UNAIR NEWS – SARS-COV-2 Virus as a virus that caused COVID-19 keeps mutating into new variants. The recent detected variant, Omicron, now have been spread worldwide, including Indonesia. The Omicron variant has higher transmission rate so the spreading phase is quicker than previous variants. Significant prevention is needed to avoid this variant.
Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga (FK UNAIR), on Friday, February 25, 2022, launched an educational YouTube channel titled DOKTER UNAIR TV. This channel was launched directly by the Dean of FK UNAIR, Prof Dr Budi Santoso dr SpOG (K), and UNAIR Rector, Prof Dr Mohammad Nasih SE MT AK. The first material discussed in the educational channel is about the Omicron variant.
The speaker, Dr Isnin Anang Marhana, dr, SpP (K). FCCP, FISR, FAPSR revealed that someone infected with the Omicron variant would experience lighter symptoms than the Delta variant, but the spread is quicker. Furthermore, he continued, the nature of a virus is constantly mutating to survive.
“So, after the Alfa, Beta, Gamma variant, there is Omicron variant of COVID-19 virus. But from the clinical view, Omicron variant is not as severe as the previous variants,” he said.
Furthermore, Isnin also said that human antibodies, in the end, will be developed, and the pandemic will soon be over. Self-isolation, he continued, can be done in five days if there are no symptoms.
“Or carried out for ten days,” uttered the pulmonology specialist.
He also emphasized that people who don’t have symptoms can do self-isolation for five or ten days. The self-isolation itself must use a swab PCR test, and an antigen swab is not allowed.
“When we have a cough, our nose is runny, our body is tired, plus there is a contact history (with someone who is positive, ed) then we get a swab test because the transmission of this variant is very high,” he continued.
In the end, he also mentioned always applying the 3M protocol (washing hands, wearing a mask, and keeping distance). The best prevention, he continued, is done by preventing the virus from entering the body.
“We can strive to prevent Omicron. The best prevention is with 3M, including avoiding crowds, washing hands, and contact tracing. The next thing that is also mandatory is a vaccine. With vaccines, the death toll has been significantly decreased. So vaccine is important and a must,” he concluded. (*)
Author: Dewi Yugi Arti
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
