Alarming statement from Prof. Dr. Emine Sönmez regarding the Eris variant

Speaking about the Eris variant, Prof. Dr. Emine Sönmez emphasized the need for precautions, stating, "Eris has been talked about a lot in recent days; we see that Eris variants are spreading rapidly in nearly 50 countries. It is indeed a very fast-spreading virus; the number of cases is high, but most people recover on their feet. I believe the spread of the Eris variant will increase in the winter months."

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Alarming statement from Prof. Dr. Emine Sönmez regarding the Eris variant

While the coronavirus, which has affected the world, continues to exist with its sub-variants, the Eris variant has been causing panic in recent days.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca stated in his remarks, "The virulence of the Eris variant, meaning its ability to cause illness, is lower, but its transmissibility is higher. We can say that the number of patients has increased during this period. However, hospitalization rates are quite low. There is no need for panic," while experts also provided information regarding the Eris variant.

Prof. Dr. Emine Sönmez, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Beykent University Faculty of Medicine, expressed that she does not expect any restrictions due to Eris while evaluating the trend of the cases.

'IT PROGRESSES LIKE THE FLU'

Prof. Dr. Emine Sönmez said, "Eris has been talked about a lot in recent days, and with Eris, COVID has come back to the agenda. Variants and mutations have continued; the pandemic had peaked with the Omicron variant. This Eris is also a sub-variant of Omicron, causing very mild clinical cases. The first case was reported in Indonesia in February. Later, in July and August, the World Health Organization reported it as a variant of interest.

We see that Eris variants are currently spreading rapidly in nearly 50 countries, including the USA, the UK, and Japan. The Eris variant is indeed a very fast-spreading virus, but it is very mild. The number of cases is high; it progresses like a mild respiratory infection, the flu, or a cold, and the number of hospitalized patients is negligible. Both healthcare workers and patients need to be careful to avoid transmitting it to others and to prevent the severe progression of the disease," she said.

"I BELIEVE ITS SPREAD WILL INCREASE"

Responding to the question of whether there is a symptom that distinguishes the Eris variant from other variants, Prof. Dr. Emine Sönmez said, "We cannot distinguish variants by looking at symptoms. There is a sore throat, fever, a feeling of stinging in the throat, muscle and joint pain; in some cases, there is diarrhea, and in some cases, a loss of smell and taste, but it is very mild.

Patients recover on their feet within 3-4 days rather than 1 week or 10 days, and they recover quickly if they do not have an underlying disease. All respiratory infections generally increase in the winter months because people are more crowded in indoor spaces. I believe the spread of the Eris variant will increase in the winter months.

I expect an increase in respiratory infections, including the flu and other respiratory infections, all together. If there are elderly patients, those over 65, or those with chronic diseases, or if they are receiving cancer treatment or taking drugs that suppress immunity, it may progress severely in them, so we need to be careful.

It also progresses mildly in children. For children, personal hygiene; hand washing, toilet cleanliness, and ventilation of classrooms are measures that need to be taken in schools. I recommend masks for adults and those with chronic diseases in indoor spaces. Both new variants are spreading rapidly; their spread is very fast, but they do not cause a severe disease picture," she stated.

'I RECOMMEND MASKS IN CROWDED AREAS'

Speaking on the effectiveness of vaccines against new variants, Prof. Dr. Sönmez said, "The vaccines administered so far, the mRNA vaccines, were effective against Omicron; this is a sub-strain of Omicron, and it is not thought that the vaccines are very effective against these sub-strains or new strains. New vaccines are currently being developed for the new strains. We recommend the flu vaccine every autumn; I think we might be able to recommend it for the coronavirus as well for those with chronic diseases and risk groups.

I do not think there will be a complete lockdown or restriction; the cases are mild. If individuals take their own precautions, they might reduce this spread. My recommendation is; I recommend masks in indoor spaces, in the cold, in crowded areas like subways, planes, metrobuses, and buses.

Other than that, there will be no restrictions, but hand hygiene and coughing into a tissue or the inside of the elbow are essential. Viral infections will always exist, and there will be infections with different viruses. We cannot avoid respiratory infections, and it is difficult to develop a vaccine for every virus. We must keep our immune system strong.

Balanced nutrition is very important; one needs to consume protein, and vitamin D and C supplements can be taken. Regular sleep, night sleep is important, as are sports and managing stress. For patients, if there are respiratory symptoms, if they have a sore throat, are sneezing, or coughing, they should stay at home if possible. To protect other people, they should stay at home and rest for a few days. They should recover from the illness mildly at home and then mix into society," she expressed.

News Source: 12punto