The reported cases of covid-19 in the country soared in the last month. The figures say it: while on December 20, 2021, 1,699 new cases were registered, this January 5, 2022, the number was 16,259 new cases, which represents regarding 700% more.
Several are the factors that are attributed to this increase: more social interactions due to the Christmas holidays, the end of the year and holidays, but also to the circulation of the omicron variant that has a higher risk of contagion because their incubation periods are shorter.
Given the situation and so many questions that there are for this new peak (the fourth), we consulted with specialists, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization to give answers to questions that you may have at this time:
1- How to differentiate flu and covid-19 symptoms?
According to Carlos Agudelo, infectologist at the Bolivarian University Clinic and the San Vicente Fundación Hospital in Rionegro, there is currently no way to clinically differentiate a viral picture, a flu picture or another virus with omicron.
2- What to do if I have the flu?
The infectologist points out that if this occurs these days, the first thing to do is consider that it may be a covid-19 case, so it is important to follow the precautions that exist for these types of patients.
3- If you have respiratory symptoms, what to do?
MinSalud recommends practicing voluntary isolation, monitoring symptoms, communicating with EPS, avoiding physical contact with other people, washing hands frequently, and staying home (wear a mask if you live with someone else).
4- When to go to the EPS or to the emergency room?
Really when you need it. That is, if you are a person who has mild symptoms, does not present warning signs (respiratory distress, high fever that does not go down, excessive vomiting or in general any alteration of the state of consciousness), you can telework or isolate yourself, it is best to avoid Going to these medical centers because they are congested and attending means that those who really need care cannot receive it in a timely manner.
5- When should the test be done?
According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, it should be done by anyone who has symptoms (even if they are mild), as well as close contacts of patients who tested positive and who are asymptomatic.
6- What is isolating and how to do it?
The WHO uses the term isolation to refer to people who have symptoms of Covid-19 or who have tested positive for the virus. Being isolated means being separated from other people, either in a medical facility where you can receive clinical care or at home.
7- What are those mild symptoms that indicate that you should stay home?
Headache, cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose. Although it may seem like a simple cold, you can have COVID-19 and inadvertently pass the virus to others.
8- How long is the isolation time now?
According to EPS Sura, if you have mild symptoms you should take care of the disease at home in isolation for ten days.
9- Did the contagion times change with the new variants?
According to a recent document from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they suggest, in part thanks to vaccination, that the periods of transmission of the virus might be shorter and therefore they shortened the isolation times to five days . These recommendations have not yet been adopted in Colombia.
10- Is the omicron more serious than other variants of covid-19?
Agudelo says that the conditions are less severe in terms of less hospitalization, fewer admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICU) and fewer deaths. In those who require hospitalization, he explains that the recovery time in the medical center is shorter.
11- What are the symptoms of omicron?
Sore throat, runny nose (nasal congestion), headache, malaise, and less loss of smell and taste.
12- Why are there more infected now?
María Angélica Maya, infectologist and president of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases, in conversation with EL COLOMBIANO, pointed out that although the calculations are not final yet, if a person with delta might infect almost eight other people, someone with omicron can infect 10 or even 15 more, because the mutations it has in the spike protein (or the spicule) have given it advantages to replicate more efficiently, especially in the nasal route. Also susceptible, although to a lesser degree of complications, are people who applied the second or last dose more than six months ago.
13- Who can be most affected with the omicron variant?
Basically people who are not vaccinated, Agudelo says. And this group mainly includes those of legal age, who have chronic diseases or low defenses. Also susceptible, although to a lesser degree of complications, are people who applied the second or last dose more than six months ago.
14- What is reinforcing basic biosafety measures?
Properly use the mask (nose and chin) in closed spaces; avoid crowds; avoid being in poorly ventilated spaces; open the door and windows, that can reduce the risk of contagion.
15- When should the booster dose (third) be applied?
The intervals for the booster dose are as follows: immunosuppressed patients, 1 month following completion of the scheme; older than 50 years, 4 months following completing the scheme; between 18 and 49 years old, 6 months following completing the scheme.
16- How might this new peak of the pandemic be overcome?
Julián Fernández, director of Epidemiology and Demography of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, said that everyone’s commitment is required. Furthermore, through the combination of measures between vaccination, ventilation, wearing of masks, hand washing, which is still important for various types of infections, and, of course, early isolation.
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