An increase in the viral load was recorded in the waste water of the Attica Region, a fact that was commented on by Analytical Chemistry professor Nikos Thomaidis on ERT, stating that “the reality shows that in the last month we had a very large increase in the general load in the waste water of both the coronavirus and other respiratory viruses such as influenza A and syncytial virus’.

Characteristically saying that “wastewater analyzes never lie because they are real measurements in real time,” Mr. Thomaidis referred to the coexistence of all these health threats in the community.

An increase in viral load is expected

“Obviously the burden of the coronavirus is much higher than the other two, but the coexistence of the other two viruses (influenza and RSV) makes this cocktail quite serious,” he said, clarifying that the last week of 2023 showed increases of 85 – 90% in these viruses and this means that in the next two to three weeks we will have an even higher viral load.

Referring to flu he spoke of a more than doubling of the viral load, speaking of a very large spread.

“This year we saw a delay of 15-20 days and this is possibly due to the very good weather conditions we had in the previous period. But now, as humidity increases, temperatures drop and social contacts increase significantly, we saw this increase in viral load very early,” he commented.

“I think there will be a peak in the next two to three weeks and then a slow de-escalation will begin. However, we should keep in mind that at the same time, the increase in influenza type B starts from February and March,” he said, pointing out that a new, but weaker, wave of the coronavirus is expected from March.

Cocaine consumption doubled during the holidays

Analyzing the interesting findings in the wastewater of the Attica Region, Mr. Thomaidis focused on the increase in narcotic substances observed during the holidays.

In particular, commenting on the relevant findings on the spread of cocaine, he emphasized that in the period before Christmas the use jumps from 1 kilogram per day to almost doubling. “It is a given that during the holidays, and we have proven this in various papers and publications, there is abuse,” stressed the Analytical Chemistry professor.

N. Thomaidis: At 85 – 90% the increase of respiratory viruses in Attica’s sewage – Even greater load in the coming days

And as he said, “the pandemic and the prolonged economic crisis that comes from the past has marked a change in behavior in the articles. The increase in the use of psychotropic drugs as well as stimulants is the result of a prolonged pressure in the world.