IRELAND: Duration of Covid Immunity Shortened; No Protection - Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory

Ireland: People infected with Covid-19 in December and January are not protected from the current wave of the disease, says the director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory.

The duration of immunity from covid infection is very short now. Dr. de Gascon said maybe four to six months. "Immunity against people infected with the Omicron variants is lower than with the earlier alpha and delta variants. However, currently circulating variants appear to cause severe disease in vaccinated people because they affect the upper respiratory tract rather than the lungs.

The BA.4 and BA.5 variants currently affecting Ireland are distinct from the B.A1 variant, which caused very large outbreaks in December and January". People infected with the virus in April may have "some protection" in the current wave. Dr. de Gascon's comment comes amid a further increase in the number of people infected with the virus in the hospital.

The Royal College of Surgeons says people should not go to work if they have symptoms, and children should not be sent to summer camps or parties if they have symptoms or a cold.

"A lot of covid is seen again after social events like weddings and funerals... those are the earliest symptoms you show when you are most susceptible. Please think of others who may be more vulnerable and stay at home," they said.

That's more than double what it was three weeks ago. This is the highest level since April 14 when 904 people were hospitalized due to Covid. The number of Covid-19 patients in the intensive care unit has remained relatively stable. However, health officials say about half of those hospitalized with the virus were admitted for other reasons.

To get the latest news & information from www.irishindianmirror.com click on the link and follow:  Indian in Ireland | Accommodation |