Last week set a new record for the number of new cases worldwide since the pandemic started, Bloomberg News reports.
Since the start of the virus, Johns Hopkins University has maintained a website tracking cases. It tracks both the number of positive cases and fatalities. In the last week it reports over 5 million new cases.
This is a 12% jump in new COVID-19 infections from a week earlier.
Bloomberg notes that this increase surpassed the previous high set in mid-December. More, they note while new infections are dropping in the United States and other countries due to vaccinations, they are rising elsewhere. In particular, India and Brazil are seeing a surge in new cases.
More, new variants of the virus are contributing to the rise in cases. “Brazil is where one of the most potentially deadly coronavirus mutations, the P.1 variant, was identified in December. Studies suggest these strains — along with variants first seen in South Africa and the U.K. — are more contagious”, they noted.
Vaccines are Key
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. More, everyone 16 or older in the United States can now get a free vaccine regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Moreover, they are safe and effective. Also, while some “breakthrough cases” do occur, vaccines substantially curb the symptoms.
Additionally, here are our key health messages on vaccines:
Vaccines Protect the Person Receiving it
Vaccines help to protect us from the virus. More, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing your second dose.
Vaccine Protect Others, too
Vaccines also protect others. More, it is important to remember that some cannot receive it, including children. Also you can be infected with it but show no symptoms, but still can spread it to others.
Please get vaccinated. And encourage others, too.
Previous Infection will not Protect you
If you previously had the virus, you still would need the shot. And here is why.
First, it is unclear how long immunity lasts. We wrote a number of articles documenting reinfection. And that is because there are new strains. More, viruses mutate over time. Thus, the strains currently being spread are different from the strains from last year.
So even if you had the virus, you can potentially get it again.
Second, it protects others. Early evidence shows vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. And remember, not everyone is eligible to receive it.