"Most Omicron Infections Are Mild, But..." Warning from a Japanese Doctor

Increase in Proportion of Elderly Aged 60+ Among New Okinawa Prefecture COVID-19 Cases... Growing Concerns Over Severe Symptoms

A Japanese doctor warned that although most Omicron variant infections are mild, the number of severe cases could increase if it spreads among the elderly, so we must not be complacent. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] A Japanese doctor who has been treating patients since the early days of COVID-19 said that most Omicron variant cases were mild and the symptoms were no different from a common cold. However, he warned that if the infection spreads to the elderly, the number of severe cases could increase, so caution is necessary.

According to the Nishinippon Shimbun on the 23rd, Professor Mukai Kan of Nagasaki University, a director of the Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases, made these remarks regarding Omicron cases in Nagasaki Prefecture.

The newspaper reported, "Most patients in the southern region of Nagasaki Prefecture were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, and joint pain. The characteristic loss of smell or taste seen in previous COVID-19 cases is almost absent. As of the 20th, among 139 hospitalized patients in the prefecture, none required ventilators due to severe illness."

The situation in Fukuoka Prefecture, where bed occupancy rates are relatively low, was reported to be similar. Citing a hospital official in the area, the newspaper said, "Among hospitalized patients, there are many pregnant women, infants, and dialysis patients who cannot eat due to throat pain and are receiving intravenous fluids. More than 90% of cases are mild, and treatment mainly consists of symptomatic care such as antipyretics and IV fluids. Although hospitalizations have increased, the burden on medical facilities is not as severe as before."

However, concerns are rising as the proportion of elderly among new COVID-19 cases increases. The newspaper stated, "In Okinawa Prefecture, the percentage of new infections among those aged 60 and over is gradually rising?from 6.5% three weeks ago, to 8.2% two weeks ago, and 14.2% last week. The number of severe cases, which had not occurred until now, has reached six as of the 20th."

Professor Mukai Kan said, "At Nagasaki University Hospital, the number of hospitalized patients doubled to 11 in the past week, and two elderly patients or those with underlying conditions developed pneumonia requiring oxygen masks. Although most cases are mild, as the number of infections increases, so does the number of severe cases." He emphasized the need for thorough infection control measures and early administration of the third vaccine dose.