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New symptoms common for Delta COVID-19 strain

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread across Australia, experts have identified the new symptoms that characterise infection.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Data from a study conducted in the UK suggests that a headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are now the prevalent symptoms, rather than the persistent cough and loss of taste or smell identified in those infected with the “original” virus.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have the first data from a study in the UK called ZOE where people self-report their symptoms,”said Professor Stuart Turville, a virologist from the Kirby Institute.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It has found those severe disease symptoms with a loss of smell or shortness of breath, those symptoms have become less common.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead people have symptoms more like the common cold such as a runny nose, sore throat. Unvaccinated people tended to report having a fever.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has urged anyone with the mildest of symptoms to get tested.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Don’t wait to see if you have got a severe illness … As soon as you get symptoms, go out and get a test,” Dr Chant said.</span></p> <p><strong>How contagious is it?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experts have come to accept the Delta variant is more infectious than the virus that was spreading last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Delta variant has been shown to be twice as transmissible as other variants, with experts estimating it could be about 50 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which itself was about 50 percent more transmissible than the virus originally found in Wuhan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The “secondary attack” rate - referring to the number of people likely to be infected if they come into contact with an infected person - is also higher.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If 100 people come into contact with someone who is infected with the Delta variant, it is likely that 12 of those people will then become infected.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In comparison, Professor Turville said only eight to nine people would be infected if it was the Alpha strain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, early research suggests the variant may be less deadly than others.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Looking at the 28-day follow up after infection, the death rate for the original variants was 1.9 percent mortality,” Professor Turville said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So far the Delta variant is showing 0.3 percent mortality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That’s super encouraging. The early signs look promising, but it is too early to be definitive.”</span></p>

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What does “code alpha” mean on a cruise?

<p>The phrase “code alpha” can mean different things depending on the cruise line, but cruise operators say the code to alert the crew of a situation that requires immediate attention.</p> <p>It could signal something serious like an onboard fire or a medical emergency. It also might be used to instruct a crewman to clean up someone’s vomit on a pool deck. The phrase “Mr Mob” or “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” is the signal for man overboard. These codes are used to avoid passengers finding out what’s happening so there is no panic on board. This allows the crew to deal with the situation without a frenzy being stirred.</p> <p>Unlike flags or horn blasts that cruise ships use to communicate with one another, there is no international standard for onboard alarm codes. Each code uses its own unique codes, since the purpose of the code is to conceal confidential information. Despite its purpose, passengers usually have a knack for figuring out the correct meaning of specific codes on cruise lines.</p> <p>However, there are a few codes that are almost used universally on cruise ships. “Charlie, Charlie, Charlie” indicates a security threat and “Code Red” usually means there is an outbreak of norovirus.</p> <p>Have you ever heard any of these codes uttered on a cruise ship before? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

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Can a relationship with two alphas work?

<p><strong><em><a href="http://www.johnaiken.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">John Aiken</span></a> is an RSVP dating and relationship expert, as seen on Channel Nine’s series </em>Married At First Sight<em> and the ABC documentary </em>Making Couples Happy<em>. He is also the author of the book </em>Making Couples Happy: How science can help get relationships back on track<em>.</em></strong></p> <p>For couples, the solution to handling the power issues that can arise in relationships is that one person becomes more dominant than the other. Essentially, one of you becomes a CEO and ends up taking charge of making all the decisions, while the other person plays an employee role and is happy to be led.</p> <p>From time to time however, two very forthright and strong willed people can fall in love, and the end result is two CEO's fighting for control. This is a match-up that can work, but it takes some discipline and involves compromise and teamwork - elements that some alphas can struggle with.</p> <p>When two alphas meet each other, it's easy to see why they might find one another attractive. Both of you will admire the strength and dedication in each other, the decisiveness, the ambition and drive and preparedness to express opinions. You'll enjoy the excitement of both being competitive, independent, and goal driven, and you'll both feel comfortable with taking charge and leading from the front.</p> <p>However, things can also become very challenging when two alphas fall in love. That drive to lead and be in control can mean you end up arguing with each other a lot about who is in charge. Alphas can also be inflexible, domineering, stubborn and bossy - and the end result can see lots of conflict, cold shoulders, anger and lack of compromise.</p> <p>Rather than getting caught in a power struggle, here's some tips to help two alphas get along:</p> <p><strong>1. Share decisions</strong></p> <p>Make a point of sharing the decisions in your new relationship. One person is not responsible for managing the couple. Avoid excluding your partner and assuming you have the final say on outstanding issues and organizational tasks. Be inclusive.</p> <p><strong>2. Share expenses</strong></p> <p>Be up front about this early on and be open to the idea of both of you sharing expenses rather than one trying to look after everything. You're in this together and you both need to feel equal and respected.</p> <p><strong>3. Understand each other's position</strong></p> <p>So often two alphas won't listen to each other. Instead they get into a game of point scoring and try to persuade the other that they're right. Instead, look to hear each person's view and validate this even if you don't agree. </p> <p><strong>4. Alternate date nights</strong></p> <p>Put in place the 'surrender date' rule where one night one person organizes everything on the date while the other person surrenders and says 'yes'. Then the following date swap roles. This is great way to share power and control and it can be lots of fun.</p> <p><strong>5. Solve problems as a team</strong></p> <p>Whatever issues come along in a new relationship, it's important to take these on together. Avoid trying to fix everything on your own, but rather throw around solutions for each issue and see what you both think about how to handle things. It's a joint process, whereby you can combine your talents to get through difficult situations.</p> <p>Are you the alpha in your relationship, or are you happy to be led? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by John Aiken. First appeared on <a href="http://www.datehub.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">datehub.com.au.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong><em>Looking for love – or perhaps you just want to meet some new people? <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/300422191;127409031;k" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Why not sign up at RSVP today by clicking here… You never know who is just around the corner.</span></a></em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2016/08/ways-to-be-happier-and-why-your-relationship-depends-on-it/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">25 ways to be happier (and why your relationship depends on it)</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2016/08/choices-that-will-lead-to-your-best-love-life-ever/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">10 choices that will lead to your best love life ever</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2016/08/the-trait-women-find-most-attractive-in-men/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The trait women find most attractive in men</span></em></strong></a></p>

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