The peak of the outbreak of the covid-19 coronavirus, which began in mid-November, is expected by the end of January and it does not appear that it will put significant pressure on the health system, estimates speaking to APE-MPE the Gikas Mallorcaassistant professor of hygiene and epidemiology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA).

He also points out that vaccination with the new enhanced vaccine has been underestimated and this is reflected in the increase in hospitalizations. According to the epidemiological report of EODY for the period 18-24 December, 1,496 patients with covid-19 are hospitalized in simple beds. The number of admissions showed a 37% increase over the average weekly number of admissions over the previous 4 weeks and was higher than the number of admissions in the corresponding week of 2022. Intubations showed a slight decrease, while deaths recorded an increase, reaching 62.

At the same time, Mr. Majorkinis reminds the observance of protective measures such as the use of masks by vulnerable groups. The recommendation to use a mask is not horizontal and does not apply to the general population, it says.

Furthermore, it gives useful advice in the event of symptoms and reminds the five-day isolation measure and the timely administration of antiviral treatment to high-risk individuals.

What drives the outbreak – The role of the JN.1 subvariant

According to Mr. Mayorkini, the JN.1 sub-variant of BA.2.86, 12 which has been recognized by the WHO as a sub-variant of epidemiological interest, due to its high transmissibility, plays a role in the increase of cases. In Greece, 102 cases have been detected.

Also, the increased interactions due to the holidays, the non-observance of personal protection measures, contributed to the wide spread of the virus in the community.

Precautions

The reminder of protection measures is important at this stage, however, special attention must be paid to vaccination, the professor emphasizes. Citizens, he notes in APE-MPE, must understand that there is no substitute for vaccination. “We no longer measure vaccine doses. The covid vaccine is a seasonal vaccine like the flu.”

Mr. Majorkinis believes that the world is tired and probably thinks that because he got through the infection in the previous period with mild symptoms, something similar will happen now if he gets infected. “However, this is not the case, because the previous period had the protection of the vaccine.” Vaccination remains the best way to protect against serious complications of viral respiratory infections.

The particularly low vaccination rates, below 200,000, are of particular concern to scientists. Mr. Majorkinis explains to APE-MPE that vulnerable populations (elderly, people with underlying diseases) are at risk of becoming seriously ill and needing oxygen, and this will create an increased pressure on the health system.

Mask

Mr. Majorkinis recommends that people belonging to high-risk groups wear a mask in crowded and closed places, as well as when visiting health facilities.

Washing hands

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer. We avoid touching the nose and mouth if we have not disinfected our hands.

Isolation

If symptoms occur, stay home for 5 days

Antiviral treatment

Also, with the onset of symptoms, vulnerable people should get tested and contact their doctor so that antiviral treatment can be started immediately.