WHO warns that COVID could worsen this winter and urges people to get fully vaccinated

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• Dec 12, 2022 | Kabir Chakraborty

During a media conference last week, epidemiologists discussed the winter escalation of coronavirus and other viruses.

Digital Desk: The WHO has issued a new warning, predicting a surge in covid and other viruses this winter. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's Covid-19 technical head, warned that a variety of viruses and pathogens are currently circulating at an alarmingly high rate. The WHO expert also stressed the importance of getting fully vaccinated in order to boost immunity against these viruses. Expert Maria Van Kerkhove expressed her concerns on Twitter, writing, "Covid-19, flu, RSV, and other pathogens are circulating at very high rates now." 

"Use all available tools to keep you and your loved ones safe: vaccinate, mask, keep a safe distance, ventilate, self-test, stay at home if ill, wash your hands... "Know your risk, and lower your risk," Kerkhove added.

During a media conference last week, epidemiologists discussed the winter escalation of coronavirus and other viruses.

The WHO expert on the Omicron variant of Covid-19 stated, "There are more than 500 subvariants of omicron that are currently in circulation." We must monitor how these variants behave in terms of transmission, immune evasion, and severity."

According to a Wall Street Journal report, cases of respiratory infections have recently increased in the United States.

Health officials in New York, California, Maine, and Louisiana have encouraged people to get flu and Covid-19 shots ahead of the winter holidays, as well as other precautions such as staying home when sick and wearing a mask in public, indoor spaces.