Dr Angelique Coetzee who first recognized the clinical symptoms of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 pandemic and realized that there was a new variant has warned that the there could be any number of sub variants of the Covid-19 pandemic on the way and has advised safety precautions like having booster dose, wear proper mask and refrain from large gatherings.
Dr Angelique Coetzee
Closing borders not a solution: In a telephonic interview the South African Pretoria based private practitioner and immediate past chairperson of the South African Medical Association is categorical to state-“As the viruses have come to stay and traces of the same are found everywhere it may not be feasible or a right step to close the international borders. Such a measure may not be a wise move to tackle the problem at your doorsteps. It is also important to have additional booster vaccine dose, especially for people above the age of 60 and those with chronic diseases. Added to this wearing proper mask and keeping safe distances from huge gatherings are a must”.
No worry from affected countries: Dr Angelique Coetzee becomes candid when quizzed about the likelihood of the sub variants of Omicron spreading to other countries from the affected ones-“There should be no worry from the affected countries. Any way virus is going to spread and we only need to take enough precautionary measures to stop from further spreading. There has been a surge noticed in China and worrying on the spread is not going to help in reality. It is not going to help us to stop the spread from people coming in going out of some countries. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier we need to learn to live with the virus. The virus is wherever and currently we have no new variants to wade of but for some sub variants of Omicron”.
Maybe a new variant coming: Dwelling on the characteristics of the new sub variants Dr Angelique Coetzee explained-“Some of the characteristics are on the peripheral and found more in the labs research of the scientists. We haven’t seen them having the real impact. They seem to be moist and more virulent than the original omicron but its spread needs to be observed as of now. But really we don’t see them fast spreading in the current situation. But going forward, maybe a new variant or a new sub variant of Omicron coming that might be quite severe with disease or faster spreading and more transmissible than what we are seeing now. So, let’s see what the future holds for us. I think we have not seen the lot or last of that”.
Variants tend to keep changing: Going by the numerous variants of Covid-19 pandemic Dr Angelique Coetzee says-“What we have seen in mutations and structures of these viruses and the Covid-19 one’s is that they tend to change over a time and the change in their properties is a subject of study and research. However some changes might affect the strains of these viruses such as how easily it can spread, the disease variety, and the performance of the vaccines etc. we need to find out from the public health specialists and scientists”.
Many other sub variants in place: About the ongoing precautionary measures in place at the global level Dr Angelique Coetzee informs-“We also know that some variants, sub variants of Omicron going around and that are being monitored by the World Health Organization. Going forward we are seeing a lot of these variants, sub variants are moist, virulent, increase in terms of transmissibility and infect the immune system. The fact that the immune system and antibodies decline over the months you has been vaccinated or had disease might play a role in 2023”.
First 6-8 months of 2023 crucial: On the possible spread of these variants and sub variants Dr Angelique Coetzee feels-“The emergence of a new variant or a sub variant may be a subject of concern but the first six to eight months of 2023 may be able to guide us. It is possible a new wave coming up. So it is very important that we never ever we should have to go back to strict regulations like total lockdown. Although there is a possibility of a new variant or four to sub variants making their presence felt soon”.
Wearing proper mask a necessity: To overcome the challenges posed by the new variants and sub variants Dr Angelique Coetzee cautions-“You need gear up for the upcoming challenges and revert to the standard procedures like hand washing, wearing of the mask, proper mask and patients at high risk look at vaccination, follow up vaccinations so as to protect them”.
Difficult to say vaccinations will be effective: On the possibility effects of vaccination and frequent ones’ Dr Angelique Coetzee emphasis-“With the new variants coming up it is difficult to say how effective the vaccinations could be for now. It seems they are but anything may happen going forward. South Africa, this time a year ago we underwent a very difficult time as a lot of borders were closed to South Africa. Also most of the countries all over the world also closed their borders to protect their people from Omicron”.
We need to learn to live with the virus: On the way to handle to current and emerging situation Dr Angelique Coetzee signs off-“It is important for us as a country and the rest of the world to learn to live with this viral infection and always keep cognizance of the fact that all might not be sick or might be able to infect someone. So we need to treasure each other and know that I am not the only important person but the people in my vicinity are equally important and that I need to protect them as God has to protect myself going forward”.
-Manohar Yadavatti
Very good write up by Mr. Manohar.
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