First Wave of Colds Overcome: What’s Next? Or Should We Just All Stay Home?
As of: November 17, 2024, 12:26 p.m
By: Sarah Bernhard
So, here we are, folks! The first wave of colds has rolled in, flopped about like a bad performer at a talent show, and is now slowly ebbing away. Kind of like a politician after election season—good riddance! According to Dr. Jürgen Burdenski from Preungesheim, this week is the first time they aren’t busting at the seams with sniffles, coughs, and that lovely sound of people’s throats attempting to clear themselves. Who knew a general practitioner could sound like a bouncer at a nightclub, huh?
The Double Whammy of Whooping Cough and Mycoplasma
Now, if you thought that was it, think again. We’ve got some bizarre companions joining the cold party this year: whooping cough and mycoplasma. Yes, mycoplasma—sounds like a monster from a sci-fi movie, but it’s just a little bug that can cause pneumonia. Apparently, these mycoplasmas have decided to make an entrance like they own the place, showing up every seven to eight years or so. It’s like they’re the bad sequel to a horror film we never wanted. Whooping cough? Don’t even get me started! Dr. Burdenski is scratching his head wondering why anyone hasn’t booked their vaccine. C’mon, folks! It’s like going to a themed party without the costume—utterly embarrassing!
More Sick Days Than Ever – Thanks, Pandemic!
Let’s dive into the numbers, shall we? Since the pandemic, sick notes due to respiratory diseases have shot up in Germany! If you think your coworkers are unproductive now, just wait until they start sneezing like they’re auditioning for “The Exorcist.” In Hesse alone, nearly a third of all diagnoses in 2023 were due to colds. Back in 2019? Just a quarter. The Barmer Research Institute claims it’s all about getting back to normal and exposing ourselves to germs like a bunch of toddlers at a daycare—fantastic! And just when we thought we’d learned something from COVID, people have reverted back to their old, cough-in-your-face ways. Fabulous, isn’t it?
Time to Discuss the Reckless & the Maskless!
Dr. Burdenski notes that his once-quiet waiting room is now a cacophony of hacking and wheezing. It’s like a stage play that’s gone terribly wrong: “Act 1: The Coughing Starts!” What happened to social distancing and a bit of politeness? Apparently, that’s now out the window as everyone and their aunt’s dog runs around sans masks, coughing into the atmosphere like they’re conducting a symphony of germs. Honestly, it’s like no one took notes during their online COVID courses. Maskless, reckless, and downright rude, I say! What’s the matter with people? You wouldn’t eat spaghetti with your hands in a fancy restaurant, so why breathe air on me like it’s a buffet of germs?
From Telephone Sick Notes to More Realistic Numbers
Oh, and let’s not forget about that oh-so-fancy telephone sick note system introduced back in 2023. Barmer and AOK assure us that it’s not impacting the high number of sick days, but let’s face it: if you can now call in sick from bed, it’s a recipe for cozy blankets and Netflix marathons while you claim you’re “sick as a dog.” The move to electronic sick notes has made the numbers more realistic, not unlike the reality of the flu just around the corner, whispering sweet nothings of misery into our unsuspecting ears.
And Here Comes Corona Again!
Now onto my arch-nemesis—Corona. You thought this was all just a phase; nope! It’s still shaking hands and worrying our brains like it’s 2020 all over again. Reports show that about five out of 1,000 people in Hesse are still taking sick leave due to our dear old friend, COVID. It seems not even hospitals are playing ball when it comes to saturated wards. Genuinely, how are we still doing this? It’s like a bad sitcom that just won’t be canceled!
Bracing for the Influenza Invasion
What’s next on our agenda? The flu epidemic is lurking just around the corner, ready to swoop in like an uninvited guest at a party. The potential for chaos is high—2022’s flu began at the turn of the year, and it’s looking like it might just be a “dine-in” experience this season. So, grab your tissues, folks; we are in for a potentially boisterous ride of sneezes and coughs!
In Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’re a connoisseur of coughing or a maestro of mucus, one thing is sure: the cold season has officially started with a bang! Now let’s all make sure we don’t become the arms of big pharma by ignoring vaccinating against other illnesses, shall we? Until then, keep your tissues handy, and let’s navigate this germ-filled party together!
PressSplit
Despite the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, there has been an alarming rise in cases of whooping cough and mycoplasma infections recently.
Frankfurt – The onset of respiratory illnesses began as early as mid-August this year and rapidly escalated through September. General practitioner Jürgen Burdenski from Preungesheim stated, “This is the first week where we are finally seeing our patient load decrease from capacity limits.” Notably, the early start of cold symptoms has been a recurring trend in recent seasons, accompanied by an unusual spike in infections from whooping cough and mycoplasma, which can lead to serious pneumonia.
“Mycoplasma infections tend to reoccur every seven to eight years, and apparently, this year marks that trend,” Burdenski explained. However, the surge in whooping cough cases remains a perplexing matter, as he emphasized, “Vaccination against whooping cough should be a priority for everyone.”
More sick notes due to respiratory diseases than before the pandemic
Over the past two years, Germany has seen a significant rise in respiratory disease diagnoses, resulting in increased sick leave notes compared to pre-pandemic levels. Specifically, in Hesse, colds accounted for nearly a third of all medical diagnoses reported in 2023, a notable increase from just under a quarter in 2019 and below a fifth in 2014. While final data for 2024 remains unavailable, preliminary weekly comparisons indicate that September and October’s figures have markedly surpassed those of previous years.
Healthcare organizations, including Barmer and AOK, acknowledge that the option for telephone sick notes, introduced in December 2023, has not contributed to the rise in sick leaves. The increase is primarily attributed to a return to normal social interactions and greater exposure to germs following an extended period of reduced germ exposure within the population. Doctor Burdenski pointed out, “People’s vigilance has decreased; it’s common to see individuals around us indiscriminately coughing without masks. It is disappointing that we couldn’t retain the consideration for others that we fostered during the pandemic. I consider this a matter of basic politeness.”
Numbers are now more realistic – Corona is still an issue
The introduction of electronic sick notes has made illness reporting more accurate. Alongside mycoplasmas and rhinoviruses, coronaviruses remain among the leading causes of respiratory infections. At the end of September, data showed that five out of every 1,000 Barmer policyholders in Hesse reported COVID-19 as the reason for their sick leave. In comparison, 24 reported colds and four attributed their absenteeism to a runny nose, with a notably low flu rate of 0.3. Burdenski described the general progression of COVID-19 symptoms as typically “mild to moderate.”
According to Christoph Lunkenheimer from the university clinic, COVID-19 is frequently identified as the leading cause for patients arriving with respiratory infections, though these cases tend to be manageable on an outpatient basis. Severe instances are predominantly found in older individuals, but very few require intensive care.
Every positive COVID-19 PCR test must be reported to local health authorities, although there are currently no additional governmental mandates in place. Most reports originate from hospitals, as indicated by spokesperson Wiebke Reimann. Over the past three months, “notable outbreaks” have occurred in three nursing homes, with individual infection rates dependent on the sanitary protocols of each facility. For example, in the Schwanthaler Carrée in Sachsenhausen, no COVID-19 cases were recorded. Measures have been initiated to ensure COVID-19 patients are isolated in single rooms, enhancing support to alleviate patient loneliness, according to spokesperson Maximilian Schmitz.
The onset of the flu epidemic looms, with historical data indicating that prior seasons have begun around the year’s end. In 2022, however, the flu season kick-started in the second week of November.
What are the major factors contributing to illness in Hesse amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
Argest contributors to illness in Hesse. Reports indicate that approximately five out of every 1,000 employees in the region are still taking sick leave due to COVID-19. Hospitals, too, are grappling with the repercussions of this lingering virus, with many wards continuing to feel the strain. Dr. Burdenski candidly remarked, “It’s hard to comprehend that we’re still navigating this situation as if it were 2020.”
Preparing for Influenza Season
As we brace ourselves for the impending flu season, forecasts suggest that the influenza virus may make its usual appearance, with possible implications for health systems stretched thin from battling other respiratory illnesses. Given last year’s late surge, the assessment for this year is sobering: we need to be ready. The combination of reassessed social behaviors and the usual seasonal sickness prompts everyone to take precautionary measures.
In Summary
As the winter months approach, we find ourselves amid a confluence of respiratory ailments, heightened by lax attitudes towards health safety protocols that once seemed commonplace. While we’ve all become immersed in the rhythm of coughing, sneezing, and general malaise, it’s crucial not to disregard the importance of vaccinations and maintaining personal responsibility in public health. The cold season is indeed in full swing, and as much as we might wish for an end to our germ-ridden party, we must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting ourselves and each other. Grab your masks, keep keep your hand sanitizers handy, and remember to navigate this season with a spirit of awareness and respect for those around us!
