German virologists: Omicron infection coming soon and pandemic coming to an end – Diseases

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Leading German virologist Christian Drosten believes that in 2022 we will be able to return to normal life. In an interview with Tagesspiegel, the expert said that “enough has been done so far with the help of vaccinations.”

“It is inevitable: sooner or later everyone will be infected with the coronavirus.”

Scientist from BAS: Sooner or later Omicron will infect almost everyone

Thanks to immunizations, according to Drosten, infections with the new variant of the coronavirus Omicron are much milder.. The virologist compares them to “a traveling train that we get on.” The good news in this case, Drosten explains, is that this train is currently running at a slow speed that is convenient for us, although no one can rule out the possibility that it will increase speed again later.

According to the virologist, the Omicron option is a chance, but only if one precondition is met – thanks to immunizations, society already has a wide immunity against the coronavirus. In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Drosten also said: “Sooner or later, everyone will become infected with SARS-CoV-2 – it is inevitable. There is no way for the whole population to take booster doses in a few months. “

The expert said that the population’s immunity was developing in the right direction: “But vaccination will continue to play a crucial role, because the virus is particularly dangerous for the unvaccinated,” Drosten said.

“Germany is currently on the verge of ending the pandemic and declaring the endemic phase, but due to the large proportion of older people in society, we are forced to achieve immunity through vaccinations because natural coronavirus infections could kill too many people.” emphasizes the renowned scientist. According to him, Germany must walk the rest of the way in order to enter the endemic phase in 2022 and declare the pandemic over.

Asked if we would ever be able to live like before the pandemic, the scientist replied: “Yes, absolutely. I am absolutely convinced of that. “

Christian Drosten also predicts a potential next breakthrough in the fight against the coronavirus. According to him, in the future there will probably be a spray containing weakened viruses or some variant of them, which when injected into the nose will protect the mucous membrane and create immunity.

However, there may still be a high number of infections next winter, the expert said, adding: “We will probably have to wear masks indoors again, as protection will be reduced and at-risk groups will need to be protected more intensively.”

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The end of the pandemic soon?

Epidemiologist Klaus Störr, a longtime WHO expert, also predicts an end to the pandemic. According to him, in the coming weeks there will be a massive natural infection with Omicron, which can not be prevented.

This, according to Storr, will create a natural immunity that “will upgrade immunity from vaccinations.” The two immune systems together will lead to lasting immune protection, so that fourth, fifth, sixth and further booster doses are unnecessary. It is not until the autumn, according to the expert, that it will be necessary to reconsider whether people over the age of 60 should be offered a new booster vaccination.