A health expert has warned that the UK is experiencing a wave of Covid virus in the fall as the number of hospital patients who have tested positive for the virus continues a clear upward trend.
A total of 7,024 people infected with coronavirus were in hospital in England at 8am on September 28, according to NHS data. This is a 37% increase from the previous week of 5,142 and the highest number since August 19.
Patient levels reached 14,000 in mid-July, at the height of the infection wave caused by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 virus sub variants, after which they began to decline steadily. But this decline stopped in mid-September.
Currently, Covid hospital data is published once a week on Thursdays. The latest figures show all regions are seeing an increase in patient numbers, with southwest England back to levels last seen in late July. However, the numbers remain much lower than those achieved during the first waves of the epidemic.
Separate figures published last week by the Office for National Statistics showed that Covid infections in England increased for the first time since July.
It is estimated that about 766,500 people in private homes contracted the coronavirus in the week ending September 14, or about one in 70 people — up from 705,800, or one in 75, the week before.
The most recent data from the ZOE Health Study, which is based on symptoms reported by volunteers across the country, indicates that an average of 1 in 32 people in the UK likely had symptoms of Covid earlier this week, With rates increasing in all ranges. age.
Professor Tim Spector, co-founder of the ZOE study, said: “It is clear that we are now seeing an autumnal wave of Covid-19, accompanied by an increase in hospitalizations.
“With higher rates, particularly in age groups of frail elderly, the impact on hospitalization could be greater.
However, the younger age group is showing potential early signs of a decline in the number of cases. Children tend to lead infection trends, so if this continues into the next week, the Covid wave will likely not be as bad as previously expected.”
All people over the age of 65 are currently eligible for the fall booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, provided they had their last injection at least three months ago.
Doses are also available for frontline health and care workers, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
A booster will eventually be offered to everyone age 50 or older.
Steve Russell, NHS Director of Vaccination and Screening, said: “This winter may be the first time we’re seeing the effects of so-called ‘twindemia’ with Covid-19 and influenza in full circulation, so it is essential that people most at risk of serious illness from These viruses present themselves as vaccines in order to protect themselves and those around them.
“Whether you receive a flu shot or a booster dose of COVID-19, you should book as soon as possible and with more vaccination centers than ever before this year, they are fast, convenient and will provide vital protection this winter.”
Additional coverage from the Press Association.
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