Many citizens are currently lying low with a cold or a respiratory infection. And many people quickly suspect a corona infection. Not without reason. According to the Robert Koch Institute, a new Omicron variant has been on the rise since autumn. The “Aalener Nachrichten/Ipf- und Jagst-Zeitung” asked the general practitioner Dr. Sandra Esber-Schimmel and the pharmacist Karde Igel know.
High wave of colds among citizens
In the family practice of Dr. Sandra Esber-Schimmel is very busy in Dewangen. Like every year in the rainy and cool autumn, there is currently a wave of colds. However, the influenza is still a long time coming, says Dr. Sandra Esber-Schimmel. However, only a test could show whether the patients who use the clinic in their practice are infected with Corona.
Subvariants of Omicron are on the rise
She has also noticed in her practice that Corona is currently on the rise with the sub-variants of Omicron KP.3.1.1 and XEC. A third of her patients have it and call the practice after a positive antigen test. This is still available in pharmacies or drugstores. Depending on the severity and specific symptoms, in addition to a rapid test, a PCR test is also carried out in the practice, says Dr. Sandra Esber-Schimmel.
Corona vaccination is up to each individual
Whether someone wants to be vaccinated with the vaccine from the manufacturer Biontech, which has been adapted since mid-August, is up to each individual, says Dr. Sandra Esber-Schimmel. However, demand from patients is extremely low. A refresher is advisable for people aged 60 and over and those with previous illnesses.
The development of an inactivated vaccine is long overdue
However, the general practitioner criticizes the fact that the vaccine is still only produced in a pack of six and is only made available to practices via pharmacies. “That means that I have to vaccinate at least six patients within twelve hours and otherwise I can throw away the remaining vaccine.” She doesn’t understand why the corona vaccine, unlike other vaccinations, is not produced in a single dose. Furthermore, it is time to finally develop an inactivated vaccine, similar to the flu vaccination, instead of an mRNA vaccine.
No long-term side effects from flu vaccination
This would have succeeded in convincing vaccine skeptics even during the pandemic, says Dr. Sandra Esber-Schimmel. Despite ongoing concerns about the corona vaccination, she still advocates for a flu vaccination. This has proven itself for decades and long-term side effects can also be ruled out.
Old antigen tests also work with new variants
In their opinion, old antigen tests could still be used. However, only if the expiration date has not been exceeded and they have been stored at the recommended temperature. Then these would also work with the new Omicron variants.
Instead of a mask, hygiene and a ban on contact are the be-all and end-all
Wearing a mask is up to each individual. It is more important than wearing a face mask to pay attention to behaviors that had been in place for decades even before Corona. If you have a cold or a respiratory illness that can be transmitted via droplet infection, it is important not to cough or sneeze on the other person, not to shake your hand or even drink from the same glass and to wash your hands regularly. “And if you have a fever, it’s best to stay at home.”
Pneumonia is getting out of hand
A bigger problem than Corona is currently pneumonia, which is caused by “mycoplasma”, especially among children and young people. These are bacteria that cause, among other things, respiratory infections and are highly contagious. Treatment with an antibiotic is often unavoidable, says Dr. Esber mold.
There are enough tests, masks and vaccines available
The Adler Pharmacy in Aalen is also currently dealing with colds and respiratory illnesses. However, that is not unusual at this time of year, says branch manager Karde Igel, whose husband Gerwig Igel runs both the Adler pharmacy and the pharmacy in the specialist center. Rapid corona antigen tests and masks are still available here. The new, adapted vaccine from the manufacturer Biontech is also available here. This has already been delivered on order from an art practice, says Karde Igel.
Citizens can also have themselves pricked at the pharmacy
The symptoms of flu are not dissimilar to those of Corona. At the moment, however, it is mainly colds or flu-like infections, which is why customers come to the pharmacy. Experience has shown that influenza will wait until January/February. To protect yourself from this, Karde Igel also recommends getting a flu vaccination.
This is also offered in the pharmacy in the specialist center. Not as competition to general practitioners, but as a low-threshold offer for citizens who would not dare go to a practice. Corona vaccinations are also possible here. But then only by appointment.
