With the new year, the flu epidemic has fully arrived. “Since the beginning of this week, a further increase in the number of flu detections has been observed in clinical samples from all over Germany,” says virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz. According to the ÖGK, absenteeism reports due to real flu have increased by about 55 percent in the past week.
Recently, exactly 1,867 people were registered as infected with the flu virus. The figures include all workers in Austria who are insured with the ÖGK, as well as people receiving unemployment benefits. “To prevent infection and further spread, it is important to wear a mask and wash or disinfect your hands regularly,” emphasizes ÖGK chief physician Andreas Krauter.
Virus strain well covered by vaccination
The increased detections of the flu virus since this week are a signal for the start of the flu season. According to virologist Redlberger-Fritz from the Center for Virology of MedUni Vienna, an increase in virus activity has already been registered in recent weeks. According to the expert, most influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are currently circulating. These correspond to the virus strains that occur in flu vaccinations.
The flu is increasing throughout Europe, Corona is decreasing
The development in Austria corresponds to that in large parts of Europe. According to MedUni, Vienna, Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Croatia, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia and Spain are also reporting widespread flu activity. The good news: a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 is currently being observed across Europe.
Source: Krone
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