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Oliver Keppler, head of virology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, expects a significant increase in the number of infections in the fall and winter.
The increase in corona infections, which has been mild at best so far this fall, is expected to accelerate considerably in the coming months. This is predicted by Oliver Keppler, head of virology at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. “In the fall and winter ahead, we have to assume a significant intensification of the incidence of infection. Our lives are shifting inward,” the scientist told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
The virologist does not advise a new tightening of the corona measures: “Basically, we have to try relaxations in different areas in this phase of the pandemic to see what is well justifiable and where you still have to maintain hygiene measures or testing to ensure.”
“But we have a good vaccination rate overall – that’s the key building block – lots of recovered people, a high-quality testing infrastructure, and yes, also a good understanding of how the virus is transmitted. Situational protective measures, of course, are also part of that.” Among the latter, hygiene experts include, for example, refraining from shaking hands.
Contrary to some fears, Germany is not facing a major simultaneous flu wave, according to the virologist. “I don’t expect a severe flu season,” Keppler said. “Flu migrates alternately from the southern to the northern hemisphere and back again” – always in the respective winter half-year. But worldwide, influenza viruses have been pushed far back in the population by corona hygiene measures, he said. “In the southern hemisphere, there were hardly any infections two winters in a row. So I think an efficient entry of the virus in our country in the upcoming winter is unlikely,” Keppler said. “Covid-19 must continue to be our main focus this winter.”
Still, Keppler believes the expected comparative easing of the flu situation should not be a reason for people at risk to be careless: “All people who have been recommended for flu vaccination by the Standing Commission on Vaccination in previous years as well should get vaccinated as before.” These include people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, those with previous illnesses and medical staff.
Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) had called on people in Germany to get vaccinated against influenza in particularly large numbers this fall. Because there had been virtually no flu in Germany last year as a result of the partial lockdown, the risk of a flu wave this year was all the higher, he said recently. According to the Robert Koch Institute, our immune system may be less prepared for the coming influenza viruses because of the failed flu wave.
- source:k.at/picture:pixabay.com
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