Almost twice since the end of May is the number of people who enter the hospital and at some stage are diagnosed with covid 19. Compared to last year, at the same time, while the epidemiological curve was downward, this year we see that we have entered an upward trend. The corresponding uptrend period in the summer of 2023 was 4 to 5 weeks later.
So, there is a shift of the flare earlier. It’s too early to tell for sure, but we have a significant chance that increased traffic will begin earlier this summer. Gikas Majorkinis, associate professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology, clinical virologist and member of the EODY scientific committee, stated the above to FM Agency and Tania Madouvalou.
As he clarifies, intubations are currently low, however it is too early to draw safe conclusions, as they usually have long hospitalizations, while in terms of deaths he states that they are at extremely low levels. But how does he characterize the current phase and how does he see the epidemiological curve being erased this summer? “Based on the data we have, there is a significant possibility that we will be in a phase of exponential growth, that is, we will see imports continue to increase, but we do not expect anything dramatic, which will put pressure on the Health system.”
The new FLiRT stems are very contagious outdoors
The summer outbreaks depend exclusively on the arrival of mutant strains that have a greater ability to transmit and escape immunity, says the professor, adding then that this year this particular outbreak is also related to the arrival of the so-called FLiRT variants, which are called thus from the amino acids they have in the protein of the spike and it is not a specific strain, but a set of strains such as KP.2, JN.1,7, which are responsible for the very easy transmission of the virus even in spaces which are open. “And for this reason, it is good for susceptible people to wear a mask when they come into contact with each other and when they have symptoms to take a test and if they test positive to seek treatment in time, that is, to go get antiviral drugs.”
Who should have a booster dose?
At another point in his interview, Gikas Majorkinis emphasizes that Covid19 remains the most important infection that exists at the moment and causes morbidity, mortality and mortality. It is the most serious disease for the vulnerable, who should take preventive measures. “The National Vaccination Committee in Greece recommends annual vaccination for vulnerable groups, which include people over 60-65. However, some very susceptible people may need a second dose and this should be discussed with their doctors. For example, in the UK people over 75 can take a second dose within a year. For people under the age of 60 who do not have any health problems there are no recommendations for a booster dose.” When asked if the existing vaccines cover the new FLiRT strains, Mr. Majorkinis answers that “they do not cover 100%, however a dose of vaccine in September increases immunity and offers better protection than if someone has not been vaccinated. The effectiveness seems to be around 50-60% which is a very significant percentage for a preventive vaccine.”
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