Onishchenko announced an increase in the incidence of coronavirus in two weeks

The academician explained why infections attack people in early September

A week ago, WHO announced the emergence of a new subtype of coronavirus, the “grandson” of Omicron Eris (EG.5.1). This strain is likely to come to Russia in the coming days. It’s sticky, but not particularly dangerous. This statement was made at a press conference at RIA Novosti by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Onishchenko, emphasizing that there will be an increase in the incidence of coronavirus, but “will not make the weather.”

All over the world, including in our country, population immunity against coronavirus has appeared: people are basically protected. Some got sick, some got addicted. An influenza epidemic will also come to Russia in the next month, but it will not “press down”, says Onishchenko. The most dangerous category among citizens is young people (under 24). They will carry the virus in themselves, they themselves will not get sick due to the fact that a strong young body counteracts the infection, but they will begin to transmit the infection to others. Chatted with a neighbor for five minutes, quarreled with a clothing saleswoman in a cramped boutique – that’s “rewarded” interlocutors.

– Since the coronavirus most often affects those over 60, Russia and European countries are susceptible to the virus. But in Africa, for example, the population is young, they will not have problems with COVID-19,” explains Onishchenko.

But not only age plays an important role in the spread of infections. Overcrowding, forced or voluntary, also increases morbidity. On August 28, on Monday, the Orthodox celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – one of the biggest Christian holidays, many will come to churches. Then, on the first of September, the new school year begins.

– 17 million Russian schoolchildren and students will sit at their desks. And the kids will start to infect each other with the flu and the coronavirus. 30-40 people gather in an office with an area of ​​50 square meters. Exactly seven days later, the rise in incidence will begin. In turn, parents will become infected from their children and share the infection with work colleagues, the scientist says.

Finally, Onishchenko decided to talk about the possible spread of cholera in our country. Recall that on July 20, it became known about the hospitalization of Indian citizens who arrived in the Tambov region. Their analyzes revealed a cholera-like pathogen. Is there danger nearby? Not at all, Onishchenko reassures.

– The most vulnerable city in Russia in terms of the possibility of spreading cholera is Moscow. But at the same time, our capital is the least susceptible to morbidity, since everything is fine with toilets and the quality of food. Yes, the world’s seventh cholera pandemic continues despite its official end. And the importation of cholera to Russia is possible, but the spread is not. But for the flu, the “corona”, the exotic – all the conditions are there.

But in general, any pandemic is a boon, an effective tool for the evolution of living systems, the academician concludes. “There is a regulation of the population of the Earth. The weak move aside, and the stronger survive,” he assures.