Ministry of Health Coronavirus Scientific Committee Member Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü warned that new variants may emerge due to prolonged infections.
“IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SAY SOMETHING CLEAR”
Stating that it is not possible to say anything clear about the course of the epidemic, Prof. Dr. Özlü said, “We think that both the vaccination rates in the world and the immunity gained by passing the disease have led to a milder course of this disease. This is what we expect. The emergence of a global herd immunity as the omicron wave gradually peaks and descends in the coming period. We wish for it, we expect it, but of course this may not happen, so there is that possibility,” he said.
“There are a lot of people who carry viruses”
Noting that the ‘Omicron’ variant may not provide sufficient immunity, especially since it is passed as a mild disease, Prof. Dr. Özlü said, “Because for the development of immunity, the picture must be a little heavy. Immunity may be weaker in those with mild symptoms. It may not be protective enough. There is also such a situation.
“NEW VARIANTS MAY Arise”
Second, new variants may emerge. There are still many viruses in the world, there are people who carry the virus. Therefore, prolonged infections in immunocompromised individuals, especially in those who are not immune, may lead to the emergence of new lives. Therefore, it is not possible to say anything definite about this issue. But we all hope that this process will end as soon as possible. It took a long time, we are tired, I hope it turns out as we hoped,” he said.
(DHA)