More people hospitalized with Covid than ever since the Omicron wave in March 2022: Virologist Eckerle warns of a wave of corona infections

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The Genevan virologist Isabella Eckerle (43) actually no longer wanted to use her X account. But after a break of more than two months, she now returns with a warning. “If I were a medium with good reach, I would now provide information on how to protect yourself,” she writes. And immediately delivers the prescriptions: “Air hygiene, staying at home when sick or wearing a face mask, respiratory hygiene, washing hands, FFP2 for people at risk and/or now avoiding crowds, vaccination….”

There is a reason for your comeback on X: the current wave of respiratory infections, led by Covid-19 cases. She refers to the latest data from the National Center for Influenza in Geneva on respiratory viruses.

Last week, of 71 samples from acutely symptomatic people across Switzerland, 47 were positive for a virus. 36 of these were Covid-19. “Anyone who is sick now most likely has Covid-19,” Eckerle explains.

Risk remains

And she also makes it clear that, unlike vaccination boss Christoph Berger (61), she cannot see anything positive about the virus circulation. The “NZZ am Sonntag” stated that the current wave would refresh basic immunity and thus reduce the risk of serious infections in younger, healthy people.

Eckerle answers: Even if most infections manifest as a typical respiratory infection, the acute infection is still a risk for the elderly, people with previous illnesses, pregnant women and newborns and there are complications. “Nothing about it is healthy, welcome or socially useful!” says the virologist. That the current wave of infections is a good thing is “a mystery” to her.

She also points out the risk that such a viral infection is followed by bacterial superinfections, which would require antibiotic therapy. The problem: “We are currently having problems with the supply of a number of antibiotics.” Long Covid also remains a residual risk. And the current corona wave will probably soon be supplemented by a flu wave.

Eckerle also sees problems facing hospitals. Employees are not only absent due to illness. On the contrary, additional infectious patients would not only put more strain on the system, but could also infect other patients. “Many patients, even with previous illnesses, would probably not be in the clinic without Covid,” Eckerle emphasizes. The latest figures from the federal government’s Covid dashboard also fit into this: since the Omicron wave in March 2022, there have not been as many Covid patients in hospital as now, reports the “Tagesanzeiger”.

Also economic damage

“The waves of infection have cost us all a lot of money and nerves,” Eckerle says at the end. The increased absenteeism from work causes economic damage. “So if you don’t think the health reasons are enough, that should at least count.”

Source:Blick