The Health Ministry announced that the country has witnessed the end of the COVID-19 wave and the end of the second Omicron wave, stressing that the pandemic is not over yet.
Researcher on health policies, Doctor Tayeb Hamdi told Hespress EN that the waves are successive, and are increasingly milder.
“Waves become less virulent as a result of acquired immunity from previous infection and vaccination,” Hamdi added.
“There was no economic or social impact during the fourth wave, and the country kept its borders open, allowing tourism and cross-city travel,” he further stated.
“This wave resulted in only 182 deaths, which is less than the previous Omicron wave, that resulted in a total of 1182 deaths,” he specified.
The Doctor went on to say that acquired immunity protected the economy, social life, and healthcare system, but not people with underlying conditions.
“People over the age of 60, or even younger, who have chronic diseases and are not up to date on their vaccinations are the most at risk,” he added.
According to the researcher, during the upcoming winter, a new wave will appear for several reasons.
“When it is cold, the human body’s immunity system becomes weaker, and people stay more in indoor places, which lead the viruses to spread more quickly,” he explained.
“Antibodies also drop over time, which increases the possibility to contract the virus,” he added.
The BA.2.75 variant or another variant will dominate cases in the near future, the Doctor said.
Hamdi stated that the risk is always present, urging people with underlying conditions to stay up to date on their vaccinations, avoid indoor areas, and follow precautionary measures such as mask use and regular testing.
The Doctor also advised people who exhibit virus-like symptoms to isolate themselves, suspend activity, and get tested for appropriate treatment.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.