Wave of infections: What to do about colds, coughs and coronavirus?

Wave of infections: What to do about colds, coughs and coronavirus?

Almost everyone knows someone who has a cough or a sniffle. The number of viruses in Germany not only feels very high, but is also statistically proven to be at a high level. And the trend is rising.

According to a survey by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), there were 8,500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the week from October 23 to 29. This is the highest figure for this calendar week since the data series began in 2011.

However, the figures usually fluctuate greatly in the fall and winter. According to the RKI, the reason for the high figure is not only the colds typical of the season but also the "continuously rising number" of coronavirus infections since the beginning of July.

What's next?

According to the RKI, respiratory diseases led to 1.4 million visits to the doctor in October (1700 per 100,000 inhabitants). This figure is one of the highest for the end of October in recent years. The samples from respiratory patients sent to laboratories by doctors mainly contained coronavirus and cold pathogens.

According to the RKI, it is not possible to make a forecast for the rest of the season. This depends, among other things, on whether and when other pathogens such as the respiratory virus RSV or influenza viruses will be added and whether the viruses circulating so far will then remain or be replaced.

"Experience shows that the first cold weeks in the fall always lead to a significant increase in cases of infection in our practices," said Markus Beier, Federal Chairman of the Association of General Practitioners. This time, however, there seems to be a particularly high number of respiratory infections, including Covid-19 cases, but also "classic" colds, he confirmed.

Covid symptoms

"Covid-19 often starts like other respiratory infections - with a sore throat, runny nose or hoarseness, for example," said Beier. "Fever, headaches or fatigue are also common. However, it is difficult to describe a typical course of Covid-19, as the disease can progress very differently from case to case."

According to the RKI, loss of smell or taste as at the beginning of the pandemic is no longer frequently observed. It warns: "Infected people can be contagious one to two days before the onset of symptoms."

According to Beier, it is important to treat yourself and others with care and to take it easy at home "if you feel yourself getting sick". The RKI generally advises: "Anyone with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection should stay at home for three to five days and until the symptoms have clearly improved."

Covid outlook

Will there be more and more severe coronavirus cases again? "All current estimates are that there will be more infections again due to seasonal and variant-related factors, but that there will be hardly any changes in the severity of the disease," said Hajo Zeeb from the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology in Bremen. "Nevertheless, more infections mean more severe illnesses, because there is always a certain proportion that does not progress favorably."

"Corona is not currently the focus of intensive care units," reported Nina Meckel, spokesperson for the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (Divi). "We are currently treating more than 14,000 critically ill patients, including 749 patients with or due to corona," she said at the beginning of November. In the same period last year, there were significantly more, but the number is currently rising here too.

With a view to the winter, Meckel referred to the relatively large number of older Covid intensive care patients. "That's why we strongly recommend that all people over the age of 60 get a flu vaccination and a Covid vaccination booster in consultation with their GP. We think that a mixture of many viral diseases will put a strain on intensive care units this winter."

Vaccination

The RKI advises people aged 60 and over, as well as those with underlying conditions, to get the flu vaccine - from October to mid-December. According to the RKI, adults usually have basic immunity against coronavirus 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 RKI 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.

Doctors also vaccinate against flu and Covid at the same time. "It is possible that when the influenza and coronavirus vaccines are vaccinated together, there may be increased temporary local and systemic vaccination reactions such as sore muscles at the injection sites or slightly increased tiredness," said GP Beier, emphasizing:

"A vaccination reaction is not a side effect. As a rule, vaccination reactions are triggered by the desired activation of the immune system and subside without consequences after a few days."

Further protection

The RKI advises people to always cough into the crook of their arm, keep their hands away from their face and wash them regularly. Medical masks could also reduce transmission. Social distancing rules are difficult to implement alone. It is better to avoid crowds of people. Otherwise: "Strengthen immunity through proper nutrition and exercise, and pay attention to the psyche - which has suffered for many during the intensive coronavirus period."

1. The RKI highlights that while the rise in respiratory diseases, such as colds and coronavirus, is causing concern, there's no certainty about the course of the season due to potential infections from other pathogens like RSV or influenza viruses.
2. In the context of the ongoing Corona pandemic, the Robert Koch Institute advises individuals with symptoms of respiratory infections to isolate themselves at home for three to five days until symptoms significantly improve, as contagiousness can occur before the onset of symptoms.
3. According to Hajo Zeeb from the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology, while the severity of Covid-19 cases may not change substantially, the high number of infections will inevitably lead to more severe illnesses, as a proportion of individuals will always experience unfavorable disease progressions.

Source: www.dpa.com