Experts from Russia’s Virom Institute of Viral Infections, part of Rospotrebnadzor, indicate that the coronavirus is unlikely to undergo drastic changes in its biological properties in the near term. This assessment, conveyed to TASS by Alexander Semenov, who holds the title of Doctor of Biological Sciences and leads the research group at Yekaterinburg, emphasizes a stable presence of the virus in the human population, akin to other coronaviruses that circulate today.
Asked whether there could be a catastrophic shift in the virus’s biological characteristics, Semenov answered that such a scenario is difficult to predict and unlikely. He noted that coronaviruses have established themselves within human communities and tend to persist at a steady level, rather than disappearing or dramatically mutating beyond recognition.
Looking ahead several years, Semenov asserted that there is little expectation of a major transformation in the virus’s biological properties. He did, however, point out that viruses are inherently fluid and continually evolve. This reality keeps the pandemic and epidemic potential of coronaviruses under ongoing watch, according to the expert.
In related health news, preliminary guidance for the autumn season in Russia suggests that a substantial portion of the population may benefit from vaccination strategies. It is anticipated that about 60 percent of people in each region, and 75 percent of individuals with chronic conditions, will require influenza vaccination. Tatyana Kusaiko, an Honored Doctor of Russia and a member of the State Duma Defense Committee, stressed that adults over 18 who have not previously contracted coronavirus and have not been vaccinated should consider receiving a vaccine to protect against the infection.
Discussions around vaccination timing and prioritization also touched on tick-borne encephalitis, with questions raised about when vaccination for this illness is most appropriately administered. The aim of these conversations remains clear: to reduce the impact of seasonal illnesses through preventive immunization and sustained public health vigilance. The dialogue underscores the importance of clear, science-based guidance for different population segments and the practical steps individuals can take to safeguard their health. (Source: Virom Institute, Rospotrebnadzor)