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The number of coronavirus infections is rising steadily. As reported in “Heute,” this is also reflected in the ÖGK incapacity to work figures. The number of sick days due to COVID-19 infections skyrocketed from 4,455 (week 34) to 5,382 (week 35) within a week. The number of absences was particularly high in the German capital, with around 1,900 people falling ill.
“The autumn wave is rolling in. There has already been an increase in cases in recent weeks. Depending on the weather, we expect a peak in four to six weeks,” explains Arschang Valipour, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine and Pneumology at Klinik Floridsdorf, in an interview with ‘Heute.’
According to the lung specialist, 40 patients throughout Vienna are currently receiving inpatient treatment for Covid, and one patient is also receiving intensive medical care: “We have repeatedly treated patients with Covid at Klinik Floridsdorf in recent weeks, and we currently have ten hospitalized patients,” says Valipour.
The new coronavirus variants KP.3 and KP.3.1.1 are currently predominant, but various old Omikron variants are still being detected: “There are many subgroups of already known virus variants. A new variant takes over every four to six months or so.”
Covid is particularly dangerous for people with chronic illnesses: “Covid is often the trigger for a worsening of these illnesses. For example, patients with COPD may no longer be able to breathe, those with diabetes may have a metabolic imbalance, or someone with heart disease may suffer from heart failure and have water in their lungs. Pneumonia caused by COVID is also very common,” says the intensive care physician.
In addition to the classic symptoms such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, Valipour says that older people can also experience fatigue, confusion, and impaired food and fluid intake: “There is, therefore, a strong recommendation to vaccinate vulnerable groups, such as older people.”
Suppose it has been a year or more since the last vaccination. In that case, a booster is also worthwhile for non-vulnerable people, says Valipour: “However, there is no vaccination obligation for children. As there are usually no severe cases here, this is an individual decision,” says the expert. Information on a COVID vaccination can be found at impfservice.wien/covid-19/.
When asked about the possibility of mandatory masks, the lung specialist says: “Masks, yes, mandatory, no! We need to get away from the word mandatory and create more awareness for protecting vulnerable groups – this should become firmly established in the long term. However, anyone who has symptoms and still leaves the house should wear a mask to protect others in enclosed spaces. And anyone who wants to can also wear one for their own protection,” advises the doctor.
Valipour is optimistic about treating COVID-19 infections: “We currently only have two treatment options: Paxlovid and anti-viral infusion therapy. However, paxlovid can interact with other drugs. In the next six to 12 months, however, new anti-viral drugs should come onto the market that offers hope,” says the doctor.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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