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The demand for corona tests has increased in recent weeks. © Sina Schuldt/dpa
The corona virus is still circulating. However, there are hardly any serious cases.
Northeim – “Yes, Corona still exists,” says Wolfgang Boldt, chairman of the Northeim Doctors’ Association. But since there is no longer any structured testing, the practices are dependent on people saying that they are infected. In the infection consultation hours in his Moringen group practice, there are always one or two out of ten patients who are infected with Corona.
Boldt suspects that the number of unreported cases is relatively high because infected people do not attribute their symptoms to corona. The disease often progresses like a flu infection with cough, runny nose, headache and aching limbs.
Pharmacist Wolfram Schmidt © Hubert Jelinek
One indication that the virus is spreading more frequently this summer is an increased demand for corona tests. “There is a demand that is higher than it was in February, March and April,” confirms pharmacist Wolfram Schmidt, owner of the Northeim Aponom pharmacies. Compared to 2021, however, it is low. Schmidt announced that a new vaccine adapted to the current corona variant will be available to order from August 8th. According to Boldt, demand for corona vaccinations is currently low. However, he expects demand to increase in the autumn – along with the flu vaccination. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (Stiko) continues to recommend that all people aged 18 and over receive a basic immunization consisting of two vaccinations within twelve weeks and a booster vaccination six months after the second vaccination. A corona infection can replace two of these vaccinations. The Stiko recommends an annual vaccination booster
- the staff in clinics and care facilities;
- residents of care facilities;
- People aged 60 and over and people with chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys as well as metabolic diseases such as diabetes, severe obesity, diseases of the central nervous system, weakened immune system and cancer. (Olaf Weiss)
