Sadly, a Queensland hospital has seen the death of a 23-month-old infant from Covid.
The child is the youngest Covid fatality in Queensland and just the 14th child under nine to die in Australia after catching the virus.
According to news.com.au, the toddler is believed to have passed away on Sunday at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
According to a statement to the Courier Mail, “Children’s Health Queensland can report that, regrettably, a 23-month-old infant passed away from COVID-19 at the Queensland Children’s Hospital on Sunday, 24 July 2022.”
We send the child’s family our sincere condolences.
It happens at a time when the Palaszczuk administration forecast on Tuesday that the new virus wave will be roughly 50% worse than the last strain.
Hospitalizations were initially predicted to peak at roughly 1000 cases, but experts have subsequently revised their predictions and now expect them to reach 1660.
In ‘two weeks,’ according to QLD Chief Health Officer Dr. John Gerrard, the variations would overtake the predominant strain.
He did emphasise that all strains of the virus continue to have low intensive care admission rates, which is evidence of the effectiveness of immunizations.
Dr. Gerrard stated, “We must emphasise that all Covid-19 variations can cause serious disease, especially in fragile persons.”
Especially for people over 65 and those with compromised immune systems, “We highly advise Queenslanders to maintain up to date with their boosters,” he added.
“This virus will continue to change, so we all need to remain aware and responsive by staying home while you’re sick, routinely washing your hands, avoiding contact with people when you can, and wearing a face mask when you can’t,” the doctor advised.
Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 have both been found, with incidences increasing recently, in Queensland and NSW.
Professor Paul Kelly, Australia’s chief medical officer, issued a warning that elderly Australians and anyone who are susceptible to Covid should have a plan in place to fight the virus before they test positive.
People who are more susceptible to developing a severe coronavirus infection should have a treatment plan in place, according to Prof. Kelly, similar to how they would with asthma and other respiratory ailments.
He advised reporters in Canberra, “Don’t wait till you might be diagnosed with Covid because early treatment is crucial.”
For those who are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of Covid, there are two oral antiviral medications: Lagevrio and Paxlovid.
There has been an increase in use since the therapies were included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, but more people are now eligible, according to Prof. Kelly.
If you belong to one of those vulnerable groups, he advised having that discussion right away so that you will be aware of where to obtain the meds and how to utilise them.
But he emphasised that getting vaccinated was still preferable to using oral medicines.
Not everyone is a candidate for treatment. Not everyone need it, he added.
Most Covid patients will experience a pretty minor illness, especially if they received a vaccination.
This provides additional safety for those who are weak.