There are 29 subvariants of COVID-19, subtypes of the Omicron strain, circulating in Ukraine, the Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday, UNN reports.
Details
"Currently, 29 sub-variants of the Omicron strain are circulating in the country," the Ministry of Health reported.
As noted, since the beginning of 2022, this particular strain has actually replaced other COVID strains, including Delta and Alpha, which were common during the previous epidemic.
"The global trend for COVID-19 is that the virus is finally moving into the category of seasonal diseases, like the flu. Every year, people will face the coronavirus, which will continue to mutate. Currently, the known and researched nature of COVID-19 mutations does not indicate that the virus has become more aggressive to the body. Increasingly, COVID-19 is manifesting as an acute respiratory viral infection and evading the immune response - that is, it affects weakened immunity more quickly, so even previously vaccinated people can get sick, but the acquired immunity after vaccination reduces the risk of complications during the disease," said Deputy Minister of Health - Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin.
According to the disease course, the Omicron strain, as indicated, mostly occurs as a common respiratory illness and does not cause severe oxygen dependence. However, it remains dangerous for risk groups: people with pathologies, chronic diseases and weakened immune systems, and those over 60 years of age.
Vaccination is recommended for people at risk. It is free of charge, and you can get vaccinated at your family doctor or at a hospital-based vaccination center.