The Munich virologist Oliver Keppler expects the infection rate to intensify in the coming weeks – and, given the good vaccination rate, supports situation-related easing.
Munich – The at best mild increase in corona infections this autumn is expected to accelerate considerably in the next few months.
This is forecast by Oliver Keppler, head of virology at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. “In the autumn and winter that lie ahead of us, we must assume that the infection rate will worsen significantly. Our lives are shifting inward, ”said the scientist from the German Press Agency.
Nevertheless, Keppler advises relaxation
The virologist does not recommend tightening the corona measures again: “Basically, in this phase of the pandemic we have to try easing in various areas in order to see what is well acceptable and where hygiene measures or tests have to be maintained to ensure security.”
“Overall, however, we have a good vaccination quota – that is the central component – many people who have recovered, a high-quality test infrastructure and yes, also a good understanding of the transmission routes of the virus. Situation-related protective measures are of course also included. ”The latter includes hygiene experts, for example, avoiding shaking hands.
Big flu epidemic unlikely
Contrary to some fears, according to the virologist, Germany is not facing a major simultaneous wave of flu. “I don’t expect a severe flu season,” said Keppler. “The flu moves alternately from the southern to the northern hemisphere and back again” – always in the respective winter half-year.
But worldwide influenza viruses have been pushed back in the population by the corona hygiene measures. “In the southern hemisphere, there were hardly any infections for two winters in a row. I therefore consider it unlikely that the virus will enter us efficiently in the coming winter, ”said Keppler. “Covid-19 must also be our main focus this winter.”
No need to be careless
Nevertheless, according to Keppler’s opinion, the presumably relatively relaxed situation with the flu should not be a reason for carelessness for people at risk: “All people to whom the Standing Vaccination Commission has recommended the flu vaccination in previous years should be vaccinated as before.” other people over the age of 60, pregnant women, previously ill and medical staff.
Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) had called on people in Germany to be vaccinated against flu in particularly large numbers this autumn. Because there was almost no flu in Germany last year as a result of the partial lockdown, the risk of a flu epidemic this year is all the higher, he said recently. According to the Robert Koch Institute, our immune system could be less well prepared for the coming influenza viruses because of the failed flu epidemic. dpa
