Omicron Italia variant, symptoms and vaccines: what we know

The Omicron variant in the spotlight, among the first indications on the symptoms it causes and waiting for data on the risks of more serious disease and on the effectiveness of vaccines. Scholars from all over the world, including Italy, are working to answer the basic questions: what and what can cause the variant B.1.1.529 identified in South Africa and now present in about ten countries. Among the more than 30 mutations, those that can affect the Spike protein are in the sights of the researchers. At each latitude, the position of science at the moment is similar: you have to wait at least a couple of weeks, if not more, to get a first picture outlined. Read also OMICRON VARIANT IN ITALY In Italy, the Omicron variant is present in Campania: even the wife and children of the 55-year-old Eni executive, the ‘patient zero’, tested positive. “There is still no evidence that infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than the other variants. Preliminary data suggests there is a higher rate of hospitalizations in South Africa, but this may be due to the overall increase in infected people. rather than the specific infection with Omicron, “says the ISS. “At the moment there is no information to suggest that the specific symptoms associated with this variant are different from those due to the others,” the Institute continues. “The initial cases of infection concern university students, young people who tend to have a more mild – the ISS experts explain on the site – but to understand the level of severity of the infection caused by Omicron it will take more time (from a few days to a few weeks). However, remember that all variants of Covid-19, including the Delta, which currently remains the dominant variant globally, can cause serious illness or death, particularly in the most vulnerable people, and prevention remains fundamental “, it is emphasized.” DOES NOT KILL VACCINATES, NOT THE END OF THE WORLD ” Prudence and moderation also in the statements of the experts. “For 3 days we were terrified by the Omicron variant”, says Professor Matteo Bassetti, judging it was too much taken practically everywhere. “For 3 days the world was terrified by some of my colleagues. Today we are witnessing the escape of the catastrophists, but what has happened in the last few days has led several people to say ‘it is useless to get vaccinated’. In a moment like this, with nerves on the skin after 2 years of this kind, you have to communicate carefully. I, who am a doctor, cannot find out about the new variant because the Tokyo Stock Exchange collapses “, he says, to L’aria che tira, the Bassetti does not agree with the adoption of measures such as stopping flights from countries deemed at risk. “It seems that the Omicron variant did not cause particularly severe symptoms. If the vaccine is an umbrella with a few holes, when it rains I use it anyway,” says Professor Massimo Galli. “We have been told that Omicron has 32 mutations and a dozen are localized at the point of attack of our cells: for this it has automatically become a worrying variant, but it does not seem to kill vaccinated people. The symptoms seem mild but we need time to evaluate more data “. VACCINES ON SITE: WHAT THEY DO MODERN And PFIZERModerna and Pfizer are working to possibly modify the vaccine and counteract the variant. Moderna could take months to complete the mission, as explained by the managing director of the pharmaceutical company, Stéphane Bancel, to the broadcaster Cnbc. vaccines against the Omicron variant is not known. To buffer the eventual emergency, the company could soon make available a booster dose of 100 micrograms: “The higher dose may come quickly. We may decide to provide a higher dose of the current vaccine to possibly protect high-risk, immunosuppressed, and elderly “who” may need a fourth dose. “Biontech, Pfizer’s partner in manufacturing the other vaccine mRna, announces the start of the development of an adapted vaccine as a “precautionary measure.” The research that will go on in parallel with the study of the nature of the new Omicron variant. “To avoid wasting time, we are pursuing these two objectives in parallel until that no data will be available and that we will not have any other information to determine whether the currently available Covid vaccine actually needs to be adapted, “explains the company spokesperson in an interview with the Dpa.” The goal of this approach is to move quickly, in case a new specific vaccine is needed for a variant “. ANTI-OMICRON MEASURES Also against the new Omicron variant” l and strategies to reduce the spread of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, in addition to vaccination, remain the same: keep a distance of at least one meter from others, wear the mask with particular attention, especially in closed or crowded environments, cough or sneeze in the elbow or in a handkerchief, frequent hand hygiene, ensure adequate ventilation of closed environments. If you are eligible to receive a booster dose, the recommendation is to book it, while if you are not yet vaccinated, it is to book the appointment “, highlights the ISS.” Achieving the highest possible vaccination rates remains the key strategy. to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 and significant peaks in cases, as well as to reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging “, underline the experts of the Institute. THREE MONTHLY THREE-MONTH DOSE IN GB There are countries, meanwhile, that modify the strategy to face the new scenario. In Great Britain the third dose of Covid vaccine will be 3 months after the second to combat infections and not be surprised by the Omicron variant. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization believes that the booster dose should be offered to all adults within 90 days of completing their primary vaccination course, the Guardian reports Priority should be set by the UK Health Service . At the top of the list are the elderly and the immunosuppressed. According to the panel, which also recommends the booster dose for the 18-39 age group, adolescents in the 12-15 age group should receive the second dose of the vaccine. is linked to a strategy launched while the scientific community is committed to studying the Omicron variant. The new recommendations broaden the number of citizens who can receive the booster: from 40 million to 53 million people. All over 50s, in addition to frail subjects, can receive the booster from September. From November 15, on the other hand, there will also be space for the over 40s. developments and will continue to keep in close contact in the coming weeks and to meet again in December. In addition to recognizing South Africa’s “exemplary work” in identifying the variant and putting other countries on alert, ministers recognized the “strategic importance of ensuring access to vaccines”, thus also implementing donation commitments and pursuing disinformation on vaccines. CASES IN EUROPE “To date there are 33 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant reported in 8 countries of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal”, write the experts of the ‘Ecdc. “All confirmed cases have a history of travel to African countries, with flights calling at other destinations between Africa and Europe. All cases for which information is available regarding severity were asymptomatic or mild. So far, no serious cases have been reported and there has been no death. ” “Other cases have been reported in seven countries and territories outside the EU: Australia, Botswana, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa and the United Kingdom.”