What happens when we are all infected with Omicron? Prof. Simon: It’s possible

Behind us is the peak of the fifth wave of the coronavirus in Poland, caused by the Omikron variant. According to official data, there were over 50 thousand. infections per day, but experts said that the true number of infections was even 10-12 times higher. – A scenario where we all get the coronavirus is possible. We know one thing: the genetic structure of the virus is changing. Although the possibilities of these changes are less and less, because the virus has such a structure, over time we will deal with its other variants – prof. Krzysztof Simon, the head of the first infectious ward at the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wrocław.

1. The Omikron variant is currently responsible for over 96 percent. coronavirus infections in Poland
2. Omicron is ubiquitous, so it is possible that we will all get infected with it and get sick – says prof. Krzysztof Simon
3. Vaccinated persons are also at risk of infection, but in their case the infection will be much milder
4. Respond before it’s too late. Get to know your Health Index!
5. You can find more about the coronavirus on the TvoiLokony home page

Omikron – an extremely infectious variant of the coronavirus

Scientists agree: Omikron, a new variant of the coronavirus, is highly contagious. That is why many epidemiologists assume that sooner or later we will all get infected with it.

– I think a scenario in which we all get the coronavirus is possible. It is true that it is not known in which variant. We know one thing: the genetic structure of the virus is changing. Although the possibilities of these changes are less and less, because the virus has such a structure. Over time, we will deal with its next variants. Are they more or less dangerous? We do not know. Perhaps less, because the virus must be less aggressive, virulent in order to survive. By killing, he deprives himself of the possibility of further existence in the population, because he dies, including the infected person – says prof. Krzysztof Simon, head of the first infectious ward at the Provincial Specialist Hospital J. Gromkowski in Wrocław.

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– Today the Omikron variant is milder in terms of clinical consequences, but is more contagious. Even for people who are vaccinated three times, especially for the elderly. For them, the coronavirus is still a potentially lethal danger – adds Prof. Simon.

Omicron – a dangerous mutation

Omikron is a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, it was first detected in South Africa in the first half of November 2021. Shortly thereafter, WHO – the World Health Organization – considered this variant “of concern”.

In the Omikron variant, over 50 mutations were detected, 32 of them concern elements of the pathogen’s protein envelope, i.e. spike proteins. A significant number of new mutations have an impact on the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. And these mutations present in the Omicron increase contagiousness, and may also result in greater resistance of the virus to the human immune system.

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Getting sick with COVID-19 is all the more likely because Poland has practically no restrictions that are or were in force in other countries, especially in Western Europe. In addition, the level of vaccination against COVID-19 in Poland is still insufficient.

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We’re all getting infected

– You can suffer from COVID-19, including its variant Omikron, as many times as with a cold: such an infection is 20 percent. are caused by other coronaviruses known for four years. Of course, as long as COVID-19 survives. The disease does not give long-term immunity and the milder the disease progresses, the weaker the response. Even taking three doses of the vaccine does not give you super immunity – explains prof. Simon.

– I think a scenario is possible where we all get infected and eventually contract SARS-CoV-2. Vaccinated more gently, even without being aware of the infection. Because Omikron is ubiquitous at the moment, which of course does not entitle to proclaim the opinion that it will manifest itself “only” in a scratchy throat – adds the specialist in internal and infectious diseases.

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Omicron – non-obvious symptoms

It is worth knowing that Omikron causes slightly different symptoms than those that occurred in earlier strains of the coronavirus. The most common symptoms of Omikron infection are fever, sore throat and runny nose with sneezing, which resemble a common cold.

1. Also read: What is the mild course of COVID-19?

There is also a pain-resistant headache that lasts more than three days and extreme tiredness. People infected with Omikron also complain of anorexia, vomiting, body pain and night sweats. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who did not take any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized for Omicron than those who took all three doses.

How to protect yourself from the Omicron?

What to do to protect yourself and others from the Omicron?

In the face of the new wave of Omikron infections, experts recommend that first and foremost be tested and isolated until the result is obtained.. If you live in an area where infections are spreading, consider staying at home and restricting contact.

It is advisable to get fully vaccinated, i.e. take three doses, and also wear the mask in public.

We should also remember that by eating a plant-based diet: fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and by including fatty fish and products such as kefir, yoghurt, and sauerkraut in your meals – we strengthen our own immunity.

Find out more:

1. Pain in these two places could be an Omicron infection
2. How many COVID-19 sufferers lose their taste? New findings of scientists
3. Director of NIZP – PZH: at least 80 percent Poles have immunity to the coronavirus
4. Two Omikron sub-variants in Poland. How can they affect the fate of the epidemic?