A new study launched in the UK by Imperial College is revealing that the new variant of COVID-19 spreads faster and affects younger people.
Latest from @Colegio Imperial – spreads faster, affects young people https://t.co/JEFWZOW75y @meera_chand
– Dr. Stephen T Webb (@stephen_t_webb) January 2, 2021
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Examining growth trends
“Wand examine growth trends in target S gene failures (SGTF) and local area level non-SGTF case numbers across England, and show that the concern variant (VOC) has greater transmissibility than non-VOC strains, even if the VOC has a different latent period or generation time. The available data from the SGTF indicate a change in the age composition of reported cases, with a higher proportion of under 20s among reported VOCs than cases without VOC “, says the study.
The new research, however, does not contradict previous studies that found that the new strain did not have a higher mortality rate and that current vaccines will be effective against it.
Breaking point
In the meantime, the intensive care society has released an announcement stating that the intensive care team in the UK is on the verge of a breaking point.
“Intensive care units (ICUs) are under extreme pressure as they continue to care for the sickest patients with COVID-19, as well as providing care to other critically ill patients in need of intensive care. We see news that the number of ICU beds is running out. The issue is not the beds, the issue is the lack of staff available to care for these very sick patients. A bed does not care for a patient, it is the team of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, advanced doctors, pharmacists and incredible health scientists who are struggling to keep him alive, “the statement said.
The announcement added that the country is in the middle of a second wave of infections with 53,135 new COVID-19 cases notified on December 29, 2020 by the Department of Health and Social Assistance and that there is a very high risk that staff in the intensive care unit will be overloaded.