Rhinoviruses drive wave of flu-like infections in Carinthia

Many people in Carinthia are suffering from flu-like infections, with rhinoviruses the main cause, ORF Kärnten reported. Classrooms and workplace departments are said to be only half full as the virus season gets under way.

A family doctor’s waiting room in Köttmannsdorf was full, with patients reporting sore throats and flu-like symptoms. A stomach bug is also circulating. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund recorded 3,600 cases of sick leave due to flu-like infections in the previous week, and general practitioners say they are seeing an initial wave.

Doctor Thomas Friessnegger said cases had risen sharply, but there is not yet an influenza wave. His practice tests everyone over 60, and no influenza cases had been detected there. The practice has already received its influenza vaccine, while other practices are expected to receive supplies in mid to late November, he said.

Pharmacists are also seeing more customers seeking nasal drops and medicine for sore throats and fever. Pharmacist Martin Auer said people were coming in with coughs and sore throats. He said it was difficult to say whether infections had started earlier than usual this year, as the timing varies from year to year.

Flu and Covid cases are currently being detected only sporadically. To reduce the risk of infection, people are advised to avoid crowds, consider wearing a mask in some situations, and wash or disinfect their hands, particularly after coughing or blowing their nose. Flu-like infections spread through droplets and aerosols in the air.

Between October 5 and 11, the Medical University of Vienna’s virology centre received 158 samples from doctors’ practices across Austria. Overall, 57 percent tested positive, a lower rate than the previous week. Rhinoviruses accounted for 76 percent of detected infections; other viruses were found only in isolated cases.