In spite of the alarming global surge in COVID-19 cases, which has seen an increase of around 80% in the past three months, Turkey has managed to avert a significant spike in infections. The Coronavirus Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Health is maintaining a watchful stance as the Eris (EG.5.1) variant, a sub-strain of the Omicron variant discovered in the United States and some European countries, has not yet made its presence felt within Turkish borders. Nevertheless, concerns are mounting as the country prepares to reopen its schools, with the possibility of the variant emerging in major cities.
In a recent interview, Professor Dr. Alper Şener, a prominent member of the committee and a respected faculty member specializing in Infectious Diseases at Izmir Katip Çelebi University Faculty of Medicine, provided insights into Turkey's current COVID-19 situation and the emergence of the Eris variant.
According to Şener, despite the global upswing in COVID-19 cases by roughly 80% in the past three months, Turkey has effectively managed to contain a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases.
"We have not observed a surge in cases with positive test results, intensive care admissions, or hospitalizations, particularly among those seeking emergency medical services," Şener confirmed.
Addressing the distinctive vaccination strategy implemented by the Ministry of Health, Şener underscored the "hybrid vaccine" approach. This approach involves the combination of various vaccine types, including mRNA vaccines and inactivated vaccines, which results in enhanced immunity against different variants of the coronavirus. "While some countries opt for a single mRNA vaccine, Turkey's hybrid immunity approach appears to deter a significant increase in cases. It's crucial to note that countries with singular vaccine strategies, like the United Kingdom and the United States, may encounter challenges posed by variants that partially evade their vaccines," he elucidated.
Şener also pointed out that the symptoms associated with the Eris variant closely resemble those of COVID-19, including a runny nose, nasal congestion, joint pain, pain behind the eyes, dry cough, and fatigue. He urged individuals experiencing these symptoms to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test, as the pandemic might continue to progress silently, possibly unnoticed amid the ongoing summer season.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Tevfik Özlü, a renowned authority in virology, highlighted the virus's remarkable adaptability through various mutations. In a thought-provoking commentary, Özlü emphasized how the virus has transitioned from being a severe threat to a relatively manageable presence in our lives.
"What's intriguing is the virus's evolution toward coexistence with us, sparing us from severe illness or fatality. Our immunity has strengthened through natural infections and vaccinations, allowing the virus to establish a less menacing profile," Özlü stated.
Drawing parallels to the annual resurgence of respiratory viruses, Özlü elucidated a predictable pattern. "A familiar sequence unfolds as September heralds the resurgence of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The upward trajectory spans through October, November, December, and January, reaching its zenith in February, before tapering off in March and April. This cyclical rhythm mirrors that of other common cold viruses."
The World Health Organization (WHO), in a report released on Aug. 9, reclassified the Omicron sub-variant Eris as a "variant to watch." While the public health risk of Eris remains categorized as "low globally," akin to existing COVID-19 variants, experts emphasize that the variant has the potential to proliferate and trigger a surge in cases depending on its specific characteristics.
As Turkey carefully navigates the delicate balance between reopening schools and monitoring the potential emergence of the Eris variant, the Ministry of Health remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding public health and staying ahead of the ever-evolving challenges posed by the pandemic. Citizens are strongly advised to remain vigilant, adhere to recommended protocols, and prioritize testing if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19.
In a recent interview, Professor Dr. Alper Şener, a prominent member of the committee and a respected faculty member specializing in Infectious Diseases at Izmir Katip Çelebi University Faculty of Medicine, provided insights into Turkey's current COVID-19 situation and the emergence of the Eris variant.
According to Şener, despite the global upswing in COVID-19 cases by roughly 80% in the past three months, Turkey has effectively managed to contain a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases.
"We have not observed a surge in cases with positive test results, intensive care admissions, or hospitalizations, particularly among those seeking emergency medical services," Şener confirmed.
Addressing the distinctive vaccination strategy implemented by the Ministry of Health, Şener underscored the "hybrid vaccine" approach. This approach involves the combination of various vaccine types, including mRNA vaccines and inactivated vaccines, which results in enhanced immunity against different variants of the coronavirus. "While some countries opt for a single mRNA vaccine, Turkey's hybrid immunity approach appears to deter a significant increase in cases. It's crucial to note that countries with singular vaccine strategies, like the United Kingdom and the United States, may encounter challenges posed by variants that partially evade their vaccines," he elucidated.
Şener also pointed out that the symptoms associated with the Eris variant closely resemble those of COVID-19, including a runny nose, nasal congestion, joint pain, pain behind the eyes, dry cough, and fatigue. He urged individuals experiencing these symptoms to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test, as the pandemic might continue to progress silently, possibly unnoticed amid the ongoing summer season.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Tevfik Özlü, a renowned authority in virology, highlighted the virus's remarkable adaptability through various mutations. In a thought-provoking commentary, Özlü emphasized how the virus has transitioned from being a severe threat to a relatively manageable presence in our lives.
"What's intriguing is the virus's evolution toward coexistence with us, sparing us from severe illness or fatality. Our immunity has strengthened through natural infections and vaccinations, allowing the virus to establish a less menacing profile," Özlü stated.
Drawing parallels to the annual resurgence of respiratory viruses, Özlü elucidated a predictable pattern. "A familiar sequence unfolds as September heralds the resurgence of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The upward trajectory spans through October, November, December, and January, reaching its zenith in February, before tapering off in March and April. This cyclical rhythm mirrors that of other common cold viruses."
The World Health Organization (WHO), in a report released on Aug. 9, reclassified the Omicron sub-variant Eris as a "variant to watch." While the public health risk of Eris remains categorized as "low globally," akin to existing COVID-19 variants, experts emphasize that the variant has the potential to proliferate and trigger a surge in cases depending on its specific characteristics.
As Turkey carefully navigates the delicate balance between reopening schools and monitoring the potential emergence of the Eris variant, the Ministry of Health remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding public health and staying ahead of the ever-evolving challenges posed by the pandemic. Citizens are strongly advised to remain vigilant, adhere to recommended protocols, and prioritize testing if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19.