Since the start of the school year, the number of covid virus infections has increased. If the health situation remains under control, groups at risk are nevertheless encouraged to be vaccinated.
Since the start of the year, laboratory data as well as the analysis of wastewater show a significant increase in Covid cases in the country, even if we would still be far from the peak expected for the winter, estimates the epidemiologist to Health Joël Mossong.
The KP.3 variant and its sub-variants are currently the ones circulating the most. But there is also a new variant XECwhich increases progressively. Joel Mossong: “The properties are not very different from those of previously circulating variants. But it has the capacity to be able to infect more people.”
This virus which is currently circulating would not necessarily cause more serious cases. The symptoms are even partly less serious: “Many people no longer have a fever, but rather cold-like symptoms: sore throat, runny nose“
Risk groups should get vaccinated
Recent recommendations of the Higher Council for Infectious Diseases are clear: certain risk groups should now be vaccinated for the fall-winter season. Are concerned people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, people and children with pre-existing pathologies that could lead to a serious course of the disease.
There would be a new vaccine based on the variant that was circulating a few months ago and which would therefore also protect against the current variant. Vaccination can be done in pharmacies. “Not all pharmacies offer the vaccine. You have to have the training. Not everyone has the manpower, premises or space for it. But the pharmacies that participate all have the current vaccine” explains Alain De Bourcy, president of the Pharmacists’ Union.
“Vaccination centers are not open at the moment. People can also consult their family doctor, but not everyone offers this, because it is partly more complicated for a doctor to give vaccinations between appointments. “Ideally, we group several people together to be vaccinated on the same day, so as not to have to throw away a vaccine.”
Anyone who has had a covid infection should not be vaccinated within 6 months. But it is still recommended to take a Covid test if necessary. There is also a combined test for influenza. However, these tests would be more expensive and generally less in demand.
