<p>UK government scientific advisers say the Covid-19 variant now predominant in the country may be up to 70 per cent more deadly than previous variants, underscoring concerns about how mutations may change the characteristics of the disease.</p>.<p>The findings from the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, published Friday on the government's website, build on preliminary research released January 21.</p>.<p>The group includes experts from universities and public agencies across the UK.</p>.<p>The new report is based on analysis of a dozen studies that found the so-called Kent variant, named after the county where it was first identified, is likely 30 per cent to 70 per cent more deadly than other variants.</p>.<p>The studies compared hospitalisation and death rates among people infected with the variant and those infected with other variants.</p>.<p>The results of the analysis are worrisome, said Dr. David Strain, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School and the clinical lead for COVID at the Royal Devon &amp; Exeter Hospital.</p>.<p>“The higher transmissibility means that people who were previously at low risk of catching Covid (particularly younger fitter females) are now catching it and ending up in hospital,? Strain said.</p>.<p>“This is highlighted by the latest figures for hospitalization that now suggest almost 50:50 male to female ratio compared to this being predominantly in men during the first wave." </p>
<p>UK government scientific advisers say the Covid-19 variant now predominant in the country may be up to 70 per cent more deadly than previous variants, underscoring concerns about how mutations may change the characteristics of the disease.</p>.<p>The findings from the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, published Friday on the government's website, build on preliminary research released January 21.</p>.<p>The group includes experts from universities and public agencies across the UK.</p>.<p>The new report is based on analysis of a dozen studies that found the so-called Kent variant, named after the county where it was first identified, is likely 30 per cent to 70 per cent more deadly than other variants.</p>.<p>The studies compared hospitalisation and death rates among people infected with the variant and those infected with other variants.</p>.<p>The results of the analysis are worrisome, said Dr. David Strain, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School and the clinical lead for COVID at the Royal Devon &amp; Exeter Hospital.</p>.<p>“The higher transmissibility means that people who were previously at low risk of catching Covid (particularly younger fitter females) are now catching it and ending up in hospital,? Strain said.</p>.<p>“This is highlighted by the latest figures for hospitalization that now suggest almost 50:50 male to female ratio compared to this being predominantly in men during the first wave." </p>