Independent SAGE continues

Independent SAGE's Substack focuses on Covid-19 updates, research, and public health strategies. It covers data analysis, vaccines, variants, Long Covid, economic impacts, public health measures, and international cooperation. The Substack aims to provide expert insights every two weeks to keep the public informed and prepared.

Covid-19 Research Vaccines Variants Long Covid Public Health Measures Economic Impacts International Cooperation

The hottest Substack posts of Independent SAGE continues

And their main takeaways

The UK Covid Inquiry First Report on Resilience and Preparedness

479 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Policy Health Systems Crisis Management
  1. The UK Covid Inquiry found serious issues from the Covid-19 pandemic that show we aren't ready for the next outbreak. This means improvements are really needed.
  2. The report suggests 10 key changes to build a better response system for future pandemics. It's important these changes are made in a complete way, not just in bits and pieces.
  3. There is a looming threat of new diseases, like avian flu, crossing into humans. We need to prepare now because we don't know when the next pandemic will hit.

England's ongoing Covid wave and new Long Covid research

359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Covid response Long Covid Research Epidemiology
  1. England is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19, which has been ongoing and affecting many people's lives and plans.
  2. Recent research shows that being vaccinated significantly lowers the risk of developing Long Covid, but it's still a concern for a large number of people.
  3. Even with a lower chance of Long Covid now, frequent Covid waves mean that many people continue to suffer from long-term symptoms and disruption in their daily lives.

Is the current Covid wave in England peaking?

439 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infection Control
  1. Covid cases in England might be peaking now, as recent hospital admissions have been flat. This wave is bigger than last May's but lower than previous peaks.
  2. The KP.3 variant is currently dominant in England. While it can evade some immunity, it doesn't seem to cause more severe illness.
  3. Improving indoor air quality and monitoring wastewater for viruses could help manage Covid and other infections. The government needs a better plan for future pandemics, including research on Long Covid.

Independent SAGE has joined substack!

1418 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Vaccination Data Analysis
  1. Independent SAGE has launched a Substack to share insights about Covid research and data. They aim to provide valuable information directly from experts to the public.
  2. They plan to post updates roughly every two weeks, including responses to important new research and news. This helps keep everyone informed about the ongoing situation.
  3. The Substack will remain free for subscribers, encouraging more people to stay updated on Covid developments and public health measures.

Covid Situation Report: Jul 18, 2024

279 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Infectious Diseases COVID-19 updates
  1. Covid cases are rising again in England, especially among older people. This suggests that the virus is still active and not just a seasonal illness.
  2. Hospital admissions for Covid are also increasing and approaching the levels seen during last winter's peak. This means the healthcare system could face more pressure soon.
  3. Despite fewer deaths from Covid compared to last year, there has been a recent increase in fatalities. It's crucial to stay cautious and follow health guidelines to minimize risks.
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Quick update on Covid in England. Plus manifestos!

479 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Vaccination Government Policy Health Systems
  1. There was a rise in Covid cases in May due to a new variant and reduced immunity, but it was smaller than previous waves. People received booster shots which helped protect the vulnerable.
  2. A new wave of Covid is expected this June, which may be larger than May's but hopefully not as big as last winter's. Countries like Portugal and California show signs of increased cases.
  3. The manifestos from political parties in the UK focused on future pandemic preparedness. The Greens and Liberal Democrats have plans for cleaner air, while Labour and Conservatives are less specific about Covid strategies.

Masks work, our comprehensive review has found

639 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Infectious Diseases Healthcare policy
  1. Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases, including Covid-19, when worn correctly and consistently.
  2. N95 respirators are more effective than medical or cloth masks, especially in healthcare settings.
  3. Political beliefs and misinformation can affect how people view mask-wearing, but it's important for public health and safety.

When will the COVID race be run?

1218 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Pandemic response Health Inequality Long Covid
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic isn't a race that simply ends; it changes over time and is influenced by how well we can respond to the virus.
  2. Vaccines have helped reduce severe cases of COVID-19, but many vulnerable people still face risks, and measures need to be put in place to protect them.
  3. Improving ventilation and using masks can help slow down the virus's spread, and next-generation vaccines may offer better long-term protection.

The failures of 2020: why didn’t the UK ‘Act Fast and Isolate’?

979 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Government Policy Health Systems Infectious Disease
  1. The UK did not act quickly enough during the early stages of the pandemic, leading to a high number of avoidable deaths. Other countries, especially in East Asia, took swift actions that resulted in much lower death rates.
  2. Public health measures, like efficient testing and isolation support, were not properly implemented in the UK. This failure caused prolonged lockdowns and significant economic damage.
  3. Learning from the successes of East Asian countries is crucial for future pandemic responses. The UK needs to adapt its public health strategies to be more proactive and supportive.

Will a two for one on autumn boosters be with us soon?

399 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health COVID-19 Misinformation
  1. In the UK, the announcement for the autumn vaccine campaign is delayed, leaving many unsure about what vaccines will be available. Countries often announce their plans earlier, which could affect the procurement process.
  2. There are new vaccines on the horizon, including a two-in-one shot for both flu and COVID-19. While this is exciting, it won't be available until at least 2025 or 2026.
  3. Vaccination uptake is a big concern as many people, especially in certain ethnic minorities, aren't getting vaccinated. Misinformation can heavily influence people's choices, which is why easy access to vaccines is really important.

The WHO pandemic treaty is neccessary and absolutely no threat to sovereignty

539 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic Preparedness International Agreements Public Health Misinformation
  1. The WHO pandemic treaty is important for better international cooperation during pandemics. Countries need to work together to be better prepared and respond to future health crises.
  2. There is a lot of misinformation about the treaty, particularly claims about losing control to WHO. In reality, the treaty aims to respect each country's sovereignty while improving global health collaboration.
  3. Strong leadership and understanding are necessary to combat disinformation. Governments must focus on making effective agreements for global health, ensuring everyone is better protected next time a pandemic strikes.

Covid Situation Report: Jul 11, 2024

219 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Disease Control Healthcare policy
  1. Covid case rates and hospital admissions are stabilizing, but they are still higher than May's figures. It looks like the peak may have passed, but caution is needed.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign had lower vaccine coverage compared to previous campaigns, especially among vulnerable groups. This means more people might be at risk.
  3. Long Covid remains a concern for everyone, and it's important to take safety measures like self-isolating and wearing masks if you're feeling unwell.

The AstraZeneca vaccine saved millions of lives – it should not be demonised

479 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Epidemiology Health Policy Global Health
  1. The AstraZeneca vaccine played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during the pandemic. It was affordable and easy to distribute, especially in poorer countries.
  2. Although there were concerns about rare side effects like blood clots, these issues were quickly identified and monitored. The benefits of the vaccine far outweighed the risks.
  3. Now, there are newer vaccines that are safer and easier to update for new variants. This doesn't take away from the important impact the AZ vaccine had in 2021.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 20, 2024

299 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Long Covid Healthcare policy
  1. Covid positivity rates and hospital admissions are on the rise again, indicating that the virus is spreading more in the community. It's important to stay cautious.
  2. Long Covid is affecting many people, with over 1.1 million reporting symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks. This shows that even after initial recovery, some individuals continue to face health challenges.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing but is seeing slower vaccination rates compared to previous campaigns. It's crucial for eligible individuals, especially the immunosuppressed, to get vaccinated before the campaign ends.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 27, 2024

239 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Healthcare policy Vaccination
  1. Covid cases in England are rising again, especially in the North East and North West, but they are still at relatively low levels overall.
  2. Deaths from Covid have slightly increased recently, but they remain lower compared to last year, with only 101 deaths recorded for a recent week.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ending soon, and while 55% of those eligible have received it, many immunocompromised individuals still need to get vaccinated.

The "cost" of COVID-19

699 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Long Covid Healthcare Costs Economic Impact
  1. COVID-19 is still an economic issue, and the impact of Long Covid needs to be considered in vaccine decisions. Vaccination helps prevent Long Covid, but we don't fully understand how long this protection lasts.
  2. Many people are unable to access vaccines, especially children. In contrast, other countries widely vaccinate kids, while the UK has limited offers.
  3. Long Covid can significantly affect people's ability to work and has a heavy economic burden. This includes healthcare costs and loss of income, which could impact the economy in the long run.

Covid levels remain low but new variants are coming, as is bird flu

499 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Infectious Diseases Pandemic Preparedness Vaccination
  1. Covid levels are currently low in the UK, but new variants are expected to emerge soon. We need to stay alert as these variants could cause more infections.
  2. There's growing concern about bird flu as it spreads among animals and may jump to humans. Health experts worry this could lead to the next pandemic.
  3. It's important to prepare for future outbreaks by improving vaccines, treatments, and surveillance systems based on lessons learned from Covid.

Covid Situation Report: May 9, 2024

319 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response
  1. Covid cases are going up, especially for older people. It's important for them to stay safe and monitor their health.
  2. A new variant called KP.2 is spreading but doesn't seem to be much stronger than previous strains. We should keep an eye on it.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster shots are being given out quickly, which is good for protecting vulnerable groups as Covid levels rise.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 6, 2024

219 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases Healthcare policy
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising, especially among older people, but hospital admissions remain stable and low. It’s important to stay cautious.
  2. Older individuals face a higher risk of being hospitalized or dying from Covid. It's crucial to get vaccinated, especially for those over 75 and immunocompromised.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing, but vaccination rates are slowing. People should check their eligibility and consider getting their booster before the end of June.

Covid Situation Report: May 30, 2024

219 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Health Policy
  1. Covid positivity rates in England have recently peaked and are starting to decline, indicating that this small wave of Covid is likely over.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is doing well, with over 3.6 million doses given, but many immunocompromised individuals still need better vaccine coverage.
  3. A new variant called KP.2 is spreading, but it doesn't seem to be significantly more effective than other existing variants at this time.

Covid Situation Report: Mar 28, 2024

339 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Vaccination
  1. Covid cases and hospital admissions are currently low and showing a downward trend. This means the winter surge is considered over.
  2. The Juno variant is still the main strain, but no new variants have been detected that could cause another surge.
  3. A Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting for vulnerable groups, reminding us that older individuals have a higher risk of hospitalization if infected.

Vaccines for all?

299 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Global Health Public Health Health Equity Disease Prevention
  1. Many children around the world are not getting vaccinated, especially in poor or remote areas. This puts them at high risk for diseases like measles, which is highly contagious.
  2. Vaccine access can be improved with flexible delivery methods, like mobile clinics that bring vaccines directly to communities. This has worked well in places like Sierra Leone and Scotland.
  3. There's a lot of fear and misinformation about vaccines that affects people's willingness to get vaccinated. It's important to listen to concerns and provide accurate information to build trust.

Covid Situation Report: May 16, 2024

199 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Policy Data Reporting
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising again, but hospital admissions have mostly stabilized. Older adults, especially those over 65, still face higher hospitalization rates.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is going well, with over 2.8 million doses given. However, many immunocompromised individuals have not been vaccinated yet.
  3. Covid deaths are much lower compared to last year, proving that while we have challenges, the situation is improving overall.

Covid Situation Report: May 23, 2024

179 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Health Policy Epidemiology
  1. Covid positivity rates have peaked and are now decreasing, indicating a potential end to the recent wave of infections.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is going well, with over 3.3 million doses given, but vaccination among vulnerable groups remains low.
  3. A new variant, KP.2, is spreading but doesn't appear to be more aggressive than others currently in circulation.

Updated estimates of Long Covid in England and Scotland show that it remains a serious issue

239 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Chronic Illness Health Research
  1. About 1.1 million people in England and Scotland are estimated to have Long Covid lasting at least 12 weeks, which is a significant number. This suggests that Long Covid is still a serious health problem affecting many individuals.
  2. Most people with Long Covid have been living with it for a long time; over 50% have had it for more than two years. Many new cases are still emerging, especially among those with repeated infections.
  3. Long Covid significantly impacts daily life for many, with nearly 73% experiencing some limitations and about 23% facing major difficulties in their daily activities. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating.

What does the latest data tell us about Long Covid?

219 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Chronic Illness Health Inequality
  1. Long Covid is still a big health problem, with about 2 million people in the UK affected as of March 2024.
  2. Certain groups are more likely to suffer from Long Covid, such as those living in poorer areas and certain ethnic groups, especially Mixed and Asian communities.
  3. Many people with Long Covid experience serious symptoms that greatly affect their daily activities, especially if they've been suffering for over two years.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 25, 2024

219 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Healthcare systems Infectious Diseases Long Covid
  1. Covid cases in England have stabilized, with low hospital admissions, even though there was a slight rise in positivity rates this week.
  2. Long Covid continues to affect about 2 million people in England and Scotland, especially those aged 45 to 64, with many suffering for over two years.
  3. A new Spring Covid vaccine campaign is underway, targeting the elderly and vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions against Covid.

Covid Situation Report: Mar 21, 2024

299 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Healthcare policy Epidemiology Disease Prevention
  1. Covid hospital admissions are low and stable, indicating the winter surge is over. Rates for flu are slightly higher than for Covid right now.
  2. Deaths due to Covid have decreased in the past month, reflecting lower infection rates. Overall, Covid is still present but at manageable levels.
  3. Older adults are at higher risk for hospitalization if they get Covid. It's important to limit contact when showing symptoms to protect yourself and others.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 18, 2024

219 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare policy Disease Control
  1. The Covid situation is improving, with lower hospital admissions and positivity rates compared to before. However, some areas are seeing slight increases.
  2. There is a new booster campaign for older adults and those at risk, highlighting the ongoing need for vaccination to prevent severe outcomes.
  3. Covid is still around and can be serious, especially for older people, so it's important to follow safety measures when feeling unwell.

Covid Situation Report: May 2, 2024

179 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Infectious Disease Epidemiology Healthcare policy
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising, especially among people aged 65 and older. But overall, hospital admission rates for Covid remain relatively low.
  2. The Autumn 2023 booster significantly reduced hospitalization risks for older individuals, but its effectiveness decreases significantly after 15 weeks. A successful Spring 2024 booster campaign is needed to protect vulnerable populations.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign started strong, with over 1.3 million doses given in the first two weeks. It's important for eligible individuals to get vaccinated as Covid levels may be increasing.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 13, 2024

99 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Epidemiology Infectious Diseases Health Policy
  1. Covid levels in England have stabilised after a minor rise in mid-May. Most regions are showing low and stable rates.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster vaccination campaign is going well, with 3.9 million doses given, but more needs to be done for vulnerable groups, especially the immunosuppressed.
  3. Older individuals face a higher risk of hospitalisation and death from Covid, highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for those aged 75 and above.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 11, 2024

199 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare policy
  1. Covid hospital admissions are low and stable, indicating that the winter surge has mostly ended. This is a good sign for managing the virus.
  2. A Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting soon, targeting older adults and those with weakened immune systems to help keep them safer.
  3. Deaths from Covid have significantly decreased compared to last year, and the overall numbers continue to go down, which is encouraging news.

What lessons can we learn from the Autumn Booster Campaign?

179 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy
  1. The initial Covid vaccination program worked well for older populations, but younger groups and ethnic minorities got less attention and support. We need to keep looking for ways to involve everyone.
  2. Booster vaccination rates are falling, especially among immunocompromised individuals and younger age groups. We must find better ways to encourage these communities to get vaccinated.
  3. Only a small percentage of NHS workers received the latest booster, which is worrying given their higher risk of exposure. It's important to ensure healthcare staff are protected so they can continue to care for others.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 4, 2024

139 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Healthcare policy Disease Control Vaccination
  1. Covid case numbers are low in England, and hospital admissions are stable. This shows that the winter surge is over, but we still need to be cautious.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting for older people and those with weakened immune systems, highlighting the importance of vaccinations.
  3. Changes in Covid testing mean fewer routine tests will be available, but Covid hospital admissions will still help track how the virus is spreading in the community.

Hospitals are not hiding Covid cases. There really isn't much Covid around right now. Be wary of those who say otherwise.

19 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Data interpretation Vaccine Efficacy Healthcare policy
  1. Currently, there are low levels of Covid in hospitals and the community. The data suggest that the situation is better than many people think.
  2. Some claims about high Covid cases and hospitalizations are misleading. It's important to examine the evidence and context behind those claims.
  3. Overall, the chances of getting severely sick from Covid are much lower now than before, thanks largely to vaccinations and improved immunity.

Long COVID – a dystopian game of pinball

1 HN point • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Chronic Illness COVID-19 Medical Research Healthcare policy
  1. Long COVID can make people very sick for months or even years after they initially recover from COVID-19. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing problems can really affect daily life.
  2. There isn't a simple test to diagnose Long COVID, which can lead to people doubting its seriousness. However, it's a complex condition that can affect many different parts of the body.
  3. To help prevent Long COVID, it's important to get vaccinated, avoid crowded places, and take care of yourself if you do get COVID-19. Rest and anti-viral medications can help with recovery.