Outbreak of the new Stratus strain: which regions of Ukraine have been most affected?

COVID-19 and respiratory viral infections are increasing during the hot season, according to medical data. Currently, the situation is described as controlled, but a new strain of the coronavirus has already been detected in 7 regions of the country. According to the Center for Public Health, an increase in the number of patients has been confirmed this week.

The news published on the UNN website news of Ukraine today reports that the new strain has a high ability to spread. The clinical picture manifests as a high temperature and hoarseness. There are currently no high loads on the medical system, but Stratus has already been officially recorded in Poltava, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Stratus spreads significantly faster than the previous Omicron. Currently, the new strain is the most widespread in the world, and now it also affects Ukrainians. Fortunately, this type of "crown" is not as dangerous, as it does not have a severe course. Its symptoms include hoarseness, mild cough, sore throat, and very strong weakness. In patients after confirmation of the virus, a general blood test shows indicators within the norm, which means a poor immune response to the pathogen.

Doctors emphasize that the best form of protection against new strains of the coronavirus, as well as influenza viruses, is vaccination. Flu vaccinations should be administered once a year, and this will be sufficient. A single dose of the vaccine recommended for most patients will help protect against COVID-19. Revaccination is necessary for those who are in high-risk zones or have chronic diseases and weakened immunity.

The Health Department of Kyiv reports an increase in the number of hospitalizations with a diagnosis of COVID-19 to city hospitals. In some patient groups, the course of the disease is quite severe, and they require medical supervision and treatment, possibly oxygen support. Currently, almost 70 patients are in hospitals, including 24 children.

Recommendations provided by medical professionals for the prevention of infection:

One should not neglect basic safety rules. Despite the war, diseases continue to attack, so it is worth getting vaccinated oneself and vaccinating children and elderly relatives.