Bolzano – The winter of 2022/23 is marked by a triple epidemic: the flu season has started prematurely, infections with the RS virus have increased explosively and COVID-19 is reviving. Prof. Dr. Christian Wiedermann, coordinator of the research projects at the Institute for General Medicine and Public Health in Bozen, offers an overview of the current infection process and at the same time warns once morest prematurely announcing the end of the pandemic.
Corona is not over
The Corona variant XBB.1.5 (also called “Kraken”) has been spreading in the USA at breakneck speed since December 2022. “In the week of New Year alone, this variant accounted for 44 percent of the number of corona cases in the USA. A week earlier, the proportion of all infections was still 26 percent,” explains Prof. Dr. Christian Wiedermann, coordinator of the research projects of the Institute for General Medicine and Public Health at the University Training Center for Health Professions Claudiana Bozen. The World Health Organization (WHO) has detected the XBB.1.5 variant not only in the USA, but also in 28 other countries.
“Of the Corona variants currently circulating, XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible omicron subtype discovered to date. The mutations contained allow the virus to attach to cells more effectively. As a result, the virus multiplies more easily and it also spreads faster,” says Prof. Wiedermann. Whether this variant is more dangerous than the other omicron subtypes is currently being investigated.
“Here in South Tyrol, too, there might be a further increase in COVID-19 infections. While the impact of this surge may not be as severe as we’ve seen in previous coronavirus waves, it might still be felt by seniors. And the latest variants don’t necessarily have to be responsible for this, but rather the changed behavior in our society. Many people celebrated Christmas and New Year together once more. In addition, the increase not only affects corona, but also the flu and, especially in children, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),” emphasizes Prof. Wiedermann. The return to pre-corona normality in particular is causing scientists to worry that an increase in respiratory infections is now to be expected, primarily among risk groups, according to the former primary for internal medicine at the central hospital in Bolzano.
The vaccination also protects once morest the new corona variants
The effect of the so-called bivalent COVID vaccines, which have also been vaccinated in South Tyrol since autumn 2022, is also directed once morest the omicron subvariants. “These vaccines trigger a stronger antibody reaction and are therefore not only effective once morest the original coronavirus,” emphasizes Prof. Christian Wiedermann. “A study that looked at only adults 65 years and older found that the bivalent booster reduced the risk of hospitalization by 84 percent compared to unvaccinated people and by 73 percent compared to people who received only the monovalent vaccine.” , explains Prof. Wiedermann. “Another study found that people with bivalent vaccination protection less often need to be treated in the emergency room or in hospital because of a COVID-19 infection,” says Wiedermann.
He recommends a bivalent booster vaccination for all citizens from the age of twelve, especially people over 60, fragile people, pregnant women and health workers. “For people over 80, residents of nursing homes and frail people over 60, even the administration of the third booster vaccination is announced. Anyone who is over 60 and wants it can get this vaccination,” informs Prof. Wiedermann. For access to the third booster, at least 120 days must have passed since the last refresher or the last corona infection.
The lessons of the Corona situation in China
China has been battling a massive COVID-19 outbreak for weeks. It was caused by the omicron variants BA.5.2 and BF.7, which account for more than 97 percent of all corona infections in the most populous country in the world. “The variants currently circulating in China should not pose a major threat to South Tyrol,” emphasizes Prof. Wiedermann. “The average person here should not become seriously ill even in the case of new variants due to the built-up T and B cell immunity,” says Prof. Wiedermann. However, he is concerned regarding the risk groups and the hospitals, which are also at risk of overload in South Tyrol.
“The corona situation in China shows us that the pandemic is not over yet and represents an additional factor of uncertainty worldwide,” analyzes Prof. Christian Wiedermann. The majority of the population can hardly imagine an “endemic phase of the pandemic” that some experts have proclaimed. But this has made the call for the abolition of all corona restrictions louder among many citizens, “exactly at the moment when the hospitals are once once more in a worrying situation due to the triple epidemic of corona, flu and RSV”. says Prof. Wiedermann. The triple epidemic must be countered with the AHA rules (distance, hygiene, everyday life with a mask), but also with new vaccination and prevention measures. “In Vienna, an FFP2 mask still has to be worn on public transport, and in the USA there is currently discussion regarding a return to compulsory masks in public spaces,” reminds Prof. Wiedermann, who appeals to politicians and the media: “Stop it From a public health point of view, the discussion regarding an end to the pandemic should be avoided at the moment.”
Rules of thumb for the winter with the triple epidemic
In addition to updating the corona and flu vaccinations, Prof. Christian Wiedermann recommends that citizens observe the AHA rules for the coming winter weeks. “Enjoy yourself, but more carefully than carelessly. If you are older than 65 years, have an underlying disease, are immunocompromised or are pregnant, please put your mask back on more often. And think regarding social distancing. When you receive an invitation or organize an event, think of the people at highest risk. Plan precautionary measures for these people,” said Prof. Dr. Christian Wiedermann.
From: mk
