Omicron is a threat to the lives of these

"Omicron is less serious than Delta, but still dangerous." And the higher the infection rates, the higher the chances of more "worrying" mutations emerging.

Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, epidemiologist and technical officer in charge of the fight against Covid-19 at the World Health Organization

said that the Omicron mutant is the last on the list of mutants of the SARS-Cove-2 virus.

classified as "alarming", despite the data that it is less dangerous than the delta variable, but it is still dangerous.

In the 64th episode of the show "Science in Five" presented by Vismita Gupta Smith and broadcast by the World Health Organization through its official website 

and accounts on communication platforms, Kerkhove added saying that people infected with Omicron range from no symptoms to severe infection. cases, and deaths occur due to severe cases.

weaker classes

Kerkhove explained that data received by the World Health Organization indicates that people with chronic diseases

the elderly and those who are not immunized with the vaccine, can develop a severe form of Covid-19 after infection. 

by the mutant Omicron She added that serious cases are being received that require treatment in hospitals due to Omicron's concern, and some cases are dying.

Therefore, it is important to have accurate information, and the data available so far indicates that the omicron mutant is less dangerous than delta, but this does not mean that it is a mild infection.

Kerkhove noted that the omicron mutant spreads very quickly compared to other worrisome mutants and is widely transmitted 

but that does not mean that everyone will be infected with the omicron mutant, although there are already high mutations in the number of people infected around the world.

big burden

Kerkhove explained that the increase in the number of infected people places a huge burden on healthcare systems, which are already heavily overstretched as the pandemic enters its third year

 explaining that if patients cannot get the proper care they need, they will end up with more serious cases and deaths. 

This is the situation that the World Health Organization seeks to prevent.

And she added that the World Health Organization, in cooperation with partners around the world, has developed a comprehensive strategy to reduce people's exposure and reduce their risk of infection

first and foremost, it You should know that vaccination is incredibly protective against serious illness and death.  

and also prevents certain types of infections and prevents some of them from being transmitted later, but not ideally.

Prevention and protection methods

Kerkhove added that this is why it is recommended to ensure that people protect themselves from exposure

by maintaining physical distance, wearing protective masks that cover their nose and mouth well, by keeping hands clean at all times and avoiding crowded places. 

places and work from home, as far as possible.

The UN expert advised carrying out tests and seeking appropriate care immediately when needed, noting that the vaccine, in addition to adhering to precautionary measures

is a multi-tiered approach through which people can maintain personal safety and protect themselves from exposure to infection and transmission to another person.

3 reasons why infection prevention is important

Responding to Smith's question about the importance of reducing omicron transmission, Dr Maria said:

 “It is important that we reduce omicron transmission for a number of reasons. 

Firstly we want to prevent people from getting infected because there is a risk that the There are ways to prevent this 

but a person is still at risk of getting sick so if they have underlying conditions or are very old and if she has not been vaccinated, the risk of serious cases of COVID-19 is higher."

She added: "The second reason is that it is still not understood how long-term post-recovery from the Covid or Covid state is

so that people infected with the SARS virus variant -Cove-2 are at risk of developing long-term consequences

the so-called post-Covid condition, And the risk of contracting it results in the first place from the risk of infection, which the World Health Organization wants to prevent and protect everyone.

The third reason, says Dr. Kerkhove, is that infection and a large number of omicron cases

Follow more news on egy4ever