Covid, the reasons for the increase in infections: “New variants are spreading. But the disease remains the same” – ForlìToday

Covid-19 infections are increasing throughout Italy. The Ministry of Health’s weekly bulletin shows that in the week from July 25 to 31, there were 17,008 new infections and the favorable rate rose by 3.1 percentage points, going from 13.8% to 16.9%. But what are the reasons behind the growth in favorable conditions? “Sars-Cov 2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is not a seasonal virus, like the flu – explains Professor Francesco Cristini, head of the “Infectious Diseases” Task Unit of the hospital ” Morgagni”-Pierantoni” of Forlì – many people live in the resorts”.

Professor Cristini, is what you see to be considered an unexpected event?

“On the other hand, given what has been said, the data is not surprising. The spread of new versions of the virus, which does not increase the severity of the disease, also contributes to this increase in cases of infection, as a result. infectious periods that are typical of the period, but they increase infectivity because they can avoid the specific immune defenses of the population, acquired through vaccination or previous illness This situation proves that Covid has a seasonal pattern like other viruses”.

The most common symptoms?

“The disease remains almost the same. Often the symptoms are mild, mainly affecting the upper respiratory tract, and similar to a common cold. And as in many other common diseases, such as the flu, it is the sensitivity of the subject that determines how serious the disease is.”

What is the status of the Infectious Disease Task Force?

“The number varies a lot from day to day, but it does not exceed a few units. Covid-19 cases are still admitted to the hospital based on clinical priorities, so not all of them are there the Infectious Diseases”.

Which age groups have the highest incidence rate?

“The virus affects everyone, the more opportunities there are for social contact and the more contagious it is. “

However, the number of cases seems to be underestimated…

“The number of cases is certainly greatly underestimated. In fact, because the disease is mild and moderate in most cases, those who have respiratory symptoms may or may not be associated with fever, so Covid-19 could be have, recover quickly and therefore they do not recover. Instead the known cases are only those that are discovered through a diagnostic swab.

Can a person be susceptible to the virus again shortly after infection?

As expected, if a new virus variant begins to circulate widely in a given period of time, this can spread by avoiding the immunity previously acquired by natural infection or by vaccination. It’s a natural phenomenon.”

A preview for the fall? According to experts, the growth in cases is like a ‘wake-up call’ for the next season…

“It’s very difficult to predict. The attention level of the entire health care system will also remain high in the next harvest season. It is an important season not only for Covid-19 but also for other respiratory diseases with seasonal trends. New vaccines adapted to the latest variants are also awaited, which are no longer intended for the entire population as in critical times of the pandemic, but for the largest numbers is in danger”.

Tips for prevention?

“The main measures against the virus are based on the correct clinical management of patients who have been diagnosed. illness”.

What should not be done?

“Forgetting that Covid-19 still exists. Those most at risk must be protected by avoiding contact when we have similar symptoms, vaccinating them with vaccines that are constantly updated to the variants that ‘ distribution in the future, and send them to health care when they become. ill We now have to focus on this segment of the population.”