COVID-19 Strikes Again: Does It Threaten the School Year?

Expert in infectious diseases, Dr. Jack Mkhbat, reassured that "there is no need to panic about the spread of the new COVID-19 variant," noting that "we do not know if the variant has reached Lebanon, and we are conducting studies in the laboratories of the Lebanese-American University to confirm that; however, the current wave of COVID-19 is expected due to gatherings." Mkhbat confirmed that there is currently no fear of severe COVID-19 cases, but we will monitor the situation as the school year begins, explaining that the current variant is a combination of two types of "Omicron" which were present last year, and its symptoms are mild, similar to previous variants, including upper respiratory tract inflammation, fever, sore throat, and cough. He warned that lung infection poses a risk to individuals with immune deficiencies, respiratory diseases, or the elderly. Regarding additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines, Mkhbat clarified that there are no new guidelines currently available and recommended receiving at least three doses of the vaccines. As for maintaining immunity after a period post-vaccination, Mkhbat explained that the vaccine offers protection for six to eight months, according to studies, so individuals who were vaccinated over a year ago should consider receiving booster shots.