Share:
Threatening severe disease courses do not play down flu symptoms
It had been speculated weeks ago that there could be significantly more influenza cases this season than last winter. In fact, influenza cases are currently increasing in some regions. Health experts warn against underestimating the disease.
Life threatening situations
The current flu season has begun much earlier in some parts of Germany than in previous years. Although influenza can usually be treated well, but: "For people with underlying conditions flu can be a life-threatening complication," writes the Bavarian State Office of Health (LGL) on its website. Other health experts also point out that this is by no means a harmless disease.
Health experts warn against underestimating the disease given the heavy flu epidemic. Especially with seniors severe illnesses are possible. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com) Serious illnesses in seniors
As the news agency dpa reports, the president of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Lothar Wieler, warns against underestimating the flu in view of the strong flu epidemic.
In an interview with the newspaper "Ruhr Nachrichten" he said: "Anyone who feels ill and has a higher risk of a serious illness, ie the elderly or persons with chronic pre-existing conditions, should consult his family doctor."
It is reported that the currently circulating influenza AH3N2 virus is known to cause severe disease progression in the elderly.
Consult family doctor early
In addition, the flu symptoms in this age group "often not as typical as in young adults or children, especially the disease does not have to be associated with fever," it says in the current Influenzabericht the Working Group Influenza (AGI).
"Nevertheless, this age group has the highest risk of complications; the most common complication of influenza in adults is pneumonia. Older people should consult now in the flu epidemic, even in non-febrile acute respiratory diseases, their family doctor, who then possibly specifically the influenza or in the presence of pneumonia can treat them, "the experts said.
South and East of Germany particularly affected
From the Influenzabericht also shows that the flu is currently widespread, especially in the south and east of Germany. Focus is also North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate.
"But as the numbers rise, this may shift in the next few weeks," said Wieler. The flu epidemic started earlier and is already much stronger than a moderate one.
"Officially reported so far are 27,000 flu cases from all over Germany, including 85 deaths, especially in the elderly," said the expert. However, not all are reported.
This is also due to the fact that many patients are not sure whether a flu or a flu infection is responsible for their complaints. Not all of them go to the doctor and even there people with cold symptoms are not always tested for influenza.
Protect from infection
According to Wieler, a flu vaccine could be useful now, but the development of the vaccine protection takes about 14 days.
Basically, all people - regardless of vaccination status - should follow general hygiene recommendations.
The RKI president recommends washing hands more often after shaking hands. "Anyone who already has typical symptoms such as coughing or sneezing should be careful not to catch anyone. That means: use disposable handkerchiefs and, if necessary, cough in the sleeve. "
In order to protect yourself from an infection, it is generally useful to keep away from ill patients and to strengthen the immune system. (Ad)