The Corona variant XEC is currently spreading. How is the infection rate in BW? Who should get vaccinated? The answers to the most important questions.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), rhinoviruses and corona in particular are currently determining the infection process. The number of respiratory diseases overall is at a comparatively high level. There was an increase in corona diseases, especially at the beginning of October. What is the situation in Baden-Württemberg?
According to the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health, the COVID-19 infection process has developed in recent years from a pandemic to an endemic event with seasonal epidemics, especially in the autumn and winter months. According to the state health department, a total of 1,411 COVID-19 cases were reported from Baden-Württemberg last week reported – a slight increase compared to the previous week (1,383 cases). The seven-day incidence is 10.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The official case numbers correspond to the number of people who tested positive for the coronavirus and were officially reported. Since there are many mild and asymptomatic cases of the disease, the number of unreported cases is likely to be higher.
Information about the infection process There is also nationwide wastewater monitoring for the epidemiological situation assessment by the RKI and the Federal Environment Agency. Accordingly, the corona virus load is increasing in the areas of Bad Mergentheim (Main-Tauber district), Karlsruhe, Königsbach (Enz district) and Weil am Rhein (Lörrach district), among others.
“The likelihood of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 increases from one “The age of 50 to 60 years increases steadily,” said an RKI spokeswoman. In addition, certain previous illnesses increase the risk of a severe course of the disease. But according to the RKI, severe courses are also possible in young, healthy people. The dominant omicron variants as well as the high Immunity through vaccinations and infections in the population have led to significantly fewer severe cases and long-term consequences than two years ago, according to the Ministry of Health.
Who is Corona particularly dangerous for?
- The risk of serious illness increases in people over 60 years of age
- for heart diseases, high blood pressure
- in lung diseases
- in chronic liver diseases
- diabetes mellitus
- in cancer diseases
- in case of kidney disease, dialysis requirement
- with a weakened immune system
The variants KP.3.1.1 and XEC, which were first detected in Germany in June of this year are currently dominating the infection process. Both are sublines of variant JN.1. According to the RKI, the XEC variant is currently being detected nationwide at an increasing rate of 39 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the variants’ risk to public health to be low. According to current knowledge, the symptoms caused by XEC and KP.3.1.1 are similar to those of previous corona variants: fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat, but also headaches and body aches.
David Beck from the SWR science editorial team explains infectious new variants, but they are no more dangerous
The COVID-19 Precautionary Ordinance expired on June 30th. The Federal Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) still recommends getting vaccinated in the fall and recommends an annual booster vaccination, especially for groups of people at risk. According to Stiko, vaccination protection against serious illness through mRNA vaccines and Spikevax lasts for twelve months. According to Stiko, so-called basic immunity has been achieved. if three antigen contacts have occurred, for example through a vaccination and two infections. However, this does not mean that you can no longer become infected with Corona, but rather that serious illnesses are less likely.
COVID-19 vaccines can be given with other inactivated vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine. However, it should be noted that vaccination reactions can occur more frequently and possibly more intensely than with two separate vaccinations.
There are no longer any special legal regulations that apply after a positive corona test. In principle, general infection protection measures are recommended: Anyone who has symptoms of an acute respiratory infection should stay at home for three to five days and until their symptoms have significantly improved and avoid contact with other people. If there is no relief from symptoms, you should visit a family doctor.
Anyone who belongs to a risk group or does not notice any improvement after a few days should see a doctor. The Federal Center for Health Education also recommends avoiding close contact with other people and wearing a mask on the way to the practice.
An expiry date is stated on the packaging of the test kit – if this date is exceeded, the tests may no longer show reliable results.
