Covid-19
Covid-19 (coronavirus) has a global impact. Being well informed about prevention, symptoms and developments is crucial for protecting health and containing the pandemic.
The coronavirus (Covid-19)
Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In most cases, SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted to another person via droplets in the air (aerosols) by an infected person who coughs, speaks, sings, sneezes or breathes in close proximity. The droplets can settle in the mouth, eyes or nose.
Typical symptoms, which can vary in severity, include fever, cough, general weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat and loss of sense of taste and smell.
To protect yourself, it is recommended that you wash and disinfect your hands regularly, ventilate rooms regularly and stay at home and avoid contact if you have symptoms.
Even though the pandemic has already ended and a case of Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is no longer reportable since 1 July 2023, infection with the virus is still possible. For this reason, we recommend that you continue to be careful when dealing with the coronavirus and follow the tips and recommendations below.
The coronavirus explained simply to children. Watch the video.
Tests for SARS-CoV-2 (corona test)
PCR tests and antigen tests are available for the diagnosis of Covid-19. The two test methods differ.
Antigen test
If the test is performed correctly, viral antigens can be detected within a short time (approx. 15-30 minutes). It is not the genetic material of the virus that is detected, as is the case with PCR tests, but the protein or protein envelope. Neither a laboratory nor a laboratory doctor is required to analyse and interpret the results.
Corona antigen tests are available from us at the Johann Strauss Pharmacy.
PCR tests
According to scientific evidence and international recommendations, the most suitable method for early diagnosis of a corona infection is direct pathogen detection using a quality-assured PCR method or other molecular biological methods. This direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 is carried out via the genetic material (virus genome).
How do I protect myself from Covid-19?
These are tips and recommendations on how you can best protect yourself against infection with the coronavirus:
Regularly clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser. Thorough hand washing means cleaning your hands for at least 20 seconds - this corresponds to about 4 to 6 deep breaths. Of course, you can also simply count the seconds. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands to prevent the possible transmission of pathogens. When sneezing and coughing, always sneeze or cough into your elbow to reduce droplets. In addition, it is important to avoid contact with people with Covid-19 as much as possible and to keep a sufficient distance from other people. To improve the air quality and reduce the risk of infection, you should also ventilate rooms regularly, ideally every 5 to 10 minutes.
Please note that these are only tips and recommendations and that infection with the coronavirus depends on many factors.
News about Covid-19
Even though the pandemic is already considered to be over and Covid-19 disease is no longer reportable since 1 July 2023, it is still important to be up to date on Covid-19. Here you can find out more about the coronavirus vaccination, Covid-19 medication, Long Covid and the current risk assessment for the EU.
Important information about Covid-19
Antigen tests for self-testing for Covid-19 have been available in public pharmacies for a fee since 1 July 2023. Free testing for Covid-19 has only been available as part of medical treatment since 1 July 2023. Do you have questions about the coronavirus? Then write to us here.
Further information on this topic can be found here:
Antigen tests from your pharmacy
With us you get Covid-19 antigen tests (5 pcs.) from Clungene and Antigen Combi Test Kit from Fluorecare (1 pc.) (SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B & RSV). These tests offer fast and reliable results and are ideal for comprehensive virus testing during the cold and flu season.
