Is Germany facing a "severe coronavirus winter"?
The pandemic is over, but the coronavirus is here to stay. SARS-CoV-2 is already responsible for many infections alongside the typical cold viruses. At the same time, many people in Germany are vaccine-weary. This could be dangerous for certain population groups, says virologist Stöhr.
Coughs, colds, sore throats: the seasonal wave of illnesses still has Germany firmly in its grip. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around 7.2 million people are currently suffering from acute respiratory illnesses. Rhinoviruses are mainly responsible for this; these cold viruses account for 31 percent of all respiratory infections. However, SARS-CoV-2 follows right behind with 20 percent - and the number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher. At the same time, this is the first fall since the outbreak of the coronavirus without pandemic restrictions. What does Germany need to prepare for?
The coronavirus variant Eris (EG.5) continues to dominate coronavirus infections. According to the RKI, it was detected in half of the samples. The highly mutated Omikron subline Pirola (BA.2.86) accounts for five percent. Dozens of variants are circulating in Germany, epidemiologist and virologist Klaus Stöhr told the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper. However, there are no significant differences in the course of the disease: most people fall ill easily and only a small proportion experience severe cases.
Nevertheless, Stöhr assumes that the pressure on hospitals and intensive care units will continue to increase. "I think it will be more severe this winter," says the expert with a view to a possible wave of coronavirus infections. After three years of a pandemic in Germany, an immune status similar to that of other respiratory pathogens after many years of endemic infection has not yet been achieved. Older people with pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk.
Germany is vaccine-weary
"For particularly vulnerable groups without appropriate vaccination protection, corona can still be a serious illness," Markus Beier, Chairman of the German Association of General Practitioners, also told Die Welt. According to the RKI, patients have to be hospitalized in around 28 percent of Covid-19 cases. Since the beginning of October, 1336 people have died as a result of a corona infection. Almost all of them (97%) were aged 60 or over.
Doctors' representatives are therefore appealing to at-risk groups to get vaccinated against Covid-19. "We have a very low demand for vaccinations," Andreas Gassen, Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, told Die Welt. Many people are understandably tired of vaccinations due to the enormous public pressure for coronavirus vaccinations. However, this could be problematic for at-risk groups, according to Gassen.
According to the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), adults under the age of 60 generally have basic immunity against Covid-19 after two vaccinations and one illness or after three vaccinations. For people aged 60 and over or those at risk of severe Covid-19, the STIKO recommends further booster vaccinations twelve months after the last vaccination or illness - preferably in the fall. No Covid-19 vaccinations are currently necessary for healthy children and adolescents.
Vaccination fatigue in Germany has "never been as high as it is now", says virologist Stöhr. Particularly fatal: this does not only apply to the coronavirus vaccination. "Vaccination rates have fallen for important childhood vaccinations such as polio and measles." This is one of the "greatest collateral damage of the pandemic". Important vaccinations have negative connotations. This also has a long-term impact on the healthcare system.
Is it coronavirus or the flu?
Acutely, however, the healthcare system is struggling with the many respiratory infections. But how can you tell whether it's coronavirus and not the flu, for example?
It's not always easy to tell the difference: a dry cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache, aching limbs and a cold often occur with both pathogens. However, the course of the illness can give an indication of which virus you have contracted: While influenza often develops very quickly, you feel ill almost immediately and develop a high fever, the course of the disease is often slower with a corona infection. In this case, the patient's condition usually worsens over several days.
In addition, the corona variant Pirola in particular causes some unusual symptoms. Some people may experience skin rashes, red and sore fingers and toes or itchy and reddened eyes. Those affected also report diarrhea as well as ulcers and swelling in the mouth and on the tongue.
However, according to current knowledge, Pirola does not necessarily have to be accompanied by the unusual symptoms mentioned. An illness with this corona variant can still manifest itself with the symptoms typical of Eris: Scratchy throat, headache, aching limbs, runny nose, tiredness and sneezing. In addition, according to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), fever, hoarseness and a disturbed sense of smell are still part of the corona symptoms, regardless of a specific variant.
- Despite the decline in pandemic restrictions, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has reported that SARS-CoV-2 is still responsible for 20% of all respiratory infections, with the number of unreported cases likely to be significantly higher.
- Virologist Stöhr warned that older people with pre-existing conditions and other vulnerable groups without appropriate vaccination protection are still at risk of severe illness from coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and the related variant Eris.
- The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends booster vaccinations for adults over 60 and at-risk groups, emphasizing the importance of vaccination against Covid-19 to prevent severe illness, particularly in the winter months.
Source: www.ntv.de
