"I Appeal Again to the Elderly: It is Very Important to Avoid Infection" - Expert on Omicron

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is particularly dangerous for the elderly, as it can lead to complications from accompanying illnesses. For this reason, almost every second infected individual in the 60+ age group ends up being hospitalized.

As reported by Tatiana Savinova, the Minister of Health of Orenburg, against the backdrop of a general decrease in respiratory infection rates in the region (down 30% in Orenburg, nearly 50% in Orsk), the statistics on pneumonia are notable. Last week, there were 1,300 cases of pneumonia registered, and the number of COVID-19 patients in the region has not yet decreased for this reason. Currently, 1,610 hospital beds are occupied by patients.

“I appeal again to the elderly: it is very important to avoid infection. For them, getting sick with Omicron can be quite severe. Moreover, it is not just pneumonia, but rather the ability of this variant to exacerbate underlying conditions (which elderly people suffer from),” Savinova stated.

“We see an increase in strokes, heart attacks, and the complications of oncological pathologies and endocrine diseases. About 50% of elderly patients are hospitalized with significant deterioration of their primary illness.” The expert urged senior citizens to follow epidemiological guidelines, use protective measures, and avoid unnecessary social interactions.