Ghada Adel Shawky reaffirms strict precautions to avoid Omicron

Dr. Mayssa Shawky hailed colossal efforts done by the government so far to contain the pandemic COVID-19 file since March 2020

Dr. Mayssa Shawky, Former Deputy of Health Minister, hailed colossal efforts done by the government so far to contain the pandemic COVID-19 file since March 2020. It has a mandate to make the vaccine available either by importing or manufacturing it, in addition to intensifying mass media campaigns, so now we are dealing with the more aware public, she elaborated. She also underlined synchronization between the public, the private sector and health insurance as deemed amalgamated in delivery of care and this distinguished us when compared to other countries.

As for the new variant, she added, in an interview with (To the Point), that the new Omicron variant of coronavirus has reportedly got over 30 mutations unfortunately locked in the spikes. The presence of spike protein facilitates a virus’ entry into the host cell and is responsible for making it transmissible and causing infection, she explained. However, she mentioned that most of the vaccines have been structured to block theses spikes, adding that we need from 2 to 4 weeks as the World Health Organization (WHO) announced to release a formal evidence-based scientific publication for the people to declare that if they are protected or need another booster or need a new vaccine to deal with these variants.

Masking is an essential issue, she stressed, believing that people vaccinated should not get more lax with the preventative measures. People with chronic and non-communicable diseases, who are diabetics, obese and those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or have bronchial asthma are more susceptible to getting corona virus in general, not only Omicron, and unfortunately a severe form of the disease.

By mentioning Omicron variants we are speaking about genetic sequencing of the virus and testing this kind is not available in regular labs, Dr. Shawky hinted. Thus, people should be very careful about the safety measures and unvaccinated people should take their vaccines immediately as all the available vaccines convey some kind of protection but the final results will soon be announced by the WHO, she declared.

The former deputy health minister conveyed that there is quite a good move towards spreading the vaccine nationwide, adding that the country is aiming to vaccinate at least two-thirds of the population so as to reach what we call “herd immunity”. This has to go fast, she said, in order to keep the transmissibility of the virus low, stressing that even individuals with simple flu symptoms have to be very careful.

She mentioned that Egypt has a digitized health map that guides people to the nearest hospitals but she preferred that people should follow the cautionary measures protecting themselves.

Shawky stressed that children with runny nose or mild fever should be prohibited from going to school, believing that a ministerial announcement for working mothers to be allowed a work off time if their kids get such symptoms might help as a way to encourage mums not to send their sick children to schools.

Further, she believed that the world is not in need of a lock down in the time being to contain a new Covid-19 variant. It could be segmental in some districts if needed, she indicated the harsh reflections of such an action on the economy. Thus she called for intensive campaigns to guide people to protect themselves.

Dr. Mayssa Shawky noted that one way of boosting our immune system is by eating healthy; more vegetables and fruits and less sugar and flour. This is in addition to taking vitamin C from fruits on a daily basis, she went on to highlight, or simply by adding a few drops of lemon to water or fresh ginger added to boiling water with a spoon of honey is another good option for enhancing immunity. Add garlic and onions in your food, she said, asking people to keep healthy weight, go for walking and exercising. The most important advice is to stop worrying as anxiety destroys our immune system.

She concluded her words by reaffirming the need for strict precautions; using masks all the time, maintaining social distance and taking a vaccine as well as keeping children away from their grandparents until the corona issue passes. She also asked all Egyptians to hurry and get vaccinated and for those who are vaccinated she said a third booster might be needed so be attentive to the directions given by the Ministry of Health.