Covid-19, which has had an intense effect for about 2 years, is on the agenda again with the increasing frequency of new variants in recent days. TRNC Presidential Health Advisor Prof., an expert in medical biology and genetics, regarding the two new variants of Covid-19 named “Pirola” and “Eris”. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı made a statement. He also gave detailed information about the symptoms of those exposed to the Serakinci variant.
ERIS IS MORE COMMON THAN THE PYROLA VARIANT
Stating that the Eris variant was detected in February and started to be talked about more in July, Serakıncı said, “The data we have shows that the Eris variant is more common than the Pirola variant. This variant was classified as a ‘monitored variant’ by the WHO.” said.
Regarding these two variants, according to available data, Nedime Serakıncı said, “Countries have had high rates of hospitalizations due to Covid-19 in the last 3 months, and there are signs that the virus may become more widespread. However, when we examine the figures carefully, we see that they are well below the levels seen at the beginning of this year.” This says that the increase in Covid-19 numbers may be socially related.” made his assessment.
PIROLA’S SYMPTOMS ARE SIMILAR TO FLU AND INFLUENZ
Serakıncı listed the symptoms of the Pirola variant as sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough with or without phlegm, headache, hoarseness, muscle pain and changes in the sense of smell.
Stating that these symptoms overlap with influenza and flu, they cause faster transmission by individuals who do not get tested. Dr. Serakıncı made the following evaluations regarding the Pirola variant:
“The data we have indicates that the Pirola variant is not more severe or dangerous than Omicron. As always, individuals in risk groups need to protect themselves during seasonal transitions. The same is true for influenza. Individuals in the risk group, the elderly, those with chronic diseases and immune “Those whose systems are suppressed should avoid being in closed and crowded environments for long periods of time or should be careful about ventilation if possible and should be protected by using a mask if necessary.”
BE CAREFUL FOR THROAT THROAT AND DIARRHEA IN THE ERIS VARIANT
Pointing out that sore throat and diarrhea are prominent in the symptoms of the Eris variant, among other symptoms, Serakıncı said that changes in taste and smell, cough, muscle and headache, runny nose, shortness of breath can be seen, and that the variant can cause lower respiratory tract disorders in people with chronic diseases and weak immunity. He said he could open it.
- “I am of the opinion that those who have been vaccinated and have had Covid-19 can carry the necessary antibodies.”
Regarding whether the vaccines affect these variants, Nedime Serakıncı said, “Pirola and Eris variants carry a risk of escaping from our current immune system. Therefore, we advise groups at high risk of contracting coronavirus to increase their protection, to get the Covid-19 vaccine if they do not have the vaccine, and not to neglect influenza vaccines in the autumn months.” “We recommend it. However, I should point out that this is only a precaution and remind you that you should also pay attention to personal hygiene.” she said.
Prof. Dr. Pointing out that the Eris variant is more common than the Pirola variant, Serakıncı said, “Genomic studies indicate that the Pirola variant is still at low prevalence. Opinions state that there is a risk that mutations in the virus will not match the vaccine and the antibodies produced from the immune mixture of those who have previously had Covid-19, and therefore will not provide sufficient protection.” “However, I believe that those who have been vaccinated and have had Covid-19 can have the antibodies necessary for immunity to these variants.” said.
WILL LOCKDOWN AND MASK BAN COME AGAIN?
Prof. Dr. Regarding whether the new variants will bring back the closure and mandatory use of masks in closed areas, Serakıncı said:
“There is no situation that requires closure due to these two variants. However, I think that in the winter months this year, severe flu cases will be seen, like in the second year of the swine flu. If we open it up a little more, I predict that it will be a winter where double-triple infections will be a little more common than the winters with influenza alone. It would be appropriate, especially for those in the risk group, to pay attention to personal precautions such as vaccination and mask, and to support the immune system with supplements such as adequate sleep, healthy nutrition and exercise. Additionally, if we pay attention to air circulation in the environments we are in, I think we will generally get through this winter without any major problems. Thus, with the precautions to be taken, viruses will survive. “It is in our hands to control the spread and severity of viruses.”
Stating that there is always the possibility of new variants, Serakıncı said, “But we do not expect these variants to turn into a threat like the winter or the second winter when we first met with Covid-19. I do not expect to have a much more difficult winter than normal if we show the utmost attention as we did during the periods when flu and influenza were common. ” he said.
Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı recommended that those who have chronic diseases and show these symptoms should go to the doctor and get tested for Covid-19. Serakıncı concluded his words as follows:
“Considering the new variants of Covid-19 and the symptoms overlapping with influenza, if upper respiratory tract infection tests are performed in addition to the Covid-19 test, we will not be in the situation of characterizing every severe flu case as Covid-19. Thus, the causative agent will be precisely determined and with more accurate data. cure is achieved.”