COVID is making a comeback yet again, proving it’s far from being old news.
While some might think the pandemic is just a bad memory, fresh data shows infections have more than doubled since January—clear proof that COVID isn’t going anywhere. Cases have been creeping up this year as vaccine protection wears off and new variants pop up.
The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures reveal the “positivity rate” rose from 4.2% to 4.5% in the week ending Sunday, April 6, leading to a 7% jump in COVID-positive hospital patients across England. Back in early January, when infections hit a two-year low, only 2.2% of tests came back positive—roughly 1 in 330 people.
Even though current numbers are just a quarter of last summer’s peak, Brits are being told not to let their guard down.
While a repeat of a “pandemic-level crisis like in 2020” is unlikely, Dr. Wylie warns that those who haven’t recently received a booster shot or had a COVID-19 infection remain the most vulnerable to new variants.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency, collected during the 2024 spring vaccination program, shows that within two months of vaccination, people had over a 40% lower risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to those who weren’t vaccinated.
Dr. Wylie explains, “Seasonal changes and increased indoor social mixing can contribute to the spread, much like we see with other respiratory viruses.”
“Common symptoms include a sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, and sometimes a fever or loss of taste or smell, though the latter is less frequent now.”
Around 7.5 million people in England are eligible for the NHS spring booster shot, which will be available from April 1 to June 17.
Vaccinations are available for the following groups:
- People aged 75 and over.
- Residents living in aged care facilities.
- Individuals between six months and 74 years old with weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of severe illness.
And if you’re currently 74 but turning 75 on June 17, 2025, you don’t have to wait until your birthday—you’re still eligible.
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