Cold Season Persists as COVID-19 Looms Over Germany
In the midst of a chilly season, typical respiratory illnesses continue to wreak havoc in Germany, with over 7.2 million people suffering from acute respiratory diseases. The recent deterrent of pandemic restrictions is a thing of the past, but SARS-CoV-2 persists, claiming a 20 percent share of all respiratory infections. With many feeling wary of vaccines, certain population groups might be at higher risk. This concerns virologist Stöhr.
Coronavirus on the Loose
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Eris variant (EG.5) has dominated coronavirus infections, accounting for half of the samples, while the highly mutated Omikron subline Pirola (BA.2.86) accounts for five percent. Epidemiologist and virologist Klaus Stöhr informs the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper that dozens of variants are currently circulating throughout the nation. Although most experience mild symptoms, hospital pressure and ICU admissions are expected to intensify.
Vaccine Skepticism
"Those at risk of severe illness due to an unvaccinated status might still face deleterious consequences from coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and related variants," suggests Markus Beier, Chairman of the German Association of General Practitioners. The RKI reports that approximately 28 percent of Covid-19 patients have to be hospitalized, with 1,336 individuals having fallen to the virus since October 2021. The majority of the cases (97%) involve individuals 60 years or older.
German doctors urge high-risk population groups to receive COVID-19 vaccinations amidst widespread vaccine hesitancy. According to the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), adults under age 60 should be assured of basic immunity following two vaccinations and one illness or three vaccinations. However, those aged 60 or older and at risk of severe Covid-19 infections should receive booster shots twelve months after their prior vaccination or illness, ideally during the fall. Children and adolescents do not require vaccinations if healthy.
A Contagious Winter Ahead
"Vaccination fatigue has never been as high as it is now," Stöhr remarks. Not only immune protection against coronaviruses, but also essential vaccinations like polio and measles have waned. Virologist Stöhr warns that potential collateral damage from these declines might impact the healthcare system for years to come.
Differentiating COVID-19 from the Flu
Although a dry cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache, aching limbs, and a runny nose can accompany both the flu and COVID-19, the former develops more rapidly, while the latter worsens over several days. Pirola, in particular, has been associated with unusual symptoms, such as skin rashes, reddened eyes, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are not always present with a Pirola infection. Symptoms typical of Eris, such as a sore throat, headache, fatigue, and a runny nose, remain with Pirola. The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) still considers fever, hoarseness, and a disturbed sense of smell as characteristics of COVID-19, regardless of variant.
Recommended Reading:
Incorporated Enrichment Data:
In response to potential increases in coronavirus infections and concerns over vaccine hesitancy, Germany has implemented numerous measures to brace itself for the winter months. These include establishing hospitalization benchmarks for tighter anti-pandemic measures, mandating vaccines for certain occupations and public facilities, maintaining pandemic regulations on public areas, promoting vaccinations to address skepticism, and offering booster shots and testing opportunities.
