CNN health | Why winter weather makes it easier to catch a cold or flu

(The Conversation) – Many of us have heard: “Don’t go outside without a coat; you’ll catch a cold.”

That’s not exactly true. As with many things, the reality is more complicated. Here’s the distinction: Being cold isn’t why you get a cold. But it is true that cold weather makes it easier to get the cold or flu. It is still too early to tell how weather impacts the Covid-19 virus, but scientists are starting to think it behaves differently than cold and flu viruses.

As an associate professor of nursing with a background in public health, I’m asked about this all the time. So here’s a look at what actually happens.

Many viruses, including rhinovirus — the usual culprit in the common cold — and influenza, remain infectious longer and replicate faster in colder temperatures.  —read more— 

CNN | Nurses describe their hope and assurance after being fully vaccinated against coronavirus

(CNN) – After receiving her second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, New York nurse Sandra Lindsay felt “like I’ve completed the marathon, closed the loop.”

Lindsay, who works at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, knows the US remains far from the end of the pandemic. But for her, “the burden feels definitely much lighter today,” she told reporters Monday.  —read more— 

Autoweek | Visionary and Architect of Modern Day F1 John Hogan Dies at 77

John Hogan died Sunday as a result of complications from the COVID-19 virus. He was 77.

Hogan was among Formula 1’s most-significant players, helping transform the sport into the global business it is today. He did this in his role as the man in charge of the Marlboro budgets from the early 1970s until his retirement from Philip Morris International in 2002.

For much of that time he sat on the FIA Formula 1 Commission as the representative of the sponsors. He did all of this while maintaining a low profile and was not in the least bit bothered when glossy magazines listed the most influential people in F1 and left him out. He didn’t care. He let the results speak for themselves.  —read more— 

CNN health | You can do this total-body workout anywhere — no equipment needed

(CNN) – During the holidays, people are much more prone to sedentary behavior — like eating, sleeping or watching TV — to manage their stress, according to research. To counteract all that feasting and couch potato inactivity, many of us know that regular aerobic exercise, like running or going for a walk, is ultimately more effective at reducing stress.  —read more— 

CNN travel | How flying will change in 2021

(CNN) — It was a fitting place for an industry in need of a miracle.

In October, Air Belgium moved two planes to Lourdes, the Catholic sanctuary in France, to park up for the winter.

The planes — both Airbus A340-300s, of which the airline only has four in total — have been parked at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees airport for long-term storage.

A spokesperson for Air Belgium blamed the “reduced demand and current operational restrictions due to Covid-19” and said the aircraft had been parked temporarily “to defer maintenance.”

The airline is one of many struggling in the pandemic. Aviation has been particularly hard hit by Covid-19, with legal restrictions on travel joined by an unwillingness to fly by members of the public.  —read more— 

CNN BUSINESS | 2020 has been the worst. But these work changes are sticking around

We might be ready to move past 2020 and never look back, but some parts of this pandemic year are going to stick with us — especially when it comes to how we work.

I spoke with experts to find out what changes will likely carry on into the new year. Here’s what they said:  —read more— 

CNN health | How Coronavirus Affects Asthma Sufferers

If you are among the roughly 25 million people in the United States who have asthma, you’re already vulnerable to respiratory infections in general, since your lungs are somewhat compromised. Unfortunately, this means you may also be at increased risk for a severe case of COVID-19, the infection caused by the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 that is sweeping the globe. Learn more about how this virus may affect you so you can be prepared.  —read more— 

CNN entertainment | Beyoncé to donate $500,000 to people impacted by the eviction crisis

(CNN) – Beyoncé will offer $5,000 grants to help people facing foreclosures or evictions due to the housing crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

People can apply for the grants beginning January 7, 2021, the singer announced on her website Tuesday. Grants will be sent out to the 100 people selected in late January.

“Beyoncé is continuing her heart of support and helping where needed most. Phase Two of the BeyGOOD Impact Fund will now help those impacted by the housing crisis,” according to a news release.

“The housing moratorium is set to end on December 26th, resulting in mortgage foreclosures and rental evictions. Many families are impacted, due to the pandemic that resulted in job loss, sickness and overall economy downturn,” the release said.  —read more— 

CNN politics | Struggling Americans blast stimulus bill as too little, too late

(CNN) – Mallory Ware feels that Congress has abandoned her, her family and all struggling Americans amid the recession and worsening pandemic.

The North Bergen, New Jersey, resident has had to take responsibility for most of her mother’s $1,600 monthly mortgage to keep a roof over their heads, preventing her from paying back her student loans and saving for her future. Her mother, who is employed at a hotel nearby, now works only eight hours a week since the pandemic has eviscerated tourism and conferences.  —read more— 

CNN | What we know — and what we don’t — about the UK coronavirus variant

(CNN) – The United Kingdom has identified a new, potentially more contagious coronavirus variant linked to a recent surge in cases in England.

The new variant is being called VUI-202012/01 — the first “Variant Under Investigation” in the UK in December 2020. While scientists hunt for more information about the variant, its impact is already being felt.

Multiple countries have now imposed restrictions on travelers from the UK. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday that the variant was “out of control” and Prime Minister Boris Johnson was due to chair an emergency meeting Monday as his government tried to manage the fallout.

Here’s what you need to know.  —read more—