Author: Amit Iyer

Antibiotic-resistant infections could be a new ‘hidden pandemic,’ UK experts warn

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LONDON — The coronavirus pandemic grabbed the world’s attention in early 2020 and has failed to let go ever since, but U.K. experts are warning that antibiotic-resistant infections, often described as a “hidden pandemic,” should be the next big concern.

One in five people in the U.K. with a bloodstream infection in 2020 had an antibiotic-resistant one, according to the U.K Health Security Agency, and that was even after a decline in the number of antibiotic resistant infections recorded in 2019.

There are now fears that, as winter approaches and we slowly emerge from the global Covid-19 outbreak, antibiotic resistance could increase again.

“Antimicrobial resistance has been described as a hidden pandemic and it’s important that we do not come out of Covid-19 and enter into another crisis,” Dr. Susan Hopkins, the chief medical advisor at the UKHSA, said Wednesday.

“It is likely that Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 including enhanced infection, prevention and control measures … played a part in driving down antibiotic resistance and prescribing. While these measures were severe, serious antibiotic-resistant infections will rise once again if we don’t act responsibly and that can be as simple as regular and thorough handwashing.”

Antibiotics are vital for the treatment of bacterial infections that cause pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis and modern medical care often relies on them as they protect against infections during common medical interventions such as chemotherapy, caesareans and other surgeries.

Problematically, however, antibiotics have often been prescribed to treat coughs, earache and sore throats where they may have little or no effect.

Worse still, the prescription of antibiotics when they were not effective or necessary has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, which occurs when bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics, potentially causing serious complications, including bloodstream infections and hospitalizations.

Hidden pandemic

Experts have been warning for years that antibiotic resistance could be one of the biggest threats to humanity. The World Health Organization describes it as “one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today.”

The UKSHA’s Hopkins added that taking antibiotics when you don’t need them only puts you and your loved ones at more risk in the future.

“As we head into winter, with increasing amounts of respiratory infections in circulation, it’s important to remember that antibiotics are not needed for many cold-like symptoms. Stay at home if you feel unwell,” she said.

During the Covid pandemic, antibiotic resistant bloodstream infections fell. New data published by the UKHSA on Wednesday showed such infections falling from 65,583 in 2019, to 55,384 last year.

It’s the first time such infections have fallen for the first time since 2016, but they still remain at a higher level than six years ago.

The decline was “largely driven by a reduction in recorded bloodstream infections overall, likely due to less social mixing, enhanced hand hygiene and changes to healthcare access and delivery,” the UKHSA said in a statement on Wednesday.

Nonetheless, analysis of the bacteria that most commonly cause bloodstream infections, including E. coli, revealed that although the overall number of bloodstream infections decreased in 2020 compared with 2016, the overall proportion of infections that were resistant to antibiotics increased over the same time frame, the agency added.

With one in five people with an infection in 2020 having an antibiotic-resistant one, the UKHSA has warned that the data “suggests that resistant infections are likely to rise in the post-pandemic years and will require ongoing action.”

Amit Iyer
callcentrenews.com/
Deadly storm cuts transport links around Vancouver

A woman has died in what one official described as the “worst weather storm in a century”.

Amit Iyer
callcentrenews.com/
Artificial Grass Adelaide Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best
Are you looking to buy artificial grass? You might get overwhelmed by the number of options available out there. This guide will help narrow down your options.

There is no question that artificial grass has become a popular choice for many homeowners. It looks great, it’s easy to maintain, and you never have to worry about mowing the lawn again! But there are so many different options out there. So, how do I pick the best one? Of course, the simplest option is to head over to www.termiturf.com.au for the best selections of synthetic turf available. But, we want you to have the best option possible.

In this buying guide, we will look at some of the factors you should consider before deciding which synthetic lawn is right for you.

The Purpose

First thing’s first, you need to determine what the artificial grass Adelaide will be used for. If you want to go green and save water, maybe a grass patch in your garden would suffice. However, if you’re interested in creating an entire lawn or putting the artificial turf on top of concrete, it will need more padding (sub-base).

Tire Crumb vs Padding

This is one of the biggest differences between different artificial grass suppliers. Some artificial lawns come with a sub-base, essentially the synthetic material that provides cushioning between your ground and the turf. But, most people just want to lay it on top of their concrete without worrying about additional costs.

The Thickness & Material Type

Another factor you need to consider is the thickness of your artificial grass. The two most common types are nylon and polyethylene, which both come in a variety of grades.

While quality can vary from brand to brand, you must select an artificial lawn with UV protection, so it doesn’t fade over time. In addition, some manufacturers offer warranties on their artificial grass, which can give you some peace of mind.

The Cost

Yes, price is a factor for almost everything but don’t just look at the cost upfront. Instead, look at what it will be used for and how much time/water savings you could save over time with an artificial lawn. You should also consider the cost of maintaining the artificial grass regularly.

You might find it cheaper to buy a synthetic lawn in Adelaide than in Sydney, but keep in mind that shipping costs will also need to be factored into your budget. If you want something more advanced or customised than most suppliers’ offers, then prices can be higher.

Advantages of Artificial Grass

We already mentioned many factors to consider, but if you’ve done your research and still can’t decide between different artificial grass Adelaide suppliers, here is some more information on why people choose synthetic turf over the real thing.
- No weeds or bugs (unless it’s from a different supplier)
- No lawn mowing required
- Save time and money on watering the grass regularly. In many parts of Australia, water restrictions can be an issue during the summer months (especially if you live in Adelaide). It’s also expensive to set up sprinklers for your yard. Artificial turf does not need these things.
- No more muddy paws, no need for doggy shoes
- Dyeing the grass green is not required because it already comes that way! This can also reduce chemical usage in your garden, which is good news for Mother Earth.
Conclusion

In the end, there are a lot of different factors to consider when buying artificial grass. However, we hope this guide has been helpful, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help! Visit www.termiturf.com.au now for more information.

Amit Iyer
callcentrenews.com/