PHOTO: iStock/Akiromaru, Lightspruch
Corona infections continue to increase, KOSMO reported. As in recent weeks, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) recorded a significant increase in sick leave due to Covid-19. In calendar week 34 there were 4,455 reports, in calendar week 35 the number had already risen to 5,382. Vienna is particularly affected with around 1,900 sick leave reports.
Current situation in Vienna
Arschang Valipour, head of the Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology at the Floridsdorf Clinic, explained that the number of cases has increased in recent weeks. Depending on the weather, he expects the peak of infections to be reached in four to six weeks. There are currently 40 patients in hospital throughout Vienna due to Covid-19, and one person is receiving intensive care. “We currently have ten patients with Covid admitted to the Floridsdorf Clinic,” said Valipour.
New variants and risks for chronically ill people
The new corona variants KP.3 and KP.3.1.1 currently dominate, but older Omicron variants are still in circulation. Valipour explains that a new virus variant emerges approximately every four to six months.
According to Valipour, people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk. Covid-19 can, for example, cause shortness of breath in COPD patients, cause metabolic disorders in diabetics, or lead to heart failure and watery lungs in people with heart disease. Pneumonia caused by Covid is also common.
Vaccination recommended for risk groups
In addition to the classic corona symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath, older people can also experience fatigue, confusion and reduced food and fluid intake. Valipour therefore strongly advises particularly vulnerable groups such as older people to get a booster vaccination. A new vaccination would also be advisable for people whose last vaccination was more than a year ago. There is no obligation to vaccinate children, as they usually have milder courses of the disease.
Mandatory mask wearing: yes or no?
When asked about a possible mask requirement, Valipour replied: “Mask yes, obligation no.” Instead of an obligation, the expert advocates more awareness to protect vulnerable groups. People with symptoms should wear a mask in enclosed spaces to protect others, says Valipour.
Hope for new therapies
Currently, there are only two treatment options available for Covid infections: Paxlovid and antiviral infusion therapy. However, Paxlovid can interact with other medications. Valipour is nevertheless optimistic that new antiviral drugs will come onto the market in the next six to twelve months.
Those interested can find further information about the Covid vaccination on the website impfservice.wien/covid-19/.
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