Ways to protect yourself from the rapidly spreading 'Eris' variant
Prof. Dr. Selma Metintaş, a faculty member at the Department of Public Health at Eskişehir Osmangazi University (ESOGÜ) and a former member of the Ministry of Health's Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board, stated that individuals in high-risk groups, in particular, need to protect themselves well against the Eris variant of COVID-19.
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In a statement released by the ESOGÜ Rectorate, Prof. Dr. Metintaş noted that in addition to the influenza virus, the COVID-19 causative agent SARS-CoV-2 is also significantly prevalent worldwide, and that the virus has undergone mutations as it evolves, leading to the emergence of a new variant popularly known as "Eris."
Listing the reasons for its prevalence as the nature of the virus, the lack of immunity among those who have previously had the disease, and the failure to reach desired vaccination rates, Metintaş stated, "We are not in the first year of the pandemic; we are seeing fewer cases, and each new variant is less lethal and causes less severe illness than the initial type, but it is more contagious."
Metintaş pointed out that in this period when both the influenza virus and the coronavirus are prevalent, those in high-risk groups, in particular, must protect themselves well.
Reminding people of the "mask, social distancing, hygiene" rule, Metintaş continued:
"Viruses can only be distinguished in the laboratory with a swab sample. However, there is no difference in terms of their treatment. Patients should be monitored, rest, and consume plenty of fluids.
If high fever persists or respiratory distress begins, health institutions should be consulted. There is a lot of widespread 'infodemic' misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccines.
These have no relation to reality. The World Health Organization has conducted studies on this. It is also beneficial for those who are missing doses to complete their vaccinations."
"YOU SHOULD NOT TOUCH YOUR MOUTH, NOSE, OR EYES WITH DIRTY HANDS"
Prof. Dr. Metintaş emphasized that it is important for individuals to protect themselves while they are healthy.
Stating that there are studies on the importance of good nutrition and physical activity, Metintaş remarked, "Beyond that, keeping hands clean, washing them frequently, and cleaning hands with alcohol-based disinfectants containing at least 60 percent alcohol when hand-washing is not possible are essential. You should not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes—where viruses enter the body through the respiratory tract—with dirty hands. You should avoid contact with sick individuals."
Metintaş stated that there is a need to wear a mask when entering crowded and poorly ventilated places.
Touching on the importance of sick individuals isolating themselves rather than entering society or crowds, Metintaş said, "If sick individuals must enter society out of necessity, they must wear their masks much more meticulously. There needs to be a rest period. It is highly beneficial for unvaccinated individuals to get their vaccines."