Because of a new subline of the corona virus, it is feared that it could promote another wave of infections. Now it has also been detected in MV. A wave of flu could follow.
Greifswald (dpa/mv) - According to bioinformatician Lars Kaderali, a new subline of the corona virus that has now also been detected in the north-east will lead to a corona wave in winter. In the past week, the omicron subline BQ.1.1 was detected for the first time in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, said the member of the Federal Government's Corona Expert Council of the German Press Agency. If the proportion increases and it gets colder again, expect the next wave of infections.
The subline, the proportion of which is already more widespread throughout Germany than in the north-east, is better at bypassing the immunity gained through previous infections. According to Kaderali, there is little evidence as of when the next wave will come and how strong it could be. But since the new sub-line is already in Germany, the numbers will not only start to rise again in March. "I'm pretty sure they'll bounce back and they'll do so in the near future." He thinks it's possible this year or early next year.
However, Kaderali still does not expect the intensive care units to be overcrowded. Rather, the high level of sick leave among staff will again become a problem. This could exacerbate a strong flu epidemic. There is less immunity to the flu in the population, "due to the fact that we haven't had a flu wave in the last two years thanks to these contact reduction measures".
Kaderali took the fact that the number of reported new infections had recently fallen again as a sign of widespread immunity to the omicron subline BA.5. This determined the summer wave and now also the autumn wave. The wave in October "to be honest, surprised the experts". He had expected a later wave.
If there are more new infections again and there are signs of severe stress due to staff shortages in the hospitals, the obligation to wear masks indoors could become an issue again, says Kaderali. The Infection Protection Act provides for appropriate options. Of course, you can wear the mask voluntarily, regardless of the mask requirement. "Personally, I've gone back to it."
