How to avoid Covid summer wave and what to do if you get it

Researchers have announced a fresh surge in Covid cases following a rapid increase in hospitalizations and positive test results last week.

There was a significant increase in the number of people being admitted to hospitals by 24% in the past week. Additionally, the percentage of individuals testing positive for Covid also increased by 19% in laboratories and 13% at GPs.

According to this information, researchers think that we are currently experiencing the beginning of a summer surge.

According to experts, this upcoming surge could surpass the smaller one we saw in May, but they anticipate that the number of cases will be much lower compared to the peak we experienced during the fall and winter months, as well as other waves in the pandemic's history.

Nevertheless, they continue to stress the importance of being careful, stating that these recent statistics further prove that the virus is still present and can result in severe illness and long-term Covid. This is particularly true for individuals who are at high risk or have not been infected or vaccinated in a while.

Decrease Your Risk Of Covid

The experts' suggestions on lowering the chances of getting sick and what steps to take if you contract Covid are mostly the same as the government's recommendations. However, they provide additional advice since the official guidelines have not been revised recently.

Firstly, researchers prioritize testing for the virus if you are experiencing symptoms. Despite official advice stating that individuals are not obligated to take a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if they exhibit symptoms, scientists still emphasize the importance of testing in such cases.

Researchers advised that individuals who have the means should consider getting tested if they are experiencing common symptoms like coughing, fever, or tiredness. Testing kits are no longer provided for free in pharmacies and usually range in price from £1 to £2, depending on the quantity purchased and the supplier.

If you test positive for an illness, or if you are experiencing severe symptoms without being tested, it is recommended to refrain from going to work if you can. This is to prevent spreading the virus to others. It is also important to continue getting tested to ensure that you do not return to work while still carrying the virus.

The official advice, which comes from a time when tests were easily accessible, suggests that adults should "attempt to remain at home and steer clear of others for 5 days after taking the test" while children should avoid contact for three days.

This advice does not go as far as suggesting that individuals completely cease working if they have the virus.

Experts recommend taking a break from work for a few days to fully recover from the virus. However, it is acknowledged that not everyone may be able to financially afford to do so.

Which Vaccines Should You Take?

Researchers also recommend that individuals who qualify for a complimentary booster shot should avail themselves of the opportunity during the spring booster program, which will be available until June 30th.

The UK Health Security Agency has always supported this idea, even though it is not specifically mentioned in the official guidance on the NHS website.

Nevertheless, scientists delve deeper into this topic.

Some people believe that those who have the means should opt for a private vaccination, ideally getting vaccinated twice a year. The cost typically ranges between £45 and £100 per jab.

This would be very helpful for individuals aged 50 and above or those who live with people who are vulnerable. However, scientists recommend that as many people as possible should consider getting the vaccine.

The vaccines are available at Boots and independent pharmacies that are part of the Pharmadoctor program.

Wearing masks is also advised to help keep the wearer safe from getting Covid or spreading it to others, especially in busy areas where the likelihood of passing on the virus is greater.

'Covid Remains A Threat'

In simple terms, individuals should remember that Covid is still present and act accordingly, even though it may not be receiving much focus from officials and the media, according to experts.

Professor Lawrence Young, a scientist who studies viruses at Warwick University, emphasized the importance of individuals testing for symptoms and taking measures to prevent spreading the infection. He suggested staying at home when feeling unwell and wearing a face mask in crowded indoor places such as supermarkets.

"We need to be careful about the people who are at highest risk in our community and make sure we do everything we can to keep them safe from getting very sick. People who are 50 and older, as well as those who live with people who are more vulnerable, should think about getting a private vaccine," he mentioned.

Professor Young is discussing how the virus is evolving, creating new strains that may become more contagious and harder to fight off with our current vaccines.

"By conducting tests, getting vaccinated, and wearing masks, we can limit the spread and mutation of the virus. Unfortunately, the lack of concern about Covid-19 has resulted in individuals with symptoms not being tested or taking precautions to stop the transmission of the virus," he explains.

Although not feasible for everyone, we should think about working from home until we are no longer able to spread the infection.

Anyone who is severely ill with a cold and persistent cough should think about staying home. This is especially important if you have tested positive for Covid," he stated.

Professor Steve Griffin, from Leeds University, believes that the guidelines for isolation periods should not be seen as strict rules.

"It's important to remember that the timeframes mentioned are completely random and the most accurate way to determine if you can spread the virus is by testing positive on a quick test," he explained. He stressed the importance of swabbing both the nose and throat, even if the test instructions only mention using a nasal sample.

"Even a faint line indicates that you are releasing enough virus to spread to someone else. In addition, there is a lot of evidence that disproves the idea that children shed the virus for a shorter period of time and/or do not spread infection," he explained.

Simon Williams, a professor at Swansea University, believes that the current Covid guidelines are not very clear. For instance, they suggest reducing contact with others if you feel too unwell to attend school or work. In contrast, other countries like the US have more detailed and definitive guidelines, such as those provided by the CDC.

It is crucial for those who qualify to receive their spring booster as soon as possible. However, the deadline for this is approaching quickly [June 30], so individuals must act promptly.

He recommended wearing a face mask in hospitals or care facilities with at-risk individuals, or if you are at risk yourself in a crowded indoor environment.