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Virologist Streeck issues an Oktoberfest warning - and sees a new threat in autumn in addition to Corona

2022-07-04T06:58:56.815Z


Virologist Streeck issues an Oktoberfest warning - and sees a new threat in autumn in addition to Corona Created: 07/04/2022Updated: 07/04/2022 08:53 By: Dominik Goettler Hendrik Streeck warns of the flu in autumn and gives advice for the Oktoberfest. © Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa The Corona situation in Bavaria is getting worse again. In an interview, virologist Hendrik Streeck talks about the summe


Virologist Streeck issues an Oktoberfest warning - and sees a new threat in autumn in addition to Corona

Created: 07/04/2022Updated: 07/04/2022 08:53

By: Dominik Goettler

Hendrik Streeck warns of the flu in autumn and gives advice for the Oktoberfest.

© Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

The Corona situation in Bavaria is getting worse again.

In an interview, virologist Hendrik Streeck talks about the summer wave, a new vaccination campaign and the risk of major events

Munich – Hendrik Streeck is Director of the Institute for Virology at the University of Bonn and has been a member of the Federal Government’s Corona Expert Council since December.

In an interview, he explains why there are good reasons for a mask requirement, why Corona will not be our only problem in autumn - and why the new vaccines have not yet convinced him.

Mr. Streeck, we are in the middle of a corona summer wave.

The number of cases is increasing, and the warning comes from the clinics that in the minds of many people the pandemic is over.

Are we careless?

Streeck:

The virus is not gone and the pandemic is not over.

Even if the current phase is difficult to assess: the goal must be that we find pragmatic ways of living with the virus.

The personal responsibility of the citizens is essential for this.

For a healthy and vaccinated person, it is currently a calculable risk of becoming infected.

At the same time, each individual is responsible for not taking the infections to the risk groups.

(By the way: Our Bayern newsletter informs you about all the important stories from Bavaria. Register here.)

Can you just let this wave go through?

Streeck:

Of course, the Infection Protection Act must be revised.

But we will have to live with the virus for many years to come.

So we are always faced with the question of which measures make sense in the long term and which do not.

Example of mandatory masks: We know that masks can be highly effective.

We see that in the clinics or laboratories, where there are hardly any infections.

But the basic requirement is that the wearer also wants to wear it.

If he doesn't want to and the mask fits incorrectly, then it has a reduced effect or no effect at all.

In addition, most infections take place in private – i.e. where a mask requirement does not apply anyway.


The obligation to wear masks indoors is still being discussed.

Streeck:

There are also arguments that speak in favor of it.

For example, that they work well when worn correctly.

There is also a psychological effect: by wearing the mask, we become aware that the pandemic is still here and that we still have to be careful.


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What does it mean for autumn and winter if many people are currently infected: Could the next wave be milder?

Streeck:

It is currently difficult to predict what autumn and winter will look like.

We have to prepare for various scenarios – the Expert Council has also made suggestions for this.

Influenza is also a problem.

Because we have hardly had any contact with influenza viruses for three years, immunity in the population is low.

In Australia and New Zealand we are currently seeing an increase in flu infections.

That's why a flu vaccination is definitely recommended in the fall.


They were commissioned to conduct a study to clarify how well the population is immunized against corona.

How do you proceed?

Streeck:

We want to record how many people have been vaccinated and recovered and are therefore better protected from a severe course by antibodies in the blood – not from an infection, mind you.

We want to identify vaccination gaps so that a vaccination campaign can be more targeted.

For this purpose, we carry out antibody tests and surveys in representative samples.

A total of almost 30,000 people are involved in the study.

Time is short, but the goal is usable data before the fall.

Federal Health Minister Lauterbach is in favor of a new vaccination campaign.

Do you think a fourth vaccination would make sense for a broad group of people?

Streeck:

I'm on the side of the Standing Vaccination Commission.

They think very carefully and conscientiously and can also view data that is not yet publicly available.

Personally, with the current data, I think a fourth vaccination is important, especially for older people and risk groups for autumn and winter.

I can well imagine that the Stiko would then also advise people over the age of 60 to get vaccinated – similar to the flu.


What are your hopes for the announced adapted vaccines?

Streeck:

Initial data indicate that these vaccines may not yet fully meet expectations.

The immunity probably does not spread as much as hoped - especially with the currently dominant omicron variant BA.5.

However, there are still no clinical studies, so things may look different again.

That's how it is in science.


Is the Oktoberfest taking place?

Streeck: "You have to think about it as a visitor"

Do you think it is justifiable to hold major events like the Oktoberfest?

Streeck:

Of course, major events such as the Oktoberfest or soccer games always harbor the risk of a superspreading event.

Even before Corona, everyone who went to the Oktoberfest knew the Wiesn flu.

Now it could be Corona.

Therefore, as a visitor, you have to consider whether you want to take this risk.

If so, it is advisable to do this with a triple vaccination.

One thing is clear: Overburdening the healthcare system must be avoided.


What is your advice to politicians?

Streeck:

You can think about only allowing access with a daily test if the situation requires it.

You see: I'm avoiding a clear answer.

Because a lot of consideration will be necessary - also in consultation with the local hospitals.

And it's about how much we as a society see personal responsibility as the top priority or how much we want the state to intervene to take on this responsibility.

Not an easy exercise!

All news and stories from Bavaria can now also be found on our brand new Facebook page Merkur Bayern.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2022-07-04

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