Virologist Altstein: Antibodies to “omicron” poorly neutralize other strains of coronavirus

The immunity that is formed upon contact with the Omicron strain of coronavirus cannot guarantee protection against other variants of the infection. This was stated in an interview with radio Sputnik by virologist, doctor of medical sciences, professor at the Gamaleya Center Anatoly Altshtein.

“Now there is evidence that neutralizing antibodies that are produced in response to omicron neutralize previous strains rather poorly,” he said.

Altstein explained that after a more severe illness, there will be more antibodies. He added that it cannot be said that people who have been ill with “omicron” are not at all immune to other variants of the coronavirus.

According to the latest data, coronavirus in Russia over the past day was detected in another 166 thousand 631 people (yesterday – 180 thousand 456, the day before yesterday – 197 thousand 949). In general, since the beginning of the pandemic, the coronavirus has already been confirmed in 14 million 480 thousand 596 people. At the same time, the number of deaths due to coronavirus in Russia amounted to 704 per day (683 a day earlier), the number of coronavirus victims for the entire time was 341,635. During the reporting period, 21,833 people were hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 (growth by 8.9% compared to the previous day). Over the past day, 137,881 people recovered from coronavirus.

Earlier, Rospotrebnadzor canceled the 14-day isolation for those who had contact with patients with coronavirus. In addition, if a patient with coronavirus lasts more than seven days, they do not need a negative test to be discharged.