17.07.2021 – 21:01
The epidemiologist, Ilir Alimehmeti, spoke about the progress of COVID-19 in the country, as well as the many variants that are in circulation.
He said that the current number of infections is extremely low, while adding that an increase in infections is expected in the autumn months. However, according to the doctor, the autumn that is on the verge, will be with a smaller number of infections compared to the autumn of last year. Immediately, the doctor said that the DELTA variant, even if it is not currently in place, will be present in a second moment.
He said that this variant of the virus has an infectivity rate of over 40%, while the symptoms it shows are similar to other viruses, so according to the doctor, the spread of the infection is greater.
Ilir Alimehmeti: In itself it is an indicator of growth. The main figures are hospitalizations and loss of life. These are very low, there are 5 hospitalized and we have not had victims for 3 weeks. Number 18, is done by multiple tests. We are not talking about the community broadcast we had in the fall. It would be interesting to see where these cases take place, what age group it is. Cases are low. This comes from several elements, the key is wine, the second is that most people have passed the disease and the third is the vaccine. With autumn the element of good time escapes us, so we have a disadvantage.
Has the DELTA variant arrived in your optics?
Ilir Alihmehmeti: We do not have the opportunity to keep Delta out. We have no method. One month ago the WHO announced that 92 states had DELTA present, while states around us have reported cases. If we are not another planet, but part of Europe. In August, most cases are expected to be the DELTA variant.
DELTA variant, leads to fatality?
Ilir Alimehmeti: Whatever virus they send to fatality. The DELTA variant, is more contagious, 40% more transmissible, has a softer clinic. Makes him disguise himself with other viruses. The rarer the temperature, the much rarer the loss of taste and smell. This is why it becomes more transmissible than man does not understand.
When this variant passes to a person who has antibodies, what happens?
Ilir Alimehmeti: In global statistics, the number of cases of re-infections and deaths is not collected because the numbers are too small. Now, two forced doses are needed, the effectiveness drops. The most notable experiment is the UK. There are over 30 thousand daily cases, they are open and since April it is said that there is a DELTA variant. Those from April today, have the average below average.
Vaccines are recognized by the EMA, but vaccines that are not. Those who have been vaccinated with the Chinese vaccine, how is the fear with the DELTA variant, how much harm it causes. We have 2 divisions, western and eastern world. They follow the principle of transparency, while the Eastern world thinks differently, there are very few studies on Eastern vaccines. We have a language barrier with where these vaccines are produced. Pfizer, AstraZeneca, have reduced vaccinations. We are very interested in hospitalization and death. As for the Chinese vaccine, I know that there is a Chinese university to study it against the DELTA variant and we are waiting for the official reports of the state of Chile. Because it is a rich state, it has been winter there. If we get an answer we do not like we should think about additional doses or not.
Many vaccinations have been done in the country, there are those people who have not passed COVID, what is your call for them, should they get the vaccine?
Ilir Alimehmeti: We must take into account that we are not detached from a part of the planet. There are some people who can’t wait to be vaccinated, there are others who are reluctant. DELTA is the next variant, there will probably be another variant. We do not know if there will be other variants, but for infectious diseases, the vaccine is the dam to cross. We do not know of a virus that if you have passed it naturally, you need to be vaccinated. A case occurred in Austria and a great deal of discussion arose. Every day we walk we learn more.