The value for influenza hospitalizations has more than doubled with an increase from 17 to 38 admissions in the last two fully registered calendar weeks, while the curve in the Covid area flattened slightly, showed the SARI dashboard.
The Ministry of Health’s SARI dashboard records hospitalizations in Austrian hospitals with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).
Some data for the past two weeks has not yet been fully reported. According to the current figures, in calendar week 48 (week 47) from November 27th to December 3rd, 1,195 patients came to Austrian hospitals (intensive care and normal wards) because of a corona infection. The statistics therefore recorded a slight decrease of just over one percent compared to week 47 from November 20th to 26th with 1,211 new admissions.
Corona wave has exceeded its peak
In connection with the coronavirus, there was recently talk of the highest wave in Austria since wastewater analyzes began. However, this has now passed its peak, as the molecular biologist Ulrich Elling explained to the APA on Wednesday. At the same time, he urged caution: “There is still a lot of virus circulating and you can still get infected very easily.” The expert advised, especially before the Christmas celebrations, to reduce contacts in advance and to carry out an antigen test before the meetings.
JN.1-Variant
The wastewater data showed that the Corona variant “Pirola” (BA.2.86) is dominant. The BA.2.86 subsidiary variant JN.1 is now likely to dominate. The relative increase in this variant, which was put under observation by the WHO the day before, is unlikely to cause a second peak. “But it will probably slow down the downward trend” – this is the “most likely scenario”.
Criticism of the lack of vaccination communication
Elling expressed the wish to politicians to prepare better for the next waves than for the current one: “If we are now sure that the wave has broken, then preparation for the next wave begins today.” It is important, for example, to develop a strategy on how to increase the vaccination rate for Covid – and also influenza, said Elling. This year there was no vaccination communication at all. We also need to be better prepared when it comes to drug shortages – keyword Paxlovid. “It shouldn’t have happened that this turned out.” The medication must continue to be sufficiently available in the future. In any case, this wave was no surprise. “Anyone who can think a bit might see that.”
Danger of double infections
On Wednesday, infectiologist Christoph Wenisch from the Favoriten Clinic explained that the current corona wave might mix with the current influenza wave. “This increases the risk of double infections, which can result in a particularly severe course,” Wenisch was quoted as saying in a release from the Association of Vaccine Manufacturers. Caution is particularly advised for older people or people with previous illnesses. Wenisch also emphasized that the current infection situation is exemplary. “We are currently seeing the typical course of an influenza season,” it said. “If the outbreaks start in the north and west of Europe, it won’t be long before they reach us too.”
The MedUni Vienna emphasized on Wednesday that there is currently “increasing influenza virus activity” in Austria. Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09) is currently particularly dominant. “Initial analyzes show a good match with the strains contained in the vaccines,” said virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz.
Increase in RSV too
The statistics currently show a strong increase, although the level is still low overall, for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). The number of hospitalizations rose to more than 66 percent from November 20th to December 3rd. A total of 30 people across Austria were admitted to hospital in week 48 due to an RSV infection.
The development of the number of infections is likely to lead to the emergency doctor service – which can be reached by calling 141 – being completely overwhelmed, at least in Vienna. A Covid patient reported to the APA that she had to wait six hours on the night of last Sunday from the time she registered until an emergency doctor arrived. As a member of a risk group, she needed a Paxlovid prescription. When she asked the hotline, she was told that there were a lot of calls for sick children and that they would be brought forward. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), where the number of infections has exploded in recent days, is particularly dangerous for infants and small children.
