Covid hospitalisations rise to 75 people per day–what does this mean for Christmas?
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As the holiday season approaches, health experts are sounding the alarm over a concerning surge in health cases.
What started as a manageable situation has quickly become a pressing issue, with hospitals feeling the strain.
What’s really going on behind the scenes, and how are authorities responding to the growing pressure?
A surge in Covid-19 cases has hit Western Australia (WA) just as the holiday period ramps up, urging residents to take extra precautions.
Authorities reported that the updated booster vaccine was made available to all residents, as the state grapples with a new wave of the virus.
Wastewater analysis and recent case data have painted a concerning picture, with the state’s frontline healthcare workers facing mounting pressure.
Hospitalisation numbers have risen, with the average number of people in hospital now at 75 per day.
WA Health had warned that this wave could peak during the holiday season, heightening fears of a spike in infections as people gather to celebrate Christmas.
The newly available Pfizer JN.1 vaccine has been tailored to target the latest subvariants of the virus, offering a potentially crucial layer of protection for the community.
‘Covid-19 has changed a lot over the past year within Australia and throughout the world,’ said Dr Paul Armstrong. He emphasised that the new vaccine could help provide stronger protection against the Omicron subvariants currently circulating in WA.
‘The new vaccine is expected to provide increased protection against the Omicron subvariants which are now circulating in WA,’ Dr Armstrong explained.
With the holiday season upon us, Dr Armstrong highlighted that those most at risk of severe illness from Covid-19 include older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions.
‘Covid-19 can cause life-threatening complications, particularly among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions,’ he said.
Given the increase in social gatherings over Christmas, there is growing concern about the virus spreading more easily.
To help mitigate risks, Dr Armstrong advised people to stay home if they feel unwell, as well as practice good hygiene and mask-wearing in high-risk indoor spaces.
‘The best way to protect yourself and those around you from Covid-19 is to stay home if you are unwell,’ Dr Armstrong stressed.
WA Health’s new guidelines recommend the booster for adults aged 75 and over who have completed their primary vaccination course and have not had a dose in the last six months.
Adults aged 65-74 and those who are severely immunocompromised are also encouraged to get a booster annually, with the option of an additional dose every six months based on individual health needs.
The department further urged anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home. Even mild symptoms can result in long Covid, a condition that has been shown to persist for months or even years after infection.
Recent studies have highlighted the impact of repeat infections on long Covid, suggesting the virus can linger in the body, particularly in the brain, long after the initial illness.
In a previous story, we explored the potential risks of a new Covid strain that could affect Australians during the upcoming holiday season.
This emerging strain has raised concerns about increased transmission and its impact on public health. Read the full article here.
How are you planning to protect yourself and your loved ones during this busy time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What started as a manageable situation has quickly become a pressing issue, with hospitals feeling the strain.
What’s really going on behind the scenes, and how are authorities responding to the growing pressure?
A surge in Covid-19 cases has hit Western Australia (WA) just as the holiday period ramps up, urging residents to take extra precautions.
Authorities reported that the updated booster vaccine was made available to all residents, as the state grapples with a new wave of the virus.
Wastewater analysis and recent case data have painted a concerning picture, with the state’s frontline healthcare workers facing mounting pressure.
Hospitalisation numbers have risen, with the average number of people in hospital now at 75 per day.
WA Health had warned that this wave could peak during the holiday season, heightening fears of a spike in infections as people gather to celebrate Christmas.
The newly available Pfizer JN.1 vaccine has been tailored to target the latest subvariants of the virus, offering a potentially crucial layer of protection for the community.
‘Covid-19 has changed a lot over the past year within Australia and throughout the world,’ said Dr Paul Armstrong. He emphasised that the new vaccine could help provide stronger protection against the Omicron subvariants currently circulating in WA.
‘The new vaccine is expected to provide increased protection against the Omicron subvariants which are now circulating in WA,’ Dr Armstrong explained.
With the holiday season upon us, Dr Armstrong highlighted that those most at risk of severe illness from Covid-19 include older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions.
‘Covid-19 can cause life-threatening complications, particularly among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions,’ he said.
Given the increase in social gatherings over Christmas, there is growing concern about the virus spreading more easily.
To help mitigate risks, Dr Armstrong advised people to stay home if they feel unwell, as well as practice good hygiene and mask-wearing in high-risk indoor spaces.
‘The best way to protect yourself and those around you from Covid-19 is to stay home if you are unwell,’ Dr Armstrong stressed.
WA Health’s new guidelines recommend the booster for adults aged 75 and over who have completed their primary vaccination course and have not had a dose in the last six months.
Adults aged 65-74 and those who are severely immunocompromised are also encouraged to get a booster annually, with the option of an additional dose every six months based on individual health needs.
The department further urged anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home. Even mild symptoms can result in long Covid, a condition that has been shown to persist for months or even years after infection.
Recent studies have highlighted the impact of repeat infections on long Covid, suggesting the virus can linger in the body, particularly in the brain, long after the initial illness.
In a previous story, we explored the potential risks of a new Covid strain that could affect Australians during the upcoming holiday season.
This emerging strain has raised concerns about increased transmission and its impact on public health. Read the full article here.
How are you planning to protect yourself and your loved ones during this busy time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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