Two-thirds of people in the UK recently seen with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus said they had previously contracted Covid-19 disease caused by the virus.
The results of a nationwide study called React, which has been conducted since the start of the pandemic, reveal groups that appear to be more likely to contract Covid again.
React’s 17th phase, which has been attended by more than 2 million people to date, covers the first two weeks of 2022. During this period, 100 thousand people were tested for PCR as part of the study.
The tests of about 4 thousand of these people were positive. This was the highest rate since the pandemic began.
When the variant of the Covid cases was checked, it was seen that almost all of them were Omicron.
Two-thirds (65 percent) of these volunteers said they had had Covid before. These people include health workers, households with children or many individuals living in the same house.
However, in some cases, it is possible for PCR tests to detect traces of old viruses. For this reason, it is not yet possible to say for certain how many people have been re-infected with Covid.
Other estimates say that one out of every 10 Omicron cases is people who are re-infected with Covid.
Currently, the daily number of Covid cases announced by the government reflects the number of people who have volunteered for testing, but does not include those reinfected in the United Kingdom, which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
‘Hospitalizations may increase’
React findings also show that coronavirus infections have slowed recently but remain high, especially among children and young teens.
React Program Director, Imperial College London, Prof. Dr. Paul Elliott said, “There is a rapidly increasing prevalence among children as they come together more after the opening of the schools. Compared to December, the prevalence of the disease has also increased in older people over 65 years old. This may lead to an increase in hospitalizations,” said Paul Elliott.
“It is therefore vital that we continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Two doses of vaccine offer little protection against Omicron
It is not yet clear how many of the volunteers who test positive have been fully vaccinated.
But two doses of the vaccine offer little protection against Omicron.
UK Health Safety Agency CEO Dr. Jenny Harries said that while vaccines don’t prevent all infections, they do play a crucial role in protecting lives.
Dr. Jenny Harries said, “The best way to protect yourself from serious illness and hospitalization due to Omicron is to be vaccinated. I urge everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to get their full dose as soon as possible. The effect of vaccination is seen in preventing severe illness and in hospitalizations.”
“It’s still important that we follow public health advice, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated areas, to ensure that the downward trend of cases continues and we’re protecting people. If you’re visiting friends and family, be sure to get a test before you go out,” Harries said.
British Health Minister Sajid Javid said it was reassuring to see Covid-19 infections starting to slow across the country.
“The rates are still high, so it’s vital that we continue to be vigilant as we learn to live with the virus. Wash your hands, ventilate frequently, get tested and get your booster dose if you haven’t already,” Javid said.