 - on Thursday. A second case was detected over the weekend that may be the link to the existing cluster. In a positive sign, the number of tests in Queensland jumped over the weekend - but considering how long the person was infectious out in the community, it'll be a few more days before we can see how far it might have spread. So on today's Coronacast, last time this happened the city was plunged into a three day lockdown. What's different this time? Also on today's show: * Clinical advice from Victorial about AstraZeneca and thrombosis * I had my jab of AstraZeneca and I had a fever and headaches. I gather this is normal. Why do we get these symptoms? * Does taking paracetamol after vaccination reduce the efficacy of the vaccine? It's been a while, but an Australian state is again dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19. Queensland detected a positive case of the so-called UK variant - B117 - on Thursday. A second case was detected over the weekend that may be the link to the existing cluster. In a positive sign, the number of tests in Queensland jumped over the weekend - but considering how long the person was infectious out in the community, it'll be a few more days before we can see how far it might have spread. So on today's Coronacast, last time this happened the city was plunged into a three day lockdown. What's different this time? Also on today's show: * Clinical advice from Victorial about AstraZeneca and thrombosis * I had my jab of AstraZeneca and I had a fever and headaches. I gather this is normal. Why do we get these symptoms? * Does taking paracetamol after vaccination reduce the efficacy of the vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been a while, but an Australian state is again dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19.

Queensland detected a positive case of the so-called UK variant - B117 - on Thursday. A second case was detected over the weekend that may be the link to the existing cluster.

In a positive sign, the number of tests in Queensland jumped over the weekend - but considering how long the person was infectious out in the community, it'll be a few more days before we can see how far it might have spread.

So on today's Coronacast, last time this happened the city was plunged into a three day lockdown. What's different this time?

Also on today's show:

* Clinical advice from Victorial about AstraZeneca and thrombosis

* I had my jab of AstraZeneca and I had a fever and headaches. I gather this is normal. Why do we get these symptoms?

* Does taking paracetamol after vaccination reduce the efficacy of the vaccine?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 720 We've now got official Australian advice on AstraZeneca and rare clots https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-have-official-australian-advice-on-astrazeneca-and-rare-clots/13275508 Australia's expert advisory group on vaccines has recommended the COVID-19 vaccine be deferred for people who have a history of specific rare blood clotting disorders. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation says for the time being it recommends that vaccination with any COVID-19 vaccine should be deferred for people who have a history of two very rare and specific conditions. This is the first time a warning has been given for COVID-19 vaccines in Australia, and the recommendation applies to both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, although the current concerns have been focussed on the latter. So on today's Coronacast, why has the expert panel decided to make this move now? And for the very small number of people affected, what should they keep an eye out for if receiving a vaccine? Also on today's show: * AstraZeneca releases more figures regarding its vaccine's effectiveness And the return of Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia's expert advisory group on vaccines has recommended the COVID-19 vaccine be deferred for people who have a history of specific rare blood clotting disorders. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation says for the time being it recommends that vaccination with any COVID-19 vaccine should be deferred for people who have a history of two very rare and specific conditions. This is the first time a warning has been given for COVID-19 vaccines in Australia, and the recommendation applies to both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, although the current concerns have been focussed on the latter. So on today's Coronacast, why has the expert panel decided to make this move now? And for the very small number of people affected, what should they keep an eye out for if receiving a vaccine? Also on today's show: * AstraZeneca releases more figures regarding its vaccine's effectiveness And the return of Quick Fire Friday! Australia's expert advisory group on vaccines has recommended the COVID-19 vaccine be deferred for people who have a history of specific rare blood clotting disorders. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation says for the time being it recommends that vaccination with any COVID-19 vaccine should be deferred for people who have a history of two very rare and specific conditions. This is the first time a warning has been given for COVID-19 vaccines in Australia, and the recommendation applies to both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, although the current concerns have been focussed on the latter. So on today's Coronacast, why has the expert panel decided to make this move now? And for the very small number of people affected, what should they keep an eye out for if receiving a vaccine? Also on today's show: * AstraZeneca releases more figures regarding its vaccine's effectiveness And the return of Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia's expert advisory group on vaccines has recommended the COVID-19 vaccine be deferred for people who have a history of specific rare blood clotting disorders.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation says for the time being it recommends that vaccination with any COVID-19 vaccine should be deferred for people who have a history of two very rare and specific conditions.

This is the first time a warning has been given for COVID-19 vaccines in Australia, and the recommendation applies to both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, although the current concerns have been focussed on the latter.

So on today's Coronacast, why has the expert panel decided to make this move now? And for the very small number of people affected, what should they keep an eye out for if receiving a vaccine?

Also on today's show:

* AstraZeneca releases more figures regarding its vaccine's effectiveness

And the return of Quick Fire Friday!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 757 What scientists have learnt from talking to thousands of long COVID patients https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-scientists-have-learnt-from-talking/13272062 There are still so many things we don't fully understand about COVID, but one of the big mysteries is long COVID. Experienced by up to 30 per cent of people who get the virus, long COVID can be debilitating and incredibly frustrating and scary for people who have it because it's so hard to provide solid answers to questions. But in a large survey a new study reports the most common symptoms, saying it's a "critical first step" to ensure medical treatments can be developed. So on today's Coronacast, what can the survey reveal about the mysterious long COVID? Also on today's show: * What is going on with Astra's US trial results? * And Norman clarifies comments around the pill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are still so many things we don't fully understand about COVID, but one of the big mysteries is long COVID. Experienced by up to 30 per cent of people who get the virus, long COVID can be debilitating and incredibly frustrating and scary for people who have it because it's so hard to provide solid answers to questions. But in a large survey a new study reports the most common symptoms, saying it's a "critical first step" to ensure medical treatments can be developed. So on today's Coronacast, what can the survey reveal about the mysterious long COVID? Also on today's show: * What is going on with Astra's US trial results? * And Norman clarifies comments around the pill There are still so many things we don't fully understand about COVID, but one of the big mysteries is long COVID. Experienced by up to 30 per cent of people who get the virus, long COVID can be debilitating and incredibly frustrating and scary for people who have it because it's so hard to provide solid answers to questions. But in a large survey a new study reports the most common symptoms, saying it's a "critical first step" to ensure medical treatments can be developed. So on today's Coronacast, what can the survey reveal about the mysterious long COVID? Also on today's show: * What is going on with Astra's US trial results? * And Norman clarifies comments around the pill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are still so many things we don't fully understand about COVID, but one of the big mysteries is long COVID.

Experienced by up to 30 per cent of people who get the virus, long COVID can be debilitating and incredibly frustrating and scary for people who have it because it's so hard to provide solid answers to questions.

But in a large survey a new study reports the most common symptoms, saying it's a "critical first step" to ensure medical treatments can be developed.

So on today's Coronacast, what can the survey reveal about the mysterious long COVID?

Also on today's show:

* What is going on with Astra's US trial results?

* And Norman clarifies comments around the pill

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 623 With every passing day, the harder it'll be to reach vaccination targets https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/reaching-vaccine-targets-harder-by-the-day/13270290 The Therapeutic Goods Administration has signed off on the release of 800,000 locally manufactured AstraZeneca vaccines, which might soon help boost the total number of shots delivered in Australia. So far, Australia's rollout of the vaccine has been slow - due in part to limited supply but also due to the way the system has been set up to deliver vaccines. But the reality is that to vaccinate the entire population by the target date of October, there'll have to be a serious ramping up soon. So as today's Coronacast explains, with every passing day, the harder it'll be to reach those targets. Also on today's show: * We have a TGA response to (some) questions regarding German research into reports of blood clotting issues surrounding AstraZeneca vaccines * What we know and what we don't about blood clotting reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Therapeutic Goods Administration has signed off on the release of 800,000 locally manufactured AstraZeneca vaccines, which might soon help boost the total number of shots delivered in Australia. So far, Australia's rollout of the vaccine has been slow - due in part to limited supply but also due to the way the system has been set up to deliver vaccines. But the reality is that to vaccinate the entire population by the target date of October, there'll have to be a serious ramping up soon. So as today's Coronacast explains, with every passing day, the harder it'll be to reach those targets. Also on today's show: * We have a TGA response to (some) questions regarding German research into reports of blood clotting issues surrounding AstraZeneca vaccines * What we know and what we don't about blood clotting reports The Therapeutic Goods Administration has signed off on the release of 800,000 locally manufactured AstraZeneca vaccines, which might soon help boost the total number of shots delivered in Australia. So far, Australia's rollout of the vaccine has been slow - due in part to limited supply but also due to the way the system has been set up to deliver vaccines. But the reality is that to vaccinate the entire population by the target date of October, there'll have to be a serious ramping up soon. So as today's Coronacast explains, with every passing day, the harder it'll be to reach those targets. Also on today's show: * We have a TGA response to (some) questions regarding German research into reports of blood clotting issues surrounding AstraZeneca vaccines * What we know and what we don't about blood clotting reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Therapeutic Goods Administration has signed off on the release of 800,000 locally manufactured AstraZeneca vaccines, which might soon help boost the total number of shots delivered in Australia.

So far, Australia's rollout of the vaccine has been slow - due in part to limited supply but also due to the way the system has been set up to deliver vaccines.

But the reality is that to vaccinate the entire population by the target date of October, there'll have to be a serious ramping up soon.

So as today's Coronacast explains, with every passing day, the harder it'll be to reach those targets.

Also on today's show:

* We have a TGA response to (some) questions regarding German research into reports of blood clotting issues surrounding AstraZeneca vaccines

* What we know and what we don't about blood clotting reports

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 673 Could German researchers have found a link between Astra and blood clots? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/could-researchers-have-found-link-between-astra-blood-clots/13268130 Researchers in Germany say they've identified what could be behind the reports of blood clotting in people who have had the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. The German team - in yet to be released pre-print research - say that the vaccine could in rare circumstances cause an autoimmune reaction that leads to clots. The findings have yet to be peer reviewed, but the team says people who are likely to be affected could be identified if they are at higher risk by a screening test. So on today's Coronacast, a rundown of the findings that could offer a reason for the reported blood clotting issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Researchers in Germany say they've identified what could be behind the reports of blood clotting in people who have had the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. The German team - in yet to be released pre-print research - say that the vaccine could in rare circumstances cause an autoimmune reaction that leads to clots. The findings have yet to be peer reviewed, but the team says people who are likely to be affected could be identified if they are at higher risk by a screening test. So on today's Coronacast, a rundown of the findings that could offer a reason for the reported blood clotting issues. Researchers in Germany say they've identified what could be behind the reports of blood clotting in people who have had the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. The German team - in yet to be released pre-print research - say that the vaccine could in rare circumstances cause an autoimmune reaction that leads to clots. The findings have yet to be peer reviewed, but the team says people who are likely to be affected could be identified if they are at higher risk by a screening test. So on today's Coronacast, a rundown of the findings that could offer a reason for the reported blood clotting issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Researchers in Germany say they've identified what could be behind the reports of blood clotting in people who have had the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.

The German team - in yet to be released pre-print research - say that the vaccine could in rare circumstances cause an autoimmune reaction that leads to clots.

The findings have yet to be peer reviewed, but the team says people who are likely to be affected could be identified if they are at higher risk by a screening test.

So on today's Coronacast, a rundown of the findings that could offer a reason for the reported blood clotting issues.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 731 While the world fights variants, we have a border problem https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/while-the-world-fights-variants-we-have-a-border-problem/13265848 The UK and Europe are vaccinating people in their millions but the scale of the pandemic there means they're still in catch up mode. Experts have warned that variants that may not be fully covered by our current vaccines are continuing to emerge and spread. So on today's Coronacast, while here in Australia we're still sitting relatively pretty with very few cases, what does this mean for our ability to reopen borders anytime in the foreseeable future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 21 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The UK and Europe are vaccinating people in their millions but the scale of the pandemic there means they're still in catch up mode. Experts have warned that variants that may not be fully covered by our current vaccines are continuing to emerge and spread. So on today's Coronacast, while here in Australia we're still sitting relatively pretty with very few cases, what does this mean for our ability to reopen borders anytime in the foreseeable future? The UK and Europe are vaccinating people in their millions but the scale of the pandemic there means they're still in catch up mode. Experts have warned that variants that may not be fully covered by our current vaccines are continuing to emerge and spread. So on today's Coronacast, while here in Australia we're still sitting relatively pretty with very few cases, what does this mean for our ability to reopen borders anytime in the foreseeable future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The UK and Europe are vaccinating people in their millions but the scale of the pandemic there means they're still in catch up mode.

Experts have warned that variants that may not be fully covered by our current vaccines are continuing to emerge and spread.

So on today's Coronacast, while here in Australia we're still sitting relatively pretty with very few cases, what does this mean for our ability to reopen borders anytime in the foreseeable future?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 723 Does the vaccine cure long COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/does-the-vaccine-cure-long-covid/13260168 For those with symptoms of COVID months after being infected, there could be good news on the horizon. People with long COVID report being fatigued and unable to concentrate after contracting the virus. Now a study - which has not yet been peer-reviewed - has found that some long COVID sufferers report feeling significantly better in the days after receiving a coronavirus vaccine. On today's Coronacast, what could this study mean for people suffering from long COVID and what does it tell us about COVID-19? Also on today's show: * What could Europe's Astra pause mean for the global rollout? * What do reports of blood clotting mean for people who've had strokes or clots in the past? * A baby of vaccinated mother born with antibodies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For those with symptoms of COVID months after being infected, there could be good news on the horizon. People with long COVID report being fatigued and unable to concentrate after contracting the virus. Now a study - which has not yet been peer-reviewed - has found that some long COVID sufferers report feeling significantly better in the days after receiving a coronavirus vaccine. On today's Coronacast, what could this study mean for people suffering from long COVID and what does it tell us about COVID-19? Also on today's show: * What could Europe's Astra pause mean for the global rollout? * What do reports of blood clotting mean for people who've had strokes or clots in the past? * A baby of vaccinated mother born with antibodies For those with symptoms of COVID months after being infected, there could be good news on the horizon. People with long COVID report being fatigued and unable to concentrate after contracting the virus. Now a study - which has not yet been peer-reviewed - has found that some long COVID sufferers report feeling significantly better in the days after receiving a coronavirus vaccine. On today's Coronacast, what could this study mean for people suffering from long COVID and what does it tell us about COVID-19? Also on today's show: * What could Europe's Astra pause mean for the global rollout? * What do reports of blood clotting mean for people who've had strokes or clots in the past? * A baby of vaccinated mother born with antibodies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For those with symptoms of COVID months after being infected, there could be good news on the horizon.

People with long COVID report being fatigued and unable to concentrate after contracting the virus.

Now a study - which has not yet been peer-reviewed - has found that some long COVID sufferers report feeling significantly better in the days after receiving a coronavirus vaccine.

On today's Coronacast, what could this study mean for people suffering from long COVID and what does it tell us about COVID-19?

Also on today's show:

* What could Europe's Astra pause mean for the global rollout?

* What do reports of blood clotting mean for people who've had strokes or clots in the past?

* A baby of vaccinated mother born with antibodies

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 650 The vaccine rollout has growing pains https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-vaccine-roll-out-has-growing-pains/13257330 The government has been urging Australians to embrace covid vaccines but now that phase 1b is just days away, the infrastructure underpinning this is being put to the test. About 6 million Aussies fall into the coming phase, and about 1000 GP clinics are part of the rollout plan. But many people, keen to get the vaccine and trying to book appointments, are being told clinics listed on the government website aren't part of the rollout, or that they haven't yet received vaccines and don't know when they will. On today's Coronacast, why is it so hard for Australia to scale up its vaccination rollout? And do these early delays risk putting people off getting their shots? Also on today's show: * A look at why Germany may have halted the AstraZeneca rollout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The government has been urging Australians to embrace covid vaccines but now that phase 1b is just days away, the infrastructure underpinning this is being put to the test. About 6 million Aussies fall into the coming phase, and about 1000 GP clinics are part of the rollout plan. But many people, keen to get the vaccine and trying to book appointments, are being told clinics listed on the government website aren't part of the rollout, or that they haven't yet received vaccines and don't know when they will. On today's Coronacast, why is it so hard for Australia to scale up its vaccination rollout? And do these early delays risk putting people off getting their shots? Also on today's show: * A look at why Germany may have halted the AstraZeneca rollout The government has been urging Australians to embrace covid vaccines but now that phase 1b is just days away, the infrastructure underpinning this is being put to the test. About 6 million Aussies fall into the coming phase, and about 1000 GP clinics are part of the rollout plan. But many people, keen to get the vaccine and trying to book appointments, are being told clinics listed on the government website aren't part of the rollout, or that they haven't yet received vaccines and don't know when they will. On today's Coronacast, why is it so hard for Australia to scale up its vaccination rollout? And do these early delays risk putting people off getting their shots? Also on today's show: * A look at why Germany may have halted the AstraZeneca rollout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The government has been urging Australians to embrace covid vaccines but now that phase 1b is just days away, the infrastructure underpinning this is being put to the test.

About 6 million Aussies fall into the coming phase, and about 1000 GP clinics are part of the rollout plan.

But many people, keen to get the vaccine and trying to book appointments, are being told clinics listed on the government website aren't part of the rollout, or that they haven't yet received vaccines and don't know when they will.

On today's Coronacast, why is it so hard for Australia to scale up its vaccination rollout? And do these early delays risk putting people off getting their shots?

Also on today's show:

* A look at why Germany may have halted the AstraZeneca rollout

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 687 Here's what we know about the blood clots reports https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/heres-what-we-know-about-the-blood-clots-reports/13254096 Australian health authorities and regulators have assured the public that there is currently no evidence to suggest the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine is not safe or is causing blood clots. It's come in response to several European countries pausing the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout amid blood clot concerns. The European Medicines Agency is currently investigating reports, and is due to report back on Thursday, and as such the Australian rollout will continue. So on today's Coronacast, what we know and what we don't about this whole story about blood clots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australian health authorities and regulators have assured the public that there is currently no evidence to suggest the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine is not safe or is causing blood clots. It's come in response to several European countries pausing the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout amid blood clot concerns. The European Medicines Agency is currently investigating reports, and is due to report back on Thursday, and as such the Australian rollout will continue. So on today's Coronacast, what we know and what we don't about this whole story about blood clots. Australian health authorities and regulators have assured the public that there is currently no evidence to suggest the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine is not safe or is causing blood clots. It's come in response to several European countries pausing the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout amid blood clot concerns. The European Medicines Agency is currently investigating reports, and is due to report back on Thursday, and as such the Australian rollout will continue. So on today's Coronacast, what we know and what we don't about this whole story about blood clots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australian health authorities and regulators have assured the public that there is currently no evidence to suggest the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine is not safe or is causing blood clots.

It's come in response to several European countries pausing the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout amid blood clot concerns.

The European Medicines Agency is currently investigating reports, and is due to report back on Thursday, and as such the Australian rollout will continue.

So on today's Coronacast, what we know and what we don't about this whole story about blood clots.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 759 What's the hold up with the vaccine rollout? Supply or delivery? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-the-hold-up-with-the-vaccine-rollout-supply-or-delivery/13250258 It's now several weeks into Australia's vaccine rollout, and while people are being immunised daily, there hasn't exactly been a massive ramp up. 165,000 people have been immunised so far, which is behind what the Federal Government had hoped to achieve. The target was 4 million people initially set for early April, which is only a few weeks away. So on today's Coronacast, what's the hold up with the vaccine rollout? Supply or delivery? Also on today's show: * Astra effective against 1.351 and B117 (in Syrian hamsters) * Queensland worried about coronavirus wave in PNG * A bit more on the NSW security guard who tested positive for COVID-19, despite being vaccinated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's now several weeks into Australia's vaccine rollout, and while people are being immunised daily, there hasn't exactly been a massive ramp up. 165,000 people have been immunised so far, which is behind what the Federal Government had hoped to achieve. The target was 4 million people initially set for early April, which is only a few weeks away. So on today's Coronacast, what's the hold up with the vaccine rollout? Supply or delivery? Also on today's show: * Astra effective against 1.351 and B117 (in Syrian hamsters) * Queensland worried about coronavirus wave in PNG * A bit more on the NSW security guard who tested positive for COVID-19, despite being vaccinated It's now several weeks into Australia's vaccine rollout, and while people are being immunised daily, there hasn't exactly been a massive ramp up. 165,000 people have been immunised so far, which is behind what the Federal Government had hoped to achieve. The target was 4 million people initially set for early April, which is only a few weeks away. So on today's Coronacast, what's the hold up with the vaccine rollout? Supply or delivery? Also on today's show: * Astra effective against 1.351 and B117 (in Syrian hamsters) * Queensland worried about coronavirus wave in PNG * A bit more on the NSW security guard who tested positive for COVID-19, despite being vaccinated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's now several weeks into Australia's vaccine rollout, and while people are being immunised daily, there hasn't exactly been a massive ramp up.

165,000 people have been immunised so far, which is behind what the Federal Government had hoped to achieve.

The target was 4 million people initially set for early April, which is only a few weeks away.

So on today's Coronacast, what's the hold up with the vaccine rollout? Supply or delivery?

Also on today's show:

* Astra effective against 1.351 and B117 (in Syrian hamsters)

* Queensland worried about coronavirus wave in PNG

* A bit more on the NSW security guard who tested positive for COVID-19, despite being vaccinated

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 654 That damn virus slips out once again! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/that-damn-virus-slips-out-once-again/13247324 Coronavirus has slipped past our infection control systems once again, with health authorities in two states again chasing down the virus. In NSW, the hotel quarantine system seems to have been breached with a vaccinated security guard testing positive over the weekend. And in Queensland, a doctor has been infected after assessing a known COVID positive patient in hospital. So on today's Coronacast, can we expect this to happen less once the vaccine is further rolled out to frontline workers or is something we have to keep living with? Also on today's show: * Please tell us about the stories saying that the Astra-Zeneca vaccine is causing blood clots * A survey shows more people want to get vaccinated than in December 2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 14 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Coronavirus has slipped past our infection control systems once again, with health authorities in two states again chasing down the virus. In NSW, the hotel quarantine system seems to have been breached with a vaccinated security guard testing positive over the weekend. And in Queensland, a doctor has been infected after assessing a known COVID positive patient in hospital. So on today's Coronacast, can we expect this to happen less once the vaccine is further rolled out to frontline workers or is something we have to keep living with? Also on today's show: * Please tell us about the stories saying that the Astra-Zeneca vaccine is causing blood clots * A survey shows more people want to get vaccinated than in December 2020 Coronavirus has slipped past our infection control systems once again, with health authorities in two states again chasing down the virus. In NSW, the hotel quarantine system seems to have been breached with a vaccinated security guard testing positive over the weekend. And in Queensland, a doctor has been infected after assessing a known COVID positive patient in hospital. So on today's Coronacast, can we expect this to happen less once the vaccine is further rolled out to frontline workers or is something we have to keep living with? Also on today's show: * Please tell us about the stories saying that the Astra-Zeneca vaccine is causing blood clots * A survey shows more people want to get vaccinated than in December 2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Coronavirus has slipped past our infection control systems once again, with health authorities in two states again chasing down the virus.

In NSW, the hotel quarantine system seems to have been breached with a vaccinated security guard testing positive over the weekend.

And in Queensland, a doctor has been infected after assessing a known COVID positive patient in hospital.

So on today's Coronacast, can we expect this to happen less once the vaccine is further rolled out to frontline workers or is something we have to keep living with?

Also on today's show:

* Please tell us about the stories saying that the Astra-Zeneca vaccine is causing blood clots

* A survey shows more people want to get vaccinated than in December 2020

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 776 The vaccines weren't developed as quickly as you think https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-vaccines-werent-developed-as-quickly-as-you-think/13239704 When public figures talk about the coronavirus vaccine, you might hear that it's amazing that it was developed so quickly. While many are keen to talk up the amazing efforts of scientists, the statement that the vaccine was developed quickly can actually cause many people to worry. And in reality, the coronavirus vaccines being rolled out in Australia were NOT developed all that quickly, and were approved via exactly the same process as every other drug you've ever taken. So on today's Coronacast, the story behind the development of COVID vaccines and why it seems they popped up so fast. Also on today's show: * What does 100 percent more deadly even mean? * And it's time for Quick Fire Friday and we actually get through quite a few today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When public figures talk about the coronavirus vaccine, you might hear that it's amazing that it was developed so quickly. While many are keen to talk up the amazing efforts of scientists, the statement that the vaccine was developed quickly can actually cause many people to worry. And in reality, the coronavirus vaccines being rolled out in Australia were NOT developed all that quickly, and were approved via exactly the same process as every other drug you've ever taken. So on today's Coronacast, the story behind the development of COVID vaccines and why it seems they popped up so fast. Also on today's show: * What does 100 percent more deadly even mean? * And it's time for Quick Fire Friday and we actually get through quite a few today. When public figures talk about the coronavirus vaccine, you might hear that it's amazing that it was developed so quickly. While many are keen to talk up the amazing efforts of scientists, the statement that the vaccine was developed quickly can actually cause many people to worry. And in reality, the coronavirus vaccines being rolled out in Australia were NOT developed all that quickly, and were approved via exactly the same process as every other drug you've ever taken. So on today's Coronacast, the story behind the development of COVID vaccines and why it seems they popped up so fast. Also on today's show: * What does 100 percent more deadly even mean? * And it's time for Quick Fire Friday and we actually get through quite a few today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When public figures talk about the coronavirus vaccine, you might hear that it's amazing that it was developed so quickly.

While many are keen to talk up the amazing efforts of scientists, the statement that the vaccine was developed quickly can actually cause many people to worry.

And in reality, the coronavirus vaccines being rolled out in Australia were NOT developed all that quickly, and were approved via exactly the same process as every other drug you've ever taken.

So on today's Coronacast, the story behind the development of COVID vaccines and why it seems they popped up so fast.

Also on today's show:

* What does 100 percent more deadly even mean?

* And it's time for Quick Fire Friday and we actually get through quite a few today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 760 The pandemic is officially a year old. We've learnt so much. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-pandemic-is-officially-a-year-old-weve-learnt-so-much/13235350 A year ago today, the World Health Organisation officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a "pandemic". In reality, it'd been clear for some time that the SARS-CoV-2 virus wasn't going to go away anytime soon. Cases outside China had been growing fast and Italy was going into its first big lockdown. So on today's Coronacast, a look back to what we've learnt and how far we've come. Also on today's show: * Adelaide's water keeps throwing up coronavirus alerts * Getting local vaccine into bottles * What if the vaccines don't work on the new variants? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A year ago today, the World Health Organisation officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a "pandemic". In reality, it'd been clear for some time that the SARS-CoV-2 virus wasn't going to go away anytime soon. Cases outside China had been growing fast and Italy was going into its first big lockdown. So on today's Coronacast, a look back to what we've learnt and how far we've come. Also on today's show: * Adelaide's water keeps throwing up coronavirus alerts * Getting local vaccine into bottles * What if the vaccines don't work on the new variants? A year ago today, the World Health Organisation officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a "pandemic". In reality, it'd been clear for some time that the SARS-CoV-2 virus wasn't going to go away anytime soon. Cases outside China had been growing fast and Italy was going into its first big lockdown. So on today's Coronacast, a look back to what we've learnt and how far we've come. Also on today's show: * Adelaide's water keeps throwing up coronavirus alerts * Getting local vaccine into bottles * What if the vaccines don't work on the new variants? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A year ago today, the World Health Organisation officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a "pandemic".

In reality, it'd been clear for some time that the SARS-CoV-2 virus wasn't going to go away anytime soon.

Cases outside China had been growing fast and Italy was going into its first big lockdown.

So on today's Coronacast, a look back to what we've learnt and how far we've come.

Also on today's show:

* Adelaide's water keeps throwing up coronavirus alerts

* Getting local vaccine into bottles

* What if the vaccines don't work on the new variants?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 781 Cancer patients and the vaccine. What do we know? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/cancer-patients-and-the-vaccine-what-do-we-know/13231220 In the scramble to get the coronavirus vaccines through rigorous safety and dosage clinical trials, many types of people weren't included in the studies. One massive group are people who are affected - or have been affected - by cancer. People with cancer are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and have a higher risk of suffering severe disease, so a vaccine is a vital part of their health care. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how the vaccine works with people who have cancer? Also on today's show: * Norman and Tegan discuss a new study looking at how the Pfizer vaccine responds to the so-called Brazilian variant * More on convergent evolution and swimming kangaroos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In the scramble to get the coronavirus vaccines through rigorous safety and dosage clinical trials, many types of people weren't included in the studies. One massive group are people who are affected - or have been affected - by cancer. People with cancer are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and have a higher risk of suffering severe disease, so a vaccine is a vital part of their health care. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how the vaccine works with people who have cancer? Also on today's show: * Norman and Tegan discuss a new study looking at how the Pfizer vaccine responds to the so-called Brazilian variant * More on convergent evolution and swimming kangaroos In the scramble to get the coronavirus vaccines through rigorous safety and dosage clinical trials, many types of people weren't included in the studies. One massive group are people who are affected - or have been affected - by cancer. People with cancer are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and have a higher risk of suffering severe disease, so a vaccine is a vital part of their health care. So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how the vaccine works with people who have cancer? Also on today's show: * Norman and Tegan discuss a new study looking at how the Pfizer vaccine responds to the so-called Brazilian variant * More on convergent evolution and swimming kangaroos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the scramble to get the coronavirus vaccines through rigorous safety and dosage clinical trials, many types of people weren't included in the studies.

One massive group are people who are affected - or have been affected - by cancer.

People with cancer are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and have a higher risk of suffering severe disease, so a vaccine is a vital part of their health care.

So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how the vaccine works with people who have cancer?

Also on today's show:

* Norman and Tegan discuss a new study looking at how the Pfizer vaccine responds to the so-called Brazilian variant

* More on convergent evolution and swimming kangaroos

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 645 What if we vaccinated everyone in poorer countries first? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-if-we-vaccinated-everyone-in-poorer-countries-first/13227366 The global effort to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible is gathering pace, but new variants have thrown a few curve balls. Australia has secured enough vaccines to immunise everyone several times over, but would a better long-term public health strategy be to vaccinate those in surrounding poorer countries first? The idea behind this is that large COVID-19 affected populations are more likely to throw off new variants, which might be worse than what we're currently dealing with. So on today's Coronacast, since Australia has very little virus, why not send what we've got overseas? Also on today's show: * Is there a limit to the number of variants that usually arise from a virus like coronavirus? * We've heard a lot about the so-called South African and UK variants, but what do we know about the Brazil variant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The global effort to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible is gathering pace, but new variants have thrown a few curve balls. Australia has secured enough vaccines to immunise everyone several times over, but would a better long-term public health strategy be to vaccinate those in surrounding poorer countries first? The idea behind this is that large COVID-19 affected populations are more likely to throw off new variants, which might be worse than what we're currently dealing with. So on today's Coronacast, since Australia has very little virus, why not send what we've got overseas? Also on today's show: * Is there a limit to the number of variants that usually arise from a virus like coronavirus? * We've heard a lot about the so-called South African and UK variants, but what do we know about the Brazil variant? The global effort to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible is gathering pace, but new variants have thrown a few curve balls. Australia has secured enough vaccines to immunise everyone several times over, but would a better long-term public health strategy be to vaccinate those in surrounding poorer countries first? The idea behind this is that large COVID-19 affected populations are more likely to throw off new variants, which might be worse than what we're currently dealing with. So on today's Coronacast, since Australia has very little virus, why not send what we've got overseas? Also on today's show: * Is there a limit to the number of variants that usually arise from a virus like coronavirus? * We've heard a lot about the so-called South African and UK variants, but what do we know about the Brazil variant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The global effort to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible is gathering pace, but new variants have thrown a few curve balls.

Australia has secured enough vaccines to immunise everyone several times over, but would a better long-term public health strategy be to vaccinate those in surrounding poorer countries first?

The idea behind this is that large COVID-19 affected populations are more likely to throw off new variants, which might be worse than what we're currently dealing with.

So on today's Coronacast, since Australia has very little virus, why not send what we've got overseas?

Also on today's show:

* Is there a limit to the number of variants that usually arise from a virus like coronavirus?

* We've heard a lot about the so-called South African and UK variants, but what do we know about the Brazil variant?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 719 The race to stop the new variants taking over the world https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-race-to-stop-the-new-variants-taking-over-the-world/13225128 In a worrying turn, Europe has had an uptick in new coronavirus infections last week ending six weeks straight of declines. More than a million cases were recorded last week, with The World Health Organisation saying variants first identified in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Brazil are behind the rise. Closer to home, two people have tested positive to the so-called South African variant while in hotel quarantine in Canberra. So on today's Coronacast, will we be able to vaccinate enough people in time before the new variants become dominant around the world? Also on today's show: * The nation's GPs are to play a huge role in the rollout of the vaccine. How much will it cost you to visit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 07 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In a worrying turn, Europe has had an uptick in new coronavirus infections last week ending six weeks straight of declines. More than a million cases were recorded last week, with The World Health Organisation saying variants first identified in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Brazil are behind the rise. Closer to home, two people have tested positive to the so-called South African variant while in hotel quarantine in Canberra. So on today's Coronacast, will we be able to vaccinate enough people in time before the new variants become dominant around the world? Also on today's show: * The nation's GPs are to play a huge role in the rollout of the vaccine. How much will it cost you to visit? In a worrying turn, Europe has had an uptick in new coronavirus infections last week ending six weeks straight of declines. More than a million cases were recorded last week, with The World Health Organisation saying variants first identified in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Brazil are behind the rise. Closer to home, two people have tested positive to the so-called South African variant while in hotel quarantine in Canberra. So on today's Coronacast, will we be able to vaccinate enough people in time before the new variants become dominant around the world? Also on today's show: * The nation's GPs are to play a huge role in the rollout of the vaccine. How much will it cost you to visit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In a worrying turn, Europe has had an uptick in new coronavirus infections last week ending six weeks straight of declines.

More than a million cases were recorded last week, with The World Health Organisation saying variants first identified in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Brazil are behind the rise.

Closer to home, two people have tested positive to the so-called South African variant while in hotel quarantine in Canberra.

So on today's Coronacast, will we be able to vaccinate enough people in time before the new variants become dominant around the world?

Also on today's show:

* The nation's GPs are to play a huge role in the rollout of the vaccine. How much will it cost you to visit?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 615 What makes a variant a variant of concern? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-makes-a-variant-a-variant-of-concern/13216874 It seems we can't go a day without some new coronavirus variant popping up somewhere in the world. There's the so-called UK variant, the Brazil variant, the Californian variant and now the Russian variant. And to make it even more confusing, the name of the variant doesn't necessarily mean that's where the variant actually came from. So on today's Coronacast, what are the variants? What is with their names and why are some concerning and others a bit boring? Also on today's show: * What is the likelihood of simultaneous infection of two different variants of COVID-19? * Can you suggest or recommend any strategies for those who suffer from needle phobia but would still like to get vaccinated? * A clarification on our use of the word "average" And it's time for some more Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It seems we can't go a day without some new coronavirus variant popping up somewhere in the world. There's the so-called UK variant, the Brazil variant, the Californian variant and now the Russian variant. And to make it even more confusing, the name of the variant doesn't necessarily mean that's where the variant actually came from. So on today's Coronacast, what are the variants? What is with their names and why are some concerning and others a bit boring? Also on today's show: * What is the likelihood of simultaneous infection of two different variants of COVID-19? * Can you suggest or recommend any strategies for those who suffer from needle phobia but would still like to get vaccinated? * A clarification on our use of the word "average" And it's time for some more Quick Fire Friday! It seems we can't go a day without some new coronavirus variant popping up somewhere in the world. There's the so-called UK variant, the Brazil variant, the Californian variant and now the Russian variant. And to make it even more confusing, the name of the variant doesn't necessarily mean that's where the variant actually came from. So on today's Coronacast, what are the variants? What is with their names and why are some concerning and others a bit boring? Also on today's show: * What is the likelihood of simultaneous infection of two different variants of COVID-19? * Can you suggest or recommend any strategies for those who suffer from needle phobia but would still like to get vaccinated? * A clarification on our use of the word "average" And it's time for some more Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It seems we can't go a day without some new coronavirus variant popping up somewhere in the world.

There's the so-called UK variant, the Brazil variant, the Californian variant and now the Russian variant.

And to make it even more confusing, the name of the variant doesn't necessarily mean that's where the variant actually came from.

So on today's Coronacast, what are the variants? What is with their names and why are some concerning and others a bit boring?

Also on today's show:

* What is the likelihood of simultaneous infection of two different variants of COVID-19?

* Can you suggest or recommend any strategies for those who suffer from needle phobia but would still like to get vaccinated?

* A clarification on our use of the word "average"

And it's time for some more Quick Fire Friday!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 700 Is there any point in a vaccine passport? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-there-any-point-in-a-vaccine-passport/12029092 With the passing of another day, more Australians have been vaccinated against COVID. But as more and more of us get either the Pfizer vaccine or the Astra vaccine, proving it may become important as we take steps to reopen borders and the economy. One strategy that's been tried overseas in countries like Israel are what's known as vaccine passports - the idea being that to get into a movie or a gym, you need to prove you've been fully vaccinated. But on today's Coronacast, that raises both ethical and practical concerns. Also on today's show: * Can you have the injection in the bum, instead of the arm? * NSW to vaccinate border workers and families Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With the passing of another day, more Australians have been vaccinated against COVID. But as more and more of us get either the Pfizer vaccine or the Astra vaccine, proving it may become important as we take steps to reopen borders and the economy. One strategy that's been tried overseas in countries like Israel are what's known as vaccine passports - the idea being that to get into a movie or a gym, you need to prove you've been fully vaccinated. But on today's Coronacast, that raises both ethical and practical concerns. Also on today's show: * Can you have the injection in the bum, instead of the arm? * NSW to vaccinate border workers and families With the passing of another day, more Australians have been vaccinated against COVID. But as more and more of us get either the Pfizer vaccine or the Astra vaccine, proving it may become important as we take steps to reopen borders and the economy. One strategy that's been tried overseas in countries like Israel are what's known as vaccine passports - the idea being that to get into a movie or a gym, you need to prove you've been fully vaccinated. But on today's Coronacast, that raises both ethical and practical concerns. Also on today's show: * Can you have the injection in the bum, instead of the arm? * NSW to vaccinate border workers and families Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With the passing of another day, more Australians have been vaccinated against COVID.

But as more and more of us get either the Pfizer vaccine or the Astra vaccine, proving it may become important as we take steps to reopen borders and the economy.

One strategy that's been tried overseas in countries like Israel are what's known as vaccine passports - the idea being that to get into a movie or a gym, you need to prove you've been fully vaccinated.

But on today's Coronacast, that raises both ethical and practical concerns.

Also on today's show:

* Can you have the injection in the bum, instead of the arm?

* NSW to vaccinate border workers and families

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 599 Are we going to meet our vaccination target or what? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-we-going-to-meet-our-vaccination-target-or-what/13208726 The first week of coronavirus vaccinations has now rolled out across Australia, and the data show that already we've missed our goals. According to analysis by the ABC, the country has fallen short of its target, delivering half the expected number of shots. Health Minister Greg Hunt says the Federal Government remains committed to meeting the end of October target. So on today's Coronacast, what have been some of the early hold ups and are they anything to worry about? Also on today's show: * I work in hotel quarantine and actively trying to get pregnant. Should I get the vaccine? * Can we get an update on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine? Is it coming to Australia? * Why do you keep talking about the next pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The first week of coronavirus vaccinations has now rolled out across Australia, and the data show that already we've missed our goals. According to analysis by the ABC, the country has fallen short of its target, delivering half the expected number of shots. Health Minister Greg Hunt says the Federal Government remains committed to meeting the end of October target. So on today's Coronacast, what have been some of the early hold ups and are they anything to worry about? Also on today's show: * I work in hotel quarantine and actively trying to get pregnant. Should I get the vaccine? * Can we get an update on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine? Is it coming to Australia? * Why do you keep talking about the next pandemic? The first week of coronavirus vaccinations has now rolled out across Australia, and the data show that already we've missed our goals. According to analysis by the ABC, the country has fallen short of its target, delivering half the expected number of shots. Health Minister Greg Hunt says the Federal Government remains committed to meeting the end of October target. So on today's Coronacast, what have been some of the early hold ups and are they anything to worry about? Also on today's show: * I work in hotel quarantine and actively trying to get pregnant. Should I get the vaccine? * Can we get an update on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine? Is it coming to Australia? * Why do you keep talking about the next pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The first week of coronavirus vaccinations has now rolled out across Australia, and the data show that already we've missed our goals.

According to analysis by the ABC, the country has fallen short of its target, delivering half the expected number of shots.

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the Federal Government remains committed to meeting the end of October target.

So on today's Coronacast, what have been some of the early hold ups and are they anything to worry about?

Also on today's show:

* I work in hotel quarantine and actively trying to get pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?

* Can we get an update on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine? Is it coming to Australia?

* Why do you keep talking about the next pandemic?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 667 On the front lines of Victoria's vaccine rollout https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/on-the-front-lines-of-victorias-vaccine-rollout/13204458 With limited amounts of coronavirus vaccines available, health care organisations are taking extreme steps to ensure not a drop is wasted. Rollout plans that would normally take many months to develop have been done in mere weeks to ensure essential workers at the nation's borders are as protected as possible. On today's Coronacast, how is the rollout going on the front line of the vaccine rollout? And how are organisations handling training to make sure the correct doses are given? Also on the show: * Why does Dr Swan keep talking down the Astra vaccine when it is just as effective against serious illness and death as the Pfizer vaccine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With limited amounts of coronavirus vaccines available, health care organisations are taking extreme steps to ensure not a drop is wasted. Rollout plans that would normally take many months to develop have been done in mere weeks to ensure essential workers at the nation's borders are as protected as possible. On today's Coronacast, how is the rollout going on the front line of the vaccine rollout? And how are organisations handling training to make sure the correct doses are given? Also on the show: * Why does Dr Swan keep talking down the Astra vaccine when it is just as effective against serious illness and death as the Pfizer vaccine With limited amounts of coronavirus vaccines available, health care organisations are taking extreme steps to ensure not a drop is wasted. Rollout plans that would normally take many months to develop have been done in mere weeks to ensure essential workers at the nation's borders are as protected as possible. On today's Coronacast, how is the rollout going on the front line of the vaccine rollout? And how are organisations handling training to make sure the correct doses are given? Also on the show: * Why does Dr Swan keep talking down the Astra vaccine when it is just as effective against serious illness and death as the Pfizer vaccine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With limited amounts of coronavirus vaccines available, health care organisations are taking extreme steps to ensure not a drop is wasted.

Rollout plans that would normally take many months to develop have been done in mere weeks to ensure essential workers at the nation's borders are as protected as possible.

On today's Coronacast, how is the rollout going on the front line of the vaccine rollout? And how are organisations handling training to make sure the correct doses are given?

Also on the show:

* Why does Dr Swan keep talking down the Astra vaccine when it is just as effective against serious illness and death as the Pfizer vaccine

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 771 Is Astra the wrong vaccine for border workers? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-astra-the-wrong-vaccine-for-border-workers/13201520 The AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Australia, and the Federal Government says it will start rolling out to people in the priority phase 1a group within the next few weeks. But the evidence suggests it's not as effective as the Pfizer shot at protecting people against new variants and preventing transmission. Australia's main risk from another coronavirus outbreak is a hotel quarantine leak, so is the Astra vaccine the right shot for people working on our borders? On today's Coronacast, a look at Australia's vaccine strategy. Also: Auckland goes into a week long lockdown, but this time New Zealand is facing something it hasn't had to worry about before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 28 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Australia, and the Federal Government says it will start rolling out to people in the priority phase 1a group within the next few weeks. But the evidence suggests it's not as effective as the Pfizer shot at protecting people against new variants and preventing transmission. Australia's main risk from another coronavirus outbreak is a hotel quarantine leak, so is the Astra vaccine the right shot for people working on our borders? On today's Coronacast, a look at Australia's vaccine strategy. Also: Auckland goes into a week long lockdown, but this time New Zealand is facing something it hasn't had to worry about before. The AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Australia, and the Federal Government says it will start rolling out to people in the priority phase 1a group within the next few weeks. But the evidence suggests it's not as effective as the Pfizer shot at protecting people against new variants and preventing transmission. Australia's main risk from another coronavirus outbreak is a hotel quarantine leak, so is the Astra vaccine the right shot for people working on our borders? On today's Coronacast, a look at Australia's vaccine strategy. Also: Auckland goes into a week long lockdown, but this time New Zealand is facing something it hasn't had to worry about before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Australia, and the Federal Government says it will start rolling out to people in the priority phase 1a group within the next few weeks.

But the evidence suggests it's not as effective as the Pfizer shot at protecting people against new variants and preventing transmission.

Australia's main risk from another coronavirus outbreak is a hotel quarantine leak, so is the Astra vaccine the right shot for people working on our borders?

On today's Coronacast, a look at Australia's vaccine strategy.

Also:

Auckland goes into a week long lockdown, but this time New Zealand is facing something it hasn't had to worry about before.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 719 Will vaccines make a difference responding to the next outbreak? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-vaccines-make-a-difference-responding-to-the-next-outbreak/13193844 At the moment life has returned to a COVID-normal in Australia with state borders gradually reopening after the outbreak in Melbourne. It comes as vaccines continue to rollout across the country, and a small but regular supply of the Pfizer shot arrives. So now we have access to a vaccine, how will that change how we respond to any outbreak that happens from now on? On today's Coronacast, will it be business as usual - ie lockdowns and restrictions - or could a new strategy be introduced? Also on today's show: * How old is Norman again? He's so old. What vaccine does he qualify for? And it's Quick Fire Friday time, where we explain why doctors need immunisation training, what Pfizer is diluted with and why there are lots of doses in one vial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia At the moment life has returned to a COVID-normal in Australia with state borders gradually reopening after the outbreak in Melbourne. It comes as vaccines continue to rollout across the country, and a small but regular supply of the Pfizer shot arrives. So now we have access to a vaccine, how will that change how we respond to any outbreak that happens from now on? On today's Coronacast, will it be business as usual - ie lockdowns and restrictions - or could a new strategy be introduced? Also on today's show: * How old is Norman again? He's so old. What vaccine does he qualify for? And it's Quick Fire Friday time, where we explain why doctors need immunisation training, what Pfizer is diluted with and why there are lots of doses in one vial. At the moment life has returned to a COVID-normal in Australia with state borders gradually reopening after the outbreak in Melbourne. It comes as vaccines continue to rollout across the country, and a small but regular supply of the Pfizer shot arrives. So now we have access to a vaccine, how will that change how we respond to any outbreak that happens from now on? On today's Coronacast, will it be business as usual - ie lockdowns and restrictions - or could a new strategy be introduced? Also on today's show: * How old is Norman again? He's so old. What vaccine does he qualify for? And it's Quick Fire Friday time, where we explain why doctors need immunisation training, what Pfizer is diluted with and why there are lots of doses in one vial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices At the moment life has returned to a COVID-normal in Australia with state borders gradually reopening after the outbreak in Melbourne.

It comes as vaccines continue to rollout across the country, and a small but regular supply of the Pfizer shot arrives.

So now we have access to a vaccine, how will that change how we respond to any outbreak that happens from now on?

On today's Coronacast, will it be business as usual - ie lockdowns and restrictions - or could a new strategy be introduced?

Also on today's show:

* How old is Norman again? He's so old. What vaccine does he qualify for?

And it's Quick Fire Friday time, where we explain why doctors need immunisation training, what Pfizer is diluted with and why there are lots of doses in one vial.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 742 What happens if you get the wrong dose? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-happens-if-you-get-the-wrong-dose/13189192 An 88-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman in Queensland were given the incorrect doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday. It's still under investigation how much extra they were given, and the doctor who administered the drug has been stood down from the vaccine program. It was revealed yesterday that the doctor had not completed the required vaccination training. So on today's Coronacast what happens if you receive too much of the Pfizer vaccine, and how did the health system react to the mistake? Also: * We're also joined by Professor John Skerritt, who heads up the Therapeutic Goods Administration which has approved the use of the Pfizer and Astra vaccine for use in Australia. So what's he got to say about the timelines for reopening Australia to the rest of the world? And what are his thoughts on the efficacy of the Astra vaccine especially in regards to the so-called South African variant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia An 88-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman in Queensland were given the incorrect doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday. It's still under investigation how much extra they were given, and the doctor who administered the drug has been stood down from the vaccine program. It was revealed yesterday that the doctor had not completed the required vaccination training. So on today's Coronacast what happens if you receive too much of the Pfizer vaccine, and how did the health system react to the mistake? Also: * We're also joined by Professor John Skerritt, who heads up the Therapeutic Goods Administration which has approved the use of the Pfizer and Astra vaccine for use in Australia. So what's he got to say about the timelines for reopening Australia to the rest of the world? And what are his thoughts on the efficacy of the Astra vaccine especially in regards to the so-called South African variant? An 88-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman in Queensland were given the incorrect doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday. It's still under investigation how much extra they were given, and the doctor who administered the drug has been stood down from the vaccine program. It was revealed yesterday that the doctor had not completed the required vaccination training. So on today's Coronacast what happens if you receive too much of the Pfizer vaccine, and how did the health system react to the mistake? Also: * We're also joined by Professor John Skerritt, who heads up the Therapeutic Goods Administration which has approved the use of the Pfizer and Astra vaccine for use in Australia. So what's he got to say about the timelines for reopening Australia to the rest of the world? And what are his thoughts on the efficacy of the Astra vaccine especially in regards to the so-called South African variant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices An 88-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman in Queensland were given the incorrect doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday.

It's still under investigation how much extra they were given, and the doctor who administered the drug has been stood down from the vaccine program.

It was revealed yesterday that the doctor had not completed the required vaccination training.

So on today's Coronacast what happens if you receive too much of the Pfizer vaccine, and how did the health system react to the mistake?

Also:

* We're also joined by Professor John Skerritt, who heads up the Therapeutic Goods Administration which has approved the use of the Pfizer and Astra vaccine for use in Australia.

So what's he got to say about the timelines for reopening Australia to the rest of the world?

And what are his thoughts on the efficacy of the Astra vaccine especially in regards to the so-called South African variant?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 959 Should people with auto-immune disease get a coronavirus vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/auto-immune-disease-coronavirus-vaccine/13184968 If you don't have an auto-immune disease, you probably know and love someone who does. These are diseases where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells, and they include conditions like type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. And plenty of people with these conditions have been asking the ABC: what happens if you have an auto-immune disease and get coronavirus? And is it safe for me to have a COVID vaccine? Today on Coronacast, why it's extra important for the 1 in 14 people with an auto-immune disease to get vaccinated against COVID, and what the research is telling us about these people's concerns. Also on today's show: * Should I just wait to get the Novavax vaccine? * Norman says that vaccines have the potential to make SARS-CoV-2 "like the common cold". But don't people who have mild or even no symptoms of a COVID-19 infection often wind up with lasting organ damage? * What's the difference between the words inoculation, immunisation and vaccination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you don't have an auto-immune disease, you probably know and love someone who does. These are diseases where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells, and they include conditions like type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. And plenty of people with these conditions have been asking the ABC: what happens if you have an auto-immune disease and get coronavirus? And is it safe for me to have a COVID vaccine? Today on Coronacast, why it's extra important for the 1 in 14 people with an auto-immune disease to get vaccinated against COVID, and what the research is telling us about these people's concerns. Also on today's show: * Should I just wait to get the Novavax vaccine? * Norman says that vaccines have the potential to make SARS-CoV-2 "like the common cold". But don't people who have mild or even no symptoms of a COVID-19 infection often wind up with lasting organ damage? * What's the difference between the words inoculation, immunisation and vaccination? If you don't have an auto-immune disease, you probably know and love someone who does. These are diseases where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells, and they include conditions like type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. And plenty of people with these conditions have been asking the ABC: what happens if you have an auto-immune disease and get coronavirus? And is it safe for me to have a COVID vaccine? Today on Coronacast, why it's extra important for the 1 in 14 people with an auto-immune disease to get vaccinated against COVID, and what the research is telling us about these people's concerns. Also on today's show: * Should I just wait to get the Novavax vaccine? * Norman says that vaccines have the potential to make SARS-CoV-2 "like the common cold". But don't people who have mild or even no symptoms of a COVID-19 infection often wind up with lasting organ damage? * What's the difference between the words inoculation, immunisation and vaccination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you don't have an auto-immune disease, you probably know and love someone who does.

These are diseases where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells, and they include conditions like type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

And plenty of people with these conditions have been asking the ABC: what happens if you have an auto-immune disease and get coronavirus? And is it safe for me to have a COVID vaccine?

Today on Coronacast, why it's extra important for the 1 in 14 people with an auto-immune disease to get vaccinated against COVID, and what the research is telling us about these people's concerns.

Also on today's show:

* Should I just wait to get the Novavax vaccine?

* Norman says that vaccines have the potential to make SARS-CoV-2 "like the common cold". But don't people who have mild or even no symptoms of a COVID-19 infection often wind up with lasting organ damage?

* What's the difference between the words inoculation, immunisation and vaccination?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 667 When will I know when I can go and get a vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-will-i-know-when-i-can-go-and-get-a-vaccine/13180326 As the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues across the country, it's left many wondering when it'll be their chance to go and get a shot. So far, there hasn't been a huge amount of specific information released as to when larger groups of Australians will be vaccinated. So on today's Coronacast, what we know about when the vaccine is coming for large groups of Australia and what we don't yet know. Also on today's show: * My work colleague says she doesn't want to get a COVID vaccine because, according to her brother who is a doctor, the vaccine is 'DNA altering'. Please can you set the record straight? * Aside from hotel quarantine, when do you see us relaxing the other restrictions we are still living with? And Norman has the results from a study on Vitamin D. Does it help protect against COVID or not? GUEST: Lauren Roberts, ABC health reporter The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Australia. Here are your questions answered: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-02-22/covid-19-vaccines-pfizer-astrazeneca-australia-coronavirus/13158870 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues across the country, it's left many wondering when it'll be their chance to go and get a shot. So far, there hasn't been a huge amount of specific information released as to when larger groups of Australians will be vaccinated. So on today's Coronacast, what we know about when the vaccine is coming for large groups of Australia and what we don't yet know. Also on today's show: * My work colleague says she doesn't want to get a COVID vaccine because, according to her brother who is a doctor, the vaccine is 'DNA altering'. Please can you set the record straight? * Aside from hotel quarantine, when do you see us relaxing the other restrictions we are still living with? And Norman has the results from a study on Vitamin D. Does it help protect against COVID or not? GUEST: Lauren Roberts, ABC health reporter The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Australia. Here are your questions answered: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-02-22/covid-19-vaccines-pfizer-astrazeneca-australia-coronavirus/13158870 As the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues across the country, it's left many wondering when it'll be their chance to go and get a shot. So far, there hasn't been a huge amount of specific information released as to when larger groups of Australians will be vaccinated. So on today's Coronacast, what we know about when the vaccine is coming for large groups of Australia and what we don't yet know. Also on today's show: * My work colleague says she doesn't want to get a COVID vaccine because, according to her brother who is a doctor, the vaccine is 'DNA altering'. Please can you set the record straight? * Aside from hotel quarantine, when do you see us relaxing the other restrictions we are still living with? And Norman has the results from a study on Vitamin D. Does it help protect against COVID or not? GUEST: Lauren Roberts, ABC health reporter The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Australia. Here are your questions answered: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-02-22/covid-19-vaccines-pfizer-astrazeneca-australia-coronavirus/13158870 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues across the country, it's left many wondering when it'll be their chance to go and get a shot.

So far, there hasn't been a huge amount of specific information released as to when larger groups of Australians will be vaccinated.

So on today's Coronacast, what we know about when the vaccine is coming for large groups of Australia and what we don't yet know.

Also on today's show:

* My work colleague says she doesn't want to get a COVID vaccine because, according to her brother who is a doctor, the vaccine is 'DNA altering'. Please can you set the record straight?

* Aside from hotel quarantine, when do you see us relaxing the other restrictions we are still living with?

And Norman has the results from a study on Vitamin D. Does it help protect against COVID or not?

GUEST:

Lauren Roberts, ABC health reporter

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Australia. Here are your questions answered:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-02-22/covid-19-vaccines-pfizer-astrazeneca-australia-coronavirus/13158870

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 690 Why vaccination is only the end of the beginning https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-vaccination-is-only-the-end-of-the-beginning/13177012 Australia's coronavirus vaccination campaign started a day earlier than expected yesterday, with an 85 year-old World War Two survivor being the first in the country to receive a COVID vaccine. Ever since the pandemic began last year, vaccinations have been keenly anticipated as a way of hopefully returning to a more normal life. But if international modelling is anything to go by, it could be a while longer before things like overseas travel are back. On today's Coronacast, why vaccination is only the end of the beginning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 21 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia's coronavirus vaccination campaign started a day earlier than expected yesterday, with an 85 year-old World War Two survivor being the first in the country to receive a COVID vaccine. Ever since the pandemic began last year, vaccinations have been keenly anticipated as a way of hopefully returning to a more normal life. But if international modelling is anything to go by, it could be a while longer before things like overseas travel are back. On today's Coronacast, why vaccination is only the end of the beginning. Australia's coronavirus vaccination campaign started a day earlier than expected yesterday, with an 85 year-old World War Two survivor being the first in the country to receive a COVID vaccine. Ever since the pandemic began last year, vaccinations have been keenly anticipated as a way of hopefully returning to a more normal life. But if international modelling is anything to go by, it could be a while longer before things like overseas travel are back. On today's Coronacast, why vaccination is only the end of the beginning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia's coronavirus vaccination campaign started a day earlier than expected yesterday, with an 85 year-old World War Two survivor being the first in the country to receive a COVID vaccine.

Ever since the pandemic began last year, vaccinations have been keenly anticipated as a way of hopefully returning to a more normal life.

But if international modelling is anything to go by, it could be a while longer before things like overseas travel are back.

On today's Coronacast, why vaccination is only the end of the beginning.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 687 Could the UK strain mean longer time in quarantine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/could-the-uk-strain-mean-longer-time-in-quarantine/13169492 Scientists are slowly discovering more about the so-called UK strain, or more precisely the variant of coronavirus known as B.117. The variant of concern is often said to be more infectious and faster moving, and now scientists think it might keep its human host infectious for longer. It could have ramifications for the way our hotel quarantine system is run. So on today's Coronacast, what else have scientists worked out about the UK strain that is becoming more and more common around the world? Also on today's show: * I've heard multiple doses of the vaccine are coming from the same bottle. What's the deal? * How protected am I after my first vaccine shot? How long do I need to wait for full protection after my second shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Scientists are slowly discovering more about the so-called UK strain, or more precisely the variant of coronavirus known as B.117. The variant of concern is often said to be more infectious and faster moving, and now scientists think it might keep its human host infectious for longer. It could have ramifications for the way our hotel quarantine system is run. So on today's Coronacast, what else have scientists worked out about the UK strain that is becoming more and more common around the world? Also on today's show: * I've heard multiple doses of the vaccine are coming from the same bottle. What's the deal? * How protected am I after my first vaccine shot? How long do I need to wait for full protection after my second shot? Scientists are slowly discovering more about the so-called UK strain, or more precisely the variant of coronavirus known as B.117. The variant of concern is often said to be more infectious and faster moving, and now scientists think it might keep its human host infectious for longer. It could have ramifications for the way our hotel quarantine system is run. So on today's Coronacast, what else have scientists worked out about the UK strain that is becoming more and more common around the world? Also on today's show: * I've heard multiple doses of the vaccine are coming from the same bottle. What's the deal? * How protected am I after my first vaccine shot? How long do I need to wait for full protection after my second shot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Scientists are slowly discovering more about the so-called UK strain, or more precisely the variant of coronavirus known as B.117.

The variant of concern is often said to be more infectious and faster moving, and now scientists think it might keep its human host infectious for longer.

It could have ramifications for the way our hotel quarantine system is run.

So on today's Coronacast, what else have scientists worked out about the UK strain that is becoming more and more common around the world?

Also on today's show:

* I've heard multiple doses of the vaccine are coming from the same bottle. What's the deal?

* How protected am I after my first vaccine shot? How long do I need to wait for full protection after my second shot?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 618 Global cases falling. Is it the vaccines or something else? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/global-cases-falling-is-it-the-vaccines-or-something-else/13164916 The World Health Organisation has reported that the number of new coronavirus cases around the world has fallen 16 per cent compared to the week before. In more good news, the number of deaths has also fallen 10 per cent. It comes as the global vaccine rollout continues, with millions of doses being administered. So on today's Coronacast are vaccines finally starting to see off the worst of the pandemic? Or could the fall be down to something else? Also on today's show: * NSW announces it'll vaccinate 35,000 frontline workers over the next three weeks * Victoria comes out of lockdown after five days * A clarification on yesterday's comments regarding the Astra vaccine and efficacy rates * If a person takes the AstraZeneca vaccine would it be medically safe for the same person to also get another COVID vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The World Health Organisation has reported that the number of new coronavirus cases around the world has fallen 16 per cent compared to the week before. In more good news, the number of deaths has also fallen 10 per cent. It comes as the global vaccine rollout continues, with millions of doses being administered. So on today's Coronacast are vaccines finally starting to see off the worst of the pandemic? Or could the fall be down to something else? Also on today's show: * NSW announces it'll vaccinate 35,000 frontline workers over the next three weeks * Victoria comes out of lockdown after five days * A clarification on yesterday's comments regarding the Astra vaccine and efficacy rates * If a person takes the AstraZeneca vaccine would it be medically safe for the same person to also get another COVID vaccine? The World Health Organisation has reported that the number of new coronavirus cases around the world has fallen 16 per cent compared to the week before. In more good news, the number of deaths has also fallen 10 per cent. It comes as the global vaccine rollout continues, with millions of doses being administered. So on today's Coronacast are vaccines finally starting to see off the worst of the pandemic? Or could the fall be down to something else? Also on today's show: * NSW announces it'll vaccinate 35,000 frontline workers over the next three weeks * Victoria comes out of lockdown after five days * A clarification on yesterday's comments regarding the Astra vaccine and efficacy rates * If a person takes the AstraZeneca vaccine would it be medically safe for the same person to also get another COVID vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The World Health Organisation has reported that the number of new coronavirus cases around the world has fallen 16 per cent compared to the week before.

In more good news, the number of deaths has also fallen 10 per cent.

It comes as the global vaccine rollout continues, with millions of doses being administered.

So on today's Coronacast are vaccines finally starting to see off the worst of the pandemic? Or could the fall be down to something else?

Also on today's show:

* NSW announces it'll vaccinate 35,000 frontline workers over the next three weeks

* Victoria comes out of lockdown after five days

* A clarification on yesterday's comments regarding the Astra vaccine and efficacy rates

* If a person takes the AstraZeneca vaccine would it be medically safe for the same person to also get another COVID vaccine?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 705 Astra approved! But do we have a boomer problem? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/astra-approved-but-do-we-have-a-boomer-problem/13161284 The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in Australia, but it comes with fine print around who should get it. In its approval, the Therapeutic Goods Administration noted that the "decision to immunise an elderly patient should be decided on a case-by-case basis with consideration of age, co-morbidities and their environment". While there are no safety concerns for people who are aged over 65, there weren't enough people infected with COVID-19 in the clinical trials to determine efficacy in that age group. So on today's Coronacast, why didn't the TGA give the Astra vaccine carte blanche for everyone over 18? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in Australia, but it comes with fine print around who should get it. In its approval, the Therapeutic Goods Administration noted that the "decision to immunise an elderly patient should be decided on a case-by-case basis with consideration of age, co-morbidities and their environment". While there are no safety concerns for people who are aged over 65, there weren't enough people infected with COVID-19 in the clinical trials to determine efficacy in that age group. So on today's Coronacast, why didn't the TGA give the Astra vaccine carte blanche for everyone over 18? The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in Australia, but it comes with fine print around who should get it. In its approval, the Therapeutic Goods Administration noted that the "decision to immunise an elderly patient should be decided on a case-by-case basis with consideration of age, co-morbidities and their environment". While there are no safety concerns for people who are aged over 65, there weren't enough people infected with COVID-19 in the clinical trials to determine efficacy in that age group. So on today's Coronacast, why didn't the TGA give the Astra vaccine carte blanche for everyone over 18? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in Australia, but it comes with fine print around who should get it.

In its approval, the Therapeutic Goods Administration noted that the "decision to immunise an elderly patient should be decided on a case-by-case basis with consideration of age, co-morbidities and their environment".

While there are no safety concerns for people who are aged over 65, there weren't enough people infected with COVID-19 in the clinical trials to determine efficacy in that age group.

So on today's Coronacast, why didn't the TGA give the Astra vaccine carte blanche for everyone over 18?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 793 Vaccines arrive in Australia. Now the challenge begins https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/vaccines-arrive-in-australia-now-the-challenge-begins/13156868 142,000 doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine have arrived in Australia, and will soon be divvied up and given to people next week. While it's a great start, it's only the beginning of a very long process to get as many as people across Australia vaccinated by the end of the year. It's a huge challenge, and obstacles include keeping the Pfizer vaccine cold enough, making sure the right people receive it first and keeping records to ensure it's working as hoped. So on today's Coronacast, what's next for the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine? Also on today's show: * Study finds anaphylaxis to be rare after mRNA vaccinations * An update on Melbourne's case numbers * What can infection, age and obesity tell us about super-spreading? * Why COVID-19 is not like the flu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 142,000 doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine have arrived in Australia, and will soon be divvied up and given to people next week. While it's a great start, it's only the beginning of a very long process to get as many as people across Australia vaccinated by the end of the year. It's a huge challenge, and obstacles include keeping the Pfizer vaccine cold enough, making sure the right people receive it first and keeping records to ensure it's working as hoped. So on today's Coronacast, what's next for the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine? Also on today's show: * Study finds anaphylaxis to be rare after mRNA vaccinations * An update on Melbourne's case numbers * What can infection, age and obesity tell us about super-spreading? * Why COVID-19 is not like the flu 142,000 doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine have arrived in Australia, and will soon be divvied up and given to people next week. While it's a great start, it's only the beginning of a very long process to get as many as people across Australia vaccinated by the end of the year. It's a huge challenge, and obstacles include keeping the Pfizer vaccine cold enough, making sure the right people receive it first and keeping records to ensure it's working as hoped. So on today's Coronacast, what's next for the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine? Also on today's show: * Study finds anaphylaxis to be rare after mRNA vaccinations * An update on Melbourne's case numbers * What can infection, age and obesity tell us about super-spreading? * Why COVID-19 is not like the flu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 142,000 doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine have arrived in Australia, and will soon be divvied up and given to people next week.

While it's a great start, it's only the beginning of a very long process to get as many as people across Australia vaccinated by the end of the year.

It's a huge challenge, and obstacles include keeping the Pfizer vaccine cold enough, making sure the right people receive it first and keeping records to ensure it's working as hoped.

So on today's Coronacast, what's next for the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine?

Also on today's show:

* Study finds anaphylaxis to be rare after mRNA vaccinations

* An update on Melbourne's case numbers

* What can infection, age and obesity tell us about super-spreading?

* Why COVID-19 is not like the flu

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 707 Two days of lockdown in, does Melbourne need more time? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/two-days-of-lockdown-in-does-melbourne-need-more-time/13154196 The Holiday Inn outbreak in Melbourne has continued to grow, despite the city being in hard lockdown now for two days. Additional exposure sites have been identified, with the popular Queen Victoria Market being added to the ever-growing list. The five-day lockdown was sold as a 'circuit breaker' to put a stop to the so-called UK coronavirus variant before it could spread too far. So on today's Coronacast with all the cases so far being linked back to the original outbreak and no mystery cases, what's the chance Victoria can come out of lockdown on Wednesday? Also on today's show: * A special guest interview with Dominic Dwyer, who has just returned from a WHO mission to China to try and track down the origins of coronavirus. How did he go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 14 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Holiday Inn outbreak in Melbourne has continued to grow, despite the city being in hard lockdown now for two days. Additional exposure sites have been identified, with the popular Queen Victoria Market being added to the ever-growing list. The five-day lockdown was sold as a 'circuit breaker' to put a stop to the so-called UK coronavirus variant before it could spread too far. So on today's Coronacast with all the cases so far being linked back to the original outbreak and no mystery cases, what's the chance Victoria can come out of lockdown on Wednesday? Also on today's show: * A special guest interview with Dominic Dwyer, who has just returned from a WHO mission to China to try and track down the origins of coronavirus. How did he go? The Holiday Inn outbreak in Melbourne has continued to grow, despite the city being in hard lockdown now for two days. Additional exposure sites have been identified, with the popular Queen Victoria Market being added to the ever-growing list. The five-day lockdown was sold as a 'circuit breaker' to put a stop to the so-called UK coronavirus variant before it could spread too far. So on today's Coronacast with all the cases so far being linked back to the original outbreak and no mystery cases, what's the chance Victoria can come out of lockdown on Wednesday? Also on today's show: * A special guest interview with Dominic Dwyer, who has just returned from a WHO mission to China to try and track down the origins of coronavirus. How did he go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Holiday Inn outbreak in Melbourne has continued to grow, despite the city being in hard lockdown now for two days.

Additional exposure sites have been identified, with the popular Queen Victoria Market being added to the ever-growing list.

The five-day lockdown was sold as a 'circuit breaker' to put a stop to the so-called UK coronavirus variant before it could spread too far.

So on today's Coronacast with all the cases so far being linked back to the original outbreak and no mystery cases, what's the chance Victoria can come out of lockdown on Wednesday?

Also on today's show:

* A special guest interview with Dominic Dwyer, who has just returned from a WHO mission to China to try and track down the origins of coronavirus. How did he go?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1050 What makes Melbourne's outbreak hot or not? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-makes-melbournes-outbreak-hot-or-not/13146024 The Holiday Inn cluster in Melbourne has continued to grow, with close contacts yesterday testing positive to COVID and more exposure sites being added to the growing list. So far, 11 people are connected to the outbreak which started in a Melbourne hotel quarantine facility before being spread to workers and another resident. Other states are keenly looking on - deciding if they should once again throw up border closures and restrictions. But the next moves will all depend on how hot the hotspot in Melbourne is. So on today's Coronacast, what makes an outbreak hot or not? Also on today's show: * How big of a pinch of salt should we be taking the WHO investigation in China? * Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly says the Astra vaccine will very shortly receive TGA approval * Why didn't SARS-CoV-1 not blow out to the proportion like the current SARS-CoV-2? GUEST: Hassan Vally, epidemiologist, Associate Professor at La Trobe University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Holiday Inn cluster in Melbourne has continued to grow, with close contacts yesterday testing positive to COVID and more exposure sites being added to the growing list. So far, 11 people are connected to the outbreak which started in a Melbourne hotel quarantine facility before being spread to workers and another resident. Other states are keenly looking on - deciding if they should once again throw up border closures and restrictions. But the next moves will all depend on how hot the hotspot in Melbourne is. So on today's Coronacast, what makes an outbreak hot or not? Also on today's show: * How big of a pinch of salt should we be taking the WHO investigation in China? * Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly says the Astra vaccine will very shortly receive TGA approval * Why didn't SARS-CoV-1 not blow out to the proportion like the current SARS-CoV-2? GUEST: Hassan Vally, epidemiologist, Associate Professor at La Trobe University The Holiday Inn cluster in Melbourne has continued to grow, with close contacts yesterday testing positive to COVID and more exposure sites being added to the growing list. So far, 11 people are connected to the outbreak which started in a Melbourne hotel quarantine facility before being spread to workers and another resident. Other states are keenly looking on - deciding if they should once again throw up border closures and restrictions. But the next moves will all depend on how hot the hotspot in Melbourne is. So on today's Coronacast, what makes an outbreak hot or not? Also on today's show: * How big of a pinch of salt should we be taking the WHO investigation in China? * Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly says the Astra vaccine will very shortly receive TGA approval * Why didn't SARS-CoV-1 not blow out to the proportion like the current SARS-CoV-2? GUEST: Hassan Vally, epidemiologist, Associate Professor at La Trobe University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Holiday Inn cluster in Melbourne has continued to grow, with close contacts yesterday testing positive to COVID and more exposure sites being added to the growing list.

So far, 11 people are connected to the outbreak which started in a Melbourne hotel quarantine facility before being spread to workers and another resident.

Other states are keenly looking on - deciding if they should once again throw up border closures and restrictions.

But the next moves will all depend on how hot the hotspot in Melbourne is. So on today's Coronacast, what makes an outbreak hot or not?

Also on today's show:

* How big of a pinch of salt should we be taking the WHO investigation in China?

* Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly says the Astra vaccine will very shortly receive TGA approval

* Why didn't SARS-CoV-1 not blow out to the proportion like the current SARS-CoV-2?

GUEST:

Hassan Vally, epidemiologist, Associate Professor at La Trobe University

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 What's going on in Melbourne's quarantine hotels? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-going-on-in-melbournes-quarantine-hotels/13141210 Melbourne has temporarily shut down one of its quarantine hotels for deep cleaning after several different people seemed to catch it from within the facility. The 'working theory', according to Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton, is that the virus may have spread further than expected because someone with COVID in the hotel had to use a nebuliser for medical reasons. It's one of a couple of times in the past week or so that someone's caught the virus in a quarantine hotel, apparently without any close contact with an active case. So on today's Coronacast, what does this mean for our understanding of how the coronavirus spreads through the air? Also on today's show: * Do quarantine hotels have an airflow problem? * How did a NSW returning traveller test negative twice, then positive after their 14-day quarantine? * What did the WHO fact-finding team discover about the origins of the virus on their trip to China? Is there any chance it escaped from a lab? * Do vaccines for other diseases only prevent severe illness and not infection, like we keep hearing about coronavirus vaccines? (NOTE: This episode was recorded before two additional cases were announced by the Victorian Government) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melbourne has temporarily shut down one of its quarantine hotels for deep cleaning after several different people seemed to catch it from within the facility. The 'working theory', according to Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton, is that the virus may have spread further than expected because someone with COVID in the hotel had to use a nebuliser for medical reasons. It's one of a couple of times in the past week or so that someone's caught the virus in a quarantine hotel, apparently without any close contact with an active case. So on today's Coronacast, what does this mean for our understanding of how the coronavirus spreads through the air? Also on today's show: * Do quarantine hotels have an airflow problem? * How did a NSW returning traveller test negative twice, then positive after their 14-day quarantine? * What did the WHO fact-finding team discover about the origins of the virus on their trip to China? Is there any chance it escaped from a lab? * Do vaccines for other diseases only prevent severe illness and not infection, like we keep hearing about coronavirus vaccines? (NOTE: This episode was recorded before two additional cases were announced by the Victorian Government) Melbourne has temporarily shut down one of its quarantine hotels for deep cleaning after several different people seemed to catch it from within the facility. The 'working theory', according to Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton, is that the virus may have spread further than expected because someone with COVID in the hotel had to use a nebuliser for medical reasons. It's one of a couple of times in the past week or so that someone's caught the virus in a quarantine hotel, apparently without any close contact with an active case. So on today's Coronacast, what does this mean for our understanding of how the coronavirus spreads through the air? Also on today's show: * Do quarantine hotels have an airflow problem? * How did a NSW returning traveller test negative twice, then positive after their 14-day quarantine? * What did the WHO fact-finding team discover about the origins of the virus on their trip to China? Is there any chance it escaped from a lab? * Do vaccines for other diseases only prevent severe illness and not infection, like we keep hearing about coronavirus vaccines? (NOTE: This episode was recorded before two additional cases were announced by the Victorian Government) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melbourne has temporarily shut down one of its quarantine hotels for deep cleaning after several different people seemed to catch it from within the facility.

The 'working theory', according to Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton, is that the virus may have spread further than expected because someone with COVID in the hotel had to use a nebuliser for medical reasons.

It's one of a couple of times in the past week or so that someone's caught the virus in a quarantine hotel, apparently without any close contact with an active case.

So on today's Coronacast, what does this mean for our understanding of how the coronavirus spreads through the air?

Also on today's show:

* Do quarantine hotels have an airflow problem?

* How did a NSW returning traveller test negative twice, then positive after their 14-day quarantine?

* What did the WHO fact-finding team discover about the origins of the virus on their trip to China? Is there any chance it escaped from a lab?

* Do vaccines for other diseases only prevent severe illness and not infection, like we keep hearing about coronavirus vaccines?

(NOTE: This episode was recorded before two additional cases were announced by the Victorian Government)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 762 Should you try to convince your (unsure) friends to get vaccinated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/should-you-try-to-convince-your-friends-to-get-vaccinated/13137176 Never before have we watched vaccines being developed in real time, and so rapidly. There's elation one day as a vaccine is announced to be safe and highly effective; disappointment another day when it's revealed it doesn’t work as well against new variants. And the backdrop to this is wonder and sometimes suspicion that these vaccines are able to have been developed so quickly. So today on Coronacast, how you can make sense of the rollercoaster that is waiting for a vaccine rollout, what sources to trust and should you try to convince your vaccine hesitant friend to get vaccinated? GUEST:Julie Leask, Professor at University of Sydney in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Never before have we watched vaccines being developed in real time, and so rapidly. There's elation one day as a vaccine is announced to be safe and highly effective; disappointment another day when it's revealed it doesn’t work as well against new variants. And the backdrop to this is wonder and sometimes suspicion that these vaccines are able to have been developed so quickly. So today on Coronacast, how you can make sense of the rollercoaster that is waiting for a vaccine rollout, what sources to trust and should you try to convince your vaccine hesitant friend to get vaccinated? GUEST: Julie Leask, Professor at University of Sydney in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Never before have we watched vaccines being developed in real time, and so rapidly. There's elation one day as a vaccine is announced to be safe and highly effective; disappointment another day when it's revealed it doesn’t work as well against new variants. And the backdrop to this is wonder and sometimes suspicion that these vaccines are able to have been developed so quickly. So today on Coronacast, how you can make sense of the rollercoaster that is waiting for a vaccine rollout, what sources to trust and should you try to convince your vaccine hesitant friend to get vaccinated? GUEST:Julie Leask, Professor at University of Sydney in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Never before have we watched vaccines being developed in real time, and so rapidly.

There's elation one day as a vaccine is announced to be safe and highly effective; disappointment another day when it's revealed it doesn’t work as well against new variants.

And the backdrop to this is wonder and sometimes suspicion that these vaccines are able to have been developed so quickly.

So today on Coronacast, how you can make sense of the rollercoaster that is waiting for a vaccine rollout, what sources to trust and should you try to convince your vaccine hesitant friend to get vaccinated?

GUEST:Julie Leask, Professor at University of Sydney in the Faculty of Medicine and Health

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 623 South Africa suspends Oxford vaccine rollout. What does it mean? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/south-africa-suspends-oxford-vaccine-rollout.-what-does-it-mean/13133730 South Africa says it's suspending the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine while it goes through the results of a recent study which has thrown the vaccine's effectiveness into question. Data from a recent study showed the vaccine only gave small amounts of protection against mild-to-moderate infection caused by the country's dominant coronavirus variant. The country's dominant coronavirus variant is the so-called South African variant, which has been the centre of much attention over the past few months. So considering Australia is relying on the AstraZeneca vaccine too - what could this mean for the vaccine more generally? GUEST:Dr Larisa Labzin, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia South Africa says it's suspending the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine while it goes through the results of a recent study which has thrown the vaccine's effectiveness into question. Data from a recent study showed the vaccine only gave small amounts of protection against mild-to-moderate infection caused by the country's dominant coronavirus variant. The country's dominant coronavirus variant is the so-called South African variant, which has been the centre of much attention over the past few months. So considering Australia is relying on the AstraZeneca vaccine too - what could this mean for the vaccine more generally? GUEST: Dr Larisa Labzin, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland South Africa says it's suspending the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine while it goes through the results of a recent study which has thrown the vaccine's effectiveness into question. Data from a recent study showed the vaccine only gave small amounts of protection against mild-to-moderate infection caused by the country's dominant coronavirus variant. The country's dominant coronavirus variant is the so-called South African variant, which has been the centre of much attention over the past few months. So considering Australia is relying on the AstraZeneca vaccine too - what could this mean for the vaccine more generally? GUEST:Dr Larisa Labzin, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices South Africa says it's suspending the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine while it goes through the results of a recent study which has thrown the vaccine's effectiveness into question.

Data from a recent study showed the vaccine only gave small amounts of protection against mild-to-moderate infection caused by the country's dominant coronavirus variant.

The country's dominant coronavirus variant is the so-called South African variant, which has been the centre of much attention over the past few months.

So considering Australia is relying on the AstraZeneca vaccine too - what could this mean for the vaccine more generally?

GUEST:Dr Larisa Labzin, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland

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]]> 705 Can we vaccinate people against falling for vaccine lies? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-we-vaccinate-people-against-falling-for-vaccine-lies/13130412 A hallmark of the coronavirus pandemic has been the related "infodemic" of fake news that has circulated online. But while many have tried valiantly to set the story straight, fact-based debunking is often a tougher sell than a wild conspiracy theory. Now experts are trying a different approach: they've come up with a game where you play the role of a fake-news generator in an attempt to get people to recognise misinformation when they see it. So on today's Coronacast, can we use games and similar techniques to vaccinate people against falling for vaccine lies? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 07 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A hallmark of the coronavirus pandemic has been the related "infodemic" of fake news that has circulated online. But while many have tried valiantly to set the story straight, fact-based debunking is often a tougher sell than a wild conspiracy theory. Now experts are trying a different approach: they've come up with a game where you play the role of a fake-news generator in an attempt to get people to recognise misinformation when they see it. So on today's Coronacast, can we use games and similar techniques to vaccinate people against falling for vaccine lies? A hallmark of the coronavirus pandemic has been the related "infodemic" of fake news that has circulated online. But while many have tried valiantly to set the story straight, fact-based debunking is often a tougher sell than a wild conspiracy theory. Now experts are trying a different approach: they've come up with a game where you play the role of a fake-news generator in an attempt to get people to recognise misinformation when they see it. So on today's Coronacast, can we use games and similar techniques to vaccinate people against falling for vaccine lies? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A hallmark of the coronavirus pandemic has been the related "infodemic" of fake news that has circulated online.

But while many have tried valiantly to set the story straight, fact-based debunking is often a tougher sell than a wild conspiracy theory.

Now experts are trying a different approach: they've come up with a game where you play the role of a fake-news generator in an attempt to get people to recognise misinformation when they see it.

So on today's Coronacast, can we use games and similar techniques to vaccinate people against falling for vaccine lies?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 660 Why has Australia ordered so many vaccines? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-has-australia-ordered-so-many-vaccines/13123122 The Federal Government has revealed that it has sourced another 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, bringing the total ordered for Australia to 150 million. Most Australians will still be given the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if it is approved by the regulator. Also, it's been announced that everyone in Australia, including all visa holders, will be given a vaccine for free and it's hoped the rollout will be completed by October. So on today's Coronacast, why have we ordered so many vaccines? And what do we hope the vaccination program will achieve? Also on today's show: * Do we know if vaccines prevent transmission yet? * What's the latest from the WA and Victorian outbreaks? * What medical conditions could prevent or limit COVID vaccination? * What is the difference between the SA variant, the UK variant and the Brazil variant? Are they the same thing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Federal Government has revealed that it has sourced another 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, bringing the total ordered for Australia to 150 million. Most Australians will still be given the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if it is approved by the regulator. Also, it's been announced that everyone in Australia, including all visa holders, will be given a vaccine for free and it's hoped the rollout will be completed by October. So on today's Coronacast, why have we ordered so many vaccines? And what do we hope the vaccination program will achieve? Also on today's show: * Do we know if vaccines prevent transmission yet? * What's the latest from the WA and Victorian outbreaks? * What medical conditions could prevent or limit COVID vaccination? * What is the difference between the SA variant, the UK variant and the Brazil variant? Are they the same thing? The Federal Government has revealed that it has sourced another 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, bringing the total ordered for Australia to 150 million. Most Australians will still be given the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if it is approved by the regulator. Also, it's been announced that everyone in Australia, including all visa holders, will be given a vaccine for free and it's hoped the rollout will be completed by October. So on today's Coronacast, why have we ordered so many vaccines? And what do we hope the vaccination program will achieve? Also on today's show: * Do we know if vaccines prevent transmission yet? * What's the latest from the WA and Victorian outbreaks? * What medical conditions could prevent or limit COVID vaccination? * What is the difference between the SA variant, the UK variant and the Brazil variant? Are they the same thing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Federal Government has revealed that it has sourced another 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, bringing the total ordered for Australia to 150 million.

Most Australians will still be given the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if it is approved by the regulator.

Also, it's been announced that everyone in Australia, including all visa holders, will be given a vaccine for free and it's hoped the rollout will be completed by October.

So on today's Coronacast, why have we ordered so many vaccines? And what do we hope the vaccination program will achieve?

Also on today's show:

* Do we know if vaccines prevent transmission yet?

* What's the latest from the WA and Victorian outbreaks?

* What medical conditions could prevent or limit COVID vaccination?

* What is the difference between the SA variant, the UK variant and the Brazil variant? Are they the same thing?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 721 Nothing good can come from a 10:30pm press conference :( https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nothing-good-can-come-from-a-10:30pm-press-conference/13118692 Late last night, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that a worker at a quarantine hotel hosting guests for the Australian Open had tested positive to coronavirus. This came just hours after it was revealed Victorian authorities were trying to work out how two groups of returning overseas travellers both staying at a different hotel ended up with the exact same variant of coronavirus. As of 11:59pm last night, restrictions on gatherings, mask rules and caps on numbers of people have all come back into effect in Victoria. So on today's Coronacast, what can Victorians expect in the coming days, and do these cases tell us anything new about the virus? Also on today's show: * Viral load is "a leading driver of SARSCoV2 transmission” * Could the drug ivermectin help protect against coronavirus after all? * Some Russian vaccine results have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and it looks good Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Late last night, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that a worker at a quarantine hotel hosting guests for the Australian Open had tested positive to coronavirus. This came just hours after it was revealed Victorian authorities were trying to work out how two groups of returning overseas travellers both staying at a different hotel ended up with the exact same variant of coronavirus. As of 11:59pm last night, restrictions on gatherings, mask rules and caps on numbers of people have all come back into effect in Victoria. So on today's Coronacast, what can Victorians expect in the coming days, and do these cases tell us anything new about the virus? Also on today's show: * Viral load is "a leading driver of SARSCoV2 transmission” * Could the drug ivermectin help protect against coronavirus after all? * Some Russian vaccine results have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and it looks good Late last night, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that a worker at a quarantine hotel hosting guests for the Australian Open had tested positive to coronavirus. This came just hours after it was revealed Victorian authorities were trying to work out how two groups of returning overseas travellers both staying at a different hotel ended up with the exact same variant of coronavirus. As of 11:59pm last night, restrictions on gatherings, mask rules and caps on numbers of people have all come back into effect in Victoria. So on today's Coronacast, what can Victorians expect in the coming days, and do these cases tell us anything new about the virus? Also on today's show: * Viral load is "a leading driver of SARSCoV2 transmission” * Could the drug ivermectin help protect against coronavirus after all? * Some Russian vaccine results have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and it looks good Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Late last night, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that a worker at a quarantine hotel hosting guests for the Australian Open had tested positive to coronavirus.

This came just hours after it was revealed Victorian authorities were trying to work out how two groups of returning overseas travellers both staying at a different hotel ended up with the exact same variant of coronavirus.

As of 11:59pm last night, restrictions on gatherings, mask rules and caps on numbers of people have all come back into effect in Victoria.

So on today's Coronacast, what can Victorians expect in the coming days, and do these cases tell us anything new about the virus?

Also on today's show:

* Viral load is "a leading driver of SARSCoV2 transmission”

* Could the drug ivermectin help protect against coronavirus after all?

* Some Russian vaccine results have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and it looks good

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 878 Wasn't the UK strain supposed to be more contagious? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/wasnt-the-uk-strain-supposed-to-be-more-contagious/13114834 Yesterday was another coronavirus donut day for Western Australia, which also comes as there's been a huge increase in testing numbers. While Perth and some surrounding areas remain in lockdown, both testing numbers and the zero cases will give health authorities a little bit more confidence that there isn't an undetected coronavirus cluster bubbling away. But if we come back to hotel quarantine where this all started, part of the concern was that the guard was infected with the new so-called UK strain of the virus, which has been shown to be more infectious than previous variants. So on today's Coronacast, if the UK variant is much more infectious - why haven't we seen more cases? Also on today's show: * Norman's been invited to some more Zoom seminars on vaccine rollouts. What's he learnt? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Yesterday was another coronavirus donut day for Western Australia, which also comes as there's been a huge increase in testing numbers. While Perth and some surrounding areas remain in lockdown, both testing numbers and the zero cases will give health authorities a little bit more confidence that there isn't an undetected coronavirus cluster bubbling away. But if we come back to hotel quarantine where this all started, part of the concern was that the guard was infected with the new so-called UK strain of the virus, which has been shown to be more infectious than previous variants. So on today's Coronacast, if the UK variant is much more infectious - why haven't we seen more cases? Also on today's show: * Norman's been invited to some more Zoom seminars on vaccine rollouts. What's he learnt? Yesterday was another coronavirus donut day for Western Australia, which also comes as there's been a huge increase in testing numbers. While Perth and some surrounding areas remain in lockdown, both testing numbers and the zero cases will give health authorities a little bit more confidence that there isn't an undetected coronavirus cluster bubbling away. But if we come back to hotel quarantine where this all started, part of the concern was that the guard was infected with the new so-called UK strain of the virus, which has been shown to be more infectious than previous variants. So on today's Coronacast, if the UK variant is much more infectious - why haven't we seen more cases? Also on today's show: * Norman's been invited to some more Zoom seminars on vaccine rollouts. What's he learnt? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Yesterday was another coronavirus donut day for Western Australia, which also comes as there's been a huge increase in testing numbers.

While Perth and some surrounding areas remain in lockdown, both testing numbers and the zero cases will give health authorities a little bit more confidence that there isn't an undetected coronavirus cluster bubbling away.

But if we come back to hotel quarantine where this all started, part of the concern was that the guard was infected with the new so-called UK strain of the virus, which has been shown to be more infectious than previous variants.

So on today's Coronacast, if the UK variant is much more infectious - why haven't we seen more cases?

Also on today's show:

* Norman's been invited to some more Zoom seminars on vaccine rollouts. What's he learnt?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 672 When might we see more cases in WA's outbreak? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-might-we-see-more-cases-in-was-outbreak/13110754 When you're in the middle of a coronavirus scare, the sweetest number of all that you want to hear is 0 new cases. That's exactly what Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan delivered yesterday, as Perth entered its first full day of a strict lockdown. It was triggered after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID over the weekend, ending a 10 month long no community transmission run for WA. But on today's Coronacast, if it's so serious to plunge a whole city into lockdown, shouldn't we be seeing more cases already? Also on today's show: * What happens if you get COVID in between getting your first and second vaccine shot? * If you've had COVID, can you get vaccinated? * Is the vaccine I'm given first the only chance I'll get or can I get a different type down the track? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you're in the middle of a coronavirus scare, the sweetest number of all that you want to hear is 0 new cases. That's exactly what Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan delivered yesterday, as Perth entered its first full day of a strict lockdown. It was triggered after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID over the weekend, ending a 10 month long no community transmission run for WA. But on today's Coronacast, if it's so serious to plunge a whole city into lockdown, shouldn't we be seeing more cases already? Also on today's show: * What happens if you get COVID in between getting your first and second vaccine shot? * If you've had COVID, can you get vaccinated? * Is the vaccine I'm given first the only chance I'll get or can I get a different type down the track? When you're in the middle of a coronavirus scare, the sweetest number of all that you want to hear is 0 new cases. That's exactly what Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan delivered yesterday, as Perth entered its first full day of a strict lockdown. It was triggered after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID over the weekend, ending a 10 month long no community transmission run for WA. But on today's Coronacast, if it's so serious to plunge a whole city into lockdown, shouldn't we be seeing more cases already? Also on today's show: * What happens if you get COVID in between getting your first and second vaccine shot? * If you've had COVID, can you get vaccinated? * Is the vaccine I'm given first the only chance I'll get or can I get a different type down the track? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you're in the middle of a coronavirus scare, the sweetest number of all that you want to hear is 0 new cases.

That's exactly what Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan delivered yesterday, as Perth entered its first full day of a strict lockdown.

It was triggered after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID over the weekend, ending a 10 month long no community transmission run for WA.

But on today's Coronacast, if it's so serious to plunge a whole city into lockdown, shouldn't we be seeing more cases already?

Also on today's show:

* What happens if you get COVID in between getting your first and second vaccine shot?

* If you've had COVID, can you get vaccinated?

* Is the vaccine I'm given first the only chance I'll get or can I get a different type down the track?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 Is WA overreacting by locking down so much? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-wa-overreacting-by-locking-down-so-much/13107430 It was the information that no one in Australia, let alone Western Australia, wanted to hear: there's been a COVID leak from a quarantine hotel. The city of Perth last night spent its first night in a five day hard lockdown, as health authorities start a mammoth contact tracing effort to track down the virus. As lockdowns go, it's very strict: people are only allowed out for a few essential reasons, masks are mandatory, and students due back at school have been given another week off. So on today's Coronacast, is locking down nearly 80 per cent of the state's population with only one confirmed case an overreaction? Also on today's show: * We run through the latest vaccine trial results of Novavax and Johnson and Johnson. What does it all mean? * Now that all the major trial results are in, Norman has ranked them from best to least best (hey it's amazing we have five options so quickly!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 31 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It was the information that no one in Australia, let alone Western Australia, wanted to hear: there's been a COVID leak from a quarantine hotel. The city of Perth last night spent its first night in a five day hard lockdown, as health authorities start a mammoth contact tracing effort to track down the virus. As lockdowns go, it's very strict: people are only allowed out for a few essential reasons, masks are mandatory, and students due back at school have been given another week off. So on today's Coronacast, is locking down nearly 80 per cent of the state's population with only one confirmed case an overreaction? Also on today's show: * We run through the latest vaccine trial results of Novavax and Johnson and Johnson. What does it all mean? * Now that all the major trial results are in, Norman has ranked them from best to least best (hey it's amazing we have five options so quickly!) It was the information that no one in Australia, let alone Western Australia, wanted to hear: there's been a COVID leak from a quarantine hotel. The city of Perth last night spent its first night in a five day hard lockdown, as health authorities start a mammoth contact tracing effort to track down the virus. As lockdowns go, it's very strict: people are only allowed out for a few essential reasons, masks are mandatory, and students due back at school have been given another week off. So on today's Coronacast, is locking down nearly 80 per cent of the state's population with only one confirmed case an overreaction? Also on today's show: * We run through the latest vaccine trial results of Novavax and Johnson and Johnson. What does it all mean? * Now that all the major trial results are in, Norman has ranked them from best to least best (hey it's amazing we have five options so quickly!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It was the information that no one in Australia, let alone Western Australia, wanted to hear: there's been a COVID leak from a quarantine hotel.

The city of Perth last night spent its first night in a five day hard lockdown, as health authorities start a mammoth contact tracing effort to track down the virus.

As lockdowns go, it's very strict: people are only allowed out for a few essential reasons, masks are mandatory, and students due back at school have been given another week off.

So on today's Coronacast, is locking down nearly 80 per cent of the state's population with only one confirmed case an overreaction?

Also on today's show:

* We run through the latest vaccine trial results of Novavax and Johnson and Johnson. What does it all mean?

* Now that all the major trial results are in, Norman has ranked them from best to least best (hey it's amazing we have five options so quickly!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 758 You thought herd immunity would save us? Maybe not https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/you-thought-herd-immunity-would-save-us-maybe-not/13100018 For much of the coronavirus pandemic, there's been an idea that when enough people are infected and then recover the health crisis will be over. It's known as herd immunity - and early on in the pandemic some countries thought it would be the best long-term strategy in dealing with COVID. Well, it's lucky that the herd immunity strategy was mostly abandoned, because a peer-reviewed study published in medical journal The Lancet has found that herd immunity might not work. On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Norman Swan discuss some of the reasons why. Also on the show: * Where was China in yesterday's best countries to handle COVID leaderboard chat? And Tegan and Norman go another round of Quick Fire Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For much of the coronavirus pandemic, there's been an idea that when enough people are infected and then recover the health crisis will be over. It's known as herd immunity - and early on in the pandemic some countries thought it would be the best long-term strategy in dealing with COVID. Well, it's lucky that the herd immunity strategy was mostly abandoned, because a peer-reviewed study published in medical journal The Lancet has found that herd immunity might not work. On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Norman Swan discuss some of the reasons why. Also on the show: * Where was China in yesterday's best countries to handle COVID leaderboard chat? And Tegan and Norman go another round of Quick Fire Friday. For much of the coronavirus pandemic, there's been an idea that when enough people are infected and then recover the health crisis will be over. It's known as herd immunity - and early on in the pandemic some countries thought it would be the best long-term strategy in dealing with COVID. Well, it's lucky that the herd immunity strategy was mostly abandoned, because a peer-reviewed study published in medical journal The Lancet has found that herd immunity might not work. On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Norman Swan discuss some of the reasons why. Also on the show: * Where was China in yesterday's best countries to handle COVID leaderboard chat? And Tegan and Norman go another round of Quick Fire Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For much of the coronavirus pandemic, there's been an idea that when enough people are infected and then recover the health crisis will be over.

It's known as herd immunity - and early on in the pandemic some countries thought it would be the best long-term strategy in dealing with COVID.

Well, it's lucky that the herd immunity strategy was mostly abandoned, because a peer-reviewed study published in medical journal The Lancet has found that herd immunity might not work.

On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Norman Swan discuss some of the reasons why.

Also on the show:

* Where was China in yesterday's best countries to handle COVID leaderboard chat?

And Tegan and Norman go another round of Quick Fire Friday.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 714 Which country is the best in the world at managing COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/which-country-is-the-best-in-the-world-at-managing-covid/13095726 There's no denying that Australia has so far done well at managing COVID and keeping it out of the country. But how do we compare to the rest of the world? Well, according to a new report from the Lowy Institute, the answer is very well indeed with Australia coming in at number 8 in the world. So on today's Coronacast, how did Australia end up at number 8? And who did better? GUEST:Herve Lemahieu, Director of the Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's no denying that Australia has so far done well at managing COVID and keeping it out of the country. But how do we compare to the rest of the world? Well, according to a new report from the Lowy Institute, the answer is very well indeed with Australia coming in at number 8 in the world. So on today's Coronacast, how did Australia end up at number 8? And who did better? GUEST: Herve Lemahieu, Director of the Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute There's no denying that Australia has so far done well at managing COVID and keeping it out of the country. But how do we compare to the rest of the world? Well, according to a new report from the Lowy Institute, the answer is very well indeed with Australia coming in at number 8 in the world. So on today's Coronacast, how did Australia end up at number 8? And who did better? GUEST:Herve Lemahieu, Director of the Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's no denying that Australia has so far done well at managing COVID and keeping it out of the country.

But how do we compare to the rest of the world?

Well, according to a new report from the Lowy Institute, the answer is very well indeed with Australia coming in at number 8 in the world.

So on today's Coronacast, how did Australia end up at number 8? And who did better?

GUEST:Herve Lemahieu, Director of the Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 831 What's with the hold-up with the Pfizer vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-with-the-hold-up-with-the-pfizer-vaccine/13092720 The vaccine hopes of millions of people worldwide are hanging on the Pfizer vaccine, but the supply of the shot is facing delays. Why? Well, it relies on a whole lot of things that have never happened before all happening at once, in perfect sequence. It's the first approved mRNA vaccine, it needs to be produced in the billions, and it needs to be kept at super-low temperatures until it's needed. So today on Coronacast, Norman and Tegan discuss the challenges facing the Pfizer vaccine and what it means for our ability to protect the most vulnerable people in Australia. Also on today's show: * Some news outlets are reporting the vaccine that most Australians will get, the Oxford AstraZeneca shot, has efficacy of less that 10 per cent in elderly people. How worried should you be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The vaccine hopes of millions of people worldwide are hanging on the Pfizer vaccine, but the supply of the shot is facing delays. Why? Well, it relies on a whole lot of things that have never happened before all happening at once, in perfect sequence. It's the first approved mRNA vaccine, it needs to be produced in the billions, and it needs to be kept at super-low temperatures until it's needed. So today on Coronacast, Norman and Tegan discuss the challenges facing the Pfizer vaccine and what it means for our ability to protect the most vulnerable people in Australia. Also on today's show: * Some news outlets are reporting the vaccine that most Australians will get, the Oxford AstraZeneca shot, has efficacy of less that 10 per cent in elderly people. How worried should you be? The vaccine hopes of millions of people worldwide are hanging on the Pfizer vaccine, but the supply of the shot is facing delays. Why? Well, it relies on a whole lot of things that have never happened before all happening at once, in perfect sequence. It's the first approved mRNA vaccine, it needs to be produced in the billions, and it needs to be kept at super-low temperatures until it's needed. So today on Coronacast, Norman and Tegan discuss the challenges facing the Pfizer vaccine and what it means for our ability to protect the most vulnerable people in Australia. Also on today's show: * Some news outlets are reporting the vaccine that most Australians will get, the Oxford AstraZeneca shot, has efficacy of less that 10 per cent in elderly people. How worried should you be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The vaccine hopes of millions of people worldwide are hanging on the Pfizer vaccine, but the supply of the shot is facing delays.

Why? Well, it relies on a whole lot of things that have never happened before all happening at once, in perfect sequence.

It's the first approved mRNA vaccine, it needs to be produced in the billions, and it needs to be kept at super-low temperatures until it's needed.

So today on Coronacast, Norman and Tegan discuss the challenges facing the Pfizer vaccine and what it means for our ability to protect the most vulnerable people in Australia.

Also on today's show:

* Some news outlets are reporting the vaccine that most Australians will get, the Oxford AstraZeneca shot, has efficacy of less that 10 per cent in elderly people. How worried should you be?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 712 Will the next vaccine approval be harder? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-the-next-vaccine-approval-be-harder/13089866 In news that has been eagerly awaited since the pandemic began, a coronavirus vaccine has finally been approved for use in Australia. Yesterday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration gave the mRNA vaccine the thumbs up, paving the way for its rollout for key vulnerable groups. But Australia won't have enough Pfizer vaccine for the entire population, and is relying on the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine to fill the gaps. So on today's Coronacast, why the approval of the Astra vaccine might be a bit more of a challenge for the TGA than the Pfizer vaccine. Also on today's show: * Will Australia be keeping enough supply from the first shipments to boost the people who receive the first vaccinations? * How is "vulnerable" defined for the purposes of deciding who will get the Pfizer vaccine? * Will I be able to choose which vaccine I receive? And thank you for writing in about your coronavirus "ah-ha/oh-no" moment when you realised it was going to be A Thing. We go through some of your comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In news that has been eagerly awaited since the pandemic began, a coronavirus vaccine has finally been approved for use in Australia. Yesterday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration gave the mRNA vaccine the thumbs up, paving the way for its rollout for key vulnerable groups. But Australia won't have enough Pfizer vaccine for the entire population, and is relying on the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine to fill the gaps. So on today's Coronacast, why the approval of the Astra vaccine might be a bit more of a challenge for the TGA than the Pfizer vaccine. Also on today's show: * Will Australia be keeping enough supply from the first shipments to boost the people who receive the first vaccinations? * How is "vulnerable" defined for the purposes of deciding who will get the Pfizer vaccine? * Will I be able to choose which vaccine I receive? And thank you for writing in about your coronavirus "ah-ha/oh-no" moment when you realised it was going to be A Thing. We go through some of your comments. In news that has been eagerly awaited since the pandemic began, a coronavirus vaccine has finally been approved for use in Australia. Yesterday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration gave the mRNA vaccine the thumbs up, paving the way for its rollout for key vulnerable groups. But Australia won't have enough Pfizer vaccine for the entire population, and is relying on the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine to fill the gaps. So on today's Coronacast, why the approval of the Astra vaccine might be a bit more of a challenge for the TGA than the Pfizer vaccine. Also on today's show: * Will Australia be keeping enough supply from the first shipments to boost the people who receive the first vaccinations? * How is "vulnerable" defined for the purposes of deciding who will get the Pfizer vaccine? * Will I be able to choose which vaccine I receive? And thank you for writing in about your coronavirus "ah-ha/oh-no" moment when you realised it was going to be A Thing. We go through some of your comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In news that has been eagerly awaited since the pandemic began, a coronavirus vaccine has finally been approved for use in Australia.

Yesterday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration gave the mRNA vaccine the thumbs up, paving the way for its rollout for key vulnerable groups.

But Australia won't have enough Pfizer vaccine for the entire population, and is relying on the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine to fill the gaps.

So on today's Coronacast, why the approval of the Astra vaccine might be a bit more of a challenge for the TGA than the Pfizer vaccine.

Also on today's show:

* Will Australia be keeping enough supply from the first shipments to boost the people who receive the first vaccinations?

* How is "vulnerable" defined for the purposes of deciding who will get the Pfizer vaccine?

* Will I be able to choose which vaccine I receive?

And thank you for writing in about your coronavirus "ah-ha/oh-no" moment when you realised it was going to be A Thing. We go through some of your comments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 666 One whole year of coronavirus in Australia. How did we do? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/one-whole-year-of-coronavirus-in-australia/13087348 Today marks one year since coronavirus officially reached our shores and changed our lives forever. On January 25, 2020, Victorian health authorities detected the first case of COVID-19 in a man who had flown in from Guandong province a few days earlier. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor look back on the moment they realised that our world was about to be upturned. Also on the show: * What could the second generation of vaccines look like and why would be bother if we already have one? * Is the UK variant *really* more contagious? * Did Norman actually make it to Rottnest Island in the end? * Is Norman pumping iron in the gym again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 24 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Today marks one year since coronavirus officially reached our shores and changed our lives forever. On January 25, 2020, Victorian health authorities detected the first case of COVID-19 in a man who had flown in from Guandong province a few days earlier. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor look back on the moment they realised that our world was about to be upturned. Also on the show: * What could the second generation of vaccines look like and why would be bother if we already have one? * Is the UK variant *really* more contagious? * Did Norman actually make it to Rottnest Island in the end? * Is Norman pumping iron in the gym again? Today marks one year since coronavirus officially reached our shores and changed our lives forever. On January 25, 2020, Victorian health authorities detected the first case of COVID-19 in a man who had flown in from Guandong province a few days earlier. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor look back on the moment they realised that our world was about to be upturned. Also on the show: * What could the second generation of vaccines look like and why would be bother if we already have one? * Is the UK variant *really* more contagious? * Did Norman actually make it to Rottnest Island in the end? * Is Norman pumping iron in the gym again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today marks one year since coronavirus officially reached our shores and changed our lives forever.

On January 25, 2020, Victorian health authorities detected the first case of COVID-19 in a man who had flown in from Guandong province a few days earlier.

On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor look back on the moment they realised that our world was about to be upturned.

Also on the show:

* What could the second generation of vaccines look like and why would be bother if we already have one?

* Is the UK variant *really* more contagious?

* Did Norman actually make it to Rottnest Island in the end?

* Is Norman pumping iron in the gym again?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 658 Should we re-think who gets the vaccine first? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/should-we-re-think-who-gets-the-vaccine-first/13079570 In a global context, Australia is in an incredibly privileged position when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine rollout. Case numbers are very low and we're once again getting close to eliminating local spread, so we have time to monitor how the Pfizer vaccine is working in other countries. We can see what works and what doesn't, which can help inform the vaccine rollout strategy Australia takes when a vaccine eventually arrives. So on today's Coronacast, how Australia's enviable position allows a re-think on who should get the vaccine first. Also on today's show: * We have a question from Gary, an Israeli Coronacaster who lives on a kibbutz * Some feedback from the Coronacaster from last year who was too afraid to leave the house after the Melbourne lockdown And it's Friday, which means there's some sort of quick fireness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In a global context, Australia is in an incredibly privileged position when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine rollout. Case numbers are very low and we're once again getting close to eliminating local spread, so we have time to monitor how the Pfizer vaccine is working in other countries. We can see what works and what doesn't, which can help inform the vaccine rollout strategy Australia takes when a vaccine eventually arrives. So on today's Coronacast, how Australia's enviable position allows a re-think on who should get the vaccine first. Also on today's show: * We have a question from Gary, an Israeli Coronacaster who lives on a kibbutz * Some feedback from the Coronacaster from last year who was too afraid to leave the house after the Melbourne lockdown And it's Friday, which means there's some sort of quick fireness. In a global context, Australia is in an incredibly privileged position when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine rollout. Case numbers are very low and we're once again getting close to eliminating local spread, so we have time to monitor how the Pfizer vaccine is working in other countries. We can see what works and what doesn't, which can help inform the vaccine rollout strategy Australia takes when a vaccine eventually arrives. So on today's Coronacast, how Australia's enviable position allows a re-think on who should get the vaccine first. Also on today's show: * We have a question from Gary, an Israeli Coronacaster who lives on a kibbutz * Some feedback from the Coronacaster from last year who was too afraid to leave the house after the Melbourne lockdown And it's Friday, which means there's some sort of quick fireness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In a global context, Australia is in an incredibly privileged position when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine rollout.

Case numbers are very low and we're once again getting close to eliminating local spread, so we have time to monitor how the Pfizer vaccine is working in other countries.

We can see what works and what doesn't, which can help inform the vaccine rollout strategy Australia takes when a vaccine eventually arrives.

So on today's Coronacast, how Australia's enviable position allows a re-think on who should get the vaccine first.

Also on today's show:

* We have a question from Gary, an Israeli Coronacaster who lives on a kibbutz

* Some feedback from the Coronacaster from last year who was too afraid to leave the house after the Melbourne lockdown

And it's Friday, which means there's some sort of quick fireness.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 714 The huge coronavirus challenge facing America's new President https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-huge-coronavirus-challenge-facing-americas-new-president/13074652 Joe Biden has been sworn into office early this morning and now faces a monstrous battle to get COVID under any semblance of control. Yesterday, according to Johns Hopkins University, the US recorded more than 400,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began. As the weeks pass and the pandemic spreads, more and more people are dying. At the moment, an American is dying of COVID roughly every 38 seconds. So on today’s Coronacast, the huge problem facing America and what President Biden might be able to do about it. Also on today's show: * As vaccines continue to rollout, when will case numbers (and deaths) start dropping? * Nearly a third of people who were discharged from hospitals in England after being treated for COVID-19 were readmitted within five months * A bit of feedback on yesterday's episode on the time taken to bust COVID clusters * And what do we know about breastfeeding after taking a COVID vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Joe Biden has been sworn into office early this morning and now faces a monstrous battle to get COVID under any semblance of control. Yesterday, according to Johns Hopkins University, the US recorded more than 400,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began. As the weeks pass and the pandemic spreads, more and more people are dying. At the moment, an American is dying of COVID roughly every 38 seconds. So on today’s Coronacast, the huge problem facing America and what President Biden might be able to do about it. Also on today's show: * As vaccines continue to rollout, when will case numbers (and deaths) start dropping? * Nearly a third of people who were discharged from hospitals in England after being treated for COVID-19 were readmitted within five months * A bit of feedback on yesterday's episode on the time taken to bust COVID clusters * And what do we know about breastfeeding after taking a COVID vaccine? Joe Biden has been sworn into office early this morning and now faces a monstrous battle to get COVID under any semblance of control. Yesterday, according to Johns Hopkins University, the US recorded more than 400,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began. As the weeks pass and the pandemic spreads, more and more people are dying. At the moment, an American is dying of COVID roughly every 38 seconds. So on today’s Coronacast, the huge problem facing America and what President Biden might be able to do about it. Also on today's show: * As vaccines continue to rollout, when will case numbers (and deaths) start dropping? * Nearly a third of people who were discharged from hospitals in England after being treated for COVID-19 were readmitted within five months * A bit of feedback on yesterday's episode on the time taken to bust COVID clusters * And what do we know about breastfeeding after taking a COVID vaccine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Joe Biden has been sworn into office early this morning and now faces a monstrous battle to get COVID under any semblance of control.

Yesterday, according to Johns Hopkins University, the US recorded more than 400,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began.

As the weeks pass and the pandemic spreads, more and more people are dying. At the moment, an American is dying of COVID roughly every 38 seconds.

So on today’s Coronacast, the huge problem facing America and what President Biden might be able to do about it.

Also on today's show:

* As vaccines continue to rollout, when will case numbers (and deaths) start dropping?

* Nearly a third of people who were discharged from hospitals in England after being treated for COVID-19 were readmitted within five months

* A bit of feedback on yesterday's episode on the time taken to bust COVID clusters

* And what do we know about breastfeeding after taking a COVID vaccine?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 730 How long does it take to bust a COVID cluster? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-long-does-it-take-to-bust-a-covid-cluster/13070458 An analysis of NSW coronavirus clusters has found the state's COVID-19 outbreak could almost be at an end. The ABC looked at 18 coronavirus outbreaks in NSW since July last year and found that it takes authorities three weeks on average to bring an end to each cluster. That means that the cluster which Berala cluster, which began on New Year's Eve, could be in its last days. But on today's Coronacast, it all depends if contract tracers have missed any cases. Also on today's show: * A very small study finds that the Pfizer vaccine mightn't work quite as well on the new "UK strain" variant * I'm in my 30s and my partner and I always thought this was the year to start trying for a baby. Now I'm worried that if I get pregnant now I'll miss or delay my opportunity to get a vaccine. * Why is Australia only sourcing two vaccines and not all that is available, including the Russian and Chinese ones? FEATURED GUEST:ABC data journalist Catherine Hanrahan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia An analysis of NSW coronavirus clusters has found the state's COVID-19 outbreak could almost be at an end. The ABC looked at 18 coronavirus outbreaks in NSW since July last year and found that it takes authorities three weeks on average to bring an end to each cluster. That means that the cluster which Berala cluster, which began on New Year's Eve, could be in its last days. But on today's Coronacast, it all depends if contract tracers have missed any cases. Also on today's show: * A very small study finds that the Pfizer vaccine mightn't work quite as well on the new "UK strain" variant * I'm in my 30s and my partner and I always thought this was the year to start trying for a baby. Now I'm worried that if I get pregnant now I'll miss or delay my opportunity to get a vaccine. * Why is Australia only sourcing two vaccines and not all that is available, including the Russian and Chinese ones? FEATURED GUEST: ABC data journalist Catherine Hanrahan An analysis of NSW coronavirus clusters has found the state's COVID-19 outbreak could almost be at an end. The ABC looked at 18 coronavirus outbreaks in NSW since July last year and found that it takes authorities three weeks on average to bring an end to each cluster. That means that the cluster which Berala cluster, which began on New Year's Eve, could be in its last days. But on today's Coronacast, it all depends if contract tracers have missed any cases. Also on today's show: * A very small study finds that the Pfizer vaccine mightn't work quite as well on the new "UK strain" variant * I'm in my 30s and my partner and I always thought this was the year to start trying for a baby. Now I'm worried that if I get pregnant now I'll miss or delay my opportunity to get a vaccine. * Why is Australia only sourcing two vaccines and not all that is available, including the Russian and Chinese ones? FEATURED GUEST:ABC data journalist Catherine Hanrahan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices An analysis of NSW coronavirus clusters has found the state's COVID-19 outbreak could almost be at an end.

The ABC looked at 18 coronavirus outbreaks in NSW since July last year and found that it takes authorities three weeks on average to bring an end to each cluster.

That means that the cluster which Berala cluster, which began on New Year's Eve, could be in its last days.

But on today's Coronacast, it all depends if contract tracers have missed any cases.

Also on today's show:

* A very small study finds that the Pfizer vaccine mightn't work quite as well on the new "UK strain" variant

* I'm in my 30s and my partner and I always thought this was the year to start trying for a baby. Now I'm worried that if I get pregnant now I'll miss or delay my opportunity to get a vaccine.

* Why is Australia only sourcing two vaccines and not all that is available, including the Russian and Chinese ones?

FEATURED GUEST:ABC data journalist Catherine Hanrahan

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 723 What have we learned from the Pfizer vaccine rollout? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-have-we-learned-from-the-pfizer-vaccine-rollout/13067558 While the deaths of elderly people who had received the Pfizer vaccine in Norway has dominated the headlines, it's worth taking a step back and taking a broader look of the worldwide rollout to date. Millions and millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine have now been given to people around the world, and scientists have been monitoring to see if any rarer side effects are popping up. That's because it sometimes takes larger numbers of people receiving a new drug before you can see if there are any one in a million events. So on today's Coronacast, what have we learned so far from the Pfizer vaccine rollout around the world? And what could it mean for the other first generation coronavirus vaccines? Also on today's show: * When you get the vaccine, how long does it take to afford protection? Hours? Days? Weeks? * Could the fall in the NSW COVID-19 testing numbers reflect the fact that greater Sydney is now subject to mandatory mask wearing resulting in fewer people getting even mild cold symptoms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While the deaths of elderly people who had received the Pfizer vaccine in Norway has dominated the headlines, it's worth taking a step back and taking a broader look of the worldwide rollout to date. Millions and millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine have now been given to people around the world, and scientists have been monitoring to see if any rarer side effects are popping up. That's because it sometimes takes larger numbers of people receiving a new drug before you can see if there are any one in a million events. So on today's Coronacast, what have we learned so far from the Pfizer vaccine rollout around the world? And what could it mean for the other first generation coronavirus vaccines? Also on today's show: * When you get the vaccine, how long does it take to afford protection? Hours? Days? Weeks? * Could the fall in the NSW COVID-19 testing numbers reflect the fact that greater Sydney is now subject to mandatory mask wearing resulting in fewer people getting even mild cold symptoms? While the deaths of elderly people who had received the Pfizer vaccine in Norway has dominated the headlines, it's worth taking a step back and taking a broader look of the worldwide rollout to date. Millions and millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine have now been given to people around the world, and scientists have been monitoring to see if any rarer side effects are popping up. That's because it sometimes takes larger numbers of people receiving a new drug before you can see if there are any one in a million events. So on today's Coronacast, what have we learned so far from the Pfizer vaccine rollout around the world? And what could it mean for the other first generation coronavirus vaccines? Also on today's show: * When you get the vaccine, how long does it take to afford protection? Hours? Days? Weeks? * Could the fall in the NSW COVID-19 testing numbers reflect the fact that greater Sydney is now subject to mandatory mask wearing resulting in fewer people getting even mild cold symptoms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While the deaths of elderly people who had received the Pfizer vaccine in Norway has dominated the headlines, it's worth taking a step back and taking a broader look of the worldwide rollout to date.

Millions and millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine have now been given to people around the world, and scientists have been monitoring to see if any rarer side effects are popping up.

That's because it sometimes takes larger numbers of people receiving a new drug before you can see if there are any one in a million events.

So on today's Coronacast, what have we learned so far from the Pfizer vaccine rollout around the world? And what could it mean for the other first generation coronavirus vaccines?

Also on today's show:

* When you get the vaccine, how long does it take to afford protection? Hours? Days? Weeks?

* Could the fall in the NSW COVID-19 testing numbers reflect the fact that greater Sydney is now subject to mandatory mask wearing resulting in fewer people getting even mild cold symptoms?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 711 Is the Pfizer vaccine the culprit in elderly deaths in Norway? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-pfizer-vaccine-the-culprit-in-elderly-deaths-in-norway/13065342 As vaccines are injected into millions of arms across the world, authorities are watching closely to see if there are any unexpected side effects. And a higher than expected number of deaths in frail and elderly Pfizer vaccine recipients in Norway is drawing scrutiny. The Norwegian Medicines Agency last week reported 13 people had died shortly after getting the Pfizer vaccine shot - all people over the age of 80 and all in nursing homes. So how do we know if these deaths are to do with the vaccine, or whether they might have happened anyway? And if they do prove to be linked to the vaccine, what does this mean for the rollout? Also on today's Coronacast: * Australian Open participants in quarantine ahead of the tournament have tested positive to the virus - will they be cleared in time? * Are there any side effects if you get a vaccine when you already have immunity to the virus? * I increasingly meet people being suspicious about the vaccine. How do you talk to them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 17 Jan 2021 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As vaccines are injected into millions of arms across the world, authorities are watching closely to see if there are any unexpected side effects. And a higher than expected number of deaths in frail and elderly Pfizer vaccine recipients in Norway is drawing scrutiny. The Norwegian Medicines Agency last week reported 13 people had died shortly after getting the Pfizer vaccine shot - all people over the age of 80 and all in nursing homes. So how do we know if these deaths are to do with the vaccine, or whether they might have happened anyway? And if they do prove to be linked to the vaccine, what does this mean for the rollout? Also on today's Coronacast: * Australian Open participants in quarantine ahead of the tournament have tested positive to the virus - will they be cleared in time? * Are there any side effects if you get a vaccine when you already have immunity to the virus? * I increasingly meet people being suspicious about the vaccine. How do you talk to them? As vaccines are injected into millions of arms across the world, authorities are watching closely to see if there are any unexpected side effects. And a higher than expected number of deaths in frail and elderly Pfizer vaccine recipients in Norway is drawing scrutiny. The Norwegian Medicines Agency last week reported 13 people had died shortly after getting the Pfizer vaccine shot - all people over the age of 80 and all in nursing homes. So how do we know if these deaths are to do with the vaccine, or whether they might have happened anyway? And if they do prove to be linked to the vaccine, what does this mean for the rollout? Also on today's Coronacast: * Australian Open participants in quarantine ahead of the tournament have tested positive to the virus - will they be cleared in time? * Are there any side effects if you get a vaccine when you already have immunity to the virus? * I increasingly meet people being suspicious about the vaccine. How do you talk to them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As vaccines are injected into millions of arms across the world, authorities are watching closely to see if there are any unexpected side effects.

And a higher than expected number of deaths in frail and elderly Pfizer vaccine recipients in Norway is drawing scrutiny.

The Norwegian Medicines Agency last week reported 13 people had died shortly after getting the Pfizer vaccine shot - all people over the age of 80 and all in nursing homes.

So how do we know if these deaths are to do with the vaccine, or whether they might have happened anyway? And if they do prove to be linked to the vaccine, what does this mean for the rollout?

Also on today's Coronacast:

* Australian Open participants in quarantine ahead of the tournament have tested positive to the virus - will they be cleared in time?

* Are there any side effects if you get a vaccine when you already have immunity to the virus?

* I increasingly meet people being suspicious about the vaccine. How do you talk to them?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 768 Vaccines are rolling out - so when will cases drop? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/13058760 Coronavirus vaccines have started rolling out around the world -- so when will we see case numbers start to drop? Preliminary data out of Israel offers some hope, but the death of a Florida physician who had received the Pfizer vaccine has sparked an investigation into its safety. (There have been no similar cases recorded in those who have received the vaccine.) Closer to home, could mining camps be the answer to Queensland’s quarantine question? And if the so-called UK strain is so infectious, how come the Brisbane outbreak hasn’t been much worse? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast. Also on today’s show, a Quick Fire Friday covering Chinese vaccines, fertility, infectious eyes, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Coronavirus vaccines have started rolling out around the world -- so when will we see case numbers start to drop? Preliminary data out of Israel offers some hope, but the death of a Florida physician who had received the Pfizer vaccine has sparked an investigation into its safety. (There have been no similar cases recorded in those who have received the vaccine.) Closer to home, could mining camps be the answer to Queensland’s quarantine question? And if the so-called UK strain is so infectious, how come the Brisbane outbreak hasn’t been much worse? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast. Also on today’s show, a Quick Fire Friday covering Chinese vaccines, fertility, infectious eyes, and much more! Coronavirus vaccines have started rolling out around the world -- so when will we see case numbers start to drop? Preliminary data out of Israel offers some hope, but the death of a Florida physician who had received the Pfizer vaccine has sparked an investigation into its safety. (There have been no similar cases recorded in those who have received the vaccine.) Closer to home, could mining camps be the answer to Queensland’s quarantine question? And if the so-called UK strain is so infectious, how come the Brisbane outbreak hasn’t been much worse? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast. Also on today’s show, a Quick Fire Friday covering Chinese vaccines, fertility, infectious eyes, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Coronavirus vaccines have started rolling out around the world -- so when will we see case numbers start to drop? Preliminary data out of Israel offers some hope, but the death of a Florida physician who had received the Pfizer vaccine has sparked an investigation into its safety. (There have been no similar cases recorded in those who have received the vaccine.)

Closer to home, could mining camps be the answer to Queensland’s quarantine question? And if the so-called UK strain is so infectious, how come the Brisbane outbreak hasn’t been much worse?

Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast.

Also on today’s show, a Quick Fire Friday covering Chinese vaccines, fertility, infectious eyes, and much more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 691 Why will most Australians get a less effective vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/13055498 If all goes well Australians will start receiving coronavirus vaccinations from next month. But the types of vaccines on offer are not created equal. High-risk groups will get a vaccine that’s been shown to have 95 per cent efficacy -- but the vast majority of Australians will get a locally produced shot that studies have so far found to be much less effective. Is jumping in with what we’ve got on hand the best approach? Or are we better off waiting until we can get our hands on a more effective vaccine? Also, what’s going on in Brisbane’s quarantine hotel where six positive cases are found to have been linked? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If all goes well Australians will start receiving coronavirus vaccinations from next month. But the types of vaccines on offer are not created equal. High-risk groups will get a vaccine that’s been shown to have 95 per cent efficacy -- but the vast majority of Australians will get a locally produced shot that studies have so far found to be much less effective. Is jumping in with what we’ve got on hand the best approach? Or are we better off waiting until we can get our hands on a more effective vaccine? Also, what’s going on in Brisbane’s quarantine hotel where six positive cases are found to have been linked? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast. If all goes well Australians will start receiving coronavirus vaccinations from next month. But the types of vaccines on offer are not created equal. High-risk groups will get a vaccine that’s been shown to have 95 per cent efficacy -- but the vast majority of Australians will get a locally produced shot that studies have so far found to be much less effective. Is jumping in with what we’ve got on hand the best approach? Or are we better off waiting until we can get our hands on a more effective vaccine? Also, what’s going on in Brisbane’s quarantine hotel where six positive cases are found to have been linked? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If all goes well Australians will start receiving coronavirus vaccinations from next month. But the types of vaccines on offer are not created equal.

High-risk groups will get a vaccine that’s been shown to have 95 per cent efficacy -- but the vast majority of Australians will get a locally produced shot that studies have so far found to be much less effective.

Is jumping in with what we’ve got on hand the best approach? Or are we better off waiting until we can get our hands on a more effective vaccine?

Also, what’s going on in Brisbane’s quarantine hotel where six positive cases are found to have been linked?

Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor answer your questions on Coronacast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 775 Is the UK strain really 70 per cent more transmissible? (No.) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/13051978 Pretty much since coronavirus emerged, people have been worried about it mutating, but in the past month or so reports of strains that are particularly contagious have caught the public’s attention and begun to guide public policy.What makes these strains different to earlier mutations? Is the so-called UK strain really 70 per cent more transmissible? What does this mean for vaccines, and why are similar mutations popping up in virus strains in distant parts of the world? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor put these questions and more to virologist Professor Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney in today’s Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Pretty much since coronavirus emerged, people have been worried about it mutating, but in the past month or so reports of strains that are particularly contagious have caught the public’s attention and begun to guide public policy. What makes these strains different to earlier mutations? Is the so-called UK strain really 70 per cent more transmissible? What does this mean for vaccines, and why are similar mutations popping up in virus strains in distant parts of the world? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor put these questions and more to virologist Professor Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney in today’s Coronacast. Pretty much since coronavirus emerged, people have been worried about it mutating, but in the past month or so reports of strains that are particularly contagious have caught the public’s attention and begun to guide public policy.What makes these strains different to earlier mutations? Is the so-called UK strain really 70 per cent more transmissible? What does this mean for vaccines, and why are similar mutations popping up in virus strains in distant parts of the world? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor put these questions and more to virologist Professor Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney in today’s Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Pretty much since coronavirus emerged, people have been worried about it mutating, but in the past month or so reports of strains that are particularly contagious have caught the public’s attention and begun to guide public policy.What makes these strains different to earlier mutations? Is the so-called UK strain really 70 per cent more transmissible? What does this mean for vaccines, and why are similar mutations popping up in virus strains in distant parts of the world? Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor put these questions and more to virologist Professor Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney in today’s Coronacast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 881 What’s the point of a three-day lockdown? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/13048258 On Friday, Greater Brisbane was plunged into lockdown after a worker at a quarantine hotel tested positive to the so-called UK strain of coronavirus. But no other cases emerged during the three-day lockdown, and the region opened up again last night.So what was the point of this lockdown? Was it an overreaction to a single case? Or, given that we know the virus can take up to 14 days to incubate, was it not long enough? Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor are back for 2021 to answer these questions on today’s Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0000 full ABC Australia On Friday, Greater Brisbane was plunged into lockdown after a worker at a quarantine hotel tested positive to the so-called UK strain of coronavirus. But no other cases emerged during the three-day lockdown, and the region opened up again last night. So what was the point of this lockdown? Was it an overreaction to a single case? Or, given that we know the virus can take up to 14 days to incubate, was it not long enough? Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor are back for 2021 to answer these questions on today’s Coronacast. On Friday, Greater Brisbane was plunged into lockdown after a worker at a quarantine hotel tested positive to the so-called UK strain of coronavirus. But no other cases emerged during the three-day lockdown, and the region opened up again last night.So what was the point of this lockdown? Was it an overreaction to a single case? Or, given that we know the virus can take up to 14 days to incubate, was it not long enough? Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor are back for 2021 to answer these questions on today’s Coronacast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On Friday, Greater Brisbane was plunged into lockdown after a worker at a quarantine hotel tested positive to the so-called UK strain of coronavirus. But no other cases emerged during the three-day lockdown, and the region opened up again last night.So what was the point of this lockdown? Was it an overreaction to a single case? Or, given that we know the virus can take up to 14 days to incubate, was it not long enough? Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor are back for 2021 to answer these questions on today’s Coronacast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 676 Why 2021 will be an even bigger year for coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-2021-will-be-an-even-bigger-year-for-coronavirus/13016610 2020 saw the rise of coronavirus but it's not going away anytime soon. In 2021, cases and deaths will continue to rise around the world and Australia will have to handle more outbreaks. But 2021 will also bring positives. Vaccines will be given to millions of people, and scientists will discover new things about the virus that's changed the world. So on today's Coronacast - the last one of the year - Dr Norman Swan gives us his list of things to keep an eye out for next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 27 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia 2020 saw the rise of coronavirus but it's not going away anytime soon. In 2021, cases and deaths will continue to rise around the world and Australia will have to handle more outbreaks. But 2021 will also bring positives. Vaccines will be given to millions of people, and scientists will discover new things about the virus that's changed the world. So on today's Coronacast - the last one of the year - Dr Norman Swan gives us his list of things to keep an eye out for next year. 2020 saw the rise of coronavirus but it's not going away anytime soon. In 2021, cases and deaths will continue to rise around the world and Australia will have to handle more outbreaks. But 2021 will also bring positives. Vaccines will be given to millions of people, and scientists will discover new things about the virus that's changed the world. So on today's Coronacast - the last one of the year - Dr Norman Swan gives us his list of things to keep an eye out for next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 2020 saw the rise of coronavirus but it's not going away anytime soon.

In 2021, cases and deaths will continue to rise around the world and Australia will have to handle more outbreaks.

But 2021 will also bring positives. Vaccines will be given to millions of people, and scientists will discover new things about the virus that's changed the world.

So on today's Coronacast - the last one of the year - Dr Norman Swan gives us his list of things to keep an eye out for next year.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 691 How to avoid a super-spreading coronavirus Christmas https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-to-avoid-a-super-spreading-coronavirus-christmas/13013310 If there's one thing we've learnt from coronavirus this year, is that when it appears it happens quickly, by surprise, and is very hard to get back under control. That's why health experts are worried that the gathering of people across several generations in homes across the country give the virus some very fertile infection conditions. The home is one of the riskiest environments, and today's Christmas get-togethers present real super-spreading risks. Which is why Coronacast is here to help explain what you can do to make sure your Christmas is as COVID safe as it can be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If there's one thing we've learnt from coronavirus this year, is that when it appears it happens quickly, by surprise, and is very hard to get back under control. That's why health experts are worried that the gathering of people across several generations in homes across the country give the virus some very fertile infection conditions. The home is one of the riskiest environments, and today's Christmas get-togethers present real super-spreading risks. Which is why Coronacast is here to help explain what you can do to make sure your Christmas is as COVID safe as it can be. If there's one thing we've learnt from coronavirus this year, is that when it appears it happens quickly, by surprise, and is very hard to get back under control. That's why health experts are worried that the gathering of people across several generations in homes across the country give the virus some very fertile infection conditions. The home is one of the riskiest environments, and today's Christmas get-togethers present real super-spreading risks. Which is why Coronacast is here to help explain what you can do to make sure your Christmas is as COVID safe as it can be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If there's one thing we've learnt from coronavirus this year, is that when it appears it happens quickly, by surprise, and is very hard to get back under control.

That's why health experts are worried that the gathering of people across several generations in homes across the country give the virus some very fertile infection conditions.

The home is one of the riskiest environments, and today's Christmas get-togethers present real super-spreading risks.

Which is why Coronacast is here to help explain what you can do to make sure your Christmas is as COVID safe as it can be.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 761 The great big coronavirus balancing act of Christmas 2020 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-great-big-coronavirus-balancing-act-of-christmas-2020/13011278 The coronavirus stage in Sydney has been set for Christmas. Restrictions have been relaxed a little and health authorities are hoping that case numbers won't balloon after families get together for festive celebrations. It's a massive balancing act allowing people to try and live their life as normally as possible, but also not giving the virus too much of a chance to take off undetected in other parts of the city. So on today's Coronacast, do we need more Grinch for Greater Sydney, or should the Christmas spirit flow? Also on today's show: * In pulling back restrictions slightly, is NSW hoping for a Christmas miracle? * It's great people from the Northern Beaches got tested, but did too many people get tested too early? * Turns out the transport nurse is connected to the Northern Beaches cluster and not hotel quarantine. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The coronavirus stage in Sydney has been set for Christmas. Restrictions have been relaxed a little and health authorities are hoping that case numbers won't balloon after families get together for festive celebrations. It's a massive balancing act allowing people to try and live their life as normally as possible, but also not giving the virus too much of a chance to take off undetected in other parts of the city. So on today's Coronacast, do we need more Grinch for Greater Sydney, or should the Christmas spirit flow? Also on today's show: * In pulling back restrictions slightly, is NSW hoping for a Christmas miracle? * It's great people from the Northern Beaches got tested, but did too many people get tested too early? * Turns out the transport nurse is connected to the Northern Beaches cluster and not hotel quarantine. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? The coronavirus stage in Sydney has been set for Christmas. Restrictions have been relaxed a little and health authorities are hoping that case numbers won't balloon after families get together for festive celebrations. It's a massive balancing act allowing people to try and live their life as normally as possible, but also not giving the virus too much of a chance to take off undetected in other parts of the city. So on today's Coronacast, do we need more Grinch for Greater Sydney, or should the Christmas spirit flow? Also on today's show: * In pulling back restrictions slightly, is NSW hoping for a Christmas miracle? * It's great people from the Northern Beaches got tested, but did too many people get tested too early? * Turns out the transport nurse is connected to the Northern Beaches cluster and not hotel quarantine. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The coronavirus stage in Sydney has been set for Christmas.

Restrictions have been relaxed a little and health authorities are hoping that case numbers won't balloon after families get together for festive celebrations.

It's a massive balancing act allowing people to try and live their life as normally as possible, but also not giving the virus too much of a chance to take off undetected in other parts of the city.

So on today's Coronacast, do we need more Grinch for Greater Sydney, or should the Christmas spirit flow?

Also on today's show:

* In pulling back restrictions slightly, is NSW hoping for a Christmas miracle?

* It's great people from the Northern Beaches got tested, but did too many people get tested too early?

* Turns out the transport nurse is connected to the Northern Beaches cluster and not hotel quarantine. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 728 Four leaks in three weeks - what's going wrong? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/four-leaks-in-three-weeks-whats-going-wrong/13008336 Yesterday, NSW reported eight new community transmission cases of coronavirus with seven of those cases already linked to the Northern Beaches outbreak. The one remaining case's source is still under investigation, but what's known is that it was a healthcare worker who transported a symptomatic family of three from the airport on 14th of December. It's likely the latest leak from the hotel quarantine system, which in the last month has become quite common. Along with the latest case, there was a cleaner who got COVID while working in a quarantine hotel, a driver who picked it up while transporting aircrew, and the still unknown source who started the Northern Beaches outbreak. So on today's Coronacast, with four leaks in three weeks, what's going on? Also on today's show: * Shout out for NSW contact tracers * What's going on with the NSW hotel quarantine system? * Australia exports coronavirus to Singapore * And more on the new infectious strain in the UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Yesterday, NSW reported eight new community transmission cases of coronavirus with seven of those cases already linked to the Northern Beaches outbreak. The one remaining case's source is still under investigation, but what's known is that it was a healthcare worker who transported a symptomatic family of three from the airport on 14th of December. It's likely the latest leak from the hotel quarantine system, which in the last month has become quite common. Along with the latest case, there was a cleaner who got COVID while working in a quarantine hotel, a driver who picked it up while transporting aircrew, and the still unknown source who started the Northern Beaches outbreak. So on today's Coronacast, with four leaks in three weeks, what's going on? Also on today's show: * Shout out for NSW contact tracers * What's going on with the NSW hotel quarantine system? * Australia exports coronavirus to Singapore * And more on the new infectious strain in the UK Yesterday, NSW reported eight new community transmission cases of coronavirus with seven of those cases already linked to the Northern Beaches outbreak. The one remaining case's source is still under investigation, but what's known is that it was a healthcare worker who transported a symptomatic family of three from the airport on 14th of December. It's likely the latest leak from the hotel quarantine system, which in the last month has become quite common. Along with the latest case, there was a cleaner who got COVID while working in a quarantine hotel, a driver who picked it up while transporting aircrew, and the still unknown source who started the Northern Beaches outbreak. So on today's Coronacast, with four leaks in three weeks, what's going on? Also on today's show: * Shout out for NSW contact tracers * What's going on with the NSW hotel quarantine system? * Australia exports coronavirus to Singapore * And more on the new infectious strain in the UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Yesterday, NSW reported eight new community transmission cases of coronavirus with seven of those cases already linked to the Northern Beaches outbreak.

The one remaining case's source is still under investigation, but what's known is that it was a healthcare worker who transported a symptomatic family of three from the airport on 14th of December.

It's likely the latest leak from the hotel quarantine system, which in the last month has become quite common.

Along with the latest case, there was a cleaner who got COVID while working in a quarantine hotel, a driver who picked it up while transporting aircrew, and the still unknown source who started the Northern Beaches outbreak.

So on today's Coronacast, with four leaks in three weeks, what's going on?

Also on today's show:

* Shout out for NSW contact tracers

* What's going on with the NSW hotel quarantine system?

* Australia exports coronavirus to Singapore

* And more on the new infectious strain in the UK

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 697 Are we out of the woods? Or is it the calm before the storm? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-we-out-of-the-woods-or-is-it-the-calm-before-the-storm/13005302 There was slightly better news yesterday on the Northern Beaches outbreak front when the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced 15 new cases of COVID. The majority were from people who live in the Northern Beaches, with only four cases from outside the main outbreak area. And add a huge number of tests across the state, and you could be forgiven for thinking that it could be looking up. So is NSW out of the woods? Or was yesterday just one good day before the real trouble starts? Also on today's show: * Are people getting testing across Sydney or just in the Northern Beaches? * Why we're failing NSW health care workers * Would mandating the use of the Service NSW QR code system be a good idea? * And what do you make of the "new strain" in the UK? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There was slightly better news yesterday on the Northern Beaches outbreak front when the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced 15 new cases of COVID. The majority were from people who live in the Northern Beaches, with only four cases from outside the main outbreak area. And add a huge number of tests across the state, and you could be forgiven for thinking that it could be looking up. So is NSW out of the woods? Or was yesterday just one good day before the real trouble starts? Also on today's show: * Are people getting testing across Sydney or just in the Northern Beaches? * Why we're failing NSW health care workers * Would mandating the use of the Service NSW QR code system be a good idea? * And what do you make of the "new strain" in the UK? There was slightly better news yesterday on the Northern Beaches outbreak front when the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced 15 new cases of COVID. The majority were from people who live in the Northern Beaches, with only four cases from outside the main outbreak area. And add a huge number of tests across the state, and you could be forgiven for thinking that it could be looking up. So is NSW out of the woods? Or was yesterday just one good day before the real trouble starts? Also on today's show: * Are people getting testing across Sydney or just in the Northern Beaches? * Why we're failing NSW health care workers * Would mandating the use of the Service NSW QR code system be a good idea? * And what do you make of the "new strain" in the UK? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There was slightly better news yesterday on the Northern Beaches outbreak front when the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced 15 new cases of COVID.

The majority were from people who live in the Northern Beaches, with only four cases from outside the main outbreak area.

And add a huge number of tests across the state, and you could be forgiven for thinking that it could be looking up.

So is NSW out of the woods? Or was yesterday just one good day before the real trouble starts?

Also on today's show:

* Are people getting testing across Sydney or just in the Northern Beaches?

* Why we're failing NSW health care workers

* Would mandating the use of the Service NSW QR code system be a good idea?

* And what do you make of the "new strain" in the UK?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 766 Has NSW's luck run out? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/has-nsws-luck-run-out/13002320 Throughout the pandemic, NSW has mostly managed to keep a lid on outbreaks without imposing hard restrictions like we saw in Victoria and South Australia. While those states went into various stages of hard lockdown, NSW used a fast, efficient contact tracing system to get on top of things before they got too bad. But with the growing outbreak on Sydney's Northern Beaches showing little sign of slowing down, has that system met its match? On today's Coronacast will NSW need harsher restrictions to get on top of things? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 20 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Throughout the pandemic, NSW has mostly managed to keep a lid on outbreaks without imposing hard restrictions like we saw in Victoria and South Australia. While those states went into various stages of hard lockdown, NSW used a fast, efficient contact tracing system to get on top of things before they got too bad. But with the growing outbreak on Sydney's Northern Beaches showing little sign of slowing down, has that system met its match? On today's Coronacast will NSW need harsher restrictions to get on top of things? Throughout the pandemic, NSW has mostly managed to keep a lid on outbreaks without imposing hard restrictions like we saw in Victoria and South Australia. While those states went into various stages of hard lockdown, NSW used a fast, efficient contact tracing system to get on top of things before they got too bad. But with the growing outbreak on Sydney's Northern Beaches showing little sign of slowing down, has that system met its match? On today's Coronacast will NSW need harsher restrictions to get on top of things? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Throughout the pandemic, NSW has mostly managed to keep a lid on outbreaks without imposing hard restrictions like we saw in Victoria and South Australia.

While those states went into various stages of hard lockdown, NSW used a fast, efficient contact tracing system to get on top of things before they got too bad.

But with the growing outbreak on Sydney's Northern Beaches showing little sign of slowing down, has that system met its match?

On today's Coronacast will NSW need harsher restrictions to get on top of things?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 740 What could Sydney's outbreak mean for Christmas? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-could-sydneys-outbreak-mean-for-christmas/12995664 A couple of days ago, a COVID-normal Christmas all over Australia was looking pretty sweet, but the rapidly growing cluster in Sydney's Northern Beaches has thrown it into doubt. Yesterday, the cluster grew to 17 people. Aged care homes were locked down, long lines of people queued to get tested and other states considered whether to enforce border restrictions again. So what do we know about the cluster so far? And what does it mean for Christmas? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A couple of days ago, a COVID-normal Christmas all over Australia was looking pretty sweet, but the rapidly growing cluster in Sydney's Northern Beaches has thrown it into doubt. Yesterday, the cluster grew to 17 people. Aged care homes were locked down, long lines of people queued to get tested and other states considered whether to enforce border restrictions again. So what do we know about the cluster so far? And what does it mean for Christmas? A couple of days ago, a COVID-normal Christmas all over Australia was looking pretty sweet, but the rapidly growing cluster in Sydney's Northern Beaches has thrown it into doubt. Yesterday, the cluster grew to 17 people. Aged care homes were locked down, long lines of people queued to get tested and other states considered whether to enforce border restrictions again. So what do we know about the cluster so far? And what does it mean for Christmas? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A couple of days ago, a COVID-normal Christmas all over Australia was looking pretty sweet, but the rapidly growing cluster in Sydney's Northern Beaches has thrown it into doubt.

Yesterday, the cluster grew to 17 people. Aged care homes were locked down, long lines of people queued to get tested and other states considered whether to enforce border restrictions again.

So what do we know about the cluster so far? And what does it mean for Christmas?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 657 How worried should we be about the two Sydney mystery cases? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-worried-should-we-be-about-the-two-sydney-mystery-cases/12991144 Just when you think you've got coronavirus pinned down, it manages to struggle free and throw a few mystery moves in your direction. Late yesterday, NSW Health sent out an alert revealing two people from Sydney's Northern Beaches had tested positive to COVID-19. There are currently no known links, which is a worry as it's been more than a month since authorities have been unable to trace the source of an infection in the community. And if that wasn't enough, a Sydney van driver who was responsible for driving international flight crews to and from the airport had tested positive COVID. So on today's Coronacast, how worried should we be? Also on today's show: * If a vaccine is only 90 per cent effective at stopping disease, but not spread, then how does it differ from having no vaccine? * How long will it take to have everyone moving freely around again after being vaccinated, for instance if 100 people are vaccinated or 1 million people are vaccinated what's the number? And we have an announcement about the summer break! Will Coronacast be back in 2021? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Just when you think you've got coronavirus pinned down, it manages to struggle free and throw a few mystery moves in your direction. Late yesterday, NSW Health sent out an alert revealing two people from Sydney's Northern Beaches had tested positive to COVID-19. There are currently no known links, which is a worry as it's been more than a month since authorities have been unable to trace the source of an infection in the community. And if that wasn't enough, a Sydney van driver who was responsible for driving international flight crews to and from the airport had tested positive COVID. So on today's Coronacast, how worried should we be? Also on today's show: * If a vaccine is only 90 per cent effective at stopping disease, but not spread, then how does it differ from having no vaccine? * How long will it take to have everyone moving freely around again after being vaccinated, for instance if 100 people are vaccinated or 1 million people are vaccinated what's the number? And we have an announcement about the summer break! Will Coronacast be back in 2021? Just when you think you've got coronavirus pinned down, it manages to struggle free and throw a few mystery moves in your direction. Late yesterday, NSW Health sent out an alert revealing two people from Sydney's Northern Beaches had tested positive to COVID-19. There are currently no known links, which is a worry as it's been more than a month since authorities have been unable to trace the source of an infection in the community. And if that wasn't enough, a Sydney van driver who was responsible for driving international flight crews to and from the airport had tested positive COVID. So on today's Coronacast, how worried should we be? Also on today's show: * If a vaccine is only 90 per cent effective at stopping disease, but not spread, then how does it differ from having no vaccine? * How long will it take to have everyone moving freely around again after being vaccinated, for instance if 100 people are vaccinated or 1 million people are vaccinated what's the number? And we have an announcement about the summer break! Will Coronacast be back in 2021? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Just when you think you've got coronavirus pinned down, it manages to struggle free and throw a few mystery moves in your direction.

Late yesterday, NSW Health sent out an alert revealing two people from Sydney's Northern Beaches had tested positive to COVID-19.

There are currently no known links, which is a worry as it's been more than a month since authorities have been unable to trace the source of an infection in the community.

And if that wasn't enough, a Sydney van driver who was responsible for driving international flight crews to and from the airport had tested positive COVID.

So on today's Coronacast, how worried should we be?

Also on today's show:

* If a vaccine is only 90 per cent effective at stopping disease, but not spread, then how does it differ from having no vaccine?

* How long will it take to have everyone moving freely around again after being vaccinated, for instance if 100 people are vaccinated or 1 million people are vaccinated what's the number?

And we have an announcement about the summer break! Will Coronacast be back in 2021?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 695 Another new strain? Panic stations or same as last time? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/another-new-strain-panic-stations-or-same-as-last-time/12986072 The British Government says it has detected a new strain of coronavirus that is rapidly increasing in prominence in southern England. Viruses can and do change all the time in ways that can both help or hinder the strain depending on what the mutation is. We've heard about new coronavirus variants several times: think back to claims of a new, fast moving, wildly infectious strain in South Australia's Parafield cluster. So on today's Coronacast, what could be happening in the UK? And is it something to worry about this time around? Also on today's show: * What's the latest with the Oxford vaccine? Is it currently up for approval? * What happens if they vaccinate someone who's already had COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The British Government says it has detected a new strain of coronavirus that is rapidly increasing in prominence in southern England. Viruses can and do change all the time in ways that can both help or hinder the strain depending on what the mutation is. We've heard about new coronavirus variants several times: think back to claims of a new, fast moving, wildly infectious strain in South Australia's Parafield cluster. So on today's Coronacast, what could be happening in the UK? And is it something to worry about this time around? Also on today's show: * What's the latest with the Oxford vaccine? Is it currently up for approval? * What happens if they vaccinate someone who's already had COVID-19? The British Government says it has detected a new strain of coronavirus that is rapidly increasing in prominence in southern England. Viruses can and do change all the time in ways that can both help or hinder the strain depending on what the mutation is. We've heard about new coronavirus variants several times: think back to claims of a new, fast moving, wildly infectious strain in South Australia's Parafield cluster. So on today's Coronacast, what could be happening in the UK? And is it something to worry about this time around? Also on today's show: * What's the latest with the Oxford vaccine? Is it currently up for approval? * What happens if they vaccinate someone who's already had COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The British Government says it has detected a new strain of coronavirus that is rapidly increasing in prominence in southern England.

Viruses can and do change all the time in ways that can both help or hinder the strain depending on what the mutation is.

We've heard about new coronavirus variants several times: think back to claims of a new, fast moving, wildly infectious strain in South Australia's Parafield cluster.

So on today's Coronacast, what could be happening in the UK? And is it something to worry about this time around?

Also on today's show:

* What's the latest with the Oxford vaccine? Is it currently up for approval?

* What happens if they vaccinate someone who's already had COVID-19?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 640 Why are we still waiting for travel bubbles? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-are-we-still-waiting-for-travel-bubbles/12982340 A New Zealand-Australia travel bubble is a step closer after New Zealand's Cabinet agreed in principle to establish a bubble with Australia early next year. Australia already accepts New Zealand travellers without forcing hotel quarantine. And despite hotel quarantine outbreaks in South Australia and NSW, Australia has kept community transmission cases very low. So what could be the hold up in creating a New Zealand Australian travel bubble? Well on today's Coronacast, we can look to sexually transmitted infections for a possible answer. Also on today's show: * mRNA vaccines fiddle with genetics, does that mean it could cause cancer? * Social distancing has suppressed many viruses, but my son in kindergarten has just had his 10th cold. Are we doing something wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A New Zealand-Australia travel bubble is a step closer after New Zealand's Cabinet agreed in principle to establish a bubble with Australia early next year. Australia already accepts New Zealand travellers without forcing hotel quarantine. And despite hotel quarantine outbreaks in South Australia and NSW, Australia has kept community transmission cases very low. So what could be the hold up in creating a New Zealand Australian travel bubble? Well on today's Coronacast, we can look to sexually transmitted infections for a possible answer. Also on today's show: * mRNA vaccines fiddle with genetics, does that mean it could cause cancer? * Social distancing has suppressed many viruses, but my son in kindergarten has just had his 10th cold. Are we doing something wrong? A New Zealand-Australia travel bubble is a step closer after New Zealand's Cabinet agreed in principle to establish a bubble with Australia early next year. Australia already accepts New Zealand travellers without forcing hotel quarantine. And despite hotel quarantine outbreaks in South Australia and NSW, Australia has kept community transmission cases very low. So what could be the hold up in creating a New Zealand Australian travel bubble? Well on today's Coronacast, we can look to sexually transmitted infections for a possible answer. Also on today's show: * mRNA vaccines fiddle with genetics, does that mean it could cause cancer? * Social distancing has suppressed many viruses, but my son in kindergarten has just had his 10th cold. Are we doing something wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A New Zealand-Australia travel bubble is a step closer after New Zealand's Cabinet agreed in principle to establish a bubble with Australia early next year.

Australia already accepts New Zealand travellers without forcing hotel quarantine.

And despite hotel quarantine outbreaks in South Australia and NSW, Australia has kept community transmission cases very low.

So what could be the hold up in creating a New Zealand Australian travel bubble?

Well on today's Coronacast, we can look to sexually transmitted infections for a possible answer.

Also on today's show:

* mRNA vaccines fiddle with genetics, does that mean it could cause cancer?

* Social distancing has suppressed many viruses, but my son in kindergarten has just had his 10th cold. Are we doing something wrong?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 592 What's HIV got to do with a coronavirus vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-hiv-got-to-do-with-a-coronavirus-vaccine/12979796 It was one of the four vaccines that the Australian Government had pinned its hopes on, but on Friday we heard the University of Queensland vaccine had been canned. The vaccine had shown promising results in early trials and was deemed safe, but its downfall was that it caused recipients to have a false positive for HIV. So if the shot was safe and effective, and the HIV link was a false positive, then why was the whole vaccine scrapped? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 13 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It was one of the four vaccines that the Australian Government had pinned its hopes on, but on Friday we heard the University of Queensland vaccine had been canned. The vaccine had shown promising results in early trials and was deemed safe, but its downfall was that it caused recipients to have a false positive for HIV. So if the shot was safe and effective, and the HIV link was a false positive, then why was the whole vaccine scrapped? It was one of the four vaccines that the Australian Government had pinned its hopes on, but on Friday we heard the University of Queensland vaccine had been canned. The vaccine had shown promising results in early trials and was deemed safe, but its downfall was that it caused recipients to have a false positive for HIV. So if the shot was safe and effective, and the HIV link was a false positive, then why was the whole vaccine scrapped? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It was one of the four vaccines that the Australian Government had pinned its hopes on, but on Friday we heard the University of Queensland vaccine had been canned.

The vaccine had shown promising results in early trials and was deemed safe, but its downfall was that it caused recipients to have a false positive for HIV.

So if the shot was safe and effective, and the HIV link was a false positive, then why was the whole vaccine scrapped?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 661 Should you be worried about allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/should-you-worry-about-allergic-reactions-to-the-pfizer-vaccine/12970664 It's been a huge week for coronavirus vaccine news: mass vaccination programs have begun in the UK, more scientific data has been published about the Oxford vaccine and it's all looking quite promising. But one worry has popped up in the UK with the Pfizer vaccine - some patients have reported allergic reactions after being vaccinated. The UK regulator has now said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not get the vaccine. So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on? Also on today's show: * Could the Chinese vaccine have run into some problems? * What do the new data published in The Lancet tell us about the Astra vaccine? * And we reveal your comments about what you'd do differently if you got a coronavirus do-over Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been a huge week for coronavirus vaccine news: mass vaccination programs have begun in the UK, more scientific data has been published about the Oxford vaccine and it's all looking quite promising. But one worry has popped up in the UK with the Pfizer vaccine - some patients have reported allergic reactions after being vaccinated. The UK regulator has now said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not get the vaccine. So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on? Also on today's show: * Could the Chinese vaccine have run into some problems? * What do the new data published in The Lancet tell us about the Astra vaccine? * And we reveal your comments about what you'd do differently if you got a coronavirus do-over It's been a huge week for coronavirus vaccine news: mass vaccination programs have begun in the UK, more scientific data has been published about the Oxford vaccine and it's all looking quite promising. But one worry has popped up in the UK with the Pfizer vaccine - some patients have reported allergic reactions after being vaccinated. The UK regulator has now said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not get the vaccine. So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on? Also on today's show: * Could the Chinese vaccine have run into some problems? * What do the new data published in The Lancet tell us about the Astra vaccine? * And we reveal your comments about what you'd do differently if you got a coronavirus do-over Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been a huge week for coronavirus vaccine news: mass vaccination programs have begun in the UK, more scientific data has been published about the Oxford vaccine and it's all looking quite promising.

But one worry has popped up in the UK with the Pfizer vaccine - some patients have reported allergic reactions after being vaccinated.

The UK regulator has now said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not get the vaccine.

So on today's Coronacast, what could be going on?

Also on today's show:

* Could the Chinese vaccine have run into some problems?

* What do the new data published in The Lancet tell us about the Astra vaccine?

* And we reveal your comments about what you'd do differently if you got a coronavirus do-over

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 665 Why did so many Victorian healthcare workers get infected? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-did-so-many-victorian-healthcare-workers-get-infected/12967882 During Victoria's second wave, thousands and thousands of healthcare workers in Victoria were infected with COVID-19. Aged care workers and nurses were the most likely to get sick and amazingly 70 percent of them caught it while they were at work. So how did so many Victorian healthcare workers get infected? And what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again? Featured: Marion Kainer, Head of Infectious Diseases at Western Health in Victoria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia During Victoria's second wave, thousands and thousands of healthcare workers in Victoria were infected with COVID-19. Aged care workers and nurses were the most likely to get sick and amazingly 70 percent of them caught it while they were at work. So how did so many Victorian healthcare workers get infected? And what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again? Featured: Marion Kainer, Head of Infectious Diseases at Western Health in Victoria During Victoria's second wave, thousands and thousands of healthcare workers in Victoria were infected with COVID-19. Aged care workers and nurses were the most likely to get sick and amazingly 70 percent of them caught it while they were at work. So how did so many Victorian healthcare workers get infected? And what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again? Featured: Marion Kainer, Head of Infectious Diseases at Western Health in Victoria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices During Victoria's second wave, thousands and thousands of healthcare workers in Victoria were infected with COVID-19.

Aged care workers and nurses were the most likely to get sick and amazingly 70 percent of them caught it while they were at work.

So how did so many Victorian healthcare workers get infected? And what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again?

Featured:

Marion Kainer, Head of Infectious Diseases at Western Health in Victoria

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 819 It's coronavirus do-over time. What would we do differently? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/it-is-coronavirus-do-over-time-what-would-we-do-differently/12961254 If you knew what you know now about coronavirus, what would you have done differently this year? Since COVID came into our lives, more than 67 million people have had COVID and more than one and a half million people have died from it. On today's Coronacast, it's time to look back and see what we've learned from the global pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you knew what you know now about coronavirus, what would you have done differently this year? Since COVID came into our lives, more than 67 million people have had COVID and more than one and a half million people have died from it. On today's Coronacast, it's time to look back and see what we've learned from the global pandemic. If you knew what you know now about coronavirus, what would you have done differently this year? Since COVID came into our lives, more than 67 million people have had COVID and more than one and a half million people have died from it. On today's Coronacast, it's time to look back and see what we've learned from the global pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you knew what you know now about coronavirus, what would you have done differently this year?

Since COVID came into our lives, more than 67 million people have had COVID and more than one and a half million people have died from it.

On today's Coronacast, it's time to look back and see what we've learned from the global pandemic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 Will a coronavirus vaccine *actually* stop you getting COVID? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-a-coronavirus-vaccine-actually-stop-you-getting-covid/12957988 As the world eagerly awaits the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine, it’s worth looking at exactly how it might and might not work. While we know from trials that the vaccines are very good at stopping people from getting sick from COVID, that’s not the same as a vaccine protecting against getting infected in the first place. And what the vaccine actually does matters a lot, because if it’s only stopping you from getting sick, you may still be able to infect others. So on today’s Coronacast, a deep dive into what and what not to expect from upcoming coronavirus vaccines. Featured: Dr Kirsty Short, University of Queensland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the world eagerly awaits the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine, it’s worth looking at exactly how it might and might not work. While we know from trials that the vaccines are very good at stopping people from getting sick from COVID, that’s not the same as a vaccine protecting against getting infected in the first place. And what the vaccine actually does matters a lot, because if it’s only stopping you from getting sick, you may still be able to infect others. So on today’s Coronacast, a deep dive into what and what not to expect from upcoming coronavirus vaccines. Featured: Dr Kirsty Short, University of Queensland As the world eagerly awaits the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine, it’s worth looking at exactly how it might and might not work. While we know from trials that the vaccines are very good at stopping people from getting sick from COVID, that’s not the same as a vaccine protecting against getting infected in the first place. And what the vaccine actually does matters a lot, because if it’s only stopping you from getting sick, you may still be able to infect others. So on today’s Coronacast, a deep dive into what and what not to expect from upcoming coronavirus vaccines. Featured: Dr Kirsty Short, University of Queensland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the world eagerly awaits the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine, it’s worth looking at exactly how it might and might not work.

While we know from trials that the vaccines are very good at stopping people from getting sick from COVID, that’s not the same as a vaccine protecting against getting infected in the first place.

And what the vaccine actually does matters a lot, because if it’s only stopping you from getting sick, you may still be able to infect others.

So on today’s Coronacast, a deep dive into what and what not to expect from upcoming coronavirus vaccines.

Featured:

Dr Kirsty Short, University of Queensland

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 811 It's finally happening! Mass coronavirus vaccinations begin https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/it-is-finally-happening-mass-coronavirus-vaccinations-begin/12955478 It's been nearly a year since coronavirus burst into the world's consciousness, and finally mass vaccination campaigns have started. Over the weekend, Russia started vaccinating people. The UK will begin in the next few days and the US will hopefully follow later this month. And already, hundreds of thousands of people in China have received vaccinations. But on today's Coronacast, not every vaccination program is the same, and one of the big differences is that some of the drugs have gone through the full three phases of human trials, and others have not. Also on today's show: * The difference between emergency use approval and approval in an emergency * Two people manage to escape hotel quarantine * No new cases from the NSW hotel quarantine outbreak so far * And some more reflections on things you'll be doing differently once COVID is less of a concern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 06 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been nearly a year since coronavirus burst into the world's consciousness, and finally mass vaccination campaigns have started. Over the weekend, Russia started vaccinating people. The UK will begin in the next few days and the US will hopefully follow later this month. And already, hundreds of thousands of people in China have received vaccinations. But on today's Coronacast, not every vaccination program is the same, and one of the big differences is that some of the drugs have gone through the full three phases of human trials, and others have not. Also on today's show: * The difference between emergency use approval and approval in an emergency * Two people manage to escape hotel quarantine * No new cases from the NSW hotel quarantine outbreak so far * And some more reflections on things you'll be doing differently once COVID is less of a concern It's been nearly a year since coronavirus burst into the world's consciousness, and finally mass vaccination campaigns have started. Over the weekend, Russia started vaccinating people. The UK will begin in the next few days and the US will hopefully follow later this month. And already, hundreds of thousands of people in China have received vaccinations. But on today's Coronacast, not every vaccination program is the same, and one of the big differences is that some of the drugs have gone through the full three phases of human trials, and others have not. Also on today's show: * The difference between emergency use approval and approval in an emergency * Two people manage to escape hotel quarantine * No new cases from the NSW hotel quarantine outbreak so far * And some more reflections on things you'll be doing differently once COVID is less of a concern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been nearly a year since coronavirus burst into the world's consciousness, and finally mass vaccination campaigns have started.

Over the weekend, Russia started vaccinating people. The UK will begin in the next few days and the US will hopefully follow later this month.

And already, hundreds of thousands of people in China have received vaccinations.

But on today's Coronacast, not every vaccination program is the same, and one of the big differences is that some of the drugs have gone through the full three phases of human trials, and others have not.

Also on today's show:

* The difference between emergency use approval and approval in an emergency

* Two people manage to escape hotel quarantine

* No new cases from the NSW hotel quarantine outbreak so far

* And some more reflections on things you'll be doing differently once COVID is less of a concern

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 651 Here we go again? More problems with hotel quarantine https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/here-we-go-again-more-problems-with-hotel-quarantine/12948088 Just as South Australia seems to be getting on top of its hotel quarantine outbreak, a new one is starting in NSW. Late on Wednesday night, a NSW hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID19 - prompting health authorities to put out alerts and start contact tracing. NSW Health is taking the extra step of asking people who travelled on certain trains to not only get tested immediately but also self-isolate until further advised. It follows what happened in Victoria - which suffered a massive second wave due to issues with COVID escaping hotel quarantine. So on today's Coronacast - are we just going to have to get used to this? Also on today's show: * We break down the emergency vaccine approval in the UK * Could Vitamin C be a miracle treatment for COVID? * We read out your comments on what you'll keep doing after the pandemic * And it's Friday so there's that quick fire thing too :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Just as South Australia seems to be getting on top of its hotel quarantine outbreak, a new one is starting in NSW. Late on Wednesday night, a NSW hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID19 - prompting health authorities to put out alerts and start contact tracing. NSW Health is taking the extra step of asking people who travelled on certain trains to not only get tested immediately but also self-isolate until further advised. It follows what happened in Victoria - which suffered a massive second wave due to issues with COVID escaping hotel quarantine. So on today's Coronacast - are we just going to have to get used to this? Also on today's show: * We break down the emergency vaccine approval in the UK * Could Vitamin C be a miracle treatment for COVID? * We read out your comments on what you'll keep doing after the pandemic * And it's Friday so there's that quick fire thing too :) Just as South Australia seems to be getting on top of its hotel quarantine outbreak, a new one is starting in NSW. Late on Wednesday night, a NSW hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID19 - prompting health authorities to put out alerts and start contact tracing. NSW Health is taking the extra step of asking people who travelled on certain trains to not only get tested immediately but also self-isolate until further advised. It follows what happened in Victoria - which suffered a massive second wave due to issues with COVID escaping hotel quarantine. So on today's Coronacast - are we just going to have to get used to this? Also on today's show: * We break down the emergency vaccine approval in the UK * Could Vitamin C be a miracle treatment for COVID? * We read out your comments on what you'll keep doing after the pandemic * And it's Friday so there's that quick fire thing too :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Just as South Australia seems to be getting on top of its hotel quarantine outbreak, a new one is starting in NSW.

Late on Wednesday night, a NSW hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID19 - prompting health authorities to put out alerts and start contact tracing.

NSW Health is taking the extra step of asking people who travelled on certain trains to not only get tested immediately but also self-isolate until further advised.

It follows what happened in Victoria - which suffered a massive second wave due to issues with COVID escaping hotel quarantine.

So on today's Coronacast - are we just going to have to get used to this?

Also on today's show:

* We break down the emergency vaccine approval in the UK

* Could Vitamin C be a miracle treatment for COVID?

* We read out your comments on what you'll keep doing after the pandemic

* And it's Friday so there's that quick fire thing too :)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 As restrictions lift, some tips to stay COVID free https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/as-restrictions-lift-some-tips-to-stay-covid-free/12944426 As more restrictions are relaxed, and as border controls continue to come down, it's time to revisit the things we should be doing to stay safe and healthy. From the start of the pandemic, getting tested if you show any symptoms at all is vital and will remain so until everyone is vaccinated. But what about the other things like washing your hands, choosing to wear masks even if it's not mandated and refraining from hugging or getting too close? On today's Coronacast, the things that are worth continuing just to be safe and the things we can relax about a bit. Also on today's show: * Norman has some things to say about WA. But don't worry, he's nice (enough) * Victoria finds something in the sewage in Colac * An update on Moderna's latest claims about preventing "severe" COVID disease * And why Australia could benefit by having to wait a bit longer for any vaccine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As more restrictions are relaxed, and as border controls continue to come down, it's time to revisit the things we should be doing to stay safe and healthy. From the start of the pandemic, getting tested if you show any symptoms at all is vital and will remain so until everyone is vaccinated. But what about the other things like washing your hands, choosing to wear masks even if it's not mandated and refraining from hugging or getting too close? On today's Coronacast, the things that are worth continuing just to be safe and the things we can relax about a bit. Also on today's show: * Norman has some things to say about WA. But don't worry, he's nice (enough) * Victoria finds something in the sewage in Colac * An update on Moderna's latest claims about preventing "severe" COVID disease * And why Australia could benefit by having to wait a bit longer for any vaccine As more restrictions are relaxed, and as border controls continue to come down, it's time to revisit the things we should be doing to stay safe and healthy. From the start of the pandemic, getting tested if you show any symptoms at all is vital and will remain so until everyone is vaccinated. But what about the other things like washing your hands, choosing to wear masks even if it's not mandated and refraining from hugging or getting too close? On today's Coronacast, the things that are worth continuing just to be safe and the things we can relax about a bit. Also on today's show: * Norman has some things to say about WA. But don't worry, he's nice (enough) * Victoria finds something in the sewage in Colac * An update on Moderna's latest claims about preventing "severe" COVID disease * And why Australia could benefit by having to wait a bit longer for any vaccine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As more restrictions are relaxed, and as border controls continue to come down, it's time to revisit the things we should be doing to stay safe and healthy.

From the start of the pandemic, getting tested if you show any symptoms at all is vital and will remain so until everyone is vaccinated.

But what about the other things like washing your hands, choosing to wear masks even if it's not mandated and refraining from hugging or getting too close?

On today's Coronacast, the things that are worth continuing just to be safe and the things we can relax about a bit.

Also on today's show:

* Norman has some things to say about WA. But don't worry, he's nice (enough)

* Victoria finds something in the sewage in Colac

* An update on Moderna's latest claims about preventing "severe" COVID disease

* And why Australia could benefit by having to wait a bit longer for any vaccine

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 818 The COVIDSafe app is back. Will it work better this time? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-covidsafe-app-is-back-will-it-work-better-this-time/12939912 The COVIDSafe app has been given a massive update, and with it comes the hope that it'll give contact tracers vital information when tracking down COVID positive cases. However experts have criticised the update not using technology developed by Apple and Google. Since the app was first launched in April, it has been used successfully several times to find people who otherwise might have been missed by human contact tracers, but overall hasn't been of much use. So on today's Coronacast, will the updates help make the app work better this time round? Featured: James Purtill, ABC technology reporter, ABC Science Unit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Dec 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The COVIDSafe app has been given a massive update, and with it comes the hope that it'll give contact tracers vital information when tracking down COVID positive cases. However experts have criticised the update not using technology developed by Apple and Google. Since the app was first launched in April, it has been used successfully several times to find people who otherwise might have been missed by human contact tracers, but overall hasn't been of much use. So on today's Coronacast, will the updates help make the app work better this time round? Featured: James Purtill, ABC technology reporter, ABC Science Unit The COVIDSafe app has been given a massive update, and with it comes the hope that it'll give contact tracers vital information when tracking down COVID positive cases. However experts have criticised the update not using technology developed by Apple and Google. Since the app was first launched in April, it has been used successfully several times to find people who otherwise might have been missed by human contact tracers, but overall hasn't been of much use. So on today's Coronacast, will the updates help make the app work better this time round? Featured: James Purtill, ABC technology reporter, ABC Science Unit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The COVIDSafe app has been given a massive update, and with it comes the hope that it'll give contact tracers vital information when tracking down COVID positive cases.

However experts have criticised the update not using technology developed by Apple and Google.

Since the app was first launched in April, it has been used successfully several times to find people who otherwise might have been missed by human contact tracers, but overall hasn't been of much use.

So on today's Coronacast, will the updates help make the app work better this time round?

Featured:

James Purtill, ABC technology reporter, ABC Science Unit

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 601 Why are health authorities still struggling to communicate? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-are-health-authorities-still-struggling-to-communicate/12935828 It's been a tough couple of days for health authorities in South Australia, especially surrounding the case of the COVID positive man who went out to lots of places. Health authorities initially said he had broken quarantine by going shopping, before admitting that as a casual contact he hadn't actually been told to stay home. It turns out that the man did everything that was asked of him, and it was the authorities who got the message wrong. So on today's Coronacast, why getting the information right is so important - and particularly in a pandemic. On today's show: * We haven't had a case of coronavirus in town for over 6 months now. My school age kids often catch colds and I've been getting them swabbed each time. Do I need to continue having them tested? * We've heard a lot from the companies about the effectiveness of their vaccines, however could you comment on the safety component of the trials? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been a tough couple of days for health authorities in South Australia, especially surrounding the case of the COVID positive man who went out to lots of places. Health authorities initially said he had broken quarantine by going shopping, before admitting that as a casual contact he hadn't actually been told to stay home. It turns out that the man did everything that was asked of him, and it was the authorities who got the message wrong. So on today's Coronacast, why getting the information right is so important - and particularly in a pandemic. On today's show: * We haven't had a case of coronavirus in town for over 6 months now. My school age kids often catch colds and I've been getting them swabbed each time. Do I need to continue having them tested? * We've heard a lot from the companies about the effectiveness of their vaccines, however could you comment on the safety component of the trials? It's been a tough couple of days for health authorities in South Australia, especially surrounding the case of the COVID positive man who went out to lots of places. Health authorities initially said he had broken quarantine by going shopping, before admitting that as a casual contact he hadn't actually been told to stay home. It turns out that the man did everything that was asked of him, and it was the authorities who got the message wrong. So on today's Coronacast, why getting the information right is so important - and particularly in a pandemic. On today's show: * We haven't had a case of coronavirus in town for over 6 months now. My school age kids often catch colds and I've been getting them swabbed each time. Do I need to continue having them tested? * We've heard a lot from the companies about the effectiveness of their vaccines, however could you comment on the safety component of the trials? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been a tough couple of days for health authorities in South Australia, especially surrounding the case of the COVID positive man who went out to lots of places.

Health authorities initially said he had broken quarantine by going shopping, before admitting that as a casual contact he hadn't actually been told to stay home.

It turns out that the man did everything that was asked of him, and it was the authorities who got the message wrong.

So on today's Coronacast, why getting the information right is so important - and particularly in a pandemic.

On today's show:

* We haven't had a case of coronavirus in town for over 6 months now. My school age kids often catch colds and I've been getting them swabbed each time. Do I need to continue having them tested?

* We've heard a lot from the companies about the effectiveness of their vaccines, however could you comment on the safety component of the trials?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 575 What's going on with the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-going-on-with-the-astrazenecaoxford-vaccine/12932924 As the days have passed since the drug company AstraZeneca announced its coronavirus vaccine results, the questions about those results and what they could mean have only grown. Last week, AstraZeneca reported a 90 percent efficacy rate for its vaccine - but also another lower rate for another part of the trial. Now questions are emerging around how the trial was run, and if parts of it were accidental or if they were on purpose. It's all very confusing, so here's today's Coronacast to help sort it out. Also on today's show: * Why haven't Pfizer and Moderna been subject to similar criticism as AstraZeneca? * Is there any logic to forcing international arrivals who may or may not be infected with coronavirus to quarantine in a hotel, yet those who are confirmed to be infected are able to stay at home? And will Norman back down on his highly inflammatory pineapple pizza comments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 29 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the days have passed since the drug company AstraZeneca announced its coronavirus vaccine results, the questions about those results and what they could mean have only grown. Last week, AstraZeneca reported a 90 percent efficacy rate for its vaccine - but also another lower rate for another part of the trial. Now questions are emerging around how the trial was run, and if parts of it were accidental or if they were on purpose. It's all very confusing, so here's today's Coronacast to help sort it out. Also on today's show: * Why haven't Pfizer and Moderna been subject to similar criticism as AstraZeneca? * Is there any logic to forcing international arrivals who may or may not be infected with coronavirus to quarantine in a hotel, yet those who are confirmed to be infected are able to stay at home? And will Norman back down on his highly inflammatory pineapple pizza comments? As the days have passed since the drug company AstraZeneca announced its coronavirus vaccine results, the questions about those results and what they could mean have only grown. Last week, AstraZeneca reported a 90 percent efficacy rate for its vaccine - but also another lower rate for another part of the trial. Now questions are emerging around how the trial was run, and if parts of it were accidental or if they were on purpose. It's all very confusing, so here's today's Coronacast to help sort it out. Also on today's show: * Why haven't Pfizer and Moderna been subject to similar criticism as AstraZeneca? * Is there any logic to forcing international arrivals who may or may not be infected with coronavirus to quarantine in a hotel, yet those who are confirmed to be infected are able to stay at home? And will Norman back down on his highly inflammatory pineapple pizza comments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the days have passed since the drug company AstraZeneca announced its coronavirus vaccine results, the questions about those results and what they could mean have only grown.

Last week, AstraZeneca reported a 90 percent efficacy rate for its vaccine - but also another lower rate for another part of the trial.

Now questions are emerging around how the trial was run, and if parts of it were accidental or if they were on purpose.

It's all very confusing, so here's today's Coronacast to help sort it out.

Also on today's show:

* Why haven't Pfizer and Moderna been subject to similar criticism as AstraZeneca?

* Is there any logic to forcing international arrivals who may or may not be infected with coronavirus to quarantine in a hotel, yet those who are confirmed to be infected are able to stay at home?

And will Norman back down on his highly inflammatory pineapple pizza comments?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 700 Wait, so can you catch coronavirus from a pizza or not? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/wait-so-can-you-catch-coronavirus-from-a-pizza-or-not/12925474 After a dramatic state-wide lockdown which was swiftly lifted when a patient revealed he'd lied about how he caught coronavirus, there is yet another twist in South Australia's latest outbreak.  A schoolgirl in Adelaide has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and has been linked to the same pizza restaurant which is now at the middle of Adelaide's cluster. So on today's Coronacast what might have happened?  Also on the show: * SARS-CoV-2 detected in sewage around Geelong * COVID-19 and deaths in the US and 18 other countries And Quick Fire Friday returns! Please note, Norman's pineapple on pizza comments are his own, but I guess if you must complain please send to: Why does Norman Swan hate pineapple and what has it ever done to him?C/O: Norman Swan's BossGPO BOX 9994Sydney NSW 2000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia After a dramatic state-wide lockdown which was swiftly lifted when a patient revealed he'd lied about how he caught coronavirus, there is yet another twist in South Australia's latest outbreak.  A schoolgirl in Adelaide has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and has been linked to the same pizza restaurant which is now at the middle of Adelaide's cluster. So on today's Coronacast what might have happened?  Also on the show: * SARS-CoV-2 detected in sewage around Geelong * COVID-19 and deaths in the US and 18 other countries And Quick Fire Friday returns! Please note, Norman's pineapple on pizza comments are his own, but I guess if you must complain please send to: Why does Norman Swan hate pineapple and what has it ever done to him? C/O: Norman Swan's Boss GPO BOX 9994 Sydney NSW 2000 After a dramatic state-wide lockdown which was swiftly lifted when a patient revealed he'd lied about how he caught coronavirus, there is yet another twist in South Australia's latest outbreak.  A schoolgirl in Adelaide has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and has been linked to the same pizza restaurant which is now at the middle of Adelaide's cluster. So on today's Coronacast what might have happened?  Also on the show: * SARS-CoV-2 detected in sewage around Geelong * COVID-19 and deaths in the US and 18 other countries And Quick Fire Friday returns! Please note, Norman's pineapple on pizza comments are his own, but I guess if you must complain please send to: Why does Norman Swan hate pineapple and what has it ever done to him?C/O: Norman Swan's BossGPO BOX 9994Sydney NSW 2000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After a dramatic state-wide lockdown which was swiftly lifted when a patient revealed he'd lied about how he caught coronavirus, there is yet another twist in South Australia's latest outbreak. 

A schoolgirl in Adelaide has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and has been linked to the same pizza restaurant which is now at the middle of Adelaide's cluster.

So on today's Coronacast what might have happened? 

Also on the show:

* SARS-CoV-2 detected in sewage around Geelong

* COVID-19 and deaths in the US and 18 other countries

And Quick Fire Friday returns!

Please note, Norman's pineapple on pizza comments are his own, but I guess if you must complain please send to:

Why does Norman Swan hate pineapple and what has it ever done to him?C/O: Norman Swan's BossGPO BOX 9994Sydney NSW 2000

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 689 Borders are coming down. Were they based on science or politics? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/borders-are-coming-down-were-they-based-on-science-or-politics/12920804 Australia will soon - mostly - be a country where you can once again travel freely between states and territories. Many borders will finally come down in December 1, after they were put up to stop coronavirus jumping from state to state during Victoria’s second wave. But how much have they been about politics and how much about science? And if we can bring domestic borders down, when might international borders follow? Also on today’s show: * More on the testing of the Oxford vaccine * Would it be a good idea to take all the vaccines at once? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia will soon - mostly - be a country where you can once again travel freely between states and territories. Many borders will finally come down in December 1, after they were put up to stop coronavirus jumping from state to state during Victoria’s second wave. But how much have they been about politics and how much about science? And if we can bring domestic borders down, when might international borders follow? Also on today’s show: * More on the testing of the Oxford vaccine * Would it be a good idea to take all the vaccines at once? Australia will soon - mostly - be a country where you can once again travel freely between states and territories. Many borders will finally come down in December 1, after they were put up to stop coronavirus jumping from state to state during Victoria’s second wave. But how much have they been about politics and how much about science? And if we can bring domestic borders down, when might international borders follow? Also on today’s show: * More on the testing of the Oxford vaccine * Would it be a good idea to take all the vaccines at once? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia will soon - mostly - be a country where you can once again travel freely between states and territories.

Many borders will finally come down in December 1, after they were put up to stop coronavirus jumping from state to state during Victoria’s second wave.

But how much have they been about politics and how much about science?

And if we can bring domestic borders down, when might international borders follow?

Also on today’s show:

* More on the testing of the Oxford vaccine

* Would it be a good idea to take all the vaccines at once?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 666 Is the Oxford vaccine worse than the other ones? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-oxford-vaccine-worse-than-the-other-ones/12916230 All of a sudden, the world has three strong vaccine options to fight coronavirus. There's the Moderna vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine and now the Oxford vaccine. But while Moderna and Pfizer both reported they were more than 90 per cent effective, the press release for Oxford said it was only 70 per cent effective on average. Australia has a deal to get access to the Oxford vaccine if it's approved, but is it as good? * Australia has a deal to get the Oxford vaccine, but it seems to have a lower effectiveness. Are we getting the s*#t vaccine? * I am a frontline healthcare worker so will likely have first access to the vaccine. I am also pregnant. Is there any evidence of safety in a pregnant population? Should I wait until I've given birth to receive the vaccine? * After 11 months of no proven vaccines, we've gotten results about three effective vaccines in just the last two weeks. Does Norman think this timing is simply a coincidence? And Norman's been watching coronavirus seminars again. What's he learnt regarding how masks worked in Melbourne and NSW clusters? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia All of a sudden, the world has three strong vaccine options to fight coronavirus. There's the Moderna vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine and now the Oxford vaccine. But while Moderna and Pfizer both reported they were more than 90 per cent effective, the press release for Oxford said it was only 70 per cent effective on average. Australia has a deal to get access to the Oxford vaccine if it's approved, but is it as good? * Australia has a deal to get the Oxford vaccine, but it seems to have a lower effectiveness. Are we getting the s*#t vaccine? * I am a frontline healthcare worker so will likely have first access to the vaccine. I am also pregnant. Is there any evidence of safety in a pregnant population? Should I wait until I've given birth to receive the vaccine? * After 11 months of no proven vaccines, we've gotten results about three effective vaccines in just the last two weeks. Does Norman think this timing is simply a coincidence? And Norman's been watching coronavirus seminars again. What's he learnt regarding how masks worked in Melbourne and NSW clusters? All of a sudden, the world has three strong vaccine options to fight coronavirus. There's the Moderna vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine and now the Oxford vaccine. But while Moderna and Pfizer both reported they were more than 90 per cent effective, the press release for Oxford said it was only 70 per cent effective on average. Australia has a deal to get access to the Oxford vaccine if it's approved, but is it as good? * Australia has a deal to get the Oxford vaccine, but it seems to have a lower effectiveness. Are we getting the s*#t vaccine? * I am a frontline healthcare worker so will likely have first access to the vaccine. I am also pregnant. Is there any evidence of safety in a pregnant population? Should I wait until I've given birth to receive the vaccine? * After 11 months of no proven vaccines, we've gotten results about three effective vaccines in just the last two weeks. Does Norman think this timing is simply a coincidence? And Norman's been watching coronavirus seminars again. What's he learnt regarding how masks worked in Melbourne and NSW clusters? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices All of a sudden, the world has three strong vaccine options to fight coronavirus. There's the Moderna vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine and now the Oxford vaccine.

But while Moderna and Pfizer both reported they were more than 90 per cent effective, the press release for Oxford said it was only 70 per cent effective on average.

Australia has a deal to get access to the Oxford vaccine if it's approved, but is it as good?

* Australia has a deal to get the Oxford vaccine, but it seems to have a lower effectiveness. Are we getting the s*#t vaccine?

* I am a frontline healthcare worker so will likely have first access to the vaccine. I am also pregnant. Is there any evidence of safety in a pregnant population? Should I wait until I've given birth to receive the vaccine?

* After 11 months of no proven vaccines, we've gotten results about three effective vaccines in just the last two weeks. Does Norman think this timing is simply a coincidence?

And Norman's been watching coronavirus seminars again. What's he learnt regarding how masks worked in Melbourne and NSW clusters?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 675 Is coronavirus seasonal after all? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-coronavirus-seasonal-after-all/12912472 As coronavirus has now had a year to spread around the world, scientists are starting to become more confident the virus could be more seasonal than originally expected. Models are showing caseloads in America, which will soon be in winter, will possibly plateau around January. So if coronavirus is seasonal, what could that mean for Australia's next winter? On today's show: * If the world just stood still for two weeks would coronavirus die altogether? * What is the latest with the Queensland University vaccine? * I don't have a smart phone and have no intention of getting one. Will I be turned away from any venues in NSW because I can't complete a QR code? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As coronavirus has now had a year to spread around the world, scientists are starting to become more confident the virus could be more seasonal than originally expected. Models are showing caseloads in America, which will soon be in winter, will possibly plateau around January. So if coronavirus is seasonal, what could that mean for Australia's next winter? On today's show: * If the world just stood still for two weeks would coronavirus die altogether? * What is the latest with the Queensland University vaccine? * I don't have a smart phone and have no intention of getting one. Will I be turned away from any venues in NSW because I can't complete a QR code? As coronavirus has now had a year to spread around the world, scientists are starting to become more confident the virus could be more seasonal than originally expected. Models are showing caseloads in America, which will soon be in winter, will possibly plateau around January. So if coronavirus is seasonal, what could that mean for Australia's next winter? On today's show: * If the world just stood still for two weeks would coronavirus die altogether? * What is the latest with the Queensland University vaccine? * I don't have a smart phone and have no intention of getting one. Will I be turned away from any venues in NSW because I can't complete a QR code? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As coronavirus has now had a year to spread around the world, scientists are starting to become more confident the virus could be more seasonal than originally expected.

Models are showing caseloads in America, which will soon be in winter, will possibly plateau around January.

So if coronavirus is seasonal, what could that mean for Australia's next winter?

On today's show:

* If the world just stood still for two weeks would coronavirus die altogether?

* What is the latest with the Queensland University vaccine?

* I don't have a smart phone and have no intention of getting one. Will I be turned away from any venues in NSW because I can't complete a QR code?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 721 Is South Australia out of the woods? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-south-australia-out-of-the-woods/12909068 After plunging the state into a full lockdown, then dramatically performing a massive U turn a few days later, South Australia is hoping its outbreak is under control. It's been a week since health authorities discovered coronavirus had somehow broken out of hotel quarantine and had infected nearly 20 people. Since then, 4500 people are in quarantine and the number of cases has slowed - despite claims that the state was dealing with a particularly fast moving virus. So has South Australia managed to control it? Are they out of the woods? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 22 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia After plunging the state into a full lockdown, then dramatically performing a massive U turn a few days later, South Australia is hoping its outbreak is under control. It's been a week since health authorities discovered coronavirus had somehow broken out of hotel quarantine and had infected nearly 20 people. Since then, 4500 people are in quarantine and the number of cases has slowed - despite claims that the state was dealing with a particularly fast moving virus. So has South Australia managed to control it? Are they out of the woods? After plunging the state into a full lockdown, then dramatically performing a massive U turn a few days later, South Australia is hoping its outbreak is under control. It's been a week since health authorities discovered coronavirus had somehow broken out of hotel quarantine and had infected nearly 20 people. Since then, 4500 people are in quarantine and the number of cases has slowed - despite claims that the state was dealing with a particularly fast moving virus. So has South Australia managed to control it? Are they out of the woods? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After plunging the state into a full lockdown, then dramatically performing a massive U turn a few days later, South Australia is hoping its outbreak is under control.

It's been a week since health authorities discovered coronavirus had somehow broken out of hotel quarantine and had infected nearly 20 people.

Since then, 4500 people are in quarantine and the number of cases has slowed - despite claims that the state was dealing with a particularly fast moving virus.

So has South Australia managed to control it? Are they out of the woods?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 716 A donut day before the storm? Is six days going to be enough? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-donut-day-before-the-storm-is-six-days-going-to-be-enough/12902068 South Australia posted a donut day yesterday recording zero new coronavirus cases. The state is now under a severe lockdown for the next five days, with people only being allowed out under strict conditions. But if there's fear of a major outbreak and the virus is supposedly moving very fast and is very active, why zero cases? And will SA be able to keep it up? On today's show: * Is 6 days lockdown in South Australia going to be long enough? * Coronavirus fragments have been detected in wastewater from Benalla and Portland * I got a negative coronavirus test, but it also told me that I had another virus. Is this common? What else are they testing for? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia South Australia posted a donut day yesterday recording zero new coronavirus cases. The state is now under a severe lockdown for the next five days, with people only being allowed out under strict conditions. But if there's fear of a major outbreak and the virus is supposedly moving very fast and is very active, why zero cases? And will SA be able to keep it up? On today's show: * Is 6 days lockdown in South Australia going to be long enough? * Coronavirus fragments have been detected in wastewater from Benalla and Portland * I got a negative coronavirus test, but it also told me that I had another virus. Is this common? What else are they testing for? South Australia posted a donut day yesterday recording zero new coronavirus cases. The state is now under a severe lockdown for the next five days, with people only being allowed out under strict conditions. But if there's fear of a major outbreak and the virus is supposedly moving very fast and is very active, why zero cases? And will SA be able to keep it up? On today's show: * Is 6 days lockdown in South Australia going to be long enough? * Coronavirus fragments have been detected in wastewater from Benalla and Portland * I got a negative coronavirus test, but it also told me that I had another virus. Is this common? What else are they testing for? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices South Australia posted a donut day yesterday recording zero new coronavirus cases.

The state is now under a severe lockdown for the next five days, with people only being allowed out under strict conditions.

But if there's fear of a major outbreak and the virus is supposedly moving very fast and is very active, why zero cases? And will SA be able to keep it up?

On today's show:

* Is 6 days lockdown in South Australia going to be long enough?

* Coronavirus fragments have been detected in wastewater from Benalla and Portland

* I got a negative coronavirus test, but it also told me that I had another virus. Is this common? What else are they testing for?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 674 So what's the deal with this new coronavirus strain in Adelaide? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/so-whats-the-deal-with-this-new-coronavirus-strain-in-adelaide/12897362 South Australia has started its first day of a strict six day lockdown that health authorities have described as a "circuit breaker" to stamp out Adelaide's coronavirus outbreak. So far, the number of new cases remains relatively small. But authorities are worried they're dealing with a variant of the SARS-Cov-2 virus which moves much more quickly and patients don't show symptoms. So how likely is it that the virus has changed and is now far sneakier? And will the six day lockdown solve the problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia South Australia has started its first day of a strict six day lockdown that health authorities have described as a "circuit breaker" to stamp out Adelaide's coronavirus outbreak. So far, the number of new cases remains relatively small. But authorities are worried they're dealing with a variant of the SARS-Cov-2 virus which moves much more quickly and patients don't show symptoms. So how likely is it that the virus has changed and is now far sneakier? And will the six day lockdown solve the problem? South Australia has started its first day of a strict six day lockdown that health authorities have described as a "circuit breaker" to stamp out Adelaide's coronavirus outbreak. So far, the number of new cases remains relatively small. But authorities are worried they're dealing with a variant of the SARS-Cov-2 virus which moves much more quickly and patients don't show symptoms. So how likely is it that the virus has changed and is now far sneakier? And will the six day lockdown solve the problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices South Australia has started its first day of a strict six day lockdown that health authorities have described as a "circuit breaker" to stamp out Adelaide's coronavirus outbreak.

So far, the number of new cases remains relatively small. But authorities are worried they're dealing with a variant of the SARS-Cov-2 virus which moves much more quickly and patients don't show symptoms.

So how likely is it that the virus has changed and is now far sneakier? And will the six day lockdown solve the problem?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 726 Why South Australia's outbreak isn't going away anytime soon https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-south-australias-outbreak-isnt-going-away-anytime-soon/12892884 The number of cases in Adelaide's coronavirus cluster has jumped again, and health authorities are warning it'll likely continue to grow. There are more than 4000 people currently in quarantine, and authorities say there are a handful of people that they are treating as highly likely to test positive in coming days. It's worth remembering that even if everything goes the right way, this outbreak is going to take weeks to resolve as all contacts are traced and tested. So on today's Coronacast, why the citizens of Adelaide can't let up or relax for at least the next fortnight or so. Also on today's show: * What does the results around the Moderna mRNA vaccine mean for fighting COVID? * Why are there still three remaining cases in Victoria especially since they've gone so long without a case? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The number of cases in Adelaide's coronavirus cluster has jumped again, and health authorities are warning it'll likely continue to grow. There are more than 4000 people currently in quarantine, and authorities say there are a handful of people that they are treating as highly likely to test positive in coming days. It's worth remembering that even if everything goes the right way, this outbreak is going to take weeks to resolve as all contacts are traced and tested. So on today's Coronacast, why the citizens of Adelaide can't let up or relax for at least the next fortnight or so. Also on today's show: * What does the results around the Moderna mRNA vaccine mean for fighting COVID? * Why are there still three remaining cases in Victoria especially since they've gone so long without a case? The number of cases in Adelaide's coronavirus cluster has jumped again, and health authorities are warning it'll likely continue to grow. There are more than 4000 people currently in quarantine, and authorities say there are a handful of people that they are treating as highly likely to test positive in coming days. It's worth remembering that even if everything goes the right way, this outbreak is going to take weeks to resolve as all contacts are traced and tested. So on today's Coronacast, why the citizens of Adelaide can't let up or relax for at least the next fortnight or so. Also on today's show: * What does the results around the Moderna mRNA vaccine mean for fighting COVID? * Why are there still three remaining cases in Victoria especially since they've gone so long without a case? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The number of cases in Adelaide's coronavirus cluster has jumped again, and health authorities are warning it'll likely continue to grow.

There are more than 4000 people currently in quarantine, and authorities say there are a handful of people that they are treating as highly likely to test positive in coming days.

It's worth remembering that even if everything goes the right way, this outbreak is going to take weeks to resolve as all contacts are traced and tested.

So on today's Coronacast, why the citizens of Adelaide can't let up or relax for at least the next fortnight or so.

Also on today's show:

* What does the results around the Moderna mRNA vaccine mean for fighting COVID?

* Why are there still three remaining cases in Victoria especially since they've gone so long without a case?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 662 Lockdown early or wait and see? The big questions facing Adelaide https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lockdown-early-or-wait-and-see-big-questions-facing-adelaide/12889220 South Australia has spent its first night under increased restrictions as the state battles a coronavirus cluster that increased dramatically in size yesterday. From when the first case was discovered on Saturday, the number quickly jumped to double figures by Monday as authorities conducted contact tracing and testing. So far, the cluster is primarily centred around a single family with a link to an Adelaide hotel quarantine facility. But on today's Coronacast, the big question remains: when did the virus manage to escape and what could that mean for South Australia's chances of getting it under control? On today's show: * What went wrong in hotel quarantine? * Is it time to mandate mask wearing in SA? * What is Norman's view on testing workers in medi-hotels? * Do you think the black death would have been easier to handle than COVID-19 if the people back then had the resources we do now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia South Australia has spent its first night under increased restrictions as the state battles a coronavirus cluster that increased dramatically in size yesterday. From when the first case was discovered on Saturday, the number quickly jumped to double figures by Monday as authorities conducted contact tracing and testing. So far, the cluster is primarily centred around a single family with a link to an Adelaide hotel quarantine facility. But on today's Coronacast, the big question remains: when did the virus manage to escape and what could that mean for South Australia's chances of getting it under control? On today's show: * What went wrong in hotel quarantine? * Is it time to mandate mask wearing in SA? * What is Norman's view on testing workers in medi-hotels? * Do you think the black death would have been easier to handle than COVID-19 if the people back then had the resources we do now? South Australia has spent its first night under increased restrictions as the state battles a coronavirus cluster that increased dramatically in size yesterday. From when the first case was discovered on Saturday, the number quickly jumped to double figures by Monday as authorities conducted contact tracing and testing. So far, the cluster is primarily centred around a single family with a link to an Adelaide hotel quarantine facility. But on today's Coronacast, the big question remains: when did the virus manage to escape and what could that mean for South Australia's chances of getting it under control? On today's show: * What went wrong in hotel quarantine? * Is it time to mandate mask wearing in SA? * What is Norman's view on testing workers in medi-hotels? * Do you think the black death would have been easier to handle than COVID-19 if the people back then had the resources we do now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices South Australia has spent its first night under increased restrictions as the state battles a coronavirus cluster that increased dramatically in size yesterday.

From when the first case was discovered on Saturday, the number quickly jumped to double figures by Monday as authorities conducted contact tracing and testing.

So far, the cluster is primarily centred around a single family with a link to an Adelaide hotel quarantine facility.

But on today's Coronacast, the big question remains: when did the virus manage to escape and what could that mean for South Australia's chances of getting it under control?

On today's show:

* What went wrong in hotel quarantine?

* Is it time to mandate mask wearing in SA?

* What is Norman's view on testing workers in medi-hotels?

* Do you think the black death would have been easier to handle than COVID-19 if the people back then had the resources we do now?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 618 SA's coronavirus outbreak. What happens now? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/sa-outbreak-what-happens-now/12885936 South Australian health authorities say several people have tested positive to coronavirus outside of hotel quarantine. They're urging anyone with the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing, as attempts are made to try and work out how far the virus may have got and where it has come from. It's been many months since there's been cases of unknown origin in South Australia. So on today's Coronacast, why this is a massive wake up call that the virus hasn't gone away. Also on today's show: * New study showing how much coronavirus might have gone under the radar in Sydney * How big a risk is Christmas and New Year in "complacent" states like Western Australia? * If a vaccine becomes available early next year, would you recommend someone who is pregnant getting it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 15 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia South Australian health authorities say several people have tested positive to coronavirus outside of hotel quarantine. They're urging anyone with the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing, as attempts are made to try and work out how far the virus may have got and where it has come from. It's been many months since there's been cases of unknown origin in South Australia. So on today's Coronacast, why this is a massive wake up call that the virus hasn't gone away. Also on today's show: * New study showing how much coronavirus might have gone under the radar in Sydney * How big a risk is Christmas and New Year in "complacent" states like Western Australia? * If a vaccine becomes available early next year, would you recommend someone who is pregnant getting it? South Australian health authorities say several people have tested positive to coronavirus outside of hotel quarantine. They're urging anyone with the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing, as attempts are made to try and work out how far the virus may have got and where it has come from. It's been many months since there's been cases of unknown origin in South Australia. So on today's Coronacast, why this is a massive wake up call that the virus hasn't gone away. Also on today's show: * New study showing how much coronavirus might have gone under the radar in Sydney * How big a risk is Christmas and New Year in "complacent" states like Western Australia? * If a vaccine becomes available early next year, would you recommend someone who is pregnant getting it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices South Australian health authorities say several people have tested positive to coronavirus outside of hotel quarantine.

They're urging anyone with the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing, as attempts are made to try and work out how far the virus may have got and where it has come from.

It's been many months since there's been cases of unknown origin in South Australia.

So on today's Coronacast, why this is a massive wake up call that the virus hasn't gone away.

Also on today's show:

* New study showing how much coronavirus might have gone under the radar in Sydney

* How big a risk is Christmas and New Year in "complacent" states like Western Australia?

* If a vaccine becomes available early next year, would you recommend someone who is pregnant getting it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 637 Everything you've wanted to know about sewage testing https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/everything-youve-wanted-to-know-about-sewage-testing/12878138 In the fight against COVID, it turns out that regular old sewage could be a major tool in detecting outbreaks long before people even come forward for testing. In many states, health authorities are regularly testing sewage for SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID - as an early warning system that the virus is circulating. And the idea that a single positive person could be detected via a city's sewage system has captivated Coronacast's audience - so today's episode is answering everything you've ever wanted to know about sewage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In the fight against COVID, it turns out that regular old sewage could be a major tool in detecting outbreaks long before people even come forward for testing. In many states, health authorities are regularly testing sewage for SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID - as an early warning system that the virus is circulating. And the idea that a single positive person could be detected via a city's sewage system has captivated Coronacast's audience - so today's episode is answering everything you've ever wanted to know about sewage. In the fight against COVID, it turns out that regular old sewage could be a major tool in detecting outbreaks long before people even come forward for testing. In many states, health authorities are regularly testing sewage for SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID - as an early warning system that the virus is circulating. And the idea that a single positive person could be detected via a city's sewage system has captivated Coronacast's audience - so today's episode is answering everything you've ever wanted to know about sewage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the fight against COVID, it turns out that regular old sewage could be a major tool in detecting outbreaks long before people even come forward for testing.

In many states, health authorities are regularly testing sewage for SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID - as an early warning system that the virus is circulating.

And the idea that a single positive person could be detected via a city's sewage system has captivated Coronacast's audience - so today's episode is answering everything you've ever wanted to know about sewage.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 814 A vaccine means a quick return to normal right? Right???????? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/a-vaccine-means-a-quick-return-to-normal-right/12873434 With the great news about the Pfizer vaccine still celebrated around the world, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic's days will soon be numbered. But sadly, that's not that case, as is the hope that we'll bounce right back again to normal. That's because the vaccine might not stop you getting the virus, it'll just protect you from getting too sick. And that matters because if everyone can still get the virus and infect others, what do you do about the large numbers of people who are unprotected? Also today: what is "viral shedding"? Is a shedder a spreader? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With the great news about the Pfizer vaccine still celebrated around the world, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic's days will soon be numbered. But sadly, that's not that case, as is the hope that we'll bounce right back again to normal. That's because the vaccine might not stop you getting the virus, it'll just protect you from getting too sick. And that matters because if everyone can still get the virus and infect others, what do you do about the large numbers of people who are unprotected? Also today: what is "viral shedding"? Is a shedder a spreader? With the great news about the Pfizer vaccine still celebrated around the world, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic's days will soon be numbered. But sadly, that's not that case, as is the hope that we'll bounce right back again to normal. That's because the vaccine might not stop you getting the virus, it'll just protect you from getting too sick. And that matters because if everyone can still get the virus and infect others, what do you do about the large numbers of people who are unprotected? Also today: what is "viral shedding"? Is a shedder a spreader? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With the great news about the Pfizer vaccine still celebrated around the world, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic's days will soon be numbered.

But sadly, that's not that case, as is the hope that we'll bounce right back again to normal.

That's because the vaccine might not stop you getting the virus, it'll just protect you from getting too sick.

And that matters because if everyone can still get the virus and infect others, what do you do about the large numbers of people who are unprotected?

Also today: what is "viral shedding"? Is a shedder a spreader?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 715 What we still don't know about the vaccine announcement (but it's ok to be excited!) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-we-still-dont-know-about-the-vaccine-announcement/12867736 The drug company Pfizer has announced its coronavirus vaccine has 90 per cent efficacy against COVID-19. It seems like exciting news, especially as it's one of the four vaccines the Australian Government has secured a deal to access if it proves safe and effective. But Pfizer haven't provided much in the way of data to explain their claims -- just a press release so far. So exactly how promising is this news? And what does all the scientific words like "90 per cent efficacy" actually mean? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The drug company Pfizer has announced its coronavirus vaccine has 90 per cent efficacy against COVID-19. It seems like exciting news, especially as it's one of the four vaccines the Australian Government has secured a deal to access if it proves safe and effective. But Pfizer haven't provided much in the way of data to explain their claims -- just a press release so far. So exactly how promising is this news? And what does all the scientific words like "90 per cent efficacy" actually mean? The drug company Pfizer has announced its coronavirus vaccine has 90 per cent efficacy against COVID-19. It seems like exciting news, especially as it's one of the four vaccines the Australian Government has secured a deal to access if it proves safe and effective. But Pfizer haven't provided much in the way of data to explain their claims -- just a press release so far. So exactly how promising is this news? And what does all the scientific words like "90 per cent efficacy" actually mean? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The drug company Pfizer has announced its coronavirus vaccine has 90 per cent efficacy against COVID-19.

It seems like exciting news, especially as it's one of the four vaccines the Australian Government has secured a deal to access if it proves safe and effective.

But Pfizer haven't provided much in the way of data to explain their claims -- just a press release so far.

So exactly how promising is this news? And what does all the scientific words like "90 per cent efficacy" actually mean?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 584 First bats, now Danish mink. How worried should we be? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/first-bats,-now-danish-mink.-how-worried-should-we-be/12865576 Millions of small carnivorous animals in Denmark - otherwise known as mink - are being killed due to concerns that they might pass a mutated form of coronavirus onto humans. The animal, which looks a little bit like a ferret, is prized for its fur in making coats. The concern is that the mutated strain of the virus might not be susceptible to the vaccines currently in development. On today's Coronacast, how worried should we be? Also on today's show: * What do we miss when we keep older people out of vaccine trials? * Norman do you really believe all these Victorian zeros? * Placebo effect aside, would gargling scotch help treat a COVID-19 infection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Millions of small carnivorous animals in Denmark - otherwise known as mink - are being killed due to concerns that they might pass a mutated form of coronavirus onto humans. The animal, which looks a little bit like a ferret, is prized for its fur in making coats. The concern is that the mutated strain of the virus might not be susceptible to the vaccines currently in development. On today's Coronacast, how worried should we be? Also on today's show: * What do we miss when we keep older people out of vaccine trials? * Norman do you really believe all these Victorian zeros? * Placebo effect aside, would gargling scotch help treat a COVID-19 infection? Millions of small carnivorous animals in Denmark - otherwise known as mink - are being killed due to concerns that they might pass a mutated form of coronavirus onto humans. The animal, which looks a little bit like a ferret, is prized for its fur in making coats. The concern is that the mutated strain of the virus might not be susceptible to the vaccines currently in development. On today's Coronacast, how worried should we be? Also on today's show: * What do we miss when we keep older people out of vaccine trials? * Norman do you really believe all these Victorian zeros? * Placebo effect aside, would gargling scotch help treat a COVID-19 infection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Millions of small carnivorous animals in Denmark - otherwise known as mink - are being killed due to concerns that they might pass a mutated form of coronavirus onto humans.

The animal, which looks a little bit like a ferret, is prized for its fur in making coats.

The concern is that the mutated strain of the virus might not be susceptible to the vaccines currently in development.

On today's Coronacast, how worried should we be?

Also on today's show:

* What do we miss when we keep older people out of vaccine trials?

* Norman do you really believe all these Victorian zeros?

* Placebo effect aside, would gargling scotch help treat a COVID-19 infection?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 633 Can Biden bring the US back from the coronavirus brink? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-biden-bring-the-us-back-from-the-coronavirus-brink/12861898 President-elect Joe Biden has already signalled that one of his first big jobs when he takes office will be to try to get the coronavirus pandemic under control. To date, the US has had nearly 10 million cases and 240,000 deaths, and both measures are getting worse by the week. So on today's Coronacast, with the pandemic already at a massive scale and growing, what's it going to take to pull the country back from the brink? Also on today's show: * When will masks no longer be mandatory in Victoria, given the continued low numbers, and inconsistency with comparable states like NSW? * Why doesn't NSW do some mass testing in the areas of concern? Wouldn't that help flush out cases? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 08 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia President-elect Joe Biden has already signalled that one of his first big jobs when he takes office will be to try to get the coronavirus pandemic under control. To date, the US has had nearly 10 million cases and 240,000 deaths, and both measures are getting worse by the week. So on today's Coronacast, with the pandemic already at a massive scale and growing, what's it going to take to pull the country back from the brink? Also on today's show: * When will masks no longer be mandatory in Victoria, given the continued low numbers, and inconsistency with comparable states like NSW? * Why doesn't NSW do some mass testing in the areas of concern? Wouldn't that help flush out cases? President-elect Joe Biden has already signalled that one of his first big jobs when he takes office will be to try to get the coronavirus pandemic under control. To date, the US has had nearly 10 million cases and 240,000 deaths, and both measures are getting worse by the week. So on today's Coronacast, with the pandemic already at a massive scale and growing, what's it going to take to pull the country back from the brink? Also on today's show: * When will masks no longer be mandatory in Victoria, given the continued low numbers, and inconsistency with comparable states like NSW? * Why doesn't NSW do some mass testing in the areas of concern? Wouldn't that help flush out cases? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices President-elect Joe Biden has already signalled that one of his first big jobs when he takes office will be to try to get the coronavirus pandemic under control.

To date, the US has had nearly 10 million cases and 240,000 deaths, and both measures are getting worse by the week.

So on today's Coronacast, with the pandemic already at a massive scale and growing, what's it going to take to pull the country back from the brink?

Also on today's show:

* When will masks no longer be mandatory in Victoria, given the continued low numbers, and inconsistency with comparable states like NSW?

* Why doesn't NSW do some mass testing in the areas of concern? Wouldn't that help flush out cases?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 642 Will there be not one, not two but FOUR vaccine options? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-there-be-not-one,-not-two-but-four-vaccine-options/12853722 As the search for a coronavirus vaccine continues, the Federal Government has signed a few new agreements to get Australians access to potential COVID-19 vaccines next year. The new deals are with two international vaccine companies and are in addition to the deals already signed with the University of Queensland and the Oxford vaccine deal. The vaccines are currently in various stages of clinical trials, so why sign so many deals when none of the vaccines have yet been proven to even work. Also on today's show: * Victoria has no more active coronavirus cases in its aged care sector * Do Norman and Tegan realise that there are actually more the three states in the Commonwealth of Australia? And it's also time for Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the search for a coronavirus vaccine continues, the Federal Government has signed a few new agreements to get Australians access to potential COVID-19 vaccines next year. The new deals are with two international vaccine companies and are in addition to the deals already signed with the University of Queensland and the Oxford vaccine deal. The vaccines are currently in various stages of clinical trials, so why sign so many deals when none of the vaccines have yet been proven to even work. Also on today's show: * Victoria has no more active coronavirus cases in its aged care sector * Do Norman and Tegan realise that there are actually more the three states in the Commonwealth of Australia? And it's also time for Quick Fire Friday! As the search for a coronavirus vaccine continues, the Federal Government has signed a few new agreements to get Australians access to potential COVID-19 vaccines next year. The new deals are with two international vaccine companies and are in addition to the deals already signed with the University of Queensland and the Oxford vaccine deal. The vaccines are currently in various stages of clinical trials, so why sign so many deals when none of the vaccines have yet been proven to even work. Also on today's show: * Victoria has no more active coronavirus cases in its aged care sector * Do Norman and Tegan realise that there are actually more the three states in the Commonwealth of Australia? And it's also time for Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the search for a coronavirus vaccine continues, the Federal Government has signed a few new agreements to get Australians access to potential COVID-19 vaccines next year.

The new deals are with two international vaccine companies and are in addition to the deals already signed with the University of Queensland and the Oxford vaccine deal.

The vaccines are currently in various stages of clinical trials, so why sign so many deals when none of the vaccines have yet been proven to even work.

Also on today's show:

* Victoria has no more active coronavirus cases in its aged care sector

* Do Norman and Tegan realise that there are actually more the three states in the Commonwealth of Australia?

And it's also time for Quick Fire Friday!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 645 How do we still not know the coronavirus's origin story? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-we-still-not-know-the-coronavirus-origin-story/12849472 Coronavirus is now nearly a year old, and despite it being studied by scientists from nearly every angle imaginable, we still don't know its origin story. While researchers can give us a good guess: it began in an animal somewhere in China, but locking it down more than that has been harder. And it matters because unless we fully understand why and how this pandemic came into existence, we might let the next one get away too. Also on today's show: * NZ shows again it's never game over for coronavirus * QR code changes in NSW * I have been having a glass of scotch every night to kill any virus that I might have caught through the day. Will this work and if not then at least I will have the placebo effect? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Coronavirus is now nearly a year old, and despite it being studied by scientists from nearly every angle imaginable, we still don't know its origin story. While researchers can give us a good guess: it began in an animal somewhere in China, but locking it down more than that has been harder. And it matters because unless we fully understand why and how this pandemic came into existence, we might let the next one get away too. Also on today's show: * NZ shows again it's never game over for coronavirus * QR code changes in NSW * I have been having a glass of scotch every night to kill any virus that I might have caught through the day. Will this work and if not then at least I will have the placebo effect? Coronavirus is now nearly a year old, and despite it being studied by scientists from nearly every angle imaginable, we still don't know its origin story. While researchers can give us a good guess: it began in an animal somewhere in China, but locking it down more than that has been harder. And it matters because unless we fully understand why and how this pandemic came into existence, we might let the next one get away too. Also on today's show: * NZ shows again it's never game over for coronavirus * QR code changes in NSW * I have been having a glass of scotch every night to kill any virus that I might have caught through the day. Will this work and if not then at least I will have the placebo effect? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Coronavirus is now nearly a year old, and despite it being studied by scientists from nearly every angle imaginable, we still don't know its origin story.

While researchers can give us a good guess: it began in an animal somewhere in China, but locking it down more than that has been harder.

And it matters because unless we fully understand why and how this pandemic came into existence, we might let the next one get away too.

Also on today's show:

* NZ shows again it's never game over for coronavirus

* QR code changes in NSW

* I have been having a glass of scotch every night to kill any virus that I might have caught through the day. Will this work and if not then at least I will have the placebo effect?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 641 Will NSW soon be the odd one out? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-nsw-soon-be-the-odd-one-out/12844576 For the last several months, it's been obvious that Victoria has been responsible for the most new locally-acquired coronavirus cases. But as the days tick by, it's increasingly NSW where we're seeing small numbers of new cases being added to the tally from small, managed outbreaks. But as the country continues to once again open domestic borders, could NSW be at risk of being left behind? Also on today's show: * We address some feedback on masks and blood oxygen levels * And on complacency, how do you deal with people who want you to "tough it out" and come to work sick? Also, check out America, If You're Listening's coronavirus episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/russia-if-youre-listening/how-coronavirus-destroyed-trumps-maga-promise/12826142 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For the last several months, it's been obvious that Victoria has been responsible for the most new locally-acquired coronavirus cases. But as the days tick by, it's increasingly NSW where we're seeing small numbers of new cases being added to the tally from small, managed outbreaks. But as the country continues to once again open domestic borders, could NSW be at risk of being left behind? Also on today's show: * We address some feedback on masks and blood oxygen levels * And on complacency, how do you deal with people who want you to "tough it out" and come to work sick? Also, check out America, If You're Listening's coronavirus episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/russia-if-youre-listening/how-coronavirus-destroyed-trumps-maga-promise/12826142 For the last several months, it's been obvious that Victoria has been responsible for the most new locally-acquired coronavirus cases. But as the days tick by, it's increasingly NSW where we're seeing small numbers of new cases being added to the tally from small, managed outbreaks. But as the country continues to once again open domestic borders, could NSW be at risk of being left behind? Also on today's show: * We address some feedback on masks and blood oxygen levels * And on complacency, how do you deal with people who want you to "tough it out" and come to work sick? Also, check out America, If You're Listening's coronavirus episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/russia-if-youre-listening/how-coronavirus-destroyed-trumps-maga-promise/12826142 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For the last several months, it's been obvious that Victoria has been responsible for the most new locally-acquired coronavirus cases.

But as the days tick by, it's increasingly NSW where we're seeing small numbers of new cases being added to the tally from small, managed outbreaks.

But as the country continues to once again open domestic borders, could NSW be at risk of being left behind?

Also on today's show:

* We address some feedback on masks and blood oxygen levels

* And on complacency, how do you deal with people who want you to "tough it out" and come to work sick?

Also, check out America, If You're Listening's coronavirus episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/russia-if-youre-listening/how-coronavirus-destroyed-trumps-maga-promise/12826142

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 575 What are the risks of too many donut days? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-are-the-risks-of-too-many-donut-days/12840694 You might have heard about so-called 'donut days' - days where zero cases of coronavirus are recorded. To yesterday, Victoria has recorded three donut days in a row which is a huge relief for the state which peaked at 700 daily infections back in July and August. But with the excitement of donut days, and now that they're becoming more common than not, there's always the risk that people will get comfortable with their new reality, and complacency could once again set in. Also on today's show: * I'm coming from the country to Sydney, how safe is public transportation? And Norman and Tegan discuss a couple of studies about masks - one showing the difference between two cities in America: one with a mask mandate and one without. And also a study on masks and oxygen levels. And are we getting closer to discovering how President Trump got coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might have heard about so-called 'donut days' - days where zero cases of coronavirus are recorded. To yesterday, Victoria has recorded three donut days in a row which is a huge relief for the state which peaked at 700 daily infections back in July and August. But with the excitement of donut days, and now that they're becoming more common than not, there's always the risk that people will get comfortable with their new reality, and complacency could once again set in. Also on today's show: * I'm coming from the country to Sydney, how safe is public transportation? And Norman and Tegan discuss a couple of studies about masks - one showing the difference between two cities in America: one with a mask mandate and one without. And also a study on masks and oxygen levels. And are we getting closer to discovering how President Trump got coronavirus? You might have heard about so-called 'donut days' - days where zero cases of coronavirus are recorded. To yesterday, Victoria has recorded three donut days in a row which is a huge relief for the state which peaked at 700 daily infections back in July and August. But with the excitement of donut days, and now that they're becoming more common than not, there's always the risk that people will get comfortable with their new reality, and complacency could once again set in. Also on today's show: * I'm coming from the country to Sydney, how safe is public transportation? And Norman and Tegan discuss a couple of studies about masks - one showing the difference between two cities in America: one with a mask mandate and one without. And also a study on masks and oxygen levels. And are we getting closer to discovering how President Trump got coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might have heard about so-called 'donut days' - days where zero cases of coronavirus are recorded.

To yesterday, Victoria has recorded three donut days in a row which is a huge relief for the state which peaked at 700 daily infections back in July and August.

But with the excitement of donut days, and now that they're becoming more common than not, there's always the risk that people will get comfortable with their new reality, and complacency could once again set in.

Also on today's show:

* I'm coming from the country to Sydney, how safe is public transportation?

And Norman and Tegan discuss a couple of studies about masks - one showing the difference between two cities in America: one with a mask mandate and one without. And also a study on masks and oxygen levels.

And are we getting closer to discovering how President Trump got coronavirus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 647 Will European lockdowns work or are they too weak? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-european-lockdowns-work-or-are-they-too-weak/12837114 Melbourne's three-month lockdown was a long and gruelling slog, but eventually the city was able to reopen with very low levels of coronavirus still around. The same almost certainly won't be true for major European countries, which are increasingly being forced into winter lockdowns to try and save their health systems from collapsing. England, France, Belgium and Austria have all recently announced a form of lockdown or social distancing restrictions. So with coronavirus really taking off in Europe, will the lockdowns work? Also on today's show: * What does the Coronacast team think of the various curfew measures in Europe right now? * If I were to be in a room with someone for a long period of time, does it make any difference if I gave them a hug when I saw them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 01 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melbourne's three-month lockdown was a long and gruelling slog, but eventually the city was able to reopen with very low levels of coronavirus still around. The same almost certainly won't be true for major European countries, which are increasingly being forced into winter lockdowns to try and save their health systems from collapsing. England, France, Belgium and Austria have all recently announced a form of lockdown or social distancing restrictions. So with coronavirus really taking off in Europe, will the lockdowns work? Also on today's show: * What does the Coronacast team think of the various curfew measures in Europe right now? * If I were to be in a room with someone for a long period of time, does it make any difference if I gave them a hug when I saw them? Melbourne's three-month lockdown was a long and gruelling slog, but eventually the city was able to reopen with very low levels of coronavirus still around. The same almost certainly won't be true for major European countries, which are increasingly being forced into winter lockdowns to try and save their health systems from collapsing. England, France, Belgium and Austria have all recently announced a form of lockdown or social distancing restrictions. So with coronavirus really taking off in Europe, will the lockdowns work? Also on today's show: * What does the Coronacast team think of the various curfew measures in Europe right now? * If I were to be in a room with someone for a long period of time, does it make any difference if I gave them a hug when I saw them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melbourne's three-month lockdown was a long and gruelling slog, but eventually the city was able to reopen with very low levels of coronavirus still around.

The same almost certainly won't be true for major European countries, which are increasingly being forced into winter lockdowns to try and save their health systems from collapsing.

England, France, Belgium and Austria have all recently announced a form of lockdown or social distancing restrictions.

So with coronavirus really taking off in Europe, will the lockdowns work?

Also on today's show:

* What does the Coronacast team think of the various curfew measures in Europe right now?

* If I were to be in a room with someone for a long period of time, does it make any difference if I gave them a hug when I saw them?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 659 Why the next big vaccine milestone might be only 4-6 weeks away https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-the-next-big-vaccine-milestone-might-be-only-4-6-weeks-away/12828484 All year we've been hearing a vaccine was 12 to 18 months away, and annoyingly it never seemed to change. But when you talk to the experts, it seems we're much closer to the next vaccine milestone than you might expect. And that milestone is finding out if any of the good quality frontrunner candidates work or not. The timeline? Possibly only 4-6 weeks away. On today's Coronacast, we're joined by vaccine expert Terry Nolan who describes what the vaccine front might look like by Christmas. GUEST: Professor Terry Nolan Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Murdoch Children's Research Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia All year we've been hearing a vaccine was 12 to 18 months away, and annoyingly it never seemed to change. But when you talk to the experts, it seems we're much closer to the next vaccine milestone than you might expect. And that milestone is finding out if any of the good quality frontrunner candidates work or not. The timeline? Possibly only 4-6 weeks away. On today's Coronacast, we're joined by vaccine expert Terry Nolan who describes what the vaccine front might look like by Christmas. GUEST: Professor Terry Nolan Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Murdoch Children's Research Institute All year we've been hearing a vaccine was 12 to 18 months away, and annoyingly it never seemed to change. But when you talk to the experts, it seems we're much closer to the next vaccine milestone than you might expect. And that milestone is finding out if any of the good quality frontrunner candidates work or not. The timeline? Possibly only 4-6 weeks away. On today's Coronacast, we're joined by vaccine expert Terry Nolan who describes what the vaccine front might look like by Christmas. GUEST: Professor Terry Nolan Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Murdoch Children's Research Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices All year we've been hearing a vaccine was 12 to 18 months away, and annoyingly it never seemed to change.

But when you talk to the experts, it seems we're much closer to the next vaccine milestone than you might expect.

And that milestone is finding out if any of the good quality frontrunner candidates work or not. The timeline? Possibly only 4-6 weeks away.

On today's Coronacast, we're joined by vaccine expert Terry Nolan who describes what the vaccine front might look like by Christmas.

GUEST:

Professor Terry Nolan

Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 729 Why the worsening pandemic overseas is a risk to Australia https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-the-worsening-pandemic-overseas-is-a-risk-to-australia/12823766 As the coronavirus pandemic speeds up overseas in Europe and America, it's putting pressure on Australia's hotel quarantine system. Pressure is building because of the higher chance that arrivals will test positive and the increase in demand from Australians wanting to come home. With more positive cases, the risk of a coronavirus escaping quarantine increases, potentially triggering another major outbreak like what happened in Victoria. So on today's Coronacast, is it time to revisit the old idea of opening specialist quarantine stations to help? Also on today's show: * Like everyone else in Melbourne I'm so excited to be coming out of lockdown, but after the initial euphoria of the announcement, and no new cases/deaths, I've just been feeling absolutely exhausted. * What does Norman mean when he says that a vaccine might be only 50 percent effective against getting COVID-19 disease? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the coronavirus pandemic speeds up overseas in Europe and America, it's putting pressure on Australia's hotel quarantine system. Pressure is building because of the higher chance that arrivals will test positive and the increase in demand from Australians wanting to come home. With more positive cases, the risk of a coronavirus escaping quarantine increases, potentially triggering another major outbreak like what happened in Victoria. So on today's Coronacast, is it time to revisit the old idea of opening specialist quarantine stations to help? Also on today's show: * Like everyone else in Melbourne I'm so excited to be coming out of lockdown, but after the initial euphoria of the announcement, and no new cases/deaths, I've just been feeling absolutely exhausted. * What does Norman mean when he says that a vaccine might be only 50 percent effective against getting COVID-19 disease? As the coronavirus pandemic speeds up overseas in Europe and America, it's putting pressure on Australia's hotel quarantine system. Pressure is building because of the higher chance that arrivals will test positive and the increase in demand from Australians wanting to come home. With more positive cases, the risk of a coronavirus escaping quarantine increases, potentially triggering another major outbreak like what happened in Victoria. So on today's Coronacast, is it time to revisit the old idea of opening specialist quarantine stations to help? Also on today's show: * Like everyone else in Melbourne I'm so excited to be coming out of lockdown, but after the initial euphoria of the announcement, and no new cases/deaths, I've just been feeling absolutely exhausted. * What does Norman mean when he says that a vaccine might be only 50 percent effective against getting COVID-19 disease? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the coronavirus pandemic speeds up overseas in Europe and America, it's putting pressure on Australia's hotel quarantine system.

Pressure is building because of the higher chance that arrivals will test positive and the increase in demand from Australians wanting to come home.

With more positive cases, the risk of a coronavirus escaping quarantine increases, potentially triggering another major outbreak like what happened in Victoria.

So on today's Coronacast, is it time to revisit the old idea of opening specialist quarantine stations to help?

Also on today's show:

* Like everyone else in Melbourne I'm so excited to be coming out of lockdown, but after the initial euphoria of the announcement, and no new cases/deaths, I've just been feeling absolutely exhausted.

* What does Norman mean when he says that a vaccine might be only 50 percent effective against getting COVID-19 disease?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 664 Forget herd immunity... does immunity last at all? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/forget-herd-immunity-does-immunity-last-at-all/12819242 There are several strategies when trying to control coronavirus - ranging from hard suppression to herd immunity. The idea behind herd immunity is to let the virus spread through a population in manageable numbers with the hope that when enough recover, it won't have anywhere else to go. But that relies on humans remaining immune. Today: why a recent yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study has thrown more doubt on the herd immunity theory. Also on this show: * What's the latest with the Russian vaccine? * Is it safe to go back into shopping centres in Melbourne while wearing a mask? And Norman has some research from Nature on our good friend the D614G spike protein mutation, and why it mightn't be worth worrying about too much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are several strategies when trying to control coronavirus - ranging from hard suppression to herd immunity. The idea behind herd immunity is to let the virus spread through a population in manageable numbers with the hope that when enough recover, it won't have anywhere else to go. But that relies on humans remaining immune. Today: why a recent yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study has thrown more doubt on the herd immunity theory. Also on this show: * What's the latest with the Russian vaccine? * Is it safe to go back into shopping centres in Melbourne while wearing a mask? And Norman has some research from Nature on our good friend the D614G spike protein mutation, and why it mightn't be worth worrying about too much. There are several strategies when trying to control coronavirus - ranging from hard suppression to herd immunity. The idea behind herd immunity is to let the virus spread through a population in manageable numbers with the hope that when enough recover, it won't have anywhere else to go. But that relies on humans remaining immune. Today: why a recent yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study has thrown more doubt on the herd immunity theory. Also on this show: * What's the latest with the Russian vaccine? * Is it safe to go back into shopping centres in Melbourne while wearing a mask? And Norman has some research from Nature on our good friend the D614G spike protein mutation, and why it mightn't be worth worrying about too much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are several strategies when trying to control coronavirus - ranging from hard suppression to herd immunity.

The idea behind herd immunity is to let the virus spread through a population in manageable numbers with the hope that when enough recover, it won't have anywhere else to go.

But that relies on humans remaining immune.

Today: why a recent yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study has thrown more doubt on the herd immunity theory.

Also on this show:

* What's the latest with the Russian vaccine?

* Is it safe to go back into shopping centres in Melbourne while wearing a mask?

And Norman has some research from Nature on our good friend the D614G spike protein mutation, and why it mightn't be worth worrying about too much.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 Victoria takes a deep breath and opens up! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/victoria-takes-a-deep-breath-and-opens-up/12815374 It's been months in the making, but finally Victoria has taken a deep breath and reopened. As of 11:59pm tonight, the Victorian lockdown will officially end and many of the most significant restrictions will be removed or wound back. Yesterday saw zero new cases, the first time since June 9th. So as the state opens up, what challenges await and what can the rest of the country learn? On today's show: * Learning to live a COVID normal life * The CDC changes its definition of what a close contact is * Norman and Tegan jump back into the jobby waters on sewage testing * What does Norman make of 9-12 month estimates before a vaccine could be rolled out across the country? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been months in the making, but finally Victoria has taken a deep breath and reopened. As of 11:59pm tonight, the Victorian lockdown will officially end and many of the most significant restrictions will be removed or wound back. Yesterday saw zero new cases, the first time since June 9th. So as the state opens up, what challenges await and what can the rest of the country learn? On today's show: * Learning to live a COVID normal life * The CDC changes its definition of what a close contact is * Norman and Tegan jump back into the jobby waters on sewage testing * What does Norman make of 9-12 month estimates before a vaccine could be rolled out across the country? It's been months in the making, but finally Victoria has taken a deep breath and reopened. As of 11:59pm tonight, the Victorian lockdown will officially end and many of the most significant restrictions will be removed or wound back. Yesterday saw zero new cases, the first time since June 9th. So as the state opens up, what challenges await and what can the rest of the country learn? On today's show: * Learning to live a COVID normal life * The CDC changes its definition of what a close contact is * Norman and Tegan jump back into the jobby waters on sewage testing * What does Norman make of 9-12 month estimates before a vaccine could be rolled out across the country? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been months in the making, but finally Victoria has taken a deep breath and reopened.

As of 11:59pm tonight, the Victorian lockdown will officially end and many of the most significant restrictions will be removed or wound back.

Yesterday saw zero new cases, the first time since June 9th.

So as the state opens up, what challenges await and what can the rest of the country learn?

On today's show:

* Learning to live a COVID normal life

* The CDC changes its definition of what a close contact is

* Norman and Tegan jump back into the jobby waters on sewage testing

* What does Norman make of 9-12 month estimates before a vaccine could be rolled out across the country?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 744 Why did Victoria hesitate to remove restrictions? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-did-victoria-hesitate-to-remove-restrictions/12811852 On Friday, the Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian health authorities sounded confident that coronavirus restrictions could be relaxed on Sunday. But 48 hours later, something changed. Daniel Andrews says despite the state recording just seven coronavirus infections in the last day, he doesn't believe it's safe enough to completely reopen Victoria yet. So why did Victoria hesitate to remove restrictions? Also on the show: * What happens if after months of lockdown you're now too scared to leave the house? * An update on whether masks are giving you just enough virus to give you some immunity * If you're wearing a mask on a plane, can you take it off to eat and drink? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 25 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia On Friday, the Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian health authorities sounded confident that coronavirus restrictions could be relaxed on Sunday. But 48 hours later, something changed. Daniel Andrews says despite the state recording just seven coronavirus infections in the last day, he doesn't believe it's safe enough to completely reopen Victoria yet. So why did Victoria hesitate to remove restrictions? Also on the show: * What happens if after months of lockdown you're now too scared to leave the house? * An update on whether masks are giving you just enough virus to give you some immunity * If you're wearing a mask on a plane, can you take it off to eat and drink? On Friday, the Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian health authorities sounded confident that coronavirus restrictions could be relaxed on Sunday. But 48 hours later, something changed. Daniel Andrews says despite the state recording just seven coronavirus infections in the last day, he doesn't believe it's safe enough to completely reopen Victoria yet. So why did Victoria hesitate to remove restrictions? Also on the show: * What happens if after months of lockdown you're now too scared to leave the house? * An update on whether masks are giving you just enough virus to give you some immunity * If you're wearing a mask on a plane, can you take it off to eat and drink? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On Friday, the Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian health authorities sounded confident that coronavirus restrictions could be relaxed on Sunday.

But 48 hours later, something changed.

Daniel Andrews says despite the state recording just seven coronavirus infections in the last day, he doesn't believe it's safe enough to completely reopen Victoria yet.

So why did Victoria hesitate to remove restrictions?

Also on the show:

* What happens if after months of lockdown you're now too scared to leave the house?

* An update on whether masks are giving you just enough virus to give you some immunity

* If you're wearing a mask on a plane, can you take it off to eat and drink?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 644 We can't be cut off from the world forever. How do we reopen? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-cant-be-cut-off-from-the-world-forever-how-do-we-reopen/12804104 As Australian states and territories take small steps to reopening internal borders, it raises the question of when international borders might be able to reopen too. Closing the country's borders with the rest of the world has been successful in managing the risk of coronavirus entering Australia undetected. But at the moment we have a very simple one size fits all approach: every single international arrival, except for New Zealand, goes into mandatory 14 day quarantine. So is it time to rethink it? On today's show: * With an outbreak in Melbourne's northern suburbs, is the city ready to reopen? * Rethinking our international border restrictions. Could we reopen to more countries? And it's also time for another round of Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As Australian states and territories take small steps to reopening internal borders, it raises the question of when international borders might be able to reopen too. Closing the country's borders with the rest of the world has been successful in managing the risk of coronavirus entering Australia undetected. But at the moment we have a very simple one size fits all approach: every single international arrival, except for New Zealand, goes into mandatory 14 day quarantine. So is it time to rethink it? On today's show: * With an outbreak in Melbourne's northern suburbs, is the city ready to reopen? * Rethinking our international border restrictions. Could we reopen to more countries? And it's also time for another round of Quick Fire Friday! As Australian states and territories take small steps to reopening internal borders, it raises the question of when international borders might be able to reopen too. Closing the country's borders with the rest of the world has been successful in managing the risk of coronavirus entering Australia undetected. But at the moment we have a very simple one size fits all approach: every single international arrival, except for New Zealand, goes into mandatory 14 day quarantine. So is it time to rethink it? On today's show: * With an outbreak in Melbourne's northern suburbs, is the city ready to reopen? * Rethinking our international border restrictions. Could we reopen to more countries? And it's also time for another round of Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As Australian states and territories take small steps to reopening internal borders, it raises the question of when international borders might be able to reopen too.

Closing the country's borders with the rest of the world has been successful in managing the risk of coronavirus entering Australia undetected.

But at the moment we have a very simple one size fits all approach: every single international arrival, except for New Zealand, goes into mandatory 14 day quarantine.

So is it time to rethink it?

On today's show:

* With an outbreak in Melbourne's northern suburbs, is the city ready to reopen?

* Rethinking our international border restrictions. Could we reopen to more countries?

And it's also time for another round of Quick Fire Friday!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 666 Is giving people coronavirus on purpose ethical? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-giving-people-coronavirus-on-purpose-ethical/12799554 In an effort to help speed up the development of a coronavirus vaccine, a group of healthy young people in the UK will be deliberately infected. It's known as a human challenge study - and it's not used often due to the risk to the participants. Making it even more risky, there is no foolproof treatment for COVID-19 if a participant starts to go rapidly downhill. While the researchers say the rewards outweigh the risks, it raises the question if anyone can really give informed consent for the trial as there's still so much we don't know. Also on today's show * What do we know about the possible reinfection in Victoria? * How bad is the pandemic getting in America? * Can Norman please use the term 'jobbie' when referring to his favourite topic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In an effort to help speed up the development of a coronavirus vaccine, a group of healthy young people in the UK will be deliberately infected. It's known as a human challenge study - and it's not used often due to the risk to the participants. Making it even more risky, there is no foolproof treatment for COVID-19 if a participant starts to go rapidly downhill. While the researchers say the rewards outweigh the risks, it raises the question if anyone can really give informed consent for the trial as there's still so much we don't know. Also on today's show * What do we know about the possible reinfection in Victoria? * How bad is the pandemic getting in America? * Can Norman please use the term 'jobbie' when referring to his favourite topic? In an effort to help speed up the development of a coronavirus vaccine, a group of healthy young people in the UK will be deliberately infected. It's known as a human challenge study - and it's not used often due to the risk to the participants. Making it even more risky, there is no foolproof treatment for COVID-19 if a participant starts to go rapidly downhill. While the researchers say the rewards outweigh the risks, it raises the question if anyone can really give informed consent for the trial as there's still so much we don't know. Also on today's show * What do we know about the possible reinfection in Victoria? * How bad is the pandemic getting in America? * Can Norman please use the term 'jobbie' when referring to his favourite topic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In an effort to help speed up the development of a coronavirus vaccine, a group of healthy young people in the UK will be deliberately infected.

It's known as a human challenge study - and it's not used often due to the risk to the participants.

Making it even more risky, there is no foolproof treatment for COVID-19 if a participant starts to go rapidly downhill.

While the researchers say the rewards outweigh the risks, it raises the question if anyone can really give informed consent for the trial as there's still so much we don't know.

Also on today's show

* What do we know about the possible reinfection in Victoria?

* How bad is the pandemic getting in America?

* Can Norman please use the term 'jobbie' when referring to his favourite topic?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 612 Is Europe copying Victoria's lockdown strategy? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-europe-copying-victorias-lockdown-strategy/12789504 As the number of coronavirus cases in Europe continues to grow and concerns mount that hospitals may again not be able to cope, governments are turning to lockdowns. In Ireland, the Government has announced that the country will move to its highest level of restrictions for the next six weeks. The restrictions are similar to what Victorians have spent the last several months dealing with: 5km movement limits, tightly controlled retail and strict limits on wedding and funerals. So on today's Coronacast, are European countries looking to Melbourne's response for their lockdown strategies? Also on today's show: * Some people at my office continue to cough at work. As manager, am I being over the top if I ask them to work from home and get tested? * If we can test for virus in sewage, why can't we use people's urine/faeces to test for virus instead of only saliva/nose samples? * Are third or fourth waves our next concern? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the number of coronavirus cases in Europe continues to grow and concerns mount that hospitals may again not be able to cope, governments are turning to lockdowns. In Ireland, the Government has announced that the country will move to its highest level of restrictions for the next six weeks. The restrictions are similar to what Victorians have spent the last several months dealing with: 5km movement limits, tightly controlled retail and strict limits on wedding and funerals. So on today's Coronacast, are European countries looking to Melbourne's response for their lockdown strategies? Also on today's show: * Some people at my office continue to cough at work. As manager, am I being over the top if I ask them to work from home and get tested? * If we can test for virus in sewage, why can't we use people's urine/faeces to test for virus instead of only saliva/nose samples? * Are third or fourth waves our next concern? As the number of coronavirus cases in Europe continues to grow and concerns mount that hospitals may again not be able to cope, governments are turning to lockdowns. In Ireland, the Government has announced that the country will move to its highest level of restrictions for the next six weeks. The restrictions are similar to what Victorians have spent the last several months dealing with: 5km movement limits, tightly controlled retail and strict limits on wedding and funerals. So on today's Coronacast, are European countries looking to Melbourne's response for their lockdown strategies? Also on today's show: * Some people at my office continue to cough at work. As manager, am I being over the top if I ask them to work from home and get tested? * If we can test for virus in sewage, why can't we use people's urine/faeces to test for virus instead of only saliva/nose samples? * Are third or fourth waves our next concern? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the number of coronavirus cases in Europe continues to grow and concerns mount that hospitals may again not be able to cope, governments are turning to lockdowns.

In Ireland, the Government has announced that the country will move to its highest level of restrictions for the next six weeks.

The restrictions are similar to what Victorians have spent the last several months dealing with: 5km movement limits, tightly controlled retail and strict limits on wedding and funerals.

So on today's Coronacast, are European countries looking to Melbourne's response for their lockdown strategies?

Also on today's show:

* Some people at my office continue to cough at work. As manager, am I being over the top if I ask them to work from home and get tested?

* If we can test for virus in sewage, why can't we use people's urine/faeces to test for virus instead of only saliva/nose samples?

* Are third or fourth waves our next concern?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 675 What happens if we don't get a vaccine? This is what 'COVID normal' looks like https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/this-is-what-covid-norma-looks-like/12783448 Everyone's waiting for the day a university or a pharmaceutical company makes the big announcement: a vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed and it works well. But until then, the best thing we can do for our mental health is start preparing for a lifestyle called "COVID-normal". As Australian state borders slowly reopen, and COVID-free states once again allow internal travellers, life will start looking a bit like it used to. Today: until a vaccine is found, life won't be exactly the same and we'll have to find a middle ground and get used to being tested a lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Everyone's waiting for the day a university or a pharmaceutical company makes the big announcement: a vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed and it works well. But until then, the best thing we can do for our mental health is start preparing for a lifestyle called "COVID-normal". As Australian state borders slowly reopen, and COVID-free states once again allow internal travellers, life will start looking a bit like it used to. Today: until a vaccine is found, life won't be exactly the same and we'll have to find a middle ground and get used to being tested a lot more. Everyone's waiting for the day a university or a pharmaceutical company makes the big announcement: a vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed and it works well. But until then, the best thing we can do for our mental health is start preparing for a lifestyle called "COVID-normal". As Australian state borders slowly reopen, and COVID-free states once again allow internal travellers, life will start looking a bit like it used to. Today: until a vaccine is found, life won't be exactly the same and we'll have to find a middle ground and get used to being tested a lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Everyone's waiting for the day a university or a pharmaceutical company makes the big announcement: a vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed and it works well.

But until then, the best thing we can do for our mental health is start preparing for a lifestyle called "COVID-normal".

As Australian state borders slowly reopen, and COVID-free states once again allow internal travellers, life will start looking a bit like it used to.

Today: until a vaccine is found, life won't be exactly the same and we'll have to find a middle ground and get used to being tested a lot more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 671 Why Victoria's success matters to us all https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-victorias-success-matters-to-us-all/12780456 Victorians aren't the only ones who should be celebrating that things are looking up. The number of new daily coronavirus cases in that state have been kept in low single digits for several days now, and on Sunday restrictions were loosened a little. While there's a long way to go, Victoria's success in crushing the virus hasn't been seen many other places in the world. And for the rest of the country, that means we're all slightly closer to internal borders being opened and can once again glimpse a somewhat normal life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 18 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victorians aren't the only ones who should be celebrating that things are looking up. The number of new daily coronavirus cases in that state have been kept in low single digits for several days now, and on Sunday restrictions were loosened a little. While there's a long way to go, Victoria's success in crushing the virus hasn't been seen many other places in the world. And for the rest of the country, that means we're all slightly closer to internal borders being opened and can once again glimpse a somewhat normal life. Victorians aren't the only ones who should be celebrating that things are looking up. The number of new daily coronavirus cases in that state have been kept in low single digits for several days now, and on Sunday restrictions were loosened a little. While there's a long way to go, Victoria's success in crushing the virus hasn't been seen many other places in the world. And for the rest of the country, that means we're all slightly closer to internal borders being opened and can once again glimpse a somewhat normal life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victorians aren't the only ones who should be celebrating that things are looking up.

The number of new daily coronavirus cases in that state have been kept in low single digits for several days now, and on Sunday restrictions were loosened a little.

While there's a long way to go, Victoria's success in crushing the virus hasn't been seen many other places in the world.

And for the rest of the country, that means we're all slightly closer to internal borders being opened and can once again glimpse a somewhat normal life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 644 Are we just going to have to get used to dealing with outbreaks? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-we-just-going-to-have-to-get-used-to-dealing-with-outbreaks/12771342 In recent days both NSW and Victoria have recorded very similar numbers of locally transmitted coronavirus cases. NSW is dealing with an outbreak at a doctor's clinic, and Victoria is dealing with an outbreak in Shepparton. So it seems unlikely Australia's two largest states will be able to get to zero community spread at least in the short term. So as health authorities deal with outbreaks, is this just the new normal and what does that mean for those states that are currently more or less coronavirus-free? On today's show: * Is what is happening in NSW something we have to get used to? * If a person who has the virus uses a toilet does the next person inhale the virus spray when the toilet is flushed? And it's Quick Fire Friday: * Has any other state or country actively knocked back 700+ daily cases to 5 or so like Victoria has succeeded in doing? * Are some older people asymptomatic or is it just young people? * You've previously mentioned that the coronavirus started with a person getting it from a bat. Is that really true? * Why is it not mandatory to wear masks on flights? * Can the coronavirus test nose swab damage the internal walls of your nose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In recent days both NSW and Victoria have recorded very similar numbers of locally transmitted coronavirus cases. NSW is dealing with an outbreak at a doctor's clinic, and Victoria is dealing with an outbreak in Shepparton. So it seems unlikely Australia's two largest states will be able to get to zero community spread at least in the short term. So as health authorities deal with outbreaks, is this just the new normal and what does that mean for those states that are currently more or less coronavirus-free? On today's show: * Is what is happening in NSW something we have to get used to? * If a person who has the virus uses a toilet does the next person inhale the virus spray when the toilet is flushed? And it's Quick Fire Friday: * Has any other state or country actively knocked back 700+ daily cases to 5 or so like Victoria has succeeded in doing? * Are some older people asymptomatic or is it just young people? * You've previously mentioned that the coronavirus started with a person getting it from a bat. Is that really true? * Why is it not mandatory to wear masks on flights? * Can the coronavirus test nose swab damage the internal walls of your nose? In recent days both NSW and Victoria have recorded very similar numbers of locally transmitted coronavirus cases. NSW is dealing with an outbreak at a doctor's clinic, and Victoria is dealing with an outbreak in Shepparton. So it seems unlikely Australia's two largest states will be able to get to zero community spread at least in the short term. So as health authorities deal with outbreaks, is this just the new normal and what does that mean for those states that are currently more or less coronavirus-free? On today's show: * Is what is happening in NSW something we have to get used to? * If a person who has the virus uses a toilet does the next person inhale the virus spray when the toilet is flushed? And it's Quick Fire Friday: * Has any other state or country actively knocked back 700+ daily cases to 5 or so like Victoria has succeeded in doing? * Are some older people asymptomatic or is it just young people? * You've previously mentioned that the coronavirus started with a person getting it from a bat. Is that really true? * Why is it not mandatory to wear masks on flights? * Can the coronavirus test nose swab damage the internal walls of your nose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In recent days both NSW and Victoria have recorded very similar numbers of locally transmitted coronavirus cases.

NSW is dealing with an outbreak at a doctor's clinic, and Victoria is dealing with an outbreak in Shepparton.

So it seems unlikely Australia's two largest states will be able to get to zero community spread at least in the short term.

So as health authorities deal with outbreaks, is this just the new normal and what does that mean for those states that are currently more or less coronavirus-free?

On today's show:

* Is what is happening in NSW something we have to get used to?

* If a person who has the virus uses a toilet does the next person inhale the virus spray when the toilet is flushed?

And it's Quick Fire Friday:

* Has any other state or country actively knocked back 700+ daily cases to 5 or so like Victoria has succeeded in doing?

* Are some older people asymptomatic or is it just young people?

* You've previously mentioned that the coronavirus started with a person getting it from a bat. Is that really true?

* Why is it not mandatory to wear masks on flights?

* Can the coronavirus test nose swab damage the internal walls of your nose?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 696 How do contact tracing systems differ between NSW and Victoria? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-contact-tracing-systems-differ-between-nsw-and-victoria/12767442 Outbreaks of coronavirus are growing in Victoria and New South Wales, and in Queensland health authorities are testing people in several cities. At the heart of the investigations are teams of contract tracers, who help track down contacts of all COVID positive cases. A lot has been said over the last few months about how New South Wales' system is the "gold standard" that Victoria should follow. So on today's Coronacast, how do the systems in the two states differ? And how do contact tracers work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Outbreaks of coronavirus are growing in Victoria and New South Wales, and in Queensland health authorities are testing people in several cities. At the heart of the investigations are teams of contract tracers, who help track down contacts of all COVID positive cases. A lot has been said over the last few months about how New South Wales' system is the "gold standard" that Victoria should follow. So on today's Coronacast, how do the systems in the two states differ? And how do contact tracers work? Outbreaks of coronavirus are growing in Victoria and New South Wales, and in Queensland health authorities are testing people in several cities. At the heart of the investigations are teams of contract tracers, who help track down contacts of all COVID positive cases. A lot has been said over the last few months about how New South Wales' system is the "gold standard" that Victoria should follow. So on today's Coronacast, how do the systems in the two states differ? And how do contact tracers work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Outbreaks of coronavirus are growing in Victoria and New South Wales, and in Queensland health authorities are testing people in several cities.

At the heart of the investigations are teams of contract tracers, who help track down contacts of all COVID positive cases.

A lot has been said over the last few months about how New South Wales' system is the "gold standard" that Victoria should follow.

So on today's Coronacast, how do the systems in the two states differ? And how do contact tracers work?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 768 What are the real numbers Victoria needs to focus on? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-are-the-real-numbers-victoria-needs-to-focus-on/12763124 Every day we get a news alert informing us exactly how many new cases of coronavirus have been detected in Victoria. From there the rolling average is calculated and analysed as to how close Melbourne is to finally taking the next step out of lockdown. But what if that's not the right number to focus on? On today's Coronacast, could another number tell us more about what's really going on and how far away the next step might be? On today's show: * Norman re-thinks his earlier criticism about Victoria's contact tracing system * Johnson & Johnson pauses its COVID-19 vaccine trial * China announces first locally acquired cases in two months and announces it'll test a whole city Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Every day we get a news alert informing us exactly how many new cases of coronavirus have been detected in Victoria. From there the rolling average is calculated and analysed as to how close Melbourne is to finally taking the next step out of lockdown. But what if that's not the right number to focus on? On today's Coronacast, could another number tell us more about what's really going on and how far away the next step might be? On today's show: * Norman re-thinks his earlier criticism about Victoria's contact tracing system * Johnson & Johnson pauses its COVID-19 vaccine trial * China announces first locally acquired cases in two months and announces it'll test a whole city Every day we get a news alert informing us exactly how many new cases of coronavirus have been detected in Victoria. From there the rolling average is calculated and analysed as to how close Melbourne is to finally taking the next step out of lockdown. But what if that's not the right number to focus on? On today's Coronacast, could another number tell us more about what's really going on and how far away the next step might be? On today's show: * Norman re-thinks his earlier criticism about Victoria's contact tracing system * Johnson & Johnson pauses its COVID-19 vaccine trial * China announces first locally acquired cases in two months and announces it'll test a whole city Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Every day we get a news alert informing us exactly how many new cases of coronavirus have been detected in Victoria.

From there the rolling average is calculated and analysed as to how close Melbourne is to finally taking the next step out of lockdown.

But what if that's not the right number to focus on?

On today's Coronacast, could another number tell us more about what's really going on and how far away the next step might be?

On today's show:

* Norman re-thinks his earlier criticism about Victoria's contact tracing system

* Johnson & Johnson pauses its COVID-19 vaccine trial

* China announces first locally acquired cases in two months and announces it'll test a whole city

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 Why is the seemingly simple science of masks so complicated? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-is-the-seemingly-simple-science-of-masks-so-complicated/12757912 Masks are back in the spotlight as Victoria has tightened its guidelines about what face coverings are allowed. Originally, people were allowed to use a face mask, scarf, bandana or face shield — but not anymore. Now only fitted face masks are allowed. Throughout the pandemic there has been mixed messaging on how important they are in the fight against COVID-19. Today, what you need to know about face shields and washing masks to help protect yourself and others. Also on today's research roundup episode: * A study on if a baby can catch coronavirus from breast milk * A study on the best way to point the nose swab used for COVID testing * Can SARS-CoV-2 develop resistance to the drug Remdesivir * The best way to communicate social-distancing and other public health messages * And what do we know about getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 from meat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Masks are back in the spotlight as Victoria has tightened its guidelines about what face coverings are allowed. Originally, people were allowed to use a face mask, scarf, bandana or face shield — but not anymore. Now only fitted face masks are allowed. Throughout the pandemic there has been mixed messaging on how important they are in the fight against COVID-19. Today, what you need to know about face shields and washing masks to help protect yourself and others. Also on today's research roundup episode: * A study on if a baby can catch coronavirus from breast milk * A study on the best way to point the nose swab used for COVID testing * Can SARS-CoV-2 develop resistance to the drug Remdesivir * The best way to communicate social-distancing and other public health messages * And what do we know about getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 from meat Masks are back in the spotlight as Victoria has tightened its guidelines about what face coverings are allowed. Originally, people were allowed to use a face mask, scarf, bandana or face shield — but not anymore. Now only fitted face masks are allowed. Throughout the pandemic there has been mixed messaging on how important they are in the fight against COVID-19. Today, what you need to know about face shields and washing masks to help protect yourself and others. Also on today's research roundup episode: * A study on if a baby can catch coronavirus from breast milk * A study on the best way to point the nose swab used for COVID testing * Can SARS-CoV-2 develop resistance to the drug Remdesivir * The best way to communicate social-distancing and other public health messages * And what do we know about getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 from meat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Masks are back in the spotlight as Victoria has tightened its guidelines about what face coverings are allowed.

Originally, people were allowed to use a face mask, scarf, bandana or face shield — but not anymore. Now only fitted face masks are allowed.

Throughout the pandemic there has been mixed messaging on how important they are in the fight against COVID-19.

Today, what you need to know about face shields and washing masks to help protect yourself and others.

Also on today's research roundup episode:

* A study on if a baby can catch coronavirus from breast milk

* A study on the best way to point the nose swab used for COVID testing

* Can SARS-CoV-2 develop resistance to the drug Remdesivir

* The best way to communicate social-distancing and other public health messages

* And what do we know about getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 from meat

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 670 Why can NSW dodge lockdowns, but Victoria can't? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-can-nsw-dodge-lockdowns,-but-victoria-cant/12752832 The average number of daily coronavirus cases in Melbourne has plateaued in recent days. It's raised concerns that the city won't be able to open up as fast as it had hoped. But the number of cases is now about equal to what it was in NSW several months ago, but Sydney didn't have any lockdowns and managed to keep control. So why is it that Victoria still can't open up? On today's show: * Looking at NSW stats around mid-July, there were 15/18/14/20 new coronavirus cases a day. It never escalated. No lockdown & life was covid-normal. Why isn't that happening now in Victoria on their current numbers? * How is metro Melbourne going to get to the third step? * Some kids are going back to school in Melbourne today - what do we know about how infectious kids are? * Is President Trump out of the woods? And Norman and Tegan talk about some CSIRO research about SARS-CoV-2 and surfaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 11 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The average number of daily coronavirus cases in Melbourne has plateaued in recent days. It's raised concerns that the city won't be able to open up as fast as it had hoped. But the number of cases is now about equal to what it was in NSW several months ago, but Sydney didn't have any lockdowns and managed to keep control. So why is it that Victoria still can't open up? On today's show: * Looking at NSW stats around mid-July, there were 15/18/14/20 new coronavirus cases a day. It never escalated. No lockdown & life was covid-normal. Why isn't that happening now in Victoria on their current numbers? * How is metro Melbourne going to get to the third step? * Some kids are going back to school in Melbourne today - what do we know about how infectious kids are? * Is President Trump out of the woods? And Norman and Tegan talk about some CSIRO research about SARS-CoV-2 and surfaces. The average number of daily coronavirus cases in Melbourne has plateaued in recent days. It's raised concerns that the city won't be able to open up as fast as it had hoped. But the number of cases is now about equal to what it was in NSW several months ago, but Sydney didn't have any lockdowns and managed to keep control. So why is it that Victoria still can't open up? On today's show: * Looking at NSW stats around mid-July, there were 15/18/14/20 new coronavirus cases a day. It never escalated. No lockdown & life was covid-normal. Why isn't that happening now in Victoria on their current numbers? * How is metro Melbourne going to get to the third step? * Some kids are going back to school in Melbourne today - what do we know about how infectious kids are? * Is President Trump out of the woods? And Norman and Tegan talk about some CSIRO research about SARS-CoV-2 and surfaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The average number of daily coronavirus cases in Melbourne has plateaued in recent days.

It's raised concerns that the city won't be able to open up as fast as it had hoped.

But the number of cases is now about equal to what it was in NSW several months ago, but Sydney didn't have any lockdowns and managed to keep control.

So why is it that Victoria still can't open up?

On today's show:

* Looking at NSW stats around mid-July, there were 15/18/14/20 new coronavirus cases a day. It never escalated. No lockdown & life was covid-normal. Why isn't that happening now in Victoria on their current numbers?

* How is metro Melbourne going to get to the third step?

* Some kids are going back to school in Melbourne today - what do we know about how infectious kids are?

* Is President Trump out of the woods?

And Norman and Tegan talk about some CSIRO research about SARS-CoV-2 and surfaces.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 642 Why are scientists obsessed with the coronavirus G strain? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-are-scientists-obsessed-with-coronaviruses-g-strain/12745740 One of the big unknowns with coronavirus to date is how much it's mutating and how that could hurt the effectiveness of a vaccine. The worry is that by the time scientists have found a vaccine and tested it, the virus would have already changed rendering the vaccine ineffective. The dominant coronavirus strain is known as the "G strain", which has a mutation right where vaccines are targeting. So what does this mean for the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine? On today's show: * What has the CSIRO found regarding coronavirus' "G strain"? * Another study has found that antibodies can disappear after three months. What does this mean for longer term immunity? * NSW records more COVID cases than Victoria * An update from the White House. How is President Trump tracking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the big unknowns with coronavirus to date is how much it's mutating and how that could hurt the effectiveness of a vaccine. The worry is that by the time scientists have found a vaccine and tested it, the virus would have already changed rendering the vaccine ineffective. The dominant coronavirus strain is known as the "G strain", which has a mutation right where vaccines are targeting. So what does this mean for the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine? On today's show: * What has the CSIRO found regarding coronavirus' "G strain"? * Another study has found that antibodies can disappear after three months. What does this mean for longer term immunity? * NSW records more COVID cases than Victoria * An update from the White House. How is President Trump tracking? One of the big unknowns with coronavirus to date is how much it's mutating and how that could hurt the effectiveness of a vaccine. The worry is that by the time scientists have found a vaccine and tested it, the virus would have already changed rendering the vaccine ineffective. The dominant coronavirus strain is known as the "G strain", which has a mutation right where vaccines are targeting. So what does this mean for the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine? On today's show: * What has the CSIRO found regarding coronavirus' "G strain"? * Another study has found that antibodies can disappear after three months. What does this mean for longer term immunity? * NSW records more COVID cases than Victoria * An update from the White House. How is President Trump tracking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the big unknowns with coronavirus to date is how much it's mutating and how that could hurt the effectiveness of a vaccine.

The worry is that by the time scientists have found a vaccine and tested it, the virus would have already changed rendering the vaccine ineffective.

The dominant coronavirus strain is known as the "G strain", which has a mutation right where vaccines are targeting.

So what does this mean for the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine?

On today's show:

* What has the CSIRO found regarding coronavirus' "G strain"?

* Another study has found that antibodies can disappear after three months. What does this mean for longer term immunity?

* NSW records more COVID cases than Victoria

* An update from the White House. How is President Trump tracking?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 696 Why have three community cases suddenly popped up in NSW? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-have-three-community-cases-suddenly-popped-up-in-nsw/12740850 NSW Health authorities are urging people across Sydney with even the mildest symptoms to get tested, as they continue contact tracing three new mysterious cases. After 12 days straight of no community transmission, the three new cases have popped up in different parts of the city. Testing rates in NSW have plummeted recently, despite the virus still circulating in the community. So how did Sydney go for nearly a fortnight of no community cases, only to get three all at once? Also on today's show: * Why are cases suddenly popping up in NSW after almost two weeks of no community transmission? * A big group of doctors have published a letter saying lockdown measures are causing more harm than good * Good news in Victoria as yesterday's case numbers went down again, and cases with health care workers also continues to drop * And how do Australian health authorities approve vaccines? Do they just rubber stamp them if they are approved in the United States? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia NSW Health authorities are urging people across Sydney with even the mildest symptoms to get tested, as they continue contact tracing three new mysterious cases. After 12 days straight of no community transmission, the three new cases have popped up in different parts of the city. Testing rates in NSW have plummeted recently, despite the virus still circulating in the community. So how did Sydney go for nearly a fortnight of no community cases, only to get three all at once? Also on today's show: * Why are cases suddenly popping up in NSW after almost two weeks of no community transmission? * A big group of doctors have published a letter saying lockdown measures are causing more harm than good * Good news in Victoria as yesterday's case numbers went down again, and cases with health care workers also continues to drop * And how do Australian health authorities approve vaccines? Do they just rubber stamp them if they are approved in the United States? NSW Health authorities are urging people across Sydney with even the mildest symptoms to get tested, as they continue contact tracing three new mysterious cases. After 12 days straight of no community transmission, the three new cases have popped up in different parts of the city. Testing rates in NSW have plummeted recently, despite the virus still circulating in the community. So how did Sydney go for nearly a fortnight of no community cases, only to get three all at once? Also on today's show: * Why are cases suddenly popping up in NSW after almost two weeks of no community transmission? * A big group of doctors have published a letter saying lockdown measures are causing more harm than good * Good news in Victoria as yesterday's case numbers went down again, and cases with health care workers also continues to drop * And how do Australian health authorities approve vaccines? Do they just rubber stamp them if they are approved in the United States? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices NSW Health authorities are urging people across Sydney with even the mildest symptoms to get tested, as they continue contact tracing three new mysterious cases.

After 12 days straight of no community transmission, the three new cases have popped up in different parts of the city.

Testing rates in NSW have plummeted recently, despite the virus still circulating in the community.

So how did Sydney go for nearly a fortnight of no community cases, only to get three all at once?

Also on today's show:

* Why are cases suddenly popping up in NSW after almost two weeks of no community transmission?

* A big group of doctors have published a letter saying lockdown measures are causing more harm than good

* Good news in Victoria as yesterday's case numbers went down again, and cases with health care workers also continues to drop

* And how do Australian health authorities approve vaccines? Do they just rubber stamp them if they are approved in the United States?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 653 Are big families the centre of Victoria's second wave? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-big-families-the-centre-of-victorias-second-wave/12737050 Victoria has hit a road bump on its pathway to reopening, recording 15 new cases of coronavirus yesterday as it tries to suppress a new outbreak. The Chadstone cluster has continued to grow, and has spread to a regional town about 60km from Melbourne. It comes as the state's Chief Health Officer has revealed that Melbourne's second wave appears to have focused on larger families. So why are households with more than six people at the centre of this outbreak? On today's show: * How has an outbreak happened in Melbourne when it's supposed to be still under restrictions? * In NSW, why were there so many cases yesterday in hotel quarantine? * How significant is the risk that the steroid that President Trump is taking can lead to euphoria and affect his sense of well being? * Norman has mentioned treating people on their stomachs a few times lately, what does he mean by that? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victoria has hit a road bump on its pathway to reopening, recording 15 new cases of coronavirus yesterday as it tries to suppress a new outbreak. The Chadstone cluster has continued to grow, and has spread to a regional town about 60km from Melbourne. It comes as the state's Chief Health Officer has revealed that Melbourne's second wave appears to have focused on larger families. So why are households with more than six people at the centre of this outbreak? On today's show: * How has an outbreak happened in Melbourne when it's supposed to be still under restrictions? * In NSW, why were there so many cases yesterday in hotel quarantine? * How significant is the risk that the steroid that President Trump is taking can lead to euphoria and affect his sense of well being? * Norman has mentioned treating people on their stomachs a few times lately, what does he mean by that? Victoria has hit a road bump on its pathway to reopening, recording 15 new cases of coronavirus yesterday as it tries to suppress a new outbreak. The Chadstone cluster has continued to grow, and has spread to a regional town about 60km from Melbourne. It comes as the state's Chief Health Officer has revealed that Melbourne's second wave appears to have focused on larger families. So why are households with more than six people at the centre of this outbreak? On today's show: * How has an outbreak happened in Melbourne when it's supposed to be still under restrictions? * In NSW, why were there so many cases yesterday in hotel quarantine? * How significant is the risk that the steroid that President Trump is taking can lead to euphoria and affect his sense of well being? * Norman has mentioned treating people on their stomachs a few times lately, what does he mean by that? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victoria has hit a road bump on its pathway to reopening, recording 15 new cases of coronavirus yesterday as it tries to suppress a new outbreak.

The Chadstone cluster has continued to grow, and has spread to a regional town about 60km from Melbourne.

It comes as the state's Chief Health Officer has revealed that Melbourne's second wave appears to have focused on larger families.

So why are households with more than six people at the centre of this outbreak?

On today's show:

* How has an outbreak happened in Melbourne when it's supposed to be still under restrictions?

* In NSW, why were there so many cases yesterday in hotel quarantine?

* How significant is the risk that the steroid that President Trump is taking can lead to euphoria and affect his sense of well being?

* Norman has mentioned treating people on their stomachs a few times lately, what does he mean by that?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 653 Why is Trump getting drugs reserved for serious coronavirus cases? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-is-trump-getting-drugs-reserved-for-serious-cases/12733388 With each new day, we're learning a little bit more about the US President's battle with COVID-19. Yesterday, doctors said the president's oxygen level had dropped a couple of times and that he had been put on a steroid drug used in the most severe of COVID cases. So what could his treatment of experimental drugs and now steroids tell us about President Trump's condition? On today's show: * What is going on with President Trump's treatment? * If he's not that sick what could the steroid dexamethasone do instead? * What's happening in Victoria and New South Wales? Also Norman discusses the UK reset on expectations about who'll get a vaccine first, and chats about a study showing that maybe obesity isn't such a risk factor when it comes to COVID. Risk Factors for Hospitalization, Mechanical Ventilation, or Death Among 10131 US Veterans With SARS-CoV-2 Infectionhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2770946 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With each new day, we're learning a little bit more about the US President's battle with COVID-19. Yesterday, doctors said the president's oxygen level had dropped a couple of times and that he had been put on a steroid drug used in the most severe of COVID cases. So what could his treatment of experimental drugs and now steroids tell us about President Trump's condition? On today's show: * What is going on with President Trump's treatment? * If he's not that sick what could the steroid dexamethasone do instead? * What's happening in Victoria and New South Wales? Also Norman discusses the UK reset on expectations about who'll get a vaccine first, and chats about a study showing that maybe obesity isn't such a risk factor when it comes to COVID. Risk Factors for Hospitalization, Mechanical Ventilation, or Death Among 10131 US Veterans With SARS-CoV-2 Infection https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2770946 With each new day, we're learning a little bit more about the US President's battle with COVID-19. Yesterday, doctors said the president's oxygen level had dropped a couple of times and that he had been put on a steroid drug used in the most severe of COVID cases. So what could his treatment of experimental drugs and now steroids tell us about President Trump's condition? On today's show: * What is going on with President Trump's treatment? * If he's not that sick what could the steroid dexamethasone do instead? * What's happening in Victoria and New South Wales? Also Norman discusses the UK reset on expectations about who'll get a vaccine first, and chats about a study showing that maybe obesity isn't such a risk factor when it comes to COVID. Risk Factors for Hospitalization, Mechanical Ventilation, or Death Among 10131 US Veterans With SARS-CoV-2 Infectionhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2770946 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With each new day, we're learning a little bit more about the US President's battle with COVID-19.

Yesterday, doctors said the president's oxygen level had dropped a couple of times and that he had been put on a steroid drug used in the most severe of COVID cases.

So what could his treatment of experimental drugs and now steroids tell us about President Trump's condition?

On today's show:

* What is going on with President Trump's treatment?

* If he's not that sick what could the steroid dexamethasone do instead?

* What's happening in Victoria and New South Wales?

Also Norman discusses the UK reset on expectations about who'll get a vaccine first, and chats about a study showing that maybe obesity isn't such a risk factor when it comes to COVID.

Risk Factors for Hospitalization, Mechanical Ventilation, or Death Among 10131 US Veterans With SARS-CoV-2 Infectionhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2770946

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 703 Trump's growing White House coronavirus cluster https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/trumps-growing-white-house-coronavirus-cluster/12730930 By now you've probably heard the news that the most powerful man on the planet has tested positive for coronavirus. US President Donald Trump is part of a growing cluster of cases popping up in the White House, Republican Senators and the Republican National Committee. How did it happen? And what will Trump's course of treatment mean for the rest of his coronavirus journey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 04 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia By now you've probably heard the news that the most powerful man on the planet has tested positive for coronavirus. US President Donald Trump is part of a growing cluster of cases popping up in the White House, Republican Senators and the Republican National Committee. How did it happen? And what will Trump's course of treatment mean for the rest of his coronavirus journey? By now you've probably heard the news that the most powerful man on the planet has tested positive for coronavirus. US President Donald Trump is part of a growing cluster of cases popping up in the White House, Republican Senators and the Republican National Committee. How did it happen? And what will Trump's course of treatment mean for the rest of his coronavirus journey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices By now you've probably heard the news that the most powerful man on the planet has tested positive for coronavirus.

US President Donald Trump is part of a growing cluster of cases popping up in the White House, Republican Senators and the Republican National Committee.

How did it happen? And what will Trump's course of treatment mean for the rest of his coronavirus journey?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 615 Are we doing contact tracing the wrong way? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-we-doing-contact-tracing-the-wrong-way/12723584 One of the main tools in our belt to fight coronavirus is contact tracing. That is, when you identify someone who is positive for COVID-19, you isolate them and then try and find out all the people they've come in contact with. The way we do contact tracing in Australia hasn't changed much since the beginning of the pandemic, but in other parts of the world it has. So on today's Coronacast, are we doing contact tracing the wrong way and what can we learn from countries like Japan? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the main tools in our belt to fight coronavirus is contact tracing. That is, when you identify someone who is positive for COVID-19, you isolate them and then try and find out all the people they've come in contact with. The way we do contact tracing in Australia hasn't changed much since the beginning of the pandemic, but in other parts of the world it has. So on today's Coronacast, are we doing contact tracing the wrong way and what can we learn from countries like Japan? One of the main tools in our belt to fight coronavirus is contact tracing. That is, when you identify someone who is positive for COVID-19, you isolate them and then try and find out all the people they've come in contact with. The way we do contact tracing in Australia hasn't changed much since the beginning of the pandemic, but in other parts of the world it has. So on today's Coronacast, are we doing contact tracing the wrong way and what can we learn from countries like Japan? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the main tools in our belt to fight coronavirus is contact tracing.

That is, when you identify someone who is positive for COVID-19, you isolate them and then try and find out all the people they've come in contact with.

The way we do contact tracing in Australia hasn't changed much since the beginning of the pandemic, but in other parts of the world it has.

So on today's Coronacast, are we doing contact tracing the wrong way and what can we learn from countries like Japan?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 635 How can we safely reopen international borders? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-can-we-safely-reopen-international-borders/12719328 As the number of COVID cases continues to drop in Australia, there's suddenly a whole lot more talk again about travel bubbles and increasing international arrivals from "safe" coronavirus countries. The Prime Minister Scott Morrison is talking up an idea to let travellers from countries where there are low caseloads do their 14 days quarantine at home rather than in a hotel. While mismanagement of the hotel quarantine system in Victoria led to a large outbreak, in other states and territories it has protected the country. So how could we safely reopen international borders? Also on today's show: * What's the latest with healthcare worker statistics in Victoria? * My husband is still convinced that flu has a higher mortality rate than COVID-19 * Is there any news on how successful or not the Russian vaccine has been? And Norman has some interesting research about cats and dogs and if they can get coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the number of COVID cases continues to drop in Australia, there's suddenly a whole lot more talk again about travel bubbles and increasing international arrivals from "safe" coronavirus countries. The Prime Minister Scott Morrison is talking up an idea to let travellers from countries where there are low caseloads do their 14 days quarantine at home rather than in a hotel. While mismanagement of the hotel quarantine system in Victoria led to a large outbreak, in other states and territories it has protected the country. So how could we safely reopen international borders? Also on today's show: * What's the latest with healthcare worker statistics in Victoria? * My husband is still convinced that flu has a higher mortality rate than COVID-19 * Is there any news on how successful or not the Russian vaccine has been? And Norman has some interesting research about cats and dogs and if they can get coronavirus. As the number of COVID cases continues to drop in Australia, there's suddenly a whole lot more talk again about travel bubbles and increasing international arrivals from "safe" coronavirus countries. The Prime Minister Scott Morrison is talking up an idea to let travellers from countries where there are low caseloads do their 14 days quarantine at home rather than in a hotel. While mismanagement of the hotel quarantine system in Victoria led to a large outbreak, in other states and territories it has protected the country. So how could we safely reopen international borders? Also on today's show: * What's the latest with healthcare worker statistics in Victoria? * My husband is still convinced that flu has a higher mortality rate than COVID-19 * Is there any news on how successful or not the Russian vaccine has been? And Norman has some interesting research about cats and dogs and if they can get coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the number of COVID cases continues to drop in Australia, there's suddenly a whole lot more talk again about travel bubbles and increasing international arrivals from "safe" coronavirus countries.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison is talking up an idea to let travellers from countries where there are low caseloads do their 14 days quarantine at home rather than in a hotel.

While mismanagement of the hotel quarantine system in Victoria led to a large outbreak, in other states and territories it has protected the country.

So how could we safely reopen international borders?

Also on today's show:

* What's the latest with healthcare worker statistics in Victoria?

* My husband is still convinced that flu has a higher mortality rate than COVID-19

* Is there any news on how successful or not the Russian vaccine has been?

And Norman has some interesting research about cats and dogs and if they can get coronavirus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 725 Why 1 million coronavirus deaths is only just the beginning https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-1-million-coronavirus-deaths-is-only-just-the-beginning/12714720 Coronavirus has now claimed the lives of more than a million people around the world and it's not showing many signs of slowing down. Countries pummelled by the first wave of the pandemic are now experiencing a second one, while lower income countries are starting to see their infection rates take off. And 1 million deaths is only the official recorded figure, so how much higher could the death toll be? Also on the show: * What is rapid testing and why isn't it more commonly used? * How are Norman's gains after he returned to the gym? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Coronavirus has now claimed the lives of more than a million people around the world and it's not showing many signs of slowing down. Countries pummelled by the first wave of the pandemic are now experiencing a second one, while lower income countries are starting to see their infection rates take off. And 1 million deaths is only the official recorded figure, so how much higher could the death toll be? Also on the show: * What is rapid testing and why isn't it more commonly used? * How are Norman's gains after he returned to the gym? Coronavirus has now claimed the lives of more than a million people around the world and it's not showing many signs of slowing down. Countries pummelled by the first wave of the pandemic are now experiencing a second one, while lower income countries are starting to see their infection rates take off. And 1 million deaths is only the official recorded figure, so how much higher could the death toll be? Also on the show: * What is rapid testing and why isn't it more commonly used? * How are Norman's gains after he returned to the gym? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Coronavirus has now claimed the lives of more than a million people around the world and it's not showing many signs of slowing down.

Countries pummelled by the first wave of the pandemic are now experiencing a second one, while lower income countries are starting to see their infection rates take off.

And 1 million deaths is only the official recorded figure, so how much higher could the death toll be?

Also on the show:

* What is rapid testing and why isn't it more commonly used?

* How are Norman's gains after he returned to the gym?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 687 What ever happened to saliva testing for coronavirus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-ever-happened-to-saliva-testing-for-coronavirus/12711642 By now many of us would have been subjected to a coronavirus test. A swab is shoved up your nose and jiggled around a bit, then it's shoved down your throat for another jiggle. While it's incredibly important to keep coronavirus at bay, it's not exactly the most fun you'll ever have. So what's happened to the promise of non-invasive saliva testing? On today's show: * Whatever happened to saliva testing for coronavirus? * Is it okay to go back to swimming in a public swimming pool? * Is it still worth wearing a mask in NSW? * If you show symptoms of coronavirus, should you get tested straight away? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia By now many of us would have been subjected to a coronavirus test. A swab is shoved up your nose and jiggled around a bit, then it's shoved down your throat for another jiggle. While it's incredibly important to keep coronavirus at bay, it's not exactly the most fun you'll ever have. So what's happened to the promise of non-invasive saliva testing? On today's show: * Whatever happened to saliva testing for coronavirus? * Is it okay to go back to swimming in a public swimming pool? * Is it still worth wearing a mask in NSW? * If you show symptoms of coronavirus, should you get tested straight away? By now many of us would have been subjected to a coronavirus test. A swab is shoved up your nose and jiggled around a bit, then it's shoved down your throat for another jiggle. While it's incredibly important to keep coronavirus at bay, it's not exactly the most fun you'll ever have. So what's happened to the promise of non-invasive saliva testing? On today's show: * Whatever happened to saliva testing for coronavirus? * Is it okay to go back to swimming in a public swimming pool? * Is it still worth wearing a mask in NSW? * If you show symptoms of coronavirus, should you get tested straight away? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices By now many of us would have been subjected to a coronavirus test.

A swab is shoved up your nose and jiggled around a bit, then it's shoved down your throat for another jiggle.

While it's incredibly important to keep coronavirus at bay, it's not exactly the most fun you'll ever have.

So what's happened to the promise of non-invasive saliva testing?

On today's show:

* Whatever happened to saliva testing for coronavirus?

* Is it okay to go back to swimming in a public swimming pool?

* Is it still worth wearing a mask in NSW?

* If you show symptoms of coronavirus, should you get tested straight away?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 As Melbourne relaxes restrictions, can it keep cases down? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/as-melbourne-relaxes-restrictions-can-it-keep-cases-down/12708692 Melbourne has taken its first big step out of restrictions, with 127,000 more people allowed to head back to work today. The number of active cases has fallen below 400 for the first time in nearly three months and the number of unknown mystery cases is also dropping. And in positive news, the Premier Daniel Andrews says the city is about a week ahead of where they hoped to be. So as restrictions are slowly lifted, can Melbourne keep numbers down? On today's show: * How cautious is the Victorian Government being as it moves out of lockdown? * How useful is sewage testing for monitoring community spread of SARS-CoV-2? * Any new information about climate and COVID? * Can sniffer dogs detect coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 27 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melbourne has taken its first big step out of restrictions, with 127,000 more people allowed to head back to work today. The number of active cases has fallen below 400 for the first time in nearly three months and the number of unknown mystery cases is also dropping. And in positive news, the Premier Daniel Andrews says the city is about a week ahead of where they hoped to be. So as restrictions are slowly lifted, can Melbourne keep numbers down? On today's show: * How cautious is the Victorian Government being as it moves out of lockdown? * How useful is sewage testing for monitoring community spread of SARS-CoV-2? * Any new information about climate and COVID? * Can sniffer dogs detect coronavirus? Melbourne has taken its first big step out of restrictions, with 127,000 more people allowed to head back to work today. The number of active cases has fallen below 400 for the first time in nearly three months and the number of unknown mystery cases is also dropping. And in positive news, the Premier Daniel Andrews says the city is about a week ahead of where they hoped to be. So as restrictions are slowly lifted, can Melbourne keep numbers down? On today's show: * How cautious is the Victorian Government being as it moves out of lockdown? * How useful is sewage testing for monitoring community spread of SARS-CoV-2? * Any new information about climate and COVID? * Can sniffer dogs detect coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melbourne has taken its first big step out of restrictions, with 127,000 more people allowed to head back to work today.

The number of active cases has fallen below 400 for the first time in nearly three months and the number of unknown mystery cases is also dropping.

And in positive news, the Premier Daniel Andrews says the city is about a week ahead of where they hoped to be.

So as restrictions are slowly lifted, can Melbourne keep numbers down?

On today's show:

* How cautious is the Victorian Government being as it moves out of lockdown?

* How useful is sewage testing for monitoring community spread of SARS-CoV-2?

* Any new information about climate and COVID?

* Can sniffer dogs detect coronavirus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 654 How often are people getting coronavirus twice? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-often-are-people-getting-coronavirus-twice/12699772 With coronavirus still raging around the world, there have been plenty of opportunities for people to get COVID-19 twice. The good news is that it seems to be incredibly rare for a person to contract the disease twice. But in less good news, it seems when someone does get reinfected, it can be more serious the second time round. So what does this mean for any vaccine? On today's show: * Why has there not been much discussion about possible treatment and therapies for coronavirus? * What are the top three countries that get "the gold star" in dealing with the pandemic? And it's time for Quick Fire Friday! * How do you determine what percentage of infections in the community is required for herd immunity? * If COVID 19 can cause inflammation to the brain and cause Parkinson's, what other sickness can do the same? * How safe are choirs now? * Who will be Norman's co-host next week? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With coronavirus still raging around the world, there have been plenty of opportunities for people to get COVID-19 twice. The good news is that it seems to be incredibly rare for a person to contract the disease twice. But in less good news, it seems when someone does get reinfected, it can be more serious the second time round. So what does this mean for any vaccine? On today's show: * Why has there not been much discussion about possible treatment and therapies for coronavirus? * What are the top three countries that get "the gold star" in dealing with the pandemic? And it's time for Quick Fire Friday! * How do you determine what percentage of infections in the community is required for herd immunity? * If COVID 19 can cause inflammation to the brain and cause Parkinson's, what other sickness can do the same? * How safe are choirs now? * Who will be Norman's co-host next week? With coronavirus still raging around the world, there have been plenty of opportunities for people to get COVID-19 twice. The good news is that it seems to be incredibly rare for a person to contract the disease twice. But in less good news, it seems when someone does get reinfected, it can be more serious the second time round. So what does this mean for any vaccine? On today's show: * Why has there not been much discussion about possible treatment and therapies for coronavirus? * What are the top three countries that get "the gold star" in dealing with the pandemic? And it's time for Quick Fire Friday! * How do you determine what percentage of infections in the community is required for herd immunity? * If COVID 19 can cause inflammation to the brain and cause Parkinson's, what other sickness can do the same? * How safe are choirs now? * Who will be Norman's co-host next week? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With coronavirus still raging around the world, there have been plenty of opportunities for people to get COVID-19 twice.

The good news is that it seems to be incredibly rare for a person to contract the disease twice.

But in less good news, it seems when someone does get reinfected, it can be more serious the second time round.

So what does this mean for any vaccine?

On today's show:

* Why has there not been much discussion about possible treatment and therapies for coronavirus?

* What are the top three countries that get "the gold star" in dealing with the pandemic?

And it's time for Quick Fire Friday!

* How do you determine what percentage of infections in the community is required for herd immunity?

* If COVID 19 can cause inflammation to the brain and cause Parkinson's, what other sickness can do the same?

* How safe are choirs now?

* Who will be Norman's co-host next week?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 719 Here's who you think should get a vaccine first https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/heres-who-you-think-should-get-a-vaccine-first/12694394 When it finally comes time to roll out a coronavirus vaccine, the reality is that some people will have to go first. And then difficult decisions have to be made. Do you pick the most vulnerable or do you pick the people most likely to spread it? In the results of a survey out today, Australians have indicated that they'd pick healthcare workers and carers to be first, and lawyers and farmers to have to wait a bit longer. So who would you pick? On today's show: * Who would you pick to be vaccinated first? * Is Sweden the success story it's cracked up to be? * Does Sweden have herd immunity yet? Is it close? * Are the UK's new restrictions likely to work? * Is Melbourne much further along that the averages would suggest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When it finally comes time to roll out a coronavirus vaccine, the reality is that some people will have to go first. And then difficult decisions have to be made. Do you pick the most vulnerable or do you pick the people most likely to spread it? In the results of a survey out today, Australians have indicated that they'd pick healthcare workers and carers to be first, and lawyers and farmers to have to wait a bit longer. So who would you pick? On today's show: * Who would you pick to be vaccinated first? * Is Sweden the success story it's cracked up to be? * Does Sweden have herd immunity yet? Is it close? * Are the UK's new restrictions likely to work? * Is Melbourne much further along that the averages would suggest? When it finally comes time to roll out a coronavirus vaccine, the reality is that some people will have to go first. And then difficult decisions have to be made. Do you pick the most vulnerable or do you pick the people most likely to spread it? In the results of a survey out today, Australians have indicated that they'd pick healthcare workers and carers to be first, and lawyers and farmers to have to wait a bit longer. So who would you pick? On today's show: * Who would you pick to be vaccinated first? * Is Sweden the success story it's cracked up to be? * Does Sweden have herd immunity yet? Is it close? * Are the UK's new restrictions likely to work? * Is Melbourne much further along that the averages would suggest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When it finally comes time to roll out a coronavirus vaccine, the reality is that some people will have to go first.

And then difficult decisions have to be made. Do you pick the most vulnerable or do you pick the people most likely to spread it?

In the results of a survey out today, Australians have indicated that they'd pick healthcare workers and carers to be first, and lawyers and farmers to have to wait a bit longer.

So who would you pick?

On today's show:

* Who would you pick to be vaccinated first?

* Is Sweden the success story it's cracked up to be?

* Does Sweden have herd immunity yet? Is it close?

* Are the UK's new restrictions likely to work?

* Is Melbourne much further along that the averages would suggest?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 713 All of a sudden, things are looking much more positive https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/all-of-a-sudden-things-are-looking-much-more-positive/12690354 What a difference a little bit of time can make. A month ago today, it was bleak. Melbourne was already several weeks into stage 4 lockdowns and posted more than 200 new cases of coronavirus. But now it's looking much better. In Melbourne yesterday, the vast majority of cases were connected to aged care outbreaks with only four under investigation. And states and territories are slowly reopening their borders, allowing us to travel far more freely once again. So if internal borders are coming down, what can we hopefully look forward to next? On today's show: * With all the second waves cropping up globally are we getting more information on how people who had COVID-19 in the first wave are immune to infection the next time around? * I have had a cough, sore throat, fatigue and breathlessness. I had the COVID-19 test which was negative. What's going on? And Tegan talks about concerns that COVID-19 could lead to a pandemic of Parkinson's disease in the years ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What a difference a little bit of time can make. A month ago today, it was bleak. Melbourne was already several weeks into stage 4 lockdowns and posted more than 200 new cases of coronavirus. But now it's looking much better. In Melbourne yesterday, the vast majority of cases were connected to aged care outbreaks with only four under investigation. And states and territories are slowly reopening their borders, allowing us to travel far more freely once again. So if internal borders are coming down, what can we hopefully look forward to next? On today's show: * With all the second waves cropping up globally are we getting more information on how people who had COVID-19 in the first wave are immune to infection the next time around? * I have had a cough, sore throat, fatigue and breathlessness. I had the COVID-19 test which was negative. What's going on? And Tegan talks about concerns that COVID-19 could lead to a pandemic of Parkinson's disease in the years ahead. What a difference a little bit of time can make. A month ago today, it was bleak. Melbourne was already several weeks into stage 4 lockdowns and posted more than 200 new cases of coronavirus. But now it's looking much better. In Melbourne yesterday, the vast majority of cases were connected to aged care outbreaks with only four under investigation. And states and territories are slowly reopening their borders, allowing us to travel far more freely once again. So if internal borders are coming down, what can we hopefully look forward to next? On today's show: * With all the second waves cropping up globally are we getting more information on how people who had COVID-19 in the first wave are immune to infection the next time around? * I have had a cough, sore throat, fatigue and breathlessness. I had the COVID-19 test which was negative. What's going on? And Tegan talks about concerns that COVID-19 could lead to a pandemic of Parkinson's disease in the years ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What a difference a little bit of time can make.

A month ago today, it was bleak. Melbourne was already several weeks into stage 4 lockdowns and posted more than 200 new cases of coronavirus.

But now it's looking much better. In Melbourne yesterday, the vast majority of cases were connected to aged care outbreaks with only four under investigation.

And states and territories are slowly reopening their borders, allowing us to travel far more freely once again.

So if internal borders are coming down, what can we hopefully look forward to next?

On today's show:

* With all the second waves cropping up globally are we getting more information on how people who had COVID-19 in the first wave are immune to infection the next time around?

* I have had a cough, sore throat, fatigue and breathlessness. I had the COVID-19 test which was negative. What's going on?

And Tegan talks about concerns that COVID-19 could lead to a pandemic of Parkinson's disease in the years ahead.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 719 Why the wait for a vaccine might be longer than you think https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-the-wait-for-a-vaccine-might-be-longer-than-you-think/12686582 There are several potential vaccines for coronavirus currently in phase 3 trials, but large scale safety and efficacy testing is far from the only hurdles the vaccines face. The first round of vaccines could have complicated transportation and temperature requirements, and may have limited effectiveness and side effects. So are the first available vaccines for COVID-19 the ones we'll have to just deal with forever? Or could the second round of vaccines be even better? On today's show: * Why would a second round COVID vaccine be more effective than a first round COVID vaccine? * Why could it be another year before we all get vaccinated? * I live in Melbourne and I am swimming each day in the bay. Does swimming in the sea help kill coronavirus? * What is your take on electric hand-dryers in toilets? Should they be turned off for good? * My baby turned one in lockdown in Melbourne. Most of her babyhood has passed in lockdown. What could be the developmental consequences of this for her? * Why does Norman say "COVID" differently than everyone else? Surely it's not accent related since it's a new word? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are several potential vaccines for coronavirus currently in phase 3 trials, but large scale safety and efficacy testing is far from the only hurdles the vaccines face. The first round of vaccines could have complicated transportation and temperature requirements, and may have limited effectiveness and side effects. So are the first available vaccines for COVID-19 the ones we'll have to just deal with forever? Or could the second round of vaccines be even better? On today's show: * Why would a second round COVID vaccine be more effective than a first round COVID vaccine? * Why could it be another year before we all get vaccinated? * I live in Melbourne and I am swimming each day in the bay. Does swimming in the sea help kill coronavirus? * What is your take on electric hand-dryers in toilets? Should they be turned off for good? * My baby turned one in lockdown in Melbourne. Most of her babyhood has passed in lockdown. What could be the developmental consequences of this for her? * Why does Norman say "COVID" differently than everyone else? Surely it's not accent related since it's a new word? There are several potential vaccines for coronavirus currently in phase 3 trials, but large scale safety and efficacy testing is far from the only hurdles the vaccines face. The first round of vaccines could have complicated transportation and temperature requirements, and may have limited effectiveness and side effects. So are the first available vaccines for COVID-19 the ones we'll have to just deal with forever? Or could the second round of vaccines be even better? On today's show: * Why would a second round COVID vaccine be more effective than a first round COVID vaccine? * Why could it be another year before we all get vaccinated? * I live in Melbourne and I am swimming each day in the bay. Does swimming in the sea help kill coronavirus? * What is your take on electric hand-dryers in toilets? Should they be turned off for good? * My baby turned one in lockdown in Melbourne. Most of her babyhood has passed in lockdown. What could be the developmental consequences of this for her? * Why does Norman say "COVID" differently than everyone else? Surely it's not accent related since it's a new word? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are several potential vaccines for coronavirus currently in phase 3 trials, but large scale safety and efficacy testing is far from the only hurdles the vaccines face.

The first round of vaccines could have complicated transportation and temperature requirements, and may have limited effectiveness and side effects.

So are the first available vaccines for COVID-19 the ones we'll have to just deal with forever? Or could the second round of vaccines be even better?

On today's show:

* Why would a second round COVID vaccine be more effective than a first round COVID vaccine?

* Why could it be another year before we all get vaccinated?

* I live in Melbourne and I am swimming each day in the bay. Does swimming in the sea help kill coronavirus?

* What is your take on electric hand-dryers in toilets? Should they be turned off for good?

* My baby turned one in lockdown in Melbourne. Most of her babyhood has passed in lockdown. What could be the developmental consequences of this for her?

* Why does Norman say "COVID" differently than everyone else? Surely it's not accent related since it's a new word?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 656 Even mild coronavirus cases can have this long term symptom https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/even-mild-coronavirus-cases-can-have-this-long-term-symptom/12683322 Every day we learn more about coronavirus, but it may take months or even years for us to fully understand the long term effects of surviving COVID-19. A new study out of Ireland suggests that more than half of people who contract the disease will suffer persistent fatigue – even if they experienced a mild case of coronavirus. So is this a unique hallmark of COVID-19? Or is it just something most people can expect after any viral infection? Also on the show: * Now the numbers in NSW are now looking better, how much longer will Norman wait before going back to the gym? * When do you think Victorians could safely walk outside without a mask? * My wife and I are 65, what is the case fatality rate for people in our age bracket? And Norman and Tegan discuss the funding by the Commonwealth Government's Medical Research Future Fund of two potential new coronavirus vaccines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 20 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Every day we learn more about coronavirus, but it may take months or even years for us to fully understand the long term effects of surviving COVID-19. A new study out of Ireland suggests that more than half of people who contract the disease will suffer persistent fatigue – even if they experienced a mild case of coronavirus. So is this a unique hallmark of COVID-19? Or is it just something most people can expect after any viral infection? Also on the show: * Now the numbers in NSW are now looking better, how much longer will Norman wait before going back to the gym? * When do you think Victorians could safely walk outside without a mask? * My wife and I are 65, what is the case fatality rate for people in our age bracket? And Norman and Tegan discuss the funding by the Commonwealth Government's Medical Research Future Fund of two potential new coronavirus vaccines. Every day we learn more about coronavirus, but it may take months or even years for us to fully understand the long term effects of surviving COVID-19. A new study out of Ireland suggests that more than half of people who contract the disease will suffer persistent fatigue – even if they experienced a mild case of coronavirus. So is this a unique hallmark of COVID-19? Or is it just something most people can expect after any viral infection? Also on the show: * Now the numbers in NSW are now looking better, how much longer will Norman wait before going back to the gym? * When do you think Victorians could safely walk outside without a mask? * My wife and I are 65, what is the case fatality rate for people in our age bracket? And Norman and Tegan discuss the funding by the Commonwealth Government's Medical Research Future Fund of two potential new coronavirus vaccines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Every day we learn more about coronavirus, but it may take months or even years for us to fully understand the long term effects of surviving COVID-19.

A new study out of Ireland suggests that more than half of people who contract the disease will suffer persistent fatigue – even if they experienced a mild case of coronavirus.

So is this a unique hallmark of COVID-19? Or is it just something most people can expect after any viral infection?

Also on the show:

* Now the numbers in NSW are now looking better, how much longer will Norman wait before going back to the gym?

* When do you think Victorians could safely walk outside without a mask?

* My wife and I are 65, what is the case fatality rate for people in our age bracket?

And Norman and Tegan discuss the funding by the Commonwealth Government's Medical Research Future Fund of two potential new coronavirus vaccines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 623 The Melbourne mop-up. What needs to happen next? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-melbourne-mop-up-what-needs-to-happen-next/12674142 While the number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne continues to fall, for many it's not falling fast enough. The average number of daily cases is edging down day by day, but there's a long way to go until it meets the hurdle to take the big step out of lockdown. So why are cases falling so slowly and what needs to happen next to get cases down? On today's show: * As numbers drop why don't we see a faster fall in the tail? * How long can a person be asymptomatic? Does it just disappear? Can they become asymptomatic again? * My husband and I are chronic asthmatics and take a preventer. Would good asthma management assist us if we caught COVID-19? * Would there have been less antibiotic use this year and how beneficial might that be? And it's Quick Fire Friday: * What episode number are we up to? * Is Norman's towel ready and waiting? * Is there more chance of catching coronavirus from getting on a plane or sitting inside for a meeting/lecture? Or are they the same? * Do you have any thoughts as to what the minimum age for vaccination might be? * What's the risk of spread of coronavirus on children's play equipment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While the number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne continues to fall, for many it's not falling fast enough. The average number of daily cases is edging down day by day, but there's a long way to go until it meets the hurdle to take the big step out of lockdown. So why are cases falling so slowly and what needs to happen next to get cases down? On today's show: * As numbers drop why don't we see a faster fall in the tail? * How long can a person be asymptomatic? Does it just disappear? Can they become asymptomatic again? * My husband and I are chronic asthmatics and take a preventer. Would good asthma management assist us if we caught COVID-19? * Would there have been less antibiotic use this year and how beneficial might that be? And it's Quick Fire Friday: * What episode number are we up to? * Is Norman's towel ready and waiting? * Is there more chance of catching coronavirus from getting on a plane or sitting inside for a meeting/lecture? Or are they the same? * Do you have any thoughts as to what the minimum age for vaccination might be? * What's the risk of spread of coronavirus on children's play equipment? While the number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne continues to fall, for many it's not falling fast enough. The average number of daily cases is edging down day by day, but there's a long way to go until it meets the hurdle to take the big step out of lockdown. So why are cases falling so slowly and what needs to happen next to get cases down? On today's show: * As numbers drop why don't we see a faster fall in the tail? * How long can a person be asymptomatic? Does it just disappear? Can they become asymptomatic again? * My husband and I are chronic asthmatics and take a preventer. Would good asthma management assist us if we caught COVID-19? * Would there have been less antibiotic use this year and how beneficial might that be? And it's Quick Fire Friday: * What episode number are we up to? * Is Norman's towel ready and waiting? * Is there more chance of catching coronavirus from getting on a plane or sitting inside for a meeting/lecture? Or are they the same? * Do you have any thoughts as to what the minimum age for vaccination might be? * What's the risk of spread of coronavirus on children's play equipment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While the number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne continues to fall, for many it's not falling fast enough.

The average number of daily cases is edging down day by day, but there's a long way to go until it meets the hurdle to take the big step out of lockdown.

So why are cases falling so slowly and what needs to happen next to get cases down?

On today's show:

* As numbers drop why don't we see a faster fall in the tail?

* How long can a person be asymptomatic? Does it just disappear? Can they become asymptomatic again?

* My husband and I are chronic asthmatics and take a preventer. Would good asthma management assist us if we caught COVID-19?

* Would there have been less antibiotic use this year and how beneficial might that be?

And it's Quick Fire Friday:

* What episode number are we up to?

* Is Norman's towel ready and waiting?

* Is there more chance of catching coronavirus from getting on a plane or sitting inside for a meeting/lecture? Or are they the same?

* Do you have any thoughts as to what the minimum age for vaccination might be?

* What's the risk of spread of coronavirus on children's play equipment?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 646 The ambitious mass testing plan that might be as good as a vaccine https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/ambitious-mass-testing-plan-that-might-be-as-good-as-a-vaccine/12671156 The longer this pandemic drags on, the more likely it is that people will get fed up with taking themselves off for a coronavirus test every time they get sick. It might sound counterintuitive, but the solution might be to test everyone more. Regular, targeted but rapid testing of people, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not, could allow us all to return to a somewhat normal life. On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Dr Norman Swan discuss the possibilities and challenges of a mass testing scheme. Also today: * Will kids fail to build up a strong immune system since they've avoided so many colds and flus this year? * What are some of the longer term effects of coronavirus on the body? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The longer this pandemic drags on, the more likely it is that people will get fed up with taking themselves off for a coronavirus test every time they get sick. It might sound counterintuitive, but the solution might be to test everyone more. Regular, targeted but rapid testing of people, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not, could allow us all to return to a somewhat normal life. On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Dr Norman Swan discuss the possibilities and challenges of a mass testing scheme. Also today: * Will kids fail to build up a strong immune system since they've avoided so many colds and flus this year? * What are some of the longer term effects of coronavirus on the body? The longer this pandemic drags on, the more likely it is that people will get fed up with taking themselves off for a coronavirus test every time they get sick. It might sound counterintuitive, but the solution might be to test everyone more. Regular, targeted but rapid testing of people, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not, could allow us all to return to a somewhat normal life. On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Dr Norman Swan discuss the possibilities and challenges of a mass testing scheme. Also today: * Will kids fail to build up a strong immune system since they've avoided so many colds and flus this year? * What are some of the longer term effects of coronavirus on the body? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The longer this pandemic drags on, the more likely it is that people will get fed up with taking themselves off for a coronavirus test every time they get sick.

It might sound counterintuitive, but the solution might be to test everyone more.

Regular, targeted but rapid testing of people, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not, could allow us all to return to a somewhat normal life.

On today's Coronacast, Tegan Taylor and Dr Norman Swan discuss the possibilities and challenges of a mass testing scheme.

Also today:

* Will kids fail to build up a strong immune system since they've avoided so many colds and flus this year?

* What are some of the longer term effects of coronavirus on the body?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 711 Why is coronavirus not killing as many people? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-is-coronavirus-not-killing-as-many-people/12665528 For the first time in two months, Australia has finally recorded a day with no deaths from coronavirus. It's a huge milestone after Victoria's second wave pushed Australia's national COVID-19 death toll to more than 800. While Australia's second wave is coming to an end, in Europe case numbers are again increasing. But unlike last time, the death rate doesn't seem to be going up with the number of cases. On today's show: * Why are the number of cases increasing overseas, but the death rate is not? * When will the Oxford vaccine complete stage 3 trials (if it's successful)? And Norman and Tegan talk about an interesting pre-print study that has found the number of COVID-19 infections in Australia could be much higher than previously thought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia For the first time in two months, Australia has finally recorded a day with no deaths from coronavirus. It's a huge milestone after Victoria's second wave pushed Australia's national COVID-19 death toll to more than 800. While Australia's second wave is coming to an end, in Europe case numbers are again increasing. But unlike last time, the death rate doesn't seem to be going up with the number of cases. On today's show: * Why are the number of cases increasing overseas, but the death rate is not? * When will the Oxford vaccine complete stage 3 trials (if it's successful)? And Norman and Tegan talk about an interesting pre-print study that has found the number of COVID-19 infections in Australia could be much higher than previously thought. For the first time in two months, Australia has finally recorded a day with no deaths from coronavirus. It's a huge milestone after Victoria's second wave pushed Australia's national COVID-19 death toll to more than 800. While Australia's second wave is coming to an end, in Europe case numbers are again increasing. But unlike last time, the death rate doesn't seem to be going up with the number of cases. On today's show: * Why are the number of cases increasing overseas, but the death rate is not? * When will the Oxford vaccine complete stage 3 trials (if it's successful)? And Norman and Tegan talk about an interesting pre-print study that has found the number of COVID-19 infections in Australia could be much higher than previously thought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For the first time in two months, Australia has finally recorded a day with no deaths from coronavirus.

It's a huge milestone after Victoria's second wave pushed Australia's national COVID-19 death toll to more than 800.

While Australia's second wave is coming to an end, in Europe case numbers are again increasing.

But unlike last time, the death rate doesn't seem to be going up with the number of cases.

On today's show:

* Why are the number of cases increasing overseas, but the death rate is not?

* When will the Oxford vaccine complete stage 3 trials (if it's successful)?

And Norman and Tegan talk about an interesting pre-print study that has found the number of COVID-19 infections in Australia could be much higher than previously thought.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 659 How coronavirus is hiding a future cancer wave https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-coronavirus-is-hiding-a-future-cancer-wave/12662960 The immediate and long term health effects of COVID-19 have been well reported over the past several months, but it may have crowded out other illnesses and diseases. According to the Federal Government's national cancer agency Cancer Australia, treatments and tests for the most common types of cancer have plummeted since the pandemic began. It's raised concerns that because people might have been unable or avoided going to the doctor during lockdown, they could be living with undiagnosed and untreated cancer. On today's show: * What's happened to cancer diagnosis over the past six months? * How did Norman get sick again? What's he been doing? Has he been washing his hands? * You've mentioned that the coronavirus is mutating. Can you tell me more about that? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The immediate and long term health effects of COVID-19 have been well reported over the past several months, but it may have crowded out other illnesses and diseases. According to the Federal Government's national cancer agency Cancer Australia, treatments and tests for the most common types of cancer have plummeted since the pandemic began. It's raised concerns that because people might have been unable or avoided going to the doctor during lockdown, they could be living with undiagnosed and untreated cancer. On today's show: * What's happened to cancer diagnosis over the past six months? * How did Norman get sick again? What's he been doing? Has he been washing his hands? * You've mentioned that the coronavirus is mutating. Can you tell me more about that? The immediate and long term health effects of COVID-19 have been well reported over the past several months, but it may have crowded out other illnesses and diseases. According to the Federal Government's national cancer agency Cancer Australia, treatments and tests for the most common types of cancer have plummeted since the pandemic began. It's raised concerns that because people might have been unable or avoided going to the doctor during lockdown, they could be living with undiagnosed and untreated cancer. On today's show: * What's happened to cancer diagnosis over the past six months? * How did Norman get sick again? What's he been doing? Has he been washing his hands? * You've mentioned that the coronavirus is mutating. Can you tell me more about that? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The immediate and long term health effects of COVID-19 have been well reported over the past several months, but it may have crowded out other illnesses and diseases.

According to the Federal Government's national cancer agency Cancer Australia, treatments and tests for the most common types of cancer have plummeted since the pandemic began.

It's raised concerns that because people might have been unable or avoided going to the doctor during lockdown, they could be living with undiagnosed and untreated cancer.

On today's show:

* What's happened to cancer diagnosis over the past six months?

* How did Norman get sick again? What's he been doing? Has he been washing his hands?

* You've mentioned that the coronavirus is mutating. Can you tell me more about that?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 674 Why the secrecy around the Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-the-secrecy-around-the-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-trial/12659768 The Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial is set to resume after it was abruptly halted when a participant experienced some sort of medical event. All we know is that the woman was given the potential vaccine and the event was serious enough to hit pause on the trial last week. The company developing the potential vaccine says it cannot disclose further medical information. But given the global interest in the trial and what'll be asked of everyone if it is approved, should we be given more information as to what might have happened? On today's show: * Why is Victoria's death rate still so high, even though infections are dropping off? * Some shops are marketing anti-viral fabrics in their masks. Is that a real thing? * The 2009 H1N1 vaccine was ready in six months. Could that be the case for coronavirus in the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 13 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial is set to resume after it was abruptly halted when a participant experienced some sort of medical event. All we know is that the woman was given the potential vaccine and the event was serious enough to hit pause on the trial last week. The company developing the potential vaccine says it cannot disclose further medical information. But given the global interest in the trial and what'll be asked of everyone if it is approved, should we be given more information as to what might have happened? On today's show: * Why is Victoria's death rate still so high, even though infections are dropping off? * Some shops are marketing anti-viral fabrics in their masks. Is that a real thing? * The 2009 H1N1 vaccine was ready in six months. Could that be the case for coronavirus in the future? The Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial is set to resume after it was abruptly halted when a participant experienced some sort of medical event. All we know is that the woman was given the potential vaccine and the event was serious enough to hit pause on the trial last week. The company developing the potential vaccine says it cannot disclose further medical information. But given the global interest in the trial and what'll be asked of everyone if it is approved, should we be given more information as to what might have happened? On today's show: * Why is Victoria's death rate still so high, even though infections are dropping off? * Some shops are marketing anti-viral fabrics in their masks. Is that a real thing? * The 2009 H1N1 vaccine was ready in six months. Could that be the case for coronavirus in the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial is set to resume after it was abruptly halted when a participant experienced some sort of medical event.

All we know is that the woman was given the potential vaccine and the event was serious enough to hit pause on the trial last week.

The company developing the potential vaccine says it cannot disclose further medical information.

But given the global interest in the trial and what'll be asked of everyone if it is approved, should we be given more information as to what might have happened?

On today's show:

* Why is Victoria's death rate still so high, even though infections are dropping off?

* Some shops are marketing anti-viral fabrics in their masks. Is that a real thing?

* The 2009 H1N1 vaccine was ready in six months. Could that be the case for coronavirus in the future?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 The crazy theory that masks are building up our coronavirus immunity https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/crazy-theory-masks-building-coronavirus-immunity/12652132 Wearing a mask is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can reduce your chances of catching or spreading coronavirus when you're around other people. But a new theory suggests the fabric over your face also might be providing a crude form of immunisation against the disease. The idea is that masks might be allowing a very small amount of the virus to slip through into the airways – not enough to get sick, but just enough to build up some immunity. On today's show: * Masks, COVID-19 and immunity. Could they be linked? * A new survey on Australians attitudes to mandatory masks * The latest news from the (currently halted) Oxford vaccine trial * Quick fire Friday (with music this time!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Wearing a mask is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can reduce your chances of catching or spreading coronavirus when you're around other people. But a new theory suggests the fabric over your face also might be providing a crude form of immunisation against the disease. The idea is that masks might be allowing a very small amount of the virus to slip through into the airways – not enough to get sick, but just enough to build up some immunity. On today's show: * Masks, COVID-19 and immunity. Could they be linked? * A new survey on Australians attitudes to mandatory masks * The latest news from the (currently halted) Oxford vaccine trial * Quick fire Friday (with music this time!) Wearing a mask is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can reduce your chances of catching or spreading coronavirus when you're around other people. But a new theory suggests the fabric over your face also might be providing a crude form of immunisation against the disease. The idea is that masks might be allowing a very small amount of the virus to slip through into the airways – not enough to get sick, but just enough to build up some immunity. On today's show: * Masks, COVID-19 and immunity. Could they be linked? * A new survey on Australians attitudes to mandatory masks * The latest news from the (currently halted) Oxford vaccine trial * Quick fire Friday (with music this time!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wearing a mask is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can reduce your chances of catching or spreading coronavirus when you're around other people.

But a new theory suggests the fabric over your face also might be providing a crude form of immunisation against the disease.

The idea is that masks might be allowing a very small amount of the virus to slip through into the airways – not enough to get sick, but just enough to build up some immunity.

On today's show:

* Masks, COVID-19 and immunity. Could they be linked?

* A new survey on Australians attitudes to mandatory masks

* The latest news from the (currently halted) Oxford vaccine trial

* Quick fire Friday (with music this time!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 755 The Oxford vaccine's troubles. Why it's not doomed (yet) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-oxford-vaccines-troubles-why-its-not-doomed-yet/12646762 The vaccine widely considered our best shot at bringing this pandemic to an end has run into a bit of trouble, after a trial participant suffered a medical problem. Because safety is incredibly important, trials of the Oxford University's potential coronavirus vaccine have been put on hold until scientists can work out what went wrong. It could be nothing, or it could be the end of this vaccine. At the moment, all we can do is wait. But it's important to remember pausing vaccine trials is common. So what might have gone wrong and where we could end up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The vaccine widely considered our best shot at bringing this pandemic to an end has run into a bit of trouble, after a trial participant suffered a medical problem. Because safety is incredibly important, trials of the Oxford University's potential coronavirus vaccine have been put on hold until scientists can work out what went wrong. It could be nothing, or it could be the end of this vaccine. At the moment, all we can do is wait. But it's important to remember pausing vaccine trials is common. So what might have gone wrong and where we could end up? The vaccine widely considered our best shot at bringing this pandemic to an end has run into a bit of trouble, after a trial participant suffered a medical problem. Because safety is incredibly important, trials of the Oxford University's potential coronavirus vaccine have been put on hold until scientists can work out what went wrong. It could be nothing, or it could be the end of this vaccine. At the moment, all we can do is wait. But it's important to remember pausing vaccine trials is common. So what might have gone wrong and where we could end up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The vaccine widely considered our best shot at bringing this pandemic to an end has run into a bit of trouble, after a trial participant suffered a medical problem.

Because safety is incredibly important, trials of the Oxford University's potential coronavirus vaccine have been put on hold until scientists can work out what went wrong.

It could be nothing, or it could be the end of this vaccine. At the moment, all we can do is wait. But it's important to remember pausing vaccine trials is common.

So what might have gone wrong and where we could end up?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 674 Will contact tracers finally bust Victoria's clusters? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-contact-tracers-finally-bust-victorias-clusters/12642388 Victoria's daily coronavirus tally is finally starting to drop, but the roadmap out of lockdown suggests state officials don't believe they'll be back down in single digits until November. The cause for the delay appears to be Victoria's contact tracing system, which the Prime Minister claims is years behind New South Wales. So will the newly announced changes to Victoria's contact tracing system finally bring things back under control so the state can open up faster? On today's show: * What makes a good contact tracing system? * Why aren't all states and territories using the same contact tracing system? And we've got some really interesting replies from healthcare workers about how well they're being protected against the COVID-19 virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victoria's daily coronavirus tally is finally starting to drop, but the roadmap out of lockdown suggests state officials don't believe they'll be back down in single digits until November. The cause for the delay appears to be Victoria's contact tracing system, which the Prime Minister claims is years behind New South Wales. So will the newly announced changes to Victoria's contact tracing system finally bring things back under control so the state can open up faster? On today's show: * What makes a good contact tracing system? * Why aren't all states and territories using the same contact tracing system? And we've got some really interesting replies from healthcare workers about how well they're being protected against the COVID-19 virus. Victoria's daily coronavirus tally is finally starting to drop, but the roadmap out of lockdown suggests state officials don't believe they'll be back down in single digits until November. The cause for the delay appears to be Victoria's contact tracing system, which the Prime Minister claims is years behind New South Wales. So will the newly announced changes to Victoria's contact tracing system finally bring things back under control so the state can open up faster? On today's show: * What makes a good contact tracing system? * Why aren't all states and territories using the same contact tracing system? And we've got some really interesting replies from healthcare workers about how well they're being protected against the COVID-19 virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victoria's daily coronavirus tally is finally starting to drop, but the roadmap out of lockdown suggests state officials don't believe they'll be back down in single digits until November.

The cause for the delay appears to be Victoria's contact tracing system, which the Prime Minister claims is years behind New South Wales.

So will the newly announced changes to Victoria's contact tracing system finally bring things back under control so the state can open up faster?

On today's show:

* What makes a good contact tracing system?

* Why aren't all states and territories using the same contact tracing system?

And we've got some really interesting replies from healthcare workers about how well they're being protected against the COVID-19 virus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 652 The problem with coronavirus in hospitals isn't just a Victorian one https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-national-problem-with-hospitals-and-covid-19/12638052 Over the past few days, a number of worrying COVID-19 infections have popped up in hospitals in Queensland and New South Wales. While the problem with infections in the healthcare sector in Victoria is well known, hospital outbreaks in other states are a warning sign that things aren't quite right. So are hospitals in Victoria any more susceptible to coronavirus outbreaks, or is it potentially a problem across the country? On today's show: * Are coronavirus infection problems specific to Victoria? * How much time does Norman Swan spend researching coronavirus? * And we’ve had loads of questions about the rising number of daily cases in Europe. Why are cases going up now? Why isn’t the death rate going up as much as during the first wave? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Over the past few days, a number of worrying COVID-19 infections have popped up in hospitals in Queensland and New South Wales. While the problem with infections in the healthcare sector in Victoria is well known, hospital outbreaks in other states are a warning sign that things aren't quite right. So are hospitals in Victoria any more susceptible to coronavirus outbreaks, or is it potentially a problem across the country? On today's show: * Are coronavirus infection problems specific to Victoria? * How much time does Norman Swan spend researching coronavirus? * And we’ve had loads of questions about the rising number of daily cases in Europe. Why are cases going up now? Why isn’t the death rate going up as much as during the first wave? Over the past few days, a number of worrying COVID-19 infections have popped up in hospitals in Queensland and New South Wales. While the problem with infections in the healthcare sector in Victoria is well known, hospital outbreaks in other states are a warning sign that things aren't quite right. So are hospitals in Victoria any more susceptible to coronavirus outbreaks, or is it potentially a problem across the country? On today's show: * Are coronavirus infection problems specific to Victoria? * How much time does Norman Swan spend researching coronavirus? * And we’ve had loads of questions about the rising number of daily cases in Europe. Why are cases going up now? Why isn’t the death rate going up as much as during the first wave? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the past few days, a number of worrying COVID-19 infections have popped up in hospitals in Queensland and New South Wales.

While the problem with infections in the healthcare sector in Victoria is well known, hospital outbreaks in other states are a warning sign that things aren't quite right.

So are hospitals in Victoria any more susceptible to coronavirus outbreaks, or is it potentially a problem across the country?

On today's show:

* Are coronavirus infection problems specific to Victoria?

* How much time does Norman Swan spend researching coronavirus?

* And we’ve had loads of questions about the rising number of daily cases in Europe. Why are cases going up now? Why isn’t the death rate going up as much as during the first wave?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 695 What to make of Victoria's roadmap out of lockdown https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-to-make-of-victorias-roadmap-out-of-lockdown/12635072 Melburnians will face another fortnight of lockdown after September 13, but the Victorian Premier has also announced a plan for the eventual reopening of the state. There will be a few small changes after stage 4 restrictions were originally going to end, like an extra hour before curfew and social "bubbles" for those living on their own. But Victorians are being warned the trip out of lockdown will take a long time. So why wasn't the original six weeks enough? On today's show: * Why wasn't six weeks enough for stage 4 lockdowns? * What's going on in Queensland with the government furloughing hundreds of healthcare workers after a single staff member tested positive? * What does a COVID-19 vaccine entail? Does it mean that you can get it without becoming sick? * Will a vaccine stop other health complications that sometimes come from COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 06 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melburnians will face another fortnight of lockdown after September 13, but the Victorian Premier has also announced a plan for the eventual reopening of the state. There will be a few small changes after stage 4 restrictions were originally going to end, like an extra hour before curfew and social "bubbles" for those living on their own. But Victorians are being warned the trip out of lockdown will take a long time. So why wasn't the original six weeks enough? On today's show: * Why wasn't six weeks enough for stage 4 lockdowns? * What's going on in Queensland with the government furloughing hundreds of healthcare workers after a single staff member tested positive? * What does a COVID-19 vaccine entail? Does it mean that you can get it without becoming sick? * Will a vaccine stop other health complications that sometimes come from COVID-19? Melburnians will face another fortnight of lockdown after September 13, but the Victorian Premier has also announced a plan for the eventual reopening of the state. There will be a few small changes after stage 4 restrictions were originally going to end, like an extra hour before curfew and social "bubbles" for those living on their own. But Victorians are being warned the trip out of lockdown will take a long time. So why wasn't the original six weeks enough? On today's show: * Why wasn't six weeks enough for stage 4 lockdowns? * What's going on in Queensland with the government furloughing hundreds of healthcare workers after a single staff member tested positive? * What does a COVID-19 vaccine entail? Does it mean that you can get it without becoming sick? * Will a vaccine stop other health complications that sometimes come from COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melburnians will face another fortnight of lockdown after September 13, but the Victorian Premier has also announced a plan for the eventual reopening of the state.

There will be a few small changes after stage 4 restrictions were originally going to end, like an extra hour before curfew and social "bubbles" for those living on their own.

But Victorians are being warned the trip out of lockdown will take a long time.

So why wasn't the original six weeks enough?

On today's show:

* Why wasn't six weeks enough for stage 4 lockdowns?

* What's going on in Queensland with the government furloughing hundreds of healthcare workers after a single staff member tested positive?

* What does a COVID-19 vaccine entail? Does it mean that you can get it without becoming sick?

* Will a vaccine stop other health complications that sometimes come from COVID-19?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 Why Christmas could be a super-spreading event https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-christmas-could-be-a-super-spreading-event/12627502 No matter what else happens this year, Christmas 2020 is probably going to be like no other you've experienced. You might opt to just celebrate quietly at home to avoid a potential outbreak, but some may decide to proceed with a big family gathering. So how risky might Christmas be and could it be a massive super-spreading event? On today's show: * What's going on in Airlie Beach with SARS-CoV-2 being discovered in sewage? * Should I be worried? * How do we hold mass events over summer without a coronavirus disaster? * Should masks be mandated now so we can all enjoy a semi-normal Christmas? And Olivia Willis from Patient Zero drops by to talk about the hunt for the very first person to contract coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia No matter what else happens this year, Christmas 2020 is probably going to be like no other you've experienced. You might opt to just celebrate quietly at home to avoid a potential outbreak, but some may decide to proceed with a big family gathering. So how risky might Christmas be and could it be a massive super-spreading event? On today's show: * What's going on in Airlie Beach with SARS-CoV-2 being discovered in sewage? * Should I be worried? * How do we hold mass events over summer without a coronavirus disaster? * Should masks be mandated now so we can all enjoy a semi-normal Christmas? And Olivia Willis from Patient Zero drops by to talk about the hunt for the very first person to contract coronavirus. No matter what else happens this year, Christmas 2020 is probably going to be like no other you've experienced. You might opt to just celebrate quietly at home to avoid a potential outbreak, but some may decide to proceed with a big family gathering. So how risky might Christmas be and could it be a massive super-spreading event? On today's show: * What's going on in Airlie Beach with SARS-CoV-2 being discovered in sewage? * Should I be worried? * How do we hold mass events over summer without a coronavirus disaster? * Should masks be mandated now so we can all enjoy a semi-normal Christmas? And Olivia Willis from Patient Zero drops by to talk about the hunt for the very first person to contract coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices No matter what else happens this year, Christmas 2020 is probably going to be like no other you've experienced.

You might opt to just celebrate quietly at home to avoid a potential outbreak, but some may decide to proceed with a big family gathering.

So how risky might Christmas be and could it be a massive super-spreading event?

On today's show:

* What's going on in Airlie Beach with SARS-CoV-2 being discovered in sewage?

* Should I be worried?

* How do we hold mass events over summer without a coronavirus disaster?

* Should masks be mandated now so we can all enjoy a semi-normal Christmas?

And Olivia Willis from Patient Zero drops by to talk about the hunt for the very first person to contract coronavirus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 739 Should you get pregnant in the COVID era? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/should-you-get-pregnant-in-the-covid-era/12623146 There is still so much to learn about the novel coronavirus, but scientists have unlocked some clues about the way COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their unborn children. A review of dozens of scientific studies has found that women who contract coronavirus during pregnancy may have a higher risk of premature delivery. And while pregnant women also seem to have less severe symptoms initially, if they do get sick it's likely to be worse than non-pregnant patients. Also on the show: * Everyone has an opinion about mandatory isolation for positive cases! * Can you tell if you've got COVID-19 by monitoring your resting heart rate? * What percentage of people would need to be vaccinated to lift restrictions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There is still so much to learn about the novel coronavirus, but scientists have unlocked some clues about the way COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their unborn children. A review of dozens of scientific studies has found that women who contract coronavirus during pregnancy may have a higher risk of premature delivery. And while pregnant women also seem to have less severe symptoms initially, if they do get sick it's likely to be worse than non-pregnant patients. Also on the show: * Everyone has an opinion about mandatory isolation for positive cases! * Can you tell if you've got COVID-19 by monitoring your resting heart rate? * What percentage of people would need to be vaccinated to lift restrictions? There is still so much to learn about the novel coronavirus, but scientists have unlocked some clues about the way COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their unborn children. A review of dozens of scientific studies has found that women who contract coronavirus during pregnancy may have a higher risk of premature delivery. And while pregnant women also seem to have less severe symptoms initially, if they do get sick it's likely to be worse than non-pregnant patients. Also on the show: * Everyone has an opinion about mandatory isolation for positive cases! * Can you tell if you've got COVID-19 by monitoring your resting heart rate? * What percentage of people would need to be vaccinated to lift restrictions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There is still so much to learn about the novel coronavirus, but scientists have unlocked some clues about the way COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their unborn children.

A review of dozens of scientific studies has found that women who contract coronavirus during pregnancy may have a higher risk of premature delivery.

And while pregnant women also seem to have less severe symptoms initially, if they do get sick it's likely to be worse than non-pregnant patients.

Also on the show:

* Everyone has an opinion about mandatory isolation for positive cases!

* Can you tell if you've got COVID-19 by monitoring your resting heart rate?

* What percentage of people would need to be vaccinated to lift restrictions?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 695 Is it time to make people who test positive quarantine in special clinics? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/covid-positive-special-clinic/12618570 Australia was one of the first countries to require returning overseas travellers to isolate in hotel rooms, which has significantly helped keep community transmission of coronavirus down. But if someone already in Australia tests positive, they're allowed to isolate at home, which risks infection to family or the wider community So why isn't Australia following China's lead and making it mandatory for people with coronavirus to isolate in special clinics or hotels? On today's show: * Could COVID-19 positive clinics help bring Australia's coronavirus count down? * How would you manage families or children? And we return to a segment where we look into how other countries are going. Today we focus on Spain, which is seeing a large resurgence of the virus. What can we learn from what's happening in Europe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia was one of the first countries to require returning overseas travellers to isolate in hotel rooms, which has significantly helped keep community transmission of coronavirus down. But if someone already in Australia tests positive, they're allowed to isolate at home, which risks infection to family or the wider community So why isn't Australia following China's lead and making it mandatory for people with coronavirus to isolate in special clinics or hotels? On today's show: * Could COVID-19 positive clinics help bring Australia's coronavirus count down? * How would you manage families or children? And we return to a segment where we look into how other countries are going. Today we focus on Spain, which is seeing a large resurgence of the virus. What can we learn from what's happening in Europe? Australia was one of the first countries to require returning overseas travellers to isolate in hotel rooms, which has significantly helped keep community transmission of coronavirus down. But if someone already in Australia tests positive, they're allowed to isolate at home, which risks infection to family or the wider community So why isn't Australia following China's lead and making it mandatory for people with coronavirus to isolate in special clinics or hotels? On today's show: * Could COVID-19 positive clinics help bring Australia's coronavirus count down? * How would you manage families or children? And we return to a segment where we look into how other countries are going. Today we focus on Spain, which is seeing a large resurgence of the virus. What can we learn from what's happening in Europe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia was one of the first countries to require returning overseas travellers to isolate in hotel rooms, which has significantly helped keep community transmission of coronavirus down.

But if someone already in Australia tests positive, they're allowed to isolate at home, which risks infection to family or the wider community

So why isn't Australia following China's lead and making it mandatory for people with coronavirus to isolate in special clinics or hotels?

On today's show:

* Could COVID-19 positive clinics help bring Australia's coronavirus count down?

* How would you manage families or children?

And we return to a segment where we look into how other countries are going.

Today we focus on Spain, which is seeing a large resurgence of the virus. What can we learn from what's happening in Europe?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 678 What could Victoria's path out of lockdown look like? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-could-victorias-path-out-of-lockdown-look-like/12614672 With the number of new coronavirus infections falling to double digits, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says he will reveal the state's roadmap out of lockdown this weekend. Stage 4 restrictions are due to end on September 13, and many Victorians are wondering what happens past that date. There are many ways the state could approach its return to a more normal existence. So what are some possible benchmarks to reach before they can even consider opening again? On today's show: * What is the pathway out of lockdown for Victoria? * What could stages of normality look like? * What can we learn from how New Zealand got out of stage 4? * How should we define what a hotspot is? * Can a person have two vaccines to get better coverage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With the number of new coronavirus infections falling to double digits, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says he will reveal the state's roadmap out of lockdown this weekend. Stage 4 restrictions are due to end on September 13, and many Victorians are wondering what happens past that date. There are many ways the state could approach its return to a more normal existence. So what are some possible benchmarks to reach before they can even consider opening again? On today's show: * What is the pathway out of lockdown for Victoria? * What could stages of normality look like? * What can we learn from how New Zealand got out of stage 4? * How should we define what a hotspot is? * Can a person have two vaccines to get better coverage? With the number of new coronavirus infections falling to double digits, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says he will reveal the state's roadmap out of lockdown this weekend. Stage 4 restrictions are due to end on September 13, and many Victorians are wondering what happens past that date. There are many ways the state could approach its return to a more normal existence. So what are some possible benchmarks to reach before they can even consider opening again? On today's show: * What is the pathway out of lockdown for Victoria? * What could stages of normality look like? * What can we learn from how New Zealand got out of stage 4? * How should we define what a hotspot is? * Can a person have two vaccines to get better coverage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With the number of new coronavirus infections falling to double digits, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says he will reveal the state's roadmap out of lockdown this weekend.

Stage 4 restrictions are due to end on September 13, and many Victorians are wondering what happens past that date.

There are many ways the state could approach its return to a more normal existence.

So what are some possible benchmarks to reach before they can even consider opening again?

On today's show:

* What is the pathway out of lockdown for Victoria?

* What could stages of normality look like?

* What can we learn from how New Zealand got out of stage 4?

* How should we define what a hotspot is?

* Can a person have two vaccines to get better coverage?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 660 Are gyms the weakest link in NSW? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-gyms-the-weakest-link-in-nsw/12610750 Sydney's CBD coronavirus cluster has grown over the weekend, with more people being diagnosed with COVID-19 and being linked back to a city fitness centre. A health notice was issued on Saturday for people who attended the Tattersall's fitness centre at certain times over five days in middle to late August. There are also alerts for other gyms in the city, after an infected person visited them last week. So are gyms becoming coronavirus hotspots and are they any riskier than other indoor environments? On today's show: * Is there something that causes gyms to be a riskier venue than other places? * So should I avoid the gym and just stay home and watch TV? * What about runners or people exercising outdoors? * What can gyms tell us about how coronavirus spreads? * What's happening with the healthcare worker numbers in Victoria? * What's going on with China's authorisation of a vaccine for emergency use? * Have there been any studies into the effect of climate or weather and COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 30 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Sydney's CBD coronavirus cluster has grown over the weekend, with more people being diagnosed with COVID-19 and being linked back to a city fitness centre. A health notice was issued on Saturday for people who attended the Tattersall's fitness centre at certain times over five days in middle to late August. There are also alerts for other gyms in the city, after an infected person visited them last week. So are gyms becoming coronavirus hotspots and are they any riskier than other indoor environments? On today's show: * Is there something that causes gyms to be a riskier venue than other places? * So should I avoid the gym and just stay home and watch TV? * What about runners or people exercising outdoors? * What can gyms tell us about how coronavirus spreads? * What's happening with the healthcare worker numbers in Victoria? * What's going on with China's authorisation of a vaccine for emergency use? * Have there been any studies into the effect of climate or weather and COVID-19? Sydney's CBD coronavirus cluster has grown over the weekend, with more people being diagnosed with COVID-19 and being linked back to a city fitness centre. A health notice was issued on Saturday for people who attended the Tattersall's fitness centre at certain times over five days in middle to late August. There are also alerts for other gyms in the city, after an infected person visited them last week. So are gyms becoming coronavirus hotspots and are they any riskier than other indoor environments? On today's show: * Is there something that causes gyms to be a riskier venue than other places? * So should I avoid the gym and just stay home and watch TV? * What about runners or people exercising outdoors? * What can gyms tell us about how coronavirus spreads? * What's happening with the healthcare worker numbers in Victoria? * What's going on with China's authorisation of a vaccine for emergency use? * Have there been any studies into the effect of climate or weather and COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sydney's CBD coronavirus cluster has grown over the weekend, with more people being diagnosed with COVID-19 and being linked back to a city fitness centre.

A health notice was issued on Saturday for people who attended the Tattersall's fitness centre at certain times over five days in middle to late August.

There are also alerts for other gyms in the city, after an infected person visited them last week.

So are gyms becoming coronavirus hotspots and are they any riskier than other indoor environments?

On today's show:

* Is there something that causes gyms to be a riskier venue than other places?

* So should I avoid the gym and just stay home and watch TV?

* What about runners or people exercising outdoors?

* What can gyms tell us about how coronavirus spreads?

* What's happening with the healthcare worker numbers in Victoria?

* What's going on with China's authorisation of a vaccine for emergency use?

* Have there been any studies into the effect of climate or weather and COVID-19?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 745 How many cases a day are we happy to live with? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-many-cases-a-day-are-we-happy-to-live-with/12603400 As the number of new coronavirus cases in Victoria continue to fall, conversations are turning to coming out of stage 4 restrictions. Part of that discussion is how many new cases will be accepted each day before restrictions can be eased. NSW has been ticking along with a handful of daily cases, and so far seems to have been able to manage it without a massive outbreak. So what can we manage day to day? And what can be tolerated? On today's show: * What level of virus would we be able to tolerate long term? * Is zero community spread a long-term goal? * How is it going in NSW and Queensland at the moment? * Can Norman please say something nicer about Victoria? Is there any silver lining yet? * What can Victorians do at an individual level to help get cases down? And it's time for quick fire Friday: * My kids are using an iPad for hours a day in lockdown. What's the impact on their mental health or their eyes? * If the cold is often caused by coronaviruses, could any vaccine also help stop it? * Are there any statistics on high-risk venues? * Can COVID-19 spread via air conditioning systems? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the number of new coronavirus cases in Victoria continue to fall, conversations are turning to coming out of stage 4 restrictions. Part of that discussion is how many new cases will be accepted each day before restrictions can be eased. NSW has been ticking along with a handful of daily cases, and so far seems to have been able to manage it without a massive outbreak. So what can we manage day to day? And what can be tolerated? On today's show: * What level of virus would we be able to tolerate long term? * Is zero community spread a long-term goal? * How is it going in NSW and Queensland at the moment? * Can Norman please say something nicer about Victoria? Is there any silver lining yet? * What can Victorians do at an individual level to help get cases down? And it's time for quick fire Friday: * My kids are using an iPad for hours a day in lockdown. What's the impact on their mental health or their eyes? * If the cold is often caused by coronaviruses, could any vaccine also help stop it? * Are there any statistics on high-risk venues? * Can COVID-19 spread via air conditioning systems? As the number of new coronavirus cases in Victoria continue to fall, conversations are turning to coming out of stage 4 restrictions. Part of that discussion is how many new cases will be accepted each day before restrictions can be eased. NSW has been ticking along with a handful of daily cases, and so far seems to have been able to manage it without a massive outbreak. So what can we manage day to day? And what can be tolerated? On today's show: * What level of virus would we be able to tolerate long term? * Is zero community spread a long-term goal? * How is it going in NSW and Queensland at the moment? * Can Norman please say something nicer about Victoria? Is there any silver lining yet? * What can Victorians do at an individual level to help get cases down? And it's time for quick fire Friday: * My kids are using an iPad for hours a day in lockdown. What's the impact on their mental health or their eyes? * If the cold is often caused by coronaviruses, could any vaccine also help stop it? * Are there any statistics on high-risk venues? * Can COVID-19 spread via air conditioning systems? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the number of new coronavirus cases in Victoria continue to fall, conversations are turning to coming out of stage 4 restrictions.

Part of that discussion is how many new cases will be accepted each day before restrictions can be eased.

NSW has been ticking along with a handful of daily cases, and so far seems to have been able to manage it without a massive outbreak.

So what can we manage day to day? And what can be tolerated?

On today's show:

* What level of virus would we be able to tolerate long term?

* Is zero community spread a long-term goal?

* How is it going in NSW and Queensland at the moment?

* Can Norman please say something nicer about Victoria? Is there any silver lining yet?

* What can Victorians do at an individual level to help get cases down?

And it's time for quick fire Friday:

* My kids are using an iPad for hours a day in lockdown. What's the impact on their mental health or their eyes?

* If the cold is often caused by coronaviruses, could any vaccine also help stop it?

* Are there any statistics on high-risk venues?

* Can COVID-19 spread via air conditioning systems?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 679 Are Victoria's numbers really going down as much as we think? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-victorias-numbers-really-going-down-as-much-as-we-think/12598924 While the decline in Victoria's coronavirus case numbers has been incredibly positive over the past few weeks, worryingly the number of people getting tested is also falling. Yesterday, Victoria recorded fewer than 14,000 tests — much lower than NSW's 25,000 and even Queensland's 20,000 tests. So could a lower testing rate be hiding the true situation in Victoria and are Victoria's numbers really going down as much as we think? On today's show: * How do we know what the true number of cases in Victoria are if there's not enough testing? * Are the right people being tested? * Why might people not be coming forward to get tested? * Did the man in Hong Kong who tested positive for COVID-19 twice really have it the first time? * What's the difference between the Oxford vaccine and University of Queensland vaccine? * Why are scientists trying to make different types of vaccines when the Oxford vaccine might work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While the decline in Victoria's coronavirus case numbers has been incredibly positive over the past few weeks, worryingly the number of people getting tested is also falling. Yesterday, Victoria recorded fewer than 14,000 tests — much lower than NSW's 25,000 and even Queensland's 20,000 tests. So could a lower testing rate be hiding the true situation in Victoria and are Victoria's numbers really going down as much as we think? On today's show: * How do we know what the true number of cases in Victoria are if there's not enough testing? * Are the right people being tested? * Why might people not be coming forward to get tested? * Did the man in Hong Kong who tested positive for COVID-19 twice really have it the first time? * What's the difference between the Oxford vaccine and University of Queensland vaccine? * Why are scientists trying to make different types of vaccines when the Oxford vaccine might work? While the decline in Victoria's coronavirus case numbers has been incredibly positive over the past few weeks, worryingly the number of people getting tested is also falling. Yesterday, Victoria recorded fewer than 14,000 tests — much lower than NSW's 25,000 and even Queensland's 20,000 tests. So could a lower testing rate be hiding the true situation in Victoria and are Victoria's numbers really going down as much as we think? On today's show: * How do we know what the true number of cases in Victoria are if there's not enough testing? * Are the right people being tested? * Why might people not be coming forward to get tested? * Did the man in Hong Kong who tested positive for COVID-19 twice really have it the first time? * What's the difference between the Oxford vaccine and University of Queensland vaccine? * Why are scientists trying to make different types of vaccines when the Oxford vaccine might work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While the decline in Victoria's coronavirus case numbers has been incredibly positive over the past few weeks, worryingly the number of people getting tested is also falling.

Yesterday, Victoria recorded fewer than 14,000 tests — much lower than NSW's 25,000 and even Queensland's 20,000 tests.

So could a lower testing rate be hiding the true situation in Victoria and are Victoria's numbers really going down as much as we think?

On today's show:

* How do we know what the true number of cases in Victoria are if there's not enough testing?

* Are the right people being tested?

* Why might people not be coming forward to get tested?

* Did the man in Hong Kong who tested positive for COVID-19 twice really have it the first time?

* What's the difference between the Oxford vaccine and University of Queensland vaccine?

* Why are scientists trying to make different types of vaccines when the Oxford vaccine might work?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 691 The top 3 healthcare jobs most at risk of coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-top-3-healthcare-jobs-most-at-risk-of-coronavirus/12594712 The Victorian Government has finally released information that provides a much deeper insight into how many healthcare workers have been infected with coronavirus in hospitals and aged care facilities. It says that "70 to 80 per cent" of healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19 caught it at work, which is up from its previous estimate of 10 to 15 per cent. But yet to be published research has found that some jobs are far riskier than others and the risk of contracting the virus depends where in the system you work. So which jobs are most at risk? On today's show: * What have we learnt from the Victorian Government's information on healthcare worker statistics? * Which jobs are most at risk? * Why are foetal cells and abortions being talked about in relation to the Oxford coronavirus vaccine? * A Hong Kong man has been reinfected with coronavirus. What use is a vaccine if you can get coronavirus again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Victorian Government has finally released information that provides a much deeper insight into how many healthcare workers have been infected with coronavirus in hospitals and aged care facilities. It says that "70 to 80 per cent" of healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19 caught it at work, which is up from its previous estimate of 10 to 15 per cent. But yet to be published research has found that some jobs are far riskier than others and the risk of contracting the virus depends where in the system you work. So which jobs are most at risk? On today's show: * What have we learnt from the Victorian Government's information on healthcare worker statistics? * Which jobs are most at risk? * Why are foetal cells and abortions being talked about in relation to the Oxford coronavirus vaccine? * A Hong Kong man has been reinfected with coronavirus. What use is a vaccine if you can get coronavirus again? The Victorian Government has finally released information that provides a much deeper insight into how many healthcare workers have been infected with coronavirus in hospitals and aged care facilities. It says that "70 to 80 per cent" of healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19 caught it at work, which is up from its previous estimate of 10 to 15 per cent. But yet to be published research has found that some jobs are far riskier than others and the risk of contracting the virus depends where in the system you work. So which jobs are most at risk? On today's show: * What have we learnt from the Victorian Government's information on healthcare worker statistics? * Which jobs are most at risk? * Why are foetal cells and abortions being talked about in relation to the Oxford coronavirus vaccine? * A Hong Kong man has been reinfected with coronavirus. What use is a vaccine if you can get coronavirus again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Victorian Government has finally released information that provides a much deeper insight into how many healthcare workers have been infected with coronavirus in hospitals and aged care facilities.

It says that "70 to 80 per cent" of healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19 caught it at work, which is up from its previous estimate of 10 to 15 per cent.

But yet to be published research has found that some jobs are far riskier than others and the risk of contracting the virus depends where in the system you work.

So which jobs are most at risk?

On today's show:

* What have we learnt from the Victorian Government's information on healthcare worker statistics?

* Which jobs are most at risk?

* Why are foetal cells and abortions being talked about in relation to the Oxford coronavirus vaccine?

* A Hong Kong man has been reinfected with coronavirus. What use is a vaccine if you can get coronavirus again?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 741 What lessons have NSW and Queensland learned from Victoria? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-lessons-have-nsw-and-queensland-learned-from-victoria/12590478 Queensland health authorities say they're worried by the growing number of coronavirus cases in the state, and are recommending people wear facemasks. In NSW, authorities say the virus is lurking in parts of Sydney and are urging people to get tested. Both states have so far kept cases low, no doubt looking south to Victoria for an example as to what happens if it gets out of control. So what other lessons have NSW and Queensland learnt from Victoria? On today's show: * Can you please, please, please talk a bit about NSW? Case numbers are rising, restrictions are being added and I feel lost and confused. * You have said many times that Victoria isn't being transparent. Can you explain why you say that? * Can you clarify if the vaccines that are being developed are live vaccines? And Norman has some news about the way the Oxford vaccine (assuming it's proven safe and effective) will have to be transported, and why it's so different from other vaccines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Queensland health authorities say they're worried by the growing number of coronavirus cases in the state, and are recommending people wear facemasks. In NSW, authorities say the virus is lurking in parts of Sydney and are urging people to get tested. Both states have so far kept cases low, no doubt looking south to Victoria for an example as to what happens if it gets out of control. So what other lessons have NSW and Queensland learnt from Victoria? On today's show: * Can you please, please, please talk a bit about NSW? Case numbers are rising, restrictions are being added and I feel lost and confused. * You have said many times that Victoria isn't being transparent. Can you explain why you say that? * Can you clarify if the vaccines that are being developed are live vaccines? And Norman has some news about the way the Oxford vaccine (assuming it's proven safe and effective) will have to be transported, and why it's so different from other vaccines. Queensland health authorities say they're worried by the growing number of coronavirus cases in the state, and are recommending people wear facemasks. In NSW, authorities say the virus is lurking in parts of Sydney and are urging people to get tested. Both states have so far kept cases low, no doubt looking south to Victoria for an example as to what happens if it gets out of control. So what other lessons have NSW and Queensland learnt from Victoria? On today's show: * Can you please, please, please talk a bit about NSW? Case numbers are rising, restrictions are being added and I feel lost and confused. * You have said many times that Victoria isn't being transparent. Can you explain why you say that? * Can you clarify if the vaccines that are being developed are live vaccines? And Norman has some news about the way the Oxford vaccine (assuming it's proven safe and effective) will have to be transported, and why it's so different from other vaccines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Queensland health authorities say they're worried by the growing number of coronavirus cases in the state, and are recommending people wear facemasks.

In NSW, authorities say the virus is lurking in parts of Sydney and are urging people to get tested.

Both states have so far kept cases low, no doubt looking south to Victoria for an example as to what happens if it gets out of control.

So what other lessons have NSW and Queensland learnt from Victoria?

On today's show:

* Can you please, please, please talk a bit about NSW? Case numbers are rising, restrictions are being added and I feel lost and confused.

* You have said many times that Victoria isn't being transparent. Can you explain why you say that?

* Can you clarify if the vaccines that are being developed are live vaccines?

And Norman has some news about the way the Oxford vaccine (assuming it's proven safe and effective) will have to be transported, and why it's so different from other vaccines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 706 Can Victoria get it done in three more weeks? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-victoria-get-it-done-in-three-more-weeks/12587648 Melbourne is now halfway through its stage 4 lockdown, and if the daily case numbers are anything to go by, the restrictions are clearly working. At the start of the month, Victoria recorded more than 700 cases in a single day. Daily cases are now down to the low 200s. But is three more weeks of hard lockdown enough to get the number to where it needs to be? And what else could be standing in the way of the city coming out of stage 4? On today's show: * Is three more weeks enough to get Melbourne's numbers down? * What about by Christmas? We have a few updates and clarifications regarding testing times and the story about which COVID-19 symptoms come first (on average). If that's not enough, we also have a quick fire round on vaccines! * How is an unvaccinated person a threat to a vaccinated person? * How will the vaccine be distributed? * Is there enough evidence to suggest that it is safe? * Will it be safe for pregnant women? * Who will be getting the vaccine first? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 23 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melbourne is now halfway through its stage 4 lockdown, and if the daily case numbers are anything to go by, the restrictions are clearly working. At the start of the month, Victoria recorded more than 700 cases in a single day. Daily cases are now down to the low 200s. But is three more weeks of hard lockdown enough to get the number to where it needs to be? And what else could be standing in the way of the city coming out of stage 4? On today's show: * Is three more weeks enough to get Melbourne's numbers down? * What about by Christmas? We have a few updates and clarifications regarding testing times and the story about which COVID-19 symptoms come first (on average). If that's not enough, we also have a quick fire round on vaccines! * How is an unvaccinated person a threat to a vaccinated person? * How will the vaccine be distributed? * Is there enough evidence to suggest that it is safe? * Will it be safe for pregnant women? * Who will be getting the vaccine first? Melbourne is now halfway through its stage 4 lockdown, and if the daily case numbers are anything to go by, the restrictions are clearly working. At the start of the month, Victoria recorded more than 700 cases in a single day. Daily cases are now down to the low 200s. But is three more weeks of hard lockdown enough to get the number to where it needs to be? And what else could be standing in the way of the city coming out of stage 4? On today's show: * Is three more weeks enough to get Melbourne's numbers down? * What about by Christmas? We have a few updates and clarifications regarding testing times and the story about which COVID-19 symptoms come first (on average). If that's not enough, we also have a quick fire round on vaccines! * How is an unvaccinated person a threat to a vaccinated person? * How will the vaccine be distributed? * Is there enough evidence to suggest that it is safe? * Will it be safe for pregnant women? * Who will be getting the vaccine first? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melbourne is now halfway through its stage 4 lockdown, and if the daily case numbers are anything to go by, the restrictions are clearly working.

At the start of the month, Victoria recorded more than 700 cases in a single day. Daily cases are now down to the low 200s.

But is three more weeks of hard lockdown enough to get the number to where it needs to be? And what else could be standing in the way of the city coming out of stage 4?

On today's show:

* Is three more weeks enough to get Melbourne's numbers down?

* What about by Christmas?

We have a few updates and clarifications regarding testing times and the story about which COVID-19 symptoms come first (on average).

If that's not enough, we also have a quick fire round on vaccines!

* How is an unvaccinated person a threat to a vaccinated person?

* How will the vaccine be distributed?

* Is there enough evidence to suggest that it is safe?

* Will it be safe for pregnant women?

* Who will be getting the vaccine first?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 634 Could aged care and hospitals keep Victoria locked up? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/could-aged-care-and-hospitals-keep-victoria-locked-up/12580650 New coronavirus cases in Victoria have been falling nicely this week, but if you look a little closer there are still some concerning numbers. A large number of healthcare workers are still being infected. And cases from aged care still appear to be making up large parts of the daily totals. So could the Government's struggle to rein in infections in aged care and hospitals be holding Victoria back? On today's show: * Is the drop in Victorian case numbers due to lower testing? * But didn't the Victorian Health Minister say only 10-15 percent of health workers are catching it at work? * What are the chances that aged care and hospital transmissions will keep Victoria in lockdown? * Can you tell me more about the Oxford vaccine? How does it work? * Will the vaccine work for people with weak immune systems? * Would Norman and Tegan personally take it? And we put the call out yesterday to see how long coronavirus tests are taking around the country. We've had a huge response, so thank you! We'll break down the numbers, but no prizes for guessing which state has the longest waiting time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia New coronavirus cases in Victoria have been falling nicely this week, but if you look a little closer there are still some concerning numbers. A large number of healthcare workers are still being infected. And cases from aged care still appear to be making up large parts of the daily totals. So could the Government's struggle to rein in infections in aged care and hospitals be holding Victoria back? On today's show: * Is the drop in Victorian case numbers due to lower testing? * But didn't the Victorian Health Minister say only 10-15 percent of health workers are catching it at work? * What are the chances that aged care and hospital transmissions will keep Victoria in lockdown? * Can you tell me more about the Oxford vaccine? How does it work? * Will the vaccine work for people with weak immune systems? * Would Norman and Tegan personally take it? And we put the call out yesterday to see how long coronavirus tests are taking around the country. We've had a huge response, so thank you! We'll break down the numbers, but no prizes for guessing which state has the longest waiting time. New coronavirus cases in Victoria have been falling nicely this week, but if you look a little closer there are still some concerning numbers. A large number of healthcare workers are still being infected. And cases from aged care still appear to be making up large parts of the daily totals. So could the Government's struggle to rein in infections in aged care and hospitals be holding Victoria back? On today's show: * Is the drop in Victorian case numbers due to lower testing? * But didn't the Victorian Health Minister say only 10-15 percent of health workers are catching it at work? * What are the chances that aged care and hospital transmissions will keep Victoria in lockdown? * Can you tell me more about the Oxford vaccine? How does it work? * Will the vaccine work for people with weak immune systems? * Would Norman and Tegan personally take it? And we put the call out yesterday to see how long coronavirus tests are taking around the country. We've had a huge response, so thank you! We'll break down the numbers, but no prizes for guessing which state has the longest waiting time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices New coronavirus cases in Victoria have been falling nicely this week, but if you look a little closer there are still some concerning numbers.

A large number of healthcare workers are still being infected.

And cases from aged care still appear to be making up large parts of the daily totals.

So could the Government's struggle to rein in infections in aged care and hospitals be holding Victoria back?

On today's show:

* Is the drop in Victorian case numbers due to lower testing?

* But didn't the Victorian Health Minister say only 10-15 percent of health workers are catching it at work?

* What are the chances that aged care and hospital transmissions will keep Victoria in lockdown?

* Can you tell me more about the Oxford vaccine? How does it work?

* Will the vaccine work for people with weak immune systems?

* Would Norman and Tegan personally take it?

And we put the call out yesterday to see how long coronavirus tests are taking around the country. We've had a huge response, so thank you! We'll break down the numbers, but no prizes for guessing which state has the longest waiting time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 826 Why make a vaccine mandatory? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-make-a-vaccine-mandatory/12575430 When Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he'd like to see any COVID vaccination be as "as mandatory as you can possibly make it", he put the idea of compulsory vaccines on the table. Yesterday he announced the Government had signed a "letter of intent" with a British pharmaceutical giant for access to a coronavirus vaccine if it is successful in clinical trials. So assuming the vaccine is proven to be safe and effective, what are some scientific reasons behind a mandatory rollout of mass vaccination? On today's show: * Are there any scientific reasons for mandatory vaccination? * What are the ethics of mandatory vaccination? * Are there any ways to speed up getting test results back? And Norman has some research about COVID symptoms and what, on average, comes first, second, third and fourth, and why it shows testing regimes should be expanded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he'd like to see any COVID vaccination be as "as mandatory as you can possibly make it", he put the idea of compulsory vaccines on the table. Yesterday he announced the Government had signed a "letter of intent" with a British pharmaceutical giant for access to a coronavirus vaccine if it is successful in clinical trials. So assuming the vaccine is proven to be safe and effective, what are some scientific reasons behind a mandatory rollout of mass vaccination? On today's show: * Are there any scientific reasons for mandatory vaccination? * What are the ethics of mandatory vaccination? * Are there any ways to speed up getting test results back? And Norman has some research about COVID symptoms and what, on average, comes first, second, third and fourth, and why it shows testing regimes should be expanded. When Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he'd like to see any COVID vaccination be as "as mandatory as you can possibly make it", he put the idea of compulsory vaccines on the table. Yesterday he announced the Government had signed a "letter of intent" with a British pharmaceutical giant for access to a coronavirus vaccine if it is successful in clinical trials. So assuming the vaccine is proven to be safe and effective, what are some scientific reasons behind a mandatory rollout of mass vaccination? On today's show: * Are there any scientific reasons for mandatory vaccination? * What are the ethics of mandatory vaccination? * Are there any ways to speed up getting test results back? And Norman has some research about COVID symptoms and what, on average, comes first, second, third and fourth, and why it shows testing regimes should be expanded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he'd like to see any COVID vaccination be as "as mandatory as you can possibly make it", he put the idea of compulsory vaccines on the table.

Yesterday he announced the Government had signed a "letter of intent" with a British pharmaceutical giant for access to a coronavirus vaccine if it is successful in clinical trials.

So assuming the vaccine is proven to be safe and effective, what are some scientific reasons behind a mandatory rollout of mass vaccination?

On today's show:

* Are there any scientific reasons for mandatory vaccination?

* What are the ethics of mandatory vaccination?

* Are there any ways to speed up getting test results back?

And Norman has some research about COVID symptoms and what, on average, comes first, second, third and fourth, and why it shows testing regimes should be expanded.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 716 Are hotels the best way of managing quarantine? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-hotels-the-best-way-of-managing-quarantine/12571720 Governments in Australia and New Zealand are scrambling to find out more about recent coronavirus cases that appear to have escaped from hotel quarantine. NSW Health is looking into how a security guard became infected with coronavirus while working at a hotel quarantine facility in early August. And in New Zealand, a maintenance worker at a hotel managed isolation facility has been infected by a returned traveller from the USA, but no obvious person-to-person connection has been identified. And don't forget the huge problems in Victoria. So it raises the question: are hotels the best way of managing COVID quarantine? On today's show: * With new possible hotel quarantine breaches in NSW and New Zealand, are hotels the best way to manage quarantine? * Isn't it inevitable that when humans are close together, the virus will find a way eventually? * Why are we still talking about superspreaders when we should be talking about superspreading environments? * Why are we still talking a lot about washing hands when it seems the main source of infection is aerosols? * Can you please clarify about valve masks? * How does a pandemic end? Everyone gets infected? Vaccine? * Why don't we do a lockdown every year for the flu? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Governments in Australia and New Zealand are scrambling to find out more about recent coronavirus cases that appear to have escaped from hotel quarantine. NSW Health is looking into how a security guard became infected with coronavirus while working at a hotel quarantine facility in early August. And in New Zealand, a maintenance worker at a hotel managed isolation facility has been infected by a returned traveller from the USA, but no obvious person-to-person connection has been identified. And don't forget the huge problems in Victoria. So it raises the question: are hotels the best way of managing COVID quarantine? On today's show: * With new possible hotel quarantine breaches in NSW and New Zealand, are hotels the best way to manage quarantine? * Isn't it inevitable that when humans are close together, the virus will find a way eventually? * Why are we still talking about superspreaders when we should be talking about superspreading environments? * Why are we still talking a lot about washing hands when it seems the main source of infection is aerosols? * Can you please clarify about valve masks? * How does a pandemic end? Everyone gets infected? Vaccine? * Why don't we do a lockdown every year for the flu? Governments in Australia and New Zealand are scrambling to find out more about recent coronavirus cases that appear to have escaped from hotel quarantine. NSW Health is looking into how a security guard became infected with coronavirus while working at a hotel quarantine facility in early August. And in New Zealand, a maintenance worker at a hotel managed isolation facility has been infected by a returned traveller from the USA, but no obvious person-to-person connection has been identified. And don't forget the huge problems in Victoria. So it raises the question: are hotels the best way of managing COVID quarantine? On today's show: * With new possible hotel quarantine breaches in NSW and New Zealand, are hotels the best way to manage quarantine? * Isn't it inevitable that when humans are close together, the virus will find a way eventually? * Why are we still talking about superspreaders when we should be talking about superspreading environments? * Why are we still talking a lot about washing hands when it seems the main source of infection is aerosols? * Can you please clarify about valve masks? * How does a pandemic end? Everyone gets infected? Vaccine? * Why don't we do a lockdown every year for the flu? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Governments in Australia and New Zealand are scrambling to find out more about recent coronavirus cases that appear to have escaped from hotel quarantine.

NSW Health is looking into how a security guard became infected with coronavirus while working at a hotel quarantine facility in early August.

And in New Zealand, a maintenance worker at a hotel managed isolation facility has been infected by a returned traveller from the USA, but no obvious person-to-person connection has been identified.

And don't forget the huge problems in Victoria.

So it raises the question: are hotels the best way of managing COVID quarantine?

On today's show:

* With new possible hotel quarantine breaches in NSW and New Zealand, are hotels the best way to manage quarantine?

* Isn't it inevitable that when humans are close together, the virus will find a way eventually?

* Why are we still talking about superspreaders when we should be talking about superspreading environments?

* Why are we still talking a lot about washing hands when it seems the main source of infection is aerosols?

* Can you please clarify about valve masks?

* How does a pandemic end? Everyone gets infected? Vaccine?

* Why don't we do a lockdown every year for the flu?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 653 Will Australia have access to a vaccine if/when it is discovered? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-australia-have-access-to-a-vaccine-if-or-when-discovered/12567068 While scientists are yet to come through with a proven coronavirus vaccine, it hasn't stopped governments around the world signing up for some of the most promising candidates. The Australian Government is reportedly in "advanced negotiations" with a range of different companies and close to a deal that would allow production in Australia. But what happens if the deals are for vaccines that end up not working? And is Australia at risk of missing out? On today's show: * Will Australia have access to a vaccine if/when it is discovered? * What happens to production of vaccines if they are shown not to work? * Can the outbreak in New Zealand be traced back to hotel quarantine? What about Victoria? * How's the are of the virus coming in via cold storage looking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While scientists are yet to come through with a proven coronavirus vaccine, it hasn't stopped governments around the world signing up for some of the most promising candidates. The Australian Government is reportedly in "advanced negotiations" with a range of different companies and close to a deal that would allow production in Australia. But what happens if the deals are for vaccines that end up not working? And is Australia at risk of missing out? On today's show: * Will Australia have access to a vaccine if/when it is discovered? * What happens to production of vaccines if they are shown not to work? * Can the outbreak in New Zealand be traced back to hotel quarantine? What about Victoria? * How's the are of the virus coming in via cold storage looking? While scientists are yet to come through with a proven coronavirus vaccine, it hasn't stopped governments around the world signing up for some of the most promising candidates. The Australian Government is reportedly in "advanced negotiations" with a range of different companies and close to a deal that would allow production in Australia. But what happens if the deals are for vaccines that end up not working? And is Australia at risk of missing out? On today's show: * Will Australia have access to a vaccine if/when it is discovered? * What happens to production of vaccines if they are shown not to work? * Can the outbreak in New Zealand be traced back to hotel quarantine? What about Victoria? * How's the are of the virus coming in via cold storage looking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While scientists are yet to come through with a proven coronavirus vaccine, it hasn't stopped governments around the world signing up for some of the most promising candidates.

The Australian Government is reportedly in "advanced negotiations" with a range of different companies and close to a deal that would allow production in Australia.

But what happens if the deals are for vaccines that end up not working? And is Australia at risk of missing out?

On today's show:

* Will Australia have access to a vaccine if/when it is discovered?

* What happens to production of vaccines if they are shown not to work?

* Can the outbreak in New Zealand be traced back to hotel quarantine? What about Victoria?

* How's the are of the virus coming in via cold storage looking?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 623 Did coronavirus slip into NZ by cold freight? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/did-coronavirus-slip-into-nz-by-cold-freight/12563952 As the coronavirus outbreak in New Zealand continues to grow, theories are circulating about how the virus snuck back into the country. While the most likely explanation is it came in via a human, there are a few other suggestions. One is that it never left and has been circulating silently for months, though health authorities say that this is unlikely. Another is that it slipped back into the country on imported cold meats. So how likely is it? On today's show: * Are the numbers in Victoria getting better? Are health workers still a concern? * How did coronavirus make it back into New Zealand? * Has SARS-CoV-2 mutated so that it's now more contagious? And Norman and Tegan discuss a fascinating pre-print study about a fishing trip where nearly everyone on board got infected, except three people. What could that mean for vaccine development? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 16 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the coronavirus outbreak in New Zealand continues to grow, theories are circulating about how the virus snuck back into the country. While the most likely explanation is it came in via a human, there are a few other suggestions. One is that it never left and has been circulating silently for months, though health authorities say that this is unlikely. Another is that it slipped back into the country on imported cold meats. So how likely is it? On today's show: * Are the numbers in Victoria getting better? Are health workers still a concern? * How did coronavirus make it back into New Zealand? * Has SARS-CoV-2 mutated so that it's now more contagious? And Norman and Tegan discuss a fascinating pre-print study about a fishing trip where nearly everyone on board got infected, except three people. What could that mean for vaccine development? As the coronavirus outbreak in New Zealand continues to grow, theories are circulating about how the virus snuck back into the country. While the most likely explanation is it came in via a human, there are a few other suggestions. One is that it never left and has been circulating silently for months, though health authorities say that this is unlikely. Another is that it slipped back into the country on imported cold meats. So how likely is it? On today's show: * Are the numbers in Victoria getting better? Are health workers still a concern? * How did coronavirus make it back into New Zealand? * Has SARS-CoV-2 mutated so that it's now more contagious? And Norman and Tegan discuss a fascinating pre-print study about a fishing trip where nearly everyone on board got infected, except three people. What could that mean for vaccine development? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the coronavirus outbreak in New Zealand continues to grow, theories are circulating about how the virus snuck back into the country.

While the most likely explanation is it came in via a human, there are a few other suggestions.

One is that it never left and has been circulating silently for months, though health authorities say that this is unlikely.

Another is that it slipped back into the country on imported cold meats.

So how likely is it?

On today's show:

* Are the numbers in Victoria getting better? Are health workers still a concern?

* How did coronavirus make it back into New Zealand?

* Has SARS-CoV-2 mutated so that it's now more contagious?

And Norman and Tegan discuss a fascinating pre-print study about a fishing trip where nearly everyone on board got infected, except three people. What could that mean for vaccine development?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 670 NZ's cases grow. What's the point of going for elimination? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-the-point-of-going-for-elimination/12556194 The number of coronavirus cases in New Zealand has continued to grow, as health authorities desperately try to track down and stop the outbreak. Prior to the coronavirus being found in the community, New Zealand had more than 100 days of zero community transmission. But as they've just found out, keeping it that way seems impossible. So if the virus is going to make it into your community eventually, what's the point of trying to eliminate spread? On today's show: * Victoria's numbers are falling nicely now. Is zero cases still something to aim for? * New Zealand's cases of community transmission are on the rise again. What does it teach us about trying to eliminate the COVID-19 virus? * We've had a lot of questions about a possible treatment for COVID-19, with a mix of the drugs ivermectin and doxycycline (also zinc). Why are some people suggesting it should be studied? It's also time for another Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The number of coronavirus cases in New Zealand has continued to grow, as health authorities desperately try to track down and stop the outbreak. Prior to the coronavirus being found in the community, New Zealand had more than 100 days of zero community transmission. But as they've just found out, keeping it that way seems impossible. So if the virus is going to make it into your community eventually, what's the point of trying to eliminate spread? On today's show: * Victoria's numbers are falling nicely now. Is zero cases still something to aim for? * New Zealand's cases of community transmission are on the rise again. What does it teach us about trying to eliminate the COVID-19 virus? * We've had a lot of questions about a possible treatment for COVID-19, with a mix of the drugs ivermectin and doxycycline (also zinc). Why are some people suggesting it should be studied? It's also time for another Quick Fire Friday! The number of coronavirus cases in New Zealand has continued to grow, as health authorities desperately try to track down and stop the outbreak. Prior to the coronavirus being found in the community, New Zealand had more than 100 days of zero community transmission. But as they've just found out, keeping it that way seems impossible. So if the virus is going to make it into your community eventually, what's the point of trying to eliminate spread? On today's show: * Victoria's numbers are falling nicely now. Is zero cases still something to aim for? * New Zealand's cases of community transmission are on the rise again. What does it teach us about trying to eliminate the COVID-19 virus? * We've had a lot of questions about a possible treatment for COVID-19, with a mix of the drugs ivermectin and doxycycline (also zinc). Why are some people suggesting it should be studied? It's also time for another Quick Fire Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The number of coronavirus cases in New Zealand has continued to grow, as health authorities desperately try to track down and stop the outbreak.

Prior to the coronavirus being found in the community, New Zealand had more than 100 days of zero community transmission.

But as they've just found out, keeping it that way seems impossible.

So if the virus is going to make it into your community eventually, what's the point of trying to eliminate spread?

On today's show:

* Victoria's numbers are falling nicely now. Is zero cases still something to aim for?

* New Zealand's cases of community transmission are on the rise again. What does it teach us about trying to eliminate the COVID-19 virus?

* We've had a lot of questions about a possible treatment for COVID-19, with a mix of the drugs ivermectin and doxycycline (also zinc). Why are some people suggesting it should be studied?

It's also time for another Quick Fire Friday!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 674 Is the Russian vaccine dodgy, a game changer, or both? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-the-russian-vaccine-dodgy-a-game-changer-or-both/12551568 Russia's announcement that its new coronavirus vaccine has been approved and is ready to be rolled out has been attacked by vaccine experts, describing it as reckless. No reliable evidence has so far been released to show that it is effective. And more dangerously, no large scale safety trial has been completed. So what now for the Russian coronavirus vaccine? And what could it mean for the rest of the world's efforts? On today's show: * Could Russia's vaccine actually be effective? * If it is effective, what is the problem then? * What are coronavirus vaccines actually attempting to do? Stop the infection or just stop the disease? * Victoria's numbers are up again. What's the latest? * And what on earth is happening in New Zealand? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Russia's announcement that its new coronavirus vaccine has been approved and is ready to be rolled out has been attacked by vaccine experts, describing it as reckless. No reliable evidence has so far been released to show that it is effective. And more dangerously, no large scale safety trial has been completed. So what now for the Russian coronavirus vaccine? And what could it mean for the rest of the world's efforts? On today's show: * Could Russia's vaccine actually be effective? * If it is effective, what is the problem then? * What are coronavirus vaccines actually attempting to do? Stop the infection or just stop the disease? * Victoria's numbers are up again. What's the latest? * And what on earth is happening in New Zealand? Russia's announcement that its new coronavirus vaccine has been approved and is ready to be rolled out has been attacked by vaccine experts, describing it as reckless. No reliable evidence has so far been released to show that it is effective. And more dangerously, no large scale safety trial has been completed. So what now for the Russian coronavirus vaccine? And what could it mean for the rest of the world's efforts? On today's show: * Could Russia's vaccine actually be effective? * If it is effective, what is the problem then? * What are coronavirus vaccines actually attempting to do? Stop the infection or just stop the disease? * Victoria's numbers are up again. What's the latest? * And what on earth is happening in New Zealand? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Russia's announcement that its new coronavirus vaccine has been approved and is ready to be rolled out has been attacked by vaccine experts, describing it as reckless.

No reliable evidence has so far been released to show that it is effective.

And more dangerously, no large scale safety trial has been completed.

So what now for the Russian coronavirus vaccine? And what could it mean for the rest of the world's efforts?

On today's show:

* Could Russia's vaccine actually be effective?

* If it is effective, what is the problem then?

* What are coronavirus vaccines actually attempting to do? Stop the infection or just stop the disease?

* Victoria's numbers are up again. What's the latest?

* And what on earth is happening in New Zealand?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 649 As Melbourne recovers, regional Victoria is struggling https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/as-melbourne-recovers-regional-victoria-is-struggling/12547006 The stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne has been successful so far in pushing down the number of cases in metro areas, but regional Victoria risks being left behind. While the number of cases in regional areas are far smaller, centres like Bendigo and Geelong are struggling to get things under control. So is there a possibility that Melbourne will get on top of things but regional Victoria will still have problems? On today's show: * Are cases increasing in regional Victoria and what could happen if they don’t start falling? * Do some regional areas need stronger restrictions? * On healthcare workers, how do we stop them getting sick? * What about negative pressure rooms in hospitals? * In NSW, clusters seem to be getting bigger, especially around schools. Weren’t they supposed to be lower risk? * Should NSW go into tighter lockdown? * Everyone is making sock masks. Aren’t they going to be too leaky? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne has been successful so far in pushing down the number of cases in metro areas, but regional Victoria risks being left behind. While the number of cases in regional areas are far smaller, centres like Bendigo and Geelong are struggling to get things under control. So is there a possibility that Melbourne will get on top of things but regional Victoria will still have problems? On today's show: * Are cases increasing in regional Victoria and what could happen if they don’t start falling? * Do some regional areas need stronger restrictions? * On healthcare workers, how do we stop them getting sick? * What about negative pressure rooms in hospitals? * In NSW, clusters seem to be getting bigger, especially around schools. Weren’t they supposed to be lower risk? * Should NSW go into tighter lockdown? * Everyone is making sock masks. Aren’t they going to be too leaky? The stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne has been successful so far in pushing down the number of cases in metro areas, but regional Victoria risks being left behind. While the number of cases in regional areas are far smaller, centres like Bendigo and Geelong are struggling to get things under control. So is there a possibility that Melbourne will get on top of things but regional Victoria will still have problems? On today's show: * Are cases increasing in regional Victoria and what could happen if they don’t start falling? * Do some regional areas need stronger restrictions? * On healthcare workers, how do we stop them getting sick? * What about negative pressure rooms in hospitals? * In NSW, clusters seem to be getting bigger, especially around schools. Weren’t they supposed to be lower risk? * Should NSW go into tighter lockdown? * Everyone is making sock masks. Aren’t they going to be too leaky? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne has been successful so far in pushing down the number of cases in metro areas, but regional Victoria risks being left behind.

While the number of cases in regional areas are far smaller, centres like Bendigo and Geelong are struggling to get things under control.

So is there a possibility that Melbourne will get on top of things but regional Victoria will still have problems?

On today's show:

* Are cases increasing in regional Victoria and what could happen if they don’t start falling?

* Do some regional areas need stronger restrictions?

* On healthcare workers, how do we stop them getting sick?

* What about negative pressure rooms in hospitals?

* In NSW, clusters seem to be getting bigger, especially around schools. Weren’t they supposed to be lower risk?

* Should NSW go into tighter lockdown?

* Everyone is making sock masks. Aren’t they going to be too leaky?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 649 When will Victoria's death count stop rising? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-will-victorias-death-count-stop-rising/12543180 The tragic reality of so many people being infected with coronavirus over the past month has started to play out in Victoria. Yesterday a record number of Victorians died of coronavirus in a single day. So while the number of daily cases seems to have started to fall, when will the death rate also start to go down? On today's show: * It seems that while new daily cases have started to fall, sadly the death rate is up. Why are we only seeing it now? * NSW says it's halfway through its critical phase. What does that mean? * How did New Zealand get to zero spread? * Does Australia still have a chance to get there? * How are vaccines distributed in pandemics? Who gets it first? And Norman has a correction and clarification from comments in a previous episode about swine flu and Victoria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The tragic reality of so many people being infected with coronavirus over the past month has started to play out in Victoria. Yesterday a record number of Victorians died of coronavirus in a single day. So while the number of daily cases seems to have started to fall, when will the death rate also start to go down? On today's show: * It seems that while new daily cases have started to fall, sadly the death rate is up. Why are we only seeing it now? * NSW says it's halfway through its critical phase. What does that mean? * How did New Zealand get to zero spread? * Does Australia still have a chance to get there? * How are vaccines distributed in pandemics? Who gets it first? And Norman has a correction and clarification from comments in a previous episode about swine flu and Victoria. The tragic reality of so many people being infected with coronavirus over the past month has started to play out in Victoria. Yesterday a record number of Victorians died of coronavirus in a single day. So while the number of daily cases seems to have started to fall, when will the death rate also start to go down? On today's show: * It seems that while new daily cases have started to fall, sadly the death rate is up. Why are we only seeing it now? * NSW says it's halfway through its critical phase. What does that mean? * How did New Zealand get to zero spread? * Does Australia still have a chance to get there? * How are vaccines distributed in pandemics? Who gets it first? And Norman has a correction and clarification from comments in a previous episode about swine flu and Victoria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The tragic reality of so many people being infected with coronavirus over the past month has started to play out in Victoria.

Yesterday a record number of Victorians died of coronavirus in a single day.

So while the number of daily cases seems to have started to fall, when will the death rate also start to go down?

On today's show:

* It seems that while new daily cases have started to fall, sadly the death rate is up. Why are we only seeing it now?

* NSW says it's halfway through its critical phase. What does that mean?

* How did New Zealand get to zero spread?

* Does Australia still have a chance to get there?

* How are vaccines distributed in pandemics? Who gets it first?

And Norman has a correction and clarification from comments in a previous episode about swine flu and Victoria.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 656 Can we do better at protecting health care workers? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-we-do-better-at-protecting-health-care-workers/12539616 One of the startling figures from the Victorian coronavirus wave is the number of healthcare workers who are getting sick. Nearly 1000 Victorian healthcare workers currently have COVID-19, a number that has doubled in less than a fortnight. When coronavirus hit China and Italy, we saw terrible numbers of healthcare workers getting really sick and sometimes dying. So as the numbers continue to rise, what could happen in Victoria? On today's show: * How many healthcare workers could die? * Norman talks about a study that looks at antibodies in health care workers in New York, which also reports some encouraging information about the accuracy of coronavirus tests. * Numbers are slightly down in Victoria over the weekend. Is Norman going to do a victory lap about his prediction? * Physiotherapists and other allied health professionals must now wear eye protection. This even applies in clinics treating only non-symptomatic people, with everybody wearing masks. I don't understand this rule, unless you can catch the virus via aerosol through your eyes? Can you? * What's happening on the vaccine front? Are we going to get jabbed soon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the startling figures from the Victorian coronavirus wave is the number of healthcare workers who are getting sick. Nearly 1000 Victorian healthcare workers currently have COVID-19, a number that has doubled in less than a fortnight. When coronavirus hit China and Italy, we saw terrible numbers of healthcare workers getting really sick and sometimes dying. So as the numbers continue to rise, what could happen in Victoria? On today's show: * How many healthcare workers could die? * Norman talks about a study that looks at antibodies in health care workers in New York, which also reports some encouraging information about the accuracy of coronavirus tests. * Numbers are slightly down in Victoria over the weekend. Is Norman going to do a victory lap about his prediction? * Physiotherapists and other allied health professionals must now wear eye protection. This even applies in clinics treating only non-symptomatic people, with everybody wearing masks. I don't understand this rule, unless you can catch the virus via aerosol through your eyes? Can you? * What's happening on the vaccine front? Are we going to get jabbed soon? One of the startling figures from the Victorian coronavirus wave is the number of healthcare workers who are getting sick. Nearly 1000 Victorian healthcare workers currently have COVID-19, a number that has doubled in less than a fortnight. When coronavirus hit China and Italy, we saw terrible numbers of healthcare workers getting really sick and sometimes dying. So as the numbers continue to rise, what could happen in Victoria? On today's show: * How many healthcare workers could die? * Norman talks about a study that looks at antibodies in health care workers in New York, which also reports some encouraging information about the accuracy of coronavirus tests. * Numbers are slightly down in Victoria over the weekend. Is Norman going to do a victory lap about his prediction? * Physiotherapists and other allied health professionals must now wear eye protection. This even applies in clinics treating only non-symptomatic people, with everybody wearing masks. I don't understand this rule, unless you can catch the virus via aerosol through your eyes? Can you? * What's happening on the vaccine front? Are we going to get jabbed soon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the startling figures from the Victorian coronavirus wave is the number of healthcare workers who are getting sick.

Nearly 1000 Victorian healthcare workers currently have COVID-19, a number that has doubled in less than a fortnight.

When coronavirus hit China and Italy, we saw terrible numbers of healthcare workers getting really sick and sometimes dying.

So as the numbers continue to rise, what could happen in Victoria?

On today's show:

* How many healthcare workers could die?

* Norman talks about a study that looks at antibodies in health care workers in New York, which also reports some encouraging information about the accuracy of coronavirus tests.

* Numbers are slightly down in Victoria over the weekend. Is Norman going to do a victory lap about his prediction?

* Physiotherapists and other allied health professionals must now wear eye protection. This even applies in clinics treating only non-symptomatic people, with everybody wearing masks. I don't understand this rule, unless you can catch the virus via aerosol through your eyes? Can you?

* What's happening on the vaccine front? Are we going to get jabbed soon?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 674 What happens next in Victoria depends on its mystery cases https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-happens-next-in-victoria-depends-on-its-mystery-cases/12532044 Norman Swan made a big call in predicting that Victoria will start to see a reduction in coronavirus cases by next week, but not everyone agrees with him. Some health experts say it's more likely that the state will experience a wide curve, rather than a sharp decline. Ultimately, it'll come down to how many unknown mystery cases there are in the community. So is Norman sticking by his prediction? On today's show: * How sure is Norman about his big prediction? * What did we learn from SARS-CoV-1? Can we apply any knowledge from that? * Can you get COVID-19 multiple times within a short time frame? * If I can smell cigarette smoke and if I inhaled it from someone who was infected could I get sick? * What is "pool testing"? Why don't we use it in Australia? * Does UVC light effectively kill airborne coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Norman Swan made a big call in predicting that Victoria will start to see a reduction in coronavirus cases by next week, but not everyone agrees with him. Some health experts say it's more likely that the state will experience a wide curve, rather than a sharp decline. Ultimately, it'll come down to how many unknown mystery cases there are in the community. So is Norman sticking by his prediction? On today's show: * How sure is Norman about his big prediction? * What did we learn from SARS-CoV-1? Can we apply any knowledge from that? * Can you get COVID-19 multiple times within a short time frame? * If I can smell cigarette smoke and if I inhaled it from someone who was infected could I get sick? * What is "pool testing"? Why don't we use it in Australia? * Does UVC light effectively kill airborne coronavirus? Norman Swan made a big call in predicting that Victoria will start to see a reduction in coronavirus cases by next week, but not everyone agrees with him. Some health experts say it's more likely that the state will experience a wide curve, rather than a sharp decline. Ultimately, it'll come down to how many unknown mystery cases there are in the community. So is Norman sticking by his prediction? On today's show: * How sure is Norman about his big prediction? * What did we learn from SARS-CoV-1? Can we apply any knowledge from that? * Can you get COVID-19 multiple times within a short time frame? * If I can smell cigarette smoke and if I inhaled it from someone who was infected could I get sick? * What is "pool testing"? Why don't we use it in Australia? * Does UVC light effectively kill airborne coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Norman Swan made a big call in predicting that Victoria will start to see a reduction in coronavirus cases by next week, but not everyone agrees with him.

Some health experts say it's more likely that the state will experience a wide curve, rather than a sharp decline.

Ultimately, it'll come down to how many unknown mystery cases there are in the community.

So is Norman sticking by his prediction?

On today's show:

* How sure is Norman about his big prediction?

* What did we learn from SARS-CoV-1? Can we apply any knowledge from that?

* Can you get COVID-19 multiple times within a short time frame?

* If I can smell cigarette smoke and if I inhaled it from someone who was infected could I get sick?

* What is "pool testing"? Why don't we use it in Australia?

* Does UVC light effectively kill airborne coronavirus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 637 When will stage 4 restrictions start to shift the needle? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-will-stage-4-restrictions-start-to-shift-the-needle/12527768 There's been another grim round of record-breaking coronavirus numbers in Victoria: the highest daily tally, the highest death toll and Australia's youngest victim – a man in his 30s. It's now been almost a month since the state was placed into stage 3 lockdown, and a few days since they were ratcheted up to stage 4. Today on Coronacast, some predictions on when numbers will finally start falling. Also on the show: * What happens with lockdowns if a vaccine never arrives? * What's the success rate on most vaccines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been another grim round of record-breaking coronavirus numbers in Victoria: the highest daily tally, the highest death toll and Australia's youngest victim – a man in his 30s. It's now been almost a month since the state was placed into stage 3 lockdown, and a few days since they were ratcheted up to stage 4. Today on Coronacast, some predictions on when numbers will finally start falling. Also on the show: * What happens with lockdowns if a vaccine never arrives? * What's the success rate on most vaccines? There's been another grim round of record-breaking coronavirus numbers in Victoria: the highest daily tally, the highest death toll and Australia's youngest victim – a man in his 30s. It's now been almost a month since the state was placed into stage 3 lockdown, and a few days since they were ratcheted up to stage 4. Today on Coronacast, some predictions on when numbers will finally start falling. Also on the show: * What happens with lockdowns if a vaccine never arrives? * What's the success rate on most vaccines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been another grim round of record-breaking coronavirus numbers in Victoria: the highest daily tally, the highest death toll and Australia's youngest victim – a man in his 30s.

It's now been almost a month since the state was placed into stage 3 lockdown, and a few days since they were ratcheted up to stage 4.

Today on Coronacast, some predictions on when numbers will finally start falling.

Also on the show:

* What happens with lockdowns if a vaccine never arrives?

* What's the success rate on most vaccines?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 Have we been too easy on rule breakers? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/have-we-been-too-easy-on-rule-breakers/12524256 The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that all COVID positive cases will be doorknocked multiple times, as authorities continue to tighten restrictions in Melbourne. Complying with rules to isolate and quarantine has been a major problem in Victoria. Recent figures show as many as one in four people who were supposed to be isolating at home, were not. So why has it taken this long to crack down on rule breakers? Or is the punitive approach more harmful in the long term? On today's show: * How do you stop people from breaking the rules? * What do you do about people who continue to refuse to follow the rules? * The head of the World Health Organisation says there might not be a COVID silver bullet. How long could this all go on? * What's the point of Melbourne's curfew? * Is the cooler weather in Melbourne playing a part in the sudden rise in cases? * Is there any point checking people's temperatures? Or is it a waste of time? * I have hay fever and a constant runny nose. Should I keep getting tested for COVID, just in case? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that all COVID positive cases will be doorknocked multiple times, as authorities continue to tighten restrictions in Melbourne. Complying with rules to isolate and quarantine has been a major problem in Victoria. Recent figures show as many as one in four people who were supposed to be isolating at home, were not. So why has it taken this long to crack down on rule breakers? Or is the punitive approach more harmful in the long term? On today's show: * How do you stop people from breaking the rules? * What do you do about people who continue to refuse to follow the rules? * The head of the World Health Organisation says there might not be a COVID silver bullet. How long could this all go on? * What's the point of Melbourne's curfew? * Is the cooler weather in Melbourne playing a part in the sudden rise in cases? * Is there any point checking people's temperatures? Or is it a waste of time? * I have hay fever and a constant runny nose. Should I keep getting tested for COVID, just in case? The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that all COVID positive cases will be doorknocked multiple times, as authorities continue to tighten restrictions in Melbourne. Complying with rules to isolate and quarantine has been a major problem in Victoria. Recent figures show as many as one in four people who were supposed to be isolating at home, were not. So why has it taken this long to crack down on rule breakers? Or is the punitive approach more harmful in the long term? On today's show: * How do you stop people from breaking the rules? * What do you do about people who continue to refuse to follow the rules? * The head of the World Health Organisation says there might not be a COVID silver bullet. How long could this all go on? * What's the point of Melbourne's curfew? * Is the cooler weather in Melbourne playing a part in the sudden rise in cases? * Is there any point checking people's temperatures? Or is it a waste of time? * I have hay fever and a constant runny nose. Should I keep getting tested for COVID, just in case? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that all COVID positive cases will be doorknocked multiple times, as authorities continue to tighten restrictions in Melbourne.

Complying with rules to isolate and quarantine has been a major problem in Victoria.

Recent figures show as many as one in four people who were supposed to be isolating at home, were not.

So why has it taken this long to crack down on rule breakers? Or is the punitive approach more harmful in the long term?

On today's show:

* How do you stop people from breaking the rules?

* What do you do about people who continue to refuse to follow the rules?

* The head of the World Health Organisation says there might not be a COVID silver bullet. How long could this all go on?

* What's the point of Melbourne's curfew?

* Is the cooler weather in Melbourne playing a part in the sudden rise in cases?

* Is there any point checking people's temperatures? Or is it a waste of time?

* I have hay fever and a constant runny nose. Should I keep getting tested for COVID, just in case?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 Why stage 3 lockdowns were successful, but not quite enough https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-stage-3-lockdowns-were-successful-but-not-quite-enough/12520144 More than 250,000 workers in Melbourne will be forced to stay home to try and stop the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews ordered the closure of thousands of shops, factories and offices in an attempt to not only flatten the curve but force it downwards. So as the Victorian Government ratchets down restrictions even further, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'what was the point of stage 3?' So today, why stage 3 lockdowns were successful, but not quite enough. On today's show: * What's the point of the new restrictions that are closing businesses across Melbourne? * Were stage 3 restrictions a failure? * Other parts of the country are increasing restrictions too. Are they a bit spooked? * Are children really not that infectious? New research seems to challenge that idea and finds they are actually carrying a lot of virus. * What's going on with rapid testing? The UK are rolling out tests that give results in 90 minutes. Can we have these in Australia too? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia More than 250,000 workers in Melbourne will be forced to stay home to try and stop the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews ordered the closure of thousands of shops, factories and offices in an attempt to not only flatten the curve but force it downwards. So as the Victorian Government ratchets down restrictions even further, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'what was the point of stage 3?' So today, why stage 3 lockdowns were successful, but not quite enough. On today's show: * What's the point of the new restrictions that are closing businesses across Melbourne? * Were stage 3 restrictions a failure? * Other parts of the country are increasing restrictions too. Are they a bit spooked? * Are children really not that infectious? New research seems to challenge that idea and finds they are actually carrying a lot of virus. * What's going on with rapid testing? The UK are rolling out tests that give results in 90 minutes. Can we have these in Australia too? More than 250,000 workers in Melbourne will be forced to stay home to try and stop the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews ordered the closure of thousands of shops, factories and offices in an attempt to not only flatten the curve but force it downwards. So as the Victorian Government ratchets down restrictions even further, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'what was the point of stage 3?' So today, why stage 3 lockdowns were successful, but not quite enough. On today's show: * What's the point of the new restrictions that are closing businesses across Melbourne? * Were stage 3 restrictions a failure? * Other parts of the country are increasing restrictions too. Are they a bit spooked? * Are children really not that infectious? New research seems to challenge that idea and finds they are actually carrying a lot of virus. * What's going on with rapid testing? The UK are rolling out tests that give results in 90 minutes. Can we have these in Australia too? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices More than 250,000 workers in Melbourne will be forced to stay home to try and stop the spread of coronavirus.

Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews ordered the closure of thousands of shops, factories and offices in an attempt to not only flatten the curve but force it downwards.

So as the Victorian Government ratchets down restrictions even further, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'what was the point of stage 3?'

So today, why stage 3 lockdowns were successful, but not quite enough.

On today's show:

* What's the point of the new restrictions that are closing businesses across Melbourne?

* Were stage 3 restrictions a failure?

* Other parts of the country are increasing restrictions too. Are they a bit spooked?

* Are children really not that infectious? New research seems to challenge that idea and finds they are actually carrying a lot of virus.

* What's going on with rapid testing? The UK are rolling out tests that give results in 90 minutes. Can we have these in Australia too?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 735 Melbourne's lockdown pain. How do we make it worth it? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/melbournes-lockdown-pain-how-do-we-make-it-worth-it/12516666 Melbourne has spent its first night under curfew, imposed to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced Melbourne would move to stage 4 restrictions for six weeks. Reasons to leave your house, education, ceremonies, travel and the number of people allowed to gather have all been tightened. It's going to be a tough month and half, so how do we make sure it's all worth it? On today's show: * How do we make sure these stage 4 restrictions are worth it? * What should we hope for when we come out the other side? * When will it all end? By Christmas? * I'm in Queensland and want to wear a mask when I go out but have a one year old. I would feel terrible protecting myself while leaving her exposed. Would wearing a mask offer us both any protection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 02 Aug 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melbourne has spent its first night under curfew, imposed to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced Melbourne would move to stage 4 restrictions for six weeks. Reasons to leave your house, education, ceremonies, travel and the number of people allowed to gather have all been tightened. It's going to be a tough month and half, so how do we make sure it's all worth it? On today's show: * How do we make sure these stage 4 restrictions are worth it? * What should we hope for when we come out the other side? * When will it all end? By Christmas? * I'm in Queensland and want to wear a mask when I go out but have a one year old. I would feel terrible protecting myself while leaving her exposed. Would wearing a mask offer us both any protection? Melbourne has spent its first night under curfew, imposed to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced Melbourne would move to stage 4 restrictions for six weeks. Reasons to leave your house, education, ceremonies, travel and the number of people allowed to gather have all been tightened. It's going to be a tough month and half, so how do we make sure it's all worth it? On today's show: * How do we make sure these stage 4 restrictions are worth it? * What should we hope for when we come out the other side? * When will it all end? By Christmas? * I'm in Queensland and want to wear a mask when I go out but have a one year old. I would feel terrible protecting myself while leaving her exposed. Would wearing a mask offer us both any protection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melbourne has spent its first night under curfew, imposed to try and halt the spread of coronavirus.

Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced Melbourne would move to stage 4 restrictions for six weeks.

Reasons to leave your house, education, ceremonies, travel and the number of people allowed to gather have all been tightened.

It's going to be a tough month and half, so how do we make sure it's all worth it?

On today's show:

* How do we make sure these stage 4 restrictions are worth it?

* What should we hope for when we come out the other side?

* When will it all end? By Christmas?

* I'm in Queensland and want to wear a mask when I go out but have a one year old. I would feel terrible protecting myself while leaving her exposed. Would wearing a mask offer us both any protection?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 667 Another record :( Melbourne’s case number rollercoaster https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/another-record-melbournes-case-number-rollercoaster/12509666 Australia has smashed its daily coronavirus record, with Victoria recording around 700 new infections yesterday. The state's second surge has been a rollercoaster ride of new peaks and falls – but what's concerning everyone is that the overall trend for Victoria is still on the rise. On today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor where he thinks all of this could be heading for Victoria, as well as surrounding states. Also on today: * Another record day in Victoria. It's been a rollercoaster of cases, and emotions. * Why is Victoria waiting until Monday to impose mandatory masks statewide? * How do we combat community coronavirus fatigue? * Regarding the episode about COVID-toes, it's likely describing chilblains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Australia has smashed its daily coronavirus record, with Victoria recording around 700 new infections yesterday. The state's second surge has been a rollercoaster ride of new peaks and falls – but what's concerning everyone is that the overall trend for Victoria is still on the rise. On today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor where he thinks all of this could be heading for Victoria, as well as surrounding states. Also on today: * Another record day in Victoria. It's been a rollercoaster of cases, and emotions. * Why is Victoria waiting until Monday to impose mandatory masks statewide? * How do we combat community coronavirus fatigue? * Regarding the episode about COVID-toes, it's likely describing chilblains. Australia has smashed its daily coronavirus record, with Victoria recording around 700 new infections yesterday. The state's second surge has been a rollercoaster ride of new peaks and falls – but what's concerning everyone is that the overall trend for Victoria is still on the rise. On today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor where he thinks all of this could be heading for Victoria, as well as surrounding states. Also on today: * Another record day in Victoria. It's been a rollercoaster of cases, and emotions. * Why is Victoria waiting until Monday to impose mandatory masks statewide? * How do we combat community coronavirus fatigue? * Regarding the episode about COVID-toes, it's likely describing chilblains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Australia has smashed its daily coronavirus record, with Victoria recording around 700 new infections yesterday.

The state's second surge has been a rollercoaster ride of new peaks and falls – but what's concerning everyone is that the overall trend for Victoria is still on the rise.

On today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor where he thinks all of this could be heading for Victoria, as well as surrounding states.

Also on today:

* Another record day in Victoria. It's been a rollercoaster of cases, and emotions.

* Why is Victoria waiting until Monday to impose mandatory masks statewide?

* How do we combat community coronavirus fatigue?

* Regarding the episode about COVID-toes, it's likely describing chilblains.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 663 Is Queensland overreacting by banning Sydneysiders? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-queensland-overreacting-by-banning-sydneysiders/12505184 The daily coronavirus tallies in Queensland and New South Wales are nowhere near as high as Victoria, but health experts are warning that both states are now on a knife's edge From early Saturday morning, Queensland will block all Sydneysiders from crossing its border, declaring the whole city a hotspot. The New South Wales Government is so far still resisting any talk of another lockdown. So is banning Sydneysiders fair enough? Or an overreaction? On today's show: * Is Queensland overreacting by banning Sydneysiders? * Why does Queensland have concerns about Sydney? * Why aren't other countries that are coming out of lockdown experiencing outbreaks? * Do I have COVID toes and should I get a test? And Coronacast looks at a new study that examines whether a 14-day quarantine is really long enough for coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The daily coronavirus tallies in Queensland and New South Wales are nowhere near as high as Victoria, but health experts are warning that both states are now on a knife's edge From early Saturday morning, Queensland will block all Sydneysiders from crossing its border, declaring the whole city a hotspot. The New South Wales Government is so far still resisting any talk of another lockdown. So is banning Sydneysiders fair enough? Or an overreaction? On today's show: * Is Queensland overreacting by banning Sydneysiders? * Why does Queensland have concerns about Sydney? * Why aren't other countries that are coming out of lockdown experiencing outbreaks? * Do I have COVID toes and should I get a test? And Coronacast looks at a new study that examines whether a 14-day quarantine is really long enough for coronavirus. The daily coronavirus tallies in Queensland and New South Wales are nowhere near as high as Victoria, but health experts are warning that both states are now on a knife's edge From early Saturday morning, Queensland will block all Sydneysiders from crossing its border, declaring the whole city a hotspot. The New South Wales Government is so far still resisting any talk of another lockdown. So is banning Sydneysiders fair enough? Or an overreaction? On today's show: * Is Queensland overreacting by banning Sydneysiders? * Why does Queensland have concerns about Sydney? * Why aren't other countries that are coming out of lockdown experiencing outbreaks? * Do I have COVID toes and should I get a test? And Coronacast looks at a new study that examines whether a 14-day quarantine is really long enough for coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The daily coronavirus tallies in Queensland and New South Wales are nowhere near as high as Victoria, but health experts are warning that both states are now on a knife's edge

From early Saturday morning, Queensland will block all Sydneysiders from crossing its border, declaring the whole city a hotspot.

The New South Wales Government is so far still resisting any talk of another lockdown.

So is banning Sydneysiders fair enough? Or an overreaction?

On today's show:

* Is Queensland overreacting by banning Sydneysiders?

* Why does Queensland have concerns about Sydney?

* Why aren't other countries that are coming out of lockdown experiencing outbreaks?

* Do I have COVID toes and should I get a test?

And Coronacast looks at a new study that examines whether a 14-day quarantine is really long enough for coronavirus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 695 Coronavirus or terrifying hallucinations? Aged care's stark choice https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/coronavirus-or-hallucinations-aged-cares-stark-choice/12500976 When it comes to coronavirus, there is probably no one more vulnerable to the disease than an elderly resident at an aged care facility. With 769 active cases relating to outbreaks in more than 60 Victorian aged care homes, you may think the solution could be evacuating those residents and putting them in hospital until the worst is over. But on today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor that while a change of location might protect an elderly resident from COVID-19, it could put them at risk of a terrifying medical condition known as delirium. Also on the show: * Norman has previously said that coronavirus can survive for days on some surfaces. So why shouldn't I worry about groceries? * How should I clean the gym and do anti-bacterial wipes kill the virus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When it comes to coronavirus, there is probably no one more vulnerable to the disease than an elderly resident at an aged care facility. With 769 active cases relating to outbreaks in more than 60 Victorian aged care homes, you may think the solution could be evacuating those residents and putting them in hospital until the worst is over. But on today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor that while a change of location might protect an elderly resident from COVID-19, it could put them at risk of a terrifying medical condition known as delirium. Also on the show: * Norman has previously said that coronavirus can survive for days on some surfaces. So why shouldn't I worry about groceries? * How should I clean the gym and do anti-bacterial wipes kill the virus? When it comes to coronavirus, there is probably no one more vulnerable to the disease than an elderly resident at an aged care facility. With 769 active cases relating to outbreaks in more than 60 Victorian aged care homes, you may think the solution could be evacuating those residents and putting them in hospital until the worst is over. But on today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor that while a change of location might protect an elderly resident from COVID-19, it could put them at risk of a terrifying medical condition known as delirium. Also on the show: * Norman has previously said that coronavirus can survive for days on some surfaces. So why shouldn't I worry about groceries? * How should I clean the gym and do anti-bacterial wipes kill the virus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When it comes to coronavirus, there is probably no one more vulnerable to the disease than an elderly resident at an aged care facility.

With 769 active cases relating to outbreaks in more than 60 Victorian aged care homes, you may think the solution could be evacuating those residents and putting them in hospital until the worst is over.

But on today's Coronacast, Norman Swan tells Tegan Taylor that while a change of location might protect an elderly resident from COVID-19, it could put them at risk of a terrifying medical condition known as delirium.

Also on the show:

* Norman has previously said that coronavirus can survive for days on some surfaces. So why shouldn't I worry about groceries?

* How should I clean the gym and do anti-bacterial wipes kill the virus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 677 Here's why Victoria's spike isn't going down just yet https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/heres-why-victorias-spike-isnt-going-down-just-yet/12497228 When you think of a coronavirus outbreak on a graph, you probably imagine a big peak and then a swift downward curve as lockdown measures bring the number of infections under control. But Victoria's recent spike looks pretty different. A record-breaking daily tally is followed by a fall in cases before infections suddenly rise again. And also, why has this happened in Victoria? Is it just unlucky or could there be more to it? Health reporter Tegan Taylor has been speaking to some epidemiologists about Victoria's unusual spike and fills in Norman Swan on what they think is going on here. On today's show: * Another day, another massive amount of cases in Victoria. Why isn't it going down? * Why is it different from the first time we were in lockdown? * If coronavirus is on playground equipment, will the rain wash it off? * Do we really need to wash the groceries? It takes one hour to buy them and another two hours to wash and dry them. * Since March, people have been arguing that the mortality rate is much lower than the documented case mortality rate by a factor of five to 10 times. What do we know about the mortality rate of COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you think of a coronavirus outbreak on a graph, you probably imagine a big peak and then a swift downward curve as lockdown measures bring the number of infections under control. But Victoria's recent spike looks pretty different. A record-breaking daily tally is followed by a fall in cases before infections suddenly rise again. And also, why has this happened in Victoria? Is it just unlucky or could there be more to it? Health reporter Tegan Taylor has been speaking to some epidemiologists about Victoria's unusual spike and fills in Norman Swan on what they think is going on here. On today's show: * Another day, another massive amount of cases in Victoria. Why isn't it going down? * Why is it different from the first time we were in lockdown? * If coronavirus is on playground equipment, will the rain wash it off? * Do we really need to wash the groceries? It takes one hour to buy them and another two hours to wash and dry them. * Since March, people have been arguing that the mortality rate is much lower than the documented case mortality rate by a factor of five to 10 times. What do we know about the mortality rate of COVID-19? When you think of a coronavirus outbreak on a graph, you probably imagine a big peak and then a swift downward curve as lockdown measures bring the number of infections under control. But Victoria's recent spike looks pretty different. A record-breaking daily tally is followed by a fall in cases before infections suddenly rise again. And also, why has this happened in Victoria? Is it just unlucky or could there be more to it? Health reporter Tegan Taylor has been speaking to some epidemiologists about Victoria's unusual spike and fills in Norman Swan on what they think is going on here. On today's show: * Another day, another massive amount of cases in Victoria. Why isn't it going down? * Why is it different from the first time we were in lockdown? * If coronavirus is on playground equipment, will the rain wash it off? * Do we really need to wash the groceries? It takes one hour to buy them and another two hours to wash and dry them. * Since March, people have been arguing that the mortality rate is much lower than the documented case mortality rate by a factor of five to 10 times. What do we know about the mortality rate of COVID-19? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you think of a coronavirus outbreak on a graph, you probably imagine a big peak and then a swift downward curve as lockdown measures bring the number of infections under control.

But Victoria's recent spike looks pretty different. A record-breaking daily tally is followed by a fall in cases before infections suddenly rise again.

And also, why has this happened in Victoria? Is it just unlucky or could there be more to it?

Health reporter Tegan Taylor has been speaking to some epidemiologists about Victoria's unusual spike and fills in Norman Swan on what they think is going on here.

On today's show:

* Another day, another massive amount of cases in Victoria. Why isn't it going down?

* Why is it different from the first time we were in lockdown?

* If coronavirus is on playground equipment, will the rain wash it off?

* Do we really need to wash the groceries? It takes one hour to buy them and another two hours to wash and dry them.

* Since March, people have been arguing that the mortality rate is much lower than the documented case mortality rate by a factor of five to 10 times. What do we know about the mortality rate of COVID-19?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 Coronavirus is not just an old person's virus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/coronavirus-is-not-just-an-old-persons-virus/12493614 We often hear that coronavirus doesn't discriminate when it comes to age, but after infection it does tend to get deadlier as patients get older. So while COVID-19 does kill more elderly people, youth is not a guarantee that you'll sail through with mild symptoms and no problems. Over the weekend, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews reminded Victorians that currently two children and eight people under the age of 30 were in hospital with COVID-19. So why are the numbers of young people in hospital growing? On today's show: * How many younger patients are currently in hospital in Victoria? * If you get the virus as a younger person, what long-term damage might there be? * As some of the candidate vaccines go into phase 3 trials, aren't there ethical issues by giving people a placebo and not the vaccine? * Norman has said the key to coronavirus in WA is testing, so what symptoms should be the trigger to get tested? And Norman has some research from the journal Science about undocumented cases of coronavirus, and how it might explain what's going on in Victoria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 26 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We often hear that coronavirus doesn't discriminate when it comes to age, but after infection it does tend to get deadlier as patients get older. So while COVID-19 does kill more elderly people, youth is not a guarantee that you'll sail through with mild symptoms and no problems. Over the weekend, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews reminded Victorians that currently two children and eight people under the age of 30 were in hospital with COVID-19. So why are the numbers of young people in hospital growing? On today's show: * How many younger patients are currently in hospital in Victoria? * If you get the virus as a younger person, what long-term damage might there be? * As some of the candidate vaccines go into phase 3 trials, aren't there ethical issues by giving people a placebo and not the vaccine? * Norman has said the key to coronavirus in WA is testing, so what symptoms should be the trigger to get tested? And Norman has some research from the journal Science about undocumented cases of coronavirus, and how it might explain what's going on in Victoria. We often hear that coronavirus doesn't discriminate when it comes to age, but after infection it does tend to get deadlier as patients get older. So while COVID-19 does kill more elderly people, youth is not a guarantee that you'll sail through with mild symptoms and no problems. Over the weekend, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews reminded Victorians that currently two children and eight people under the age of 30 were in hospital with COVID-19. So why are the numbers of young people in hospital growing? On today's show: * How many younger patients are currently in hospital in Victoria? * If you get the virus as a younger person, what long-term damage might there be? * As some of the candidate vaccines go into phase 3 trials, aren't there ethical issues by giving people a placebo and not the vaccine? * Norman has said the key to coronavirus in WA is testing, so what symptoms should be the trigger to get tested? And Norman has some research from the journal Science about undocumented cases of coronavirus, and how it might explain what's going on in Victoria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We often hear that coronavirus doesn't discriminate when it comes to age, but after infection it does tend to get deadlier as patients get older.

So while COVID-19 does kill more elderly people, youth is not a guarantee that you'll sail through with mild symptoms and no problems.

Over the weekend, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews reminded Victorians that currently two children and eight people under the age of 30 were in hospital with COVID-19.

So why are the numbers of young people in hospital growing?

On today's show:

* How many younger patients are currently in hospital in Victoria?

* If you get the virus as a younger person, what long-term damage might there be?

* As some of the candidate vaccines go into phase 3 trials, aren't there ethical issues by giving people a placebo and not the vaccine?

* Norman has said the key to coronavirus in WA is testing, so what symptoms should be the trigger to get tested?

And Norman has some research from the journal Science about undocumented cases of coronavirus, and how it might explain what's going on in Victoria.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 702 Is a six-week lockdown going to be enough? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-a-six-week-lockdown-going-to-be-enough/12486646 A month ago, consecutive days of more than 400 new coronavirus cases would have been almost unbelievable. Sadly, it's become a reality for Victoria. Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a fortnight, desperately trying to get the numbers to fall. The lockdown was originally imposed for six weeks, but with four weeks to go and the number of cases remaining stubbornly high, is another month going to be enough? On today's show: * Is six weeks going to be enough for Melbourne? * When do we know if it's safe to reopen again? * Could the virus be circulating in Queensland? What should people there be doing? * I'm a garden labourer working in Melbourne. My mask is causing my safety glasses to fog up. How do I stop this happening? * Should people trim their beard to give masks a more secure fit? * Some people have told me that surface transfer is not an issue anymore. Could you please outline the current understanding of how coronavirus spreads? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A month ago, consecutive days of more than 400 new coronavirus cases would have been almost unbelievable. Sadly, it's become a reality for Victoria. Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a fortnight, desperately trying to get the numbers to fall. The lockdown was originally imposed for six weeks, but with four weeks to go and the number of cases remaining stubbornly high, is another month going to be enough? On today's show: * Is six weeks going to be enough for Melbourne? * When do we know if it's safe to reopen again? * Could the virus be circulating in Queensland? What should people there be doing? * I'm a garden labourer working in Melbourne. My mask is causing my safety glasses to fog up. How do I stop this happening? * Should people trim their beard to give masks a more secure fit? * Some people have told me that surface transfer is not an issue anymore. Could you please outline the current understanding of how coronavirus spreads? A month ago, consecutive days of more than 400 new coronavirus cases would have been almost unbelievable. Sadly, it's become a reality for Victoria. Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a fortnight, desperately trying to get the numbers to fall. The lockdown was originally imposed for six weeks, but with four weeks to go and the number of cases remaining stubbornly high, is another month going to be enough? On today's show: * Is six weeks going to be enough for Melbourne? * When do we know if it's safe to reopen again? * Could the virus be circulating in Queensland? What should people there be doing? * I'm a garden labourer working in Melbourne. My mask is causing my safety glasses to fog up. How do I stop this happening? * Should people trim their beard to give masks a more secure fit? * Some people have told me that surface transfer is not an issue anymore. Could you please outline the current understanding of how coronavirus spreads? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A month ago, consecutive days of more than 400 new coronavirus cases would have been almost unbelievable.

Sadly, it's become a reality for Victoria. Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a fortnight, desperately trying to get the numbers to fall.

The lockdown was originally imposed for six weeks, but with four weeks to go and the number of cases remaining stubbornly high, is another month going to be enough?

On today's show:

* Is six weeks going to be enough for Melbourne?

* When do we know if it's safe to reopen again?

* Could the virus be circulating in Queensland? What should people there be doing?

* I'm a garden labourer working in Melbourne. My mask is causing my safety glasses to fog up. How do I stop this happening?

* Should people trim their beard to give masks a more secure fit?

* Some people have told me that surface transfer is not an issue anymore. Could you please outline the current understanding of how coronavirus spreads?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 Why are thousands of people not complying with the rules? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-are-thousands-of-people-not-complying-with-the-rules/12482350 The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed some startling figures yesterday. It wasn't just that the state recorded its highest number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, it was the huge percentage of people that were getting tested and not isolating before they got their result. And in Queensland, there's another issue where people are skipping quarantine before their time is up. So what problems is this all causing? On today's show: * Why are people not complying with the quarantine and isolation rules? * Many of Victoria's outbreaks are in essential industries. How can we control that? * How long is an asymptomatic person contagious for? 14 days? Or forever? How does it work? * There has been a lot of talk about different ways of cleaning masks. Isn't detergent and water just as good as anything? And if you want a back to basics on how to put on a mask, check out our Instagram account @abchealth for a how-to by Dr Norman Swan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed some startling figures yesterday. It wasn't just that the state recorded its highest number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, it was the huge percentage of people that were getting tested and not isolating before they got their result. And in Queensland, there's another issue where people are skipping quarantine before their time is up. So what problems is this all causing? On today's show: * Why are people not complying with the quarantine and isolation rules? * Many of Victoria's outbreaks are in essential industries. How can we control that? * How long is an asymptomatic person contagious for? 14 days? Or forever? How does it work? * There has been a lot of talk about different ways of cleaning masks. Isn't detergent and water just as good as anything? And if you want a back to basics on how to put on a mask, check out our Instagram account @abchealth for a how-to by Dr Norman Swan. The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed some startling figures yesterday. It wasn't just that the state recorded its highest number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, it was the huge percentage of people that were getting tested and not isolating before they got their result. And in Queensland, there's another issue where people are skipping quarantine before their time is up. So what problems is this all causing? On today's show: * Why are people not complying with the quarantine and isolation rules? * Many of Victoria's outbreaks are in essential industries. How can we control that? * How long is an asymptomatic person contagious for? 14 days? Or forever? How does it work? * There has been a lot of talk about different ways of cleaning masks. Isn't detergent and water just as good as anything? And if you want a back to basics on how to put on a mask, check out our Instagram account @abchealth for a how-to by Dr Norman Swan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed some startling figures yesterday.

It wasn't just that the state recorded its highest number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, it was the huge percentage of people that were getting tested and not isolating before they got their result.

And in Queensland, there's another issue where people are skipping quarantine before their time is up.

So what problems is this all causing?

On today's show:

* Why are people not complying with the quarantine and isolation rules?

* Many of Victoria's outbreaks are in essential industries. How can we control that?

* How long is an asymptomatic person contagious for? 14 days? Or forever? How does it work?

* There has been a lot of talk about different ways of cleaning masks. Isn't detergent and water just as good as anything?

And if you want a back to basics on how to put on a mask, check out our Instagram account @abchealth for a how-to by Dr Norman Swan.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 689 Melbourne's 2nd worst day. Are lockdowns working? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/melbournes-2nd-worst-day-are-lockdowns-working/12478710 Melbourne recorded its second worst day yesterday with 374 new cases of coronavirus. It's also been nearly two weeks since the city-wide lockdown was reimposed, but as yet there has been no reduction in new cases and it's unclear whether the curve is flattening. Restrictions seemed to work a lot faster the first time, so what’s going on? And you asked for it: we have Norman's explanation and breakdown of the promising results of the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine. On today's show: * Shouldn't we be seeing a reduction in new Melbourne cases by now? * Is it time to impose tighter restrictions? * Why are we not being advised to soak reusable face masks in ethanol? * I'm a mask newbie. I experienced a suffocating feeling, like I was in a stuffy room with humid stale air. Do you have any advice? And you have some comments about not inhaling scotchgard, questions about if we're anti-Queensland because we forgot to mention them yesterday and was Norman grumpy on Monday. Also today is our 100th episode! We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you or your amazing questions, so thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melbourne recorded its second worst day yesterday with 374 new cases of coronavirus. It's also been nearly two weeks since the city-wide lockdown was reimposed, but as yet there has been no reduction in new cases and it's unclear whether the curve is flattening. Restrictions seemed to work a lot faster the first time, so what’s going on? And you asked for it: we have Norman's explanation and breakdown of the promising results of the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine. On today's show: * Shouldn't we be seeing a reduction in new Melbourne cases by now? * Is it time to impose tighter restrictions? * Why are we not being advised to soak reusable face masks in ethanol? * I'm a mask newbie. I experienced a suffocating feeling, like I was in a stuffy room with humid stale air. Do you have any advice? And you have some comments about not inhaling scotchgard, questions about if we're anti-Queensland because we forgot to mention them yesterday and was Norman grumpy on Monday. Also today is our 100th episode! We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you or your amazing questions, so thank you for listening! Melbourne recorded its second worst day yesterday with 374 new cases of coronavirus. It's also been nearly two weeks since the city-wide lockdown was reimposed, but as yet there has been no reduction in new cases and it's unclear whether the curve is flattening. Restrictions seemed to work a lot faster the first time, so what’s going on? And you asked for it: we have Norman's explanation and breakdown of the promising results of the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine. On today's show: * Shouldn't we be seeing a reduction in new Melbourne cases by now? * Is it time to impose tighter restrictions? * Why are we not being advised to soak reusable face masks in ethanol? * I'm a mask newbie. I experienced a suffocating feeling, like I was in a stuffy room with humid stale air. Do you have any advice? And you have some comments about not inhaling scotchgard, questions about if we're anti-Queensland because we forgot to mention them yesterday and was Norman grumpy on Monday. Also today is our 100th episode! We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you or your amazing questions, so thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melbourne recorded its second worst day yesterday with 374 new cases of coronavirus.

It's also been nearly two weeks since the city-wide lockdown was reimposed, but as yet there has been no reduction in new cases and it's unclear whether the curve is flattening.

Restrictions seemed to work a lot faster the first time, so what’s going on?

And you asked for it: we have Norman's explanation and breakdown of the promising results of the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine.

On today's show:

* Shouldn't we be seeing a reduction in new Melbourne cases by now?

* Is it time to impose tighter restrictions?

* Why are we not being advised to soak reusable face masks in ethanol?

* I'm a mask newbie. I experienced a suffocating feeling, like I was in a stuffy room with humid stale air. Do you have any advice?

And you have some comments about not inhaling scotchgard, questions about if we're anti-Queensland because we forgot to mention them yesterday and was Norman grumpy on Monday.

Also today is our 100th episode! We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you or your amazing questions, so thank you for listening!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 971 What state is most primed for a coronavirus outbreak? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-state-is-most-primed-for-a-coronavirus-outbreak/12475136 While coronavirus case numbers were up in NSW yesterday, health authorities said that they could identify where every infection came from. Being able to trace every case is a great sign that outbreaks are being brought back under control. So is NSW out of the woods? And while NSW might be starting to get back on top of things, research has shown that what’s happening in NSW and Victoria could happen anywhere. On today's show: * Norman explains some intriguing figures about which Australian states are most primed for a coronavirus outbreak. And loads more questions have come in on masks: * Can I lightly scotchgard the outer layer of fabric? * Is scotchgard toxic to breathe through? * Can you wear a face shield instead of a mask? * I am hearing mixed reports about how often to wash a mask. Can you please clarify the best practice? * Can I hot wash and reuse the blue disposable masks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While coronavirus case numbers were up in NSW yesterday, health authorities said that they could identify where every infection came from. Being able to trace every case is a great sign that outbreaks are being brought back under control. So is NSW out of the woods? And while NSW might be starting to get back on top of things, research has shown that what’s happening in NSW and Victoria could happen anywhere. On today's show: * Norman explains some intriguing figures about which Australian states are most primed for a coronavirus outbreak. And loads more questions have come in on masks: * Can I lightly scotchgard the outer layer of fabric? * Is scotchgard toxic to breathe through? * Can you wear a face shield instead of a mask? * I am hearing mixed reports about how often to wash a mask. Can you please clarify the best practice? * Can I hot wash and reuse the blue disposable masks? While coronavirus case numbers were up in NSW yesterday, health authorities said that they could identify where every infection came from. Being able to trace every case is a great sign that outbreaks are being brought back under control. So is NSW out of the woods? And while NSW might be starting to get back on top of things, research has shown that what’s happening in NSW and Victoria could happen anywhere. On today's show: * Norman explains some intriguing figures about which Australian states are most primed for a coronavirus outbreak. And loads more questions have come in on masks: * Can I lightly scotchgard the outer layer of fabric? * Is scotchgard toxic to breathe through? * Can you wear a face shield instead of a mask? * I am hearing mixed reports about how often to wash a mask. Can you please clarify the best practice? * Can I hot wash and reuse the blue disposable masks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While coronavirus case numbers were up in NSW yesterday, health authorities said that they could identify where every infection came from.

Being able to trace every case is a great sign that outbreaks are being brought back under control. So is NSW out of the woods?

And while NSW might be starting to get back on top of things, research has shown that what’s happening in NSW and Victoria could happen anywhere.

On today's show:

* Norman explains some intriguing figures about which Australian states are most primed for a coronavirus outbreak.

And loads more questions have come in on masks:

* Can I lightly scotchgard the outer layer of fabric?

* Is scotchgard toxic to breathe through?

* Can you wear a face shield instead of a mask?

* I am hearing mixed reports about how often to wash a mask. Can you please clarify the best practice?

* Can I hot wash and reuse the blue disposable masks?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 665 Why aren't Melbourne's coronavirus numbers coming down? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-arent-melbournes-coronavirus-numbers-coming-down/12471132 The Victorian Government has imposed new restrictions on Melbourne, mandating the use of masks.Following an increase in coronavirus cases over the last few days, people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four allowed reasons. Residents have now been under restrictions for more than a week, so why aren't Melbourne's coronavirus numbers coming down? And now that masks are mandatory, what's the best way to make them and safely look after them? On today's show: * What do we do if numbers don't start coming down soon? * Why aren't the numbers coming down? * Dr Norman gave his recommendation for materials for masks. What are they? * What should I look for when buying a mask? * Can I put my cloth mask in the microwave and it will kill the germs? * My husband was given some surgical masks and was told he could rotate them every three days. Is this true? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 19 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Victorian Government has imposed new restrictions on Melbourne, mandating the use of masks. Following an increase in coronavirus cases over the last few days, people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four allowed reasons. Residents have now been under restrictions for more than a week, so why aren't Melbourne's coronavirus numbers coming down? And now that masks are mandatory, what's the best way to make them and safely look after them? On today's show: * What do we do if numbers don't start coming down soon? * Why aren't the numbers coming down? * Dr Norman gave his recommendation for materials for masks. What are they? * What should I look for when buying a mask? * Can I put my cloth mask in the microwave and it will kill the germs? * My husband was given some surgical masks and was told he could rotate them every three days. Is this true? The Victorian Government has imposed new restrictions on Melbourne, mandating the use of masks.Following an increase in coronavirus cases over the last few days, people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four allowed reasons. Residents have now been under restrictions for more than a week, so why aren't Melbourne's coronavirus numbers coming down? And now that masks are mandatory, what's the best way to make them and safely look after them? On today's show: * What do we do if numbers don't start coming down soon? * Why aren't the numbers coming down? * Dr Norman gave his recommendation for materials for masks. What are they? * What should I look for when buying a mask? * Can I put my cloth mask in the microwave and it will kill the germs? * My husband was given some surgical masks and was told he could rotate them every three days. Is this true? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Victorian Government has imposed new restrictions on Melbourne, mandating the use of masks.Following an increase in coronavirus cases over the last few days, people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four allowed reasons.

Residents have now been under restrictions for more than a week, so why aren't Melbourne's coronavirus numbers coming down?

And now that masks are mandatory, what's the best way to make them and safely look after them?

On today's show:

* What do we do if numbers don't start coming down soon?

* Why aren't the numbers coming down?

* Dr Norman gave his recommendation for materials for masks. What are they?

* What should I look for when buying a mask?

* Can I put my cloth mask in the microwave and it will kill the germs?

* My husband was given some surgical masks and was told he could rotate them every three days. Is this true?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 652 Record numbers in Melbourne. What happened to stability? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/record-numbers-in-melbourne-what-happened-to-stability/12464770 There's been a record number of new daily cases of coronavirus in Melbourne, just days after health authorities were hoping numbers had stabilised. It's now more than a week since Melbourne went into lockdown, but so far there's been no sign the massive outbreak is being suppressed. And the numbers are also growing in NSW, where authorities are saying the incubation period of the virus could be as low as a day. On today's show: * What do authorities mean by "stability"? Could they know more than they're saying? * NSW authorities say the incubation period of the virus could be a day. What does that mean? * I work at an outdoor grocer. How do I wear a mask for a eight hours? * What does Norman think about loads of people going to the AFL in WA? And we have some research on a really interesting study about how well masks worked at a salon in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been a record number of new daily cases of coronavirus in Melbourne, just days after health authorities were hoping numbers had stabilised. It's now more than a week since Melbourne went into lockdown, but so far there's been no sign the massive outbreak is being suppressed. And the numbers are also growing in NSW, where authorities are saying the incubation period of the virus could be as low as a day. On today's show: * What do authorities mean by "stability"? Could they know more than they're saying? * NSW authorities say the incubation period of the virus could be a day. What does that mean? * I work at an outdoor grocer. How do I wear a mask for a eight hours? * What does Norman think about loads of people going to the AFL in WA? And we have some research on a really interesting study about how well masks worked at a salon in America. There's been a record number of new daily cases of coronavirus in Melbourne, just days after health authorities were hoping numbers had stabilised. It's now more than a week since Melbourne went into lockdown, but so far there's been no sign the massive outbreak is being suppressed. And the numbers are also growing in NSW, where authorities are saying the incubation period of the virus could be as low as a day. On today's show: * What do authorities mean by "stability"? Could they know more than they're saying? * NSW authorities say the incubation period of the virus could be a day. What does that mean? * I work at an outdoor grocer. How do I wear a mask for a eight hours? * What does Norman think about loads of people going to the AFL in WA? And we have some research on a really interesting study about how well masks worked at a salon in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been a record number of new daily cases of coronavirus in Melbourne, just days after health authorities were hoping numbers had stabilised.

It's now more than a week since Melbourne went into lockdown, but so far there's been no sign the massive outbreak is being suppressed.

And the numbers are also growing in NSW, where authorities are saying the incubation period of the virus could be as low as a day.

On today's show:

* What do authorities mean by "stability"? Could they know more than they're saying?

* NSW authorities say the incubation period of the virus could be a day. What does that mean?

* I work at an outdoor grocer. How do I wear a mask for a eight hours?

* What does Norman think about loads of people going to the AFL in WA?

And we have some research on a really interesting study about how well masks worked at a salon in America.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 653 Melbourne's lockdown is a week old. Why no decline in cases? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/melbourne-lockdown-is-a-week-old-why-no-decline-in-cases/12459506 Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a week, and yet we're still seeing hundreds and hundreds of new coronavirus cases every day. And the city's hotspot suburbs have had restrictions for even longer. Health authorities are saying that the numbers are showing signs of some stabilisation but it's still too early to tell for sure. So are the restrictions working and when should we start to see a decline in cases? On today's show: * Melbourne has been in lockdown for a week. Why haven't we started to see a decline in cases? * Health authorities are talking about signs of stabilisation of numbers. Is that true? * If the outbreak in NSW can be linked to Victoria, was NSW about to eradicate the virus? And we received a bunch of comments on yesterday's show. Norman and Tegan respond to your concerns about elbow bumping, the efficacy of loose fitting masks and suggestions on how to get more people to wear them. And we have some research from the New England Journal of Medicine about some results from Moderna's mRNA coronavirus vaccine trial. It seems to look pretty good, but there are some caveats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a week, and yet we're still seeing hundreds and hundreds of new coronavirus cases every day. And the city's hotspot suburbs have had restrictions for even longer. Health authorities are saying that the numbers are showing signs of some stabilisation but it's still too early to tell for sure. So are the restrictions working and when should we start to see a decline in cases? On today's show: * Melbourne has been in lockdown for a week. Why haven't we started to see a decline in cases? * Health authorities are talking about signs of stabilisation of numbers. Is that true? * If the outbreak in NSW can be linked to Victoria, was NSW about to eradicate the virus? And we received a bunch of comments on yesterday's show. Norman and Tegan respond to your concerns about elbow bumping, the efficacy of loose fitting masks and suggestions on how to get more people to wear them. And we have some research from the New England Journal of Medicine about some results from Moderna's mRNA coronavirus vaccine trial. It seems to look pretty good, but there are some caveats. Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a week, and yet we're still seeing hundreds and hundreds of new coronavirus cases every day. And the city's hotspot suburbs have had restrictions for even longer. Health authorities are saying that the numbers are showing signs of some stabilisation but it's still too early to tell for sure. So are the restrictions working and when should we start to see a decline in cases? On today's show: * Melbourne has been in lockdown for a week. Why haven't we started to see a decline in cases? * Health authorities are talking about signs of stabilisation of numbers. Is that true? * If the outbreak in NSW can be linked to Victoria, was NSW about to eradicate the virus? And we received a bunch of comments on yesterday's show. Norman and Tegan respond to your concerns about elbow bumping, the efficacy of loose fitting masks and suggestions on how to get more people to wear them. And we have some research from the New England Journal of Medicine about some results from Moderna's mRNA coronavirus vaccine trial. It seems to look pretty good, but there are some caveats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Melbourne has now been in lockdown for a week, and yet we're still seeing hundreds and hundreds of new coronavirus cases every day.

And the city's hotspot suburbs have had restrictions for even longer.

Health authorities are saying that the numbers are showing signs of some stabilisation but it's still too early to tell for sure.

So are the restrictions working and when should we start to see a decline in cases?

On today's show:

* Melbourne has been in lockdown for a week. Why haven't we started to see a decline in cases?

* Health authorities are talking about signs of stabilisation of numbers. Is that true?

* If the outbreak in NSW can be linked to Victoria, was NSW about to eradicate the virus?

And we received a bunch of comments on yesterday's show. Norman and Tegan respond to your concerns about elbow bumping, the efficacy of loose fitting masks and suggestions on how to get more people to wear them.

And we have some research from the New England Journal of Medicine about some results from Moderna's mRNA coronavirus vaccine trial. It seems to look pretty good, but there are some caveats.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 698 Are pubs petri dishes that should be shut down and avoided? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-pubs-petri-dishes-that-should-be-shut-down-and-avoided/12455980 Going to the pub is almost a national sport, which is why the following question might be a little controversial. In a pandemic, should pubs be closed to try and stop infections? The coronavirus outbreak in the Crossroads Hotel in Sydney has now hit 30 cases, and may be starting to cause problems with surrounding businesses like gyms. So should pubs - heaving places with lots of mixing and movement - be closed? On today's show: * Are pubs places to avoid? * Runners come too close to me. Could I get coronavirus from them? They breathe a lot. * What about gyms? Is it still safe to go to them? * I can't breathe when I wear my woven cotton mask. What should I do? * Can you get coronavirus via the eye? * If a person coughs/sneezes into their elbow and covers that part of their arm with droplets, is it not unhygienic to then bump elbows, instead of shaking hands? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Going to the pub is almost a national sport, which is why the following question might be a little controversial. In a pandemic, should pubs be closed to try and stop infections? The coronavirus outbreak in the Crossroads Hotel in Sydney has now hit 30 cases, and may be starting to cause problems with surrounding businesses like gyms. So should pubs - heaving places with lots of mixing and movement - be closed? On today's show: * Are pubs places to avoid? * Runners come too close to me. Could I get coronavirus from them? They breathe a lot. * What about gyms? Is it still safe to go to them? * I can't breathe when I wear my woven cotton mask. What should I do? * Can you get coronavirus via the eye? * If a person coughs/sneezes into their elbow and covers that part of their arm with droplets, is it not unhygienic to then bump elbows, instead of shaking hands? Going to the pub is almost a national sport, which is why the following question might be a little controversial. In a pandemic, should pubs be closed to try and stop infections? The coronavirus outbreak in the Crossroads Hotel in Sydney has now hit 30 cases, and may be starting to cause problems with surrounding businesses like gyms. So should pubs - heaving places with lots of mixing and movement - be closed? On today's show: * Are pubs places to avoid? * Runners come too close to me. Could I get coronavirus from them? They breathe a lot. * What about gyms? Is it still safe to go to them? * I can't breathe when I wear my woven cotton mask. What should I do? * Can you get coronavirus via the eye? * If a person coughs/sneezes into their elbow and covers that part of their arm with droplets, is it not unhygienic to then bump elbows, instead of shaking hands? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Going to the pub is almost a national sport, which is why the following question might be a little controversial.

In a pandemic, should pubs be closed to try and stop infections?

The coronavirus outbreak in the Crossroads Hotel in Sydney has now hit 30 cases, and may be starting to cause problems with surrounding businesses like gyms.

So should pubs - heaving places with lots of mixing and movement - be closed?

On today's show:

* Are pubs places to avoid?

* Runners come too close to me. Could I get coronavirus from them? They breathe a lot.

* What about gyms? Is it still safe to go to them?

* I can't breathe when I wear my woven cotton mask. What should I do?

* Can you get coronavirus via the eye?

* If a person coughs/sneezes into their elbow and covers that part of their arm with droplets, is it not unhygienic to then bump elbows, instead of shaking hands?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 706 Melbourne was first. Is it now Sydney's turn? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/melbourne-was-first-is-it-now-sydneys-turn/12451156 The growing numbers of coronavirus cases from Sydney's Crossroads Hotel has shown that Melbourne is far from alone in having to worry about outbreaks. The venue has so far been linked to more than 20 cases from people who either picked it up while at the pub, as a contact of someone who'd been there, and even as a contact of a contact. So will NSW Health be able to get on top of it? Or could this be the beginning of some big problems for Sydney? On today's show: * Are we watching the start of a Sydney outbreak in real time? * With all the new cases popping up in Sydney, should we be heading back into lockdown now rather than waiting? * Norman said touching a face mask can reduce or impair its effectiveness. How or why does this happen? * Europe has reduced some restrictions. Why is there not a spike in cases? * I was disappointed about Norman’s reference to healthcare workers contracting diseases as 'inexcusable'. What did he mean by that? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The growing numbers of coronavirus cases from Sydney's Crossroads Hotel has shown that Melbourne is far from alone in having to worry about outbreaks. The venue has so far been linked to more than 20 cases from people who either picked it up while at the pub, as a contact of someone who'd been there, and even as a contact of a contact. So will NSW Health be able to get on top of it? Or could this be the beginning of some big problems for Sydney? On today's show: * Are we watching the start of a Sydney outbreak in real time? * With all the new cases popping up in Sydney, should we be heading back into lockdown now rather than waiting? * Norman said touching a face mask can reduce or impair its effectiveness. How or why does this happen? * Europe has reduced some restrictions. Why is there not a spike in cases? * I was disappointed about Norman’s reference to healthcare workers contracting diseases as 'inexcusable'. What did he mean by that? The growing numbers of coronavirus cases from Sydney's Crossroads Hotel has shown that Melbourne is far from alone in having to worry about outbreaks. The venue has so far been linked to more than 20 cases from people who either picked it up while at the pub, as a contact of someone who'd been there, and even as a contact of a contact. So will NSW Health be able to get on top of it? Or could this be the beginning of some big problems for Sydney? On today's show: * Are we watching the start of a Sydney outbreak in real time? * With all the new cases popping up in Sydney, should we be heading back into lockdown now rather than waiting? * Norman said touching a face mask can reduce or impair its effectiveness. How or why does this happen? * Europe has reduced some restrictions. Why is there not a spike in cases? * I was disappointed about Norman’s reference to healthcare workers contracting diseases as 'inexcusable'. What did he mean by that? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The growing numbers of coronavirus cases from Sydney's Crossroads Hotel has shown that Melbourne is far from alone in having to worry about outbreaks.

The venue has so far been linked to more than 20 cases from people who either picked it up while at the pub, as a contact of someone who'd been there, and even as a contact of a contact.

So will NSW Health be able to get on top of it? Or could this be the beginning of some big problems for Sydney?

On today's show:

* Are we watching the start of a Sydney outbreak in real time?

* With all the new cases popping up in Sydney, should we be heading back into lockdown now rather than waiting?

* Norman said touching a face mask can reduce or impair its effectiveness. How or why does this happen?

* Europe has reduced some restrictions. Why is there not a spike in cases?

* I was disappointed about Norman’s reference to healthcare workers contracting diseases as 'inexcusable'. What did he mean by that?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 706 Is it too late to eliminate coronavirus, even if we wanted to? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-it-too-late-to-eliminate-coronavirus-even-if-we-wanted-to/12447478 There have been hundreds more cases of coronavirus over the weekend in Victoria, with more and more outbreaks popping up. New South Wales is also battling its own outbreak, which has come from a pub in south-west Sydney. With the amount of virus now washing around the community, has Australia missed its chance at eliminating coronavirus even if it wanted to? On today's show: * Has the surge in cases in Victoria peaked yet? * Why are there so many cases per day in Victoria? * How do I prevent spread between household members when there is only one bathroom? And Norman and Tegan discuss a recent study in The Lancet about so-called herd immunity, and how even countries that have suffered terribly are still a long way away from enough of the population being immune. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 12 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There have been hundreds more cases of coronavirus over the weekend in Victoria, with more and more outbreaks popping up. New South Wales is also battling its own outbreak, which has come from a pub in south-west Sydney. With the amount of virus now washing around the community, has Australia missed its chance at eliminating coronavirus even if it wanted to? On today's show: * Has the surge in cases in Victoria peaked yet? * Why are there so many cases per day in Victoria? * How do I prevent spread between household members when there is only one bathroom? And Norman and Tegan discuss a recent study in The Lancet about so-called herd immunity, and how even countries that have suffered terribly are still a long way away from enough of the population being immune. There have been hundreds more cases of coronavirus over the weekend in Victoria, with more and more outbreaks popping up. New South Wales is also battling its own outbreak, which has come from a pub in south-west Sydney. With the amount of virus now washing around the community, has Australia missed its chance at eliminating coronavirus even if it wanted to? On today's show: * Has the surge in cases in Victoria peaked yet? * Why are there so many cases per day in Victoria? * How do I prevent spread between household members when there is only one bathroom? And Norman and Tegan discuss a recent study in The Lancet about so-called herd immunity, and how even countries that have suffered terribly are still a long way away from enough of the population being immune. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There have been hundreds more cases of coronavirus over the weekend in Victoria, with more and more outbreaks popping up.

New South Wales is also battling its own outbreak, which has come from a pub in south-west Sydney.

With the amount of virus now washing around the community, has Australia missed its chance at eliminating coronavirus even if it wanted to?

On today's show:

* Has the surge in cases in Victoria peaked yet?

* Why are there so many cases per day in Victoria?

* How do I prevent spread between household members when there is only one bathroom?

And Norman and Tegan discuss a recent study in The Lancet about so-called herd immunity, and how even countries that have suffered terribly are still a long way away from enough of the population being immune.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 710 With hundreds of cases this week, has Australia blown it? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/with-hundreds-of-cases-this-week-has-australia-blown-it/12440874 Let's face it: it hasn't exactly been a great week this week for coronavirus. Victoria has outbreaks occurring all over the place, Australia's second largest city is in lockdown and other states and territories are terrified of cases flowing over to them. It's all looking very messy. So has Australia blown it? Or can we fight back against SARS-CoV-2? On today's show: * Has Australia blown it? * Should other states continue winding back restrictions and social distancing requirements? * How do we know if the virus is emerging? * Has the recommendation on masks changed? * Should I wear a mask? What about my baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Let's face it: it hasn't exactly been a great week this week for coronavirus. Victoria has outbreaks occurring all over the place, Australia's second largest city is in lockdown and other states and territories are terrified of cases flowing over to them. It's all looking very messy. So has Australia blown it? Or can we fight back against SARS-CoV-2? On today's show: * Has Australia blown it? * Should other states continue winding back restrictions and social distancing requirements? * How do we know if the virus is emerging? * Has the recommendation on masks changed? * Should I wear a mask? What about my baby? Let's face it: it hasn't exactly been a great week this week for coronavirus. Victoria has outbreaks occurring all over the place, Australia's second largest city is in lockdown and other states and territories are terrified of cases flowing over to them. It's all looking very messy. So has Australia blown it? Or can we fight back against SARS-CoV-2? On today's show: * Has Australia blown it? * Should other states continue winding back restrictions and social distancing requirements? * How do we know if the virus is emerging? * Has the recommendation on masks changed? * Should I wear a mask? What about my baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Let's face it: it hasn't exactly been a great week this week for coronavirus.

Victoria has outbreaks occurring all over the place, Australia's second largest city is in lockdown and other states and territories are terrified of cases flowing over to them.

It's all looking very messy. So has Australia blown it? Or can we fight back against SARS-CoV-2?

On today's show:

* Has Australia blown it?

* Should other states continue winding back restrictions and social distancing requirements?

* How do we know if the virus is emerging?

* Has the recommendation on masks changed?

* Should I wear a mask? What about my baby?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 685 Is Victoria the wake up call Australia needed? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-victoria-the-wake-up-call-australia-needed/12436594 Borders have been thrown up around Victoria as other states try to limit importing coronavirus infections. But it's been too late for the ACT and NSW, which yesterday had cases that were linked back to Victorian residents. It has kickstarted a lesson about if we've been too complacent with personal social distancing and relaxing restrictions. So is what's happening in Victoria the wake up call Australia needed? On today's show: * Is the rest of Australia ready for coronavirus? * What lessons can we learn from what's happening in Victoria? * Why has Victoria gone with a six week lockdown? * What does Norman have against the ACT? He never mentions Canberra on Coronacast. * What's the difference between droplets and aerosols? And why does it matter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Borders have been thrown up around Victoria as other states try to limit importing coronavirus infections. But it's been too late for the ACT and NSW, which yesterday had cases that were linked back to Victorian residents. It has kickstarted a lesson about if we've been too complacent with personal social distancing and relaxing restrictions. So is what's happening in Victoria the wake up call Australia needed? On today's show: * Is the rest of Australia ready for coronavirus? * What lessons can we learn from what's happening in Victoria? * Why has Victoria gone with a six week lockdown? * What does Norman have against the ACT? He never mentions Canberra on Coronacast. * What's the difference between droplets and aerosols? And why does it matter? Borders have been thrown up around Victoria as other states try to limit importing coronavirus infections. But it's been too late for the ACT and NSW, which yesterday had cases that were linked back to Victorian residents. It has kickstarted a lesson about if we've been too complacent with personal social distancing and relaxing restrictions. So is what's happening in Victoria the wake up call Australia needed? On today's show: * Is the rest of Australia ready for coronavirus? * What lessons can we learn from what's happening in Victoria? * Why has Victoria gone with a six week lockdown? * What does Norman have against the ACT? He never mentions Canberra on Coronacast. * What's the difference between droplets and aerosols? And why does it matter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Borders have been thrown up around Victoria as other states try to limit importing coronavirus infections.

But it's been too late for the ACT and NSW, which yesterday had cases that were linked back to Victorian residents.

It has kickstarted a lesson about if we've been too complacent with personal social distancing and relaxing restrictions.

So is what's happening in Victoria the wake up call Australia needed?

On today's show:

* Is the rest of Australia ready for coronavirus?

* What lessons can we learn from what's happening in Victoria?

* Why has Victoria gone with a six week lockdown?

* What does Norman have against the ACT? He never mentions Canberra on Coronacast.

* What's the difference between droplets and aerosols? And why does it matter?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 658 Melbourne's 42 days of lockdown. Will it work? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/melbournes-42-days-of-lockdown-will-it-work/12431960 The number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne has finally hit a high enough level for the Victorian Government to put the city back into lockdown. Melbourne will be in lockdown for the next six weeks, or 42 days, with people only being allowed out for four specific reasons: care, essential purchases, exercise and school or work. It's a remarkable turnaround from only a month ago, where elimination and international travel bubbles were on the agenda. So why put the lockdowns in now? Will they work? And why is it going to be so much harder the second time around? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne has finally hit a high enough level for the Victorian Government to put the city back into lockdown. Melbourne will be in lockdown for the next six weeks, or 42 days, with people only being allowed out for four specific reasons: care, essential purchases, exercise and school or work. It's a remarkable turnaround from only a month ago, where elimination and international travel bubbles were on the agenda. So why put the lockdowns in now? Will they work? And why is it going to be so much harder the second time around? The number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne has finally hit a high enough level for the Victorian Government to put the city back into lockdown. Melbourne will be in lockdown for the next six weeks, or 42 days, with people only being allowed out for four specific reasons: care, essential purchases, exercise and school or work. It's a remarkable turnaround from only a month ago, where elimination and international travel bubbles were on the agenda. So why put the lockdowns in now? Will they work? And why is it going to be so much harder the second time around? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The number of new coronavirus cases in Melbourne has finally hit a high enough level for the Victorian Government to put the city back into lockdown.

Melbourne will be in lockdown for the next six weeks, or 42 days, with people only being allowed out for four specific reasons: care, essential purchases, exercise and school or work.

It's a remarkable turnaround from only a month ago, where elimination and international travel bubbles were on the agenda.

So why put the lockdowns in now? Will they work? And why is it going to be so much harder the second time around?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 698 Are Melbourne's current lockdowns enough? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-melbournes-current-lockdowns-enough/12427424 There are now all sorts of different lockdowns in Victoria as the state's active caseload of coronavirus gets worse and worse. The number of cases has more than doubled in the last week, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Borders will be closed with NSW from midnight, a hard lockdown remains in place for residents in public housing towers and softer restrictions apply to people in hotspots. But is it all enough? Or is just delaying the inevitable citywide lockdown? On today’s show: * Are the measures in Melbourne enough? * Given Victoria's daily case count is higher than during the March peak will the whole of Melbourne go back to harder restrictions? And will school go back? * What’s the latest understanding of COVID-19's case fatality rate? And Norman and Tegan discuss the letter to the World Health Organisation, signed by more than 230 scientists, arguing that coronavirus is airborne. And also research in The Lancet which might indicate that we're worrying way too much about getting COVID-19 from surfaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are now all sorts of different lockdowns in Victoria as the state's active caseload of coronavirus gets worse and worse. The number of cases has more than doubled in the last week, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Borders will be closed with NSW from midnight, a hard lockdown remains in place for residents in public housing towers and softer restrictions apply to people in hotspots. But is it all enough? Or is just delaying the inevitable citywide lockdown? On today’s show: * Are the measures in Melbourne enough? * Given Victoria's daily case count is higher than during the March peak will the whole of Melbourne go back to harder restrictions? And will school go back? * What’s the latest understanding of COVID-19's case fatality rate? And Norman and Tegan discuss the letter to the World Health Organisation, signed by more than 230 scientists, arguing that coronavirus is airborne. And also research in The Lancet which might indicate that we're worrying way too much about getting COVID-19 from surfaces. There are now all sorts of different lockdowns in Victoria as the state's active caseload of coronavirus gets worse and worse. The number of cases has more than doubled in the last week, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Borders will be closed with NSW from midnight, a hard lockdown remains in place for residents in public housing towers and softer restrictions apply to people in hotspots. But is it all enough? Or is just delaying the inevitable citywide lockdown? On today’s show: * Are the measures in Melbourne enough? * Given Victoria's daily case count is higher than during the March peak will the whole of Melbourne go back to harder restrictions? And will school go back? * What’s the latest understanding of COVID-19's case fatality rate? And Norman and Tegan discuss the letter to the World Health Organisation, signed by more than 230 scientists, arguing that coronavirus is airborne. And also research in The Lancet which might indicate that we're worrying way too much about getting COVID-19 from surfaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are now all sorts of different lockdowns in Victoria as the state's active caseload of coronavirus gets worse and worse.

The number of cases has more than doubled in the last week, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Borders will be closed with NSW from midnight, a hard lockdown remains in place for residents in public housing towers and softer restrictions apply to people in hotspots.

But is it all enough? Or is just delaying the inevitable citywide lockdown?

On today’s show:

* Are the measures in Melbourne enough?

* Given Victoria's daily case count is higher than during the March peak will the whole of Melbourne go back to harder restrictions? And will school go back?

* What’s the latest understanding of COVID-19's case fatality rate?

And Norman and Tegan discuss the letter to the World Health Organisation, signed by more than 230 scientists, arguing that coronavirus is airborne. And also research in The Lancet which might indicate that we're worrying way too much about getting COVID-19 from surfaces.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 716 Is Melbourne becoming a nightmare? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-melbourne-becoming-a-nightmare/12424062 The coronavirus situation in Melbourne is getting more and more serious, with hundreds of people in public housing units forced into hard lockdown over the weekend. The Victorian Government has announced a series of support measures for the residents of the high-rise buildings as they're unable to go out. It's a scary prospect for the residents, and a potentially nightmarish situation with hundreds of people living in densely populated buildings. On today's show: * Victoria has had a bad weekend. What’s likely to happen now? * I'm not in a Melbourne hotspot, but should I go to a dinner that was organised before the surge in cases or stay at home? * Is getting on a plane and flying to a job interview a good idea at the moment? We have a clarification about staying home after being tested in Victoria's testing blitz last week, and Norman has an update on how a few COVID-19 treatments are going and which ones the World Health Organisation has removed from its list because they don't work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 05 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The coronavirus situation in Melbourne is getting more and more serious, with hundreds of people in public housing units forced into hard lockdown over the weekend. The Victorian Government has announced a series of support measures for the residents of the high-rise buildings as they're unable to go out. It's a scary prospect for the residents, and a potentially nightmarish situation with hundreds of people living in densely populated buildings. On today's show: * Victoria has had a bad weekend. What’s likely to happen now? * I'm not in a Melbourne hotspot, but should I go to a dinner that was organised before the surge in cases or stay at home? * Is getting on a plane and flying to a job interview a good idea at the moment? We have a clarification about staying home after being tested in Victoria's testing blitz last week, and Norman has an update on how a few COVID-19 treatments are going and which ones the World Health Organisation has removed from its list because they don't work. The coronavirus situation in Melbourne is getting more and more serious, with hundreds of people in public housing units forced into hard lockdown over the weekend. The Victorian Government has announced a series of support measures for the residents of the high-rise buildings as they're unable to go out. It's a scary prospect for the residents, and a potentially nightmarish situation with hundreds of people living in densely populated buildings. On today's show: * Victoria has had a bad weekend. What’s likely to happen now? * I'm not in a Melbourne hotspot, but should I go to a dinner that was organised before the surge in cases or stay at home? * Is getting on a plane and flying to a job interview a good idea at the moment? We have a clarification about staying home after being tested in Victoria's testing blitz last week, and Norman has an update on how a few COVID-19 treatments are going and which ones the World Health Organisation has removed from its list because they don't work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The coronavirus situation in Melbourne is getting more and more serious, with hundreds of people in public housing units forced into hard lockdown over the weekend.

The Victorian Government has announced a series of support measures for the residents of the high-rise buildings as they're unable to go out.

It's a scary prospect for the residents, and a potentially nightmarish situation with hundreds of people living in densely populated buildings.

On today's show:

* Victoria has had a bad weekend. What’s likely to happen now?

* I'm not in a Melbourne hotspot, but should I go to a dinner that was organised before the surge in cases or stay at home?

* Is getting on a plane and flying to a job interview a good idea at the moment?

We have a clarification about staying home after being tested in Victoria's testing blitz last week, and Norman has an update on how a few COVID-19 treatments are going and which ones the World Health Organisation has removed from its list because they don't work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 Cases are popping up in other states. Are we losing control? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/cases-are-popping-up-in-other-states-are-we-losing-control/12417680 If you've been watching the coronavirus news this week, you may have reacted with a bit of alarm after seeing that cases seem to be slipping out of Victoria and into other states and territories. The NT and NSW have reported cases that came from people travelling from Victoria, and contact tracing is underway. So as cases pop up around the country, Coronacast listeners are wondering: are we losing control? On today's show: * As cases spread beyond Victoria, are we losing control? * Why are we making such a big deal about the infections when clearly the hospital rate is almost non-existent? Norman and Tegan discuss some responses to yesterday's question about why people in Melbourne might be refusing to be tested for coronavirus. And it's Friday, which means it's time for the quick-fire round! * Are workers who are testing people tested for COVID-19? * Will our DNA be stored after taking the test? * In the UK there was a trial of a COVID-19 test that takes 20 minutes with no lab testing required. Do we know how that trial went? * If a person goes for a test but prior to testing that person used an alcohol based antibacterial mouthwash, could it show up as a false negative? * How will I know if I am a close contact of a positive case? Will someone call me? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you've been watching the coronavirus news this week, you may have reacted with a bit of alarm after seeing that cases seem to be slipping out of Victoria and into other states and territories. The NT and NSW have reported cases that came from people travelling from Victoria, and contact tracing is underway. So as cases pop up around the country, Coronacast listeners are wondering: are we losing control? On today's show: * As cases spread beyond Victoria, are we losing control? * Why are we making such a big deal about the infections when clearly the hospital rate is almost non-existent? Norman and Tegan discuss some responses to yesterday's question about why people in Melbourne might be refusing to be tested for coronavirus. And it's Friday, which means it's time for the quick-fire round! * Are workers who are testing people tested for COVID-19? * Will our DNA be stored after taking the test? * In the UK there was a trial of a COVID-19 test that takes 20 minutes with no lab testing required. Do we know how that trial went? * If a person goes for a test but prior to testing that person used an alcohol based antibacterial mouthwash, could it show up as a false negative? * How will I know if I am a close contact of a positive case? Will someone call me? If you've been watching the coronavirus news this week, you may have reacted with a bit of alarm after seeing that cases seem to be slipping out of Victoria and into other states and territories. The NT and NSW have reported cases that came from people travelling from Victoria, and contact tracing is underway. So as cases pop up around the country, Coronacast listeners are wondering: are we losing control? On today's show: * As cases spread beyond Victoria, are we losing control? * Why are we making such a big deal about the infections when clearly the hospital rate is almost non-existent? Norman and Tegan discuss some responses to yesterday's question about why people in Melbourne might be refusing to be tested for coronavirus. And it's Friday, which means it's time for the quick-fire round! * Are workers who are testing people tested for COVID-19? * Will our DNA be stored after taking the test? * In the UK there was a trial of a COVID-19 test that takes 20 minutes with no lab testing required. Do we know how that trial went? * If a person goes for a test but prior to testing that person used an alcohol based antibacterial mouthwash, could it show up as a false negative? * How will I know if I am a close contact of a positive case? Will someone call me? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you've been watching the coronavirus news this week, you may have reacted with a bit of alarm after seeing that cases seem to be slipping out of Victoria and into other states and territories.

The NT and NSW have reported cases that came from people travelling from Victoria, and contact tracing is underway.

So as cases pop up around the country, Coronacast listeners are wondering: are we losing control?

On today's show:

* As cases spread beyond Victoria, are we losing control?

* Why are we making such a big deal about the infections when clearly the hospital rate is almost non-existent?

Norman and Tegan discuss some responses to yesterday's question about why people in Melbourne might be refusing to be tested for coronavirus.

And it's Friday, which means it's time for the quick-fire round!

* Are workers who are testing people tested for COVID-19?

* Will our DNA be stored after taking the test?

* In the UK there was a trial of a COVID-19 test that takes 20 minutes with no lab testing required. Do we know how that trial went?

* If a person goes for a test but prior to testing that person used an alcohol based antibacterial mouthwash, could it show up as a false negative?

* How will I know if I am a close contact of a positive case? Will someone call me?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 710 Why are some people refusing to get tested? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-are-some-people-refusing-to-get-tested/12413024 With huge amounts of coronavirus testing going on, one of the more disturbing statistics is the number of people who are refusing to be tested. Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday that as part of Victoria's testing blitz, more than 900 people had refused tests. So why is it happening? Tegan and Norman go through our huge list of audience questions and comments to try and find out. On today's show: * Why are people refusing to be tested for coronavirus? * The virus doesn't recognise someone's home address as a boundary. Is it enough to single out just those suburbs in Melbourne for lockdown? * I have read that gastro-like symptoms have been a first symptom of COVID-19 in children. Should I get my child tested if they have these symptoms? * Norman mentioned on Wednesday that China was testing something on its military. Do you know anything more about that? * What are the rules when it comes to social distancing now in states where there is less virus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Jul 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With huge amounts of coronavirus testing going on, one of the more disturbing statistics is the number of people who are refusing to be tested. Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday that as part of Victoria's testing blitz, more than 900 people had refused tests. So why is it happening? Tegan and Norman go through our huge list of audience questions and comments to try and find out. On today's show: * Why are people refusing to be tested for coronavirus? * The virus doesn't recognise someone's home address as a boundary. Is it enough to single out just those suburbs in Melbourne for lockdown? * I have read that gastro-like symptoms have been a first symptom of COVID-19 in children. Should I get my child tested if they have these symptoms? * Norman mentioned on Wednesday that China was testing something on its military. Do you know anything more about that? * What are the rules when it comes to social distancing now in states where there is less virus? With huge amounts of coronavirus testing going on, one of the more disturbing statistics is the number of people who are refusing to be tested. Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday that as part of Victoria's testing blitz, more than 900 people had refused tests. So why is it happening? Tegan and Norman go through our huge list of audience questions and comments to try and find out. On today's show: * Why are people refusing to be tested for coronavirus? * The virus doesn't recognise someone's home address as a boundary. Is it enough to single out just those suburbs in Melbourne for lockdown? * I have read that gastro-like symptoms have been a first symptom of COVID-19 in children. Should I get my child tested if they have these symptoms? * Norman mentioned on Wednesday that China was testing something on its military. Do you know anything more about that? * What are the rules when it comes to social distancing now in states where there is less virus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With huge amounts of coronavirus testing going on, one of the more disturbing statistics is the number of people who are refusing to be tested.

Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday that as part of Victoria's testing blitz, more than 900 people had refused tests.

So why is it happening? Tegan and Norman go through our huge list of audience questions and comments to try and find out.

On today's show:

* Why are people refusing to be tested for coronavirus?

* The virus doesn't recognise someone's home address as a boundary. Is it enough to single out just those suburbs in Melbourne for lockdown?

* I have read that gastro-like symptoms have been a first symptom of COVID-19 in children. Should I get my child tested if they have these symptoms?

* Norman mentioned on Wednesday that China was testing something on its military. Do you know anything more about that?

* What are the rules when it comes to social distancing now in states where there is less virus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 691 Lockdown! Victoria's big move to try and stop coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/lockdown-victorias-big-move-to-try-and-stop-coronavirus/12408056 Victoria has again forced large parts of Melbourne into lockdown, in an attempt to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. Listing postcodes in so-called "hot zones" where restrictions will apply, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says the "extraordinary steps" were necessary to contain a surge in infections. The orders effectively place some suburbs back under the same restrictions from the start of the pandemic. So will it help stop the spread? On today's show: * Why are people in Melbourne being forced back into lockdown? * As cases rise in Victoria, why aren't we seeing more people in hospital like what happened the first time? * There hasn't been a treatment or vaccine for SARS and MERS, why do we think there will be one for coronavirus? * There are antiviral drugs for HIV, could we see a similar approach for coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victoria has again forced large parts of Melbourne into lockdown, in an attempt to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. Listing postcodes in so-called "hot zones" where restrictions will apply, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says the "extraordinary steps" were necessary to contain a surge in infections. The orders effectively place some suburbs back under the same restrictions from the start of the pandemic. So will it help stop the spread? On today's show: * Why are people in Melbourne being forced back into lockdown? * As cases rise in Victoria, why aren't we seeing more people in hospital like what happened the first time? * There hasn't been a treatment or vaccine for SARS and MERS, why do we think there will be one for coronavirus? * There are antiviral drugs for HIV, could we see a similar approach for coronavirus? Victoria has again forced large parts of Melbourne into lockdown, in an attempt to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. Listing postcodes in so-called "hot zones" where restrictions will apply, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says the "extraordinary steps" were necessary to contain a surge in infections. The orders effectively place some suburbs back under the same restrictions from the start of the pandemic. So will it help stop the spread? On today's show: * Why are people in Melbourne being forced back into lockdown? * As cases rise in Victoria, why aren't we seeing more people in hospital like what happened the first time? * There hasn't been a treatment or vaccine for SARS and MERS, why do we think there will be one for coronavirus? * There are antiviral drugs for HIV, could we see a similar approach for coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victoria has again forced large parts of Melbourne into lockdown, in an attempt to try and halt the spread of coronavirus.

Listing postcodes in so-called "hot zones" where restrictions will apply, Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews says the "extraordinary steps" were necessary to contain a surge in infections.

The orders effectively place some suburbs back under the same restrictions from the start of the pandemic.

So will it help stop the spread?

On today's show:

* Why are people in Melbourne being forced back into lockdown?

* As cases rise in Victoria, why aren't we seeing more people in hospital like what happened the first time?

* There hasn't been a treatment or vaccine for SARS and MERS, why do we think there will be one for coronavirus?

* There are antiviral drugs for HIV, could we see a similar approach for coronavirus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 694 Why isn't Victoria locking it all down? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-isnt-victoria-locking-it-all-down/12403410 Victoria registered 75 new cases of coronavirus on Monday – one of the highest daily increases in new cases since the pandemic began. Last time the curve was becoming this steep, Australia was put into lockdown. And while that hasn't happened again yet, Victorian authorities aren't ruling it out. But if keeping coronavirus under control is so important, why wait? On today's show: * Is it time to get worried about Victoria? * If controlling community transmission is so important in containing the spread then why is the Victorian government not taking any measures? * Will you finally admit that Victoria is experiencing a second wave of infections? * Is diminished or loss of sense of smell a permanent or temporary complication of COVID-19? * Is it safer to fly in business class or does the air circulate regardless and make no difference on such a long trip? And Norman and Tegan discuss some research about COVID-19 in children and infants, which found that while most kids only suffer from mild conditions, some develop severe disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victoria registered 75 new cases of coronavirus on Monday – one of the highest daily increases in new cases since the pandemic began. Last time the curve was becoming this steep, Australia was put into lockdown. And while that hasn't happened again yet, Victorian authorities aren't ruling it out. But if keeping coronavirus under control is so important, why wait? On today's show: * Is it time to get worried about Victoria? * If controlling community transmission is so important in containing the spread then why is the Victorian government not taking any measures? * Will you finally admit that Victoria is experiencing a second wave of infections? * Is diminished or loss of sense of smell a permanent or temporary complication of COVID-19? * Is it safer to fly in business class or does the air circulate regardless and make no difference on such a long trip? And Norman and Tegan discuss some research about COVID-19 in children and infants, which found that while most kids only suffer from mild conditions, some develop severe disease. Victoria registered 75 new cases of coronavirus on Monday – one of the highest daily increases in new cases since the pandemic began. Last time the curve was becoming this steep, Australia was put into lockdown. And while that hasn't happened again yet, Victorian authorities aren't ruling it out. But if keeping coronavirus under control is so important, why wait? On today's show: * Is it time to get worried about Victoria? * If controlling community transmission is so important in containing the spread then why is the Victorian government not taking any measures? * Will you finally admit that Victoria is experiencing a second wave of infections? * Is diminished or loss of sense of smell a permanent or temporary complication of COVID-19? * Is it safer to fly in business class or does the air circulate regardless and make no difference on such a long trip? And Norman and Tegan discuss some research about COVID-19 in children and infants, which found that while most kids only suffer from mild conditions, some develop severe disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victoria registered 75 new cases of coronavirus on Monday – one of the highest daily increases in new cases since the pandemic began.

Last time the curve was becoming this steep, Australia was put into lockdown.

And while that hasn't happened again yet, Victorian authorities aren't ruling it out.

But if keeping coronavirus under control is so important, why wait?

On today's show:

* Is it time to get worried about Victoria?

* If controlling community transmission is so important in containing the spread then why is the Victorian government not taking any measures?

* Will you finally admit that Victoria is experiencing a second wave of infections?

* Is diminished or loss of sense of smell a permanent or temporary complication of COVID-19?

* Is it safer to fly in business class or does the air circulate regardless and make no difference on such a long trip?

And Norman and Tegan discuss some research about COVID-19 in children and infants, which found that while most kids only suffer from mild conditions, some develop severe disease.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 616 The unrelenting slog facing the people trying to stop coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/unrelenting-slog-facing-the-people-trying-to-stop-coronavirus/12401348 As case numbers in Victoria continue to rise, spare a thought for the people running the State Government's response to the virus outbreak. The small team needs to manage a growing number of active cases, find out who they've come in contact with and hope it all doesn't spiral out of control. To make matters worse, even if they manage to bring the latest outbreaks under control, there's little to stop it all flaring up again somewhere down the line. On today's show: * What's it like inside the Victorian Government's response to rising case numbers? * How is Victoria hoping to deal with the outbreak? * What's keeping Victoria's Chief Medical Officer Brett Sutton up at night? And a few recent studies have found SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in wastewater in Europe long before the first known cluster in Wuhan. So what's going on? Does this mean coronavirus could have been circulating long before we originally thought? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 28 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As case numbers in Victoria continue to rise, spare a thought for the people running the State Government's response to the virus outbreak. The small team needs to manage a growing number of active cases, find out who they've come in contact with and hope it all doesn't spiral out of control. To make matters worse, even if they manage to bring the latest outbreaks under control, there's little to stop it all flaring up again somewhere down the line. On today's show: * What's it like inside the Victorian Government's response to rising case numbers? * How is Victoria hoping to deal with the outbreak? * What's keeping Victoria's Chief Medical Officer Brett Sutton up at night? And a few recent studies have found SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in wastewater in Europe long before the first known cluster in Wuhan. So what's going on? Does this mean coronavirus could have been circulating long before we originally thought? As case numbers in Victoria continue to rise, spare a thought for the people running the State Government's response to the virus outbreak. The small team needs to manage a growing number of active cases, find out who they've come in contact with and hope it all doesn't spiral out of control. To make matters worse, even if they manage to bring the latest outbreaks under control, there's little to stop it all flaring up again somewhere down the line. On today's show: * What's it like inside the Victorian Government's response to rising case numbers? * How is Victoria hoping to deal with the outbreak? * What's keeping Victoria's Chief Medical Officer Brett Sutton up at night? And a few recent studies have found SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in wastewater in Europe long before the first known cluster in Wuhan. So what's going on? Does this mean coronavirus could have been circulating long before we originally thought? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As case numbers in Victoria continue to rise, spare a thought for the people running the State Government's response to the virus outbreak.

The small team needs to manage a growing number of active cases, find out who they've come in contact with and hope it all doesn't spiral out of control.

To make matters worse, even if they manage to bring the latest outbreaks under control, there's little to stop it all flaring up again somewhere down the line.

On today's show:

* What's it like inside the Victorian Government's response to rising case numbers?

* How is Victoria hoping to deal with the outbreak?

* What's keeping Victoria's Chief Medical Officer Brett Sutton up at night?

And a few recent studies have found SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in wastewater in Europe long before the first known cluster in Wuhan. So what's going on? Does this mean coronavirus could have been circulating long before we originally thought?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 696 Can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-victoria-test-its-way-out-of-its-coronavirus-problem/12394186 Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants 100,000 Victorians to be tested for coronavirus over the next 10 days in what he calls an "unprecedented testing blitz". The blitz aims to find out where coronavirus is and isolate infected people, to try and get on top of that state's growing infection problem. So can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? Or are local lockdowns going to be needed? On today's show: * Can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? * How accurate are the saliva tests? * What's the strategy here of mass testing? * Why are we so worried about community transmission? The goal was always to flatten the curve, not eliminate the virus, wasn't it? * People want to elbow bump me. Is that a risk? It's also quick-fire Friday! * Should you put off routine dental checks or colonoscopy checks? * Is it true that women involved in trials of a coronavirus vaccine overseas have become infertile? * If 200 Australians were exposed to COVID-19, how many will die? * Do super spreaders wish they had a different superpower? We have more on the "quaranjeans" question from Thursday's episode, and Norman has some research about blood types and whether they affect your chances of severe COVID-19 or even catching the virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants 100,000 Victorians to be tested for coronavirus over the next 10 days in what he calls an "unprecedented testing blitz". The blitz aims to find out where coronavirus is and isolate infected people, to try and get on top of that state's growing infection problem. So can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? Or are local lockdowns going to be needed? On today's show: * Can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? * How accurate are the saliva tests? * What's the strategy here of mass testing? * Why are we so worried about community transmission? The goal was always to flatten the curve, not eliminate the virus, wasn't it? * People want to elbow bump me. Is that a risk? It's also quick-fire Friday! * Should you put off routine dental checks or colonoscopy checks? * Is it true that women involved in trials of a coronavirus vaccine overseas have become infertile? * If 200 Australians were exposed to COVID-19, how many will die? * Do super spreaders wish they had a different superpower? We have more on the "quaranjeans" question from Thursday's episode, and Norman has some research about blood types and whether they affect your chances of severe COVID-19 or even catching the virus. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants 100,000 Victorians to be tested for coronavirus over the next 10 days in what he calls an "unprecedented testing blitz". The blitz aims to find out where coronavirus is and isolate infected people, to try and get on top of that state's growing infection problem. So can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? Or are local lockdowns going to be needed? On today's show: * Can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? * How accurate are the saliva tests? * What's the strategy here of mass testing? * Why are we so worried about community transmission? The goal was always to flatten the curve, not eliminate the virus, wasn't it? * People want to elbow bump me. Is that a risk? It's also quick-fire Friday! * Should you put off routine dental checks or colonoscopy checks? * Is it true that women involved in trials of a coronavirus vaccine overseas have become infertile? * If 200 Australians were exposed to COVID-19, how many will die? * Do super spreaders wish they had a different superpower? We have more on the "quaranjeans" question from Thursday's episode, and Norman has some research about blood types and whether they affect your chances of severe COVID-19 or even catching the virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants 100,000 Victorians to be tested for coronavirus over the next 10 days in what he calls an "unprecedented testing blitz".

The blitz aims to find out where coronavirus is and isolate infected people, to try and get on top of that state's growing infection problem.

So can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem? Or are local lockdowns going to be needed?

On today's show:

* Can Victoria test its way out of its coronavirus problem?

* How accurate are the saliva tests?

* What's the strategy here of mass testing?

* Why are we so worried about community transmission? The goal was always to flatten the curve, not eliminate the virus, wasn't it?

* People want to elbow bump me. Is that a risk?

It's also quick-fire Friday!

* Should you put off routine dental checks or colonoscopy checks?

* Is it true that women involved in trials of a coronavirus vaccine overseas have become infertile?

* If 200 Australians were exposed to COVID-19, how many will die?

* Do super spreaders wish they had a different superpower?

We have more on the "quaranjeans" question from Thursday's episode, and Norman has some research about blood types and whether they affect your chances of severe COVID-19 or even catching the virus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 695 So did Conor McKenna have coronavirus or not? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/so-did-conor-mckenna-have-coronavirus-or-not/12390098 The on again, off again nature of Essendon AFL player Conor McKenna's COVID tests has been a wild ride this week. McKenna had an irregular test result on Friday, then tested positive on Saturday. Then on Tuesday, tested negative. So what's going on? Did he have COVID-19? Or has he been clear all along? On today's show: * How much can we rely on COVID-19 tests? * What makes a super spreader? Is it biological or is it behavioural? * I tried to buy a pair of jeans today but my size was "out the back in quarantine for another 24 hours"! Would putting clothes in a plastic bag for 48 hours kill off any coronavirus? * Should people in the coronavirus hot spots leave their house to go to work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The on again, off again nature of Essendon AFL player Conor McKenna's COVID tests has been a wild ride this week. McKenna had an irregular test result on Friday, then tested positive on Saturday. Then on Tuesday, tested negative. So what's going on? Did he have COVID-19? Or has he been clear all along? On today's show: * How much can we rely on COVID-19 tests? * What makes a super spreader? Is it biological or is it behavioural? * I tried to buy a pair of jeans today but my size was "out the back in quarantine for another 24 hours"! Would putting clothes in a plastic bag for 48 hours kill off any coronavirus? * Should people in the coronavirus hot spots leave their house to go to work? The on again, off again nature of Essendon AFL player Conor McKenna's COVID tests has been a wild ride this week. McKenna had an irregular test result on Friday, then tested positive on Saturday. Then on Tuesday, tested negative. So what's going on? Did he have COVID-19? Or has he been clear all along? On today's show: * How much can we rely on COVID-19 tests? * What makes a super spreader? Is it biological or is it behavioural? * I tried to buy a pair of jeans today but my size was "out the back in quarantine for another 24 hours"! Would putting clothes in a plastic bag for 48 hours kill off any coronavirus? * Should people in the coronavirus hot spots leave their house to go to work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The on again, off again nature of Essendon AFL player Conor McKenna's COVID tests has been a wild ride this week.

McKenna had an irregular test result on Friday, then tested positive on Saturday. Then on Tuesday, tested negative.

So what's going on? Did he have COVID-19? Or has he been clear all along?

On today's show:

* How much can we rely on COVID-19 tests?

* What makes a super spreader? Is it biological or is it behavioural?

* I tried to buy a pair of jeans today but my size was "out the back in quarantine for another 24 hours"! Would putting clothes in a plastic bag for 48 hours kill off any coronavirus?

* Should people in the coronavirus hot spots leave their house to go to work?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 583 Every coronavirus cluster starts with one person https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/every-coronavirus-cluster-starts-with-one-person/12385860 If we've learnt anything from the Victorian coronavirus situation, it's that COVID-19 loves clusters. The first known cluster of coronavirus was the Wuhan wet market in China, infecting more than 40 people. From there, in only a few months, it has spread around the world, infecting more than 9 million people. So how do these clusters start? And how do we stop them? On today's show: * What's the latest in Victoria? * Are multicultural communities getting enough official communication about coronavirus? * I live in a Melbourne hotspot. Do you have any tips on what measures I should take? * What is "routine testing"? * How do clusters or hot spots start? And Norman has some more on "R values" of coronavirus and the flu. He also makes a correction to some comments in yesterday's episode about where the protester at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest was infected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If we've learnt anything from the Victorian coronavirus situation, it's that COVID-19 loves clusters. The first known cluster of coronavirus was the Wuhan wet market in China, infecting more than 40 people. From there, in only a few months, it has spread around the world, infecting more than 9 million people. So how do these clusters start? And how do we stop them? On today's show: * What's the latest in Victoria? * Are multicultural communities getting enough official communication about coronavirus? * I live in a Melbourne hotspot. Do you have any tips on what measures I should take? * What is "routine testing"? * How do clusters or hot spots start? And Norman has some more on "R values" of coronavirus and the flu. He also makes a correction to some comments in yesterday's episode about where the protester at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest was infected. If we've learnt anything from the Victorian coronavirus situation, it's that COVID-19 loves clusters. The first known cluster of coronavirus was the Wuhan wet market in China, infecting more than 40 people. From there, in only a few months, it has spread around the world, infecting more than 9 million people. So how do these clusters start? And how do we stop them? On today's show: * What's the latest in Victoria? * Are multicultural communities getting enough official communication about coronavirus? * I live in a Melbourne hotspot. Do you have any tips on what measures I should take? * What is "routine testing"? * How do clusters or hot spots start? And Norman has some more on "R values" of coronavirus and the flu. He also makes a correction to some comments in yesterday's episode about where the protester at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest was infected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If we've learnt anything from the Victorian coronavirus situation, it's that COVID-19 loves clusters.

The first known cluster of coronavirus was the Wuhan wet market in China, infecting more than 40 people.

From there, in only a few months, it has spread around the world, infecting more than 9 million people.

So how do these clusters start? And how do we stop them?

On today's show:

* What's the latest in Victoria?

* Are multicultural communities getting enough official communication about coronavirus?

* I live in a Melbourne hotspot. Do you have any tips on what measures I should take?

* What is "routine testing"?

* How do clusters or hot spots start?

And Norman has some more on "R values" of coronavirus and the flu. He also makes a correction to some comments in yesterday's episode about where the protester at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest was infected.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 656 We've stopped social distancing and it's causing problems https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/weve-stopped-social-distancing-and-its-causing-problems/12382004 A month or so ago, we had social distancing sorted. We weren't hugging or shaking hands and we were keeping our distance. But as the threat of coronavirus reduced, it seems we've slipped back into old habits. And according to experts, the complacency could cost us dearly. On today's show: * What is the "R value" for coronavirus nationally? What about Victoria? * What is happening to social distancing? Are we getting worse at it? * Could the spike in Victoria be due to the colder weather? * How does genomic testing of the virus work and is this how Victorian authorities know that the latest outbreaks are from family transmission? * When going to family gatherings, it's not pleasant when relatives are offended by maintaining physical distance from them. How do we do this better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A month or so ago, we had social distancing sorted. We weren't hugging or shaking hands and we were keeping our distance. But as the threat of coronavirus reduced, it seems we've slipped back into old habits. And according to experts, the complacency could cost us dearly. On today's show: * What is the "R value" for coronavirus nationally? What about Victoria? * What is happening to social distancing? Are we getting worse at it? * Could the spike in Victoria be due to the colder weather? * How does genomic testing of the virus work and is this how Victorian authorities know that the latest outbreaks are from family transmission? * When going to family gatherings, it's not pleasant when relatives are offended by maintaining physical distance from them. How do we do this better? A month or so ago, we had social distancing sorted. We weren't hugging or shaking hands and we were keeping our distance. But as the threat of coronavirus reduced, it seems we've slipped back into old habits. And according to experts, the complacency could cost us dearly. On today's show: * What is the "R value" for coronavirus nationally? What about Victoria? * What is happening to social distancing? Are we getting worse at it? * Could the spike in Victoria be due to the colder weather? * How does genomic testing of the virus work and is this how Victorian authorities know that the latest outbreaks are from family transmission? * When going to family gatherings, it's not pleasant when relatives are offended by maintaining physical distance from them. How do we do this better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A month or so ago, we had social distancing sorted.

We weren't hugging or shaking hands and we were keeping our distance.

But as the threat of coronavirus reduced, it seems we've slipped back into old habits.

And according to experts, the complacency could cost us dearly.

On today's show:

* What is the "R value" for coronavirus nationally? What about Victoria?

* What is happening to social distancing? Are we getting worse at it?

* Could the spike in Victoria be due to the colder weather?

* How does genomic testing of the virus work and is this how Victorian authorities know that the latest outbreaks are from family transmission?

* When going to family gatherings, it's not pleasant when relatives are offended by maintaining physical distance from them. How do we do this better?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 581 Coronavirus is taking off again. Is it the second wave? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/coronavirus-is-taking-off-again-is-it-the-second-wave/12378158 The state of Victoria is now under more restrictions, after being forced to ratchet them up due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Victoria has had nearly a week of daily double digit increases of COVID-19 cases as coronavirus circulates. While the situation isn't yet as bad as it was before the lockdowns, it has health authorities and political leaders worried. So how did we end up in this situation? On today's show: * What's going on in Victoria? * Why don't state governments make people who test positive to COVID-19 go into forced quarantine? * Is the situation better or worse than when restrictions and lockdowns were first started? * For every person detected with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, how many are in the community undetected? * What is actually a second wave? Does it mean small clusters breaking out here and there, or a big spread of the virus again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 21 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The state of Victoria is now under more restrictions, after being forced to ratchet them up due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Victoria has had nearly a week of daily double digit increases of COVID-19 cases as coronavirus circulates. While the situation isn't yet as bad as it was before the lockdowns, it has health authorities and political leaders worried. So how did we end up in this situation? On today's show: * What's going on in Victoria? * Why don't state governments make people who test positive to COVID-19 go into forced quarantine? * Is the situation better or worse than when restrictions and lockdowns were first started? * For every person detected with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, how many are in the community undetected? * What is actually a second wave? Does it mean small clusters breaking out here and there, or a big spread of the virus again? The state of Victoria is now under more restrictions, after being forced to ratchet them up due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Victoria has had nearly a week of daily double digit increases of COVID-19 cases as coronavirus circulates. While the situation isn't yet as bad as it was before the lockdowns, it has health authorities and political leaders worried. So how did we end up in this situation? On today's show: * What's going on in Victoria? * Why don't state governments make people who test positive to COVID-19 go into forced quarantine? * Is the situation better or worse than when restrictions and lockdowns were first started? * For every person detected with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, how many are in the community undetected? * What is actually a second wave? Does it mean small clusters breaking out here and there, or a big spread of the virus again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The state of Victoria is now under more restrictions, after being forced to ratchet them up due to a rise in coronavirus cases.

Victoria has had nearly a week of daily double digit increases of COVID-19 cases as coronavirus circulates.

While the situation isn't yet as bad as it was before the lockdowns, it has health authorities and political leaders worried.

So how did we end up in this situation?

On today's show:

* What's going on in Victoria?

* Why don't state governments make people who test positive to COVID-19 go into forced quarantine?

* Is the situation better or worse than when restrictions and lockdowns were first started?

* For every person detected with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, how many are in the community undetected?

* What is actually a second wave? Does it mean small clusters breaking out here and there, or a big spread of the virus again?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 659 What's social distancing done for sexually transmitted infections? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/social-distancing-and-sexually-transmitted-infections/12368282 When Australia went into lockdown, it helped more than just coronavirus from spiralling out of control. Infections of influenza are massively down on average, thanks to social distancing and people staying home. So what about other illnesses like sexually transmitted infections? Has staying apart helped drive down those cases too? On today's show: * How do you manage dating and remain COVID-19 safe at the same time? * Can coronavirus be transmitted sexually? * What's social distancing done for sexually transmitted infections? * Was the virus present earlier than reported in those countries that suffered early on? * My Victorian family members insist there has been no community spread and new cases in Victoria and NSW are expats returning and in quarantine. Is this right, or is there a community trickle? * Do you think kids have better immunity because of all the vaccinations they receive during childhood? And in our new "quick answers" segment: * How do you get a COVID-19 test done? Where do you go? How much does it cost? Does it hurt? * What is the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2? * My daughter is in Chile and hopes to return to Melbourne early August. Will she have to quarantine in a hotel or can she quarantine at our family home? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When Australia went into lockdown, it helped more than just coronavirus from spiralling out of control. Infections of influenza are massively down on average, thanks to social distancing and people staying home. So what about other illnesses like sexually transmitted infections? Has staying apart helped drive down those cases too? On today's show: * How do you manage dating and remain COVID-19 safe at the same time? * Can coronavirus be transmitted sexually? * What's social distancing done for sexually transmitted infections? * Was the virus present earlier than reported in those countries that suffered early on? * My Victorian family members insist there has been no community spread and new cases in Victoria and NSW are expats returning and in quarantine. Is this right, or is there a community trickle? * Do you think kids have better immunity because of all the vaccinations they receive during childhood? And in our new "quick answers" segment: * How do you get a COVID-19 test done? Where do you go? How much does it cost? Does it hurt? * What is the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2? * My daughter is in Chile and hopes to return to Melbourne early August. Will she have to quarantine in a hotel or can she quarantine at our family home? When Australia went into lockdown, it helped more than just coronavirus from spiralling out of control. Infections of influenza are massively down on average, thanks to social distancing and people staying home. So what about other illnesses like sexually transmitted infections? Has staying apart helped drive down those cases too? On today's show: * How do you manage dating and remain COVID-19 safe at the same time? * Can coronavirus be transmitted sexually? * What's social distancing done for sexually transmitted infections? * Was the virus present earlier than reported in those countries that suffered early on? * My Victorian family members insist there has been no community spread and new cases in Victoria and NSW are expats returning and in quarantine. Is this right, or is there a community trickle? * Do you think kids have better immunity because of all the vaccinations they receive during childhood? And in our new "quick answers" segment: * How do you get a COVID-19 test done? Where do you go? How much does it cost? Does it hurt? * What is the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2? * My daughter is in Chile and hopes to return to Melbourne early August. Will she have to quarantine in a hotel or can she quarantine at our family home? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When Australia went into lockdown, it helped more than just coronavirus from spiralling out of control.

Infections of influenza are massively down on average, thanks to social distancing and people staying home.

So what about other illnesses like sexually transmitted infections? Has staying apart helped drive down those cases too?

On today's show:

* How do you manage dating and remain COVID-19 safe at the same time?

* Can coronavirus be transmitted sexually?

* What's social distancing done for sexually transmitted infections?

* Was the virus present earlier than reported in those countries that suffered early on?

* My Victorian family members insist there has been no community spread and new cases in Victoria and NSW are expats returning and in quarantine. Is this right, or is there a community trickle?

* Do you think kids have better immunity because of all the vaccinations they receive during childhood?

And in our new "quick answers" segment:

* How do you get a COVID-19 test done? Where do you go? How much does it cost? Does it hurt?

* What is the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2?

* My daughter is in Chile and hopes to return to Melbourne early August. Will she have to quarantine in a hotel or can she quarantine at our family home?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 668 Can we trust the hype over steroids as a coronavirus treatment? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/can-we-trust-the-hype-over-steroids-as-a-coronavirus-treatment/12364026 You might have seen the headlines over the past day or two about the drug dexamethasone, which claims to be a major breakthrough in the coronavirus pandemic. The drug is a cheap and widely used steroid, and reduced death rates by about a third among the most severely ill COVID-19 patients in hospital. But news of the drug's success in trials came not from a peer-reviewed scientific paper, but instead via press release and snippets on Twitter. So how much can we trust the results? On today's show: * What is dexamethasone and why is it being touted as a coronavirus treatment? * Beijing has been battling with a fresh outbreak of the new coronavirus. What’s going on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might have seen the headlines over the past day or two about the drug dexamethasone, which claims to be a major breakthrough in the coronavirus pandemic. The drug is a cheap and widely used steroid, and reduced death rates by about a third among the most severely ill COVID-19 patients in hospital. But news of the drug's success in trials came not from a peer-reviewed scientific paper, but instead via press release and snippets on Twitter. So how much can we trust the results? On today's show: * What is dexamethasone and why is it being touted as a coronavirus treatment? * Beijing has been battling with a fresh outbreak of the new coronavirus. What’s going on? You might have seen the headlines over the past day or two about the drug dexamethasone, which claims to be a major breakthrough in the coronavirus pandemic. The drug is a cheap and widely used steroid, and reduced death rates by about a third among the most severely ill COVID-19 patients in hospital. But news of the drug's success in trials came not from a peer-reviewed scientific paper, but instead via press release and snippets on Twitter. So how much can we trust the results? On today's show: * What is dexamethasone and why is it being touted as a coronavirus treatment? * Beijing has been battling with a fresh outbreak of the new coronavirus. What’s going on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might have seen the headlines over the past day or two about the drug dexamethasone, which claims to be a major breakthrough in the coronavirus pandemic.

The drug is a cheap and widely used steroid, and reduced death rates by about a third among the most severely ill COVID-19 patients in hospital.

But news of the drug's success in trials came not from a peer-reviewed scientific paper, but instead via press release and snippets on Twitter.

So how much can we trust the results?

On today's show:

* What is dexamethasone and why is it being touted as a coronavirus treatment?

* Beijing has been battling with a fresh outbreak of the new coronavirus. What’s going on?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 621 The global hotspots where coronavirus is still killing thousands https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-global-hotspots-where-coronavirus-is-still-killing-thousands/12361280 As coronavirus restrictions are loosened in Australia, it's easy to forget we're still living in the middle of a pandemic and globally numbers are still rapidly growing. A COVID-19 tracker run by Johns Hopkins University in the US has the worldwide tally for coronavirus infections at over eight million cases. So where are the new hotspots and are any countries beginning a second wave? On today’s show: * There's more than eight million cases of coronavirus worldwide. Where are the hotspots? * My daughter is a bit of an anxious school avoider who sometimes feels "sick" to avoid going to school. Are there any tips to manage this during a pandemic where we must keep sick kids at home to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks? * And we continue our series looking at other countries. Today we talk about Japan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As coronavirus restrictions are loosened in Australia, it's easy to forget we're still living in the middle of a pandemic and globally numbers are still rapidly growing. A COVID-19 tracker run by Johns Hopkins University in the US has the worldwide tally for coronavirus infections at over eight million cases. So where are the new hotspots and are any countries beginning a second wave? On today’s show: * There's more than eight million cases of coronavirus worldwide. Where are the hotspots? * My daughter is a bit of an anxious school avoider who sometimes feels "sick" to avoid going to school. Are there any tips to manage this during a pandemic where we must keep sick kids at home to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks? * And we continue our series looking at other countries. Today we talk about Japan! As coronavirus restrictions are loosened in Australia, it's easy to forget we're still living in the middle of a pandemic and globally numbers are still rapidly growing. A COVID-19 tracker run by Johns Hopkins University in the US has the worldwide tally for coronavirus infections at over eight million cases. So where are the new hotspots and are any countries beginning a second wave? On today’s show: * There's more than eight million cases of coronavirus worldwide. Where are the hotspots? * My daughter is a bit of an anxious school avoider who sometimes feels "sick" to avoid going to school. Are there any tips to manage this during a pandemic where we must keep sick kids at home to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks? * And we continue our series looking at other countries. Today we talk about Japan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As coronavirus restrictions are loosened in Australia, it's easy to forget we're still living in the middle of a pandemic and globally numbers are still rapidly growing.

A COVID-19 tracker run by Johns Hopkins University in the US has the worldwide tally for coronavirus infections at over eight million cases.

So where are the new hotspots and are any countries beginning a second wave?

On today’s show:

* There's more than eight million cases of coronavirus worldwide. Where are the hotspots?

* My daughter is a bit of an anxious school avoider who sometimes feels "sick" to avoid going to school. Are there any tips to manage this during a pandemic where we must keep sick kids at home to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks?

* And we continue our series looking at other countries. Today we talk about Japan!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 700 The 'ludicrous' coronavirus certificate your boss wants https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-ludicrous-coronavirus-certificate-your-boss-wants/12356696 Proving you have coronavirus is easy. You get a test, and it comes back positive. But what if your boss or school asks you to prove you DON'T have it? According to the professional body for GPs, some employers and schools are asking people to provide a medical certificate showing they're clear of coronavirus. So why is a certificate proving you're COVID-19 negative impossible and a waste of time? On today's show: * Why employers and schools should stop asking for COVID-19 clearance certificates * Do researchers know why some people are asymptomatic? Is the virus only mild in these people, or can it be severe and they still show no symptoms? * Is SARS-CoV-2 the only virus where people are asymptomatic? * I have woken up with a sore throat and headache but am too scared to get tested. What should I do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Proving you have coronavirus is easy. You get a test, and it comes back positive. But what if your boss or school asks you to prove you DON'T have it? According to the professional body for GPs, some employers and schools are asking people to provide a medical certificate showing they're clear of coronavirus. So why is a certificate proving you're COVID-19 negative impossible and a waste of time? On today's show: * Why employers and schools should stop asking for COVID-19 clearance certificates * Do researchers know why some people are asymptomatic? Is the virus only mild in these people, or can it be severe and they still show no symptoms? * Is SARS-CoV-2 the only virus where people are asymptomatic? * I have woken up with a sore throat and headache but am too scared to get tested. What should I do? Proving you have coronavirus is easy. You get a test, and it comes back positive. But what if your boss or school asks you to prove you DON'T have it? According to the professional body for GPs, some employers and schools are asking people to provide a medical certificate showing they're clear of coronavirus. So why is a certificate proving you're COVID-19 negative impossible and a waste of time? On today's show: * Why employers and schools should stop asking for COVID-19 clearance certificates * Do researchers know why some people are asymptomatic? Is the virus only mild in these people, or can it be severe and they still show no symptoms? * Is SARS-CoV-2 the only virus where people are asymptomatic? * I have woken up with a sore throat and headache but am too scared to get tested. What should I do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Proving you have coronavirus is easy. You get a test, and it comes back positive.

But what if your boss or school asks you to prove you DON'T have it?

According to the professional body for GPs, some employers and schools are asking people to provide a medical certificate showing they're clear of coronavirus.

So why is a certificate proving you're COVID-19 negative impossible and a waste of time?

On today's show:

* Why employers and schools should stop asking for COVID-19 clearance certificates

* Do researchers know why some people are asymptomatic? Is the virus only mild in these people, or can it be severe and they still show no symptoms?

* Is SARS-CoV-2 the only virus where people are asymptomatic?

* I have woken up with a sore throat and headache but am too scared to get tested. What should I do?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 628 What if we can't stop unknown coronavirus cases? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-if-we-cant-stop-unknown-coronavirus-cases/12354232 While the number of new daily coronavirus cases in Australia is now mostly in single digits, there's still occasional cases of unknown origin popping up. It's also known as community transmission, and it's when health authorities get a positive test for COVID-19, but can't work out where the patient picked it up. So is this something we're just going to have to get used to? And what does it mean for phrases like eradication, elimination and suppression? On today's show: * What does eradication, elimination and suppression mean? And what’s the difference? * What does the term 'routine testing' mean? * How safe is it to play in a clarinet or flute ensemble even with social distancing? * Norman has mentioned diarrhoea as a COVID-19 symptom but it is never mentioned as a symptom that warrants testing. How often is diarrhoea a symptom of COVID-19? And Norman has some research about US poison control, which found a huge jump in the people being exposed to cleaning products and disinfectants since coronavirus hit. So is this all Donald Trump's fault? You might be surprised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 14 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While the number of new daily coronavirus cases in Australia is now mostly in single digits, there's still occasional cases of unknown origin popping up. It's also known as community transmission, and it's when health authorities get a positive test for COVID-19, but can't work out where the patient picked it up. So is this something we're just going to have to get used to? And what does it mean for phrases like eradication, elimination and suppression? On today's show: * What does eradication, elimination and suppression mean? And what’s the difference? * What does the term 'routine testing' mean? * How safe is it to play in a clarinet or flute ensemble even with social distancing? * Norman has mentioned diarrhoea as a COVID-19 symptom but it is never mentioned as a symptom that warrants testing. How often is diarrhoea a symptom of COVID-19? And Norman has some research about US poison control, which found a huge jump in the people being exposed to cleaning products and disinfectants since coronavirus hit. So is this all Donald Trump's fault? You might be surprised. While the number of new daily coronavirus cases in Australia is now mostly in single digits, there's still occasional cases of unknown origin popping up. It's also known as community transmission, and it's when health authorities get a positive test for COVID-19, but can't work out where the patient picked it up. So is this something we're just going to have to get used to? And what does it mean for phrases like eradication, elimination and suppression? On today's show: * What does eradication, elimination and suppression mean? And what’s the difference? * What does the term 'routine testing' mean? * How safe is it to play in a clarinet or flute ensemble even with social distancing? * Norman has mentioned diarrhoea as a COVID-19 symptom but it is never mentioned as a symptom that warrants testing. How often is diarrhoea a symptom of COVID-19? And Norman has some research about US poison control, which found a huge jump in the people being exposed to cleaning products and disinfectants since coronavirus hit. So is this all Donald Trump's fault? You might be surprised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While the number of new daily coronavirus cases in Australia is now mostly in single digits, there's still occasional cases of unknown origin popping up.

It's also known as community transmission, and it's when health authorities get a positive test for COVID-19, but can't work out where the patient picked it up.

So is this something we're just going to have to get used to? And what does it mean for phrases like eradication, elimination and suppression?

On today's show:

* What does eradication, elimination and suppression mean? And what’s the difference?

* What does the term 'routine testing' mean?

* How safe is it to play in a clarinet or flute ensemble even with social distancing?

* Norman has mentioned diarrhoea as a COVID-19 symptom but it is never mentioned as a symptom that warrants testing. How often is diarrhoea a symptom of COVID-19?

And Norman has some research about US poison control, which found a huge jump in the people being exposed to cleaning products and disinfectants since coronavirus hit. So is this all Donald Trump's fault? You might be surprised.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 663 Protester tests positive. What happens now? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/protester-tests-positive-what-happens-now/12346622 A protester at the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Melbourne has tested positive to COVID-19. Victorian health authorities say the man was unlikely to have acquired the virus at the protest and may have been infectious at the time. Tracing possible contacts will be difficult, so what should people do if they were at the Melbourne protest? And what does it mean for Australia's overall response to coronavirus? Also on today's show: * What should you do if you were at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest? * Will there be a reduction in testing due to fear of testing positive and having to self-isolate? * My grandparents won't take advice to wash their hands saying they survived the war. How do I convince them it's worthwhile? And we continue our new segment talking about other countries and how they've responded to coronavirus. Today we're talking about Iran and fears that a second wave is already happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A protester at the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Melbourne has tested positive to COVID-19. Victorian health authorities say the man was unlikely to have acquired the virus at the protest and may have been infectious at the time. Tracing possible contacts will be difficult, so what should people do if they were at the Melbourne protest? And what does it mean for Australia's overall response to coronavirus? Also on today's show: * What should you do if you were at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest? * Will there be a reduction in testing due to fear of testing positive and having to self-isolate? * My grandparents won't take advice to wash their hands saying they survived the war. How do I convince them it's worthwhile? And we continue our new segment talking about other countries and how they've responded to coronavirus. Today we're talking about Iran and fears that a second wave is already happening. A protester at the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Melbourne has tested positive to COVID-19. Victorian health authorities say the man was unlikely to have acquired the virus at the protest and may have been infectious at the time. Tracing possible contacts will be difficult, so what should people do if they were at the Melbourne protest? And what does it mean for Australia's overall response to coronavirus? Also on today's show: * What should you do if you were at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest? * Will there be a reduction in testing due to fear of testing positive and having to self-isolate? * My grandparents won't take advice to wash their hands saying they survived the war. How do I convince them it's worthwhile? And we continue our new segment talking about other countries and how they've responded to coronavirus. Today we're talking about Iran and fears that a second wave is already happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A protester at the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Melbourne has tested positive to COVID-19.

Victorian health authorities say the man was unlikely to have acquired the virus at the protest and may have been infectious at the time.

Tracing possible contacts will be difficult, so what should people do if they were at the Melbourne protest?

And what does it mean for Australia's overall response to coronavirus?

Also on today's show:

* What should you do if you were at the Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest?

* Will there be a reduction in testing due to fear of testing positive and having to self-isolate?

* My grandparents won't take advice to wash their hands saying they survived the war. How do I convince them it's worthwhile?

And we continue our new segment talking about other countries and how they've responded to coronavirus. Today we're talking about Iran and fears that a second wave is already happening.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 689 Does the World Health Org know what it's doing? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/does-the-world-health-org-know-what-its-doing/12341412 There's been all sorts of confusion this week, after a top expert at the World Health Organization seemed to suggest that people without COVID-19 symptoms rarely transmit the virus. The statement caused head scratching among experts, as asymptomatic transmission - that's giving the virus to someone when you don't have symptoms - is known to occur. The WHO has since clarified the statements saying they were "misunderstandings". So what happened and what could it mean for the WHO's reputation? Also on today's show: * If community transmission is erased, can we go back to normal? * What’s the latest on the COVIDSafe app? Is it still being used? * What is the risk of COVID-19 infection while flying? * Should I use a cloth handkerchief? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There's been all sorts of confusion this week, after a top expert at the World Health Organization seemed to suggest that people without COVID-19 symptoms rarely transmit the virus. The statement caused head scratching among experts, as asymptomatic transmission - that's giving the virus to someone when you don't have symptoms - is known to occur. The WHO has since clarified the statements saying they were "misunderstandings". So what happened and what could it mean for the WHO's reputation? Also on today's show: * If community transmission is erased, can we go back to normal? * What’s the latest on the COVIDSafe app? Is it still being used? * What is the risk of COVID-19 infection while flying? * Should I use a cloth handkerchief? There's been all sorts of confusion this week, after a top expert at the World Health Organization seemed to suggest that people without COVID-19 symptoms rarely transmit the virus. The statement caused head scratching among experts, as asymptomatic transmission - that's giving the virus to someone when you don't have symptoms - is known to occur. The WHO has since clarified the statements saying they were "misunderstandings". So what happened and what could it mean for the WHO's reputation? Also on today's show: * If community transmission is erased, can we go back to normal? * What’s the latest on the COVIDSafe app? Is it still being used? * What is the risk of COVID-19 infection while flying? * Should I use a cloth handkerchief? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There's been all sorts of confusion this week, after a top expert at the World Health Organization seemed to suggest that people without COVID-19 symptoms rarely transmit the virus.

The statement caused head scratching among experts, as asymptomatic transmission - that's giving the virus to someone when you don't have symptoms - is known to occur.

The WHO has since clarified the statements saying they were "misunderstandings".

So what happened and what could it mean for the WHO's reputation?

Also on today's show:

* If community transmission is erased, can we go back to normal?

* What’s the latest on the COVIDSafe app? Is it still being used?

* What is the risk of COVID-19 infection while flying?

* Should I use a cloth handkerchief?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 673 NZ has eliminated COVID. Is Australia on track to do it too? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/nz-has-eliminated-covid-is-australia-on-track-to-do-it-too/12337008 New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she "did a little dance" when she found out her country finally had no more active cases of coronavirus. It means that the country is able to pretty much roll back most internal restrictions, meaning New Zealanders can now do what they want. So how far away is Australia from similar achievements? On today's show: * If NZ can be coronavirus free, is Australia far away? * For those who did attend the protests on Saturday, when is a good time to get tested? * My housemate emits long unguarded belches. Is there any COVID-19 risk? And we're starting a new segment where we'll have a look at a country to see how it's going, and what's been happening with COVID-19. Today we're looking at Italy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she "did a little dance" when she found out her country finally had no more active cases of coronavirus. It means that the country is able to pretty much roll back most internal restrictions, meaning New Zealanders can now do what they want. So how far away is Australia from similar achievements? On today's show: * If NZ can be coronavirus free, is Australia far away? * For those who did attend the protests on Saturday, when is a good time to get tested? * My housemate emits long unguarded belches. Is there any COVID-19 risk? And we're starting a new segment where we'll have a look at a country to see how it's going, and what's been happening with COVID-19. Today we're looking at Italy. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she "did a little dance" when she found out her country finally had no more active cases of coronavirus. It means that the country is able to pretty much roll back most internal restrictions, meaning New Zealanders can now do what they want. So how far away is Australia from similar achievements? On today's show: * If NZ can be coronavirus free, is Australia far away? * For those who did attend the protests on Saturday, when is a good time to get tested? * My housemate emits long unguarded belches. Is there any COVID-19 risk? And we're starting a new segment where we'll have a look at a country to see how it's going, and what's been happening with COVID-19. Today we're looking at Italy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she "did a little dance" when she found out her country finally had no more active cases of coronavirus.

It means that the country is able to pretty much roll back most internal restrictions, meaning New Zealanders can now do what they want.

So how far away is Australia from similar achievements?

On today's show:

* If NZ can be coronavirus free, is Australia far away?

* For those who did attend the protests on Saturday, when is a good time to get tested?

* My housemate emits long unguarded belches. Is there any COVID-19 risk?

And we're starting a new segment where we'll have a look at a country to see how it's going, and what's been happening with COVID-19. Today we're looking at Italy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 692 So you went to the protests. Should you self-isolate? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/so-you-went-to-the-protests-should-you-self-isolate/12333358 With Black Lives Matters demonstrations being held in many Australian cities over the weekend, should protestors now be self-isolating in case they were infected? The AMA in Victoria says it’s necessary, but Federal Government advice is to get tested if you develop symptoms. So with thousands of people gathering for the protests, what's the chance there will be a rise in cases in the weeks ahead? On today's show: * I went to the protests. Should I self-isolate? * Is there a risk from hanging out with colleagues in stock rooms? * Can I start playing bridge again? Are the cards a risk? * Can you please talk about babies and pregnancy? And pharmacist owners have written to Norman, a bit annoyed that he said cold and flu products don't work. How will he respond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With Black Lives Matters demonstrations being held in many Australian cities over the weekend, should protestors now be self-isolating in case they were infected? The AMA in Victoria says it’s necessary, but Federal Government advice is to get tested if you develop symptoms. So with thousands of people gathering for the protests, what's the chance there will be a rise in cases in the weeks ahead? On today's show: * I went to the protests. Should I self-isolate? * Is there a risk from hanging out with colleagues in stock rooms? * Can I start playing bridge again? Are the cards a risk? * Can you please talk about babies and pregnancy? And pharmacist owners have written to Norman, a bit annoyed that he said cold and flu products don't work. How will he respond? With Black Lives Matters demonstrations being held in many Australian cities over the weekend, should protestors now be self-isolating in case they were infected? The AMA in Victoria says it’s necessary, but Federal Government advice is to get tested if you develop symptoms. So with thousands of people gathering for the protests, what's the chance there will be a rise in cases in the weeks ahead? On today's show: * I went to the protests. Should I self-isolate? * Is there a risk from hanging out with colleagues in stock rooms? * Can I start playing bridge again? Are the cards a risk? * Can you please talk about babies and pregnancy? And pharmacist owners have written to Norman, a bit annoyed that he said cold and flu products don't work. How will he respond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With Black Lives Matters demonstrations being held in many Australian cities over the weekend, should protestors now be self-isolating in case they were infected?

The AMA in Victoria says it’s necessary, but Federal Government advice is to get tested if you develop symptoms.

So with thousands of people gathering for the protests, what's the chance there will be a rise in cases in the weeks ahead?

On today's show:

* I went to the protests. Should I self-isolate?

* Is there a risk from hanging out with colleagues in stock rooms?

* Can I start playing bridge again? Are the cards a risk?

* Can you please talk about babies and pregnancy?

And pharmacist owners have written to Norman, a bit annoyed that he said cold and flu products don't work. How will he respond?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 745 The mysterious company behind a misleading coronavirus drug study https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/mysterious-company-behind-coronavirus-drug-study/12322678 When the World Health Organisation saw data from a study into a possible coronavirus drug treatment, it immediately halted trials for safety reasons. The data implied that use of the drug hydroxychloroquine didn't help COVID-19 patients at best, and was even possibly harmful. But it turns out that the data were suspect, misleading and based on some pretty weird assumptions. Today, the story of a mysterious company that changed coronavirus treatment policies, and has called into question how medical studies are published. Also on today's show: * How do I stay safe from coronavirus if you’re planning to demonstrate or go to a rally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When the World Health Organisation saw data from a study into a possible coronavirus drug treatment, it immediately halted trials for safety reasons. The data implied that use of the drug hydroxychloroquine didn't help COVID-19 patients at best, and was even possibly harmful. But it turns out that the data were suspect, misleading and based on some pretty weird assumptions. Today, the story of a mysterious company that changed coronavirus treatment policies, and has called into question how medical studies are published. Also on today's show: * How do I stay safe from coronavirus if you’re planning to demonstrate or go to a rally. When the World Health Organisation saw data from a study into a possible coronavirus drug treatment, it immediately halted trials for safety reasons. The data implied that use of the drug hydroxychloroquine didn't help COVID-19 patients at best, and was even possibly harmful. But it turns out that the data were suspect, misleading and based on some pretty weird assumptions. Today, the story of a mysterious company that changed coronavirus treatment policies, and has called into question how medical studies are published. Also on today's show: * How do I stay safe from coronavirus if you’re planning to demonstrate or go to a rally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When the World Health Organisation saw data from a study into a possible coronavirus drug treatment, it immediately halted trials for safety reasons.

The data implied that use of the drug hydroxychloroquine didn't help COVID-19 patients at best, and was even possibly harmful.

But it turns out that the data were suspect, misleading and based on some pretty weird assumptions.

Today, the story of a mysterious company that changed coronavirus treatment policies, and has called into question how medical studies are published.

Also on today's show:

* How do I stay safe from coronavirus if you’re planning to demonstrate or go to a rally.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 667 Coronavirus can take away your taste. Why? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/coronavirus-can-take-away-your-taste-why/12317918 One of the main symptoms of coronavirus is loss of taste and smell, but it causes all sort of angst and concern to people who suffer from it. While many recover their senses in a few weeks, others have to wait far longer. So why is loss of taste and smell such a strong symptom for COVID-19? On today's show: * I lost my sense of taste. What's going on? * I'm seeing TV ads for cough syrup and colds, should there also be messages to get a COVID-19 test? * My wife and I have just had a child and I’m wondering what the latest info is around the impact of COVID-19 on newborns? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the main symptoms of coronavirus is loss of taste and smell, but it causes all sort of angst and concern to people who suffer from it. While many recover their senses in a few weeks, others have to wait far longer. So why is loss of taste and smell such a strong symptom for COVID-19? On today's show: * I lost my sense of taste. What's going on? * I'm seeing TV ads for cough syrup and colds, should there also be messages to get a COVID-19 test? * My wife and I have just had a child and I’m wondering what the latest info is around the impact of COVID-19 on newborns? One of the main symptoms of coronavirus is loss of taste and smell, but it causes all sort of angst and concern to people who suffer from it. While many recover their senses in a few weeks, others have to wait far longer. So why is loss of taste and smell such a strong symptom for COVID-19? On today's show: * I lost my sense of taste. What's going on? * I'm seeing TV ads for cough syrup and colds, should there also be messages to get a COVID-19 test? * My wife and I have just had a child and I’m wondering what the latest info is around the impact of COVID-19 on newborns? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the main symptoms of coronavirus is loss of taste and smell, but it causes all sort of angst and concern to people who suffer from it.

While many recover their senses in a few weeks, others have to wait far longer.

So why is loss of taste and smell such a strong symptom for COVID-19?

On today's show:

* I lost my sense of taste. What's going on?

* I'm seeing TV ads for cough syrup and colds, should there also be messages to get a COVID-19 test?

* My wife and I have just had a child and I’m wondering what the latest info is around the impact of COVID-19 on newborns?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 615 Why coronavirus tests are far from perfect https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-coronavirus-tests-are-far-from-perfect/12313414 The accuracy of coronavirus tests has been again thrust into the spotlight, after a man who authorities said died from COVID-19, actually didn't. When 30-year-old Nathan Turner died last week, Queensland Health said he had tested positive to COVID-19. But further testing showed that he was negative. So how did the test get it wrong, and how common could it be? On today's show: * How do you even get a false positive? * How is the coronavirus death rate calculated? * If Australia is locked down, where would a second wave come from? * Why are there still cases in hotel quarantine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Jun 2020 18:01:01 -0000 full ABC Australia The accuracy of coronavirus tests has been again thrust into the spotlight, after a man who authorities said died from COVID-19, actually didn't. When 30-year-old Nathan Turner died last week, Queensland Health said he had tested positive to COVID-19. But further testing showed that he was negative. So how did the test get it wrong, and how common could it be? On today's show: * How do you even get a false positive? * How is the coronavirus death rate calculated? * If Australia is locked down, where would a second wave come from? * Why are there still cases in hotel quarantine? The accuracy of coronavirus tests has been again thrust into the spotlight, after a man who authorities said died from COVID-19, actually didn't. When 30-year-old Nathan Turner died last week, Queensland Health said he had tested positive to COVID-19. But further testing showed that he was negative. So how did the test get it wrong, and how common could it be? On today's show: * How do you even get a false positive? * How is the coronavirus death rate calculated? * If Australia is locked down, where would a second wave come from? * Why are there still cases in hotel quarantine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The accuracy of coronavirus tests has been again thrust into the spotlight, after a man who authorities said died from COVID-19, actually didn't.

When 30-year-old Nathan Turner died last week, Queensland Health said he had tested positive to COVID-19.

But further testing showed that he was negative.

So how did the test get it wrong, and how common could it be?

On today's show:

* How do you even get a false positive?

* How is the coronavirus death rate calculated?

* If Australia is locked down, where would a second wave come from?

* Why are there still cases in hotel quarantine?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 621 Could rallies in the US cause a coronavirus uptick? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/could-rallies-in-the-us-cause-a-coronavirus-uptick/12307764 As riots rage across large cities in the United States, some are happening right in the middle of major COVID-19 hotspots. Thousands of people have already died from the virus in cities like Washington DC and New York, and the epidemic is still not under control. So what could it mean for America's response to coronavirus? On today's show: * What could US riots mean for coronavirus cases? * Why are so many schools in Israel closing? * Is there any evidence that masks work? And Norman has a study of COVID-19 patients with diabetes, which shows that 10 percent die within seven days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Jun 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As riots rage across large cities in the United States, some are happening right in the middle of major COVID-19 hotspots. Thousands of people have already died from the virus in cities like Washington DC and New York, and the epidemic is still not under control. So what could it mean for America's response to coronavirus? On today's show: * What could US riots mean for coronavirus cases? * Why are so many schools in Israel closing? * Is there any evidence that masks work? And Norman has a study of COVID-19 patients with diabetes, which shows that 10 percent die within seven days. As riots rage across large cities in the United States, some are happening right in the middle of major COVID-19 hotspots. Thousands of people have already died from the virus in cities like Washington DC and New York, and the epidemic is still not under control. So what could it mean for America's response to coronavirus? On today's show: * What could US riots mean for coronavirus cases? * Why are so many schools in Israel closing? * Is there any evidence that masks work? And Norman has a study of COVID-19 patients with diabetes, which shows that 10 percent die within seven days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As riots rage across large cities in the United States, some are happening right in the middle of major COVID-19 hotspots.

Thousands of people have already died from the virus in cities like Washington DC and New York, and the epidemic is still not under control.

So what could it mean for America's response to coronavirus?

On today's show:

* What could US riots mean for coronavirus cases?

* Why are so many schools in Israel closing?

* Is there any evidence that masks work?

And Norman has a study of COVID-19 patients with diabetes, which shows that 10 percent die within seven days.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 651 Hello Winter! Is coronavirus about to get worse? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/hello-winter!-is-coronavirus-about-to-get-worse/12305314 As the days get shorter and colder, many people are wondering what it might mean for coronavirus infections. One theory states that countries in the northern hemisphere have suffered more because they were in their winter months. So as Australia ticks over to a new season, could the weather play any part in the severity of an epidemic here? On todays show: * What might winter mean for coronavirus? * More Ruby Princess, but this time it's a tuberculosis problem * What's going on with Victoria? And Norman has some more information regarding a question from last week's episode about the accuracy of coronavirus tests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 31 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the days get shorter and colder, many people are wondering what it might mean for coronavirus infections. One theory states that countries in the northern hemisphere have suffered more because they were in their winter months. So as Australia ticks over to a new season, could the weather play any part in the severity of an epidemic here? On todays show: * What might winter mean for coronavirus? * More Ruby Princess, but this time it's a tuberculosis problem * What's going on with Victoria? And Norman has some more information regarding a question from last week's episode about the accuracy of coronavirus tests. As the days get shorter and colder, many people are wondering what it might mean for coronavirus infections. One theory states that countries in the northern hemisphere have suffered more because they were in their winter months. So as Australia ticks over to a new season, could the weather play any part in the severity of an epidemic here? On todays show: * What might winter mean for coronavirus? * More Ruby Princess, but this time it's a tuberculosis problem * What's going on with Victoria? And Norman has some more information regarding a question from last week's episode about the accuracy of coronavirus tests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the days get shorter and colder, many people are wondering what it might mean for coronavirus infections.

One theory states that countries in the northern hemisphere have suffered more because they were in their winter months.

So as Australia ticks over to a new season, could the weather play any part in the severity of an epidemic here?

On todays show:

* What might winter mean for coronavirus?

* More Ruby Princess, but this time it's a tuberculosis problem

* What's going on with Victoria?

And Norman has some more information regarding a question from last week's episode about the accuracy of coronavirus tests.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 605 So what's the chance your coronavirus test is wrong? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/so-whats-the-chance-your-coronavirus-test-is-wrong/12297980 So you've just had a coronavirus test, and had a little stick shoved up your nose and wobbled around. But while you’re waiting for a result, have you thought how accurate it might be? Turns out the so-called false negative rate - that's when positive cases are wrongly found to be negative - can be as high as one in three on average. What might that mean for Australia's fight against the virus? On today's show: * Can I get married in India in November? * Do vaccines need to be 100% effective to be good? * How accurate are coronavirus tests? And we have a special announcement about the Together in Art Kids exhibition. Meet one of the kids who has submitted some amazing work, and the next artist who will help curate the next round of submissions. If you want to see the art from the "Inner Worlds" exhibition, visit the Together In Art website (search for Together In Art Kids or find the link on our website). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia So you've just had a coronavirus test, and had a little stick shoved up your nose and wobbled around. But while you’re waiting for a result, have you thought how accurate it might be? Turns out the so-called false negative rate - that's when positive cases are wrongly found to be negative - can be as high as one in three on average. What might that mean for Australia's fight against the virus? On today's show: * Can I get married in India in November? * Do vaccines need to be 100% effective to be good? * How accurate are coronavirus tests? And we have a special announcement about the Together in Art Kids exhibition. Meet one of the kids who has submitted some amazing work, and the next artist who will help curate the next round of submissions. If you want to see the art from the "Inner Worlds" exhibition, visit the Together In Art website (search for Together In Art Kids or find the link on our website). So you've just had a coronavirus test, and had a little stick shoved up your nose and wobbled around. But while you’re waiting for a result, have you thought how accurate it might be? Turns out the so-called false negative rate - that's when positive cases are wrongly found to be negative - can be as high as one in three on average. What might that mean for Australia's fight against the virus? On today's show: * Can I get married in India in November? * Do vaccines need to be 100% effective to be good? * How accurate are coronavirus tests? And we have a special announcement about the Together in Art Kids exhibition. Meet one of the kids who has submitted some amazing work, and the next artist who will help curate the next round of submissions. If you want to see the art from the "Inner Worlds" exhibition, visit the Together In Art website (search for Together In Art Kids or find the link on our website). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices So you've just had a coronavirus test, and had a little stick shoved up your nose and wobbled around.

But while you’re waiting for a result, have you thought how accurate it might be?

Turns out the so-called false negative rate - that's when positive cases are wrongly found to be negative - can be as high as one in three on average.

What might that mean for Australia's fight against the virus?

On today's show:

* Can I get married in India in November?

* Do vaccines need to be 100% effective to be good?

* How accurate are coronavirus tests?

And we have a special announcement about the Together in Art Kids exhibition. Meet one of the kids who has submitted some amazing work, and the next artist who will help curate the next round of submissions.

If you want to see the art from the "Inner Worlds" exhibition, visit the Together In Art website (search for Together In Art Kids or find the link on our website).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 Has the COVIDSafe app been worth it? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/has-the-covidsafe-app-been-worth-it/12292620 It's been just over a month since the Federal Government released the COVIDSafe app to help contact tracers track down potentially positive COVID-19 cases. It was sold as a vital tool to reopen the Australian economy and help get things moving again. So how has the app been used since then? Has it been the key to get things moving or has it been forgotten? On today's show: * What’s the history of the app so far? * How many downloads has it had? * Is it still being sold as a vital tool? * Why isn't the Government being transparent about the app’s functionality? * What successes has it had? * Has the source code been released? * How many people have since deleted it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's been just over a month since the Federal Government released the COVIDSafe app to help contact tracers track down potentially positive COVID-19 cases. It was sold as a vital tool to reopen the Australian economy and help get things moving again. So how has the app been used since then? Has it been the key to get things moving or has it been forgotten? On today's show: * What’s the history of the app so far? * How many downloads has it had? * Is it still being sold as a vital tool? * Why isn't the Government being transparent about the app’s functionality? * What successes has it had? * Has the source code been released? * How many people have since deleted it? It's been just over a month since the Federal Government released the COVIDSafe app to help contact tracers track down potentially positive COVID-19 cases. It was sold as a vital tool to reopen the Australian economy and help get things moving again. So how has the app been used since then? Has it been the key to get things moving or has it been forgotten? On today's show: * What’s the history of the app so far? * How many downloads has it had? * Is it still being sold as a vital tool? * Why isn't the Government being transparent about the app’s functionality? * What successes has it had? * Has the source code been released? * How many people have since deleted it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been just over a month since the Federal Government released the COVIDSafe app to help contact tracers track down potentially positive COVID-19 cases.

It was sold as a vital tool to reopen the Australian economy and help get things moving again.

So how has the app been used since then? Has it been the key to get things moving or has it been forgotten?

On today's show:

* What’s the history of the app so far?

* How many downloads has it had?

* Is it still being sold as a vital tool?

* Why isn't the Government being transparent about the app’s functionality?

* What successes has it had?

* Has the source code been released?

* How many people have since deleted it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 607 Just when you thought it was safe to go outside again https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-to-go-outside-again/12287326 You might have thought we were finally getting on top of coronavirus, but the pandemic is not without its surprises. There's been a few cases in the past few days that have health authorities scratching their heads. Two school kids in Sydney have tested positive, and there's a case in Queensland that apparently dates back to the Ruby Princess. So what's going on? And what might it say about the level of community transmission of the virus? On today's show: * What do the cases in Sydney schools mean for community transmission numbers? * Is coronavirus more common out in the wild that we thought? * How can there be another case from the Ruby Princess? * Are enough people still getting tested to give a true indication of the spread? And Norman's here to explain the latest from the vaccine trial that's just started in Australia. But how can they test it here if there are such low active cases? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might have thought we were finally getting on top of coronavirus, but the pandemic is not without its surprises. There's been a few cases in the past few days that have health authorities scratching their heads. Two school kids in Sydney have tested positive, and there's a case in Queensland that apparently dates back to the Ruby Princess. So what's going on? And what might it say about the level of community transmission of the virus? On today's show: * What do the cases in Sydney schools mean for community transmission numbers? * Is coronavirus more common out in the wild that we thought? * How can there be another case from the Ruby Princess? * Are enough people still getting tested to give a true indication of the spread? And Norman's here to explain the latest from the vaccine trial that's just started in Australia. But how can they test it here if there are such low active cases? You might have thought we were finally getting on top of coronavirus, but the pandemic is not without its surprises. There's been a few cases in the past few days that have health authorities scratching their heads. Two school kids in Sydney have tested positive, and there's a case in Queensland that apparently dates back to the Ruby Princess. So what's going on? And what might it say about the level of community transmission of the virus? On today's show: * What do the cases in Sydney schools mean for community transmission numbers? * Is coronavirus more common out in the wild that we thought? * How can there be another case from the Ruby Princess? * Are enough people still getting tested to give a true indication of the spread? And Norman's here to explain the latest from the vaccine trial that's just started in Australia. But how can they test it here if there are such low active cases? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might have thought we were finally getting on top of coronavirus, but the pandemic is not without its surprises.

There's been a few cases in the past few days that have health authorities scratching their heads.

Two school kids in Sydney have tested positive, and there's a case in Queensland that apparently dates back to the Ruby Princess.

So what's going on? And what might it say about the level of community transmission of the virus?

On today's show:

* What do the cases in Sydney schools mean for community transmission numbers?

* Is coronavirus more common out in the wild that we thought?

* How can there be another case from the Ruby Princess?

* Are enough people still getting tested to give a true indication of the spread?

And Norman's here to explain the latest from the vaccine trial that's just started in Australia. But how can they test it here if there are such low active cases?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 630 Which mask is the best? What should you avoid? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/which-mask-is-the-best-what-should-you-avoid/12284526 There are all sorts of options when picking a mask to help protect yourself and other people from picking up coronavirus. But some masks can be expensive, and not every mask is equal. Firstly, you have to wear it correctly. Secondly, you want to make sure it's doing what it is supposed to. So what mask should you choose? On today's show: * What mask should I wear and can I make my own? * What’s going on with state border closures? Is there any point? * Can smoking help inhibit coronavirus? And Norman and Tegan discuss a few pieces of research about how long coronavirus may be infectious for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are all sorts of options when picking a mask to help protect yourself and other people from picking up coronavirus. But some masks can be expensive, and not every mask is equal. Firstly, you have to wear it correctly. Secondly, you want to make sure it's doing what it is supposed to. So what mask should you choose? On today's show: * What mask should I wear and can I make my own? * What’s going on with state border closures? Is there any point? * Can smoking help inhibit coronavirus? And Norman and Tegan discuss a few pieces of research about how long coronavirus may be infectious for. There are all sorts of options when picking a mask to help protect yourself and other people from picking up coronavirus. But some masks can be expensive, and not every mask is equal. Firstly, you have to wear it correctly. Secondly, you want to make sure it's doing what it is supposed to. So what mask should you choose? On today's show: * What mask should I wear and can I make my own? * What’s going on with state border closures? Is there any point? * Can smoking help inhibit coronavirus? And Norman and Tegan discuss a few pieces of research about how long coronavirus may be infectious for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are all sorts of options when picking a mask to help protect yourself and other people from picking up coronavirus.

But some masks can be expensive, and not every mask is equal.

Firstly, you have to wear it correctly. Secondly, you want to make sure it's doing what it is supposed to.

So what mask should you choose?

On today's show:

* What mask should I wear and can I make my own?

* What’s going on with state border closures? Is there any point?

* Can smoking help inhibit coronavirus?

And Norman and Tegan discuss a few pieces of research about how long coronavirus may be infectious for.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 610 Is it finally time to hug your grandparents again? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-it-finally-time-to-hug-your-grandparents-again/12281296 At the height of the Australian coronavirus epidemic, older people were urged to stay away from children and grandchildren to avoid contracting the virus. Age is a major risk factor for COVID-19, and many older people made the emotional decision to stay away from loved ones. But as the number of active cases continues to fall, families are wondering if it's okay once again for grandparents to hug and be around their children and grandchildren. On today's show: * Is it ok to hug our parents again? * What should people aged over 70 be doing now? * Why is it ok for kids to go to school, but not visit grandparents? And Norman talks about a study how coronavirus affects the immune system and what it could mean for designing treatments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 24 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia At the height of the Australian coronavirus epidemic, older people were urged to stay away from children and grandchildren to avoid contracting the virus. Age is a major risk factor for COVID-19, and many older people made the emotional decision to stay away from loved ones. But as the number of active cases continues to fall, families are wondering if it's okay once again for grandparents to hug and be around their children and grandchildren. On today's show: * Is it ok to hug our parents again? * What should people aged over 70 be doing now? * Why is it ok for kids to go to school, but not visit grandparents? And Norman talks about a study how coronavirus affects the immune system and what it could mean for designing treatments. At the height of the Australian coronavirus epidemic, older people were urged to stay away from children and grandchildren to avoid contracting the virus. Age is a major risk factor for COVID-19, and many older people made the emotional decision to stay away from loved ones. But as the number of active cases continues to fall, families are wondering if it's okay once again for grandparents to hug and be around their children and grandchildren. On today's show: * Is it ok to hug our parents again? * What should people aged over 70 be doing now? * Why is it ok for kids to go to school, but not visit grandparents? And Norman talks about a study how coronavirus affects the immune system and what it could mean for designing treatments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices At the height of the Australian coronavirus epidemic, older people were urged to stay away from children and grandchildren to avoid contracting the virus.

Age is a major risk factor for COVID-19, and many older people made the emotional decision to stay away from loved ones.

But as the number of active cases continues to fall, families are wondering if it's okay once again for grandparents to hug and be around their children and grandchildren.

On today's show:

* Is it ok to hug our parents again?

* What should people aged over 70 be doing now?

* Why is it ok for kids to go to school, but not visit grandparents?

And Norman talks about a study how coronavirus affects the immune system and what it could mean for designing treatments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 695 How complacency could trigger a third wave and force us back indoors https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-complacency-could-trigger-3rd-wave-and-force-back-indoors/12270656 We know that in the 1918 flu pandemic the second wave was far more deadly than when it first arrived. This time around in Australia, it seems we may avoid a terrible second wave but that may make us more vulnerable to a third wave. By the end of this year and into 2021, we'll have little natural immunity, a vaccine may not be available and there's a danger that complacency may have set in. On today's show: * Norman goes on a bit of a tear about masks, and says if we all wore them we could re-open society much more quickly * How should social distancing work on flights? * Will any second or third coronavirus wave be better or worse than the 1918 flu? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia We know that in the 1918 flu pandemic the second wave was far more deadly than when it first arrived. This time around in Australia, it seems we may avoid a terrible second wave but that may make us more vulnerable to a third wave. By the end of this year and into 2021, we'll have little natural immunity, a vaccine may not be available and there's a danger that complacency may have set in. On today's show: * Norman goes on a bit of a tear about masks, and says if we all wore them we could re-open society much more quickly * How should social distancing work on flights? * Will any second or third coronavirus wave be better or worse than the 1918 flu? We know that in the 1918 flu pandemic the second wave was far more deadly than when it first arrived. This time around in Australia, it seems we may avoid a terrible second wave but that may make us more vulnerable to a third wave. By the end of this year and into 2021, we'll have little natural immunity, a vaccine may not be available and there's a danger that complacency may have set in. On today's show: * Norman goes on a bit of a tear about masks, and says if we all wore them we could re-open society much more quickly * How should social distancing work on flights? * Will any second or third coronavirus wave be better or worse than the 1918 flu? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We know that in the 1918 flu pandemic the second wave was far more deadly than when it first arrived.

This time around in Australia, it seems we may avoid a terrible second wave but that may make us more vulnerable to a third wave.

By the end of this year and into 2021, we'll have little natural immunity, a vaccine may not be available and there's a danger that complacency may have set in.

On today's show:

* Norman goes on a bit of a tear about masks, and says if we all wore them we could re-open society much more quickly

* How should social distancing work on flights?

* Will any second or third coronavirus wave be better or worse than the 1918 flu?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 634 Coronavirus loves lungs. Does it also lurk in our blood? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/coronavirus-loves-lungs-does-it-also-lurk-in-our-blood/12268786 When coronavirus infects someone, we know they can spread the disease via coughing and sneezing. But what about other forms of bodily fluid like blood? Around the world, there have been no reports of transmission that have definitely proven blood to be the cause. But the virus has been found in our blood, so it is theoretically possible. So what could this mean for blood donations? On today's show: * Is giving blood safe? * If someone with the virus coughed or sneezed on another's open wound, can the virus get into the bloodstream then the lungs? * Is there a chance we've eradicated the seasonal flu seeing as its infection rate is much lower than coronavirus? * If there are no new cases and haven't been for a while, like in WA, why do we need to continue with social distancing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When coronavirus infects someone, we know they can spread the disease via coughing and sneezing. But what about other forms of bodily fluid like blood? Around the world, there have been no reports of transmission that have definitely proven blood to be the cause. But the virus has been found in our blood, so it is theoretically possible. So what could this mean for blood donations? On today's show: * Is giving blood safe? * If someone with the virus coughed or sneezed on another's open wound, can the virus get into the bloodstream then the lungs? * Is there a chance we've eradicated the seasonal flu seeing as its infection rate is much lower than coronavirus? * If there are no new cases and haven't been for a while, like in WA, why do we need to continue with social distancing? When coronavirus infects someone, we know they can spread the disease via coughing and sneezing. But what about other forms of bodily fluid like blood? Around the world, there have been no reports of transmission that have definitely proven blood to be the cause. But the virus has been found in our blood, so it is theoretically possible. So what could this mean for blood donations? On today's show: * Is giving blood safe? * If someone with the virus coughed or sneezed on another's open wound, can the virus get into the bloodstream then the lungs? * Is there a chance we've eradicated the seasonal flu seeing as its infection rate is much lower than coronavirus? * If there are no new cases and haven't been for a while, like in WA, why do we need to continue with social distancing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When coronavirus infects someone, we know they can spread the disease via coughing and sneezing.

But what about other forms of bodily fluid like blood?

Around the world, there have been no reports of transmission that have definitely proven blood to be the cause.

But the virus has been found in our blood, so it is theoretically possible.

So what could this mean for blood donations?

On today's show:

* Is giving blood safe?

* If someone with the virus coughed or sneezed on another's open wound, can the virus get into the bloodstream then the lungs?

* Is there a chance we've eradicated the seasonal flu seeing as its infection rate is much lower than coronavirus?

* If there are no new cases and haven't been for a while, like in WA, why do we need to continue with social distancing?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 571 The race for a coronavirus vaccine may have a frontrunner https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-race-for-a-coronavirus-vaccine-may-have-a-frontrunner/12263666 The search for a coronavirus vaccine has taken a small step in the right direction, with promising early results from a vaccine trial. Made by biotechnology company Moderna, the very early findings indicate the vaccine is safe and doing what it needs to do. But the results now need to be repeated in thousands more people to see if the vaccine works in the real world. On today's show: * What is this Moderna vaccine all about? * It appears that five sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt have been reinfected or tested positive after recovering from infection. What does this imply for immunity? * Because we've been at home for so long without going out much, when we do start going back to school and work, will we become more likely to catch colds? Also, Norman and Tegan have a chat about bats, and Norman has some research about one of his favourite topics: the faecal oral route. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The search for a coronavirus vaccine has taken a small step in the right direction, with promising early results from a vaccine trial. Made by biotechnology company Moderna, the very early findings indicate the vaccine is safe and doing what it needs to do. But the results now need to be repeated in thousands more people to see if the vaccine works in the real world. On today's show: * What is this Moderna vaccine all about? * It appears that five sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt have been reinfected or tested positive after recovering from infection. What does this imply for immunity? * Because we've been at home for so long without going out much, when we do start going back to school and work, will we become more likely to catch colds? Also, Norman and Tegan have a chat about bats, and Norman has some research about one of his favourite topics: the faecal oral route. The search for a coronavirus vaccine has taken a small step in the right direction, with promising early results from a vaccine trial. Made by biotechnology company Moderna, the very early findings indicate the vaccine is safe and doing what it needs to do. But the results now need to be repeated in thousands more people to see if the vaccine works in the real world. On today's show: * What is this Moderna vaccine all about? * It appears that five sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt have been reinfected or tested positive after recovering from infection. What does this imply for immunity? * Because we've been at home for so long without going out much, when we do start going back to school and work, will we become more likely to catch colds? Also, Norman and Tegan have a chat about bats, and Norman has some research about one of his favourite topics: the faecal oral route. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The search for a coronavirus vaccine has taken a small step in the right direction, with promising early results from a vaccine trial.

Made by biotechnology company Moderna, the very early findings indicate the vaccine is safe and doing what it needs to do.

But the results now need to be repeated in thousands more people to see if the vaccine works in the real world.

On today's show:

* What is this Moderna vaccine all about?

* It appears that five sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt have been reinfected or tested positive after recovering from infection. What does this imply for immunity?

* Because we've been at home for so long without going out much, when we do start going back to school and work, will we become more likely to catch colds?

Also, Norman and Tegan have a chat about bats, and Norman has some research about one of his favourite topics: the faecal oral route.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 695 Is social distancing 1.5m enough to avoid coronavirus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-social-distancing-1.5m-enough-to-avoid-coronavirus/12260622 As pubs and restaurants re-open in some states, you're probably thinking that it's safe to return as long as you maintain 1.5 metres distance from other diners. But the 1.5 metre "rule" for social distancing is really just a best effort recommendation, and isn't a guarantee. So are social distancing recommendations enough when you're in a closed space for a long time? On today's show: * Can COVID-19 be spread through the air-conditioning? * Will social distancing save me? * Is it true that no scientist has physically isolated an actual COVID-19 virus that can be viewed under a powerful enough microscope? And Norman and Tegan talk about some exciting research about antibodies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As pubs and restaurants re-open in some states, you're probably thinking that it's safe to return as long as you maintain 1.5 metres distance from other diners. But the 1.5 metre "rule" for social distancing is really just a best effort recommendation, and isn't a guarantee. So are social distancing recommendations enough when you're in a closed space for a long time? On today's show: * Can COVID-19 be spread through the air-conditioning? * Will social distancing save me? * Is it true that no scientist has physically isolated an actual COVID-19 virus that can be viewed under a powerful enough microscope? And Norman and Tegan talk about some exciting research about antibodies. As pubs and restaurants re-open in some states, you're probably thinking that it's safe to return as long as you maintain 1.5 metres distance from other diners. But the 1.5 metre "rule" for social distancing is really just a best effort recommendation, and isn't a guarantee. So are social distancing recommendations enough when you're in a closed space for a long time? On today's show: * Can COVID-19 be spread through the air-conditioning? * Will social distancing save me? * Is it true that no scientist has physically isolated an actual COVID-19 virus that can be viewed under a powerful enough microscope? And Norman and Tegan talk about some exciting research about antibodies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As pubs and restaurants re-open in some states, you're probably thinking that it's safe to return as long as you maintain 1.5 metres distance from other diners.

But the 1.5 metre "rule" for social distancing is really just a best effort recommendation, and isn't a guarantee.

So are social distancing recommendations enough when you're in a closed space for a long time?

On today's show:

* Can COVID-19 be spread through the air-conditioning?

* Will social distancing save me?

* Is it true that no scientist has physically isolated an actual COVID-19 virus that can be viewed under a powerful enough microscope?

And Norman and Tegan talk about some exciting research about antibodies.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 42 days of infection? When coronavirus won't go away https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/42-days-of-infection-when-coronavirus-wont-go-away/12257548 You probably think that coronavirus is a disease that takes 14 days to get over. That's how long isolation periods last. But for some people, coronavirus is a slow burn, making them sick - sometimes critically - and keeping them infectious for weeks. For example, we're still hearing about cases being connected back to the Ruby Princess, which docked in Sydney in March. And while rare, some patients remain infectious for longer than a month. So if some people remain infectious much longer than we think, could we get caught out if they go undetected? On today's show: * How long can people remain infectious for? * Is the easing of restrictions because there’s less virus around or that we’re better at responding to outbreaks? * Has SARS1 and MERS disappeared? And we have all your creative, wonderful and scary ways to blow out birthday cake candles, without blowing on the cake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 17 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You probably think that coronavirus is a disease that takes 14 days to get over. That's how long isolation periods last. But for some people, coronavirus is a slow burn, making them sick - sometimes critically - and keeping them infectious for weeks. For example, we're still hearing about cases being connected back to the Ruby Princess, which docked in Sydney in March. And while rare, some patients remain infectious for longer than a month. So if some people remain infectious much longer than we think, could we get caught out if they go undetected? On today's show: * How long can people remain infectious for? * Is the easing of restrictions because there’s less virus around or that we’re better at responding to outbreaks? * Has SARS1 and MERS disappeared? And we have all your creative, wonderful and scary ways to blow out birthday cake candles, without blowing on the cake. You probably think that coronavirus is a disease that takes 14 days to get over. That's how long isolation periods last. But for some people, coronavirus is a slow burn, making them sick - sometimes critically - and keeping them infectious for weeks. For example, we're still hearing about cases being connected back to the Ruby Princess, which docked in Sydney in March. And while rare, some patients remain infectious for longer than a month. So if some people remain infectious much longer than we think, could we get caught out if they go undetected? On today's show: * How long can people remain infectious for? * Is the easing of restrictions because there’s less virus around or that we’re better at responding to outbreaks? * Has SARS1 and MERS disappeared? And we have all your creative, wonderful and scary ways to blow out birthday cake candles, without blowing on the cake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You probably think that coronavirus is a disease that takes 14 days to get over. That's how long isolation periods last.

But for some people, coronavirus is a slow burn, making them sick - sometimes critically - and keeping them infectious for weeks.

For example, we're still hearing about cases being connected back to the Ruby Princess, which docked in Sydney in March.

And while rare, some patients remain infectious for longer than a month.

So if some people remain infectious much longer than we think, could we get caught out if they go undetected?

On today's show:

* How long can people remain infectious for?

* Is the easing of restrictions because there’s less virus around or that we’re better at responding to outbreaks?

* Has SARS1 and MERS disappeared?

And we have all your creative, wonderful and scary ways to blow out birthday cake candles, without blowing on the cake.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 679 Will coronavirus kill off birthday candles and choirs? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/will-coronavirus-kill-off-birthday-candles-and-choirs/12249962 When you start thinking about it, coronavirus is going to change so many things we previously took for granted. Birthday cakes for example. It's probably not a great idea to be blowing out the candles. And if overseas experiences are anything to go by, loud boisterous singing in choirs may also be problematic. So what else might change? On today's show: * Is the risk of transmission high for those singing in choirs? * How do I blow out candles on a cake? * How do asymptomatic people transmit the virus if they're not coughing? * I was tested a few weeks ago because I had a sore throat. It's back. Should I get tested again? * Does coronavirus cause the common cold? There's no vaccine for that. * Does everyone who gets coronavirus develop COVID-19? * When you say 'kids', what do you mean? * I haven't worn shoes for a while. Now my old shoes hurt. Can my feet get bigger? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia When you start thinking about it, coronavirus is going to change so many things we previously took for granted. Birthday cakes for example. It's probably not a great idea to be blowing out the candles. And if overseas experiences are anything to go by, loud boisterous singing in choirs may also be problematic. So what else might change? On today's show: * Is the risk of transmission high for those singing in choirs? * How do I blow out candles on a cake? * How do asymptomatic people transmit the virus if they're not coughing? * I was tested a few weeks ago because I had a sore throat. It's back. Should I get tested again? * Does coronavirus cause the common cold? There's no vaccine for that. * Does everyone who gets coronavirus develop COVID-19? * When you say 'kids', what do you mean? * I haven't worn shoes for a while. Now my old shoes hurt. Can my feet get bigger? When you start thinking about it, coronavirus is going to change so many things we previously took for granted. Birthday cakes for example. It's probably not a great idea to be blowing out the candles. And if overseas experiences are anything to go by, loud boisterous singing in choirs may also be problematic. So what else might change? On today's show: * Is the risk of transmission high for those singing in choirs? * How do I blow out candles on a cake? * How do asymptomatic people transmit the virus if they're not coughing? * I was tested a few weeks ago because I had a sore throat. It's back. Should I get tested again? * Does coronavirus cause the common cold? There's no vaccine for that. * Does everyone who gets coronavirus develop COVID-19? * When you say 'kids', what do you mean? * I haven't worn shoes for a while. Now my old shoes hurt. Can my feet get bigger? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you start thinking about it, coronavirus is going to change so many things we previously took for granted.

Birthday cakes for example. It's probably not a great idea to be blowing out the candles.

And if overseas experiences are anything to go by, loud boisterous singing in choirs may also be problematic.

So what else might change?

On today's show:

* Is the risk of transmission high for those singing in choirs?

* How do I blow out candles on a cake?

* How do asymptomatic people transmit the virus if they're not coughing?

* I was tested a few weeks ago because I had a sore throat. It's back. Should I get tested again?

* Does coronavirus cause the common cold? There's no vaccine for that.

* Does everyone who gets coronavirus develop COVID-19?

* When you say 'kids', what do you mean?

* I haven't worn shoes for a while. Now my old shoes hurt. Can my feet get bigger?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 668 How much coronavirus research is useless and wasteful? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-much-coronavirus-research-is-useless-and-wasteful/12245378 Ever since coronavirus appeared, scientists and researchers around the world have been scrambling to find out as much as they can about it. So much so that there's now enormous overlap in trials and reviews of COVID-19 evidence. It's led to concerns that resources are being wasted, especially in areas of drug trials because many studies are poorly designed and not actually revealing any useful information. On today's show: * How much coronavirus research is wasteful? * What's the point of quarantine if some people remain infectious for more than two weeks? * If I have a flu vaccination and get a slight reaction do I need to be tested for coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Ever since coronavirus appeared, scientists and researchers around the world have been scrambling to find out as much as they can about it. So much so that there's now enormous overlap in trials and reviews of COVID-19 evidence. It's led to concerns that resources are being wasted, especially in areas of drug trials because many studies are poorly designed and not actually revealing any useful information. On today's show: * How much coronavirus research is wasteful? * What's the point of quarantine if some people remain infectious for more than two weeks? * If I have a flu vaccination and get a slight reaction do I need to be tested for coronavirus? Ever since coronavirus appeared, scientists and researchers around the world have been scrambling to find out as much as they can about it. So much so that there's now enormous overlap in trials and reviews of COVID-19 evidence. It's led to concerns that resources are being wasted, especially in areas of drug trials because many studies are poorly designed and not actually revealing any useful information. On today's show: * How much coronavirus research is wasteful? * What's the point of quarantine if some people remain infectious for more than two weeks? * If I have a flu vaccination and get a slight reaction do I need to be tested for coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever since coronavirus appeared, scientists and researchers around the world have been scrambling to find out as much as they can about it.

So much so that there's now enormous overlap in trials and reviews of COVID-19 evidence.

It's led to concerns that resources are being wasted, especially in areas of drug trials because many studies are poorly designed and not actually revealing any useful information.

On today's show:

* How much coronavirus research is wasteful?

* What's the point of quarantine if some people remain infectious for more than two weeks?

* If I have a flu vaccination and get a slight reaction do I need to be tested for coronavirus?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 606 Was coronavirus 50 years in the making? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/was-coronavirus-50-years-in-the-making/12239258 There are all sorts of coronavirus origin stories, ranging from secret US military plots to disastrous accidental leaks from Chinese labs. But studying the evolutionary history of the SARS-COV-2 virus reveals that those stories are unlikely. So what is the most likely explanation for where the virus came from and could it be that it's been circulating in humans for far longer than we think? On today’s episode: * We revisit some of the origin stories of the novel coronavirus * If someone is asymptomatic with COVID-19, what's the maximum time they could be contagious? * Is it true that people who recover from the virus are left with serious holes in their lungs? And Norman talks about a paper that looks at a tuberculosis vaccine and if it could be useful in protecting against COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are all sorts of coronavirus origin stories, ranging from secret US military plots to disastrous accidental leaks from Chinese labs. But studying the evolutionary history of the SARS-COV-2 virus reveals that those stories are unlikely. So what is the most likely explanation for where the virus came from and could it be that it's been circulating in humans for far longer than we think? On today’s episode: * We revisit some of the origin stories of the novel coronavirus * If someone is asymptomatic with COVID-19, what's the maximum time they could be contagious? * Is it true that people who recover from the virus are left with serious holes in their lungs? And Norman talks about a paper that looks at a tuberculosis vaccine and if it could be useful in protecting against COVID-19. There are all sorts of coronavirus origin stories, ranging from secret US military plots to disastrous accidental leaks from Chinese labs. But studying the evolutionary history of the SARS-COV-2 virus reveals that those stories are unlikely. So what is the most likely explanation for where the virus came from and could it be that it's been circulating in humans for far longer than we think? On today’s episode: * We revisit some of the origin stories of the novel coronavirus * If someone is asymptomatic with COVID-19, what's the maximum time they could be contagious? * Is it true that people who recover from the virus are left with serious holes in their lungs? And Norman talks about a paper that looks at a tuberculosis vaccine and if it could be useful in protecting against COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are all sorts of coronavirus origin stories, ranging from secret US military plots to disastrous accidental leaks from Chinese labs.

But studying the evolutionary history of the SARS-COV-2 virus reveals that those stories are unlikely.

So what is the most likely explanation for where the virus came from and could it be that it's been circulating in humans for far longer than we think?

On today’s episode:

* We revisit some of the origin stories of the novel coronavirus

* If someone is asymptomatic with COVID-19, what's the maximum time they could be contagious?

* Is it true that people who recover from the virus are left with serious holes in their lungs?

And Norman talks about a paper that looks at a tuberculosis vaccine and if it could be useful in protecting against COVID-19.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 726 Weighing up death. The cost of lockdowns vs no lockdowns https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/weighing-up-death-the-cost-of-lockdowns-vs-no-lockdowns/12235978 The way different countries have responded to coronavirus has been incredibly varied. Some have tried to keep as much open as possible, others have gone for hard lockdowns at enormous economic cost. Australia has been towards the stricter end of the scale. So was it worth it? Will it end up costing more lives than it saved? On today's episode: * What are the recommendations for getting kids tested? * What if you know someone has COVID-19 symptoms but isn't getting tested? * Could we train dogs to sniff out coronavirus? * Is it safe to re-enter the pool? And are the lockdowns worth the cost? A few articles lately say yes, both in economic terms and total lives saved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The way different countries have responded to coronavirus has been incredibly varied. Some have tried to keep as much open as possible, others have gone for hard lockdowns at enormous economic cost. Australia has been towards the stricter end of the scale. So was it worth it? Will it end up costing more lives than it saved? On today's episode: * What are the recommendations for getting kids tested? * What if you know someone has COVID-19 symptoms but isn't getting tested? * Could we train dogs to sniff out coronavirus? * Is it safe to re-enter the pool? And are the lockdowns worth the cost? A few articles lately say yes, both in economic terms and total lives saved. The way different countries have responded to coronavirus has been incredibly varied. Some have tried to keep as much open as possible, others have gone for hard lockdowns at enormous economic cost. Australia has been towards the stricter end of the scale. So was it worth it? Will it end up costing more lives than it saved? On today's episode: * What are the recommendations for getting kids tested? * What if you know someone has COVID-19 symptoms but isn't getting tested? * Could we train dogs to sniff out coronavirus? * Is it safe to re-enter the pool? And are the lockdowns worth the cost? A few articles lately say yes, both in economic terms and total lives saved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The way different countries have responded to coronavirus has been incredibly varied.

Some have tried to keep as much open as possible, others have gone for hard lockdowns at enormous economic cost.

Australia has been towards the stricter end of the scale. So was it worth it? Will it end up costing more lives than it saved?

On today's episode:

* What are the recommendations for getting kids tested?

* What if you know someone has COVID-19 symptoms but isn't getting tested?

* Could we train dogs to sniff out coronavirus?

* Is it safe to re-enter the pool?

And are the lockdowns worth the cost? A few articles lately say yes, both in economic terms and total lives saved.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 606 As restrictions ease, here's how to avoid the virus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/as-restrictions-ease-here-is-how-to-avoid-the-virus/12232936 Most states and territories are moving to the next phase of our coronavirus pandemic journey, with some public spaces reopening, larger public gatherings permitted and an increase in the size of our social bubbles. But as we creep back into the world, there is always the risk of another outbreak. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss some simple ways you can keep yourself healthy and coronavirus-free while also enjoying your new freedoms. Also on the show: * How we can beat the Prime Minister's goal of reopening Australia's economy before July? * What are sentinel tests and why are they so important in Australia's coronavirus fight? * If so many COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, will ramped-up testing lead to a massive spike? Tegan and Norman also look at some modelling from Sydney University that predicts a suicide epidemic curve, but also shows what can be done now to flatten it. If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 10 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Most states and territories are moving to the next phase of our coronavirus pandemic journey, with some public spaces reopening, larger public gatherings permitted and an increase in the size of our social bubbles. But as we creep back into the world, there is always the risk of another outbreak. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss some simple ways you can keep yourself healthy and coronavirus-free while also enjoying your new freedoms. Also on the show: * How we can beat the Prime Minister's goal of reopening Australia's economy before July? * What are sentinel tests and why are they so important in Australia's coronavirus fight? * If so many COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, will ramped-up testing lead to a massive spike? Tegan and Norman also look at some modelling from Sydney University that predicts a suicide epidemic curve, but also shows what can be done now to flatten it. If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Most states and territories are moving to the next phase of our coronavirus pandemic journey, with some public spaces reopening, larger public gatherings permitted and an increase in the size of our social bubbles. But as we creep back into the world, there is always the risk of another outbreak. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss some simple ways you can keep yourself healthy and coronavirus-free while also enjoying your new freedoms. Also on the show: * How we can beat the Prime Minister's goal of reopening Australia's economy before July? * What are sentinel tests and why are they so important in Australia's coronavirus fight? * If so many COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, will ramped-up testing lead to a massive spike? Tegan and Norman also look at some modelling from Sydney University that predicts a suicide epidemic curve, but also shows what can be done now to flatten it. If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Most states and territories are moving to the next phase of our coronavirus pandemic journey, with some public spaces reopening, larger public gatherings permitted and an increase in the size of our social bubbles.

But as we creep back into the world, there is always the risk of another outbreak.

On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss some simple ways you can keep yourself healthy and coronavirus-free while also enjoying your new freedoms.

Also on the show:

* How we can beat the Prime Minister's goal of reopening Australia's economy before July?

* What are sentinel tests and why are they so important in Australia's coronavirus fight?

* If so many COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, will ramped-up testing lead to a massive spike?

Tegan and Norman also look at some modelling from Sydney University that predicts a suicide epidemic curve, but also shows what can be done now to flatten it.

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 682 Has coronavirus really split into two strains – and does it matter? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/has-coronavirus-split-into-two-strains-and-does-it-matter/12225194 You might have seen the study that found there may be a more contagious strain of coronavirus floating around. It turns out though that it's quite a controversial paper, and some experts are downplaying the findings. For starters, the more contagious strain is already the one that's in Australia. And secondly, while it may be more contagious it's no more dangerous than the other strain. On today's show: * I heard there are two strains. What’s that about? * Is there an accurate antibody test yet? * Would testing for antibodies at the airport mean I could avoid 14-day quarantine if I'd already had COVID-19? * I live in Australia and got sick before Christmas with coronavirus symptoms. Could I have had it? * Can Norman be President of the USA? And Norman's found a study that looked at anti-vaccination views and what that might mean if there's ever a SARS-COV-2 vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might have seen the study that found there may be a more contagious strain of coronavirus floating around. It turns out though that it's quite a controversial paper, and some experts are downplaying the findings. For starters, the more contagious strain is already the one that's in Australia. And secondly, while it may be more contagious it's no more dangerous than the other strain. On today's show: * I heard there are two strains. What’s that about? * Is there an accurate antibody test yet? * Would testing for antibodies at the airport mean I could avoid 14-day quarantine if I'd already had COVID-19? * I live in Australia and got sick before Christmas with coronavirus symptoms. Could I have had it? * Can Norman be President of the USA? And Norman's found a study that looked at anti-vaccination views and what that might mean if there's ever a SARS-COV-2 vaccine. You might have seen the study that found there may be a more contagious strain of coronavirus floating around. It turns out though that it's quite a controversial paper, and some experts are downplaying the findings. For starters, the more contagious strain is already the one that's in Australia. And secondly, while it may be more contagious it's no more dangerous than the other strain. On today's show: * I heard there are two strains. What’s that about? * Is there an accurate antibody test yet? * Would testing for antibodies at the airport mean I could avoid 14-day quarantine if I'd already had COVID-19? * I live in Australia and got sick before Christmas with coronavirus symptoms. Could I have had it? * Can Norman be President of the USA? And Norman's found a study that looked at anti-vaccination views and what that might mean if there's ever a SARS-COV-2 vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might have seen the study that found there may be a more contagious strain of coronavirus floating around.

It turns out though that it's quite a controversial paper, and some experts are downplaying the findings.

For starters, the more contagious strain is already the one that's in Australia.

And secondly, while it may be more contagious it's no more dangerous than the other strain.

On today's show:

* I heard there are two strains. What’s that about?

* Is there an accurate antibody test yet?

* Would testing for antibodies at the airport mean I could avoid 14-day quarantine if I'd already had COVID-19?

* I live in Australia and got sick before Christmas with coronavirus symptoms. Could I have had it?

* Can Norman be President of the USA?

And Norman's found a study that looked at anti-vaccination views and what that might mean if there's ever a SARS-COV-2 vaccine.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 697 Why might coronavirus become more "gentle" in time? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-might-coronavirus-become-more-gentle-in-time/12221552 Like all living things, coronavirus will evolve and mutate, but that's not necessarily something to be feared. While the virus that causes COVID-19 is dangerous and deadly, if history is anything to go by, any mutations may calm it down a bit. In fact, a mutation might be in the interests of both humans and the virus. On today's episode: * When does it turn from a blip in cases into a second wave? * What should I do if someone needs CPR? * Why might SARS-COV-2 turn into a more "gentle" virus? * Is the virus blood type specific? And Norman has a very interesting piece of research from France. The research found a patient who had the SARS-COV-2 virus in December - a month before the country's first reported case. And the patient had no travel history to China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Like all living things, coronavirus will evolve and mutate, but that's not necessarily something to be feared. While the virus that causes COVID-19 is dangerous and deadly, if history is anything to go by, any mutations may calm it down a bit. In fact, a mutation might be in the interests of both humans and the virus. On today's episode: * When does it turn from a blip in cases into a second wave? * What should I do if someone needs CPR? * Why might SARS-COV-2 turn into a more "gentle" virus? * Is the virus blood type specific? And Norman has a very interesting piece of research from France. The research found a patient who had the SARS-COV-2 virus in December - a month before the country's first reported case. And the patient had no travel history to China. Like all living things, coronavirus will evolve and mutate, but that's not necessarily something to be feared. While the virus that causes COVID-19 is dangerous and deadly, if history is anything to go by, any mutations may calm it down a bit. In fact, a mutation might be in the interests of both humans and the virus. On today's episode: * When does it turn from a blip in cases into a second wave? * What should I do if someone needs CPR? * Why might SARS-COV-2 turn into a more "gentle" virus? * Is the virus blood type specific? And Norman has a very interesting piece of research from France. The research found a patient who had the SARS-COV-2 virus in December - a month before the country's first reported case. And the patient had no travel history to China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Like all living things, coronavirus will evolve and mutate, but that's not necessarily something to be feared.

While the virus that causes COVID-19 is dangerous and deadly, if history is anything to go by, any mutations may calm it down a bit.

In fact, a mutation might be in the interests of both humans and the virus.

On today's episode:

* When does it turn from a blip in cases into a second wave?

* What should I do if someone needs CPR?

* Why might SARS-COV-2 turn into a more "gentle" virus?

* Is the virus blood type specific?

And Norman has a very interesting piece of research from France. The research found a patient who had the SARS-COV-2 virus in December - a month before the country's first reported case. And the patient had no travel history to China.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 753 What's behind the sudden uptick in coronavirus cases? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/whats-behind-the-sudden-uptick-in-coronavirus-cases/12217430 One of the realities of this coronavirus pandemic is that you think you're doing a good job and then suddenly there's an outbreak. Some states might be consistently reporting zero cases, but others are struggling with growing clusters. So why has the infection rate suddenly increased? On today's episode: * Is the uptick in cases because of people travelling at Easter a few weeks ago? * Should I be worried about the increased number of cases? * Will salt in my homemade salami kill coronavirus? * We can't travel to other states yet. Isn't it a bit early to travel to NZ? * Is it possible Ebola and coronavirus can mutate into a more potent virus? And Norman has some news from a research paper about heart medication, which found it didn't worsen the disease for people who got it or make them more susceptible to it in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the realities of this coronavirus pandemic is that you think you're doing a good job and then suddenly there's an outbreak. Some states might be consistently reporting zero cases, but others are struggling with growing clusters. So why has the infection rate suddenly increased? On today's episode: * Is the uptick in cases because of people travelling at Easter a few weeks ago? * Should I be worried about the increased number of cases? * Will salt in my homemade salami kill coronavirus? * We can't travel to other states yet. Isn't it a bit early to travel to NZ? * Is it possible Ebola and coronavirus can mutate into a more potent virus? And Norman has some news from a research paper about heart medication, which found it didn't worsen the disease for people who got it or make them more susceptible to it in the first place. One of the realities of this coronavirus pandemic is that you think you're doing a good job and then suddenly there's an outbreak. Some states might be consistently reporting zero cases, but others are struggling with growing clusters. So why has the infection rate suddenly increased? On today's episode: * Is the uptick in cases because of people travelling at Easter a few weeks ago? * Should I be worried about the increased number of cases? * Will salt in my homemade salami kill coronavirus? * We can't travel to other states yet. Isn't it a bit early to travel to NZ? * Is it possible Ebola and coronavirus can mutate into a more potent virus? And Norman has some news from a research paper about heart medication, which found it didn't worsen the disease for people who got it or make them more susceptible to it in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the realities of this coronavirus pandemic is that you think you're doing a good job and then suddenly there's an outbreak.

Some states might be consistently reporting zero cases, but others are struggling with growing clusters.

So why has the infection rate suddenly increased?

On today's episode:

* Is the uptick in cases because of people travelling at Easter a few weeks ago?

* Should I be worried about the increased number of cases?

* Will salt in my homemade salami kill coronavirus?

* We can't travel to other states yet. Isn't it a bit early to travel to NZ?

* Is it possible Ebola and coronavirus can mutate into a more potent virus?

And Norman has some news from a research paper about heart medication, which found it didn't worsen the disease for people who got it or make them more susceptible to it in the first place.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 608 Is there any possibility coronavirus escaped a Chinese lab? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-there-any-possibility-coronavirus-escaped-a-chinese-lab/12213540 The origins of coronavirus have become increasingly controversial, with the US Government ratcheting up the rhetoric in recent days. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said recently there was "a significant amount of evidence" that it emerged from a Chinese laboratory. According to geneticists, it's unlikely the virus was man made. So what are some possible beginnings of the pandemic? On today's episode: * What are some possible origins of coronavirus? * Are you more likely to get coronavirus if you work in an abattoir? * Can I get sick from meat processed in an abattoir if the worker had coronavirus? * Could herbal medicine play a role in helping stop or treat coronavirus? And Norman and Tegan discuss research regarding skin rashes that are being reported by some COVID-19 patients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The origins of coronavirus have become increasingly controversial, with the US Government ratcheting up the rhetoric in recent days. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said recently there was "a significant amount of evidence" that it emerged from a Chinese laboratory. According to geneticists, it's unlikely the virus was man made. So what are some possible beginnings of the pandemic? On today's episode: * What are some possible origins of coronavirus? * Are you more likely to get coronavirus if you work in an abattoir? * Can I get sick from meat processed in an abattoir if the worker had coronavirus? * Could herbal medicine play a role in helping stop or treat coronavirus? And Norman and Tegan discuss research regarding skin rashes that are being reported by some COVID-19 patients. The origins of coronavirus have become increasingly controversial, with the US Government ratcheting up the rhetoric in recent days. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said recently there was "a significant amount of evidence" that it emerged from a Chinese laboratory. According to geneticists, it's unlikely the virus was man made. So what are some possible beginnings of the pandemic? On today's episode: * What are some possible origins of coronavirus? * Are you more likely to get coronavirus if you work in an abattoir? * Can I get sick from meat processed in an abattoir if the worker had coronavirus? * Could herbal medicine play a role in helping stop or treat coronavirus? And Norman and Tegan discuss research regarding skin rashes that are being reported by some COVID-19 patients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The origins of coronavirus have become increasingly controversial, with the US Government ratcheting up the rhetoric in recent days.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said recently there was "a significant amount of evidence" that it emerged from a Chinese laboratory.

According to geneticists, it's unlikely the virus was man made. So what are some possible beginnings of the pandemic?

On today's episode:

* What are some possible origins of coronavirus?

* Are you more likely to get coronavirus if you work in an abattoir?

* Can I get sick from meat processed in an abattoir if the worker had coronavirus?

* Could herbal medicine play a role in helping stop or treat coronavirus?

And Norman and Tegan discuss research regarding skin rashes that are being reported by some COVID-19 patients.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 Why the next fortnight is so important in the coronavirus battle https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-the-next-fortnight-is-so-important-in-the-coronavirus-battle/12210384 This weekend, for the first time in a long time, you may have gone out to see a friend, sat in the park or had a picnic. With restrictions in some states slightly lifted, does that mean we're finally turning a corner on the coronavirus pandemic? Possibly, but the next 14 days will be crucial. On today's show: * What's going on with school openings? * How important is Vitamin D and what role could it play in COVID-19 infections? * Could low blood oxygen be used as a way to see if someone has COVID-19? And Norman has some information from a yet-to-be-published paper about why some South Korean recovered patients seem to be testing positive again for COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 03 May 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia This weekend, for the first time in a long time, you may have gone out to see a friend, sat in the park or had a picnic. With restrictions in some states slightly lifted, does that mean we're finally turning a corner on the coronavirus pandemic? Possibly, but the next 14 days will be crucial. On today's show: * What's going on with school openings? * How important is Vitamin D and what role could it play in COVID-19 infections? * Could low blood oxygen be used as a way to see if someone has COVID-19? And Norman has some information from a yet-to-be-published paper about why some South Korean recovered patients seem to be testing positive again for COVID-19. This weekend, for the first time in a long time, you may have gone out to see a friend, sat in the park or had a picnic. With restrictions in some states slightly lifted, does that mean we're finally turning a corner on the coronavirus pandemic? Possibly, but the next 14 days will be crucial. On today's show: * What's going on with school openings? * How important is Vitamin D and what role could it play in COVID-19 infections? * Could low blood oxygen be used as a way to see if someone has COVID-19? And Norman has some information from a yet-to-be-published paper about why some South Korean recovered patients seem to be testing positive again for COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This weekend, for the first time in a long time, you may have gone out to see a friend, sat in the park or had a picnic.

With restrictions in some states slightly lifted, does that mean we're finally turning a corner on the coronavirus pandemic?

Possibly, but the next 14 days will be crucial.

On today's show:

* What's going on with school openings?

* How important is Vitamin D and what role could it play in COVID-19 infections?

* Could low blood oxygen be used as a way to see if someone has COVID-19?

And Norman has some information from a yet-to-be-published paper about why some South Korean recovered patients seem to be testing positive again for COVID-19.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 655 What is remdesivir and what's all the fuss about? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-is-remdesivir-and-whats-all-the-fuss-about/12202384 An experimental antiviral drug called remdesivir is being touted as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients. An unpublished, non-peer reviewed trial from America has found that it seems to lower the time patients spend in hospital, and might help reduce death rates. So how excited should we be about this drug? On today's show: * What's remdesivir? * Where does it come from? * What do we know about side effects? * What about that study from China that found it provided no benefit? * Is lifting restrictions now too risky? * What does all the research into SARS-CoV-2 mean for the common cold? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia An experimental antiviral drug called remdesivir is being touted as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients. An unpublished, non-peer reviewed trial from America has found that it seems to lower the time patients spend in hospital, and might help reduce death rates. So how excited should we be about this drug? On today's show: * What's remdesivir? * Where does it come from? * What do we know about side effects? * What about that study from China that found it provided no benefit? * Is lifting restrictions now too risky? * What does all the research into SARS-CoV-2 mean for the common cold? An experimental antiviral drug called remdesivir is being touted as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients. An unpublished, non-peer reviewed trial from America has found that it seems to lower the time patients spend in hospital, and might help reduce death rates. So how excited should we be about this drug? On today's show: * What's remdesivir? * Where does it come from? * What do we know about side effects? * What about that study from China that found it provided no benefit? * Is lifting restrictions now too risky? * What does all the research into SARS-CoV-2 mean for the common cold? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices An experimental antiviral drug called remdesivir is being touted as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients.

An unpublished, non-peer reviewed trial from America has found that it seems to lower the time patients spend in hospital, and might help reduce death rates.

So how excited should we be about this drug?

On today's show:

* What's remdesivir?

* Where does it come from?

* What do we know about side effects?

* What about that study from China that found it provided no benefit?

* Is lifting restrictions now too risky?

* What does all the research into SARS-CoV-2 mean for the common cold?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 676 Are kids and young people affected more badly than we thought? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-kids-and-young-people-affected-more-badly-than-we-thought/12199052 Several worrying cases involving coronavirus infection of children and younger adults have emerged from the UK and USA in the last few weeks. In the UK, a few children have shown up at hospitals with a serious illness. And in America, younger adults have shown up at hospitals after suffering from strokes. While the total numbers are low, it reveals there's still a lot we don’t know about this virus. On today's show: * What is happening with children in the UK? * What about younger adults suffering from stroke in America? * Is loss of sense of taste and smell a good enough symptom to get tested? * How does COVID-19 possibly change the way we think? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Several worrying cases involving coronavirus infection of children and younger adults have emerged from the UK and USA in the last few weeks. In the UK, a few children have shown up at hospitals with a serious illness. And in America, younger adults have shown up at hospitals after suffering from strokes. While the total numbers are low, it reveals there's still a lot we don’t know about this virus. On today's show: * What is happening with children in the UK? * What about younger adults suffering from stroke in America? * Is loss of sense of taste and smell a good enough symptom to get tested? * How does COVID-19 possibly change the way we think? Several worrying cases involving coronavirus infection of children and younger adults have emerged from the UK and USA in the last few weeks. In the UK, a few children have shown up at hospitals with a serious illness. And in America, younger adults have shown up at hospitals after suffering from strokes. While the total numbers are low, it reveals there's still a lot we don’t know about this virus. On today's show: * What is happening with children in the UK? * What about younger adults suffering from stroke in America? * Is loss of sense of taste and smell a good enough symptom to get tested? * How does COVID-19 possibly change the way we think? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Several worrying cases involving coronavirus infection of children and younger adults have emerged from the UK and USA in the last few weeks.

In the UK, a few children have shown up at hospitals with a serious illness.

And in America, younger adults have shown up at hospitals after suffering from strokes.

While the total numbers are low, it reveals there's still a lot we don’t know about this virus.

On today's show:

* What is happening with children in the UK?

* What about younger adults suffering from stroke in America?

* Is loss of sense of taste and smell a good enough symptom to get tested?

* How does COVID-19 possibly change the way we think?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 688 Were Australian lockdowns worth it? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/were-australian-lockdowns-worth-it/12194204 As states slowly wind back restrictions and release the brake on lockdowns, it’s a good time to look back to see if they were worth it. So far, Australia has had less than 100 deaths related to COVID-19, and new case numbers remain small. But what about deaths that occurred because of the lockdown? And how many deaths would have occurred anyway? On today's show: * Were the lockdowns worth it? * Why is the tracing app critical time set to 15 minutes? * When is it likely that we will be able to travel interstate again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As states slowly wind back restrictions and release the brake on lockdowns, it’s a good time to look back to see if they were worth it. So far, Australia has had less than 100 deaths related to COVID-19, and new case numbers remain small. But what about deaths that occurred because of the lockdown? And how many deaths would have occurred anyway? On today's show: * Were the lockdowns worth it? * Why is the tracing app critical time set to 15 minutes? * When is it likely that we will be able to travel interstate again? As states slowly wind back restrictions and release the brake on lockdowns, it’s a good time to look back to see if they were worth it. So far, Australia has had less than 100 deaths related to COVID-19, and new case numbers remain small. But what about deaths that occurred because of the lockdown? And how many deaths would have occurred anyway? On today's show: * Were the lockdowns worth it? * Why is the tracing app critical time set to 15 minutes? * When is it likely that we will be able to travel interstate again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As states slowly wind back restrictions and release the brake on lockdowns, it’s a good time to look back to see if they were worth it.

So far, Australia has had less than 100 deaths related to COVID-19, and new case numbers remain small.

But what about deaths that occurred because of the lockdown? And how many deaths would have occurred anyway?

On today's show:

* Were the lockdowns worth it?

* Why is the tracing app critical time set to 15 minutes?

* When is it likely that we will be able to travel interstate again?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 673 So should we download the coronavirus app or what? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/so-should-we-download-the-coronavirus-app-or-what/12190810 The Federal Government's contact-tracing app has smashed expectations and has been downloaded more than two million times since its release. It's hoped it will help track down contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, but there is still a lot we don't know about the app. And is there any evidence that it will even help? Today, Coronacast is joined by tech reporter Ariel Bogle from the ABC's science unit to help answer your questions. On today's show: * What is the COVIDSafe app supposed to do? * Is it spying on me? * Is being fit and healthy a good thing to help tackle coronavirus? * What happened to all those suburb hotspots? * Is there a possibility of infertility occurring from this virus? And Dr Norman Swan has a study that dives into antibodies, which might give us some clues around immunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The Federal Government's contact-tracing app has smashed expectations and has been downloaded more than two million times since its release. It's hoped it will help track down contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, but there is still a lot we don't know about the app. And is there any evidence that it will even help? Today, Coronacast is joined by tech reporter Ariel Bogle from the ABC's science unit to help answer your questions. On today's show: * What is the COVIDSafe app supposed to do? * Is it spying on me? * Is being fit and healthy a good thing to help tackle coronavirus? * What happened to all those suburb hotspots? * Is there a possibility of infertility occurring from this virus? And Dr Norman Swan has a study that dives into antibodies, which might give us some clues around immunity. The Federal Government's contact-tracing app has smashed expectations and has been downloaded more than two million times since its release. It's hoped it will help track down contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, but there is still a lot we don't know about the app. And is there any evidence that it will even help? Today, Coronacast is joined by tech reporter Ariel Bogle from the ABC's science unit to help answer your questions. On today's show: * What is the COVIDSafe app supposed to do? * Is it spying on me? * Is being fit and healthy a good thing to help tackle coronavirus? * What happened to all those suburb hotspots? * Is there a possibility of infertility occurring from this virus? And Dr Norman Swan has a study that dives into antibodies, which might give us some clues around immunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Federal Government's contact-tracing app has smashed expectations and has been downloaded more than two million times since its release.

It's hoped it will help track down contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, but there is still a lot we don't know about the app.

And is there any evidence that it will even help?

Today, Coronacast is joined by tech reporter Ariel Bogle from the ABC's science unit to help answer your questions.

On today's show:

* What is the COVIDSafe app supposed to do?

* Is it spying on me?

* Is being fit and healthy a good thing to help tackle coronavirus?

* What happened to all those suburb hotspots?

* Is there a possibility of infertility occurring from this virus?

And Dr Norman Swan has a study that dives into antibodies, which might give us some clues around immunity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 685 Is being overweight a bigger risk factor than smoking? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-being-overweight-a-bigger-risk-factor-than-smoking/12187340 Data from overseas suggests that after age, obesity is the biggest risk factor causing more problems than smoking with coronavirus patients. So why could that be? On today's show: * What's the NSW schools report all about? * Queensland is reducing some restrictions. Why now? * People are volunteering to be exposed to coronavirus to help test the vaccine. Is that a good idea? * What is the role of obesity in serious outcomes from COVID-19? * Why do I need a flu shot to visit my father in an aged care home? * Are vegans and vegetarians the least affected by COVID-19? And don't forget to check out Dr Norman Swan's "The Health Report" podcast for more on the issues around volunteering for the coronavirus vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 26 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Data from overseas suggests that after age, obesity is the biggest risk factor causing more problems than smoking with coronavirus patients. So why could that be? On today's show: * What's the NSW schools report all about? * Queensland is reducing some restrictions. Why now? * People are volunteering to be exposed to coronavirus to help test the vaccine. Is that a good idea? * What is the role of obesity in serious outcomes from COVID-19? * Why do I need a flu shot to visit my father in an aged care home? * Are vegans and vegetarians the least affected by COVID-19? And don't forget to check out Dr Norman Swan's "The Health Report" podcast for more on the issues around volunteering for the coronavirus vaccine. Data from overseas suggests that after age, obesity is the biggest risk factor causing more problems than smoking with coronavirus patients. So why could that be? On today's show: * What's the NSW schools report all about? * Queensland is reducing some restrictions. Why now? * People are volunteering to be exposed to coronavirus to help test the vaccine. Is that a good idea? * What is the role of obesity in serious outcomes from COVID-19? * Why do I need a flu shot to visit my father in an aged care home? * Are vegans and vegetarians the least affected by COVID-19? And don't forget to check out Dr Norman Swan's "The Health Report" podcast for more on the issues around volunteering for the coronavirus vaccine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Data from overseas suggests that after age, obesity is the biggest risk factor causing more problems than smoking with coronavirus patients.

So why could that be?

On today's show:

* What's the NSW schools report all about?

* Queensland is reducing some restrictions. Why now?

* People are volunteering to be exposed to coronavirus to help test the vaccine. Is that a good idea?

* What is the role of obesity in serious outcomes from COVID-19?

* Why do I need a flu shot to visit my father in an aged care home?

* Are vegans and vegetarians the least affected by COVID-19?

And don't forget to check out Dr Norman Swan's "The Health Report" podcast for more on the issues around volunteering for the coronavirus vaccine.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 659 How do we avoid the dreaded second (third or fourth) coronavirus wave? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-we-avoid-the-second-third-fourth-wave/12178032 Whichever way you look at it, coronavirus is going to be with us for quite a while. Elimination seems unlikely and overseas it’s infecting people in large numbers. While cases remain low, there's always the risk of it reappearing. So how do we avoid getting smashed by waves of coronavirus again and again and again? On today's show: * How do we make sure that our health system and economy doesn't get smashed every time there's a coronavirus wave? * In a previous episode, Norman mentioned that coronavirus might come back in two or four years. Where would it go in between? * Why do people often suffer more from COVID-19 in the second week? And we are joined by two time Archibald Prize winner Del Kathryn Barton! She's here to talk about the Together In Art Kids project — an exhibition featuring kids' artwork about the coronavirus. For more information, see togetherinart.org/kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Whichever way you look at it, coronavirus is going to be with us for quite a while. Elimination seems unlikely and overseas it’s infecting people in large numbers. While cases remain low, there's always the risk of it reappearing. So how do we avoid getting smashed by waves of coronavirus again and again and again? On today's show: * How do we make sure that our health system and economy doesn't get smashed every time there's a coronavirus wave? * In a previous episode, Norman mentioned that coronavirus might come back in two or four years. Where would it go in between? * Why do people often suffer more from COVID-19 in the second week? And we are joined by two time Archibald Prize winner Del Kathryn Barton! She's here to talk about the Together In Art Kids project — an exhibition featuring kids' artwork about the coronavirus. For more information, see togetherinart.org/kids Whichever way you look at it, coronavirus is going to be with us for quite a while. Elimination seems unlikely and overseas it’s infecting people in large numbers. While cases remain low, there's always the risk of it reappearing. So how do we avoid getting smashed by waves of coronavirus again and again and again? On today's show: * How do we make sure that our health system and economy doesn't get smashed every time there's a coronavirus wave? * In a previous episode, Norman mentioned that coronavirus might come back in two or four years. Where would it go in between? * Why do people often suffer more from COVID-19 in the second week? And we are joined by two time Archibald Prize winner Del Kathryn Barton! She's here to talk about the Together In Art Kids project — an exhibition featuring kids' artwork about the coronavirus. For more information, see togetherinart.org/kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Whichever way you look at it, coronavirus is going to be with us for quite a while.

Elimination seems unlikely and overseas it’s infecting people in large numbers.

While cases remain low, there's always the risk of it reappearing.

So how do we avoid getting smashed by waves of coronavirus again and again and again?

On today's show:

* How do we make sure that our health system and economy doesn't get smashed every time there's a coronavirus wave?

* In a previous episode, Norman mentioned that coronavirus might come back in two or four years. Where would it go in between?

* Why do people often suffer more from COVID-19 in the second week?

And we are joined by two time Archibald Prize winner Del Kathryn Barton! She's here to talk about the Together In Art Kids project — an exhibition featuring kids' artwork about the coronavirus.

For more information, see togetherinart.org/kids

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 712 Human vaccine trials begin! What happens next? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/human-vaccine-trials-begin-what-happens-next/12174900 Human trials for a coronavirus vaccine have begun in the UK, and it's all actions go. Depending on what happens there’s a long way to go before you might be innoculated. Usually the process could take years, but this isn’t your usual vaccine trial. On today's show: * What are the phases of vaccine trials? * Wasn’t the vaccine 18 months away? * Are death rates worse in hotter or cooler climates? * Will we see a better flu season because everyone is indoors? And Norman has found a paper from Nature Medicine, published in 2015, that has some spooky predictions about the current pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Human trials for a coronavirus vaccine have begun in the UK, and it's all actions go. Depending on what happens there’s a long way to go before you might be innoculated. Usually the process could take years, but this isn’t your usual vaccine trial. On today's show: * What are the phases of vaccine trials? * Wasn’t the vaccine 18 months away? * Are death rates worse in hotter or cooler climates? * Will we see a better flu season because everyone is indoors? And Norman has found a paper from Nature Medicine, published in 2015, that has some spooky predictions about the current pandemic. Human trials for a coronavirus vaccine have begun in the UK, and it's all actions go. Depending on what happens there’s a long way to go before you might be innoculated. Usually the process could take years, but this isn’t your usual vaccine trial. On today's show: * What are the phases of vaccine trials? * Wasn’t the vaccine 18 months away? * Are death rates worse in hotter or cooler climates? * Will we see a better flu season because everyone is indoors? And Norman has found a paper from Nature Medicine, published in 2015, that has some spooky predictions about the current pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Human trials for a coronavirus vaccine have begun in the UK, and it's all actions go.

Depending on what happens there’s a long way to go before you might be innoculated.

Usually the process could take years, but this isn’t your usual vaccine trial.

On today's show:

* What are the phases of vaccine trials?

* Wasn’t the vaccine 18 months away?

* Are death rates worse in hotter or cooler climates?

* Will we see a better flu season because everyone is indoors?

And Norman has found a paper from Nature Medicine, published in 2015, that has some spooky predictions about the current pandemic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 750 SPECIAL: Deputy Chief Medical Officer answers your questions https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/deputy-chief-medical-officer-answers-your-questions/12170252 Why aren't we being told to wear masks? Are we trying to eradicate coronavirus or what? What’s going on with schools? There are so many big coronavirus questions Australians have, so we asked the country’s deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly to come on the podcast to help answer them. On today's show: * What’s the deal with masks? * Why does the Federal Government seem to have different views to the states on schools? * How do you socially distance and go to school? * Why have you shut playgrounds but not schools? * Can we eradicate coronavirus? * If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Why aren't we being told to wear masks? Are we trying to eradicate coronavirus or what? What’s going on with schools? There are so many big coronavirus questions Australians have, so we asked the country’s deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly to come on the podcast to help answer them. On today's show: * What’s the deal with masks? * Why does the Federal Government seem to have different views to the states on schools? * How do you socially distance and go to school? * Why have you shut playgrounds but not schools? * Can we eradicate coronavirus? * If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently? Why aren't we being told to wear masks? Are we trying to eradicate coronavirus or what? What’s going on with schools? There are so many big coronavirus questions Australians have, so we asked the country’s deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly to come on the podcast to help answer them. On today's show: * What’s the deal with masks? * Why does the Federal Government seem to have different views to the states on schools? * How do you socially distance and go to school? * Why have you shut playgrounds but not schools? * Can we eradicate coronavirus? * If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Why aren't we being told to wear masks? Are we trying to eradicate coronavirus or what? What’s going on with schools?

There are so many big coronavirus questions Australians have, so we asked the country’s deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly to come on the podcast to help answer them.

On today's show:

* What’s the deal with masks?

* Why does the Federal Government seem to have different views to the states on schools?

* How do you socially distance and go to school?

* Why have you shut playgrounds but not schools?

* Can we eradicate coronavirus?

* If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 817 When might Australia reach zero coronavirus cases? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/when-might-australia-reach-zero-coronavirus-cases/12166196 New Zealand has announced it will soon loosen restrictions, as the number of cases there has continued to fall. So when might Australia reach a low enough caseload to consider doing the same thing? On today's show: * If Australia and NZ had low cases, could there be a “bubble” where we can travel between each country but no where else? * How far does Norman think Australia is away from zero or near zero cases? * If Australia goes for elimination, do we risk creating a COVID-19 vulnerable population? * Is there somewhere in the middle between zero cases and New York/Italy, eg Sweden? And Norman explains research from the journal Science about what the world could look like post-pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia New Zealand has announced it will soon loosen restrictions, as the number of cases there has continued to fall. So when might Australia reach a low enough caseload to consider doing the same thing? On today's show: * If Australia and NZ had low cases, could there be a “bubble” where we can travel between each country but no where else? * How far does Norman think Australia is away from zero or near zero cases? * If Australia goes for elimination, do we risk creating a COVID-19 vulnerable population? * Is there somewhere in the middle between zero cases and New York/Italy, eg Sweden? And Norman explains research from the journal Science about what the world could look like post-pandemic. New Zealand has announced it will soon loosen restrictions, as the number of cases there has continued to fall. So when might Australia reach a low enough caseload to consider doing the same thing? On today's show: * If Australia and NZ had low cases, could there be a “bubble” where we can travel between each country but no where else? * How far does Norman think Australia is away from zero or near zero cases? * If Australia goes for elimination, do we risk creating a COVID-19 vulnerable population? * Is there somewhere in the middle between zero cases and New York/Italy, eg Sweden? And Norman explains research from the journal Science about what the world could look like post-pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices New Zealand has announced it will soon loosen restrictions, as the number of cases there has continued to fall.

So when might Australia reach a low enough caseload to consider doing the same thing?

On today's show:

* If Australia and NZ had low cases, could there be a “bubble” where we can travel between each country but no where else?

* How far does Norman think Australia is away from zero or near zero cases?

* If Australia goes for elimination, do we risk creating a COVID-19 vulnerable population?

* Is there somewhere in the middle between zero cases and New York/Italy, eg Sweden?

And Norman explains research from the journal Science about what the world could look like post-pandemic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 769 Why can't I test myself for coronavirus at home? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-cant-i-test-myself-for-coronavirus-at-home/12163200 As getting a test for COVID-19 becomes far easier in Australia, people are starting to wonder why you can’t just do it yourself at home. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan explains while getting tested is easy, making sure you do it properly is a lot harder. On today's show: * When does the virus show up in testing? * Why can’t I do a test at home? * If anti-bodies are low in recovered patients, what does that mean for any vaccine? * What is the latest on vaccines? * What’s going on with the possible treatment using the drug remdesivir? And Norman gets a scalding from a three-year-old listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 19 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As getting a test for COVID-19 becomes far easier in Australia, people are starting to wonder why you can’t just do it yourself at home. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan explains while getting tested is easy, making sure you do it properly is a lot harder. On today's show: * When does the virus show up in testing? * Why can’t I do a test at home? * If anti-bodies are low in recovered patients, what does that mean for any vaccine? * What is the latest on vaccines? * What’s going on with the possible treatment using the drug remdesivir? And Norman gets a scalding from a three-year-old listener. As getting a test for COVID-19 becomes far easier in Australia, people are starting to wonder why you can’t just do it yourself at home. On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan explains while getting tested is easy, making sure you do it properly is a lot harder. On today's show: * When does the virus show up in testing? * Why can’t I do a test at home? * If anti-bodies are low in recovered patients, what does that mean for any vaccine? * What is the latest on vaccines? * What’s going on with the possible treatment using the drug remdesivir? And Norman gets a scalding from a three-year-old listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As getting a test for COVID-19 becomes far easier in Australia, people are starting to wonder why you can’t just do it yourself at home.

On today's Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan explains while getting tested is easy, making sure you do it properly is a lot harder.

On today's show:

* When does the virus show up in testing?

* Why can’t I do a test at home?

* If anti-bodies are low in recovered patients, what does that mean for any vaccine?

* What is the latest on vaccines?

* What’s going on with the possible treatment using the drug remdesivir?

And Norman gets a scalding from a three-year-old listener.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 714 'No bare bottoms!': Norman Swan weighs in on corona-farts https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/no-bare-bottoms-norman-swan-weighs-in/12154256 It's the question everyone wants to know: can you get coronavirus from farts? Dr Norman Swan has a strong opinion on fighting the scourge of corona-farting, and asks Australians to make yet another sacrifice. We promise the rest of the episode isn't as silly. It's actually very interesting. In today's episode: * Are Australian governments trying to eliminate coronavirus, but just aren't telling us yet? * When do you know if you’re sick enough to go to the hospital? * Can microwaves kill coronavirus? * Can you get coronavirus from farts? And Dr Norman Swan discusses some research from Nature Medicine about when people are most infectious with the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It's the question everyone wants to know: can you get coronavirus from farts? Dr Norman Swan has a strong opinion on fighting the scourge of corona-farting, and asks Australians to make yet another sacrifice. We promise the rest of the episode isn't as silly. It's actually very interesting. In today's episode: * Are Australian governments trying to eliminate coronavirus, but just aren't telling us yet? * When do you know if you’re sick enough to go to the hospital? * Can microwaves kill coronavirus? * Can you get coronavirus from farts? And Dr Norman Swan discusses some research from Nature Medicine about when people are most infectious with the SARS-Cov-2 virus. It's the question everyone wants to know: can you get coronavirus from farts? Dr Norman Swan has a strong opinion on fighting the scourge of corona-farting, and asks Australians to make yet another sacrifice. We promise the rest of the episode isn't as silly. It's actually very interesting. In today's episode: * Are Australian governments trying to eliminate coronavirus, but just aren't telling us yet? * When do you know if you’re sick enough to go to the hospital? * Can microwaves kill coronavirus? * Can you get coronavirus from farts? And Dr Norman Swan discusses some research from Nature Medicine about when people are most infectious with the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's the question everyone wants to know: can you get coronavirus from farts?

Dr Norman Swan has a strong opinion on fighting the scourge of corona-farting, and asks Australians to make yet another sacrifice.

We promise the rest of the episode isn't as silly. It's actually very interesting.

In today's episode:

* Are Australian governments trying to eliminate coronavirus, but just aren't telling us yet?

* When do you know if you’re sick enough to go to the hospital?

* Can microwaves kill coronavirus?

* Can you get coronavirus from farts?

And Dr Norman Swan discusses some research from Nature Medicine about when people are most infectious with the SARS-Cov-2 virus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 719 The search for a coronavirus vaccine and the challenges we're facing https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-search-for-a-vaccine-and-the-challenges-we-are-facing/12151670 Scientists are desperately searching for a coronavirus vaccine, but before that can happen there's a whole bunch of stuff they need to discover. One of those things is working out how the body's immune system responds to the virus that causes COVID-19. It has implications not only for vaccine discovery, but also how long people may stay immune after recovering. On today's show: * Anti-bodies. What are they and how do they work? * Is there a test that can detect them? * How long might you stay immune after a vaccine or infection? And we're also joined by Professor Declan Murphy from Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to discuss the worrying phenomenon of cancer patients who may be frightened to continue their care because they're worried about picking up the virus while visiting the doctor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Scientists are desperately searching for a coronavirus vaccine, but before that can happen there's a whole bunch of stuff they need to discover. One of those things is working out how the body's immune system responds to the virus that causes COVID-19. It has implications not only for vaccine discovery, but also how long people may stay immune after recovering. On today's show: * Anti-bodies. What are they and how do they work? * Is there a test that can detect them? * How long might you stay immune after a vaccine or infection? And we're also joined by Professor Declan Murphy from Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to discuss the worrying phenomenon of cancer patients who may be frightened to continue their care because they're worried about picking up the virus while visiting the doctor. Scientists are desperately searching for a coronavirus vaccine, but before that can happen there's a whole bunch of stuff they need to discover. One of those things is working out how the body's immune system responds to the virus that causes COVID-19. It has implications not only for vaccine discovery, but also how long people may stay immune after recovering. On today's show: * Anti-bodies. What are they and how do they work? * Is there a test that can detect them? * How long might you stay immune after a vaccine or infection? And we're also joined by Professor Declan Murphy from Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to discuss the worrying phenomenon of cancer patients who may be frightened to continue their care because they're worried about picking up the virus while visiting the doctor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Scientists are desperately searching for a coronavirus vaccine, but before that can happen there's a whole bunch of stuff they need to discover.

One of those things is working out how the body's immune system responds to the virus that causes COVID-19.

It has implications not only for vaccine discovery, but also how long people may stay immune after recovering.

On today's show:

* Anti-bodies. What are they and how do they work?

* Is there a test that can detect them?

* How long might you stay immune after a vaccine or infection?

And we're also joined by Professor Declan Murphy from Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to discuss the worrying phenomenon of cancer patients who may be frightened to continue their care because they're worried about picking up the virus while visiting the doctor.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 733 Australia is doing well. But where are we heading next? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/australia-is-doing-well.-but-where-are-we-heading-next/12148024 In the scheme of things, Australia is becoming a bit of a poster child for how to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Helped by having no land borders and by locking things down relatively quickly, the number of positive cases is now low. But that can change quickly. Today on Coronacast, where are we headed? What could life look like in the weeks ahead? On today's show: * Why are death rates different from country to country? And Dr Norman Swan also talks about some research on how effective school closures are on controlling coronavirus spread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia In the scheme of things, Australia is becoming a bit of a poster child for how to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Helped by having no land borders and by locking things down relatively quickly, the number of positive cases is now low. But that can change quickly. Today on Coronacast, where are we headed? What could life look like in the weeks ahead? On today's show: * Why are death rates different from country to country? And Dr Norman Swan also talks about some research on how effective school closures are on controlling coronavirus spread. In the scheme of things, Australia is becoming a bit of a poster child for how to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Helped by having no land borders and by locking things down relatively quickly, the number of positive cases is now low. But that can change quickly. Today on Coronacast, where are we headed? What could life look like in the weeks ahead? On today's show: * Why are death rates different from country to country? And Dr Norman Swan also talks about some research on how effective school closures are on controlling coronavirus spread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the scheme of things, Australia is becoming a bit of a poster child for how to handle the coronavirus pandemic.

Helped by having no land borders and by locking things down relatively quickly, the number of positive cases is now low.

But that can change quickly.

Today on Coronacast, where are we headed? What could life look like in the weeks ahead?

On today's show:

* Why are death rates different from country to country?

And Dr Norman Swan also talks about some research on how effective school closures are on controlling coronavirus spread.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 718 Why flatten the curve when we could eradicate coronavirus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/why-flatten-the-curve-when-we-could-eradicate-coronavirus/12145596 Forget flattening the curve. There’s a radical approach to coronavirus that could have us out of our houses and back at work or school without having to worry about the virus. It's called eradication, and it’s New Zealand goal. If they pull it off they could end social distancing in a month. We're also joined by Professor Ian Hickie to answer your questions on mental health. On today's show: * What are the best mental health strategies for people self-isolating on their own? * What do people do who have major pre-existing depression and are living alone? * What do I do for loved ones who have a mental health issue? * I am hating all these Zoom parties. Is this just the introvert life or am I coping worse than I think I am? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Forget flattening the curve. There’s a radical approach to coronavirus that could have us out of our houses and back at work or school without having to worry about the virus. It's called eradication, and it’s New Zealand goal. If they pull it off they could end social distancing in a month. We're also joined by Professor Ian Hickie to answer your questions on mental health. On today's show: * What are the best mental health strategies for people self-isolating on their own? * What do people do who have major pre-existing depression and are living alone? * What do I do for loved ones who have a mental health issue? * I am hating all these Zoom parties. Is this just the introvert life or am I coping worse than I think I am? Forget flattening the curve. There’s a radical approach to coronavirus that could have us out of our houses and back at work or school without having to worry about the virus. It's called eradication, and it’s New Zealand goal. If they pull it off they could end social distancing in a month. We're also joined by Professor Ian Hickie to answer your questions on mental health. On today's show: * What are the best mental health strategies for people self-isolating on their own? * What do people do who have major pre-existing depression and are living alone? * What do I do for loved ones who have a mental health issue? * I am hating all these Zoom parties. Is this just the introvert life or am I coping worse than I think I am? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Forget flattening the curve. There’s a radical approach to coronavirus that could have us out of our houses and back at work or school without having to worry about the virus.

It's called eradication, and it’s New Zealand goal. If they pull it off they could end social distancing in a month.

We're also joined by Professor Ian Hickie to answer your questions on mental health.

On today's show:

* What are the best mental health strategies for people self-isolating on their own?

* What do people do who have major pre-existing depression and are living alone?

* What do I do for loved ones who have a mental health issue?

* I am hating all these Zoom parties. Is this just the introvert life or am I coping worse than I think I am?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 717 Do animals get coronavirus? We answer more kids' questions! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-animals-get-coronavirus-we-answer-more-kids-questions!/12143592 Scientists have given coronavirus to ferrets, dogs and cats to try and find out how the virus works. It turns out some animals can contract and potentially spread coronavirus – and that includes household pets. In today’s Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor answer more questions from kids about the pandemic. On today's show: * James asks why is the coronavirus also called COVID-19? * Finn asks does it make animals sick? * Estelle asks when can I see my grandparents? * Alice asks why do adults get coronavirus worse than children? * Oliver asks how close are we to discovering a vaccine for COVID-19? And don’t forget about the Together In Art Kids project! See our website at abc.net.au/coronacast for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 12 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Scientists have given coronavirus to ferrets, dogs and cats to try and find out how the virus works. It turns out some animals can contract and potentially spread coronavirus – and that includes household pets. In today’s Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor answer more questions from kids about the pandemic. On today's show: * James asks why is the coronavirus also called COVID-19? * Finn asks does it make animals sick? * Estelle asks when can I see my grandparents? * Alice asks why do adults get coronavirus worse than children? * Oliver asks how close are we to discovering a vaccine for COVID-19? And don’t forget about the Together In Art Kids project! See our website at abc.net.au/coronacast for more information. Scientists have given coronavirus to ferrets, dogs and cats to try and find out how the virus works. It turns out some animals can contract and potentially spread coronavirus – and that includes household pets. In today’s Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor answer more questions from kids about the pandemic. On today's show: * James asks why is the coronavirus also called COVID-19? * Finn asks does it make animals sick? * Estelle asks when can I see my grandparents? * Alice asks why do adults get coronavirus worse than children? * Oliver asks how close are we to discovering a vaccine for COVID-19? And don’t forget about the Together In Art Kids project! See our website at abc.net.au/coronacast for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Scientists have given coronavirus to ferrets, dogs and cats to try and find out how the virus works.

It turns out some animals can contract and potentially spread coronavirus – and that includes household pets.

In today’s Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor answer more questions from kids about the pandemic.

On today's show:

* James asks why is the coronavirus also called COVID-19?

* Finn asks does it make animals sick?

* Estelle asks when can I see my grandparents?

* Alice asks why do adults get coronavirus worse than children?

* Oliver asks how close are we to discovering a vaccine for COVID-19?

And don’t forget about the Together In Art Kids project! See our website at abc.net.au/coronacast for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 595 You've probably heard these coronavirus myths. Did you fall for them? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/youve-probably-heard-these-coronavirus-myths/12139346 A week ago, we put the call out for coronavirus social media myths and asked you to send them in. And we got a lot of them. One of the most common was a fake email that says it’s from a staff member of a hospital. It contains a whole list of tips like don't drink cold water, and offers ways to check at home if you have coronavirus. So we took the claims, and put them to Dr Norman Swan. Some of the email myths checked on today’s show: * Do you only have a cold if you have a running nose? * Does coronavirus die if you warm it up to 27 degrees? * Should you drink hot liquids and avoid drinks with ice? * Will salt water protect you? * Is there a way to check if you have coronavirus by breathing in deeply and seeing if you cough? Also, since it’s Easter, we ask Norman if eating chocolate while in quarantine is a bad thing. And Norman has an exciting announcement. To find out more, check out our website at abc.net.au/coronacast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia A week ago, we put the call out for coronavirus social media myths and asked you to send them in. And we got a lot of them. One of the most common was a fake email that says it’s from a staff member of a hospital. It contains a whole list of tips like don't drink cold water, and offers ways to check at home if you have coronavirus. So we took the claims, and put them to Dr Norman Swan. Some of the email myths checked on today’s show: * Do you only have a cold if you have a running nose? * Does coronavirus die if you warm it up to 27 degrees? * Should you drink hot liquids and avoid drinks with ice? * Will salt water protect you? * Is there a way to check if you have coronavirus by breathing in deeply and seeing if you cough? Also, since it’s Easter, we ask Norman if eating chocolate while in quarantine is a bad thing. And Norman has an exciting announcement. To find out more, check out our website at abc.net.au/coronacast A week ago, we put the call out for coronavirus social media myths and asked you to send them in. And we got a lot of them. One of the most common was a fake email that says it’s from a staff member of a hospital. It contains a whole list of tips like don't drink cold water, and offers ways to check at home if you have coronavirus. So we took the claims, and put them to Dr Norman Swan. Some of the email myths checked on today’s show: * Do you only have a cold if you have a running nose? * Does coronavirus die if you warm it up to 27 degrees? * Should you drink hot liquids and avoid drinks with ice? * Will salt water protect you? * Is there a way to check if you have coronavirus by breathing in deeply and seeing if you cough? Also, since it’s Easter, we ask Norman if eating chocolate while in quarantine is a bad thing. And Norman has an exciting announcement. To find out more, check out our website at abc.net.au/coronacast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A week ago, we put the call out for coronavirus social media myths and asked you to send them in. And we got a lot of them.

One of the most common was a fake email that says it’s from a staff member of a hospital.

It contains a whole list of tips like don't drink cold water, and offers ways to check at home if you have coronavirus.

So we took the claims, and put them to Dr Norman Swan.

Some of the email myths checked on today’s show:

* Do you only have a cold if you have a running nose?

* Does coronavirus die if you warm it up to 27 degrees?

* Should you drink hot liquids and avoid drinks with ice?

* Will salt water protect you?

* Is there a way to check if you have coronavirus by breathing in deeply and seeing if you cough?

Also, since it’s Easter, we ask Norman if eating chocolate while in quarantine is a bad thing.

And Norman has an exciting announcement. To find out more, check out our website at abc.net.au/coronacast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 715 How to get groceries without bringing home coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-to-get-groceries-without-bringing-home-coronavirus/12134820 One of the few things we're able to do with social distancing is go to the supermarkets. We've had heaps of questions from people who are wondering the best way to stay safe. So if you have to visit the supermarket this Easter, here's a few tips to avoid getting coronavirus when you're out and about. On today's show: * How far should I keep away from other customers? * Should staff be wearing masks and gloves? * What are the chances of picking up coronavirus from products on the shelves? * Is it a good idea to sterilise stuff I buy when I get home? * How do I make disinfectants at home? * Still not sure how to wash fruit and vegetables. With detergent? * Does boiling water kill the virus? * How long does coronavirus last in the fridge? Freezer? * If I coat my hands in soap, is that enough? We are looking for questions about mental health for an episode next week, so send them in with CORONACAST in the question at abc.net.au/coronavirus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the few things we're able to do with social distancing is go to the supermarkets. We've had heaps of questions from people who are wondering the best way to stay safe. So if you have to visit the supermarket this Easter, here's a few tips to avoid getting coronavirus when you're out and about. On today's show: * How far should I keep away from other customers? * Should staff be wearing masks and gloves? * What are the chances of picking up coronavirus from products on the shelves? * Is it a good idea to sterilise stuff I buy when I get home? * How do I make disinfectants at home? * Still not sure how to wash fruit and vegetables. With detergent? * Does boiling water kill the virus? * How long does coronavirus last in the fridge? Freezer? * If I coat my hands in soap, is that enough? We are looking for questions about mental health for an episode next week, so send them in with CORONACAST in the question at abc.net.au/coronavirus One of the few things we're able to do with social distancing is go to the supermarkets. We've had heaps of questions from people who are wondering the best way to stay safe. So if you have to visit the supermarket this Easter, here's a few tips to avoid getting coronavirus when you're out and about. On today's show: * How far should I keep away from other customers? * Should staff be wearing masks and gloves? * What are the chances of picking up coronavirus from products on the shelves? * Is it a good idea to sterilise stuff I buy when I get home? * How do I make disinfectants at home? * Still not sure how to wash fruit and vegetables. With detergent? * Does boiling water kill the virus? * How long does coronavirus last in the fridge? Freezer? * If I coat my hands in soap, is that enough? We are looking for questions about mental health for an episode next week, so send them in with CORONACAST in the question at abc.net.au/coronavirus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the few things we're able to do with social distancing is go to the supermarkets.

We've had heaps of questions from people who are wondering the best way to stay safe.

So if you have to visit the supermarket this Easter, here's a few tips to avoid getting coronavirus when you're out and about.

On today's show:

* How far should I keep away from other customers?

* Should staff be wearing masks and gloves?

* What are the chances of picking up coronavirus from products on the shelves?

* Is it a good idea to sterilise stuff I buy when I get home?

* How do I make disinfectants at home?

* Still not sure how to wash fruit and vegetables. With detergent?

* Does boiling water kill the virus?

* How long does coronavirus last in the fridge? Freezer?

* If I coat my hands in soap, is that enough?

We are looking for questions about mental health for an episode next week, so send them in with CORONACAST in the question at abc.net.au/coronavirus

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 672 The second week crash. Why Week Two as a coronavirus patient is so scary https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-second-week-crash-why-week-two-is-so-scary/12130576 British PM Boris Johnson’s health has deteriorated as he enters the second week of being diagnosed with COVID-19. The 55-year old's experience is what many people have gone through, but it shows the dangers people often face in the later stages of trying to fight off the virus. Today, Dr Norman Swan explains why it is known as the second week crash. On today’s episode: * If soap and water kills coronavirus why not just wash medical clothing? * If the acids in the gut kill this virus, why does faeces still have it? * Why has coronavirus spread so far across the world and not to the rest of China? * Why are people across the world spraying disinfectant on streets? * What is happening in Japan and Sweden where they appeared to have a handle on the virus, but are now experiencing a rapid uptake And Tegan gives us a rundown of how scientists have come up with a way to "hear" the virus which causes COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Apr 2020 18:45:00 -0000 full ABC Australia British PM Boris Johnson’s health has deteriorated as he enters the second week of being diagnosed with COVID-19. The 55-year old's experience is what many people have gone through, but it shows the dangers people often face in the later stages of trying to fight off the virus. Today, Dr Norman Swan explains why it is known as the second week crash. On today’s episode: * If soap and water kills coronavirus why not just wash medical clothing? * If the acids in the gut kill this virus, why does faeces still have it? * Why has coronavirus spread so far across the world and not to the rest of China? * Why are people across the world spraying disinfectant on streets? * What is happening in Japan and Sweden where they appeared to have a handle on the virus, but are now experiencing a rapid uptake And Tegan gives us a rundown of how scientists have come up with a way to "hear" the virus which causes COVID-19. British PM Boris Johnson’s health has deteriorated as he enters the second week of being diagnosed with COVID-19. The 55-year old's experience is what many people have gone through, but it shows the dangers people often face in the later stages of trying to fight off the virus. Today, Dr Norman Swan explains why it is known as the second week crash. On today’s episode: * If soap and water kills coronavirus why not just wash medical clothing? * If the acids in the gut kill this virus, why does faeces still have it? * Why has coronavirus spread so far across the world and not to the rest of China? * Why are people across the world spraying disinfectant on streets? * What is happening in Japan and Sweden where they appeared to have a handle on the virus, but are now experiencing a rapid uptake And Tegan gives us a rundown of how scientists have come up with a way to "hear" the virus which causes COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices British PM Boris Johnson’s health has deteriorated as he enters the second week of being diagnosed with COVID-19.

The 55-year old's experience is what many people have gone through, but it shows the dangers people often face in the later stages of trying to fight off the virus.

Today, Dr Norman Swan explains why it is known as the second week crash.

On today’s episode:

* If soap and water kills coronavirus why not just wash medical clothing?

* If the acids in the gut kill this virus, why does faeces still have it?

* Why has coronavirus spread so far across the world and not to the rest of China?

* Why are people across the world spraying disinfectant on streets?

* What is happening in Japan and Sweden where they appeared to have a handle on the virus, but are now experiencing a rapid uptake

And Tegan gives us a rundown of how scientists have come up with a way to "hear" the virus which causes COVID-19.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 706 Trump loves an old anti-malarial drug. Is it the elixir to cure coronavirus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/anti-malarial-drug-is-it-the-elixir-to-cure-coronavirus/12126870 American President Donald Trump has been talking a lot about a certain drug called hydroxychloroquine. It's an old anti-malarial which is sometimes used to treat auto-immune diseases. So can it cure COVID-19? Why the hype? On today's show: * How do I safely manage work clothes? * When we wash our hands to wash away the bad germs, do we wash away the good germs too? * Is large scale temperature checking useful to find people who may have the virus? * Can two positively diagnosed COVID-19 people live together in the same house? * Is coronavirus more agressive overseas? And a study (preprint) from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has looked into physical distancing and has found that it works amazingly well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia American President Donald Trump has been talking a lot about a certain drug called hydroxychloroquine. It's an old anti-malarial which is sometimes used to treat auto-immune diseases. So can it cure COVID-19? Why the hype? On today's show: * How do I safely manage work clothes? * When we wash our hands to wash away the bad germs, do we wash away the good germs too? * Is large scale temperature checking useful to find people who may have the virus? * Can two positively diagnosed COVID-19 people live together in the same house? * Is coronavirus more agressive overseas? And a study (preprint) from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has looked into physical distancing and has found that it works amazingly well. American President Donald Trump has been talking a lot about a certain drug called hydroxychloroquine. It's an old anti-malarial which is sometimes used to treat auto-immune diseases. So can it cure COVID-19? Why the hype? On today's show: * How do I safely manage work clothes? * When we wash our hands to wash away the bad germs, do we wash away the good germs too? * Is large scale temperature checking useful to find people who may have the virus? * Can two positively diagnosed COVID-19 people live together in the same house? * Is coronavirus more agressive overseas? And a study (preprint) from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has looked into physical distancing and has found that it works amazingly well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices American President Donald Trump has been talking a lot about a certain drug called hydroxychloroquine.

It's an old anti-malarial which is sometimes used to treat auto-immune diseases.

So can it cure COVID-19? Why the hype?

On today's show:

* How do I safely manage work clothes?

* When we wash our hands to wash away the bad germs, do we wash away the good germs too?

* Is large scale temperature checking useful to find people who may have the virus?

* Can two positively diagnosed COVID-19 people live together in the same house?

* Is coronavirus more agressive overseas?

And a study (preprint) from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has looked into physical distancing and has found that it works amazingly well.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 623 Do masks help protect you from coronavirus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-masks-help-protect-you-from-coronavirus/12123574 After insisting masks were unnecessary, US health authorities are now telling people to cover their faces in public to protect themselves from spreading or catching coronavirus. But in Australia, the message is that masks are crucial for health workers, but not recommended for the public. Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss the merits of masks, and if wrapping a scarf around your face will help. On today's show: * Masks. What's the deal? Do they work? * Why am I having such wild dreams at the moment? * If you need an urgent repair in your home, is it safe to ask a tradie to come over? Norman and Tegan also discuss a new study about how blood pressure medication and if it increases the risk of problems if you get COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 05 Apr 2020 18:02:00 -0000 full ABC Australia After insisting masks were unnecessary, US health authorities are now telling people to cover their faces in public to protect themselves from spreading or catching coronavirus. But in Australia, the message is that masks are crucial for health workers, but not recommended for the public. Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss the merits of masks, and if wrapping a scarf around your face will help. On today's show: * Masks. What's the deal? Do they work? * Why am I having such wild dreams at the moment? * If you need an urgent repair in your home, is it safe to ask a tradie to come over? Norman and Tegan also discuss a new study about how blood pressure medication and if it increases the risk of problems if you get COVID-19. After insisting masks were unnecessary, US health authorities are now telling people to cover their faces in public to protect themselves from spreading or catching coronavirus. But in Australia, the message is that masks are crucial for health workers, but not recommended for the public. Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss the merits of masks, and if wrapping a scarf around your face will help. On today's show: * Masks. What's the deal? Do they work? * Why am I having such wild dreams at the moment? * If you need an urgent repair in your home, is it safe to ask a tradie to come over? Norman and Tegan also discuss a new study about how blood pressure medication and if it increases the risk of problems if you get COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After insisting masks were unnecessary, US health authorities are now telling people to cover their faces in public to protect themselves from spreading or catching coronavirus.

But in Australia, the message is that masks are crucial for health workers, but not recommended for the public.

Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss the merits of masks, and if wrapping a scarf around your face will help.

On today's show:

* Masks. What's the deal? Do they work?

* Why am I having such wild dreams at the moment?

* If you need an urgent repair in your home, is it safe to ask a tradie to come over?

Norman and Tegan also discuss a new study about how blood pressure medication and if it increases the risk of problems if you get COVID-19.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 741 BONUS: 'How does coronavirus go into my body?' We answer more kids' questions! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-does-coronavirus-go-into-my-body-we-answer-kids-questions/12119642 What kind of germ is coronavirus? What started coronavirus? Why is the coronavirus making people so sick? Kids have millions of questions about coronavirus. We've had hundreds sent in by kids across the country, so we thought we'd make another episode just for them. This is a special episode just for kids! So if you have a small one in your life, sit down with them and work your way through this episode. If you're not a kid, don't worry. We'll have our usual episode out first thing Monday morning. This is the second episode for kids. If you want to hear the first, you can find it here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/coronacast/are-we-all-going-to-die-we-answer-kids-questions!/12093754 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 Apr 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What kind of germ is coronavirus? What started coronavirus? Why is the coronavirus making people so sick? Kids have millions of questions about coronavirus. We've had hundreds sent in by kids across the country, so we thought we'd make another episode just for them. This is a special episode just for kids! So if you have a small one in your life, sit down with them and work your way through this episode. If you're not a kid, don't worry. We'll have our usual episode out first thing Monday morning. This is the second episode for kids. If you want to hear the first, you can find it here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/coronacast/are-we-all-going-to-die-we-answer-kids-questions!/12093754 What kind of germ is coronavirus? What started coronavirus? Why is the coronavirus making people so sick? Kids have millions of questions about coronavirus. We've had hundreds sent in by kids across the country, so we thought we'd make another episode just for them. This is a special episode just for kids! So if you have a small one in your life, sit down with them and work your way through this episode. If you're not a kid, don't worry. We'll have our usual episode out first thing Monday morning. This is the second episode for kids. If you want to hear the first, you can find it here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/coronacast/are-we-all-going-to-die-we-answer-kids-questions!/12093754 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What kind of germ is coronavirus? What started coronavirus? Why is the coronavirus making people so sick?

Kids have millions of questions about coronavirus.

We've had hundreds sent in by kids across the country, so we thought we'd make another episode just for them.

This is a special episode just for kids! So if you have a small one in your life, sit down with them and work your way through this episode.

If you're not a kid, don't worry. We'll have our usual episode out first thing Monday morning.

This is the second episode for kids. If you want to hear the first, you can find it here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/coronacast/are-we-all-going-to-die-we-answer-kids-questions!/12093754

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 579 What syphilis and measles can tell us about the coronavirus endgame https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-syphilis-and-measles-can-tell-us-about-coronavirus-endgame/12116192 As parts of Australia face up to 90 days of lockdowns, you might be feeling like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. But the world has been here before. Today's episode of Coronacast gives you the pep talk you didn't know you needed. On today's show: * What's the end game here? Are we all just going to get it? Or can we get rid of it somehow? And Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor talk about an article in The Conversation titled "Regaining control: the case for a short, sharp lockdown" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As parts of Australia face up to 90 days of lockdowns, you might be feeling like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. But the world has been here before. Today's episode of Coronacast gives you the pep talk you didn't know you needed. On today's show: * What's the end game here? Are we all just going to get it? Or can we get rid of it somehow? And Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor talk about an article in The Conversation titled "Regaining control: the case for a short, sharp lockdown" As parts of Australia face up to 90 days of lockdowns, you might be feeling like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. But the world has been here before. Today's episode of Coronacast gives you the pep talk you didn't know you needed. On today's show: * What's the end game here? Are we all just going to get it? Or can we get rid of it somehow? And Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor talk about an article in The Conversation titled "Regaining control: the case for a short, sharp lockdown" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As parts of Australia face up to 90 days of lockdowns, you might be feeling like there's no light at the end of the tunnel.

But the world has been here before.

Today's episode of Coronacast gives you the pep talk you didn't know you needed.

On today's show:

* What's the end game here? Are we all just going to get it? Or can we get rid of it somehow?

And Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor talk about an article in The Conversation titled "Regaining control: the case for a short, sharp lockdown"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 677 Under the radar! How much coronavirus is really out there? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/under-the-radar-how-much-coronavirus-is-really-out-there/12112066 While the coronavirus growth rate has slowed over the past few days, there's still likely to be cases circling in the community undetected. Community transmission hotspots are popping up in suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne. So how many unknown COVID-19 cases could there be out there? In today's episode: * Flu shots. Why get one? * Should I bunker down or risk venturing out to get a flu vaccine? * How reliable is COVID-19 testing anyway? And Dr Norman Swan explains the research from America which might give an indication of how many undetected cases are out in the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Apr 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia While the coronavirus growth rate has slowed over the past few days, there's still likely to be cases circling in the community undetected. Community transmission hotspots are popping up in suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne. So how many unknown COVID-19 cases could there be out there? In today's episode: * Flu shots. Why get one? * Should I bunker down or risk venturing out to get a flu vaccine? * How reliable is COVID-19 testing anyway? And Dr Norman Swan explains the research from America which might give an indication of how many undetected cases are out in the community. While the coronavirus growth rate has slowed over the past few days, there's still likely to be cases circling in the community undetected. Community transmission hotspots are popping up in suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne. So how many unknown COVID-19 cases could there be out there? In today's episode: * Flu shots. Why get one? * Should I bunker down or risk venturing out to get a flu vaccine? * How reliable is COVID-19 testing anyway? And Dr Norman Swan explains the research from America which might give an indication of how many undetected cases are out in the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices While the coronavirus growth rate has slowed over the past few days, there's still likely to be cases circling in the community undetected.

Community transmission hotspots are popping up in suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne.

So how many unknown COVID-19 cases could there be out there?

In today's episode:

* Flu shots. Why get one?

* Should I bunker down or risk venturing out to get a flu vaccine?

* How reliable is COVID-19 testing anyway?

And Dr Norman Swan explains the research from America which might give an indication of how many undetected cases are out in the community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 697 Norman did everything right. So how did he catch another virus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/norman-did-everything-right-so-how-did-he-catch-another-virus/12108000 Norman's coronavirus test is back, and it was negative! He's been so clean and careful but still picked up something. How did that happen? Also, turns out children may not be coronavirus super spreaders we thought they were. On today's show: * Are sweaty joggers putting you at risk? * Why are health professionals falling sick? * Why isn't the government doing more testing in 'hotspots'? CALL OUT: We want to make an episode of Coronacast next week that’s all about busting myths that are circulating on social media. So if you’re seeing the same type of messages popping up in your email, or on Whatsapp or group chats or Facebook or Twitter - send it to us! Our email is coronacast@abc.net.au And Dr Norman Swan explains (early) research that indicates that children are unlikely to be the primary source of household coronavirus infections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Norman's coronavirus test is back, and it was negative! He's been so clean and careful but still picked up something. How did that happen? Also, turns out children may not be coronavirus super spreaders we thought they were. On today's show: * Are sweaty joggers putting you at risk? * Why are health professionals falling sick? * Why isn't the government doing more testing in 'hotspots'? CALL OUT: We want to make an episode of Coronacast next week that’s all about busting myths that are circulating on social media. So if you’re seeing the same type of messages popping up in your email, or on Whatsapp or group chats or Facebook or Twitter - send it to us! Our email is coronacast@abc.net.au And Dr Norman Swan explains (early) research that indicates that children are unlikely to be the primary source of household coronavirus infections. Norman's coronavirus test is back, and it was negative! He's been so clean and careful but still picked up something. How did that happen? Also, turns out children may not be coronavirus super spreaders we thought they were. On today's show: * Are sweaty joggers putting you at risk? * Why are health professionals falling sick? * Why isn't the government doing more testing in 'hotspots'? CALL OUT: We want to make an episode of Coronacast next week that’s all about busting myths that are circulating on social media. So if you’re seeing the same type of messages popping up in your email, or on Whatsapp or group chats or Facebook or Twitter - send it to us! Our email is coronacast@abc.net.au And Dr Norman Swan explains (early) research that indicates that children are unlikely to be the primary source of household coronavirus infections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Norman's coronavirus test is back, and it was negative!

He's been so clean and careful but still picked up something. How did that happen?

Also, turns out children may not be coronavirus super spreaders we thought they were.

On today's show:

* Are sweaty joggers putting you at risk?

* Why are health professionals falling sick?

* Why isn't the government doing more testing in 'hotspots'?

CALL OUT:

We want to make an episode of Coronacast next week that’s all about busting myths that are circulating on social media.

So if you’re seeing the same type of messages popping up in your email, or on Whatsapp or group chats or Facebook or Twitter - send it to us!

Our email is coronacast@abc.net.au

And Dr Norman Swan explains (early) research that indicates that children are unlikely to be the primary source of household coronavirus infections.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 692 Dr Norman Swan was tested for coronavirus. Here's what happened https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/dr-norman-swan-was-tested-for-coronavirus-heres-what-happened/12103856 You might have heard that Dr Norman Swan has come down with a bit of an illness. Yesterday he was checked for coronavirus, and had to use his doctor skills and do the swab on himself. So, what is getting tested for coronavirus like? On today's show: * Dr Norman Swan explains how the coronavirus test is done * Why don't the authorities give us better data on where positive cases are found? * Is it okay to mail packages and cards/letters to loved ones in the hospital or nursing homes? * You talk about getting high and low doses of the virus. What do you mean by that? * Does taking supplements like horseradish and garlic help? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia You might have heard that Dr Norman Swan has come down with a bit of an illness. Yesterday he was checked for coronavirus, and had to use his doctor skills and do the swab on himself. So, what is getting tested for coronavirus like? On today's show: * Dr Norman Swan explains how the coronavirus test is done * Why don't the authorities give us better data on where positive cases are found? * Is it okay to mail packages and cards/letters to loved ones in the hospital or nursing homes? * You talk about getting high and low doses of the virus. What do you mean by that? * Does taking supplements like horseradish and garlic help? You might have heard that Dr Norman Swan has come down with a bit of an illness. Yesterday he was checked for coronavirus, and had to use his doctor skills and do the swab on himself. So, what is getting tested for coronavirus like? On today's show: * Dr Norman Swan explains how the coronavirus test is done * Why don't the authorities give us better data on where positive cases are found? * Is it okay to mail packages and cards/letters to loved ones in the hospital or nursing homes? * You talk about getting high and low doses of the virus. What do you mean by that? * Does taking supplements like horseradish and garlic help? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might have heard that Dr Norman Swan has come down with a bit of an illness.

Yesterday he was checked for coronavirus, and had to use his doctor skills and do the swab on himself.

So, what is getting tested for coronavirus like?

On today's show:

* Dr Norman Swan explains how the coronavirus test is done

* Why don't the authorities give us better data on where positive cases are found?

* Is it okay to mail packages and cards/letters to loved ones in the hospital or nursing homes?

* You talk about getting high and low doses of the virus. What do you mean by that?

* Does taking supplements like horseradish and garlic help?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 582 Could coronavirus' death rate be lower than first thought? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/could-coronavirus-death-rate-be-lower-than-first-thought/12101070 There have been many infections from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan for weeks. But it turns out it might have helped scientists get a better estimate on the fatality rate COVID-19. So, could it be a little less than we previously thought? And if so, why are there still so many people dying from it? On today's show: * The infection rate has halved over the last few days, what does that mean? * Is the way we test people possibly skewing the numbers? * Can I see my partner if we don't live together? * My hands are dry because I'm washing them a lot. Can I fix that? * Does UV/sunlight kill coronavirus? And Dr Norman Swan explains the research in The Lancet about mortality rates of COVID-19, compared to influenza and SARS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 29 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There have been many infections from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan for weeks. But it turns out it might have helped scientists get a better estimate on the fatality rate COVID-19. So, could it be a little less than we previously thought? And if so, why are there still so many people dying from it? On today's show: * The infection rate has halved over the last few days, what does that mean? * Is the way we test people possibly skewing the numbers? * Can I see my partner if we don't live together? * My hands are dry because I'm washing them a lot. Can I fix that? * Does UV/sunlight kill coronavirus? And Dr Norman Swan explains the research in The Lancet about mortality rates of COVID-19, compared to influenza and SARS. There have been many infections from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan for weeks. But it turns out it might have helped scientists get a better estimate on the fatality rate COVID-19. So, could it be a little less than we previously thought? And if so, why are there still so many people dying from it? On today's show: * The infection rate has halved over the last few days, what does that mean? * Is the way we test people possibly skewing the numbers? * Can I see my partner if we don't live together? * My hands are dry because I'm washing them a lot. Can I fix that? * Does UV/sunlight kill coronavirus? And Dr Norman Swan explains the research in The Lancet about mortality rates of COVID-19, compared to influenza and SARS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There have been many infections from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan for weeks.

But it turns out it might have helped scientists get a better estimate on the fatality rate COVID-19.

So, could it be a little less than we previously thought? And if so, why are there still so many people dying from it?

On today's show:

* The infection rate has halved over the last few days, what does that mean?

* Is the way we test people possibly skewing the numbers?

* Can I see my partner if we don't live together?

* My hands are dry because I'm washing them a lot. Can I fix that?

* Does UV/sunlight kill coronavirus?

And Dr Norman Swan explains the research in The Lancet about mortality rates of COVID-19, compared to influenza and SARS.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 603 'Are we all going to die?' We answer kids' questions! https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/are-we-all-going-to-die-we-answer-kids-questions!/12093754 What does coronavirus look like? When can we hug again? Are we all going to die? We asked for questions from kids, and they delivered! Hundreds of Aussie kids have asked and we've put them to Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor. This episode is for them, so if you have a little one in your life, sit together, have a listen and hopefully this will make things a little clearer. In this show: * What does the coronavirus look like? * Why are there so many rumours about coronavirus and how do I know what's true? * Why can't we hug? * When will the coronavirus end? * Are we are all going to die? Thank you to everyone who sent us a question! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What does coronavirus look like? When can we hug again? Are we all going to die? We asked for questions from kids, and they delivered! Hundreds of Aussie kids have asked and we've put them to Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor. This episode is for them, so if you have a little one in your life, sit together, have a listen and hopefully this will make things a little clearer. In this show: * What does the coronavirus look like? * Why are there so many rumours about coronavirus and how do I know what's true? * Why can't we hug? * When will the coronavirus end? * Are we are all going to die? Thank you to everyone who sent us a question! What does coronavirus look like? When can we hug again? Are we all going to die? We asked for questions from kids, and they delivered! Hundreds of Aussie kids have asked and we've put them to Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor. This episode is for them, so if you have a little one in your life, sit together, have a listen and hopefully this will make things a little clearer. In this show: * What does the coronavirus look like? * Why are there so many rumours about coronavirus and how do I know what's true? * Why can't we hug? * When will the coronavirus end? * Are we are all going to die? Thank you to everyone who sent us a question! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What does coronavirus look like? When can we hug again? Are we all going to die?

We asked for questions from kids, and they delivered!

Hundreds of Aussie kids have asked and we've put them to Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor.

This episode is for them, so if you have a little one in your life, sit together, have a listen and hopefully this will make things a little clearer.

In this show:

* What does the coronavirus look like?

* Why are there so many rumours about coronavirus and how do I know what's true?

* Why can't we hug?

* When will the coronavirus end?

* Are we are all going to die?

Thank you to everyone who sent us a question!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 820 The tantalising scheme to fix coronavirus in only six weeks https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-tantalising-scheme-to-fix-coronavirus-in-only-six-weeks/12090206 What if this could mostly be over in four to six weeks instead of a year or more? Sounds pretty good right. According to experts in Australia and overseas, it is possible. So what's the catch? On the show today: * What should people do if they have mild cold and flu symptoms but do not meet the testing criteria? * What do we know about general health and surviving coronavirus? If your older and healthy, does that help? * What's going on with male vs female stats? * Should we now remove our shoes before coming back inside the house? And Dr Norman Swan explains that tantalising plan that could see life pretty much return to normal in only four to six weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What if this could mostly be over in four to six weeks instead of a year or more? Sounds pretty good right. According to experts in Australia and overseas, it is possible. So what's the catch? On the show today: * What should people do if they have mild cold and flu symptoms but do not meet the testing criteria? * What do we know about general health and surviving coronavirus? If your older and healthy, does that help? * What's going on with male vs female stats? * Should we now remove our shoes before coming back inside the house? And Dr Norman Swan explains that tantalising plan that could see life pretty much return to normal in only four to six weeks. What if this could mostly be over in four to six weeks instead of a year or more? Sounds pretty good right. According to experts in Australia and overseas, it is possible. So what's the catch? On the show today: * What should people do if they have mild cold and flu symptoms but do not meet the testing criteria? * What do we know about general health and surviving coronavirus? If your older and healthy, does that help? * What's going on with male vs female stats? * Should we now remove our shoes before coming back inside the house? And Dr Norman Swan explains that tantalising plan that could see life pretty much return to normal in only four to six weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What if this could mostly be over in four to six weeks instead of a year or more? Sounds pretty good right.

According to experts in Australia and overseas, it is possible.

So what's the catch?

On the show today:

* What should people do if they have mild cold and flu symptoms but do not meet the testing criteria?

* What do we know about general health and surviving coronavirus? If your older and healthy, does that help?

* What's going on with male vs female stats?

* Should we now remove our shoes before coming back inside the house?

And Dr Norman Swan explains that tantalising plan that could see life pretty much return to normal in only four to six weeks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 614 Three tips on how to convince friends and family to stay home https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/three-tips-on-how-to-convince-friends-and-family-to-stay-home/12086660 It seems many people still haven't got the message about the importance of social distancing. And some Coronacast listeners are saying they're still struggling to convince friends and family to take it seriously and stop acting in ways that could spread the virus. So today Dr Norman Swan has three tips to help you convince your loved ones to take notice. On today’s show: * How do you convince friends and family to take coronavirus seriously?* What's the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2?* Why can't Australia make our own testing kits?* Kids question: Clara wants to know why coronavirus is so bad* Kids question: Ezra wants to know what happens if you get coronavirus and another virus at the same time. Will they mix? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the World Health Organisation megatrial testing four possible coronavirus treatments is all about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia It seems many people still haven't got the message about the importance of social distancing. And some Coronacast listeners are saying they're still struggling to convince friends and family to take it seriously and stop acting in ways that could spread the virus. So today Dr Norman Swan has three tips to help you convince your loved ones to take notice. On today’s show: * How do you convince friends and family to take coronavirus seriously? * What's the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2? * Why can't Australia make our own testing kits? * Kids question: Clara wants to know why coronavirus is so bad * Kids question: Ezra wants to know what happens if you get coronavirus and another virus at the same time. Will they mix? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the World Health Organisation megatrial testing four possible coronavirus treatments is all about. It seems many people still haven't got the message about the importance of social distancing. And some Coronacast listeners are saying they're still struggling to convince friends and family to take it seriously and stop acting in ways that could spread the virus. So today Dr Norman Swan has three tips to help you convince your loved ones to take notice. On today’s show: * How do you convince friends and family to take coronavirus seriously?* What's the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2?* Why can't Australia make our own testing kits?* Kids question: Clara wants to know why coronavirus is so bad* Kids question: Ezra wants to know what happens if you get coronavirus and another virus at the same time. Will they mix? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the World Health Organisation megatrial testing four possible coronavirus treatments is all about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It seems many people still haven't got the message about the importance of social distancing.

And some Coronacast listeners are saying they're still struggling to convince friends and family to take it seriously and stop acting in ways that could spread the virus.

So today Dr Norman Swan has three tips to help you convince your loved ones to take notice.

On today’s show:

* How do you convince friends and family to take coronavirus seriously?* What's the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2?* Why can't Australia make our own testing kits?* Kids question: Clara wants to know why coronavirus is so bad* Kids question: Ezra wants to know what happens if you get coronavirus and another virus at the same time. Will they mix?

And Dr Norman Swan explains what the World Health Organisation megatrial testing four possible coronavirus treatments is all about.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 681 How do I stay fit (and not go crazy) if I can't go outside? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/how-do-i-stay-fit-and-not-go-crazy-if-i-cant-go-outside/12081804 If you're in coronavirus quarantine and going a bit stir-crazy, you might be wondering if exercise can help. It can – but which type of exercise is best, and how do you get it done if you can’t get outside? On the show today: * Can COVID-19 be transmitted by mosquitos? * How virulent is it instead of the flu? * What can the bushfires teach us about the importance of My Health Record? Plus, we answer a couple of questions from kids – but we’re looking for more, for a special kids-only edition. Record your question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you're in coronavirus quarantine and going a bit stir-crazy, you might be wondering if exercise can help. It can – but which type of exercise is best, and how do you get it done if you can’t get outside? On the show today: * Can COVID-19 be transmitted by mosquitos? * How virulent is it instead of the flu? * What can the bushfires teach us about the importance of My Health Record? Plus, we answer a couple of questions from kids – but we’re looking for more, for a special kids-only edition. Record your question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it! If you're in coronavirus quarantine and going a bit stir-crazy, you might be wondering if exercise can help. It can – but which type of exercise is best, and how do you get it done if you can’t get outside? On the show today: * Can COVID-19 be transmitted by mosquitos? * How virulent is it instead of the flu? * What can the bushfires teach us about the importance of My Health Record? Plus, we answer a couple of questions from kids – but we’re looking for more, for a special kids-only edition. Record your question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you're in coronavirus quarantine and going a bit stir-crazy, you might be wondering if exercise can help.

It can – but which type of exercise is best, and how do you get it done if you can’t get outside?

On the show today:

* Can COVID-19 be transmitted by mosquitos?

* How virulent is it instead of the flu?

* What can the bushfires teach us about the importance of My Health Record? Plus, we answer a couple of questions from kids – but we’re looking for more, for a special kids-only edition.

Record your question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 653 Testing works. Why aren't we doing more? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/testing-works-why-arent-we-doing-more/12079884 The World Health Organisation keeps saying that testing is an essential part of the fight against COVID-19. But Australia still hasn't embraced wide scale testing like authorities are doing in some other countries. So why not? On the show today:* Who is patient zero? (our first kids question)* Why aren’t we doing more testing?* If we do more testing, wouldn’t the number of cases go up?* Is it possible the death rate is lower because people aren’t getting picked up? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the thinking is behind the state shutdowns. We're looking for questions from kids. Record the question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it on an upcoming special edition! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 22 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The World Health Organisation keeps saying that testing is an essential part of the fight against COVID-19. But Australia still hasn't embraced wide scale testing like authorities are doing in some other countries. So why not? On the show today: * Who is patient zero? (our first kids question) * Why aren’t we doing more testing? * If we do more testing, wouldn’t the number of cases go up? * Is it possible the death rate is lower because people aren’t getting picked up? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the thinking is behind the state shutdowns. We're looking for questions from kids. Record the question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it on an upcoming special edition! The World Health Organisation keeps saying that testing is an essential part of the fight against COVID-19. But Australia still hasn't embraced wide scale testing like authorities are doing in some other countries. So why not? On the show today:* Who is patient zero? (our first kids question)* Why aren’t we doing more testing?* If we do more testing, wouldn’t the number of cases go up?* Is it possible the death rate is lower because people aren’t getting picked up? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the thinking is behind the state shutdowns. We're looking for questions from kids. Record the question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it on an upcoming special edition! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The World Health Organisation keeps saying that testing is an essential part of the fight against COVID-19.

But Australia still hasn't embraced wide scale testing like authorities are doing in some other countries.

So why not?

On the show today:* Who is patient zero? (our first kids question)* Why aren’t we doing more testing?* If we do more testing, wouldn’t the number of cases go up?* Is it possible the death rate is lower because people aren’t getting picked up?

And Dr Norman Swan explains what the thinking is behind the state shutdowns.

We're looking for questions from kids. Record the question with an iPhone or Android and email the file to coronacast@abc.net.au and we might include it on an upcoming special edition!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 731 Should you just pull your kid out of school? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/should-you-just-pull-your-kid-out-of-school/12072842 The government is urging us to stay away from one another as much as possible. But at the same time our kids are going to school where they're spending hours in classrooms and on playgrounds with their friends. Why is that? On the show today: * Should I send my kids to school? * Should you be patting dogs right now? * Why are more people in Italy dying than in China? In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor also talk about how long viruses can thrive on different surfaces — from cardboard to steel. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:01:00 -0000 full ABC Australia The government is urging us to stay away from one another as much as possible. But at the same time our kids are going to school where they're spending hours in classrooms and on playgrounds with their friends. Why is that? On the show today: * Should I send my kids to school? * Should you be patting dogs right now? * Why are more people in Italy dying than in China? In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor also talk about how long viruses can thrive on different surfaces — from cardboard to steel. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. The government is urging us to stay away from one another as much as possible. But at the same time our kids are going to school where they're spending hours in classrooms and on playgrounds with their friends. Why is that? On the show today: * Should I send my kids to school? * Should you be patting dogs right now? * Why are more people in Italy dying than in China? In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor also talk about how long viruses can thrive on different surfaces — from cardboard to steel. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The government is urging us to stay away from one another as much as possible.

But at the same time our kids are going to school where they're spending hours in classrooms and on playgrounds with their friends.

Why is that?

On the show today:

* Should I send my kids to school?

* Should you be patting dogs right now?

* Why are more people in Italy dying than in China?

In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor also talk about how long viruses can thrive on different surfaces — from cardboard to steel.

Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. 

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 669 Is this our life now for the next 18 months? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-this-our-life-now-for-the-next-18-months/12068808 Could the solution to getting rid of coronavirus be shutting everything down and keeping it that way... for a year and a half? That's no school, no uni, constant social distancing and quarantine. Is this our life now? On the show today: * Can you get coronavirus twice? * Can you get coronavirus from food? * I touch my hair a lot, should I wash my pillow case more often? In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor start by talking about that Imperial College London modelling. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Could the solution to getting rid of coronavirus be shutting everything down and keeping it that way... for a year and a half? That's no school, no uni, constant social distancing and quarantine. Is this our life now? On the show today: * Can you get coronavirus twice? * Can you get coronavirus from food? * I touch my hair a lot, should I wash my pillow case more often? In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor start by talking about that Imperial College London modelling. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Could the solution to getting rid of coronavirus be shutting everything down and keeping it that way... for a year and a half? That's no school, no uni, constant social distancing and quarantine. Is this our life now? On the show today: * Can you get coronavirus twice? * Can you get coronavirus from food? * I touch my hair a lot, should I wash my pillow case more often? In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor start by talking about that Imperial College London modelling. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Could the solution to getting rid of coronavirus be shutting everything down and keeping it that way... for a year and a half?

That's no school, no uni, constant social distancing and quarantine.

Is this our life now?

On the show today:

* Can you get coronavirus twice?

* Can you get coronavirus from food?

* I touch my hair a lot, should I wash my pillow case more often?

In this episode Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor start by talking about that Imperial College London modelling.

Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. 

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 625 Where did coronavirus really start? (spoiler: not a CIA lab) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/where-did-coronavirus-really-start-spoiler-not-a-cia-lab/12062910 There are a lot of conspiracy theories out there about the origins of coronvirus — was it invented by the US military? The US Democrats? Maybe even by aliens? Well... no. And the real answer will not surprise you (hint: it arose in Wuhan). In today's episode: * Where did coronavirus come from?* Should you pull your kid out of school? * How do you navigate social distancing in a share house? * What is contact tracing and how does it work? And Dr Norman Swan talks about a study which finds most COVID-19 infections in Wuhan were going under the radar — so what does that mean for us in Australia? Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia There are a lot of conspiracy theories out there about the origins of coronvirus — was it invented by the US military? The US Democrats? Maybe even by aliens? Well... no. And the real answer will not surprise you (hint: it arose in Wuhan). In today's episode: * Where did coronavirus come from? * Should you pull your kid out of school? * How do you navigate social distancing in a share house? * What is contact tracing and how does it work? And Dr Norman Swan talks about a study which finds most COVID-19 infections in Wuhan were going under the radar — so what does that mean for us in Australia? Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. There are a lot of conspiracy theories out there about the origins of coronvirus — was it invented by the US military? The US Democrats? Maybe even by aliens? Well... no. And the real answer will not surprise you (hint: it arose in Wuhan). In today's episode: * Where did coronavirus come from?* Should you pull your kid out of school? * How do you navigate social distancing in a share house? * What is contact tracing and how does it work? And Dr Norman Swan talks about a study which finds most COVID-19 infections in Wuhan were going under the radar — so what does that mean for us in Australia? Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are a lot of conspiracy theories out there about the origins of coronvirus — was it invented by the US military? The US Democrats? Maybe even by aliens?

Well... no. And the real answer will not surprise you (hint: it arose in Wuhan).

In today's episode:

* Where did coronavirus come from?* Should you pull your kid out of school? * How do you navigate social distancing in a share house? * What is contact tracing and how does it work?

And Dr Norman Swan talks about a study which finds most COVID-19 infections in Wuhan were going under the radar — so what does that mean for us in Australia?

Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions.

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 707 What can kids' poo teach us about coronavirus? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-can-kids-poo-teach-us-about-coronavirus/12061284 Plenty of questions remain about how children are affected by coronavirus, what symptoms they show and how they transmit it. But a study from China has shed some light on this. Not only are kids being affected by COVID-19, the virus seems to remain in their poo for much longer than you'd think. On the show today: * What does a state of emergency mean? * Will the 14-day overseas quarantine work? * Should I cancel my small party or wedding? And Dr Norman Swan has some new research (with some caveats) about how kids may be affected by the virus. Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Plenty of questions remain about how children are affected by coronavirus, what symptoms they show and how they transmit it. But a study from China has shed some light on this. Not only are kids being affected by COVID-19, the virus seems to remain in their poo for much longer than you'd think. On the show today: * What does a state of emergency mean? * Will the 14-day overseas quarantine work? * Should I cancel my small party or wedding? And Dr Norman Swan has some new research (with some caveats) about how kids may be affected by the virus. Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Plenty of questions remain about how children are affected by coronavirus, what symptoms they show and how they transmit it. But a study from China has shed some light on this. Not only are kids being affected by COVID-19, the virus seems to remain in their poo for much longer than you'd think. On the show today: * What does a state of emergency mean? * Will the 14-day overseas quarantine work? * Should I cancel my small party or wedding? And Dr Norman Swan has some new research (with some caveats) about how kids may be affected by the virus. Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Plenty of questions remain about how children are affected by coronavirus, what symptoms they show and how they transmit it.

But a study from China has shed some light on this.

Not only are kids being affected by COVID-19, the virus seems to remain in their poo for much longer than you'd think.

On the show today:

* What does a state of emergency mean?

* Will the 14-day overseas quarantine work?

* Should I cancel my small party or wedding?

And Dr Norman Swan has some new research (with some caveats) about how kids may be affected by the virus.

Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions.

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 676 Think coronavirus only kills the old? Think again. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/think-coronavirus-only-kills-the-old-think-again/12058160 One of the biggest myths around coronavirus is that it's only the old who are at serious risk. But evidence from China and Italy show that intensive care wards are full of otherwise healthy younger people. On the show today: * Back to basics: how do you stay healthy? We've got some simple tips. * Should I keep my routine medical appointments? * What can we expect over the next few weeks? * What are some of the myths around coronavirus? And Dr Norman Swan has some research from The Lancet about risk of death and how long people might stay infectious. Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 15 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia One of the biggest myths around coronavirus is that it's only the old who are at serious risk. But evidence from China and Italy show that intensive care wards are full of otherwise healthy younger people. On the show today: * Back to basics: how do you stay healthy? We've got some simple tips. * Should I keep my routine medical appointments? * What can we expect over the next few weeks? * What are some of the myths around coronavirus? And Dr Norman Swan has some research from The Lancet about risk of death and how long people might stay infectious. Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. One of the biggest myths around coronavirus is that it's only the old who are at serious risk. But evidence from China and Italy show that intensive care wards are full of otherwise healthy younger people. On the show today: * Back to basics: how do you stay healthy? We've got some simple tips. * Should I keep my routine medical appointments? * What can we expect over the next few weeks? * What are some of the myths around coronavirus? And Dr Norman Swan has some research from The Lancet about risk of death and how long people might stay infectious. Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the biggest myths around coronavirus is that it's only the old who are at serious risk.

But evidence from China and Italy show that intensive care wards are full of otherwise healthy younger people.

On the show today:

* Back to basics: how do you stay healthy? We've got some simple tips.

* Should I keep my routine medical appointments?

* What can we expect over the next few weeks?

* What are some of the myths around coronavirus?

And Dr Norman Swan has some research from The Lancet about risk of death and how long people might stay infectious.

Coronacast is a daily podcast that’s all about answering your coronavirus questions. 

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 721 Is it time to ban mass gatherings? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/is-it-time-to-ban-mass-gatherings/12050940 As the risk of coming across coronavirus grows, it is time to ban mass gatherings? Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday there's currently no advice to cancel events and he's going the footy on the weekend. And the Victorian Premier said on Wednesday that his advice was there was no need to cancel the Grand Prix. So should you avoid mass gatherings? On the show today: * What does the World Health Organisation declaration of a pandemic mean? * Is Tom Hanks going to be ok? * Are people who have asthma at greater risk? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the research is telling us about what the most reliable ways to test for coronavirus are. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia As the risk of coming across coronavirus grows, it is time to ban mass gatherings? Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday there's currently no advice to cancel events and he's going the footy on the weekend. And the Victorian Premier said on Wednesday that his advice was there was no need to cancel the Grand Prix. So should you avoid mass gatherings? On the show today: * What does the World Health Organisation declaration of a pandemic mean? * Is Tom Hanks going to be ok? * Are people who have asthma at greater risk? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the research is telling us about what the most reliable ways to test for coronavirus are. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. As the risk of coming across coronavirus grows, it is time to ban mass gatherings? Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday there's currently no advice to cancel events and he's going the footy on the weekend. And the Victorian Premier said on Wednesday that his advice was there was no need to cancel the Grand Prix. So should you avoid mass gatherings? On the show today: * What does the World Health Organisation declaration of a pandemic mean? * Is Tom Hanks going to be ok? * Are people who have asthma at greater risk? And Dr Norman Swan explains what the research is telling us about what the most reliable ways to test for coronavirus are. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the risk of coming across coronavirus grows, it is time to ban mass gatherings?

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday there's currently no advice to cancel events and he's going the footy on the weekend. And the Victorian Premier said on Wednesday that his advice was there was no need to cancel the Grand Prix.

So should you avoid mass gatherings?

On the show today:

* What does the World Health Organisation declaration of a pandemic mean?

* Is Tom Hanks going to be ok?

* Are people who have asthma at greater risk?

And Dr Norman Swan explains what the research is telling us about what the most reliable ways to test for coronavirus are.

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 589 What's the best way to wash your hands? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/the-best-way-to-wash-your-hands/12046896 If you're hoping to stay healthy and coronavirus-free, one of the best things you can do it wash your hands often and wash your hands well. But what are the best techniques? What soap should you use? And how do you get out of the bathroom without touching anything? On the show today: * What's the best way to wash your hands? * Bar soap or liquid soap? * Is the virus passing from person to person out in the community? * How many intensive care beds do we have in Australia? * Public pools. Good or bad? * More on those hot and sweaty gyms And Dr Norman Swan explains some research about the average incubation period of the virus. It's possibly both shorter, and longer, than you might think. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia If you're hoping to stay healthy and coronavirus-free, one of the best things you can do it wash your hands often and wash your hands well. But what are the best techniques? What soap should you use? And how do you get out of the bathroom without touching anything? On the show today: * What's the best way to wash your hands? * Bar soap or liquid soap? * Is the virus passing from person to person out in the community? * How many intensive care beds do we have in Australia? * Public pools. Good or bad? * More on those hot and sweaty gyms And Dr Norman Swan explains some research about the average incubation period of the virus. It's possibly both shorter, and longer, than you might think. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. If you're hoping to stay healthy and coronavirus-free, one of the best things you can do it wash your hands often and wash your hands well. But what are the best techniques? What soap should you use? And how do you get out of the bathroom without touching anything? On the show today: * What's the best way to wash your hands? * Bar soap or liquid soap? * Is the virus passing from person to person out in the community? * How many intensive care beds do we have in Australia? * Public pools. Good or bad? * More on those hot and sweaty gyms And Dr Norman Swan explains some research about the average incubation period of the virus. It's possibly both shorter, and longer, than you might think. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you're hoping to stay healthy and coronavirus-free, one of the best things you can do it wash your hands often and wash your hands well.

But what are the best techniques? What soap should you use? And how do you get out of the bathroom without touching anything?

On the show today:

* What's the best way to wash your hands?

* Bar soap or liquid soap?

* Is the virus passing from person to person out in the community?

* How many intensive care beds do we have in Australia?

* Public pools. Good or bad?

* More on those hot and sweaty gyms

And Dr Norman Swan explains some research about the average incubation period of the virus. It's possibly both shorter, and longer, than you might think.

Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 708 Gyms are sweaty. Are they risky? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/gyms-are-sweaty-are-they-risky/12044196 Gyms are sweaty, wet places and they're the perfect place for coronavirus to hide. Chinese data indicates that gyms are a high risk location for spreading the virus to other people or picking it up. So what can you do to help make your workout a little bit safer? On the show today: * What's going on in Italy? What are the chances mass quarantine will work? * Does air travel increase the risk of getting infected? * Can you catch coronavirus through air conditioning? * How does the testing process work? When will authorities test me for coronavirus? * How risky are gyms? And what about steam rooms? And Dr Norman Swan clarifies the study he talked about yesterday on disinfectants. Which ones are the best for coronavirus? Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Gyms are sweaty, wet places and they're the perfect place for coronavirus to hide. Chinese data indicates that gyms are a high risk location for spreading the virus to other people or picking it up. So what can you do to help make your workout a little bit safer? On the show today: * What's going on in Italy? What are the chances mass quarantine will work? * Does air travel increase the risk of getting infected? * Can you catch coronavirus through air conditioning? * How does the testing process work? When will authorities test me for coronavirus? * How risky are gyms? And what about steam rooms? And Dr Norman Swan clarifies the study he talked about yesterday on disinfectants. Which ones are the best for coronavirus? Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Gyms are sweaty, wet places and they're the perfect place for coronavirus to hide. Chinese data indicates that gyms are a high risk location for spreading the virus to other people or picking it up. So what can you do to help make your workout a little bit safer? On the show today: * What's going on in Italy? What are the chances mass quarantine will work? * Does air travel increase the risk of getting infected? * Can you catch coronavirus through air conditioning? * How does the testing process work? When will authorities test me for coronavirus? * How risky are gyms? And what about steam rooms? And Dr Norman Swan clarifies the study he talked about yesterday on disinfectants. Which ones are the best for coronavirus? Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Gyms are sweaty, wet places and they're the perfect place for coronavirus to hide.

Chinese data indicates that gyms are a high risk location for spreading the virus to other people or picking it up.

So what can you do to help make your workout a little bit safer?

On the show today:

* What's going on in Italy? What are the chances mass quarantine will work?

* Does air travel increase the risk of getting infected?

* Can you catch coronavirus through air conditioning?

* How does the testing process work? When will authorities test me for coronavirus?

* How risky are gyms? And what about steam rooms?

And Dr Norman Swan clarifies the study he talked about yesterday on disinfectants. Which ones are the best for coronavirus?

Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. 

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 671 What a 100 year old pandemic can teach us about coronavirus https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/what-a-100-year-old-pandemic-can-teach-us-about-coronavirus/12040176 More than 100 years ago, tens of millions of people died in an influenza pandemic. The virus spread quickly and had a high mortality rate. More than a third of the world's population was infected. So what can we learn from the 1918 pandemic? On the show today: * How does the virus kill you? * How do you disinfect your stuff to try and keep it coronavirus free? * Why 18 months to develop a coronavirus vaccine? * How do I get rid of infected waste like tissues and masks? And Dr Norman Swan explains how a 13 year old study on a 100 year old pandemic might have some interesting lessons. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia More than 100 years ago, tens of millions of people died in an influenza pandemic. The virus spread quickly and had a high mortality rate. More than a third of the world's population was infected. So what can we learn from the 1918 pandemic? On the show today: * How does the virus kill you? * How do you disinfect your stuff to try and keep it coronavirus free? * Why 18 months to develop a coronavirus vaccine? * How do I get rid of infected waste like tissues and masks? And Dr Norman Swan explains how a 13 year old study on a 100 year old pandemic might have some interesting lessons. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. More than 100 years ago, tens of millions of people died in an influenza pandemic. The virus spread quickly and had a high mortality rate. More than a third of the world's population was infected. So what can we learn from the 1918 pandemic? On the show today: * How does the virus kill you? * How do you disinfect your stuff to try and keep it coronavirus free? * Why 18 months to develop a coronavirus vaccine? * How do I get rid of infected waste like tissues and masks? And Dr Norman Swan explains how a 13 year old study on a 100 year old pandemic might have some interesting lessons. Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices More than 100 years ago, tens of millions of people died in an influenza pandemic.

The virus spread quickly and had a high mortality rate. More than a third of the world's population was infected.

So what can we learn from the 1918 pandemic?

On the show today:

* How does the virus kill you?

* How do you disinfect your stuff to try and keep it coronavirus free?

* Why 18 months to develop a coronavirus vaccine?

* How do I get rid of infected waste like tissues and masks?

And Dr Norman Swan explains how a 13 year old study on a 100 year old pandemic might have some interesting lessons.

Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. 

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 696 Should you get a flu shot early this year? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/should-you-get-a-flu-shot-early-this-year/12034256 With coronavirus spreading, heaps of people are wondering if getting a flu shot earlier this year is worth it. And as more people need tests, how do the swabs work and how long does it take? On the show today: * How long does testing for coronavirus take? * Flu shot season is rapidly approaching, so should you get one earlier than usual? How will it help? * Can you start infecting other people with coronavirus before you start showing symptoms? * What happens to people who have weak immune systems? And you might have seen the study which indicated coronavirus had mutated. But has it really? Dr Norman Swan explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 08 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia With coronavirus spreading, heaps of people are wondering if getting a flu shot earlier this year is worth it. And as more people need tests, how do the swabs work and how long does it take? On the show today: * How long does testing for coronavirus take? * Flu shot season is rapidly approaching, so should you get one earlier than usual? How will it help? * Can you start infecting other people with coronavirus before you start showing symptoms? * What happens to people who have weak immune systems? And you might have seen the study which indicated coronavirus had mutated. But has it really? Dr Norman Swan explains. With coronavirus spreading, heaps of people are wondering if getting a flu shot earlier this year is worth it. And as more people need tests, how do the swabs work and how long does it take? On the show today: * How long does testing for coronavirus take? * Flu shot season is rapidly approaching, so should you get one earlier than usual? How will it help? * Can you start infecting other people with coronavirus before you start showing symptoms? * What happens to people who have weak immune systems? And you might have seen the study which indicated coronavirus had mutated. But has it really? Dr Norman Swan explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With coronavirus spreading, heaps of people are wondering if getting a flu shot earlier this year is worth it.

And as more people need tests, how do the swabs work and how long does it take?

On the show today:

* How long does testing for coronavirus take?

* Flu shot season is rapidly approaching, so should you get one earlier than usual? How will it help?

* Can you start infecting other people with coronavirus before you start showing symptoms?

* What happens to people who have weak immune systems?

And you might have seen the study which indicated coronavirus had mutated. But has it really? Dr Norman Swan explains.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 608 Do face masks work? And stop touching your face (but good luck) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/do-face-masks-work-and-stop-touching-your-face-but-good-luck/12029086 Face mask supplies may be limited, but do they even work? And why you should stop touching your face, but that's much easier said than done. On the show today: * Does a face mask really protect you? * How often do we touch our faces? (spoiler: it's a lot) * Can you get coronavirus if an infected person touches fruit and vegetables at the supermarket? * How will hospitals manage if there's huge numbers of people needing care? * And why isolation means isolation. No family members allowed. All that, and a frightening new study which could show how easy it is for a sick person to get coronavirus over everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Mar 2020 17:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Face mask supplies may be limited, but do they even work? And why you should stop touching your face, but that's much easier said than done. On the show today: * Does a face mask really protect you? * How often do we touch our faces? (spoiler: it's a lot) * Can you get coronavirus if an infected person touches fruit and vegetables at the supermarket? * How will hospitals manage if there's huge numbers of people needing care? * And why isolation means isolation. No family members allowed. All that, and a frightening new study which could show how easy it is for a sick person to get coronavirus over everything. Face mask supplies may be limited, but do they even work? And why you should stop touching your face, but that's much easier said than done. On the show today: * Does a face mask really protect you? * How often do we touch our faces? (spoiler: it's a lot) * Can you get coronavirus if an infected person touches fruit and vegetables at the supermarket? * How will hospitals manage if there's huge numbers of people needing care? * And why isolation means isolation. No family members allowed. All that, and a frightening new study which could show how easy it is for a sick person to get coronavirus over everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Face mask supplies may be limited, but do they even work?

And why you should stop touching your face, but that's much easier said than done.

On the show today:

* Does a face mask really protect you?

* How often do we touch our faces? (spoiler: it's a lot)

* Can you get coronavirus if an infected person touches fruit and vegetables at the supermarket?

* How will hospitals manage if there's huge numbers of people needing care?

* And why isolation means isolation. No family members allowed.

All that, and a frightening new study which could show how easy it is for a sick person to get coronavirus over everything.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 718 Can coronavirus hide in the brain? https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-are-coronacast-and-are-answering-your-questions/12026020 What happens if you get coronavirus when you're pregnant? What surfaces should you avoid touching? And can children get infected? Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  On the show today: * What are the risks to pregnant women? What will happen if an expectant mother is infected? * Can you get coronavirus from mail from overseas? What about other surfaces? * Have there been any confirmed cases of children or infants contracting the disease? And Dr Norman Swan also explains some interesting research regarding what the new coronavirus might be doing in people's brains. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia What happens if you get coronavirus when you're pregnant? What surfaces should you avoid touching? And can children get infected? Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  On the show today: * What are the risks to pregnant women? What will happen if an expectant mother is infected? * Can you get coronavirus from mail from overseas? What about other surfaces? * Have there been any confirmed cases of children or infants contracting the disease? And Dr Norman Swan also explains some interesting research regarding what the new coronavirus might be doing in people's brains. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. What happens if you get coronavirus when you're pregnant? What surfaces should you avoid touching? And can children get infected? Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions.  On the show today: * What are the risks to pregnant women? What will happen if an expectant mother is infected? * Can you get coronavirus from mail from overseas? What about other surfaces? * Have there been any confirmed cases of children or infants contracting the disease? And Dr Norman Swan also explains some interesting research regarding what the new coronavirus might be doing in people's brains. If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What happens if you get coronavirus when you're pregnant? What surfaces should you avoid touching? And can children get infected?

Coronacast is a daily podcast that's all about answering your coronavirus questions. 

On the show today:

* What are the risks to pregnant women? What will happen if an expectant mother is infected?

* Can you get coronavirus from mail from overseas? What about other surfaces?

* Have there been any confirmed cases of children or infants contracting the disease?

And Dr Norman Swan also explains some interesting research regarding what the new coronavirus might be doing in people's brains.

If you want to send in a question, go to abc.net.au/coronavirus and we might answer it tomorrow on the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 628 Coronacast Trailer https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/whats-that-rash/we-are-coronacast-and-are-answering-your-questions/12092418 Coronacast is a daily podcast that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID19. We break down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Mar 2020 07:30:00 -0000 full ABC Australia Coronacast is a daily podcast that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID19. We break down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic. Coronacast is a daily podcast that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID19. We break down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Coronacast is a daily podcast that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID19. We break down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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