Faced with a surge in RSV and flu infections in Europe, leading health experts have called on high-risk groups to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19. Together, the pathogens pose a threat to health systems and the population, according to a joint statement by EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge and the Director of the EU Health Authority ECDC, Andrea Ammon.
While flu viruses A and B have just begun to spread across Europe, Covid-19 remains a threat. In addition, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is particularly dangerous for infants, is of increasing concern. “This underscores the importance for vulnerable groups to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19, and the importance of everyone protecting themselves and others from infection,” the statement said.
Since October, more and more people – especially older people – have been coming to hospitals with the flu, the experts report. About 20 countries have also recorded increasing numbers of RSV cases since October.
Experts call: “Vaccinations save lives”
Against the background of this mishmash of different respiratory diseases, it is difficult to predict how the situation could develop this winter. The health experts therefore warned that vaccination programs and preparedness measures in European countries must be strengthened: “We cannot say it often enough: vaccinations save lives.” wearing a face mask and keeping your distance is widely used.
Source: Krone
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