- By Dr. Fabiola Roman
We are currently seeing a new increase in the number of coronavirus cases, both in Paraguay and in various other parts of the world. In the UK, despite the rise in cases, other indicators of the severity of the epidemic remain relatively normal. In the Office for National Statistics’ infection survey last week, about 1 in 50 people in England tested positive for Covid-19, up from 1 in 70 the previous week.
According to statistician Kara Steele from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, injuries have increased in all age groups, with the lowest level being in school-aged children. This increase is largely driven by the Omicron variant and the BA.4 and BA.5 sublines.
It should be noted that the increase in cases is not only due to omicron subspecies (considered a variant of concern by the UK Health Security Agency or UKHSA), but also due to lower immunity in people and a return to a pre-pandemic phase. behaviors. According to the above agency, the BA.5 sub-strain grows 35.1% faster than the previously dominant Omicron sub-strain (BA.2).
Research published earlier this month indicated that infection with the Omicron variant provides little additional protection against re-infection; Therefore, it is possible to re-infect a large number of people.
However, UKHSA experts note that despite seeing an increase in hospital admissions as infections increase, vaccinations continue to keep ICU admissions and deaths at low levels. Because of these observations, experts say vaccines remain our best defense against the virus, and it’s never too late to make up if you miss any boosters, or even the first few doses. Despite the fact that Ómicron partially escapes vaccine protection, vaccines are still our best allies.
Scientists believe that the widespread mutation in Omicron allowed the virus to overcome established immunity. For this reason, many vaccinated people contracted the virus again around Christmas time.
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