BA.5 Omicron subvariant poses lung risk, says doctor

People wait for a vaccine shot outside Bang Sue Grand Station on July 10, 2022, amid a new wave of Covid-19 infections. The country’s largest vaccination centre is offering jabs to both walk-ins and by appointment. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
People wait for the vaccine shot outdoors Bang Sue Grand Station on This summer 10, 2022, among a new wave associated with Covid-19 infections. The particular country’s largest vaccination centre is offering jabs to both walk-ins and by appointment. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

The latest subvariant of the Omicron strain of the coronavirus is really as harmful to the lungs as the previous Delta variant although it nevertheless mainly attacks only the most vulnerable groups — the unvaccinated and the under-vaccinated — says an expert from Siriraj Hospital.

Among people currently receiving Covid-19 treatment, about eight hundred are suffering from lung infections which account for regarding 8% of all Covid-19 hospitalisations, says Doctor Nithipat Jearakul, head of Siriraj Hospital’s Department of Respiratory system Disease and Tuberculosis within the Department of Internal Medicine on the Faculty of Medicine.

The 8% represent a five-fold decrease from the lung infection price of 30-40% brought on by the previous Delta strain.

“However, in terms of severity, the current infections and those caused by Delta are not completely different, ” Dr Nithipat said.

The BA. five subvariant of Omicron is mainly responsible for latest flareups, which are likely to peak late this particular month and stay high next month before they begin losing during the next school break, said Doctor Yong Poovorawan, key of the Centre associated with Excellence in Medical Virology at the Division of Paediatrics associated with Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, previously.

Dr Nithipat said lung infections now mainly affect people in the so-called “608” team — people older 60 years and older, those with underlying illnesses and pregnant women — as well as those who obtained only one or two doses associated with vaccine or none at all.

Very few of those ill with lung bacterial infections had a history of receiving booster shots, this individual noted.

“Acquiring sufficient enhancer jabs can prevent hospitalisation and loss of life, ” Dr Nithipat said.

Meanwhile, deputy authorities spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said caseloads possess risen although most sufferers were within the “green” group with slight or slight symptoms such as a fever, temporary loss of flavor and smell, throat infection, cough and runny nose.

People who test beneficial following an antigen test are advised to visit a doctor under their particular respective universal medical health insurance programme.

Those not suffering from serious Covid-19 symptoms are advised to do house isolation for week. If patients have been in the 608 group, doctors will accomplish a deeper study of their conditions.

The Nationwide Health Security Office (NHSO) has added a telemedicine services where Covid-19 patients in home solitude can receive remote control consultations and may be dispensed free medicine, including the antiviral Favipiravir, straight to their homes if needed.