A new wave of Corona – and why it is more dangerous
Austria is facing a new wave of the coronavirus with the onset of autumn, as infections have risen significantly since the start of the school year. Data from sewage testing and clinical monitoring confirm a rapid increase in cases. According to virologist Monika Riedlberger-Fritz from the Medical University of Vienna, positive samples for the coronavirus in the monitoring system have increased significantly, indicating that the autumn wave has already begun.
The rise in infections is driven by a new variant known as XFG "Stratos", which is a mutation of BA.2.86 from the Omicron family. This variant has quickly become dominant in Austria, leading to a doubling of infection numbers within just one week. Experts warn that rapid tests, whether in pharmacies or with doctors, may not always detect the infection, resulting in a large number of false negative results.
These false results occur because the immune systems today have become more trained after years of exposure to the virus, which leads to a reduction in the viral load in the body that may not be detected by tests. Although this limits the virus's ability to replicate unrestricted, it makes detecting the infection more difficult. Therefore, individuals who have been infected multiple times before may test negative even if they are carrying the virus.
Doctors advise people to rely on symptoms more than just tests. The XFG strain causes the same set of symptoms as previous strains: from mild headaches and sore throats to more severe cases like fever, muscle aches, and severe coughing. Anyone feeling unwell is urged to stay home and rest to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially during this period. Since the vaccines target the BA.2.86 variant, they still provide strong protection against XFG. The most at-risk groups — such as those over sixty, individuals with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women — are advised to get vaccinated urgently. According to Monica Riedelberger-Fritz, this period is the "ideal time" to boost protection before the virus spreads more widely.