For the last three years, Covid-19 has been a serious problem globally. Even though the pace of infection is quite controlled these days around the world, experts say that it should still not make the mistake of taking it lightly. Recently, scientists have confirmed the new variant EU.1.1 of Corona in some states of America, for which caution has been advised. Till July 6, the infection has been confirmed in 69.12 crore people worldwide, out of which 68.98 lakh people died.
In a recent figure regarding corona infection, experts have estimated that by the end of the year 2022, about 1 in 5 people in America had never been infected with COVID-19. This conclusion comes from the analysis of blood donation. The CDC will analyze donated blood from 143,000 people every 3 months through 2022 for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies.
Covid-19 figures are improving
As of July 3, more than 1.1 million people had died of COVID-19 in the US, according to CDC data. There has been a decrease in deaths in the first half of 2023 as compared to the first 3 years of the pandemic, 41,538 people have lost their lives this year.
Nearly 2 out of 3 deaths from COVID-19 this year occurred in a hospital or nursing home, and 89% of those who died were 65 years or older. This means that the prevention efforts made for COVID-19 have been good and the effect of coronavirus is decreasing over time.
The special role of vaccination
Health experts found that vaccination has played a special role in controlling the risks of corona. Donor blood is analyzed for the presence of antibodies produced by vaccination. On this basis, when the data of antibodies made in the body from the vaccine and natural infection were combined, it was found that by the end of the year 2022, about 97% of people had antibodies.
In the report, the CDC authors noted that the presence of antibodies in the body may help protect against infection and reduce the risk of severe disease, but antibody levels can vary from person to person. The authors said that no standard has yet been set indicating the minimum level of antibodies required.
Mutation continues in variants, be careful
Health experts say that even though the level of antibodies in the body is better and the global pace of corona is quite controlled, the danger is not averted. Researchers have told that the virus is still mutating so the risks of new variants cannot be ruled out in the future.
Keeping this risk in mind, American vaccine manufacturer Moderna has applied for approval of vaccines targeting new variants. India has also recently launched a special booster vaccine for Omicron variants.
(PC: Freepik)
