Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments in healthcare. image How worrying is Long COVID? One in four recovered COVID-19 patients worldwide suffer from Long COVID – a condition characterised by persistent symptoms six to eight months after initial infection. Common symptoms include breathlessness, extreme tiredness, loss of smell and taste, and ‘brain fog’. In severe cases, a person’s mobility, cognitive function and digestive system can be affected. In Singapore, this number falls to about one in ten patients. It is difficult to tell who might be more susceptible to Long COVID. According to research by the Arizona Health Sciences in the US, persistent symptoms have been found in mild cases. Even those who are asymptomatic may suffer long-term health effects. The encouraging news is that studies show that fully vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections are 50% less likely to experience Long COVID compared to those who are unvaccinated. Long-lasting COVID symptoms are also rare in children, with most recovering within a week, given that children’s immune systems are more primed to fight viruses. Until scientists gain a clearer understanding of what causes Long COVID and how to prevent and treat it, the one thing to do is continue staying healthy and take the necessary precautions to keep safe from COVID-19. Healthcare in the Spotlight The Guardian: WHO monitoring new coronavirus variant named Mu The Mu variant, first identified in Colombia, was added to the World Health Organisation’s watchlist amid concerns that it may evade vaccine immunity. Fox News: Surgical masks reduce COVID-19 spread: study A study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine and Yale University found that mask-wearing significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic COVID-19, particularly in elderly and more vulnerable people. Photo credit: Vera Davidova on Unsplash STAT: Scientists unlock clues to determining how safe vaccinated people are from COVID-19 The level of antibodies someone has in their bodies is correlated to how protected they are from COVID-19. Scientists are working to determine what the tipping point is. The Straits Times: Rebranded Dementia Singapore to roll out new initiatives including resource portal, assisted living project People with dementia and their caregivers will get more support, as Dementia Singapore expands its help for those with Alzheimer’s to those with other dementia-related conditions. The Conversation: Poison or cure? Traditional Chinese medicine shows that context can make all the difference What makes a drug therapeutic isn’t just its active ingredient – it depends on how you use it. The Guardian: Air pollution is slashing years off the lives of billions, report finds Dirty air is a far greater killer than smoking, car crashes or HIV/Aids, with coal burning the leading cause. World Economic Forum: Madagascar is suffering from a climate change famine Due to rising temperatures, the country is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, leading to hunger and food shortages. Healthbytes Breathing exercises for better sleep Source: Healthline Having trouble calming down your thoughts to turn in for the night? Learn how breathwork, or sometimes called diaphragmatic breathing, can help reduce stress, control pain and improve sleep. Upcoming Webinars image Significant disparities exist in food security across the Asia-Pacific region. Climate change and COVID-19 have exacerbated the region’s food insecurity, with natural disasters, flooding, and lockdowns putting supply chains and food supplies at risk. Join us at our final webinar in this series, where panellists will explore the food dimension of the water-energy-food nexus, and the pertinence of the nexus in addressing various climate-related issues. Register now!