"Contagion of the new COVID-19 variant is higher"

Drawing attention to the fact that new variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, continue to emerge, Medical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aynur Eren Topkaya stated that the current circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant is more contagious than other respiratory viruses and particularly affects high-risk groups, including the elderly. She emphasized the need to increase precautions to prevent intensified hospital admissions and generally protect against the disease.

Thinking that the pandemic is over, measures have been lifted worldwide. However, viruses continue to exist. Moreover, because our immune system has forgotten these viruses, it cannot fight them effectively, and diseases continue to occur more intensely. “Currently, we are in a period when all respiratory viruses are circulating in society, leading to increased hospital admissions,” said Prof. Dr. Aynur Eren Topkaya from Yeditepe University Hospitals, reminding that viral respiratory diseases are severe, especially in the elderly and young children.

Are Variants Still Emerging?

Pointing out that COVID-19 cases have significantly increased worldwide since mid-November 2023, our expert said, “We call genetically altered viruses 'variants'. Variants that have increased transmissibility and virulence, and can escape laboratory tests and the effects of medications are called 'variants of concern'. New variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, continue to emerge.”.

Is the Transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant Higher?

Noting that COVID-19 cases have increased significantly worldwide since mid-November 2023, our expert explained that the current circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant is more contagious than other respiratory viruses and thus particularly affects the elderly. She mentioned that, for this reason, hospital and intensive care unit admissions have continued to increase in our country in recent months. “There is an effective medication for flu if the disease is detected early, and starting the medication early ensures a milder course of the illness. However, there is no effective medication for COVID-19. Therefore, the most important method to avoid both flu and COVID-19 is prevention,” she said.

Symptoms of the New COVID-19 Variant

According to our expert, the symptoms caused by the current variant include sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, fever, and sweating, similar to flu symptoms. The Medical Microbiology Specialist noted that while the clinical picture is mild in most patients, this situation is closely related to whether the patient has underlying health conditions and their immune status.

What Precautions Should Be Taken Against the New COVID-19 Variant?

Stating that vaccines developed against the variants are not available in our country, Medical Microbiology Specialist emphasized the importance of precautions: “Therefore, to protect against the new highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 variant and other respiratory viruses, it is beneficial to remember and apply the measures we adhered to more strictly at the beginning of the pandemic, such as wearing masks, maintaining distance, avoiding crowded environments, hand hygiene, and isolating patients, in our daily lives.”