Covid hospitalisations rise in the UK as new contagious strain surges
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows Covid-19 incidence is going up on 'most indicators' as health officials issue an urgent warning for those with symptoms to isolate.
by Ben Hurst · ChronicleLiveHealth officials confirmed a rise in Covid cases across the UK, driven by new variants such as XEC. The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency indicate an uptick in Covid-19 cases based on 'most indicators'.
Hospital admissions have seen a rise to 4.55 per 100,000 people, up from last week's figure of 3.72 per 100,000. The report also highlighted 59 COVID-19 'acute respiratory incidents', underscoring the growing concern.
The highest positivity rates for the virus are now among those aged 85 and above. The North East is facing the sharpest increase in hospital admission rates at 8.12 per 100,000, with individuals in the 85+ age bracket experiencing a particularly stark rise in admission rates to 52.48 per 100,000, compared to 40.39 the previous week.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, stated this afternoon: "COVID-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks. As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you're eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats COVID-19, flu and RSV now is the time to take them up and get winter strong."
"We understand people may be concerned about new variants. Our surveillance shows that where covid cases are sequenced, around 1 in 10 are the 'XEC' lineage. Current information doesn't suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely. The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination as soon as possible if you're eligible.", reports the Mirror.
For those feeling under the weather, he advised: "If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable."
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The NHS is urging individuals to self-isolate if feasible amid concerns that the XEC strain could become dominant. They recommend: "While isolation rules are no longer mandatory, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days after the day you took your test", and to steer clear of those most susceptible for a full ten days following a positive result.
Recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency indicate a 2.8 per cent rise in overall Covid cases, following a significant 21.6 per cent increase reported in England the previous week.
In the week up to October 2, there was an uptick in Covid infections in England and Wales, with 2,912 new cases identified an increase of 78 from the week prior. Additionally, there were 128 Covid-related deaths in the week leading up to September 27.
Moreover, hospital admissions related to Covid totalled 2,622 in the week ending 28 September. To curb the spread of the virus, the NHS suggests those exhibiting symptoms should isolate at home, stating: "You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature," and adding that "If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare."
Symptoms associated with Covid's XEC variant are similar to those seen in other versions of the virus:
- A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- An aching body
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick.
Guidance on managing Covid symptoms
Without a mandatory testing requirement, the NHS advice remains to avoid others and stay indoors if you're showing signs of Covid, saying on its webpage: "You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature."
It also includes advice for parents: "If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare."