Influenza vaccine pros and cons

Information about the flu vaccine

19/10/2013

Now it's time again: sinking temperatures, wet and cold weather and heating. The cold season has begun. It usually comes only from about January to an accumulation of flu cases. However, the best time for a flu shot is now, in the fall. Proponents and opponents argue about the meaning and nonsense of such a vaccination.

Vaccinate in October and November
In the winter season 2012/13, the number of sick leave due to an influenza (influenza) with an estimated 3.4 million people between 15 and 59 years reached the highest value of the past ten years, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin. Anyone who wants to protect themselves from body aches, headache and sore throat, cough, runny nose and fever, should be vaccinated already in October or November, experts recommend. The president of the RKI, Reinhard Burger, says: „The protection options through vaccination and hygiene should always be used.“ Even if the proponents of the vaccine argue that these would do more good than harm, the opponents say that this precaution would do more harm than harm with side effects.

More deaths from the flu than from road traffic
In Germany, the death toll from influenza is estimated at 5,000 to 10,000 annually. Last year, the number of traffic fatalities was 3,700. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination primarily to older people over the age of 60, chronic patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular diseases, medical staff and pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy, because they are among the risk groups. The Ulm Professor Thomas Mertens, president of the Society for Virology and a member of the STIKO, criticizes the poor vaccine participation among medical staff, which is according to a recent study at less than 30 percent: „This exposes employees and patients to unnecessary risks of illness.“

No one hundred percent protection by vaccination
But even a vaccine does not protect in every case. „The flu shot does not provide 100% protection“, Susanne Glasmacher from the Robert Koch Institute. This is because, for example, suddenly a flu virus has spread, from which the vaccine does not protect. Or that you fall ill before the protection is fully developed. In addition, it is possible that some people would be insufficiently responsive to the vaccine. Dr. Susanne Stoecker from the Paul Ehrlich Institute, the Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedical Drugs, explains that the immune system of older people is less effective than that of younger and older people „For this reason, the vaccination in older people sometimes not so good.“ But it is exactly this group that STIKO recommends vaccination. „Anyone who is vaccinated and yet suffers from influenza, in which the infection is often milder“, so horseback.

Nasal sprays for children
Patients who are suffering from a cold, fever, or other acute infection should not be vaccinated until they are well. If persons are allergic to certain components of the flu vaccine, this should always be discussed with the doctor. People who had been vaccinated in the previous year should again seek protection because of the diminishing effect and because of the constantly changing pathogens. Meanwhile, a nasal spray for children as a flu shot is available. Children over the age of two and adolescents up to the age of 18 can be given a so-called live vaccine. Studies show that this novel vaccine, at least in younger children, a better protective effect. The statutory funds assume the costs for people over 60 and other risk groups for which there is a vaccination recommendation, in any case. In addition, a whole range of coffers pays for all other vaccines. However, Dr. Gerd Schauerte from a rehab facility for asthmatics in Berchtesgaden that the nasal sprays are usually not funded for cost reasons: „The nasal spray vaccine is almost twice as expensive and will only be taken over by the health insurance in special cases.“

Distrust of the flu shot
Opponents of the flu vaccine point among other things to the side effects. For example, the puncture site may redden, hurt and swell slightly. In addition, symptoms such as tiredness, body aches and shivering may occur. In Germany, there is a certain amount of distrust against flu shots and since the inoculants in addition to the active ingredients for the most part contain preservatives based on formaldehyde and mercury compounds, there are also significant reservations from the representatives of natural remedies against comprehensive flu shots. In addition, the risk of infection could also be reduced by simple hygienic measures. So regular hand washing is recommended as well as coughing and sneezing in the crook or in a disposable handkerchief. In addition, influenza sufferers should as far as possible avoid close contact with endangered persons. (Ad)