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‘Share to Heal’ guest warns Omicron not mild, though less severe than Delta

MALAYBALAY CITY/OP-IPS (27 January 2022) – A public health doctor who appeared as one of the guests of Bukidnon State University’s Pag-Ambitay Daw Ag Kaulian social innovation program said Omicron cannot really be labeled as mild, although it is less severe than Delta variant of COVID-19. 

Dr. Kim Tubog Luardo, a medical specialist from the Malaybalay City Health Office said this in clarifying the scientific facts and severity of Omicron during the Episode 11 of Share to Heal Season 2: A Social Innovation Kontra COVID-19 radio program aired on DXBU 104.5 FM on January 26, 2022.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) early findings have suggested that there is a reduced risk of hospitalization for Omicron compared to the Delta variant, but it doesn’t mean it is mild, because those who belonged to the vulnerable groups and unvaccinated individuals can be infected and may progress to a more severe condition,” he stressed.

The WHO added Omicron transmits faster compared to other variants because it affects the upper respiratory tract.

Dr. Luardo and Dr. Emma Pilar G. Imperio, Program Manager of the Department of Health 10 Vaccination Program were the guests of the episode, which focused on “COVID-19 Omicron Variant and Booster Shot: What the Public Should Know”. 

Dr. Luardo discussed basic concepts such as transmissibility, pathogenicity, and virulence as crucial in understanding Omicron and its effects.  He cited transmissibility refers to the easy transfer of the virus to another person. Pathogenicity is the ability of a microorganism to cause harm to a host which can result to a certain disease and virulence as the degree on how severe is the effect of a certain microorganism to a host.

He cited a study in Africa describing a huge number of Omicron mutations compared to Delta variant.

“If we are to look at a viral particle, there are spike proteins which connect to the host to enter the cell and replicate. In Omicron, there are 32 mutations in its spike proteins compared to Delta which has only seven,” he said.

Dr. Luardo said because of the great number of mutations of Omicron, it is easier to enter the host and transfer from one person to another.

He added that the incubation period of Omicron is three days compared to Delta’s seven days.

“From the time you are exposed to the virus, in a matter of 3 days, you will already present symptoms,” he said.

This means, he added, that from one to two days before the onset of your symptoms, you can already be an asymptomatic carrier because the virus has already replicated.

Quarantine Vs. Isolation

Dr. Luardo also clarified the difference between quarantine and isolation. Quarantine, he said, is the separation and restriction of the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. On the other hand, isolation is the separation of sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.

He said the period of quarantine will depend on the individual’s vaccination status. Quarantine for fully vaccinated individuals is five days only. Then they can reintegrate as long as they have no COVID-related symptoms. Quarantine for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals will be 14 days.

Dr. Luardo said based on the status of COVID-19 vaccinations in the country, the Philippines already has achieved herd immunity. However, he added, the experts and medical specialists said there is still a possibility for other COVID-19 variants to emerge.

“We must not remain in the definition of herd immunity, but rather go beyond to as much as possible 100% full vaccination,” he added.

The episode’s other guest, Dr. Emma Pilar. G. Imperio, Medical Officer III-Family Health Cluster and Program Manager for Vaccination Campaign of Department of Health-10 agreed with Dr. Luardo.

She said it is necessary to have COVID-19 vaccine booster dose as an added protection, especially that there’s an emergence of Omicron variant.

“It (booster shot) adds protection to our immune system. If you will get COVID-19, the course of your symptoms will be less severe and you can easily recover compared to unvaccinated individuals,” she said.

To clarify the questions from the majority regarding the longevity of booster shots campaign, Dr. Imperio said they have not received any further advisory regarding the next booster shot.

When it comes to choosing what vaccines to get for a booster shot, she stressed that the best vaccine “will always be the available vaccine”.

For those who are still undecided and unwilling to get the vaccine, Dr. Imperio said they have the right not to get vaccinated.

“But they also have to respect the rules and regulations of certain establishments regarding their health protocols,” she added.

She said they are currently vaccinating more and faster. “Please get yourself vaccinated. ‘Pag bakunado, protektado,” she added. Share to Heal airs every Wednesday, 9-11a.m on DXBU 104.5 FM and streams Live via DXBU and Pagambitay Daw Agkaulian Facebook pages.

The program is spearheaded by the Bukidnon State University Extension Unit with extension director Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican, Project Leader VPREI Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, and Program Leader BukSU President Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez. The program is also a partnership with the City Government of Malaybalay through Mayor Florencio T. Flores Jr and the Office of Second District Representative, Congressman Jonathan Keith T. Flores. (Diana Rose B. Lagoy/OP-Information and Publication Services)

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