Coronawelle 2024: Everything important about the current development

On March 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency. The disease iscaused by a virus calledSARS-CoV-2. By September 2020, over 33,000,000 infected people had already been reported. Just as the world was slowly getting used to a kind of normalcy after the pandemic, the summer of 2024 brought a new wave. Several countries, including the U.S. and much of Europe, are affected by this wave. Infection numbers are rising, raising the question: Why is this wave occurring, and which virus variant is behind it? In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the current wave of infections and how you can protect yourself.

Incidence on the rise

According to current figures, the incidence is rising in nearly every state. In Bavaria, the 7-day incidence is 6.5, and the highest is in Saxony-Anhalt at 16.3. The age group most affected by COVID is people aged 80 and older. The incidence rate in every age group has risen in recent weeks. How can these increases be explained? The dominant COVID variant currently driving rising infection numbers is the Omicron variant KP.3.1.1. It currently accounts for 62.5 percent of all new infections. This variant is not expected to pose an increased health risk; its risk profile is comparable to that of previous variants of the virus.

We face a particular challenge

The COVID pandemic remains an issue even in 2024. Infection numbers continue to rise due to the KP.3.1.1 virus. The fact that new virus variants keep emerging is nothing new. What is surprising, however, is the time of year in which this virus is surging. Respiratory infections typically occur more frequently during the winter months. According to experts, this is precisely why infection rates are so high. People are gathering without masks and with little social distancing at festivals, fairs, bars, and clubs. Another factor that may have contributed to the rise in cases is that vaccine protection has waned for most people. Protection from the vaccine or from having had the disease lasts only about three to four months.

KP.3.1.1

is a new subvariant of the Omicron strain. It currently accounts for the majority of all new cases. It belongs to the so-called “FLiRT family,” which is named after the letters representing the virus mutations. KP.3.1.1 is a descendant of JN.1. The virus strains in the FLiRT family possess a mutated spike protein, which enables them to evade the immunity built up through previous infections. Conversely, this means that people who have already been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 can still become infected. However, the course of the illness is milder than in people who have no immunity at all. As with previous variants, the symptoms of the KP.3.1.1 virus include fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. The virus is highly transmissible, as it spreads easily through droplet transmission.

Recognize an infection and take action

Not everyone infected with COVID-19 experiences the same symptoms. Symptoms may overlap with those of other illnesses, such as the flu. Therefore, it is advisable to take a rapid COVID-19 test if symptoms develop. You can continue to use antigen tests from last year without any problems, as long as the expiration date has not passed. COVID-19 tests can be purchased at pharmacies, supermarkets, and drugstores. A Detecting a COVID-19 infection early is important so you can act quickly and protect the people around you. Early signs may include a cough, fever, sore throat, and fatigue. What are the next steps if you notice these symptoms?

1. Take a COVID-19 self-test: If you suspect you may have COVID-19, it’s important to act quickly. Take a COVID-19 self-test immediately. If the test is invalid, you should repeat it. However, even if the result is negative, you should still limit your contact with others and rest until you’ve recovered.
2. Isolate: If the rapid COVID-19 test shows a positive result, it is your responsibility to isolate yourself to prevent spreading the infection to others. As a general rule, you should isolate for one week to ensure the infection has cleared. If you leave the house and are in enclosed spaces with other people, be sure to always wear an FFP2 mask so as not to endanger anyone else.
3. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of how your illness progresses. If your condition worsens drastically or you experience severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or a persistent fever, be sure to seek medical advice.

Preventive measures to avoid infection

To reduce the risk of contracting COVID, it is important to take preventive measures. These help not only to protect yourself but also to prevent the general spread of the virus, thereby minimizing the risk of infection for yourself and others.

 Follow hygiene standards: Every day, we come into contact with many people. We shake hands, touch doorknobs, sneeze into our hands or into the air, and much more.

• By washing our hands regularly with soap and water and using proper hand sanitizer afterward and throughout the day, we kill viruses on our hands and prevent them from being transferred to other surfaces or people.
• By actively avoiding touching our faces with unwashed hands, we can prevent the virus from entering our bodies through our mucous membranes.
• If you are in a room with many people, or in environments where there could be a risk of infection, you should wear a mask.

Social Distancing:

• If you are in a setting with many people, especially in enclosed spaces, you should always maintain a safe distance to avoid the risk of infection from airborne droplets.
• If possible, avoid large crowds, especially in enclosed spaces such as elevators, public transportation, and events in bars and clubs.

Vaccination:

• A suitable vaccine has been available since August 2024. Booster shots should be administered especially to people over 60, as well as those at increased risk of illness and healthcare workers. Booster shots help increase vaccine protection and thus minimize the risk of severe illness. Particularly groups, People who are at particular risk due to their living circumstances or age should keep their vaccinations up to date.

Regular testing:

• Check for typical COVID symptoms regularly and get tested immediately if you suspect an infection or if there are people in your immediate circle who are already sick, especially if you live in the same household. This allows the infection to be detected early and its spread to be contained.

By following these measures, you not only protect your own health but also play a significant role in preventing the spread of the COVID virus.

Conclusion

The current wave of COVID-19 is driven by the new Omicron subvariant known as KP.3.1.1, which can infect both vaccinated individuals and those who have already had the disease. However, the course of the illness may be milder in these groups. The vaccine is expected to be administered as early as this year, and high-risk groups in particular should get vaccinated. It remains important to maintain hygiene standards, get tested regularly, and take appropriate measures if infected. It is important to stay informed and keep up to date on any changes.