The spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus means that we must “do the third dose immediately because, as several studies show, we will have enough protection against the micron if we have done all three doses. Those who have not been vaccinated should think seriously. “Our country’s problem is the relatively high rate of unvaccinated people (compared to other countries) over the age of 50. But those who have taken the third dose should not have much to worry about.” This is pointed out in a new post on Facebook by Professor of Health Policy Elias Mosialos of Imperial College and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Referring to a new study from Imperial College, he said: that no difference was found between the two variants “. He adds that “the authors of the study point out in the discussion of the data they analyzed, that no evidence was found that the cases of micron had a different clinical picture (better or worse) than delta, based on the percentage of positively diagnosed who had symptoms or “At the moment they do not have enough data on the clinical picture that Omicron is causing in relation to Delta.”
On the other hand, he points out that “data from South Africa show that there is a de-escalation of the pandemic wave in this country”, but “even there, we do not know if there is a delay in the official recording of cases, and therefore not a real de-escalation. “It happened a few days ago. And while the leadership of the South African Ministry of Health appears optimistic, I would say to wait a few more days to have a clearer picture.”
He stressed that “depending on the news published by the media, one can say that we have a big problem or that in fact the problem is temporary. But we do not know exactly yet. In Great Britain it is clear that we have a significant increase in cases. 93,000 people were diagnosed positive. Let’s say here that the percentage of cases that are admitted to the hospital and Omicron is stuck is not clear. “to the health system in the coming days. I would therefore recommend that we do not rush to conclusions.”
According to Mosialos, “Imperial’s study confirmed what we know about the contagion, but in fact nothing is clear about the severity of the infection. As I said, the South African data is encouraging, but there may be a delay problem. in the recording, and to interpret the micron wave there having data of delayed recording “.
He also points out that “the effects of one variant can have a different impact per country” and explains that in a country like South Africa with a small proportion of the elderly and vulnerable in the population, but at the same time a large proportion of the population with immunoprotection, another variant of the virus, or because many have been vaccinated, the effects will be small. On the other hand, the effects will be greater when immunoprotection in the population is low and we have a relatively large number of vulnerable citizens.
Greece is characterized by good but not very high vaccination coverage and at the same time by a high percentage of citizens in the high risk category. Also a higher percentage of unvaccinated people over the age of 50, compared to other countries in Southern and Northern Europe. “Therefore”, according to him, “even if Omicron is milder than Delta, the effects in Greece may be greater compared to Denmark or Portugal”.
Despite the existing uncertainty, Mr. Mosialos states that “we are not in 2020. We have vaccines that are sufficient for Omicron. Instead of panic, therefore, let us use the opportunity we have to increase our defenses.”
As for “when will all this end?”, He estimates that “it will end when:
• The vast majority of the world’s population will have been vaccinated (this, at current vaccination rates, does not appear to be possible by 2022).
• When we will have sufficient quantities of medicines (this is expected by the end of 2022).
And provided we do not have other more dangerous variants. Since March 2020, I have stressed the urgent need for mass production of vaccines and their equal distribution in all countries of the world. Until this is done (and two years later, there are no more excuses) there will be a risk of new mutations. I hope that the leaders of the rich countries will do what is right, in terms of transferring know-how for the production of vaccines. “The problem will not be solved by vaccinating the inhabitants of only the most affluent countries.”
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