Flu wave number of sufferers increases

Worth knowing about the current flu epidemic

02/11/2015

There are currently many people in Germany with a flu in bed. Fever, headache and body aches do not allow most people to go to work. Many wonder if the flu epidemic will be particularly strong this year. In a press report numerous questions are answered.

Number of flu illnesses in NRW is increasing
Only recently it was reported that the flu in Bavaria is on the rise. But other states are not spared. In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, the number of sick people is increasing significantly. The „Rheinische Post“ (RP) online has summarized a lot of interesting facts about the current flu epidemic. According to experts, the flu season lasts from the 40th calendar week of a year to the 15th calendar week of the following year. „Since we are currently in the 7th calendar week, so it is quite normal that flu and cold viruses are in circulation“, explained Dr. Annette Jurke, Deputy Head of Section Infectiology and Hygiene of the State Institute for Health and Labor of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (LIGA NRW) told the newspaper.

Vaccination because of approaching spring is not so urgent
The reported numbers of influenza cases in the country confirmed this: „So far, we have reported 701 cases of influenza for the 2014/2015 season. Last year it was 287 cases and in 2012/13 even 6262 cases“, so Jurke. As the RP continues to write, a vaccination is basically still recommended, but because of the approaching spring is not so urgent. It should be noted, however, that two weeks pass until the vaccine is completely effective and even after an injection, a flu outbreak can occur. „However, it is said that the vaccine mitigates the course of the flu, so far, it is still recommended“, so the expert.

Vaccine does not work so well this season
Jurke also addresses news that the vaccine is unlikely to be effective this season. „As it turned out, however, this year, two-thirds of the influenza A viruses currently circulating are not covered by the component“, explained the infectiologist. „At the same time, however, the influenza A virus, the H3N2 pathogen, is predominant this year.“ However, she says: „Especially for the risk groups, the vaccination is still useful, since it consists of more components.“ These include, for example, chronically ill patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular diseases, senior citizens or medical staff.

Sneeze in the crook of the arm
But there are also more natural ways and means to protect yourself from illness. Sneezing into the crook of the arm is a simple but very effective tip. „That sounds funny“, said the doctor, „but it very effectively prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria.“ If you sneeze into the hands, you spread the pathogen very easily afterwards. „In addition, one touches one's hands regularly to the nose and eyes, one can hardly prevent this, and then the pathogens migrate through the mucous membranes into the body“, so the expert. Regular hand washing and the use of paper towels instead of handkerchiefs are further tips for hygiene.

No stronger symptoms this year
Although neither the LIGA NRW nor the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) have information that the pathogens cause more symptoms than usual this year, there are some family doctors, according to the RP report on such effects. Basically, most people with influenza have ailments such as respiratory problems, fever, body aches and headaches. In order to infect as few other people as possible, it is important in a severe flu disease to withdraw from the day's events and visit a doctor. (Ad)