Professor from Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology. Dr. Funda Timurkaynak told what should be known about the XBB.1.5 variant.
Stating that the Covid-3 pandemic, which has been affecting the world for about 19 years, is on the agenda again due to the emergence of a new variant of Omicron, Timurkaynak said, “XBB.1.5, which is considered a sub-variant of Omicron, is spreading rapidly, causing anxiety and panic, especially in the USA. Although the transmission rate of the new variant is increasing, vaccines play an important role in preventing the disease from progressing to a severe course.” said.
Timurkaynak stated that the Omicron variant, which was first described in November 2021, has become popular in the last 1 year and said, “We started to see the dominant variant in a short time like 1-2 months, with different sublineages such as BA2, BA4, BA5, which are the sub-lineages of Omicron. Due to the nature of the virus, we encounter new subvariants that become more contagious by making minor genetic changes, which we call subvariant. For example, variant XBB.1.5, which has now been determined to be predominantly circulated in the United States, is a recombination of BA2.10 and BA2.75. It is a sub-variant of the virus that has become more contagious by changing its genetic material.” used the phrases.
Similar symptoms to previous variants
Noting that the new variant does not make a difference with the current information and clinical findings, but it is observed that its contagiousness has increased, Timurkaynak said:
“The symptoms of fever, cough, headache, muscle-joint pain, that is, viral respiratory tract infection, which are expected to be seen in Covid 19, continue in these variants as well. It is still early to make an inference that some findings are more or less common. At the same time, since it is a new variant, there is no data that it is more severe.”
Timurkaynak underlined that hospitalization rates have increased and said, “This situation; It may also be a result of the large number of people whose vaccine dose is below 3 and the relaxation in Covid 19 measures. Along with Covid 19, other respiratory viruses such as RSV and influenza can appear alone or in various combinations. Although this condition cannot be distinguished clinically, it may cause a more severe course of the disease.” he said.
Vaccines are effective in preventing hospitalization and severe course
Timurkaynak stated that although there is no planning of a new treatment for the subvariant, the studies are continuing, and continued his explanation as follows:
“The new variant is thought to be treated with the methods at hand. In addition, treatment differentiation is not recommended. However, it is possible that the virus will gain new equipment against the weapons we have. Vaccines, including the Omicron variant, are currently used in America and Europe. There is no information about adding subvariants of Omicron to the vaccine yet. 'Does the previous single vaccine protect against the Omicron variant?' In the studies conducted on the question, it was concluded that at least it was effective in preventing hospitalization and overcoming the disease. Of course, variants increase the rate of transmission, but the vaccine also has a positive effect on the severity of the disease and reducing mortality.”
Missing vaccine doses should be completed
Timurkaynak stated that it is a normal situation to observe these subvariants due to the characteristics of the virus, and said, “Our main goal is to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death with vaccination, as in the flu virus. The vaccine we have seems to still be able to do this. Therefore, it is very important to complete the vaccination and missing doses.” he said.
It is important to comply with the mask and hand hygiene rule
Emphasizing the importance of mask and hand hygiene, Timurkaynak said, “In this period, wearing masks and compliance with hand hygiene in crowded environments such as concerts, cinemas and public transportation are very important. It should not be forgotten that new variants have the potential to make more people sick because they are transmitted faster. Therefore, it is possible to affect not only people whose immune system is suppressed or over the age of 65, but also people with normal body resistance. In addition, attention should be paid to influenza and RSV viruses, which have been frequently seen recently with Covid, and necessary precautions should be taken individually and socially. used his statements.
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