Coronavirus: WHO on new variant with 'multiple mutations'
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Research analysis provided by Professor Tim Spector’s ZOE Covid Study added that the UK R value is estimated to be above one, indicating the pandemic is growing in size. This is clearly shown by every one in 25 people being infected with the disease. Vaccination does not protect you from catching coronavirus, but it does help to protect you against severe disease. Despite this, the Government’s latest statistics demonstrate that the number of patients admitted to – and dying in – hospitals is alarmingly high.
There are 2,078 daily admissions and 231 deaths within the UK due to coronavirus.
The Covid Symptom Study noted how cases “are still rising in all age groups above 35”.
And, in particular, cases are rising in the over 75s who are more at risk of hospitalisation.
Dr Claire Steves, a scientist on the Zoe Covid Study app and reader at King’s College London, shared her views.
“It’s worrying to see cases increasing in the over 75 age group. This is the group we need to protect as they are the most likely to be hospitalised as a result of a COVID infection.”
It is estimated that 51.3 percent of people experiencing “cold-like” symptoms are likely to have symptomatic Covid.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that “symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus”.
Covid symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea.
Any of the following five signs require “emergency medical attention”:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Dr Steves cautioned that “it’s too early to know if cases have truly peaked in London”.
“We’ve seen school terms driving infection waves throughout the pandemic,” she elaborated.
As “health and care systems are already under huge pressure”, Dr Steves urges us all to take “personal responsibility for limiting the spread of Covid”.
Ways to help minimise Covid spread
- Regular testing
- Wearing masks
- Staying away from crowded places
- Meeting up outside
- Booster vaccines.
The NHS explained: “A booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine helps improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine.
“It helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid.”
Adults who have had their second dose of Covid at least 12 weeks ago can go get boosted.
Booster appointments can be made online, walk-in centres are available, and GPs may also contact you.
“If you have a weakened immune system and have had a third dose of the vaccine, you can get a booster dose from three months after your third dose,” the health body added.
“Your GP or hospital specialist will invite you for your booster dose when it’s due.”
Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine.
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