COVID: Queen tests positive, what’s the virus like for over 70s?

The Queen, aged 95, has contracted COVID over the weekend. The Palace has said Her Majesty is displaying ‘mild cold-like’ symptoms and will carry out ‘light duties’ until she has fully regained her health. Furthermore, Boris Johnson is planning on lifting all covid restrictions, does this mean more elderly people will be exposed to the virus?

Over 70s and Omicron

With all restrictions potentially being lifted soon, you may be concerned about the older members of your family being exposed to the virus. However, it would seem that those over the age of 70 who have received all of their covid jabs are less likely to be hospitalised or show severe symptoms when exposed to the Omicron variant.

Indeed, the Queen seemed well enough to sign a message to congratulate the British curling teams at the Winter Olympics on Sunday. This somewhat confirms that the vaccine programme, scientific breakthroughs and an increased epidemiological understanding have reshaped the way we view Covid-19 in the elderly.

Read more:

⋙ Queen has tested positive for COVID-19

⋙ Freedom Day: This is when COVID restrictions will come to an end in the UK

⋙ Omicron: New study reveals who is most likely to get infected

Living with COVID

Research from Cambridge’s MRC and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that for over 80s, a person is 60% less likely to be hospitalised with omicron than the Delta variant. This is mainly due to the vaccine, according to Chris Smith, a British consultant virologist and lecturer at Cambridge University:

They are really very effective in this age group returning 90 per cent protection in a fully vaccinated individual

Smith is adamant that even though the restrictions will be lifted, that doesn’t mean people will be careless and will show some common sense, as was proven when people voluntarily isolated over the Christmas period.

As always, Windsor Castle is showing a calm sense of practicality as the Queen still performs light duties whilst being monitored by her doctors.