COVID-19 patients nine-fold increase, and vaccinated people do not feel safe
Aug 11, 2024
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We will learn more about the resurgence of COVID-19 through Shin Hyung-sik, a professor of infectious diseases at Eulji University Hospital in Daejeon.
▶COVID-19's transmission power has become stronger...Even existing vaccinated people don't feel safe
The COVID-19 virus spread this time is KP.3, an Omicron variant, and the detection rate of KP.3 compared to the positive COVID-19 test was 39.8% last month, more than three times higher than 12.1% of the previous month.
Fortunately, KP.3 does not have a high severity and fatality rate of infections, but it is known that it has a high immune avoidance ability. This means that people who have been vaccinated or who have naturally developed immunity due to infection are more likely to contract COVID-19 again. It is also worrisome that the proportion of elderly people aged 65 or older among COVID-19 confirmed patients is as high as 65%. Respiratory viruses are mainly prevalent in winter, but COVID-19 has also been prevalent in summer (July to August) over the past two years, and considering the trend, the number of COVID-19 patients is expected to increase by the end of August.
Professor Shin Hyung-sik explained, `In summer, ventilation time is significantly reduced due to the use of air conditioners, and as the amount of movement increases during the holiday season, an environment that is easy for respiratory infectious diseases to spread is formed.' Recently, Corona is a flu-like symptom that begins with fever, muscle pain and sore throat in the early stages, followed by coughing. In severe cases, pneumonia may occur, resulting in coughing, phlegm, and shortness of breath.
▶Covid-19 crisis level down...Transition to autonomous quarantine practices
In May, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered the crisis stage of COVID-19 from 'alert' to 'attention' and completely shifted to autonomous quarantine practice.
Quarantine measures to be changed to ▲Recommended' by 24 hours after major symptoms improve, and if there are no major symptoms, return to daily life within 24 hours ▲ Switch from the obligation to preemptively inspect residents of facilities vulnerable to infection such as nursing hospitals and facilities to 'Recommended' ▲ Switch to wear a mask 'Recommended' and lift legal obligations to prevent transmission ▲ Comply with wearing a mask to prevent transmission even if there are symptoms ▲ Switch to 'Recommended' from mandatory for self-inspection, and check the relevant country in advance as the country to which one will travel may be subject to.
▶ Observe personal quarantine rules...Indoor air circulation is also required
Multi-collective facilities such as swimming pools, movie theaters, and department stores are also at high risk of infection due to the influx of vacationers. The fact that most people do not wear masks in hot weather also affects the spread of COVID-19.
Professor Shin Hyung-sik emphasized that "Since not only COVID-19 but also other infectious diseases such as whooping cough and hand-foot-and-mouth disease are spreading, it is necessary to thoroughly comply with personal quarantine rules.'
It is recommended to wear a mask when going to a crowded place, and wash your hands with soap for more than 30 seconds after going out, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. It is better not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. It's better to ventilate the room enough. Ventilate at least three times a day for 10 minutes to circulate indoor air.
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bellho@sportschosun.com
