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astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
@astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
240 followers 340 following 240 posts
Interests: ME/CFS, Long Covid, politics, science, nature and animals. Norwegian but post mostly in English. Newbie allotment gardener.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
francesryan.bsky.social
Good on NHS leader, Daniel Elkeles, calling for a revival of mask-wearing during the current “tidal wave of flu.”

That trying to save lives is going to be highly controversial - and No. 10 are already sitting on the fence - is deeply depressing. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
People urged to wear masks when they are ill as UK faces ‘tidal wave’ of flu
NHS Providers boss says those who are ‘coughing and sneezing’ should wear face coverings on public transport
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
davidjoffe64.bsky.social
One in four UK HCW's have LC 🤬

Not a readily replaceable resource!

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
njbbari3.bsky.social
Got flu problems?

Try this.
To be used with masks as part of a complete strategy. Safer Indoor Air for Kids Mechanically OR Naturally Ventilated? • schools • out of hours care • day-care • youth groups • clubs • anywhere kids get together Mechanically Ventilated Call a mechanical engineer to review the HVAC system. C02 Monitors LOW RELATIVE RISK • Below 800ppm/ MODERATE RELATIVE RISK • 800-1500 ppm • work to improve indoor air quality to low relative risk range HIGH RELATIVE RISK • Above 1500 ppm • moderate risk reading not improving • Leave room until air quality improved, • Increase ventilation bringing outdoor air indoors. • Use HEPA filters with ventilation to assist if occurs repeatedly. • Reduce occupancy or cease activity causing high risk air quality. Naturally Ventilated Open windows and doors where it is safe to do so. Complete the recommended work to increase outdoor air intake. Once the building is in use, monitor the ventilation with CO2 monitors. Work to create a cross breeze of fresh air. On still days may use a child safe fan." Use Portable HEPA filters if ventilation is not enough. Portable HEPA filters • Use filtration to clean the air, do not add anything to the air. • Use the right size and avoid low flow settings. • CADR = clean air delivery rate • Aim for an equivalent of minimum 6 air changes per hour (ACHe) • ACHe X Room volume = CADR needed • Use of more filters may allow for less noise. • HEPA filters will not lower the CO2 reading on the monitor. *Fans, if used, must be ploced to direct indoor air outside & encouroge cross ventilation. Take core not to recirculate, including avoiding the use of split system air-conditioning For more detailed odvice & warnings please see OzAGE document for Safe Indoor Air. While the building is in use monitor the ventilation with CO2 monitors. Use Portable HEPA filters if ventilation is not enough, outdoor air is polluted or bad weather OZSAGE
December 9, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
broadwaybabyto.bsky.social
A woman in Saskatchewan needs surgery for a parathyroid issue and is being offered MAiD instead.

There’s no one in the province who can perform the procedure and the government won’t pay to send her elsewhere.

This is why disability advocates warn about assisted dying
🧵
Sask. woman considers MAID because she can't get needed surgery for rare disease | CBC News
For the past eight years Jolene Van Alstine has suffered from a rare form of parathyroid disease, normocalcemic primary hyperparathryroidism (nPHPT). It causes extreme bone pain.
www.cbc.ca
December 9, 2025 at 5:51 AM
astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
- There are still no simple solutions or therapies for ME/CFS and post-viral autoimmune diseases, and previous scientific studies demonstrate the complexity of the disease mechanisms
December 8, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
scienceforme.bsky.social
Our latest News in Brief summary has headlines and links to further reading for #MECFS, #LongCovid, and related news for the week of Dec. 1 - 7.

Topics:
News, advocacy and articles
Coming events
Research news and commentary
& Published research

www.s4me.info/threads/news...
News in Brief - December 2025
This thread has a Science for ME 'News in Brief' post for each week in December 2025 by a team including @Trish, @Kalliope, @ahimsa and @SNT Gatchaman. Scroll down to see this week's news.
www.s4me.info
December 8, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
tryangregory.bsky.social
Reminders, as public health officials warn of a very bad flu season:

🧵

* Washing hands is not a strategy for a respiratory virus. N95s, ventilation, air filtration -- especially in hospitals.

* We should have been cleaning indoor air with the same effort we put into cleaning drinking water.

1/
December 7, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
stevefifield.bsky.social
🔥 Mark Bonnar asking people to donate to Action For ME and have their donations doubled ♥️

donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...

#pwME #pwLC

youtu.be/SIEzEza5O38
Mark Bonnar supports The Big Give 2025!
YouTube video by Action For ME
youtu.be
December 6, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
ninawildflower.bsky.social
When most people say "during Covid" they mean "when we did infection control in schools".

"Not controlling the spread of disease at all" results in more illness than "doing something to control the spread of disease".

So of course it's "worse than Covid".

#CovidIsNotOver
BBC article about 170 pupils off sick from school. Teacher wearing FFP3 mask.
December 5, 2025 at 10:39 PM
astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
Publication by Miller/Moen/Iwasaki; "The lingering shadow of epidemics: post-acute sequelae across history"

1/7

www.cell.com/trends/immun...
The lingering shadow of epidemics: post-acute sequelae across history
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has drawn global attention to post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), with millions affected by post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, or Long COVID). While Long COVID is newly ...
www.cell.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
- “Coronaviruses remain one of the most consequential infectious disease threats today,” said Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO Acting Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Management.

1/5

www.who.int/news/item/03...
WHO launches new, unified plan for countries to manage coronaviruses: COVID-19 and beyond
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new strategic plan for the management of coronavirus disease threats, including COVID-19, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), and potential ...
www.who.int
December 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM
astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
- There are many examples of hospital and long-term care facility outbreaks that were traced back to [healthcare personnel] working with symptomatic COVID-19.

www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
More Health Workers Came in to Work With COVID as the Pandemic Wore On
'Presenteeism' tied to roles with less patient contact
www.medpagetoday.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social
More Health Workers Came in to Work With COVID as the Pandemic Wore On.

Presenteeism (working while sick) increased among healthcare workers with COVID. 7.9% worked while sick from Dec 2020–Apr 2024.

• 2020: 1.4%
• 2021: 6.2%
• 2022: 7.2%
• 2023: 10.5%
• 2024: 15.2%

Source: archive.md/UETph
A healthcare worker wearing a blue medical glove holds up a rapid COVID-19 antigen test showing a positive result. The person’s face is partially visible behind a surgical mask and protective gown. Below, a link preview headline reads: “More Health Workers Came in to Work With COVID as the Pandemic Wore On.” A subheading says “‘Presenteeism’ tied to roles with less patient contact.” The website source is medpagetoday.com.
December 4, 2025 at 1:40 AM
astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
- En ny, stor tysk satsning på post-infektiøse sygdomme viser, hvor langt Danmark halter bagefter

sundhedspolitisktidsskrift.dk/debat/10939-...
Milliard-stor ME-satsning bør dryppe på de danske patienter
Sundhedspolitisk Tidsskrift giver dig nyheder om sundhedspolitik, nye behandlinger, sundhedsøkonomi samt debat om sundhedsproblemer og -politik
sundhedspolitisktidsskrift.dk
December 3, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
bhanlon15.bsky.social
'Long COVID patients face more than double the healthcare costs after diagnosis'

'"Long COVID is a debilitating disease for patients, presenting in a myriad of ways, with far-reaching implications for those affected."

www.news-medical.net/news/2025120...
Long COVID patients face more than double the healthcare costs after diagnosis
People with Long COVID use the health service significantly more than they did before their diagnosis. These patients need to use GP, outpatient, inpatient and emergency department services more than ...
www.news-medical.net
December 2, 2025 at 4:57 PM
astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
- In conclusion, in this population-based study with three years of follow-up, we found that individuals affected by PCC reported consistently lower work ability than those without PCC, with little change over time.

www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Work ability trajectories and sick leave in individuals with post COVID-19 condition: 3-year follow-up of a population-based cohort
The study highlights the prolonged impact of PCC on work-related functioning and underscores the need for targeted occupational, clinical and social measures for those affected.
www.thelancet.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
thewhn.bsky.social
COVID isn’t acting like the viruses most of us grew up with, and treating it like “just a cold” is putting people at real risk. David Brasure breaks down why SARS-CoV-2 is fundamentally different, how it causes long-term damage, and what we can do to protect ourselves.
Minimalist white poster with a subtle crumpled-paper texture; small ‘whn.global’ logo centered at the top. A small intro line sits above a huge headline where ‘COVID’ is bright red and ‘is different.’ is black. Text: ‘Paraphrased from David Brasure’s WHN blog post, “COVID Is Different.” Read the full article at whn.global/covid-is-different. COVID is different. SARS-CoV-2 behaves differently from the viruses most of us grew up with. And treating it like “another flu” is costing people their health.’ Footer: The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world. Same white, paper-texture poster and top ‘whn.global’ logo. Large title reads ‘What makes COVID different?’ with ‘COVID’ in red, followed by a bulleted list. Text: ‘Paraphrased from David Brasure’s WHN blog post, “COVID Is Different.” Read the full article at whn.global/covid-is-different. What makes COVID different? • It can breach the blood–brain barrier • It can damage your endothelial lining and increase clot risk • It can persist in tissues • It can lower key immune cells • It may increase cancer risk • You can catch it multiple times per year These are not “normal cold virus” behaviors.’ Footer line about the World Health Network. Same clean white poster with paper texture; ‘whn.global’ at top. Big statement line mid-page where ‘Long COVID’ appears in red and the rest in black; two short paragraphs below. Text: ‘Paraphrased from David Brasure’s WHN blog post, “COVID Is Different.” Read the full article at whn.global/covid-is-different. Long COVID is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Persistent symptoms come from real, documented damage. Not anxiety, not imagination, not “just needing rest.” Hundreds of thousands of studies show SARS-CoV-2 affects the body in ways we’re still uncovering. Just because you’ve had multiple infections and “felt fine” doesn’t mean it will stay that way.’ Footer line about the World Health Network. Same minimalist white, paper-texture layout with ‘whn.global’ at top. A large heading ‘Here’s what you can do.’ sits above a simple bullet list; the final URL slug ‘covid-is-different’ is in red. Text: ‘Paraphrased from David Brasure’s WHN blog post, “COVID Is Different.” Read the full article at whn.global/covid-is-different. Here’s what you can do. • Improve air quality (filters, ventilation) • Wear a high-filtration mask in shared indoor air • Test when exposed or symptomatic • Stay home when sick • Use layered protections with friends, family, and workplaces Read more at whn.global/covid-is-different’ Footer line about the World Health Network.
December 1, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
bhanlon15.bsky.social
Yale Medicine: Quick Question: Do We Know What Causes Long COVID?

Iwasaki: "There’s been so much progress that’s been made in this area of Long COVID research...there are hypotheses that we’re testing..both at the basic science level and..through..clinical trials'

medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
Quick Question: Do We Know What Causes Long COVID?
During an interview on the Health & Veritas podcast, Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, discussed post-acute infection syndromes, like Long COVID, and what we’re learning
medicine.yale.edu
December 1, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
scienceforme.bsky.social
Our latest News in Brief summary has headlines and links to further reading for #MECFS, #LongCovid, and related news for the week of Nov. 24 - 30.

Topics:
News, advocacy and articles
Coming events
Research news and commentary
& Published research

www.s4me.info/threads/news...
News in Brief - November 2025
This thread has a Science for ME 'News in Brief' post for each week in November 2025 by a team including @Trish, @Kalliope, @ahimsa and @SNT Gatchaman. Scroll down to see this week's news.
www.s4me.info
November 30, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
madelinemiller.bsky.social
A wonderful, resonant essay from @thesicktimes.org about how we can better listen to anyone going through something catastrophic. "Avoiding the topic feels absurd — like I’m standing in quicksand, and we’re chitchatting over glasses of lemonade as I slowly sink." thesicktimes.org/2025/11/28/y...
You know someone with Long COVID. They need you to ask about it genuinely. - The Sick Times
If community-building is a bulwark against autocracy, then asking after one another might be a good place to start.
thesicktimes.org
November 29, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
broadwaybabyto.bsky.social
“This culture of repression leads to medical settings, given how disempowered patients are to protect themselves, being the place where coerced infection is perhaps most rampant”

No one should have to choose between care & Covid

But healthcare workers are denying the risk & patients pay the price
stairway-to-kevin.bsky.social Kevin Ball @stairway-to-kevin.bsky.social · 14d
“… coerced infection—the complete lack of mitigation and the normalization of mass and repeated infection of a debilitating virus—is ubiquitous throughout society.“
open.substack.com/pub/jacobsch...
Our Culture of Coerced Infection
“You Do You”—unless you are trying to protect yourself from Covid
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
chantzy.bsky.social
Another day, another study that suggests this virus is not good for our kids to keep catching

www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Medscape graphic - Covid may trigger new allergies in children with photo of little Girl in bed with hand on forehead. Caregiver is taking their temperature
November 27, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
longcovidadvoc.com
💫Why it is vital that PUBLIC MITIGATIONS to protect people from infection are a priority.
#cleanair
Smiling woman in a pink sweater and green apron presenting text on a dark blue background. The text, titled "The Economic Argument," states, "The NIHR warns average loss of earnings is: £10929 per year." Below the image, in large pink letters, is the question, "CAN YOU AFFORD TO GET LONG COVID?" In the top right corner is the logo for Long Covid Advocacy.
November 27, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Reposted by Astrid Meyer-Knutsen
bhanlon15.bsky.social
'New survey highlights essential role of virtual care for long COVID patients'

"Many of the 621 survey respondents from across the country shared how lifesaving and essential these virtual services are...reduces risk of infections, travel time, and PEM"

www.news-medical.net/news/2025112...
New survey highlights essential role of virtual care for long COVID patients
Preliminary results of a national survey conducted by researchers at the Simon Fraser University Faculty of Health Sciences (SFU FHS) has found that Canadians with Long COVID identified virtual health...
www.news-medical.net
November 27, 2025 at 2:36 PM
astridmeyerknutsen.bsky.social
Virtual health is also a great way to reduce risk of re-infections which we know can lead to deterioration. Seeking healthcare shouldn't come with the risk of leaving the appointment with a new Covid-infection.
bhanlon15.bsky.social Billy Hanlon @bhanlon15.bsky.social · 15d
Simon Fraser University: 'National survey finds virtual health ‘essential’ for Long COVID support: SFU report'

'PEM, or Post-Exertional Malaise, is common in many people with Long COVID, meaning that physical, mental, or sensory activity triggers can cause a flare-up..'

www.sfu.ca/fhs/news-eve...
National survey finds virtual health ‘essential’ for Long COVID support: SFU report
Researchers at the SFU Faculty of Health Sciences surveyed Canadian Long COVID patients, and found that many people with the condition consider virtual care "lifesaving and essential," while also noti...
www.sfu.ca
November 26, 2025 at 7:57 PM