2024-07-12 13:59:24
In general, summer weather inhibits viral replication. This year, however, an unusually high number of respiratory illnesses are being reported.
Summer actually leads to the inhibition of the activity of respiratory viruses (i.e. those of the airways). This is partly due to the fact that we spend more time outside, which makes virus transmission more difficult.
However, the Robert Koch Institute’s weekly report on respiratory diseases states for the recording period from July 1 to 7: “The ARE activity (ARE stands for acute respiratory diseases, editor’s note) is overall at a comparatively high level for this time of year.”
Acute respiratory diseases are respiratory diseases that are accompanied by typical cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, headache and aching limbs.
The values reported to the authorities have risen again. An incidence of 6,000 per 100,000 inhabitants is currently reported (previous week 4,900). This corresponds to six percent of the population.
Rhinoviruses (classic cold viruses) are apparently the most common virus at the moment, but corona was detected in one in eight samples. A reason for concern? The RKI reports: “The number of severe respiratory infections remains at a low level overall, Covid-19 was diagnosed primarily in older Sari patients.”
Sari stands for “severe acute respiratory infections” and the total number is low. However, complications can still affect older and immunocompromised people.
According to data from the RKI, the Corona variant KP.3 is rampant in Germany. It and its related variant are summarized under the term “Flirt”. The name comes from the places in the virus where it has mutated. It does not seem to cause an acute worsening of the situation in terms of hospitalizations or even deaths.
Experts suspect that the European Football Championship may also have contributed to the spread of viruses of any kind. The RKI continues to advise caution with all respiratory viruses. The recommendations for action also state: