In addition to the Corona, the flu can also become a problem this fall. Bremen epidemiologist Hajo Zeeb recommends wearing the masks indoors again.
The third fall of Corona is around the corner and with it a new wave of infections. The number of crown cases is also increasing in the state of Bremen. But this fall things are different: many of the protective measures against Corona have been eliminated. Furthermore, many people have already come into contact with the virus, through a vaccination or illness.
The protective measures worked not only against the crown, but also against the flu, that is, the flu. In the early Corona fall of 2020, there were only ten confirmed cases of the flu in Bremen. For comparison: in 2019 there were around 380. Bremen epidemiologist Hajo Zeeb classifies the development and provides a perspective.
- What does it mean if now two waves are rolling towards us: Corona and the flu?
- Now there is only twice the chance that you can get sick with seasonal diseases, that’s it. Corona infection is often mild at the moment, which is great news. With the flu, however, it often happens that it is also very difficult. But both are problems that should not be underestimated and which now weigh on us together.
- Do you see the risk of getting sick twice because you have both? And how dangerous would that be?
- It is not very likely. The fact that you actually have two diseases at the same time is the big exception. The coronavirus and the flu both need to be taken relatively seriously. If you have a regular Corona course, then that’s still fine. A severe course is very unpleasant, which can even lead to the hospital
- Due to the growing number of corona infections, the requirement to wear masks is again hotly debated. The health senator is also considering reintroducing the obligation to wear masks indoors. Would you recommend it?
- Prevention means: you have to start before it’s too late. That’s why now is the right time to watch it again. I also fear we will have to do more again and this clearly includes a requirement to wear face masks or at least a strong recommendation. In the shops we hardly see any more indications for wearing the mask, a strong communication in this direction would help. It doesn’t always have to be an obligation. But we will not be able to avoid the obligation of the mask in some public places where many people gather and the risk of infection is very high.
- Is wearing masks enough, or must there be distance rules and a limited number of people back indoors?
- These are measures that accompany the mask requirement, which are also being studied. I think this time around it will be handled a little more subtly. In some places, attention will also be paid to where it can be implemented well and where there is a lot of proximity otherwise. But I believe that due to this relatively milder situation than last winter, there will be no crown rules to the same extent.
- Now there is talk again about getting vaccinated again, about getting the boosters again. I also know many who say: Vaccinated three times and I got sick, I don’t need the fourth vaccination. It’s correct?
- This is true for a fair number of people, especially the younger ones. For those under the age of 60, it is also true that the recommendation is not present at the moment, unless you work in the health sector or have a lot of permanent contact with people. But it is now important that older people and people with previous illnesses have up-to-date vaccine protection. We have vaccines adapted to current variants and this is the way to go now. To watch: when I had my last vaccination or illness and then to get the current vaccination.
This topic in the program:
buten un binnen, October 17, 2022, 7:30 pm
