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A recent article in The Lancet reports on the importance of interventions against COVID-19. The bibliography is reviewed by academic fellow Dr. Evangelia-Georgia Kostaki and EKPA professors Dimitrios Paraskevi (Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, EKPA) and Thanos Dimopoulos (Professor of Therapy and Rector of EKPA).
To date, the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has infected more than 40 million people worldwide and caused more than 1 million deaths. With the second wave threatening to appear in Europe and before next winter, we need a clear description of the dangers posed by COVID-19, as well as effective coping strategies.
SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosols, especially under conditions with insufficient ventilation. The virus has high infectivity and in combination with the lack of immunity in the population, conditions are created for its rapid spread in the community. The mortality (percentage of fatal cases) of COVID-19 is much higher than that of seasonal flu. Regarding immunity, how long it lasts is unknown and, as with other seasonal coronaviruses, reinfection may occur, the frequency of which is currently unknown. Restrictive measures against transmission of the virus include maintaining a natural distance, wearing a mask, hand hygiene, and avoiding staining, especially in areas with insufficient ventilation. Early diagnosis, contact tracing, and isolation are also key measures to control spread.
In the initial phase of the pandemic, many countries implemented quarantine measures to slow the rapid spread of the virus and reduce the number of deaths and the saturation of health services. This tactic has saved us time to better prepare for the next second wave. The quarantine has a significant impact on the economy, as well as on the mental and physical health of the population, and its effects are even worse in countries that have not been able to use this period to organize effective pandemic control systems. These countries have been forced to apply restrictive measures permanently. This has led to a decline in confidence in the possibility of reducing the pandemic.
The arrival of the second wave and the realization of future challenges led to thinking about “herd immunity”, according to which we should leave the spread of the virus uncontrolled in the low-risk population and protect vulnerable groups. Proponents of this theory argue that in this way immunity will be achieved in the low-risk population and later in vulnerable groups.
This approach is a dangerous “scientific fallacy” that lacks scientific evidence.
Any strategy for preventing a pandemic based on developing immunity to COVID-19 infection is problematic. Uncontrolled transmission to younger individuals carries a significant risk of disease and mortality throughout the population. Furthermore, there are no data on the duration of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in infected individuals, and endemic transmission as a result of the gradual weakening of immunity would endanger vulnerable populations in the future.
Such a strategy could not end the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would cause recurring epidemics, as has happened with many infectious diseases before vaccines were available. It would also place an ongoing burden on the economy and healthcare professionals, many of whom were exposed to COVID-19. Also, it is not known who can develop the symptoms of COVID in the long term. Identifying vulnerable groups is difficult, but even if successful, the percentage of vulnerable groups reaches as high as 30% of the population in some areas. Prolonged isolation of a large part of the population is practically impossible and immoral. This approach also runs the risk of further exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities that increase the risk of exposure to the virus. It is necessary to implement specific actions to protect vulnerable groups, but they must go hand in hand with multilevel practices for the general population.
Once again, we are seeing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases across much of Europe, the United States, and many other countries around the world. It is essential that we act decisively and immediately. Effective measures to suppress and control transmission must be widely implemented and must be supported by economic and social programs that encourage the community to respond to and address inequalities caused in part by the pandemic. Restrictive measures will be required immediately to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
The purpose of these measures is to limit transmission that will allow for rapid outbreak detection and immediate response through search, trace, isolation and support systems (diagnosis – monitoring – isolation – system support) approaches. With this approach, our lives can return to normal without the need for a generalized lockdown. The protection of our economy is inextricably linked to the control of COVID-19.
Japan, Vietnam, and New Zealand are examples of successfully controlling a pandemic by allowing residents’ activities to return to normal. The facts are clear: Controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the community is the best way to protect our society and economy until a safe and effective vaccine and treatment can be developed in the coming months.
Source: skai.gr
