COVID-19 Cases Surge in US & UK with New Variants
A rise in COVID-19 infections is being reported in both teh United Kingdom and the United States, driven by two new variants – Stratus and Nimbus. Health authorities in both countries are urging increased vaccination against both COVID-19 and the flu.
Cases have doubled since August. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports positivity rates climbed from 7.6% to 8.4% in a single week, with hospitalizations increasing from 2.0 to 2.73 per 100,000 inhabitants.
In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates COVID levels in wastewater are currently “moderate,” though four states are experiencing “very high” circulation, and the Northeast is seeing a sustained increase.
A particularly notable symptom of these new variants is severe throat pain. Dr. Aaron Glatt, an infectious disease specialist, describes patients reporting a sensation “as if they had a throat full of blades.” While not exclusive to COVID-19, this symptom is being reported more frequently with the new strains.
Other common symptoms include tiredness, headache, persistent cough, congestion, and nasal secretion.Experts emphasize that while these variants aren’t considered more severe than previous iterations, their mutations appear to facilitate easier transmission.
The UKHSA recommends individuals experiencing symptoms avoid contact with vulnerable populations and wear masks when in public. Staying home is advised for those with high fever or meaningful weakness.
Boosters are recommended for those over 75,immunocompromised individuals,and residents of geriatric facilities. Vaccination campaigns also include pregnant women, children, and babies, with flu vaccines readily available at community pharmacies.
a recent South Korean study linking COVID-19 vaccines to a higher cancer risk has been largely dismissed by international specialists as “exaggerated and without solid livelihood.”
