The Arrival of “Iris” Variant of Covid-19: Truth and Implications in Lebanon

Dareen Mansour wrote on mtv: The World Health Organization recently announced the emergence of a new variant of “Covid 19”, called “EG.5” and called “Iris”, and urged countries to monitor infections with this variant, which is spreading globally. She also confirmed that it does not pose a major threat to public health, as “Iris” is another version of the “Omicron” mutant and carries the same symptoms. What is the truth about the arrival of “Iris” to Lebanon?

The head of the Department of Bacterial Diseases at Rafic Hariri Hospital, Dr. Pierre Abi Hanna, indicated that “we cannot know if Iris arrived in Lebanon through the regular PCR examination, but we have to do a thorough génétique examination, so that the Ministry takes a sample and conducts a thorough examination of it. It was not clear.” After it exists, and when it is confirmed, the ministry informs us of that because it is transparent in this matter.

Abi Hanna added, in an interview with mtv: “The Iris mutant may have arrived in Lebanon, but no cases of infection with it have yet been discovered. There is no need for fear because it is a derivative of the Omicron mutant and does not lead to additional diseases. Rather, it is a mild corona.”
And about the reason for the rapid spread of the virus, he said: “Because it has mutants that help it escape from the immunity that we gained, either because of our previous infection or the vaccines that we took, so whoever was infected with corona and exceeded the 3-month period may be infected again, but with a mild cold. The old immunity and the vaccines that we took protect us from entry.” To the hospital and if the symptoms are severe.

As for the symptoms, he confirmed that they are similar to Omericron and nothing new, “fever for a day or two, runny nose, muscle fatigue, sore throat, coughing…”, stressing that people who suffer from weak immunity and those who are elderly They should be more careful than others because there is a risk that they will feel serious complications.”
He pointed out that there is no reason to return to previous preventive measures, as we have not noticed an increase in hospital admissions. Surveillance is very important in the country, as the number of cases admitted to hospitals and intensive care units is carefully monitored.

Regarding prevention methods, Abi Hanna stressed that if a person suffers from a high temperature or a cough, he must stay at home, but if he is forced to leave the house, he must wear a mask and wash his hands permanently so as not to transmit the virus to others. The tests that can be performed are the antigen test, i.e. the rapid test, and the pcr that monitors this mutant.
He pointed out that most people do not need treatment, but for people with weak immunity and infected with the new mutant, we have experience and knowledge of their treatment.

Abi Hanna concluded by saying: “The spread of the virus is rapid and there is surveillance, and this does not constitute a great fear. The state is monitoring and most of the countries of the world are doing so, and currently people who suffer from weak immunity must pay more attention than others, as there will be an increase in the number of cases, but there is no increase.” in cases of admission to the hospital.

2023-08-22 06:20:37

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