Due to mutations, "Omicron" does not cause severe oxygen dependence, but is still dangerous for high-risk groups - virologist
Kyiv • UNN
The Omicron variant now resembles a common respiratory disease, but still poses risks to the elderly and chronically ill.
The Omicron strain of the coronavirus has evolved so much that it now behaves like a common respiratory illness. However, it still poses a threat to people over the age of 60 and those with chronic diseases. This was reported during a briefing by virologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences Alla Myronenko, according to a UNN correspondent.
Since the beginning of 2022, perhaps even since the end of 21, when Omicron came, it has actually replaced all the other viruses we knew - Delta and Alpha. Now there is only Omicron, and many of its sub-variants are circulating at the same time. But, fortunately, Omicron has changed so much that it has accumulated a lot of mutations in the adhesion protein (this is the surface protein that attaches the virus to the clathrin) and it has changed so much that it does not cause severe oxygen dependence, as it was with previous variants, when people died because there was no oxygen or they could not be hospitalized or it was too late. "Omicron usually runs like a common respiratory disease, but it is dangerous for risk groups
As a reminder
A new omicron-specific vaccine has appeared that is more effective against the coronavirus strain "Omicron". Next week, you will be able to get vaccinated at vaccination centers in all regions of Ukraine. This is recommended for people who are at risk.
SEE ALSO: Ukrainians are getting sick by 40 percent more this epidemic season compared to last year - Kuzin
