Covid, Locatelli: “There will be no fourth wave”

Is there a risk of a fourth wave of Covid in September? “In light of the spread of vaccinations, absolutely not. There is a risk of a resumption of infections: how to avoid it? With attention, prudence and responsibility in behavior. Not pressing to reopen everything immediately, but proceeding gradually”. Franco Locatelli, president of the Superior Health Council (Css), coordinator of the Technical Scientific Committee (CTS) for the coronavirus emergency and director of Experimental Medicine, says this in an interview that will be published in tomorrow’s issue of ‘Famiglia Cristiana’ accuracy of the Infant Jesus of Rome. “The virus is always the same – he explains – If anything, the two variants that are now more widespread in the country, Alpha and Delta, are more contagious than the strain from Wuhan. Let’s not make the mistake of thinking of a virus that, although has changed characteristics, is characterized by less power to cause serious illness. What has changed is the state of immunization of the country, with 51 million doses administered. This accounts for greater protection from infection “. The Delta variant,” in addition to the greater contagiousness, it seems to have attenuated or completely lost some connotations: for example the loss of taste and smell. The most frequent symptoms are fever, runny nose, headache and sore throat – Locatelli lists – But this it does not prevent it from causing equally serious diseases “. How to behave? “Indoors, masks must be kept – he recommends – because they are the most effective non-pharmacological interventions together with interpersonal distancing. But also outdoors it is advisable to wear them where it is not possible to avoid gatherings or crowds (in line, in queue, in the markets or fair). Just as it is appropriate to keep them when in contact with an immunosuppressed person “. As for vaccines, “let’s start with the lethality rates of the virus – says Locatelli – Above 80 years it is 20%; between 70-79 years it is just under 10%; between 60 and 69 it is 2.8%: that is, one in 30 people dies if infected. The message that derives from this is clear: everyone should be vaccinated also because vaccines have an excellent safety profile. For the over 60s – he concludes – it is even a sort of ‘commandment’ “.