The numbers of new Covid cases are starting to climb once again in Britain and a new strain of the SARS-Cov-2 virus is emerging. AY.4.2 is a variant of the worldwide dominant Delta variant. Last week, it accounted for 6% of new cases. This new variant has been identified elsewhere in Europe, as well as in the US. Although it is early, it appears that it may be even more infectious than the Delta variant. As a reminder, Delta is 5x more infectious than the original Wuhan virus and replicates 1000x more in the nose. It also causes worse disease and infects kids to a greater degree than the original form.
Two important issues here are that firstly, numbers are again on the rise in Britain, and as we have seen in every surge, the US follows trends in Britain. Secondly, this virus will continue to mutate as long as it is allowed to replicate. And although vaccinated people can get infected and re-infected, the rates are significantly lower than the rates in unvaccinated people. In addition, in those vaccinated individuals who do get infected, the duration and degree of infectiousness is much shorter. 98% of all Covid deaths, including in pregnant women, are in unvaccinated people. Simply put, vaccination dramatically slows down this virus.
I deleted a longer rant written out about the sad indifference and resistance to vaccination, not wanting to deal with the vitriolic aftermath it would probably have led to. I’m tired of repeating the message, but it’s important. Science evolves and the recommendations honest and objective doctors and scientists make adjust to that knowledge. The clear fact is that the information we continue to collect about this virus, the disease it causes and vaccination is that 1) you do not want to catch this virus and get this disease, and that 2) vaccination is safe and effective at preventing it or minimizing its effects. Vaccination is not the only way out, but it’s the best step you can take to protect yourself. But more importantly, it’s the best step you can take to protect everyone else.
All those other things remain important.
MASK UP. Wear a good one and wear it correctly.
DISTANCE and VENTILATE.
HYGIENE measures remain important, but you can stop Windexing your bananas.
VACCINATE, not only against Covid, but also the flu and whatever other communicable diseases we have vaccines against.
GET HEALTHY.
Stay safe and be well.
AC