Dutch doctor in South Africa: ‘More contagious and less sick: the omicron variant could be a blessing’

“The omikron variant is spreading incredibly fast,” Templeman said. “The delta has completely changed shape here in two weeks. Between November 12 and 23, we had 260 infections a day, now from 16,000 to 17,000.”

Read also. A quick booster dose is badly needed: ‘A huge wall of inflammation is approaching’ (+)

“But there’s also hopeful news,” Templeman says. He talks about the first studies that indicate that the picture of the disease is different with the new variant. “We’re seeing much less serious disease. The disease is milder and there are fewer deaths, and the pressure on hospitals has gone down. During the peak with the delta variant, with also 16 to 17,000 infections a day, there were 200 to 300 deaths a day, now from 10 to 11. Whether it is related to the infection itself or the fact that 60 percent of the South African population has already been vaccinated for the first time is unclear. But we see protection against serious diseases.”

Could the omikron variant become a good thing, because it is more contagious but less pathogenic? It might be a blessing in disguise (A blessing in disguise, editor), yes,” says Templeman. “But it’s too early and too dangerous to say. Anyone who gets sick activates the immune system and makes antibodies. Maybe we can tell in a few months. Many people have had the disease and have the antibodies, which lowers the likelihood of contracting the next strain.”

One case of concern: in the 5 to 12 year category we see many cases. They are not vaccinated yet, so we have to work on that as soon as possible.” In addition, he also emphasizes the permanent importance of mouth masks and maintaining distance.