Recent data has shown a concerning increase in Covid-19 hospitalisations in the UK, following the emergence of new variants. According to reports, hospitalisations have risen by 33.1% in recent weeks, raising alarm among health officials and the general population.
This surge in hospitalisations can be attributed to the increased transmissibility of new variants such as Delta and Omicron. These variants have been found to spread more rapidly than previous strains, leading to a higher number of cases and ultimately more severe illness requiring hospitalisation.
The KP. 3 variant, which emerged in early April, belongs to a new group of COVID-19 variants collectively known as FLiRT.
The name of these variants was inspired by the mutations found in their genetic code and they are an offshoot from the JN. 1 variant, which could transmit efficiently through one or two additional mutations.
The highest hospital admission rate for confirmed COVID-19 continues to be in those aged over 85 years, increasing to 34.70 per 100,000 following a short interval of decreases. However increases also occurred for those aged between 65 and 74 years, in those aged between 75 and 84 years, and most of the younger age groups.
The demographic with the highest hospital admission is still those over the age of 85, with a rise to 34.70 per 100,000, while there also has been increases in other age groups such as people aged 65 to 74.
This new spread is a consequence of the population's immunity weakening, uptake for the spring booster that's available for people who are vulnerable was lower this year compared to 2023.
Vaccines also remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19. That's why over-75s, those who have a weakened immune system, and anyone living in a care home for older adults, are advised to come forward for their spring vaccination.
According to the UKHSA, three strings of the FLiRT variant called KP.1.1, KP.2 and KP.3 have been responsible for 40 per cent of all Covid cases in the UK as of April 2024.
KP.2 drove a spike in cases over the spring and KP.3 appears to be fuelling the beginning of a summer surge.
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