The World Health Organization (WHO) reminds that the Covid-19 virus is circulating in all countries.
- Maria Van Kerkhove, technical manager of Covid-19 at the WHO, indicates that the virus is now circulating all over the world.
- According to her, it still represents a threat even if it has evolved.
- We are better protected against the virus, but she recalls the importance of wearing a mask, ventilating rooms and vaccination.
Covid-19 is still here. Nearly 4 years after its appearance, this coronavirus continues to circulate around the world. Maria Van Kerkhove, epidemiologist, technical manager of Covid-19 within the WHO and the department of prevention and preparation for epidemics and pandemics, recalled this on Tuesday, November 21, in a live broadcast on the social network
Live Q&A on #COVID19 and flu with Dr @mvankerkhove. #AskWHO https://t.co/mZvLxLMcT0
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 21, 2023
Covid-19: a virus still present but a different threat
“The SARS-CoV-2 virus is circulating in all countries at the momentnt, warns this specialist. It’s still a threat.” She specifies, however, that this threat has changed since the first cases in 2020, because many things have been put in place to improve “population immunity”. For Maria Van Kerkhove, it remains necessary to be vigilant in the face of the virus and its developments. “We must use the tools that exist to keep people safe such as masks in crowded places, ventilation, social distancing and vaccination for those most at risk of severe illness..”
What are the new variants of Covid-19?
This specialist explains that there are currently three so-called variants “of interest“under surveillance: XBB.1.5, XXB.1.16 and EG.5. Six other variants are circulating, including BA.2.86. The latter could soon join the list of variants of interest under surveillance. In France, this new form of the was detected in September 2023 in the east of the country.
As these variants evolve, the symptoms of the disease also change. Maria Van Kerkhove, however, believes that they remain in a fairly broad spectrum ranging from asymptomatic people to those suffering from severe forms. “Most people have mild symptoms, thanks to immunity induced by vaccination or previous infection, she elaborates. But it’s also because we have better support.” For this specialist, if the virus is less severe today, it is mainly because we are better protected. She adds that the WHO is now monitoring the long-term effects of the virus, i.e. cases of long Covid. “We have evidence that vaccination with Covid-19 vaccines reduces risk.”, she says. Maria Van Kerkhove also recommends that people residing in the northern hemisphere be vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19.
Covid-19: what to do in the event of contamination?
In January 2023the World Health Organization stated: “For patients with symptoms, the new guidelines suggest 10 days of isolation from the date symptoms appeared.”. In France, isolation is no longer compulsory for positive people since February 1, 2023. “On the other hand, as with any acute respiratory infection disease, it remains strongly recommended that people who test positive for Covid-19, as well as people who have been exposed to a contagious person and are likely to develop the disease, avoid contact with fragile people“, explains theHealth Insurance. Regarding work stoppages, you must consult your doctor to be able to obtain one. “You should contact your treating physician in the event of changes in symptoms, unusual symptoms, in case of doubt about treatment or for any other health problem, alerts Health Insurance. If you have difficulty breathing, call 15 immediately.“
