According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 2.3 million people had the virus last week, a 32% increase on the previous week. While this is the highest number recorded since late April, it is still lower than the peak seen in late March, where the Omicron BA.2 (the stealth variant) led to a record 4.9 million cases. But more than two years after the pandemic and many variants later, how do we distinguish a mild infection from a more severe one? Here’s what you need to know.
Why are cases increasing?
The gradient in case numbers is reduced to two new strains, BA.4 and BA.5, which are sub-variants of Omicron. They were flagged as “variants of concern” by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control in May. The UK Health Safety Authority (UKHSA) claims that BA.5 grows 35% faster than BA.2, while BA.4 grows only 1% faster – meaning BA.5 is dominant. via PA Graphics/Press Association images These two strains spread very easily and seem to evade antibody responses even in those who are naturally immune and fully vaccinated. They are thought to have mutations in their spike proteins, which allow them to retrain their attacks on human lung cells. Vaccines will still protect against serious illness, experts say, although rising hospitalizations remain a concern. It’s been around six months since most people in the UK received their booster shot as part of the winter induction schedule, meaning the vaccine’s effectiveness is waning. Increased socializing at major events such as the Jubilee bank holiday weekend and the return of festivals such as Glastonbury will also have accelerated the number of cases. My guess is based on this: BA.4/BA.5 escape, while not as dramatic as Omicron escape from vaccine or Delta immunity, is enough to cause problems and lead to a wave of infection. But it is not likely to cause much more severe disease than the previous wave, especially in vaccinated people. — Alex Sigal (@sigallab) April 29, 2022
What are the symptoms of BA.4 and BA.5?
Despite new concerns about the new subvariants, the UKHSA claims there is “currently no evidence” that they cause more severe disease than previous strains or come with new symptoms. Shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell were more common with earlier strains of the virus, such as Alpha.
Cough Catarrh Sore throat Fatigue Headache Muscle pain Sneeze Pain
So, how do you know if you have a serious infection?
There is one key sign that distinguishes mild infections from more serious illnesses. Dr Dan Goyal, consultant in internal medicine at NHS Highland, pointed out that it depends on your breathing. In a Twitter thread, he wrote: “To be absolutely clear, shortness of breath is NOT a ‘normal’ feature of Covid. “Shortness of breath indicates severe Covid (or worse) until proven otherwise.” He suggested that silent hypoxia is an additional major concern and “the most difficult part of managing Covid”. This happens when the oxygen in your blood is very low, but the patient is not aware of any related symptoms. Dr. Goyal describes it as where “the lungs are inflamed but you don’t feel short of breath.” The difficult part of Covid and why my colleagues and I recommend clinical triage for all at-risk people with Covid is the presence of Silent Hypoxia. Tbf, it’s the hardest part of managing Covid. — Dr Dan Goyal (@danielgoyal) July 3, 2022 To detect this, he recommended purchasing a pulse oximeter from your local pharmacist. This measures how much oxygen is in your blood. Dr. Goyal said levels of 95% or more are fine, but below 95% require medical attention. When the oximeter shows oxygen levels of 93% or 94%, this means you need support from the GP and if it is 92% or lower, you need to go to A&E. Other signs include feeling flu-like symptoms, severe fatigue from small amounts of exertion (such as walking up stairs), any fever lasting more than a few days, and any signs of confusion were further warning signs.
What should you do if you test positive for Covid?
Now that there are no official measures to reduce transmission to the general public, it’s unclear how people are supposed to respond if they test positive. It’s best to isolate yourself if you can. If you have a mild case, it should resolve on its own within a few days. However, this is not the case for everyone and serious illness can develop in some people. Any breathing problems are a danger sign and need medical attention. Dr Goyal advised people to ask themselves: “If it wasn’t Covid, would I contact a doctor?” Pushing yourself to continue with regular activities can worsen recovery, so wait until you are completely better before returning to your normal daily life. If you are in a high-risk group, you may be eligible for antiviral treatments that reduce hospitalization and the overall health risk of catching Covid. However, you must take them before the end of the fifth day of the onset of symptoms for them to work.
How can you avoid Covid?
Ventilation and face masks are still key to protecting you from infection. Covid can stay in the air for hours, so open doors and windows where possible. Vaccines are a “game changer,” says Dr. Goyal, in terms of reducing the severity of the virus, meaning that even those who are hospitalized have a good chance of recovery if fully vaccinated. The suit also reduces your chances of contracting a serious illness, as well as wearing the more protective FFP2 masks. As Dr Goyal noted: “The long and the short of it [is] the fewer infections the better and the longer you delay getting infected the better the cures. A little effort is worth it just now.”
