Brits should prepare themselves for another resurgence of Covid this winter, according to health chiefs. Despite a recent plateau in infections, surveillance programs monitoring the outbreak in the UK indicate an upward trend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) anticipates further increases in Covid cases as the season progresses. Dr. Mary Ramsay, the director of public health programs at UKHSA, stated that there has been a slight increase in infection rates this week. She also emphasized that as we enter the colder months and people begin to gather indoors, there is an expectation of a rise in Covid cases, parallel to the usual increase in other winter respiratory viruses like the flu.
Covid hospitalizations in England have already reached a five-month high due to the Pirola strain, also known as BA.2.86, which prompted the early distribution of autumn booster jabs. However, current hospitalizations are significantly lower than during the peak of the pandemic. It is worth noting that many Covid hospitalizations are incidental, meaning that the patients test positive for the virus but do not primarily require medical treatment for it.
Despite the progress made through vaccine roll-outs and repeated waves over the past three years, outbreaks can still cause disruptions in various sectors. The recent resurgence of Covid has led to the reintroduction of face mask requirements in hospitals. The elderly and immunocompromised individuals remain the most vulnerable. Therefore, the government is prioritizing booster jabs for those over the age of 65 and individuals with underlying health conditions.
To ensure maximum protection, the government is offering the Covid booster jab alongside the seasonal flu vaccine. The UKHSA encourages eligible individuals to take up the offer and book their appointments as soon as possible.
The Pirola variant, like other Omicron spin-offs, raised concerns due to its numerous mutations. However, further analysis suggests that it is not more likely to cause severe illness compared to other variants.
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