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There could be another increase in the number of corona cases in autumn 2024. © olinchuk/IMAGO
Corona is on the rise again. In autumn, the new variant KP.3.1.1 could lead to an increase in the number of cases.
As in the previous year, there will again be a strong corona infection in late summer and autumn in 2024. According to experts, this seems to be repeating itself. new Corona-Variant KP.3.1.1, which belongs to the so-called FLiRT variants countis said to be even more infectious than its predecessors. It could trigger a major autumn wave in which many people become infected.
Corona variant KP.3.1.1 could trigger autumn wave in Germany
Even though the current corona situation in Germany is largely stable, there are already signs of an increase in the number of infections. At the end of August, North Rhine-Westphalia recorded slightly to sharply increasing coronavirus loads in wastewater – the trend is going up again. Experts are therefore warning of an impending autumn wave caused by the corona variant KP.3.1.1. “After an infection, you are obviously only protected for a few months from the next infection, so many people can now become infected again,” says Ulf Dittmer, director of the Institute of Virology at the University Hospital Essen, to Focus Online.
According to Timo Ulrichs, virologist and specialist in microbiology and infectious disease epidemiologist, the development of infection numbers corresponds to the endemic situation. However, the coronavirus is still there and can spread in new sub-variants in waves. In contrast to the pandemic period, there is currently little or no increase in hospitalization rates and the occupancy of intensive care beds with Covid-19 patients. However, Ulrichs also warns: “An autumn wave could well still be on the way, and the new Fitness of the subvariant KP.3.1.1.”
Typical symptoms of infection with corona variant KP.3.1.1
According to Dittmer, the new Corona variant can evade the antibody response even better than the previous FLiRT variants. In addition, it is obviously more infectious. This variant could therefore prevail and trigger new waves of infection. However, due to the immunity in the population, it can be assumed that this sub-variant will not lead to dramatic increases in hospital admissions or intensive care bed occupancy. Anyone who becomes infected with one of the FLiRT variants usually suffers from the classic corona symptoms. These include the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- chills
- Fever
- Atemprobleme
- Muscle pain
- fatigue
- Loss of smell and taste
- Gastrointestinal problems
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not permitted to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
