Have you noticed any people around you showing flu symptoms lately? We talked about the background of this situation with a virus expert.
Epidemic It wouldn’t be wrong to say that we are used to hearing the word frequently, especially during seasonal transitions. However, when viruses such as Covid are involved, it is not easy to just dismiss it as flu, as we used to do before. Of course, we don’t even get into Monkeypox, West Nile virus, Langya, etc.
However, this situation makes it difficult for us to describe the situation we are in as an epidemic. In order to clarify the issue, we also want to talk about the person we know for his informative posts on social media. Virologist Dr. To Semih Tareen (Virus Phantom) We asked our questions. He answered our questions in an understandable language, without delving into technical terms.
Is there an extraordinary situation?
“The epidemic of the last month covers viruses and bacteria that spread due to people being together in closed environments, especially since it is winter in the northern hemisphere. There is no extraordinary situation, but among those viruses, of course, the one that causes Covid-19 SARS virus there is. In addition, there is an increase in flu viruses, especially Influenza A cases, this winter. Apart from that, there are cases with the virus called RSV.”
“Apart from that, the total, that is, the total that affects human breathing, at least nine There are different viruses. So it could be one of the others. These usually do not cause severe symptoms but cold-like symptoms.
“That’s why Of course, an increase in cases is normal. Now no one can know which virus it is without any diagnostic testing. Therefore, they may say Covid in public, but they cannot be sure without taking a Covid test. They might say it’s the flu, but they can’t be sure unless they get a flu test.”
“And since we have just come out of a pandemic, as you know, the pandemic continues theoretically, but pandemic life is over. Since we have just come out of the pandemic life, people are still a little paranoid and rightfully afraid of respiratory diseases. That’s why there is particular tension among the public. Yes, I’m aware of that too.”
Is there a need for a new vaccine?
“Now it’s like this: The newly updated Covid-19 vaccine was already released about a year ago in America and some other countries. But I guess he didn’t come to Turkey. Of course, because he didn’t come to Turkey. The population in Turkey cannot receive the updated Covid vaccine.”
“It actually makes sense to get this updated vaccine. Because the virus is mutating continually. It continues to evolve constantly. That’s why, for example, in America, the CDC recommendation is that everyone should receive that updated vaccine. at least one dose to be. And of course, there are flu vaccines. Flu vaccines are also updated every year. But I think there is no awareness in Turkey about getting the flu vaccine regularly every year.”
“I understand this by following it from a distance. It may be wrong but from what I understand from a distance There is not much awareness in Turkey to renew the flu vaccine every year.. Flu vaccines are renewed every year, and therefore renewed flu vaccines are recommended for everyone by the CDC. So that’s the answer to your question.”
Are previous vaccines no longer effective?
“By the way, don’t get me wrong, but there is no problem that previous vaccines do not work. Previous vaccines, of course, work. I’m just pointing out that if the effectiveness of previous vaccines was 90 percent, etc. against the newly evolved, mutated corona virus, SARS-COV-2, the effectiveness of those vaccines has of course decreased. That’s why an updated vaccine is needed.”
“Since there is a need for an up-to-date vaccine, it is important for people to have access to that up-to-date vaccine. Of course, here you are to me. An article by the Turkish Medical Association You sent it, I looked at that article. Without getting into any politics here, the question can be asked why any Ministry of Health or government has not brought up-to-date vaccines to Turkey.”
As Semih Taneer underlined, there is no extraordinary situation at the moment. However, as he stated, the importance of vaccines and the precautions we can take are critical. What are your thoughts?
We had previously talked about different types of viruses:
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