Glimpflicher start of the flu season

Glimpflicher start of the flu season

01/10/2015

The flu season has started so far in Saxony-Anhalt so far this year. And this despite the possible weaknesses of the vaccine. Even if many Germans do not stick to it, people from risk groups will be vaccinated again every year.

Flu season so far blessed

The influenza season in Saxony-Anhalt has so far gone off well despite possible weaknesses in the vaccine. According to a report by the dpa news agency, the Ministry of Health had informed on request that 13 illnesses had been registered by the end of the 51st calendar week of last year. Although these are more cases than in 2013, when only eight cases were counted, but significantly less than in 2012. In the season at that time in Saxony-Anhalt 7,040 people fell ill with influenza and by the 51st calendar week, 157 cases had been counted.

Effect of the vaccine is not optimal this season

In the current season, the flu vaccine does not seem to protect optimally. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), one of the three currently active types of viruses must be expected to be less effective. Many people in Germany are in any case not vaccinated against influenza, as they have reservations, as a representative study of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZGA) showed in the previous year. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends vaccination for people from certain risk groups, such as people over the age of 60, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular disease, medical personnel and pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy. (Ad)

Picture: Uwe Wagschal