Boholano top pulmonologist has cautioned the public against a subvariant that may circulate in our midst and could potentially infect more people with the Coronavirus disease (Covid).
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza revealed his thoughts about the so-called stealth Omicron in a radio interview over dyTR Balita FM 91.1’s Open Forum program on Feb. 15, 2022 hosted by Dave Albarado.
He said that the stealth Omicron is a subvariant of the Omicron variant with more mutations.
He added that the real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is less sensitive in detecting this subvariant. This means, a person may be exhibiting symptoms of Covid but the RT-PCR test yields a negative result.
As this developed, Cepedoza said that those who show symptoms of Covid should isolate themselves even if the RT-PCR test is negative.
This way, he added, it can prevent transmission of the virus to other people especially to those who remain unvaccinated.
The pulmonologist also said that stealth Omicron is more infectious than the original Omicron variant. It is still uncertain whether the stealth Omicron can lead to much severe form of Covid infection.
The doctor then urged the people to get vaccinated and receive boosters in order to prevent the virus from mutating.
Cepedoza is wary that time will come when the virus may mutate into something that could evade the immune system and for Covid to become too difficult to treat.
Moreover, he said people who are above 60 years old and have comorbidity should consider getting inoculated as the mortality rate for those belonging to the said group is high.
