In addition to coronavirus, influenza and RSV virus infections are rising in some federal states. We have an overview.
Austria is overwhelmed by an extreme coronavirus wave, and the number of infections continues to rise sharply. As virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz explains in “Heute,” Austria is experiencing a “massive corona wave.” However, it is impossible to say when the peak will be reached.
The corona wave is currently strongest in Vienna, Carinthia, and Vorarlberg, as wastewater test data shows.
The rising COVID cases have prompted the Vienna Health Association (Wigev) to introduce stricter measures in its facilities. Patients are tested on admission if they have symptoms, “Heute” reported.
Experts advise patients to refresh their personal coronavirus vaccination status. The currently available vaccines work well against the predominant variants, says virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz from MedUni Vienna. Vaccination is especially recommended for people over the age of 60, as well as those at an increased risk of severe disease progression (pregnant women, people who are overweight, and people with underlying respiratory, neurological, or cardiac conditions), as well as healthcare professionals. Information on vaccination is available on the hotline 1450 and on the Internet at impfservice.wien.
The doctor also advises people to wear a mask again in certain settings. “Symptomatic people should definitely wear a mask. Otherwise, it is also recommended in places where vulnerable groups are present, such as retirement homes, hospitals, or doctor’s waiting rooms. All those who want to protect themselves from infection should wear a mask when there are large gatherings of people,” says the expert.
The mask prevents infection not only with coronavirus but also with influenza viruses or the RSV virus, which are currently rampant in addition to COVID-19. This is currently leading to a high number of sick days. According to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), more than 110,000 Austrians were off sick with colds in the previous week, over 29,000 of them with coronavirus. More than 400 were affected by influenza (“real flu”), and over 84,000 people could not go to work due to flu-like infections. However, according to GK chief physician Andreas Krauter, the end of the line has not been reached: “The number of sick days is increasing again.” In recent weeks, around 1,500 people with respiratory illnesses have been in hospitals at the same time, around 700 of them with COVID.
Influenza numbers are rising in Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
This post has already been read 674 times!
