[EvaH (OP)]

Mike says:

We are repeatedly told that the Kent variant does not cause more severe disease, but we are also told that it’s associated with a small increase in the mortality rate. Aren’t these two facts contradictory?

Can you help?

[chris]

Hi Mike

According to Patrick Vallance, UK Chief Scientific Officer, the "Kent" variant may carry a slightly higher mortality risk. He suggested that, out of 1000 cases among a group of 60 year old men affected by the "old" or "classic" covid, ten would be expected to succumb to the disease. In comparison, the Kent variant (B1.1.7) is predicted to cause thirteen deaths. On the other hand, other studies have not identified a mortality rise. Therefore, we should assume the worst but hope for the best, which is that the agent might have a higher mortality risk profile - and we should plan accordingly - but it also might not!