Industry News

COVID-19 Epidemic Wave Ends, No Significant Rebound Detected During Holiday

The current COVID-19 epidemic wave in China has ended, and the virus did not rebound significantly during the Spring Festival holiday, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said recently. Furthermore, no new virus mutations were identified during the recent epidemic, the Chinese CDC said in a report dated on Jan 25. The report compiled national surveillance data on …

Authorities Can Take Action to Limit COVID-19 Spread in Rural Areas

Local authorities can limit the scale, duration and frequency of events including fairs, weddings and funerals to control COVID-19 in rural areas, according to a guideline released on Wednesday. Issued by the State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism, the country’s COVID-19 control task force, the guideline asked local governments to step up their management of key venues and events …

Omicron Variant XBB.1.5– Symptoms, Precautions, Remedies

The New Strain of Coronavirus has increased the tensions among various nations as the cases are rising day by day. Many Cases belonging to Covid XBB 1.5 Variant have been seen in the USA and Other Countries as well. According to WHO, Omicron XBB 1.5 Variant is very dangerous as compared to earlier variants and is highly transmissible. If you wish to …

What Are the Differences Between PCR, qPCR and RT-PCR?

PCR or polymerase chain reaction, is a biotechnological tool to amplify a gene of interest. Simple PCR is used for the detection and amplification of the gene. There are various advanced methods of PCR, which are used for various biotechnological, diagnostics and research purposes. qPCR or quantitative PCR is also known as real-time PCR. qPCR is used to quantify the …

What is a sterile swab?

Sterile swabs are free from bacteria or other living microorganisms. Common methods for sterilization include autoclaves, ETO (ethylene oxide gas), and Gamma irradiation. Sterile swab tips may vary in material, size, and shape, such as rounded or pointed. The swabs may be made of cotton fibers, polyester, or calcium alginate. Some companies manufacture the swab tips in different styles, including …

China Has 13 COVID-19 Vaccines Available for Second Booster

BEIJING — A total of 13 types of COVID-19 vaccines, approved for conditional marketing or emergency use, are now available as a second booster dose in China, according to experts with the State Council inter-agency task force for COVID-19 response. Omicron-resistant vaccines are preferred in choosing second booster doses, said experts with the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism …

Virus Experts Expect Normalcy by Spring

China has optimized its COVID-19 response measures at the right time, amid the reduced fatality rate of the Omicron variant and the increased preparedness of the nation’s healthcare system, experts said over the weekend. They cautioned that the country will face “waves of COVID-19 infection” through winter, but added that the overall epidemic situation is controllable and a return to …

What is the Difference Between Flu and COVID-19?

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the flu have many similarities and differences. The only way to truly diagnose whether you have the flu or COVID-19 is through testing. But knowing the symptoms of each can help you determine what to do next. Below, we provide an …

China Released a Circular on Further Optimizing the COVID-19 Response

BEIJING — China released a circular on further optimizing the COVID-19 response on Wednesday, announcing 10 prevention and control measures. The measures were introduced based on the latest epidemic situation and mutation of the virus to contain the epidemic in a more science-based and targeted manner, according to the circular issued by the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism …

How to Take a Rectal Swab for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Testing

You may have a chlamydia and/ or gonorrhoea infection in your rectum or anus if you have received anal sex to someone who has one or both of these infections and a rectal swab can test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to collect your sample Step 1 Wash and dry your hands before opening the …

China’s COVID-19 Strategies Optimized

Authorities will accelerate the lifting of unnecessary restrictions put in place after the recent Omicron-fueled outbreaks to reduce the disease control strategies’ economic fallout and other resulting “inconveniences”, a senior health official said on Tuesday, amid a surge of public displeasure toward the distorted enforcement of containment policies. National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng said local governments are racing to …

Which COVID-19 Symptoms Aren’t Caused by Allergies?

COVID-19 and allergies share some similar symptoms, but there are indicators of COVID-19 that are distinct and highly unlikely to be caused by allergies. Fever and shortness of breath are serious symptoms of COVID-19 that are rarely related to allergies. One study reported that 98% of participants with COVID-19 had a fever, and 55% experienced shortness of breath. Here are …