Study suggests two-thirds with Omicron were reinfected

Study suggests two-thirds with Omicron were reinfected

A recent study, React, has indicated that up to two-thirds of people with Omicron were reinfected as they have had Covid before.

The ongoing study involves swab-testing millions of volunteers across England.

Healthcare workers and households with children or large families (under one roof) were listed as those who are more likely to be reinfected with the virus, especially with how contagious Omicron is compared to other variants.

It is still unclear how many of the volunteers were fully vaccinated.

65 percent of infected volunteers claimed that they had tested positive before, but the results still need to be looked into further to confirm this.

Reinfected individuals are currently not counted in the official Covid figures each week, but this is due to change on Monday 31 January.

According to the BBC, React programme director Prof Paul Elliott, from Imperial College London, said: “There is rapidly increasing prevalence among children now they are mixing more following the start of the school term and, compared with December, prevalence in older people, aged 65 plus, has increased… which may lead to increased hospitalisations.

“It’s therefore vital that we continue to monitor the situation closely.”

UK Health Security Agency chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself from severe disease and hospitalisation from Omicron, and I would urge anyone who has not done so to come forward for their primary and booster doses as soon as possible.

“The impact the vaccination is having on preventing severe disease and hospitalisations is clear to see.

“To ensure we continue on the downward trend and protect our communities, it is still important for us all to follow public-health advice, particularly in crowded spaces and areas of poor ventilation.

“If you are visiting friends and family, make sure to take a test before going out.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid added: “It’s reassuring to see Covid-19 infections beginning to slow across the country, as we move back to Plan A.

“Rates are still high, so as we learn to live with the virus it is vital we continue to be vigilant – wash your hands, let in fresh air, get tested and, if you haven’t already, get boosted.”

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