Press
Flu season in the Northern Hemisphere usually runs between October and mid-May. But another infection is spreading in Austria.
Vienna – Since the corona pandemic, many people have been paying attention to the increased number of virus infections. After flu season There are currently so-called parainfluenza viruses circulating in Austria, against which there is no vaccination.
Infections are increasing in Austria – virologist warns
Different viruses are often active seasonally and can trigger a real wave of infections. This year the flu winter was comparatively mild: As the State Office for Health and Social Affairs, 6,881 influenza infections were reported in 2023/24, and almost twice as many in 2022/23. The data comes from 70 pediatric and family doctor practices, from where weekly updates are provided. While the flu wave is over, another wave of infections is already emerging in Austria.
The virologist Judith Aberle from MedUni Vienna now gave her assessment: “According to Austrian sentinel data, infections with parainfluenza viruses are currently increasing.” Sentinel surveys, among other things, collect data on the spread of communicable diseases. 83 samples were analyzed in the sentinel system in the 16th calendar week. As the virologist stated, 16 percent of them showed parainfluenza viruses. In contrast, cold and cold viruses only make up 15 percent. A man in the Netherlands died after a 613-day corona infection.
This is how dangerous parainfluenza viruses can be in the body
Opposite today.at The professor of viral immunology commented on the new wave of infections: “Typically, parainfluenza viruses type 3 occur more frequently in spring and are among the most common respiratory viruses in infants and children.” As Aberle further states, it is to be expected that the infections will continue in the coming years weeks, and small children under the age of two are particularly at risk.
The currently circulating type 3 infection can cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and immunocompromised children and adults, such as MSD manual writes. This causes illnesses that are extremely similar to those caused by RSV. Severe respiratory diseases can occur especially in older people and people with a weakened immune system. There is no vaccination against parainfluenza viruses yet; people can protect themselves from infection primarily by avoiding contact with infected people. (approx)