Large flu epidemic causes highest sickness for years

So many sick leave for flu was not there for ten years

Fever, runny nose, chills: This winter, the flu epidemic has turned out particularly violent. This is also evident from the numerous sick reports. According to current statistics, sick leave last month was the highest in ten years.

One in three remained at home because of the flu

The flu epidemic has turned out to be so violent this season that some clinics had to dismiss patients for overcrowding. The fact that there were significantly more influenza illnesses this winter than usual, as shown by the sick leave. According to a statistic of the company health insurance funds (BKK), the sick leave, ie the proportion of sick people in all employees, was 6.2 percent in February. This is how many employees have been out of action in the past month as they have not been for ten years. According to the news agency dpa, one in three of them remained at home for flu or other respiratory infections.

In the past month, the number of sick people who have been ill for ten years has been reduced because of the flu. (Image: Monkey Business / fotolia.com)

Highest sick leave for ten years

According to the information, the highest sick leave is always achieved in this country. However, according to the BKK, this year's figure is "by far" at the top in comparison to the four major influenza waves of the past ten years.

It is said that Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland and the eastern German states had the highest sick leave rates. Hamburg, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg were the least affected by influenza infections.

The deviations are explained by the different age structure in the countries as well as the respective infrastructure and economic situation.

High point of the flu wave seems to have passed

The influenza activity was according to current figures of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in the 11th calendar week 2018 (11 to 18.3.) Still high, but the peak of the flu epidemic seems to be exceeded.

According to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), in the 11th reporting week (MW) 44,562 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were transmitted to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Thus, 270,730 cases have been transmitted since the 40th MW 2017 (data status 20/03/2018), "writes the RKI.

However, it can be assumed that the actual number is much higher, because far from being tested for influenza in every case.

Always cure properly

Because the symptoms are similar, it is often difficult to tell if you have a cold or a true flu.

"The distinction between cold and influenza is not always easy", explains Dr. med. Wolfgang Reuter, health expert of the DKV German health insurance, in a consumer information.

Whether a flu or a flu infection is present, it can be seen, among other things, how quickly the symptoms set, because a real flu occurs suddenly. In addition, symptoms such as fatigue and fatigue are usually more intense.

Influenza usually affects the body with full force. Cough, chills, headaches, body aches and high fever - often over 40 degrees - are also indications of influenza.

Health experts advise to always cure themselves after a surviving flu properly. Because even after an influenza illness, the immune system is weakened significantly for a while.

If you do not treat yourself to rest for long enough, there is a risk of suffering from myocarditis after flu. (Ad)