“We have seen a significant increase in Covid infections in the Sentinel Network over the past two weeks (a survey to monitor the infection situation, which is based on sample evaluations of swabs from doctor’s offices, note.), obviously from people returning from trips. Otherwise, we see a reflection of last year’s season, only about four to six weeks earlier,” said Redlberger-Fritz.
No summer wave yet like in Germany
However, it is too early to speak of a summer wave in Austria, as is currently raging in Germany – where, according to the Robert Koch Institute, acute respiratory diseases are at a record high for this time of year. “After a slight increase, Covid infections are at a low level. You can speak of the start of summer activity, but it is not yet a real wave,” emphasises the virologist. Wastewater monitoring also shows an increase, with the two Omicron variants KP.2 and KP.3 in particular currently being detected.
To be sure that cold symptoms are a sign of a Covid infection, patients would need to have a Test Unlike the time when the “3G rule” applied and negative Covid tests had to be shown for restaurants, events or in kindergartens and schools, the question today is whether one should still get tested. For Redlberger-Fritz, the answer is clear: Yes. “Early diagnosis is important, especially if there are serious underlying diseases. Because treatment with the antiviral drug Paxlovid is only possible for people with serious underlying diseases who test positive,” says the expert.
Costs for Covid test must be paid by the customer
Since April 1, however, all patients, including those in high-risk groups, have had to cover the costs of a Covid test themselves. Until then, the federal government covered the costs of Covid tests in suspected cases of corona, at least at the doctor’s. Currently, only an amount of five euros is reimbursed by the insurance company for the test at the doctor’s. negotiations Negotiations between the umbrella organization of social insurance providers and the Medical Association regarding cost coverage, particularly for risk groups, are ongoing, but there is no result yet.
Antigen and PCR tests outside the doctor’s office also cost money. Antigen tests are available in Pharmacies available – but not in all of them. You can find out which pharmacies offer Covid tests on the website of the Chamber of Pharmacists (www.apothekerkammer.at). Under “Pharmacy search” you can enter nearby pharmacies and see whether antigen or PCR tests are offered. According to the Chamber of Pharmacists, the tests are “readily available” and there are no bottlenecks.
The prices for these vary, as a survey by the VKI from last year shows: the price for individual antigen tests in the 39 Austrian pharmacies surveyed was between one and four euros, and for packs of five between 4.90 euros and 22.20 euros. Some pharmacies also carry out PCR tests, and there are price differences here too. Antigen and PCR tests can also be carried out in established laboratories.
Expired tests can be false negative
Anyone who still has old tests at home should Expiry date on the packaging Expired tests can produce false negative results. If the expired test is positive, it is actually positive. If the expiration date has not yet passed, but the liquid in the test has evaporated, dried out or changed color, it should be thrown away. This can happen, for example, if the test is stored at temperatures that are too warm. It has a good shelf life at room temperature.
To protect yourself from Covid disease, virologist Redlberger-Fritz recommends Booster vaccinationIn particular, people at risk, such as people aged 60 and over who have an increased risk of a severe course of the disease, and medical personnel should be vaccinated no earlier than six and no later than 12 months after the last infection or vaccination. National Vaccination Committee recommends that all persons aged 12 and over be vaccinated with the newly adapted vaccines for the 2024/25 season, which are directed against the JN.1 variant.
New vaccines available for fall/winter season
According to the Ministry of Health, the new vaccines are already available from numerous general practitioners, and in some cases also from public vaccination centers in cities and municipalities. The vaccination is free of charge. “Getting vaccinated makes sense, especially in view of the wave that is coming soon. In addition, hygiene measures such as regular hand washing and wearing a mask if you have a cold yourself are also recommended,” advises expert Redlberger-Fritz.
There is currently little activity in Austria with summer flu. Unlike normal flu, it is not transmitted by influenza viruses, but by enteroviruses. They occur every year and are mainly brought in through travel. The symptoms of summer flu are more like a cold than those of “real” flu and are usually not as severe. “At the moment, however, we are not seeing any spread in the country. Summer flu is only very slightly widespread – we would have expected greater activity at this time.”
