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Other passengers cough at you on the tram, used tissues fill the bucket at work, and the whole family gets sick at home. The problem is not just the flu: We have been experiencing a corona epidemic since the beginning of November due to a new Pyrola mutation. Since then the numbers have been increasing at a high rate.
So what does this mean for us? Is the current version more dangerous? What should you do if you feel sick? So, do tests and vaccines help with the new variant? Blick asked.
Is the new Omicron variety more dangerous for me than previous varieties?
The current omicron mutation “JN.1” is a descendant of the Pirola variant. It is more contagious than other variants and therefore has become widespread in recent months. According to the Federal Office for Public Health (BAG), the mutation shows no signs of becoming more dangerous. On the contrary: According to BAG, there are indications that “the frequency of post-Covid-19 disease after Omicron variant infections may be lower than that seen after infections with earlier virus strains.” However, differences in individual mutations have not yet been determined.
What is more dangerous? Corona or flu?
There is no clear answer to this. According to BAG, in both diseases, “a serious course of the disease may occur, especially in people at risk.” But these are not common – fortunately. However, what makes Corona treacherous is the risk of facing “Long Covid” despite its mild course. This means continuing to suffer from symptoms of the disease even months after the infection has subsided.
How do I know if I have flu or Corona?
Both pathogens are transmitted through similar routes and can cause similar symptoms. This means that a flu patient will probably experience the same symptoms as a corona patient. Only a quick corona test can provide clarity.
Can I still use last year’s self-tests?
First the good news: Antigen self-tests are also responsive to the new variant. No matter which variant of Covid you have contracted, antibodies do not change significantly. According to the pharmaceutical authority Swissmedic, it is more important to use the tests as stated in the package insert.
However, this only applies if the test has not yet expired. From then on, manufacturers no longer guarantee their tests. Swissmedic recommends discarding such tests. Also important: A negative self-test does not 100 percent rule out infection. A person who tests negative may contract the virus despite receiving a negative result. Therefore, hygiene measures must continue to be observed.
Do I need to wear a mask again?
Absolute? NO. A Blick survey of the largest cantons in German-speaking Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, Basel, St. Gallen, Lucerne and Aargau) showed that no cantons are currently planning any measures. But some cantons are reminding people of voluntary measures, such as washing hands or staying at home when sick. You should still wear a mask if you have cold symptoms and cannot keep your distance, especially from people at risk.
Are vaccines still useful?
BAG is confident about this question: “We assume that vaccination with the latest available vaccines will be able to prevent severe progression of the disease, as with previous variants, especially in people at risk.” Therefore, people aged 65 and over, as well as people with chronic diseases or trisomy 21, are encouraged to receive or receive the vaccine.
How can I best protect myself now?
In addition to vaccination for people at risk, BAG recommends simple behavioral principles such as wearing a mask, keeping distance, ventilation, hand hygiene and hygiene when sneezing. These aim to reduce the risk of infection.
People are especially at risk in places of close contact without protective measures. Christmas markets, even though they are often held outdoors, can also be sites of infection. However, BAG does not currently collect any figures on infection locations.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
