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This year again to the flu vaccine?
Although the past days have become very autumnal in many places, it will take a while until winter. Nevertheless, health experts are already pointing out the flu season. Those who want to get vaccinated can do it now. The protection lasts all winter.
Certain groups of people will be vaccinated
The summer is finally over. Falling temperatures and wet, cold weather will cause more and more colds in the coming weeks. Although the flu season starts later - mostly from January -, but you can already get vaccinated. Many Germans are not sure if the flu vaccine makes sense. Health experts advise people in risk groups to get vaccinated. For example, seniors over the age of 60, pregnant women, the chronically ill, residents of retirement and care homes and medical staff will be advised by the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) to take flu shots.
Should one be vaccinated for protection against the flu? Picture: Kzenon - fotolia Protection lasts all winter
As the news agency dpa reports, Prof. Thomas Löscher said that the classic recommendation is to be vaccinated in October or November. "But you can also get vaccinated now. The protection will last the entire winter season, "said Löscher, a member of the Professional Association of German Internists (BDI) and head of the Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine at the LMU Munich. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to work. During this time, the body forms defense cells and antibodies against influenza viruses. Löscher explained that the influenza vaccine - unlike other vaccines such as those against measles - is primarily for the protection of individuals. That is why it is only explicitly recommended to people for whom flu can be a serious health threat. However, everyone else is not advised against it.
Side effects and allergic reactions
Like other vaccines, the flu can cause side effects. This can cause swelling, pain or redness around the puncture site. In addition, symptoms such as tiredness, body aches, shivering or a slight fever may occur. "A certain reaction is normal," says Löscher. "This is a sign of the activation of the immune system." As a rule, the symptoms should subside after two to three days. Since the basis of the flu vaccine are chicken eggs, allergic people can have problems, even if they did not know anything about their allergy. They can include severe swelling or redness, wheals or mild fever. In extreme cases, it can even lead to an allergic shock. For allergy sufferers, a vaccine without chicken eggs is also available.
Naturally protect against contagion
Basically, however, with the flu vaccine pros and cons always weigh up against each other. In this context, vaccine critics point out not only possible side effects, but also the possibilities of natural protection. One can reduce the risk of infection by simple hygienic measures. Regular hand washing is recommended as well as coughing and sneezing in the crook or in a disposable handkerchief. Patients suffering from influenza should avoid close contact with endangered persons - and vice versa.
The vaccine did not work so well last year
One problem that has emerged in the past flu season can not be ruled out in the future either: at that time it had been reported that the flu vaccine was weaker than expected in a widespread virus type. The vaccines are adapted each year to the currently rampant influenza viruses. These should act against the virus strains, which will most likely be responsible for influenza diseases in the coming winter. The basis for this is the findings of the worldwide influenza surveillance of the World Health Organization (WHO).