Omicron

We have now spent nearly two years with the Kovid-19 epidemic. It is well known that the original virus gradually changes and develops into a variety of mutations, and that the likelihood of developing such mutations is high in environments where the risk of infection is high. This is why the World Health Organization (WHO) and other expert organizations have repeatedly reminded us that it is important to tackle this epidemic by respecting equality as one world, sharing vaccinations and other preventive measures. That is why it was said that no one is completely safe until everyone is safe.

Unfortunately, there was a significant delay in vaccination for low-income countries, and as a continent, Africa continued to be at high risk with the lowest vaccination coverage in the world. It is against this backdrop that the latest member from South Africa joins the group of intense attention (V.O.C.), which includes the alpha, beta, gamma and delta mutant virus strains that cause occasional dangerous corona waves. The variant named ‘Omicron’ (B.1.1.529) is still being talked about all over the world.

The number of Kovid patients in almost every province of South Africa is increasing rapidly in line with the introduction of these new strains. The Kovid virus was first detected in a sample taken on November 9, and it has now been confirmed that infected people have been found in countries such as Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, Israel and the United Kingdom. Germany and the Czech Republic are reportedly conducting further genetic tests on a group of patients suspected of being infected with the omicron variant. It is now known that the first patient suspected of having the omicchron variant was a person who had not been vaccinated, had a long-term immunodeficiency disease, and had not been treated for it.

Although it has been reported that this new mutant virus has the potential to spread rapidly and that people once infected with the virus may re-infect the natural immune system, further research is underway into how it responds to the vaccines in use. Experts believe that the high number of mutations in the genome is a significant factor when compared to other species.

As a country, it is important to recall the experience we have gained in the face of three corona waves and the rapidly spreading Delta strain, managing our health system without collapsing. It is our duty at this time to strictly enforce them, regardless of the type of mutation that we know best, by avoiding basic health practices such as personal distance, proper use of face masks when leaving the house, and regular hand cleaning.

The protection of vaccines against a variety of “attention-bearing varieties”, including the terrifying Delta variety that is spreading around the world, is becoming increasingly clear. In countries with high vaccination coverage, the number of reported deaths from the disease is clearly lower than in the pre-vaccination period.

Among those who received the full vaccination, covid was reported to be 84% less likely to be hospitalized.

You can take both doses and get the full vaccine protection, and then further enhance your safety if you qualify for a third dose.

Crowding in crowded, closed / ventilated, close-knit areas increases the risk of developing Kovid infection. The virus is especially prevalent in crowded restaurants and weddings, especially in closed spaces where many people eat at one time or another. Such places and opportunities should be avoided as much as possible. Otherwise the time spent on them should be minimized. If we all keep this in mind during the upcoming festive season, we can reduce the likelihood of a major tidal wave again.

We are confident that as a country we will be able to overcome this challenge by adhering to health advice together and adopting the same scientific approach as before.