Alarming COVID-19 variant statement for Turkey: 'We don't know exactly'

Experts point out that there is an increase in upper respiratory tract diseases, especially with the cooling of the weather in December, January, and February. In this context, Tülek shared information regarding the respiratory tract infections recently seen in the community.

"SWINE FLU HAS BECOME SEASONAL"

Stating that there is an increase in respiratory infections due to the cold weather in winter months and that more than one virus is in circulation, Tülek said, "From the middle of December, it was the period when influenza (the flu) began to cause outbreaks before COVID-19.

This continues through December, January, and February. We are seeing the same thing again. What is different this year is perhaps the presence of more than one virus in the same person or the occurrence of consecutive infections.

There is an increase in flu cases. Most of it is the virus we call H1N1, but this should not be compared to the virus type called 'swine flu' that caused the pandemic in 2009. That has now turned into a seasonal occurrence," she said.

"WE DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHICH COVID-19 VARIANT IS CIRCULATING IN OUR COUNTRY"

Emphasizing that new variants have been constantly emerging since the COVID-19 virus, Tülek said, "Considering human movement in the world; the ease of transportation through tourism or business trips affects the very rapid spread of variants from one country to another. We do not know exactly which variant is currently circulating for COVID. Special tests are required. We know it is milder than at the beginning, and the transmission routes for all respiratory viruses are similar. We generally see them all in the winter season and early spring," she said.

"RSV POSES A VERY SERIOUS RISK TO YOUNG CHILDREN"

Pointing out that the transmission route of respiratory viruses from one person to another is almost the same, Tülek said, "It is transmitted through droplets or contact with a contaminated environment. For example, I coughed and viruses spread onto the table. I touch it with my hand, then I pick it up and put it to my mouth. The groups they affect are more or less similar, but RSV is seen more in children. There is also an increase in children. It poses a very serious risk to young children and those under six months old," she said.

"WE SUDDENLY ABANDONED MASKS AND HAND WASHING"

Expressing that very serious measures were taken at the beginning of COVID-19, Tülek said, "People stayed at home, everyone paid attention to masks and hand washing, but we abandoned these all of a sudden. Actually, we shouldn't have. If it's not COVID, there is the flu, and the flu is not a disease to be taken lightly.

In certain age groups (young age, advanced age) and those with underlying chronic diseases, it can lead to very serious illness and even death. We should not have abandoned protective measures.

First of all, patients must wear masks to protect others. As long as they don't wear them, we cannot prevent this just by wearing masks ourselves. Because the winter season is cold, we are in more closed and crowded environments. It is necessary to stay away from these as much as possible. It is necessary to ventilate the environment," she assessed.