New variants of Covid have started to spread across the UK. ...new strains of Covid named N FLiRT and LB.1.

Dr Mariyam Malik, an NHS and private GP at Pall Mall Medical.:

“The FLiRT variant has specific changes in its spike protein that might make it spread more easily and dodge immunity from past infections or vaccines,” says Dr Malik. “Similarly, the LB.1 variant has mutations that help it spread and possibly weaken the protection we get from previous immunity, making these variants different from earlier versions of the virus.

...

Socially connected older adults hit harder by pandemic than isolated peers

Socially connected older people had a sharper drop in their quality of life and life satisfaction and a greater increase in loneliness during the pandemic than their more isolated counterparts, according to a new study by UCL (University College London) researchers.

...

Long-COVID codes in health record may dramatically underestimate its prevalence Long COVID is likely much more prevalent than indicated in electronic health record (EHR) diagnostic or referral codes, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine researchers report in eClinicalMedicine. CIDRAP

...

Uptake of flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19 vaccines remains low among pregnant women A study conducted by researchers at the University of Warwick has unveiled crucial insights into the complex factors shaping vaccination decisions among pregnant women, particularly in the wake of the ... Kat Beauchamp Medical Xpress

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Warwick has unveiled crucial insights into the complex factors shaping vaccination decisions among pregnant women, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.