BQ.1.1, XBB variants have not spread in Thailand yet: Disease Control Dept

DDC acting director-general Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong said on Wednesday that both BQ.1.1 and XBB have reportedly been found in foreign countries and have spread quickly.

In Thailand, he said, most patients have been infected with the BA.5 Omicron subvariant, presently the main variant in the entire world.
Tares said the number of patients has been on the decrease while prevention measures in several areas have been eased, but he nevertheless urged everyone to continue abiding by important measures in this new normal lifestyle, which include wearing masks in risky areas, washing one’s hands regularly and keeping a social distance. Meanwhile, those who are infected must isolate and treat themselves for at least five days.

He suggested wearing two layers of masks during travel or work and advised people with severe symptoms to visit a doctor.

Getting a booster dose could reduce the severity of the disease, he recommended.

The Public Health Ministry is administering Pfizer vaccines for children aged 6 months to 4 years, he added.

Meanwhile, virologist Dr Anan Jongkaewwattana posted on Facebook on Wednesday that the World Health Organisation had issued a statement saying Europe is facing a new wave of Covid-19, which is different from others as influenza is spreading simultaneously with Covid.

Covid-19 and influenza vaccines will be important for people in risk groups because the shots will keep severe symptoms at bay, Anan added.