10 questions about the current Corona situation

What is the current situation?

The number of infections has been rising continuously since August, says Lamprecht. This can be noticed in the private environment, but also through the wastewater analyzes and through the increased admissions of patients with a corona virus infection in hospitals.

How high is the immunity within the population?

Due to infections and vaccinations in the past, there is now very stable immunity in the population. As a result, we have regained a certain normality, says lung expert Lamprecht.

Who should currently get vaccinated?

The following three groups in particular: people over 60 and people who suffer from chronic cardiopulmonary or metabolic diseases. A booster vaccination also makes sense for health system employees, says Lamprecht, as their work puts them at a particularly high risk of infection. For this group, a refresher makes sense and is recommended, regardless of their age, says the lung expert. “In principle, any person who would like to have particularly good protection can take advantage of a vaccination as a booster.”

What if I don’t belong to this risk group and have just had an infection? Should I still have a booster vaccination and if so, when?

If you go through an infection now, it counts as an immunological event and therefore as a natural form of refreshment. Then a vaccination would not be necessary. The interval between the last immunological event, such as an infection or a vaccination, should be at least six and a maximum of twelve months.

How reliable are antigen tests that I still have at home from previous seasons?

Thomas Veitschegger, President of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists, advises paying attention to the expiry date of the “living room tests”. “The tests then lose their sensitivity,” he says. This can also be affected by incorrect storage of the tests and lead to the liquid drying out. The tests should be stored away from light and in a place that is not too warm.

Are there still free antigen living room tests in pharmacies?

No, says Veitschegger. This federal action has already been discontinued.

Both testing and wearing masks are now voluntary. Should this be sharpened again?

Lamprecht rejects this. Voluntariness is still the right path due to the basic immunity in the population.

Can the virus cause a pandemic again?

The main difference from the past, says Lamprecht, is that a large part of the population enjoys protection through immunity and an infection only results in a mild illness. “In the past, the virus could not only severely affect individual risk groups, but also very many people.” The situation is currently significantly different than during the pandemic, “and I expect it to stay that way. At least with this virus. And we are very likely not to have the problems this winter that we had in the last two had winter seasons.”

Which virus strains are currently predominant?

XBB.1.5 is still occasionally detectable, as well as Eris and the new Corona variant Pirola, and in individual cases the JN variant. 1, says Lamprecht. “We see a constant change because those variants that are particularly easily transmissible are constantly gaining ground.”

What are the symptoms of current infections?

These are typical symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a sore throat, runny nose and cough. However, gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, as well as headaches and body aches.

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