COVID-19 Continues to Pose a Important Health Risk in austria, Experts Warn
Recent data indicates that COVID-19 remains a notable cause of mortality in Austria, comparable to serious illnesses like breast adn prostate cancer. This caution comes from health experts like Dr. Heribert Zeitlinger, who presented findings at the Praevenire Health Days in Eisenstadt.
In 2024, COVID-19 caused more deaths in Austria than influenza. Specifically, 1,212 deaths were attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infections last year. For comparison, 1,775 people died of breast cancer, 1,434 men died of prostate cancer, and 624 deaths were linked to influenza. These figures highlight the continued “burden of disease” caused by COVID-19.
The severity of COVID-19 infection is strongly correlated with age. while children frequently experience asymptomatic or mild infections, approximately 80% of individuals under 50 experience mild disease progression. However,individuals over 60 are significantly more likely to develop severe cases (14%),with a 5% probability of life-threatening complications,particularly within older age groups.
current vaccination recommendations, as outlined by Austrian guidelines, reflect this risk profile. A COVID-19 booster vaccination is recommended for all individuals over the age of twelve wishing to reduce the risk of severe illness.A single fall vaccination is particularly advised for those with chronic diseases or risk factors, all individuals over 60, and healthcare workers.
While initial expectations for COVID-19 vaccines included preventing infection,experts now emphasize their effectiveness in mitigating severe outcomes. “The vaccination shifts the course of events positively,” Zeitlinger stated, noting that vaccination largely prevents serious illness and complications.
Early Testing Enables Effective Treatment
for at-risk individuals – the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions – Zeitlinger stresses the importance of testing upon suspicion of infection. Effective treatment with the protease inhibitor combination nirmatrelvir/ritonavir requires a confirmed diagnosis.
While this therapy can be initiated up to five days after symptom onset, Zeitlinger emphasizes that earlier treatment is crucial. Dosage adjustments might potentially be necessary for individuals with kidney or liver conditions, and potential drug interactions must be considered, though “real contraindications are rare.”
Data from vienna’s free therapy program demonstrates the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir,showing a roughly 50% reduction in hospital admissions compared to untreated individuals,alongside a decrease in mortality.A recent study from Quebec, Canada, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, further supports these findings. Comparing almost 15,000 treated patients to nearly 300,000 untreated individuals, the study revealed a 74% reduction in hospital admissions, nonetheless of vaccination status. This data underscores the potential benefits of timely treatment for those at high risk of severe disease progression.
