Jakarta (ANTARA) – Epidemiologist Bayu Satria Wiratama asked the public to be aware of the level of risk of transmitting COVID-19 infection as a form of self-protection from various viral mutations.
“There will certainly be new variants of COVID-19 in the future, and all of these variants are almost similar in nature. All have spread rapidly and all have the same characteristics, meaning they can still be reduced in severity with vaccines,” he said. stated on the talk show “Facing New Variants: Fasten Prokes, Complete Vaccinations” which was followed online in Jakarta, Thursday.
Responding to the entry of the XBB variant into Indonesia, he emphasized public vigilance by maintaining health protocols even though they were carrying out demanding activities.
“After nearly three years of experience in a pandemic, people should be able to figure out whether they can be infected with COVID-19 or not,” said Bayu, who is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing of Gadjah Mada University of Yogyakarta.
According to him, when someone feels that their body is unhealthy or has symptoms such as a cough, runny nose or fever, people can understand that they are at risk of infection and it is dangerous to leave the house.
Even if they are forced to leave the home in unsanitary conditions, he said, people should get used to not taking off their masks and staying away from crowds in an area they visit.
“Even if we still wear the masks, we will definitely remove them. So if for example it is not possible (to be healthy, ed), it is better to stay at home and what is most important is that people know more about the risks they run. because of the different risks and types of people, “he said.
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He said that with different physical conditions, comorbid groups such as diabetics can understand that if they become infected with an infection, they will have difficulty healing due to the severity that will occur.
Research also shows all that diabetes is one of the deadly combos when exposed to COVID-19. Hence, it is mandatory that everyone has reached the booster dose and still maintains the condition of the body by controlling their health, “she said.
As for co-morbid patients, Bayu asked that if the doctor who gave the consultation allowed him to vaccinate, the co-morbid patient’s family members should immediately take him to the nearest health facility.
Because, he said, the severity of the COVID-19 variant to this day is still effectively suppressed through vaccination.
He added that it is recommended not to open the masks except when eating or drinking, even if they are outdoors or indoors.
Even health protocols cannot be ignored even if someone has received a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
“I hope that we know for ourselves the risks or conditions, for those who are not healthy, the use of masks must be increased both outside and inside the building. We must also invite them to get the vaccine for those who are not they did, “he said.
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Reporter: Hreeloita Dharma Shanti
Publisher: M. Hari Atmoko
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