GPs should plan antivirals for high- risk patients
Technically we are still in a pandemic, but psychologically we have decided it’s over. That’s the verdict from Professor Nancy Baxter, Head of Melbourne University’s School of Population and Global Health.
“This is probably one of our lowest risk periods in a while. But there’s a smorgasbord of variants around the world at the moment, and it’s unclear if one’s going to become dominant or worse than BA.5,” Professor Baxter says.
“The next wave will likely come from the northern hemisphere when our immunity has declined, and it is already declining. In January it will be over six months since the BA.5 wave peaked, which is a long time since people had their primary immunisations or boosters.”
Professor Baxter urges GPs to make the most of the current lull and plan for antiviral treatments for the inevitable next wave, which could come as early as summer.
Listen to expert interviews.
Click to open in a new tab
Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.
Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.
