The number of COVID-19 cases in England is rising. Experts caution that more work has to be done to prevent and manage illnesses. The current strategy is referred to be a “surrender to the virus.” Health professionals and scientists are concerned that the battle against COVID-19 is far from over.
Increase in Covid-19 Hospital Admissions
Hospital admissions have increased as a result of COVID-19, according to recent statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The number increased from 2.56 to 3.71 per 100,000 persons between September 16 and 22, 2024. This rise is a component of a larger pattern of increasing infections.
Additionally, the proportion of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 has increased. It increased from 9.1% to 11.8% in a single week. This indicates that more people are contracting the virus and experiencing symptoms.
Experts Criticize the Current Approach
Imperial College London immunologist Professor Danny Altmann is not pleased with the public’s lax response to the infection. What he refers to as a “surrender.” According to him, it is distressing and perplexing for people battling COVID-19.
Omicron subvariants are evading immunity from previous infections or vaccinations, Altmann cautions. A lot of people have not received a vaccination in a long time. Additionally, the vaccinations’ effectiveness against these novel mutations has decreased.
He pointed out that there are differences in how people behave. While some believe that living with the virus is their only choice, others attempt to lower the danger.
Psychological Fatigue and Public Apathy
According to Swansea University’s Dr. Simon Williams, many individuals are no longer considering COVID-19. This, he thinks, is because to “pandemic fatigue.” People no longer want to think about COVID after years of hardship. This could be the reason why some people don’t care about tests or vaccinations.
Altmann cautions against underestimating the virus, despite the fact that people are sick of the pandemic. Covid can result in several infections annually for people with weakened immune systems. These infections, which can impact daily life and work, might vary in severity. They also put a pressure on the economy and the National Health Service (NHS).
Long Covid and Global Economic Impact
Long Covid is a big worry. Many patients continue experience chronic symptoms after contracting COVID-19, even with vaccinations. According to Altmann, long-term COVID affects 400 million people worldwide. This costs the global economy $1 trillion annually and results in a 3% decrease in labor productivity. These figures demonstrate the necessity of ongoing efforts to combat the infection.
New Covid-19 Variant XEC
In the summer of 2024, XEC, a novel Covid-19 derivative, was discovered in Germany. XEC is a hybrid of two distinct BA strains.2.86 version. In the UK, cases have already been documented.
XEC hasn’t resulted in a significant increase in instances or new symptoms as of now. Experts are keeping a careful eye on it. Past infections and current vaccinations should continue to provide protection against serious XEC disease.
Calls for More Vaccines and Better Safety Measures
Altmann said more individuals should get access to the vaccination once the NHS begins administering Covid booster doses in the fall. In order to prevent the virus from spreading, he also wants to see more lateral flow testing used.
Dr. Williams is equally concerned. The fact that more has not been done to enhance the quality of the air in public areas like schools frustrates him. Additionally, he is concerned that not enough people, particularly younger folks with weakened immune systems, will receive the booster this autumn.
