The REACT study gathers results of swab tests to seek trends in the pandemic in the UK. It may not be entirely accurate, but it is hugely significant as one of the largest pieces of research. The latest data from REACT suggests repeat omicron infections are surprisingly common there. This may partly explain why UK daily infections are still so high.
Are Two Thirds of UK Omicron Infections Repeats?
This is what the latest numbers suggest to REACT analysts. Moreover, the information is credible because those repeats are more likely to be among health workers and households with children, or many members under one roof. Could REACT be suggesting repeat omicron infections occur in familiar surroundings?
The latest data comes from approximately 100,000 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests during the first two weeks of 2022. The health authority mailed the kits to volunteers who used and then returned them. Some 4,000 of those tests were positive. This is the highest rate since the pandemic began.
The authority submitted a selection of positive tests for sequencing. This process confirmed almost all the results were Omicron infections. We already know this variant is driving a surge in UK, where most people are spending time indoors to escape the winter cold.
REACT Data Suggests Most Were Repeat Omicron Infections
The data does not confirm how many of the infected people were vaccinated. Although the United Kingdom does boast a high vaccination rate. Whatever the case may be, we now know two shots offer little protection against catching Omicron according to BBC. But empirical evidence suggests the treatment does offer protection against severe infections.
Two out of every three volunteers in the infected group said they had already previously tested positive for COVID. Therefore it was possible some of their tests picked up shadows from a previous bout. Meanwhile the infection rate has begun gradually subsiding.
But rates are still high according to UK Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid. ‘So as we learn to live with the virus it is vital we continue to be vigilant,’ he says. ‘Wash your hands, let in fresh air, have a test and, if you haven’t already, get the booster.’
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