Munich – For several weeks now we have been reading more and more articles in the press about the corona disease. AZ spoke to an expert from the Bavarian capital about the risks and dangers of infection.
AZ: Professor Spinner, according to media reports, the number of Covid-19 infections and diseases is rising again. This should apply to severe cases as well. Can you see this in your clinical practice?
CHRISTOPH SPINNER: In Germany, we are currently reporting more respiratory infections than usual. Rhinovirus, Sars-CoV-2 and other pathogens play a significant role. However, the number of seriously ill patients requiring hospital treatment is not unusually high at the moment. We are also not currently treating a particularly high number of patients with respiratory infections here.
Does it make sense to get a booster shot? Stiko generally recommends it from age 60. That’s what the new Biontech vaccine against JN.1 is for. Right?
In the fall, seasonal booster shots for COVID-19 and actual influenza (influenza) are appropriate for people over 60 and those with chronic diseases. This can certainly prevent the progression of serious cases. For younger people without serious underlying diseases, vaccination can roughly halve the risk of developing symptomatic disease, but health insurance companies generally do not reimburse this.
The most important benefit of vaccination is that “the population’s immunity has been greatly increased.”
There is some debate about whether the COVID-19 vaccination has done more harm than good. There is talk of excess mortality in 2021. What should we think about this?
As an epidemiologist, the answer to this question is very clear to me: the COVID-19 vaccine has significantly increased the immunity of the population. This has prevented a significant number of severe cases of COVID-19 and deaths from COVID-19. This has particularly affected the elderly and those with chronic diseases.
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How do you assess the significance and severity of a vaccine harm claim?
About 50% of potential serious vaccine-related injuries reported in Europe were reported as suspected cases in Germany. This is unusual compared to the population structure of Europe. Especially since not all reported vaccine side effects can actually be traced back to the vaccine. Now, research data and clinical data from around the world, especially for COVID-19 vaccines, are available. The COVID-19 vaccines available on the market have been proven to be safe and effective.
How widespread is the long-term effect of infection? Is there an estimate of the extent of the long-term COVID problem? Such long-term effects have been reported to occur even after a “normal” flu or cold.
It is known that persistent symptoms can occur after an infectious disease. However, this does not affect many people. The majority survive the infection without any consequences. Recent studies have shown that the incidence of long-term and post-COVID-19 is significantly lower in vaccinated people.
Is it possible that the currently circulating coronavirus variants, such as KP.3, could cause dangerous mutations?
There are currently no major variants circulating globally, as immunity to Sars-CoV-2 has increased significantly. There is always an interaction between the adaptation of the virus and the human immune system, so new variants are not a cause for concern. People at high risk for severe disease, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should regularly update their vaccinations to reduce this risk.
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What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms? How important is quarantine now?
Anyone with symptoms of a febrile respiratory infection should stay home so they can heal themselves and not put others at risk. However, isolation in the sense of an officially ordered measure is generally no longer necessary for COVID-19.
Is it reasonable or excessive to continue wearing face masks in crowded, closed spaces such as public transportation or workplaces, as is common practice in some parts of Asia?
Mouth and nose masks can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, but must be worn constantly. This is not usually necessary for healthy people. The immune system is generally good at dealing with viruses.
Is there a threat of another pandemic?
Are avian and swine flu likely to cause another global pandemic? Are there other pathogens we should be concerned about?
Respiratory pathogens that can infect humans always have the potential to cause waves of disease, especially if the population has low immunity to them. Fortunately, vaccination can protect you from influenza and COVID-19. There is currently no evidence that avian influenza is a regular occurrence in humans. The situation is being monitored very closely internationally, and there is also a vaccine to prevent avian influenza in particular.
Is Germany’s health care system adequately, or at least significantly better, equipped to deal with a new pandemic on the scale of COVID-19?
Everyone, including the German healthcare system, has learned a lot from the corona pandemic, and it is likely that the next pandemic caused by a respiratory pathogen will take some time to arrive.
Thank you for taking the time to interview us, Mr. Spinner.
