Reports from China indicate BF.7 is quicker to transmit and has greater capacity to escape prior immunity than other omicron subvariants. But we shouldn’t be alarmed at this stage.
There seems to be increased complacency around continued COVID infections, and even an attitude that they don’t matter. But they do – and we can reduce the risk.
We don’t have a lot of scientific evidence on how much additional protection a fourth dose would offer younger adults. But on balance, giving them the option could be worthwhile.
The risk of catching COVID at home wasn’t researched, advised on, legislated about, policed or managed as much as risk at work, school or in public places.
People who had COVID were 55% more likely to develop epilepsy or seizures over the next six months than people who had influenza – but the overall risk is still small.
Record numbers of young people have faced mental health difficulties during the pandemic. Our research suggests that those without computer access were more likely to be affected.
Our research has shown that people with high blood pressure are more likely to be admitted to hospital and die from COVID. But effective blood pressure control helps.
Cases of seasonal diseases may be higher due to a lack of exposure during the pandemic. Here are four graphs which give us some clues as to how things might play out.