On the face of it, the news that the Queen has tested positive for Covid might seem ominous. At 95, the monarch falls into the highest-risk category for the effects of this virus.
When it comes to the chance of developing severe illness, other important factors such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension are all less important than advancing years – even from the more benign Omicron variant that is currently responsible for most cases in Britain today.
Nevertheless, we know – sadly – that coronavirus still remains a threat to the elderly and vulnerable.
I would imagine the Queen has been prescribed baricitinib, a powerful drug that has shown a highly encouraging ability to disable the potentially tissue-damaging inflammation the virus can cause
Adding to these concerns, the sovereign’s normally robust health has appeared to waver of late. In October, she was admitted to hospital for two days for undisclosed investigations. A month later she sprained her back.
Photographed last week during an official engagement, she looked frail and told guests: ‘I can’t move.’
The Palace has confirmed Her Majesty is triple-vaccinated. Yet it is also true that vaccines are less effective in the elderly, who have weaker immune systems
The Palace has confirmed Her Majesty is triple-vaccinated.
Yet it is also true that vaccines are less effective in the elderly, who have weaker immune systems.
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All this is some cause for concern, and if I were the Queen’s GP, I would be listening to her chest twice a day to ensure she was not developing pneumonia.
Balanced against these rather gloomy tidings, however, are assurances from the Palace that Her Majesty is currently experiencing only mild symptoms – enabling her to continue with light duties.
Furthermore, there have been many welcome advances in treatment.
I would imagine the Queen has been prescribed baricitinib, a powerful drug that has shown a highly encouraging ability to disable the potentially tissue-damaging inflammation the virus can cause.
The Queen’s diagnosis also comes only a week after a study was published on the anti-viral drug molnupiravir.
This showed that if taken from the moment of diagnosis, it can lessen the chance of severe illness by as much as 50 per cent.
Timing is everything, though – if taken after symptoms worsen, it is far less effective. Rapid treatment will be vital. These are all reasons for optimism.
Despite her recent travails, the Queen has been blessed with good health over her long life. Now she is in the best of hands – and we all wish her a speedy recovery.
Martin Scurr is a GP and Good Health columnist.
Source: Martin Scurr
