Scientists are urging the public to be alert to a “cocktail of virus threats” this Christmas as the UK faces the double whammy of high Covid-19 infection rates and a rise in flu cases caused by a dominant new Covid variant.
The number of Covid cases doubled in the first half of December to 2.5 million, or one in 24 of the population, the highest for a year, while the JN.1 variant spread rapidly and was by far the largest and became the only one in the UK . became a sub-variant of this.
It now accounts for 44 percent of Covid cases. I may reveal.
Cases are expected to have increased significantly since then and will continue to rise over Christmas as people spend more time together indoors.
The total number of Covid cases in the UK could therefore reach the highest level in the country since a record high in spring 2022. However, case numbers are still well below that peak, with a record 7.6 percent of the population infected with Covid-19. .
The spread of flu is also on the rise, with hospitalizations due to the virus up 77 percent last week, although the overall number of cases is significantly lower than pre-Covid levels.
Meanwhile, the number of people visiting their GP for flu-like illnesses, an indicator of the trend, rose to 6.3 per 100,000 from 5.3 per 100,000 the previous week – a rise of 19 per cent.
“This Christmas we face a cocktail of virus threats, exacerbated by more time spent indoors over the holidays as people gather together over the holidays, poor ventilation and low immunity,” said Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick . I.
“Fewer people will be offered a second Covid vaccination this winter, and the uptake of Covid and flu jabs among those eligible is lower than this time last year. So it’s no surprise that both Covid and flu cases are rising sharply.
“A new Omicron subvariant, JN.1, is spreading rapidly around the world and appears to be more contagious. All of this, coupled with other circulating infections such as RSV and the common cold virus, means there is no reason for complacency, especially when it comes to protecting those at greatest clinical risk from serious illness and hospitalization.”
While there is no evidence that JN.1 is more serious than other Covid subvariants, scientists fear that a larger proportion of those infected this winter could develop severe symptoms and therefore prolong Covid illness.
This is because most children are completely unvaccinated and most adults under 50 have not had a dose of a Covid vaccine for two years.
Professor Rowland Kao from the University of Edinburgh explained. I: “Winter is usually a time of high pressure on the NHS, even at the best of times, and the extra pressure can really make things very difficult.”
For this reason, scientists urge all citizens eligible for Covid or flu vaccination to take up the offer and remember old Covid habits such as washing hands, ventilating and wearing masks when visiting sick people or remembering elderly relatives.
Professor Stephen Riley, director general of data and surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “It is important that people most at risk of serious illness and hospitalization from Covid come forward for the seasonal vaccination to ensure they get the best.” possible protection” this winter.
“You can get the vaccine through your GP, by signing up with your local NHS vaccination service, or you can find a Covid-19 vaccination site.”
And anyone on the fence about getting a flu vaccine should keep in mind that it could be deadlier than Covid.
“I think flu will overtake Covid hospitalizations this month, at least for a while. “Flu is actually a more serious disease than Covid now,” said Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia.
“So if you get the flu now, you are more likely to die than if you get Covid,” he said.
This Christmas, scientists are also urging the public to be vigilant and bring back some of the precautions people used earlier in the pandemic, which they believe are a thing of the past but which will help contain the virus at Christmas and contain the New Year. .
Once again about Covid from the past:
Here’s how to minimize your risk of contracting and spreading the virus (these precautions will often be difficult this Christmas, but every little bit helps, scientists say):
– If possible, avoid crowded spaces with poor ventilation, such as: B. Public transport and indoor gatherings
– Try to ensure maximum ventilation by opening windows and doors.
-Wear a mask
– Try to keep your distance from other people
– Wash your hands thoroughlyIf you have symptoms:
– Take the test (make sure the test is not outdated, as many are now) and if you have the virus:
-Try to minimize contact with other people.
-Don’t go to work
– Even if it’s not Covid, try to minimize contact with other people to prevent the spread of colds, flu and other viruses.
Professor Kao said: “Christmas is unusual because it changes the way people interact with each other, increases the risk of infection through social activities and brings people together in ways they might not otherwise.”
“There is much more family activity and intergenerational mixing, meaning older people are at greater risk and more susceptible to the serious consequences of infection.”
Professor Steve Griffin, a virologist at the University of Leeds, said: “If you have symptoms, act responsibly where possible and stay away from indoor gatherings, including parties, shops, public transport, schools, universities and workplaces.”
“While the virus may be less severe for many people today, that is not the case for everyone, and millions of people in this country remain at risk.”
“If you absolutely must travel, avoid poorly ventilated areas and wear an FFP 2 or 3 respirator mask that fits well over your mouth and nose.”
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.