Former task force leader Tanja Stadler in an interview: “Corona and flu are now comparable”

Should we be worried about this?
For people who do not belong to the risk group, the acute consequences of the infection are usually not dangerous. But we still know little about its long-term consequences. For example, how often post-Covid symptoms occur after a repeat infection. Older people or those with compromised immune systems remain at increased risk of serious disease, especially if vaccination is not increased.

So shouldn’t we expect a new stress test for hospitals?
I definitely do not expect there to be as serious cases as in the fall of 2020. However, our hospitals are generally under pressure during the winter months, and this was the case before the pandemic. RSV, influenza, and other respiratory viruses circulate. There is now another virus, SARS-CoV-2, that will place additional demands on hospitals each year during the winter months.

Does this mean our hospitals are not adequately prepared?
Yes, but our system is designed so that sometimes things can get stuck in the winter. We do not always have a healthcare system that leaves much room for improvement; This would be very expensive. But the important thing is that intensive care units will no longer be attacked unless a completely new, game-changing virus variant emerges.

Speaking of variants: BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, made headlines in late summer. It was later revealed that this variant did not cause more serious cases. Why are we so obsessed with looking for new coronavirus variants?
SARS-CoV-2 is still a relatively new virus. This also means that things are developing rapidly. The latest BA.2.86 variant caused a stir in science because the leap in development was as large as delta to omicron. There were fears that this variant could spread very quickly. But recent studies reveal everything clearly. Meanwhile, we are also constantly looking for new variants of the flu. This means, among other things, that the flu vaccine is adapted accordingly.

If you had a choice, would you rather catch the flu or the coronavirus?
Preferably none! However, thanks to the vaccine, we actually managed to reduce the danger of coronavirus. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza are now comparable, at least in terms of acute infection. We know less about the long-term consequences of Covid.

If you get sick, is it still worth getting a corona test?
For people at risk of serious disease: Yes. Because early treatment can alleviate the course of the disease. Everyone else doesn’t necessarily need to test themselves. But this remains true: If you have symptoms, stay home! It doesn’t matter if you have Covid, flu or any other virus. If you need to go out, you should wear a FFP2 mask.

Are there other situations where you continue to wear a mask?
Yes, if the indoor space is very crowded and not ventilated. I was just on public transport, it was packed and there was coughing and sniffing everywhere. I wore a mask to protect myself. I also wear a mask when in contact with vulnerable people. I may have been infected with a virus asymptomatically (i.e. without knowing it) and I do not want to pass it on to others. Now I always carry a mask, tissue or cell phone in my bag.