NIGHTINGALE I HEAR YOU COUGHING

Just because the corona pandemic has been declared over by the authorities does not mean that the virus has disappeared. A scientific look through the microscope shows that SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate. Eris, the Omikron variant EG.5, which is currently on the rise worldwide, is under particular scrutiny, with most of the evidence coming from Asia and the USA. However, Europe is also increasingly affected.

In mid-June, the proportion of EG.5 in the group of all detected SARS-CoV-2 variants was still at 7.6%, while in July it had already risen to 17.4%. Eris has an improved ability to escape the innate immune system due to a spike mutation and also has a growth and spread advantage due to the increased probability of occurrence. However, based on existing knowledge, the risk posed by EG.5 to public health at a global level is considered low by the WHO. The severity of the disease is also comparable to other circulating virus variants.

So let's keep in mind that the current situation in Germany is deeply relaxed according to the coronavirus pandemic radar, even though more visits to doctors for respiratory illnesses with a COVID-19 diagnosis have been reported since the beginning of August according to the RKI's ARE report (Aktuelles zu akuten respiratorischen Erkrankungen).
The coronavirus infection figures are expected to rise again in the autumn. However, there is no reason to worry about this either, as long as we do not belong to a vulnerable group; a circumstance that does not relieve us of our duty to respect and protect our fellow human beings who are in poor health and weakened by medication, chemotherapy or immunosuppression.

That is why we at the Kidney Center continue to apply the "will to wear a mask". On behalf of our chronically ill and transplanted patients, we hope for your understanding.
With thanks, we wish you a relaxing vacation season