Stating that the Omicron variant in the coronavirus disease contains 60 different mutations compared to the original Wuhan variant, and the fact that it contains so many mutations can be explained by the high number of HIV patients in South Africa, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gürkan Mert warned about the Omicron variant.
“START TO TAKE THE PLACE OF DELTA”
Stating that the Omicron variant currently constitutes 90 percent of the variants in South Africa, it has started to replace the previously dominant Delta variant, Prof. Dr. Gürkan Mert stated that although the infection spreads rapidly, the low number of hospitalizations so far may indicate that the course of the disease is milder than other variants.
“IT WILL DIFFER FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY”
Emphasizing that the Omicron variant has a steep propagation speed, it is observed that it has a faster transmission feature compared to the previous 3 waves. Dr. Mert said, “Although the infection spreads rapidly, the low number of hospitalizations so far may indicate that the course of the disease is milder than other variants. But it is obvious that this situation will differ from country to country, depending on the rates of transmission and vaccinations.
Stating that the Delta variant has a wide spread in some countries, Prof. Dr. Mert shared the following information:
“It is possible that the antibodies and cellular immunity responses derived from here influence Omicron propagation. But could it pose a threat to countries with high vaccination rates or prevalence of disease? Unfortunately, the data available so far indicate that Omicron’s trademark is more likely to re-infect or evade vaccine protection in vaccinated individuals with insufficient antibody levels. Re-infection rates have a 40 percent risk of affecting those who get sick in the 3rd wave, and 60 percent of those who get sick in the second wave. Studies show that those who have recently had the disease will naturally be relatively lucky against Omicron.”
ATTENTION TO THESE SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN!
Underlining that it is too early to give examples of the specific clinical signs of the Omicron variant, Prof. Dr. Mert said, “Because even in England and South Africa, which have high patient numbers, the virus is not yet in special patient groups. It is common among young people and the symptoms may be subtle in them. The data on the course of the disease are not very common in people with pre-existing permanent illness, the elderly and those with immune problems, which we call special groups, and we need at least 3 weeks to make an assessment about hospitalizations. The data we have is that children under the age of 18 in South Africa are affected 20 percent more often than other variants and cause hospitalization. In severe cases, hospitalizations for children are usually caused by bronchiolitis (inflammation of the airways) and pneumonia, dehydration and diarrhea. In mild cases, symptoms are observed as throat irritation, runny nose, headache and fever that spontaneously subsides within 3 days.
3.DOSE BIONTECH VACCINE CAN BE RECOMMENDED
prof. Dr. Mert gave the following information about vaccination against Omicron:
“The 2-dose Biontech vaccine for Omicron seems to still be effective in all age groups, although not as much as previous waves against hospitalization, the reason for the decrease in immunity is probably due to the intense mutation in the spike proteins. Biontech and Sinovac stated that they will update this situation within 100 days if necessary. Currently, it may be recommended to administer the 3rd dose of Biontech vaccine 3 months after the 2nd dose of Biontech for protection. In unvaccinated people, we do not have clear data on what kind of results this variant will lead to. In other words, we do not have any information about the development of post-infection hypersensitivity and intensive care rates, and the stages of intubation after the infection.
CAN IT BE DETECTED BY PCR TEST?
Pointing out that the testing laboratory should perform gene sequencing and genotyping in order to perform variant analysis with existing PCR tests, Prof. Dr. Mert emphasized that otherwise the Omicron or Delta variant could not be determined.
Underlining that viruses will mutate as they circulate, Prof. Dr. Mert said, “As viruses mutate, bad mutations disappear with the living thing, so less harmful viruses live longer. The influenza in the 1914 influenza epidemic and the flu virus that appeared in later years are not the same. The SARS Cov-2 virus will also lose its pathogenicity, but it is too early to say that this virus with reduced infectivity is Omicron. Maybe it can be a stepping stone to the optimistic scenario,” he said.
“WE MUST BE VACCINE”
Stating that the Omicron variant has now arrived in our country, Prof. Dr. Mert said, “Omicron will dominate after a while, even if we don’t want it. For this reason, the best method for protection is to vaccinate those who are not yet vaccinated, and to have the booster doses of those who have been vaccinated. In addition to vaccination, compliance with classical protection measures has not lost its importance. The effects of supplements that are thought to prevent the disease or help us get over it mildly are limited, they should not be used completely, but it should be known that their use can be beneficial by consulting the physician when necessary. Expert opinion should be sought in the use of vitamins D and C, different supplements and blood thinners.
As a result, noting that Omicron is a rapidly transmitted variant, Prof. Dr. Mert said, “The incidence of re-Covid-19 in those who have had the disease is higher than other variants. It is more effective in children than other variants. Hospitalization rates for Omicron are currently low in both children and adults, but clear results will emerge if the number of cases increases. The variant can be detected by PCR method. Protection with vaccination is still the most effective way. He concluded his words by saying, “After 2 doses of Biontech, the earliest 3rd dose of Biontec is 3 months later, and for those who cannot be Biontech and are vaccinated with Sinovac, at least 3 months after the last vaccination, the 4th dose of Sinovac provides better protection”.
Source: DHA