Better to mask up, again

There is no need to panic here. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not fun to get and some pre-stressed patients need to be isolated. But there are excellent antibiotics against (almost) all bacteria, and I also recommend that everyone get an annual vaccination against influenza and pneumonia, so then you can feel safe.

To put conspiracy theories to rest straight away: No, this bacterium has not escaped from a “secret laboratory” and has been known for a long time and ivermectin is not helpful in this case either. However, burdens on hospitals and taxpayers cannot be ruled out, so it is better to put on the good old mask again, especially in closed rooms.

JÜRGEN SCHÖFER, Ph.D.
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