Virus mutations are normal in the virus replication process, and not all mutations cause the virus to become more dangerous. From the available data, on average, only 4% of mutations make the virus more dangerous. Infection with different viruses at the same time can also potentially cause mutations in the virus. The virus requires a host for replication, so the goal of vaccination to achieve herd immunity, which provides host immunity, which is very important. This was conveyed by microbiologist and vaccine observer, Prof. Dr. apt. Maksum Radji, M. Biomed, Professor (retired) of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia.
He delivered the explanation at the talkshow event with the theme “Corona Omicron Virus: What and How to Face It”, that is held by Universitas Indonesia (Faculty of Pharmacy). The talkshow invited 3 experts as speaker. They are Prof. Maksum Radji, Tri Kusumaeni, S.Si., M.Pharm., dan dr. Hario Baskoro, Sp.P., Ph.D. This talkshow is held in an online manner through Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Pharmacy Youtube Channel, at Saturday (18/12).
The Omicron variant has a significant mutation in the viral spike-forming S gene. One of the first signs that someone is infected with the omicron variant is that the PCR result on the S gene does not show a positive result, but the nucleocapsid and envelope genes are positive. Prof. Maksum also explained that the replication of omicron variants in the respiratory tract is 10x faster than other variants, but in the lungs the replication is slower which causes omicron variants to be more contagious but the severity is not significant.
Related to this, Dr. Hario added that there was no increase in the number of Covid-19 patients treated at Universitas Indonesia Hospital and Public Hospital Center Persahabatan. The spread of Omicron variants cannot be directly linked to the increase in the number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients. This is because until now, Omicron variants have only caused mild symptoms that do not require hospitalization.
As a pulmonary specialist practicing at Universitas Indonesia Hospital, Dr. Hario also emphasized that the public must be careful in digesting information circulating on social media. One of the hallmarks of hoax info is the exclusion of trusted reference sources and bombastic headlines. He denied the information that Omicron variants cause heart problems and strokes because it does not match the existing case evidence.
Meanwhile, Tri, who practices at Public Hospital Center Persahabatan, also denied information that the Omicron variant appeared due to the side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. “There is no evidence of that. On the contrary, with the administration of the vaccine, the severity of Covid-19 decreases,” said Tri. This is also reinforced by Prof. Maksum who said that the case of a patient who died due to the Omicron variant in the UK was also found to have never received the vaccine. Currently, there is no specific brand of vaccine aimed at boosting immunity against Omicron variants.
Until now, there has been no change regarding the treatment of Covid-19 patients in Indonesia even though there are various variants of the corona virus. New antiviral drugs reported as per oral drugs for Covid-19 are still being studied for efficacy and safety. There are no specific claims stating the effectiveness of certain drugs in Omicron variants. Current treatment emphasizes symptomatic therapy.
All of these presentations emphasized that vaccination helps boost immunity but vigilance must still be raised to prevent transmission of Omicron variants. By vaccinating, we are helping to protect groups of people who cannot receive vaccinations such as the elderly or infants.
