The incidence of autoimmune diseases is not increased after vaccination for coronavirus. On the contrary, the frequency of autoimmune diseases increases after the physical illness, according to many published studies, says Professor of Pulmonology – Intensive Care EKPA and Director of the B Pulmonology Clinic and the Intensive Care Unit of Errikos Dunan, Theodoros Vasilakopoulos. In none of the cases are we in the situation we were in during the tragic years of the pandemic, says the professor. “Things are much better. Mortality has decreased. We mourn less of our fellow human beings, unfortunately quite a few more, that is 50-60 a week. Therefore we must all do everything in our power to reduce this number. The first thing we should do is, at least the vulnerable groups, but if possible as many, get vaccinated. We are far behind in vaccination, as 210,000 corona virus vaccines have been given, when our vulnerable fellow citizens are estimated at around two million. So we have a big gap to cover and we need to get vaccinated immediately.” Mr. Vasilakopoulos urges people to wear a mask in crowded places, and to do many tests, until this wave subsides.

Older vaccines ineffective against new strains of coronavirus

Part of the reason that led to the explosion of cases we have now, was the timing of the holidays, says the professor. However, he points out that an important role has also been played by the laxity of a part of the world, which, because last May the WHO declared the end of the global state of emergency, got the wrong message that the coronavirus has disappeared. “The reality is that the coronavirus has become endemic. It lives with us and will have ups and downs. He throws big tantrums when he changes a lot. Now we are in a phase where the Pirola strain and the “kid” of JN.1 have started to prevail worldwide, which have many more mutations than the classic Omicron strains. So this diversity gives the virus the advantage of infecting more people and makes immunity from previous disease, but also older vaccines, much less effective.”

We are not in a flu epidemic

Regarding the flu, the well-known pulmonologist states that we are not in an epidemic. “Many people are sick, few are at risk. We are very well vaccinated against flu. 2,700,000 have had the vaccine. And those who haven’t, still have time. Something we need to clarify is that many times people talk about the flu, baptizing every fever with symptoms, the flu, without a diagnosis being made. That’s why it’s more correct to call it a flu subscription”.

RSV vaccine available in fall

Regarding the RSV, the professor states that it has always existed, it’s just that since last year it has started to be discussed. “And fortunately, because the pandemic also left some good things, such as increased vigilance. This year, we will have two different vaccines available, which will target the people most at risk, and will greatly reduce the chance of a bad outcome. Both vaccines have been approved by both the FDA and the EMA. As far as I know they are in the price negotiation phase and my information tells me that the third quarter will be available. In other words, from the autumn, Greeks will also be able to make use of this protective vaccine”. Streptococcus, continues Mr. Vasilakopoulos, has not presented anything different, nor has a resistant strain of streptococcus emerged. “Always unfortunately, some microbial infections don’t go well. We’ve always lost our fellow humans to germs, there just wasn’t the great vigilance that exists now.”