«The new variant is more contagious than measles. What’s more, it is able to break even the protection that arose as a result of an earlier illness »- claims prof. Fabrizio Pregliasco. An Italian virologist argues that treating an Omicron infection as a cold is quite an abuse.
- According to an Italian expert, although BA.5 is less dangerous than the previous variants, the pandemic situation may worsen soon
- “The virus is a little calmer, although I think that those who say that the disease is now similar to a cold are exaggerating” – says the professor
- Pregliasco draws attention to the fact that almost every tenth disease is now reinfection – even people who have already had contact with it become infected with Omikron
- When asked to restore the obligation of face masks, the expert stated that “they should be worn like sunglasses – when needed”
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
BA.5 calmer but very contagious
The Omicron BA.5 sub-variant which is now spreading in Italy is a bit “calmer” and less dangerous than the previous ones, but very contagious and therefore the pandemic situation is expected to worsen and the number of coronavirus infections will increase further – told PAP Professor Fabrizio Pregliasco, lecturer at the University of Milan and one of the most famous Italian virologists.
Pregliasco summed up the situation in the country, where recently there were around 80. to over 90 thousand infections daily. In his opinion the current stage of the pandemic is the “phase of change”.
«The new variant is more contagious than measles. What’s more, it is able to break even the protection that arose as a result of an earlier illness. 8 percent The cases now detected every day are re-infections after infections caused by previous variants of the virus»- he explained. He also noted: “Fortunately, however, these people also have partial protection and are not suffering from a severe course of the disease”.
It’s better but …
«Therefore, we can say that the situation is better than in the past. With a significant increase in the number of infections, the proportion of severe cases is no longer the same as before. It’s an effect of the fact that the virus is a little calmer, though I believe that those who say the disease are now similar to a cold are exaggerating»- assessed the Italian researcher.
The rest of the text below the video.
«It’s true, the virus is a bit more polite, but not too much. It must also be taken into account that in Italy we are almost all vaccinated or we have had an infection, and therefore we are protected in a way »- he emphasized.
“With the current high daily infection rate, however, there is a risk that the situation will worsen. Therefore, I am not calm »- the interlocutor admitted to PAP.
The fourth dose is not for everyone
According to Professor Pregliasco, people vaccinated with the third dose of COVID-19 more than six months ago mostly still have antibodies and protection, which will however decrease over time.
The specialist expressed the opinion that in Italy not everyone will be vaccinated with the fourth dose of the vaccine. “It will probably be recommended for people over the age of 50 or 60,” he said.
Asked whether it would be advisable with the current high number of infections return to wearing masksPregliasco replied: “Wear them like sunglasses – when needed.”
The best protection against viral and bacterial infections are FFP2 masks. You will find them at an attractive price in Medonet Market.
From Rome Sylwia Wysocka (PAP)
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