The initial chilly blast of the autumn arrives.
Autumn has arrived, bringing with it chills and sniffles: Approximately 8 million individuals in Germany are currently battling an extreme respiratory illness. Two virus strains are primarily to blame for this outbreak, including a well-known one.
In Germany's workplaces, subways, and grocery stores, people are once again sniffling and coughing. As temperatures drop, colds are becoming more common. "The incidence of acute respiratory diseases (ARD) in the population has significantly increased compared to the previous week," states the current ARD weekly report from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Currently, 7.9 million people in Germany are laid up with cold symptoms, compared to just under 6 million the week prior.
The substantial increase in cases is also clear in the statistics: 9,400 individuals per 100,000 inhabitants are currently suffering from a respiratory infection. The numbers are soaring rapidly in all age groups, with children aged 0 to 4 years being particularly affected.
The approaching cold front is also evident in doctors' offices. Over 1.3 million individuals visited a doctor or physician last week due to an acute respiratory infection.
The new Corona variant XEC on the rise
Most infections are attributed to common cold viruses, known as rhinoviruses, which are responsible for about a third of all infections (27 percent). However, coronavirus is making a comeback. "There is an increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity in the population and in outpatient care," the RKI reports. The coronavirus was detected in 17 percent of the submitted samples - and the trend is rising.
The subvariant KP.3.1.1 (41 percent) still dominates, closely followed by a new coronavirus variant: XEC. It is a subtype of omicron and, according to initial findings, even more contagious than its predecessors. However, there's no evidence that it causes more severe illness or evades immunity. Symptoms remain the same: headaches, strong cough, runny nose, exhaustion. Many affected individuals report mild illness courses.
With XEC, coronavirus numbers are likely to skyrocket significantly in the coming weeks. The incidence has already more than doubled compared to the previous week, with 1,500 Covid cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The data comes from wastewater monitoring, the so-called "flu web," and reports from individual practices. However, as few individuals are being tested for Covid anymore and positive rapid tests are not reported without a doctor's visit, it's assumed that the actual number is significantly higher.
The virus continues to evolve
Given the current cold wave, "we have to prepare for a lot" - also in relation to Covid, says virologist Martin Stürmer in an interview with ntv. The virus continues to evolve and adapt better and better. "Fortunately, we are still within the omicron group, but we have strong variations within it," says the expert. As a result, one still sees individuals who are definitely suffering from an infection for an extended period.
For individuals aged 60 and over, the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends a Covid vaccination this year as well in order to minimize the risk of a severe illness course. However, one should seek out a doctor who still offers Covid vaccinations in a timely manner. Many general practitioners no longer offer Covid vaccinations due to the low demand last year - the vials are expensive, and many practices do not want to incur losses with half-empty vaccine doses.
Younger and healthier individuals do not need another shot, according to the STIKO, provided they have already been vaccinated three times against Covid or have had the virus. Here, adequate protection has been established.
In this wave of respiratory illnesses, cold and flu symptoms are prevalent, with the ARD report highlighting an increase in individuals affected by 7.9 million from the previous week. The rise in cases is also being seen in coronavirus infections, with the new variant XEC accounted for 17% of the submitted samples, indicating a significant increase in Covid cases as well.
