2023-11-26 18:14:33
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The first Corona autumn without any conditions, but according to Klaus Stöhr things could get tricky again in clinics. The virologist talks to IPPEN.MEDIA about the situation in Germany.
Frankfurt – Respiratory diseases are increasing again in Germany in autumn, and corona cases are also being reported more frequently. According to current figures from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Corona sub-variant Eris (EG.5) was detected in half of the infections (53 percent). The Pirola sub-variant (BA.2.86), on the other hand, only accounts for ten percent, compared to seven percent the week before.
So is Pirola gradually spreading further and further in Germany? For the epidemiologist and virologist Klaus Stöhr, the discussion about corona variants is of little importance from a medical perspective, as the vaccines are still effective against severe cases. Dozens of variants are circulating in Germany, Stöhr explained FR.de von IPPEN.MEDIA. However, there are no significant differences in the course of the disease: most people become mildly ill, only a small proportion experience severe courses. This is very similar to Sars-CoV-2 as to other endemic respiratory diseases.
Corona expert Stöhr in an interview: Are the new Pirola symptoms worrying?
Whether a variant is considered worrying must be determined by a problem, says Stöhr – for example, whether other age groups are affected, vaccines no longer work, severe disease progression or other symptoms occur, or the variant is more contagious than its predecessors. This is not the case with Pirola. Some facets of the clinical picture would look somewhat different in the Corona variant and would manifest themselves, among other things, in diarrhea and skin changes. However, these are temporary and not life-threatening and are irrelevant in the treatment of the infection.
Klaus Stöhr, virologist and epidemiologist, looks ahead to winter with regard to the corona virus. © Sven Hoppe/dpa
“The respiratory symptoms remain dominant,” says Stöhr. This means: Most symptoms primarily affect the respiratory tract. There are reports of unusual symptoms of the Pirola variant, especially in Great Britain. According to Stöhr, they would rely on accompanying medical examinations.
Basically, Eris and Pirola are similar, said virologist Hendrik Streeck Welt. “But there are initial indications that BA.2.86 may be a little more contagious.” Charité boss Christian Drosten is currently not worried about Pirola. There are no indications of serious illness: “I can give the all-clear for now,” he said Time.
Vaccination fatigue after Corona is huge in Germany: “The greatest collateral damage of the pandemic”
Nevertheless, according to Stöhr, the discussion and observation of variants is important in order to adapt vaccines if necessary. The burden of disease also urgently needs to be assessed through studies this winter. Because: Next year, the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) will have to decide whether it is still proportionate to continue to recommend corona vaccinations for people aged 60 and over and people with an increased risk of infection.
“Corona can still be a serious illness for particularly vulnerable groups without appropriate vaccination protection,” explained Markus Beier, chairman of the German General Practitioners Association Welt. Stöhr is also getting vaccinated, as he told our editorial team.
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But apparently fewer and fewer people are getting vaccinated. Vaccination fatigue in Germany and the USA has “never been as great as it is now,” said Stöhr. “Vaccination rates have declined for important childhood vaccinations such as polio and measles.” This is one of the “biggest collateral damage of the pandemic.” Important vaccinations have negative connotations. This also has a long-term impact on the health system.
Corona winter in Germany: Stöhr about a possible wave of infections
But how will the Corona situation develop in the coming months? In the 45th calendar week, 21,764 Covid-19 cases were reported to the RKI, and 6,114 cases were treated in hospital. According to the RKI, the increase has continued. Two weeks (43rd calendar week) previously, 17,222 cases were reported and 5,325 people were treated in hospital. The number of unreported cases is likely to be higher.
The respiratory diseases typical of this time of year increase, especially in winter. The pressure on hospitals and intensive care units is sometimes extreme, said Stöhr. “I think it will be more severe this winter,” said the virologist, referring to a possible wave of Sars infections. After three years of the pandemic, an immune status comparable to that of many years of endemic infection with other respiratory pathogens has not yet been achieved in Germany. Older people with previous illnesses are particularly at risk.
According to the virologist, protecting yourself with an FFP2 mask does not make sense given the current situation. A Corona study also comes to the conclusion that masks were rather ineffective during the pandemic. “If you have never heard that there are five different FFP2 brand sizes that can be adjusted to your head and have not taken part in the relevant training, you should stick with the medical mask,” says Stöhr. If a mask does not fit properly, the protective effect is not guaranteed. The advantage of a mask in terms of getting infected less is there, but how successful it is is difficult to quantify. Stöhr also emphasized that sick people should stay at home if they are infected. (which)
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