Epidemic It wouldn’t be wrong to say that we are used to hearing the word often, especially during seasonal transitions. However, when it comes to viruses like Covid, it is not easy to dismiss it as flu, as we did before. Of course, we don’t even come into contact with Monkeypox, West Nile Virus, Langya, etc.

However, this situation makes it difficult for us to describe the situation we are in as an epidemic. To clarify the matter, we would also like to talk about the person we know because of his informative posts on social media. Virologist Dr. To Semih Tareen (Virus phantom) We asked our questions. He answered our questions in plain language, without delving into technical terms.

Is there an extraordinary situation?

“Last month’s epidemic involves viruses and bacteria spreading because people are together in closed environments, especially as it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. There is no extraordinary situation, but among those viruses is of course the one that causes Covid-19 SARS virus there is. In addition, this winter there has been an increase in the number of flu viruses, especially influenza A. In addition, there have been cases with the virus RSV.”

“Apart from that, the total, that is, the total that affects human breathing, is at least nine There are different viruses. So it could be one of the others. These usually do not cause serious symptoms, but cold symptoms.

“Therefore Of course, an increase in the number of cases is normal. Now no one can know which virus it is without some diagnostic tests. That’s why they can say Covid in public, but they can’t know for sure without taking a Covid test. They may say it’s the flu, but they won’t know for sure unless they get a flu test.”

“And since we just came out of a pandemic, as you know, in theory the pandemic will continue Pandemic life is over. Since we are just coming out of pandemic life, people are still a bit paranoid and rightly afraid of respiratory diseases. That is why there is special tension among the public. Yes, I am aware of that too.”

Is there a need for a new vaccine?

“Here’s the thing: The newly updated Covid-19 vaccine was already released in America and some other countries about a year ago. But I don’t think he came to Turkey. Of course, because he didn’t come to Turkey. The population in Turkey cannot receive the updated Covid vaccine.”

“It actually makes sense to get this updated vaccine. Because the virus mutates continual. It continues to evolve continuously. That’s why, for example, in America the CDC recommendation is that everyone should get that updated vaccine. at least one dose are. And of course there are flu vaccines. Flu vaccines are also updated every year. But I don’t think there is any awareness in Turkey that people should be regularly vaccinated against the flu every year.”

“I understand this by following it from a distance. It could be wrong, but from what I understand from a distance There is not much awareness in Turkey to renew the flu vaccine every year.. Flu vaccines are updated every year, which is why updated flu vaccines are recommended by the CDC for everyone. So that’s the answer to your question.”

Are previous vaccines no longer effective?

“Don’t get me wrong, but it is not a problem that previous vaccines do not work. Previous vaccines obviously work. I’m just pointing out that if the effectiveness of previous vaccines was 90 percent, etc., against the newly developed mutated coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, then obviously the effectiveness of those vaccines has decreased. That is why an updated vaccine is needed.”

“Because there is a need for an up-to-date vaccine, it is important that people have access to that up-to-date vaccine. Of course, here you are for me. An article from the Turkish Medical Association You sent it, I looked at that article. Without getting into politics here, the question can be asked why any health ministry or government has not brought up-to-date vaccines to Turkey.”

As Semih Taneer underlined, there is currently no extraordinary situation. However, as he said, the importance of vaccines and the precautions we can take are critical. What are your thoughts?

We talked earlier about different types of viruses: