Threat of ‘tripledemic’ looms over holidays in Hungary

Even though the media’s attention has shifted to other crucial events happening around the world, no one should dismiss Covid-19. The virus, which has been a part of our lives for almost three years, is still lurking around. Now speculations about a potential new wave around Christmas time have been rife, and a fear of a tripledemic is on the rise.

Rising number of cases

Index.hu reached out to virologist, Zsolt Boldogkői, to inquire about the current situation. Boldogkői explained to the news portal that the long-anticipated wave was different from its predecessors in the sense that its expected peak had been delayed since the fall. The main reason for this delay could be the unusually high number of Covid cases during the second half of summer. However, as temperatures are dropping, and the circumstances will be in favour of the virus, numbers are projected to rise again. There is a high probability that this holiday season, just like the previous ones, will not be virus-free either.

Read more: Coronavirus: a ward of one of Budapest’s most important hospitals has secretly been closed

New emerging variant? 

Even though a new variant can hit the country anytime, currently the only progress scientists can confirm is the slow but continuous decline of the virus. However, when it comes to the current number of cases in Hungary, it is important to note that while the weekly publication of data shows 4,000- 5;000 new cases, these may not be the exact figures. Ever since self-testing kits have become widely popular and the virus itself has no longer been that severe, people do not rush to the doctor right away when they detect some tell-tale symptoms. Therefore, many cases fail to be registered in the system. This could give us a slightly false picture of the current state of the pandemic.

Word of caution

In October, the so-called “Respiratory Diseases Lookout Service” started its operation in Hungary, which is not only concerned with Covid-19 but is also closely following the recently emerged RSV virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection) as well as all newly registered flu cases. The fear of a possible tripledemic is on the rise this winter, which will mainly affect children and the elderly. The professor added that while Hungarians had developed a fairly good immunity against Covid-19, most people are still vulnerable to the flu. Boldogkői also pointed out that the flu and covid booster shots are only advised to seniors and people suffering from chronic illnesses. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind in the midst of the festive preparations that these viruses are still out there. For our own and our loved ones’ sake, we should always pay precautions, especially when it comes to the health of our children and elderly relatives. 

Read more: Hungarian government successful in crisis management?

Author: Boglárka Joanovics

Source: index.hu