Influenza flu in Bavaria on the rise

Influenza: influenza in Bavaria on the rise

08/02/2015

The cold winter time is also influenza time. In the current flu season, around 1,500 cases have already been reported in Bavaria. Some people will come to a preventive vaccination. The benefit is controversial.

Almost 1,500 influenza cases in five weeks
Only recently it was reported that hundreds of cases were reported from Brandenburg during the current flu season. In Bavaria, the flu is on the rise with the arrival of frosty winter weather on the rise, as the news agency dpa now reports. Thus, in the first five weeks of this year, 1,489 influenza flu cases were reported to the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL). Of these alone 620 in the first week of February, as a spokeswoman for the authorities announced on dpa request.

Weakened defenses in winter
It is said that the authorities had recorded only 300 cases in the first five reporting weeks the year before. „In 2014, however, influenza was unusually mild“, so the spokeswoman. „2015 is a normal influenza year after the previous development“ - Similar to 2013. The flu epidemic had already reached its peak at the end of February, but only at the end of March last year. According to the LGL spokeswoman, the weakened defenses in winter make many people more susceptible to influenza infections.

Air more often and go to the fresh air
In addition, the heating air would dry out the mouth and mucous membranes. These are also good conditions for infection with influenza viruses. The Erlangen Health Authority therefore recommends that you ventilate often in winter, go out to fresh air regularly and wash your hands more often than usual. Patients who suffer from influenza usually suffer from complaints such as respiratory problems, fever, body aches and headaches.

„Weaker and shorter course of the disease“
Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml (CSU) called on people to get vaccinated against influenza. Compared to the „Münchner Merkur“ from Saturday she said: „By vaccination, a weaker and shorter course of the disease is expected.“ However, it was only recently reported that the vaccine is hardly effective this season, as the composition of the vaccine is only conditionally suitable for the currently circulating virus strains. However, people from risk groups, such as those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular diseases, senior citizens or medical staff, will be advised by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) to take the flu vaccine. (Ad)

Image: Cornelia Menichelli