Influenza flu cases in Germany are rising rapidly

Influenza cases rose sharply

The flu epidemic 2017/2018 is in full swing - with everything that goes with it: Muscle, head and body aches and fever. Those affected usually have to struggle with flu for one to two weeks. In addition, many influenza sufferers suffer from symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, nausea, cough and sore throat. These symptoms should be clarified with a doctor, because at present the flu spreads in Germany increasingly. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported 15,188 confirmed cases last week - the highest number of weekly illnesses in this flu season. Even schools and kindergartens are affected. Twelve percent of sufferers have to be treated in hospitals.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends that all persons with chronic heart disease, people over the age of 60, pregnant women and medical staff be vaccinated against influenza. This emerges from a recent bulletin of the RKI. The vaccine used should, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), adapt to the existing viruses every year. The influenza surveillance system of the Working Group for Influenza (AGI) has determined through examined patient samples that in the current season the influenza B viruses predominate with a share of 74 percent (as of February 2018).

How effective is a vaccine?

According to the latest RKI report, the overall vaccine effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed influenza illness with the seasonally prevalent viruses is 46 percent. This is based on AGI examinations of 1,391 patients. According to the RKI, the data suggest a decreasing effectiveness of the vaccine with increasing age. Due to the small numbers of vaccinated persons in the investigated subjects is currently only an estimate. A more accurate result can only be presented at the end of the flu season.

Is vaccination useful despite its low effectiveness??

According to RKI estimates, vaccination can only protect less than half of the vaccinated from flu. Nevertheless, the vaccination is useful because of the high number of influenza cases. The RKI points out that influenza vaccination is still the best preventive measure at the population level to reduce the risk of disease.

What preventive measures are there except vaccination?

Basically, the RKI advises all persons to regular hand washing, as pathogens can settle on doorknobs, keyboards, handles, railings and the like. With unwashed hands, if possible, do not touch the face as the viruses enter the body via the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose. Patients with symptoms of influenza should be kept at a distance, since the flu can be transmitted by droplet infection. This applies to both persons with and without vaccination. For more information, see the article: How to protect yourself from infection.

What to do if you have been infected with the flu?

Of course, a flu should be clarified with a doctor. In addition to the medical recommendations, there are a number of home remedies for the flu. Central element here is the strengthening of the immune system. So much sleep, warmth, lots of vitamin C, avoid stress, smoke little (preferably not at all) and talk a little. The bedroom should not be colder than 18 degrees. A hot water bottle or a blanket under your back can help as well. Activities like sauna or sports should be avoided. (Vb)