Necktie Travel Roll. The ideal item for the travelling businessman, or for that special event abroad! £40, initiallylondon.com
Alpaca Travel Shawl & Pillow in one. This pale pink design classic shawl comes pre-rolled in a matching drawstring bag to also make a neat little travel pillow. A deliciously light blend of baby alpaca (70%) and bamboo fibre (30%), the shawl is silky soft and hypoallergenic…versatile for all travel occasions. £109, annabeljames.co.uk
Pocket Prosecco Travel Champagne Glass! The perfect travel companion for bubble- lovers. Comes beautifully gift wrapped too. £5.61, yellowoctopus.com.au
Make it personal, with a photo upload suitcase. You’ll definitely be seen. Great gift idea too! £119.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk
Madpax spiketus rex backpack in Lime Multi Colour Full Pack, £50, cuckooland.com
Now that summertime is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to update your accessories case with a little gift from ‘you to you.’ Something fun yet useful, something aesthetically beautiful yet mechanically complex, we say… make it a watch!
Livia Lack shows us five new timepieces that we are sure to be coveting.
From vivid enamel dials to dancing diamond details, these 5 watches are set to be at the top of your ones to watch list.
Hermès Arceau Space Derby
Set on a mysterious planet full of undiscovered constellations and creatures, the new Hermès Arceau Space Derby watch, originally designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, is the setting of a futuristic horse race. Brought to life through the hand-painted and detailed drawings of renown artist and illustrator Ugo Bienvenu, this glittering and iridescent scene evokes a superhero style derby, with armor and horse shields to match. Whimsical, bold and beautiful, this watch is the luxury comic strip we’ve all been waiting for.
Hermès Space Derby. Diamond set white gold with pink opaline dial, limited edition of 24-pieces, £52,560.
The Cartier Cloche Watch
The Haute Horlogerie team at Maison Cartier dove into their deep and rich archives to bring back to life this rare 1920’s piece. This April, the Cartier Cloche Watch made its debut in the Cartier Privé collection and the feedback has been a bell resounding YES! Available in platinum, pink or yellow gold, this watch doubles as a Cartier Clock. When you set it down horizontally, it stands upright, as would a decorative clock.
Cloche de Cartier watch in yellow gold, crown set with a sapphire cabochon, leather strap, £23,800.00
Chaumet’s new Joséphine Aigrette-shaped watch
As precious and refined as a jewel itself, the new Joséphine Aigrette-shaped watch, with its feminin pear-shaped dial, is the sleek and chic must have timepiece of the moment. It’s bracelet is just as elegant as it’s dial, wrapping itself around one’s wrist in an unprecedented way, without hindrance or buckles. Choose between satin or black leather, yellow or white gold. Whichever detailing you desire, this singular watch is as smooth as it gets.
CHAUMET Joséphine Aigrette timepiece, Case of 27.3×20.2mm in white gold, black engraved dial, Swiss quartz movement and black leather bangle strap finished by a white gold aigrette set with diamonds, 7,070 GBP
Chopard Happy Sports Watch
What could be better than a magical floating diamond? Caroline Scheufele, the creative genius behind the Happy Sports watch has renewed her first ever watch design for the Maison (the original design came out in 1993) and released a contemporary and updated version of this legendary timepiece. The embodiment of joie de vivre in a luxury object, this timepiece can’t not bring a smile to your face. Designed to accompany the contemporary woman along her daily adventures, this edited design is for the ambitious woman who dares to be different.
HAPPY SPORT THE FIRST, 33 MM, AUTOMATIC, STAINLESS STEEL, DIAMONDS, £8,630
Maurice Lacroix AIKON Venturer
For the first time ever, Maurice LAcroix has released an AIKON Venturer timepiece with a white dial… queue the applause! One of the most celebrated designs by Maurice Lacroix, this new AIKON Venturer features a lacquered dial punctuated by 8 rhodium-finished hour-markers and is set with diamonds to further enhance its radiance and purity. An everyday piece, this watch is strong and sturdy yet refined and feminine, as it’s seamless white shade and diamond detail flawlessly takes it from daytime elegance to evening glam.
Aikon Venturer 38MM, stainless steel, white lacquered dial, water resistant to 30 ATM, comes with a white rubber strap, also with easy strap exchange system, automatic ML 115, £2,250
Communication is at the core of business, and, in today’s digital world, your network serves as a fundamental backbone. However, with the power of today’s networking infrastructure also comes considerable risk; even a basic breach in security can lead to disastrous results. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to be proactive and keep your network in top shape. Here are a few tips.
Software and Hardware Updates
Networking infrastructure is a combination of both hardware and software, both of which need updates on occasion. As with general computer security, it’s critical that you keep all of your software updated frequently. Most notably, make sure your operating systems are updated as quickly as possible when new security patches are released. Furthermore, make sure you’re keeping an eye on your hardware as well. Devices sometimes need firmware updates to fix viruses, bugs and thus potentially, security problems. Also, make sure to check if any of your motherboards require BIOS updates.
Check Your Legacy Hardware
Most people in charge of security pay close attention to their main operating systems and most commonly used software. However, any weak point on your network is a potential source of hacking, and some of the most consequential hacks have occurred through legacy vectors. If you have an old print server, for example, make sure it’s receiving updates as frequently as needed. In addition, make sure your legacy devices are running software that’s still supported. If an old server is running an unsupported version of Windows or Linux, you’ll likely want to plan for an upgrade promptly.
Human Factor Management
As long as your staff have access to the network, they serve as potential security vulnerabilities. First and foremost, make sure your company has a password policy and, preferably, has some means of enforcing it. Perhaps the biggest risk, however, is phishing attacks, which are only becoming more common and more sophisticated. Ensure your employees are educated about the signs of phishing attacks and consider providing a quick-response service if they receive any messages that seem suspicious.
Permission Management
Educating employees about network security and enforcing rules can go a long way toward keeping your infrastructure safe, but mistakes are sometimes unavoidable. To mitigate the damage done if an employee leaks company data, having a robust permission management system in place can help. Map out which employees need access to which information and assign permissions that only allow access to what’s essential.
Invest in Monitoring Software
With today’s networks being as complicated as they are, it can be tough to have a comprehensive idea of what’s going on at all times. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for monitoring networking traffic and looking for signs of suspicious activity. Most of these programs can offer automatic alerts if something seems to be amiss, letting you and your security experts know when it’s time to look a bit closer. Avoiding network breaches is the top goal, but detecting breaches and responding promptly can reduce the damage caused considerably.
Your network is an invaluable resource for your business, and it’s hard to think back to how we got work done without both internal networking and the internet. Just like every other digital part of your company’s operations, however, your networking infrastructure needs care and attention. Make sure to take a proactive approach, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Boots UK and No7 save over a tonne of plastic from landfill with their recycling scheme
Thanks to the commitment of its customers across the UK, the Boots and No7 recycling scheme introduced in September has now recycled over one tonne of plastic in just under two months. The initiative has seen over 30,000 customers signing up to take part in the scheme, and they have recycled over 100,000 empty products.
The first-to-market scheme allows customers to recycle empty health, beauty and wellness products* (even from brands not stocked at Boots) – with customers receiving £5 worth of Boots Advantage Card Points when five products are deposited**. Toothpaste, mascara and hand wash were amongst the top products being deposited, and No7, Colgate and Boots own brand have been the most recycled brands. Customers can sign up to the scheme via Scan2Recycle technology.
The deposited products have been sent to Boots recycling partner, ReWorked, where they have already been formed into new items such as reusable storage containers that are now being used at Boots warehouses.
Committed to becoming a more sustainable business, the scheme is available in 50 Boots stores nationwide. Stores have remained open throughout lockdown for customers to continue to shop and recycle in confidence, with enhanced safety measures in place. Boots customers at Leicester’s Fosse Park Shopping Centre have recycled the most products (5,588), closely followed by London’s Sedley Place store (4,911) and Brighton’s North Street store (4,732).
Joanna Rogers, Commercial Director & VP, Beauty & Gifting at Boots UK said: “Our customers are more aware than ever before of their impact on the environment and they are taking proactive steps to mitigate this. At Boots we are constantly challenging ourselves to do more, and as part of our commitment to becoming a more sustainable business we’re super excited to see the impact this scheme has had in such a short period of time.”
Recently, Boots announced it had removed 2020 tonnes of plastic from its Christmas gifting range as well as launching own-brand plant-based menstrual cups, tampons and biodegradable face wipes. Last year, it became the first national pharmacy, health and beauty retailer in the UK to move to unbleached (brown) paper carrier bags, replacing plastic bags across its 2,465 stores. In 2018, Boots signed up to the UK Plastics Pact, a unique partnership for businesses across the UK with an ambition to work collaboratively to transform the UK plastic packaging sector by 2025.
No7 aims to have 100% recyclable packaging for all products by 2025, and has already began making changes to cosmetic displays, making them 42% more energy efficient.
Boots UK customers have deposited 104,235 empties so far
Toothpaste, mascara and hand wash are amongst the top products recycled
Customers in Leicester have deposited the most items, followed by those in London & Brighton
With Boots stores remaining open throughout lockdown, customers took the opportunity to recycle their empties whilst shopping for the essential items they needed
To find your nearest recycling bank visit Boots.com/Boots-recycling-scheme
*Exclusions apply – For health and safety reasons, we cannot accept the following items: aerosol cans, perfume bottles, nail polish bottles, hair dyes, brow and eyelash tints, safety razors and razor blades, disposable razors and razor heads, used PPE (disposable masks, gloves and visors), food packaging including crisps, medicine, vitamins and supplements blister packs and foils; any electrical items such as hairdryers and straighteners and any medical devices, electrical or not.
Nearly twenty years ago, Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein took the plunge in launching an upmarket stylish swimwear brand. Having discovered first-hand that swimwear was hard to purchase out of season, they decided to create their own range, Heidi Klein.
Since then through years of sheer hard work, determination, and with great eyes for detail and understanding of what women want, the Heidi Klein brand is now recognised as one of the most desirable brands for women in swimwear and beachwear glamour.
Here, our editor, Verity Craig, asks the ladies what the secret to their success was and how they managed the work-life balance with a young family at home while developing their successful brand.
Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein (left to right) founders of Heidi Klein (image courtesy of Heidi Klein)
You founded the hugely successful brand, Heidi Klein, in 2002. Please tell us about that lightbulb moment?
Penny: We recognised it was very difficult to find elegant swim and holiday wear all year round, even though more and more people were going away for winter sun. We decided to create our own retail store that stocked holiday wear all year long, our customers loved it, but they were always looking for something extra. Our customers inspired us to create our own collection that delivered their needs, we wanted to truly offer luxury swimwear that was perfect for the Heidi Klein customer.
Heidi: We noticed a gap in the market, there was such a struggle to find a holiday wardrobe outside of typical summer months. We decided to reinvent swimwear shopping, making it easier, fun and more glamorous. Working on the shop floor after opening we would have comments from our customers saying ‘I’ve got a taller body, do you have a longer one-piece?’ or ‘I’ve got big boobs, do you have this in a halterneck?’ This was my lightbulb moment. It inspired us to not only change the shopping experience, but to change the product too to create our Heidi Klein collection.
Tell us about your backgrounds before that moment?
Penny: Before launching our brand, Heidi and I worked together in a retail consultancy.
Heidi: I was heavily influenced by my Mum, she was an interior designer. I always loved helping her choose fabrics and prints! She really inspired me to be creative and to be passionate about what I love. I also studied business before working for a retail consultancy firm, where I met Penny. We’ve been as thick as thieves ever since.
“Our customers inspired us to create our own collection that delivered their needs… luxury swimwear that was perfect for the Heidi Klein customer.”
Was Heidi Klein an instant triumph or did it grow organically into the success it is today?
Penny: I wouldn’t say it has been an instant triumph, but we were delighted with the initial response and it has been 19 years of hard work to get where we are now. The brand really has grown as we now sell in over 150 stores worldwide, this is not something that happened overnight. We are so proud of the brand and where we are now. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without such a wonderful team to work with, this has been such a key element to our growth as a brand.
Heidi: It wasn’t an instant success; through lots of hard work and passion for our brand, we have got to where we are today. We have learnt to listen to our customers, to really know what they want from their swimwear, which has led to our triumph. Within 2 years of launching, our first line stockists begun to contact us; first from Barneys in NYC and then other majors followed. We are so delighted to have made it this far and be stocked by great, well-known retailers.
Heidi Klein store interior, Chelsea
What would you say was the biggest lesson for you in the early days of launching your brand?
Penny: My biggest lesson from day 1 would be to research into the business and build an amazing team around you.
Heidi: I would probably say that since launching Heidi Klein, I have learnt to trust myself and the process and not to take myself too seriously.
It is said that we can learn a lot from our failures. Did you suffer any pitfalls that you now look back upon as good lessons?
Penny: work and home life is always difficult, but over the years it has got easier.
Heidi: Like Penny, I have struggled to find a work-life balance, with so many commitments and pressures it was hard to find a balance. I’ve learnt to take the necessary time to unwind. However, all of the stress is worth it in the end. I love seeing my vision become a reality with seeing the finished samples come in, it’s such an exciting time.
You must feel immensely proud of your brands’ success. Was there a pivotal moment when you realised ‘we’ve made it!’
Penny: Every day I can’t believe how far Heidi and I have come creating our luxury brand. But for me, I would have to say having celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss wearing our pieces has made us very proud.
Heidi: I constantly have “pinch me” moments, but I will never forget the day we opened our first store on Westbourne Grove 19 years ago. We felt so much pride and relief that our opening was a success. All of our hard work that we put into building our brand finally paid off. Through this hard work and passion, Heidi Klein is still continuing to grow.
What do you think has made your brand of premium swimwear and beachwear so successful in today’s world of fashion-conscious women?
Penny: At Heidi Klein, we have a huge focus on fit, comfort and style. We fit our products 7 times to ensure the perfect fit and shape. Our pieces suit the consumer’s needs. I think that is why we do so well.
“Having celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss wearing our pieces has made us very proud,”
Heidi: I think our brand has become so successful because we have a huge focus on responsible business practices. The fashion-conscious consumer is changing and wants to see more sustainable fashion and is prepared to walk away from brands that do not demonstrate good corporate citizenship. We are committed to addressing the fashion industry’s harmful impact on the environment and people, and we focus on using ethically sourced and environmentally friendly materials to create luxury slow fashion pieces that stand the test of time. Today we do not say we are perfect, but every action has a positive impact and by 2023 we aim to significantly increase our use of organic, reused and recycled materials and packaging in order to reduce our carbon foot print. It really is great to see so many brands pushing towards a more sustainable future. We are really passionate about this and hope to continue our mission to take a step closer to making the fashion industry a force for good.
As parents of young children when your hugely successful brand was growing, it must have been challenging at times. How did you both manage to juggle your work and family life?
Penny: It has been difficult over the years, juggling the work-life balance. Between Heidi and I, we have 5 children. However, I think we have finally got our balance. It is so handy having a business partner like Heidi working with me. We are always here for each other for support. Our families are also such a huge help and have also been there for us throughout our journey.
Heidi: It’s all about having a balance. I always make sure I spend lots of quality time with my children, which means not looking at my phone or computer. I always give them my full attention.
“We are committed to addressing the fashion industry’s harmful impact on the environment and people,”
What advice would you give to anyone considering starting a new business?
Penny: I would say to trust yourself. Your gut is usually right, so trust your instincts and learn as much about the industry as you can. Worry about the things you can do something about, and not about the things you can’t.
Heidi: Research, research, research. Take time, in the beginning, to learn as much about the business side, know exactly who your market and customer is. This is crucial to be successful in fashion.
Heidi Klein is currently stocked in over 150 outlets. Do you have further plans to expand the brand?
Penny: I am very excited for the brand’s future, focusing on responsible business practices and partnering with innovative market leading retailers, as well as looking to expand our wholesale and e-commerce businesses internationally .
Heidi: We are really looking forward to hopefully expanding our brand and stocking in more outlets worldwide. However, I am really looking forward to simply continuing to do what I love by delivering elegant swimwear to our beautiful customers and spending lots of quality time with my children and husband.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone when choosing a Heidi Klein bikini or swimsuit?
Penny: Just make sure when choosing swimwear that you feel comfortable and stylish, so you can forget about it and enjoy your holiday. Also, make sure that it will last you a long time and choose a signature colour or print such as a classic black or stylish nautical print. Simplicity doesn’t go out of fashion.
Heidi: Make sure you are in the right environment to be trying on swimwear; somewhere that has good lighting and where you feel relaxed. When trying on swimwear, make sure it makes you feel confident and most importantly comfortable! If you feel great, you will look great!
Stores can be found on the Heidi Klein website where purchases can also be made: www.heidiklein.com
Many say there is no better way to enjoy nature than on a safari. Seeing the magnificent ‘big 5’ in their wild inhabitants with the breath-taking scenery that surrounds, should be enough to whet anyone’s appetite to venture on a safari.
Luxury safari resorts now add to the glory of many of these resorts, ensuring you receive second-to-none service with food and beverages to match, while accommodation is usually in-keeping being rustic but 5 star, ensuring you don’t lose that ‘safari feel.’
Here’s our favourite luxury safari’s that we are sure you’ll want to book as quick as fast as a big cat runs…
Editor’s Pick!
XIGERA CAMP
This brand new experience in Okavango Delta, Botswana, has been described as “the Versailles of the African bush.”
The completely rebuilt Xigera (pronounced “kee-jera”) is a bold new safari lodge set in the heart of the Okavango Delta on the aptly named Paradise Island. Opened at the end of 2020, it is surrounded by deep channels and lush vegetation within a remote area of the productive Moremi Game Reserve.
For much of the year, this magnificent area epitomises the permanently flooded areas of the Okavango Delta, with palm-filled islands, riverine forests, interwoven channels and expansive floodplains. With just 12 suites showcasing the finest southern African artisans, Xigera has been innovatively designed to protect its pristine environment; it is 100% solar-powered, with a dedicated focus on sustainability and eliminating single-use plastics.
Every spacious suite is fully air-conditioned and designed up to the highest standard.
Xigera Camp has always been famous for its fantastic wildlife.
This new development has caused great excitement as the camp is set to be in amongst the highest level of luxury Botswana has to offer, with a light environmental footprint. The small intimate 12 bed tented camp will be the ultimate in exclusivity and luxury, as well as still feeling wild and remote.
TULUDI STAR SUITE
The brand new star gazing suite in Okavango, Botswana.If you’ve been forever dreaming of an iconic Okavango Delta experience, then end your search with Tuludi. The camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve, over 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and the landscape is fit for a fairy tale: floodplains stretch as far as the eye can see and the glistening waterways and emerald forests attract all the stars of the safari show.
Tuludi Lodge is on the 800-square mile Khwai Private Reserve, harkens back to a more traditional safari; all comforts are provided in the airy, high-pitched tented rooms (even plunge pools), but the public spaces are intimate and the focus is on the exceptional wildlife: dense, varied, and including even the elusive wild dogs, which often hunt under the decks of the dining area.
Audley Travel’s Africa specialists recommend a tailor-made luxury safari to Zambia. The itinerary includes four nights in each of South Luangwa National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park. As well as safari drives, clients will enjoy walking safaris in South Luangwa and have the option to stay in Chinzombo, the site of the first camp in the South Luangwa. The game in the national park is mainly found near the river, with herds of elephant and buffalo on the banks and hundreds of hippos leaving their pools at dusk to graze. Impala and puku are common and the beautiful Thornicroft’s giraffe can be seen in the forests. Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, grysbok and oribi are also found and predator sightings include lion, spotted hyena and leopards.
In Lower Zambezi, safari drives will be complemented with boat and canoe safaris. Wildlife here along the national park’s floodplains, grasslands and tall forests includes impala, kudu, eland, waterbuck, zebra and wildebeest. Elephant are often seen swimming the Zambezi River to feed on the grassy islands where buffalo also graze. Predators include leopard, large prides of lion and packs of wild dog.
An 11 day trip Luxurious Luangwa & Lower Zambezi tour costs from £10,475 per person (based on two travelling) and includes international and domestic flights, transfers, safari excursions and accommodation on a full board basis. For more information please visit www.audleytravel.com/zambia or call 01993 838505.
In the midst of the pandemic, virologists have become the go-to people of interest to answer our burning questions on the virus that tipped our lives upside down.
As Emeritus Professor of Virology, University College London, in Paul Griffiths we found the perfect person to ask those all-important questions as we edge away from Covid-19.
Verity Craig speaks to Professor Paul Griffiths.
Paul, here in the UK we first heard about Covid-19 in the beginning of 2020. As a Professor of Virology, did you hear about it prior to then? And what were your initial thoughts upon first hearing about this ‘new virus’ that had emerged in Wuhan?
I teach a 3-month module entitled “global eradication of viruses.” In my introductory lecture on 14 January 2020, I mentioned a new virus emerging in China that the students should follow. My default position assumed that quarantine and isolation would control it in the same way SARS was controlled in 2003. It’s important to distinguish between the virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes the disease Covid-19.
Behind-the-scenes in your career as a virologist, was this moment something that you and your colleagues had spent years preparing for? And was it how you had imagined?
It was inevitable that another pandemic would occur at some point, but we didn’t know what year, or which virus. We support the plans of the international organisation CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) to prepare antiviral drugs and vaccines against the 6 most likely candidates. One of these is a coronavirus.
What for you, was the most shocking thing about the virus Covid-19?
I was surprised the government didn’t follow the successful way that NHS and university labs collaborated in 2009 using existing expertise and resources to diagnose pandemic influenza. Instead, they set up a new parallel system using private companies to form ‘Test and Trace.’ Please don’t call it “NHS Test and Trace” because it’s outside the NHS.
“we could decide to eradicate it from the globe, as we’ve done for smallpox and polioviruses 2 and 3,”
Do you think that the initial process of how Covid-19 was handled could have been better?
This is a subject for an inquiry to decide, judging politicians on what was known at the time, not on what we know now. I thought they were slow to recognise that SARS- CoV-2 was spreading widely and rapidly and were too slow to lock down. The Imperial modelling paper was published on 16 March 2020.
What makes Covid-19 different to other Coronaviruses and viruses such as SARS, Ebola etc?
The 4 coronaviruses that infect humans were joined in 2003 by SARS coronavirus and, in 2012, by MERS coronavirus. These were not very transmissible but had a high mortality ie more difficult to catch, but if you do, death is more likely. SARS-CoV-2 is more transmissible and kills 2% of the people it infects. A major difference is that SARS-CoV-2 transmits before people show any symptoms.
Why is Covid-19 more deadly to the elderly, and less to babies and children?
SARS-CoV-2 doesn’t spread easily among children, possibly because the receptor on cell surfaces becomes more prominent after adolescence. A high viral load (the quantity of virus you produce) is associated with worse disease. Also, elderly immune systems do not control viruses very well and tend to trigger inflammation in organs when they do. It’s this inflammation that kills people.
Why do some people have no symptoms, but can still carry Covid-19?
This happens with all viruses. Many people become infected but only some become ill. What they carry is the virus, SARS-CoV-2; nobody can carry Covid-19 (the disease). Thus, when news broadcasts say “Covid has spread around the country” they are incorrect; SARS-CoV-2 has spread and some people have become ill and developed the disease (Covid-19).
Can some people have anti-bodies against the virus without having actually had it?
No. You must have encountered the virus in order to develop true antibodies. However, people may receive a false positive lab result. They may also have antibodies from other coronaviruses that cross-react with SARS-CoV-2 to give a biological false-positive result. It’s the role of the virology lab to devise assays that don’t give these false-positive results.
“We may need boosters of the initial vaccine or boosters with vaccines against variant viruses,”
Do you believe the weather has impact upon viruses? For example, is it a fact that they are worse in the cooler winter months in the UK?
The weather definitely affects transmission of viruses. Some are easily destroyed by sunlight. In the summer, we spend time outdoors in fresh air, while in the winter we huddle indoors with windows closed, breathing air from others. Also, some viruses persist in delicate aerosols if the humidity and temperature are just right.
As we start to ebb away from the pandemic, do you think this is as ‘clear of it’ as we will ever be, and that it is a virus we will simply have to now live with (but more like flu for example)?
It’s too early to say. It could be with us forever, or we could decide to eradicate it from the globe, as we’ve done for smallpox and polioviruses 2 and 3. I prefer the latter, because it would have the added advantage of getting politicians around the world to collaborate with each other for the common good.
Anyone reading this may be surprised that it could even be possible to ‘eradicate it from the globe.’ Could you explain this please?
Eradication is an option if the vaccine could be delivered to all parts of the world, because there is no major animal reservoir.
Influenza could never be eradicated because it is common in birds (they act as a reservoir). SARS-CoV-2 can infect cats and mink, but only after contact with humans, so they are not a reservoir for us.
A problem is that infections disappear off the political radar after a year or two, whereas eradication requires continuous efforts (and funding) for many years.
I think we need to build on the current polio initiative, add in measles (the next on WHO’s eradication list) and add in SARS-CoV-2. Given the cost of the pandemic, I wouldn’t be surprised to see WHO agree to go after SARS-CoV-2 next; it would be easier to achieve than measles (R value 17 compared to 3 for SARS-CoV-2).
“The new results (of the vaccine) are so spectacular in terms of safety and efficacy that these methods will become the first choice for future vaccines,”
Now we have vaccinations in circulation that have helped life to move forward again. What would you say to anyone reading this who is nervous about having the vaccination? Or who has read dangerous facts online about any of the vaccinations?
To a patient, I’d explain why the vaccines are safe and effective in a calm, professional manner. I would explore the reasons behind their reticence and answer questions to help them make an informed decision.
To a friend I’d shout, “if you don’t take a vaccine that’s proven to be safe and save lives during a pandemic, then you need your head examined.”
Is it correct that the ingredients used in all of the current vaccinations in circulation have already been used for other diseases for some years?
All components of vaccines licensed before 2020 are well established. The two vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 use different methods that were progressing slowly to the Phase 3 trials necessary for licensure. The new results are so spectacular in terms of safety and efficacy that these methods will become the first choice for future vaccines.
What are your thoughts on young women who have not yet had the vaccine due to future fertility concerns? And in your opinion, could future pregnancies of babies be affected?
There’s no connection between these vaccines and pregnancy or fertility. A vaccine can only be licensed for pregnant women if it’s been studied on them. Pregnant women weren’t recruited into the trials, so it can’t legally be recommended to them. However, women can request either vaccine “off-label” if at risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2.
What are your thoughts on children having the vaccination?
A clinical trial is underway to assess safety in children. We should be able to interrupt transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by immunising adults. If this is not the case, the vaccine could be offered to adolescents. If this is still not sufficient, the vaccine could be offered to younger children.
Do you think we will have to have the vaccination each year to keep it at bay?
It’s too early to say and will depend on how long antibodies and T-cells specific for the virus last. It also depends on how many variant viruses emerge which may have reduced sensitivity to existing vaccines. We may need boosters of the initial vaccine or boosters with vaccines against variant viruses.
Some experts have suggested that Covid-19 won’t be the last pandemic in our lifetimes. What are your thoughts?
It’s inevitable that new pandemics will emerge, but we can’t predict when, or with which virus. We should support international collaboration through CEPI to make antiviral drugs and vaccines against the likely candidates. We should also stop destroying our environment, because this makes wild animals seek shelter closer to humans, bringing viruses with them which then transmit to humans.
“We need to continue simple elements of social distancing as part of our ‘new normal.'”
What advice would you give to people who are now too nervous to go outside or socialise again?
I’d encourage them to be vaccinated so they can get outside to meet friends in the fresh air and sunshine. The risks of getting severe Covid-19 under these circumstances are now virtually zero.
What is the biggest preventative of catching viruses and diseases in general?
Persuading workplaces that employees who feel unwell should stay at home rather than commuting to share virus with their colleagues. We need to ensure that no-one would suffer financially from following this guidance. Also, people should wash hands frequently and try not to touch their eyes, mouth or nose.
And finally, did putting everyone in to lockdown extinct any other viruses or diseases?
Yes, it did. The expected annual influenza epidemic did not occur in the Southern hemisphere or in our Northern hemisphere this year. Cases of the common cold were also reduced. We need to continue simple elements of social distancing as part of our ‘new normal.’
*Legal disclaimer: Please note that views and opinions expressed in this article should not be taken as medical advice.
Whether shaken, stirred or with a twist, the most luxurious cocktail of all times is still a Martini
Here, mixology bartender and General Manager from Bohemia, Brighton, Patrycja Dziwinska, shares one of her summer favourite’s… her modern twist of the classic Martini.
An easy but impressive cocktail to share with friends at home this summer.
This cocktail is both unusual and awesome because of the combination of flavours.
At its’ best, this is the summer twist on “the elixir of quietude.” Pink peppercorns add some spiciness, while the fresh mint calls for summer garden endeavours.
Ingredients:
50ml Belvedere Citrus vodka
20ml Lillet Blanc
15ml Pink peppercorn and mint reduction
Garnished with edible flowers
Simple method:
Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until very well-chilled. This should be approximately 20 to 30 seconds.
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