(2022-03-10) England Covid Vs Influenza

Due to a combination of high levels of immunity and the reduced severity of the Omicron variant has rendered COVID-19 less lethal than influenza (the flu) for the vast majority of people in England

According to the analysis, in England, a COVID infection is around 40x less likely to result in death now than it was in January 2021(height of the Alpha wave and pre-vaccines). Mass vaccination efforts reduced the infection fatality ratio (IFR) by 11x, which was further reduced by boosters. Omicron then further reduced it by another 4x

Regarding the recent uptick in hospital admissions in the UK, it appears to be reassuringly due to incidental COVID+ testing per NHS data.

As always, the COVID-19 vaccines are extremely effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization AND death even in the face of Omicron (THAT INCLUDES BA.2). Make sure you are protected. Get boosted if you can.