COVID-19 Surges with New Symptoms and Vaccination Strategies: A Conversation with Professor Cyril Cohen

Recently, Noa (pseudonym) spoke with Mako Health about her experience with COVID-19. This is the first time she has been infected in over four years. She described waking up with body aches, weakness, and a high fever. Similarly, Hagit (pseudonym) mentioned confusion, lack of concentration, and redness on her face. Michal (pseudonym) felt intense back pain and overall discomfort, accompanied by fever and chills. Some patients also experienced stomach pains and diarrhea.

Professor Cyril Cohen, head of the immunotherapy laboratory at Bar-Ilan University, explained that new strains of the virus may not differ in severity but can cause various symptoms. He mentioned familiar symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of taste and smell. Some patients reported new symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. The professor expects an increase in cases globally and emphasizes the importance of testing and isolating if symptoms arise.

When it comes to vaccination, Professor Cohen suggested that annual vaccinations for the elderly may be beneficial in preventing serious illness. He noted that the virus changes quickly, so vaccine updates may be necessary. Testing for the virus should be done a few days after symptoms appear to ensure an accurate result. The professor warned of the potential complications of the virus, especially for older individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Overall, he stressed the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In conclusion