Compared to last year, this year the Rise started earlier. In 2023, after the later winter wave, the lowest values were only seen in July, and it was only from July that a slow increase in the virus load in the wastewater began. This year, the winter wave ended in April (but it also started earlier) and the slight new increase in values began at the end of April/beginning of May. The earlier increase could also be due to a Decline in immunity (because many of them had their last infection or vaccination a long time ago) or, as virologist Redlberger-Fritz points out, with the very high number of strong travel activity: “This means that significantly more viruses have been introduced.”
At the moment, the increase is slow, “we are not yet seeing exponential growth.” Such an increase would mean an extremely rapid increase. However, this could happen relatively quickly in the coming weeks “and then we will have the problem that we already increase exponentially from a higher base level than was the case in the previous yearThat is the difference from last season.” But whether this will actually happen cannot be predicted, stresses the virologist. She would not describe the current situation as a real wave, but rather as “a phase of increased activity”. Last year, the exponential growth started in November.
The symptoms continue to be dominated by sore throats and headaches, coughs, sometimes diarrhea and a general feeling of severe illness. There is no evidence of more severe disease progression due to the current virus variants.
That there are hospitals more inpatient Covid cases again there are – in mid-August there were already around 200 patients in normal wards – is related to the declining immunity summarizes: “Covid can cause severe symptoms, especially in people with underlying diseases. And the Protection against severe disease progression goes around one year after the last infection or vaccination.”
The intensive season of cold viruses has not yet begun, “but we are paying close attention to it because we know from data from previous years that there is always a strong activity of cold viruses in the first two to three weeks after the start of school.”
A “massive increase” in Covid infections is also noted by the Viennese Pediatrician Peter Voitl from the Children’s Primary Care Center Donauinsel. “But we are also seeing an increase in infections with cold viruses.” As far as Corona is concerned, the vast majority of children have a mild course. “The special thing about the variants currently circulating is that in children muscle pain and soreness occur more frequently as accompanying symptoms in addition to the respiratory symptoms.” And the current variants “are apparently very infectious“Otherwise we wouldn’t have so many infections at the moment.”
Covid and cold: Hardly distinguishable
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A mild Covid course can be like a cold and therefore cannot be distinguished from a cold based on the symptoms, says Redlberger-Fritz. If you feel very ill with headaches, aching limbs and a massive sore throat, it is usually Covid, “which is not usually what a cold virus does with a normal runny nose.” For people at risk aged 18 and over, a positive corona test is a prerequisite for being entitled to the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
Pediatrician Voitl also stresses that in mild cases it is not clear whether it is a cold or Covid. But that is not relevant for children: A positive Covid test has no consequences for treatment (Paxlovid is not approved for under-18s, note). And children should stay at home if they have symptoms anyway, regardless of which virus is causing them. “What you should pay attention to at the moment is whooping coughwhich is currently still occurring on an increasing scale. Children have coughing fits at night until they vomit or almost suffocate. Filtering out these cases and treating them quickly is important because in the early stages of whooping cough, effective antibiotics can be prescribed.”
Voitl stresses that the Covid vaccination is particularly recommended for children with underlying diseases (e.g. heart defects, lung diseases). However, he is particularly concerned about the influenza vaccination for all children from the age of 6 months onwards, starting in October: “Old people and children will again die of influenza next winter, as unfortunately happens every year. And this can be avoided with the influenza vaccination.”
Covid vaccinations already underway
Covid vaccine against the JN.1 variants is in many ordinations available, according to the Vienna Medical Association. A list of Viennese practices that carry out vaccinations can be found at impfordi.at“The currently mainly circulating KP.3 variant is well covered by the JN.1 vaccine,” says Redlberger-Fritz. In addition to long-term protection against serious diseases, the vaccination also offers some protection (50 to 70 percent) against infections“but only in a relatively short time window of about twelve weeks,” says Redlberger-Fritz.
The Rise of COVID Cases: Understanding the Current Situation
As we move into the latter half of 2024, concerns about the rising number of COVID-19 cases are growing. According to experts, this year’s rise started earlier than last year, with a slight new increase in values beginning at the end of April and the beginning of May [[1]]. This earlier increase could be attributed to a decline in immunity, as many people had their last infection or vaccination a long time ago, or the very high number of strong travel activities, which introduced significantly more viruses into the population.
Currently, the increase is slow, with no exponential growth observed yet. However, this could change rapidly in the coming weeks, leading to a higher base level than last year [[1]]. The symptoms of COVID-19 continue to be dominated by sore throats, headaches, coughs, sometimes diarrhea, and a general feeling of severe illness. There is no evidence of more severe disease progression due to the current virus variants.
Factors Contributing to the Rise
Several factors are contributing to the rise in COVID-19 cases. One of the main reasons is the decline in immunity, which has led to an increase in inpatient COVID cases in hospitals [[1]]. This decline in immunity is particularly concerning for people with underlying diseases, as COVID-19 can cause severe symptoms in these individuals. Additionally, the protection against severe disease progression wanes around one year after the last infection or vaccination [[1]].
Another factor is the high number of strong travel activities, which has introduced more viruses into the population. This is especially concerning during the summer months, when people are more likely to travel and congregate in large groups [[2]]. In fact, every summer since 2020, COVID rates have risen in July and August due to a confluence of virological, behavioral, and environmental factors [[2]].
Covid and Cold: Hardly Distinguishable
A mild COVID-19 course can be easily mistaken for a cold, making it challenging to distinguish between the two based on symptoms alone [[1]]. Pediatrician Peter Voitl notes that in mild cases, it is not clear whether it is a cold or COVID-19. However, for children, a positive COVID-19 test has no consequences for treatment, and they should stay at home if they have symptoms regardless of which virus is causing them [[1]].
New Variants and Concerns
The current COVID-19 variants are particularly concerning due to their high infectiousness and the frequency of muscle pain and soreness as accompanying symptoms in children [[1]]. Moreover, the intensive season of cold viruses has not yet begun, but experts are paying close attention to it, as data from previous years suggest a strong activity of cold viruses in the first two to three weeks after the start of school [[1]].
Vacination and Prevention
In light of the rising COVID-19 cases, vaccination is particularly recommended for children with underlying diseases, such as heart defects and lung diseases. Pediatrician Voitl stresses the importance of the influenza vaccination for all children from the age of 6 months onwards, starting in October, as it can help prevent severe illness and death from influenza [[1]].
What You Can Do
To protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, it is essential to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and stay informed about the latest developments in the pandemic. Additionally, be aware of the symptoms of whooping cough, which is currently on the rise, and seek medical attention if you or your child experiences coughing fits, vomiting, or shortness of breath.
As the situation evolves, it is crucial to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By working together, we can minimize the impact of this pandemic and protect our communities.
References:
when did covid-19 start in the world
The Rise of COVID Cases: Understanding the Current Situation
As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, a concerning trend has emerged: the rise of COVID cases has started earlier this year compared to last year. According to wastewater viral activity trends, the current level of COVID-19 is high, with the West region experiencing the highest levels of viral activity [1[1].
Earlier Rise in COVID Cases
In 2023, the lowest wastewater viral activity levels were seen in July, with a slow increase in virus load starting in July. However, this year, the winter wave ended in April, and a new increase in virus load began at the end of April and early May. This earlier rise could be attributed to a decline in immunity, as many people had their last infection or vaccination a long time ago, or to the high number of strong travel activity, which introduces more viruses into the population [2[2].
Current Situation
The current increase is slow, and exponential growth has not been observed yet. However, this could change rapidly in the coming weeks, leading to an exponential increase from a higher base level than last year. Virologist Redlberger-Fritz notes that the current situation cannot be described as a real wave, but rather as a “phase of increased activity.” Last year, exponential growth started in November.
Symptoms and Hospitalizations
The symptoms of COVID-19 continue to be dominated by sore throats, headaches, coughs, sometimes diarrhea, and a general feeling of severe illness. There is no evidence of more severe disease progression due to the current virus variants. Hospitalizations have also increased, with around 200 patients in normal wards by mid-August, which is related to declining immunity.
Covid and Cold: Hardly Distinguishable
A mild COVID course can be like a cold and therefore cannot be distinguished from a cold based on symptoms. Pediatrician Voitl notes that in mild cases, it is not clear whether it is a cold or COVID, but this is not relevant for children. A positive COVID test has no consequences for treatment, and children should stay at home if they have symptoms anyway.
Vaccinations
Covid vaccinations are already underway, with a particular focus on children with underlying diseases. Pediatrician Voitl stresses the importance of influenza vaccination for all children from the age of 6 months onwards, starting in October. “Old people and children will again die,” he notes.
Related Questions
What is the current trend of COVID-19 cases?
How does immunity play a role in the rise of COVID cases?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19, and how do they differ from a cold?
What is the importance of vaccination, especially for children with underlying diseases?
* How can we prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses?
Conclusion
The rise of COVID cases is a concerning trend that requires attention and action. Understanding the current situation, including the symptoms, hospitalizations, and importance of vaccination, is crucial in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. As the world continues to battle this pandemic, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others.
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). COVID-19 Wastewater Data – National Trends. Retrieved from <https://www.c
