Covid-19: Dr Hilary discusses the impact of omicron on the NHS
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With the Omicron variant spreading fast and cases growing each day, TV doctor Hilary Jones hasn’t managed to dodge the bullet of catching Covid either. He told Lorraine about how the infection was for him and what helped.
Dr Hilary said: “I had it over Christmas, I tested positive. I think a lot of people are going to get this variant.
“I thanked the Lord that I had the three jabs because it certainly mitigated serious infection.”
He described his personal experience with the virus as “a bad cold”. “I’ve come out the other side,” he added.
“I thank my lucky stars that we have the vaccines which protect us so well,” said the TV doctor.
Lorraine agreed with the doctor saying: “We are so lucky to have that, we really are, it made all the difference in the world.”
Dr Hilary isn’t the only one to stress the efficacy of the Covid jabs against serious infection, as health regulators also share the same message.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that all approved COVID-19 vaccines are not only safe and effective but can also lower the risk of “severe illness” and death.
The best protection is offered to those who are fully vaccinated against the virus.
Clinical trials also note that vaccines are able to protect against both symptomatic and asymptomatic coronavirus infections.
The jab efficacy against hospitalisation also remains “relatively high” over time.
However, this might be “slightly lower” for older adults and people with compromised immune systems.
Although vaccines are effective, research found a certain decline in their efficacy over time.
That’s why everyone needs to get a booster shot to receive optimal protection, according to CDC.
Currently in the UK, everyone aged over 18 who had their second dose at least three months ago is eligible for a booster top-up.
What are the symptoms of Covid?
The main three symptoms of the coronavirus infection are high temperature, new, continuous cough and loss or change to taste and smell.
However, the rise in Omicron cases has also brought new data detailing different symptoms linked to the new strain.
What are the symptoms of Omicron?
According to reports from South Africa and patients who tested positive for the new strain, Omicron symptoms include:
- Scratchy throat
- Mild muscle aches
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Night sweats.
In the UK, the ZOE COVID Study app is monitoring the new dominant strain, looking at the symptoms reported by the app’s users.
While 50 percent of people who tested positive have reported being targeted by the original coronavirus symptoms, the other half is experiencing different signs.
ZOE’s data suggests common symptoms also include brain fog and loss of appetite.
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