A looming summer wave of Covid infections is raising concerns among scientists, as hospital admissions increase and new "Flirt" variants gain traction. Although widespread testing has been scaled back, hospital admissions have become a key indicator of the growing wave, with a 25% rise in cases reported in just one week.

Hospitalizations from Covid reached 3.31 per 100,000 people in the week ending June 16, up from 2.67 the previous week. The older population, particularly those aged over 85, experienced higher rates, peaking at 34.70 hospitalizations per 100,000. Additionally, positive cases surged by 29% in the week leading up to June 22, although the majority of testing now takes place in healthcare settings.

Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist for immunization at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), confirmed the rise in Covid-19 across all indicators, including hospitalizations. The concerning factor is the emergence of the new "Flirt" variants, specifically KP.2 and KP.3, which accounted for 40% of Covid cases in April. While KP.2 was previously dominant, it is believed that KP.3 is now the driving force behind the summer wave. These variants, which are several mutations away from the initial spread, are suspected to enhance the virus's transmissibility.

Experts raise concerns that the existing vaccines may not offer the same level of protection against these new variants. The lower uptake of the recent spring booster campaign, with only 4.1 million out of 7 million eligible people receiving the additional protection, is worrisome. Prof. Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, emphasized that this situation serves as a wake-up call, debunking the idea that Covid is a seasonal infection that will naturally dissipate.

While the UKHSA acknowledges the need for more data on the severity and transmissibility of the new variants, Prof. Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia suggests that the current rise in infections should not be a cause for alarm. Hunter states that Covid has become a part of everyday life and that repeated infections are to be expected. He further highlights a decrease in the severity of illness associated with Covid over the past few years, indicating that it may eventually become similar to the common cold.

As the summer wave builds and the possibility of less effective vaccines looms, public health officials and experts stress the importance of remaining vigilant. Despite the virus's commonality, individuals are advised to maintain preventive measures and follow health guidelines to minimize the impact of Covid's resurgence.