In the last three weeks in a row, the number of people with newly confirmed covid exceeded 10,000. On Monday, more than 2,100 sick people were added to the register, on other working days it was around a thousand every day. Roughly half of them are people over 65 years old. Detailed data can be found on the special website of the Ministry of Health here.
New variant of XEC
The current mutation of the omikron variant, which has dominated until now, is beginning to be displaced by the new XEC. It is significantly more contagious than its predecessors. It was created by combining the omicron subvariant KP.3.3. and KS.1.1 and currently make up a third of all detected infections.
“It is so infectious that after arriving in England it gained dominance in just two weeks,” said epidemiologist Rastislav Maďar about the variant.
Manifestations of the disease
The new variant is spreading faster, but does not yet cause more difficult courses, assured the Hungarian. The symptoms do not differ from those from before and resemble a virus.
Fever is usually followed by a sore throat and cough. Colds, shortness of breath, fatigue and headache or muscle pain are added. Some patients experience loss of appetite, diarrhea, chills or loss of smell and taste. In connection with omicron, several infected people also complained of sleep problems or anxiety.
A person with a mild course can be infectious for one to two days before symptoms appear, and up to eight days afterwards. In more serious cases, it can be longer.
Difference between flu and covid
Unlike the flu, the deterioration of the condition with covid is rapid and fevers usually subside after a few days. With the flu, the onset of fever or sore throat is more gradual and can last longer.
The combined antigen test (influenza–covid / flu–covid–RSV), which can be purchased freely in a pharmacy, best differentiates between diseases. They are also available to general practitioners, who, however, use them mainly for people at risk of a serious course, for whom they can prescribe antiviral drugs.
Others have to pay for the antigen or PCR test. When prescribed by a doctor, it is covered by the health insurance company.
A negative test result may not be conclusive. Some doctors advise to repeat the test.
Treatment
Most people stay home from covid. The procedure is similar to that of other viruses, i.e. rest mode and wait out the worst with pain relievers, fever reducers, anti-inflammatories or cough syrups. Everything should be consulted with a general practitioner, who can issue an incapacity.
It is recommended to stay at home for at least a week.
Distinguishing between flu and covid is essential especially for seniors and vulnerable patients. For them, the doctor can prescribe an antiviral drug to prevent worsening of the condition.
Restrictions due to dissemination
In the past, the Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek rejected the introduction of blanket measures due to covid, as was the case during the pandemic. Currently, regional hygiene stations can take local measures, which can, for example, recommend that schools declare “holidays” due to the massive spread of the disease.
This happened, for example, at the beginning of 2020, before the covid pandemic, when hygienists recommended that schools in which over 70 percent of students fell ill declare a five-day holiday.
Measures can also be taken by social facilities or hospitals, some of them have already limited visits due to covid or require the wearing of protective equipment and respirators.
Prevention
According to infectious disease experts and epidemiologists, vaccination is the best protection against serious complications. It is mainly recommended for seniors and people with weakened immunity or chronic diseases. The vaccine can be administered by general practitioners, some hospitals and vaccination centers also offer it. If the practitioner does not provide it, interested parties can make an appointment at another doctor’s office, which can be found on the map.