Influenza infections continue to spread from child to influenza epidemics

Number of influenza cases nationwide increased significantly

A few weeks ago, health experts have pointed out that a severe flu epidemic has arrived in Germany. Currently, the influenza virus is spreading nationwide. In the Saarland now a little girl has died from a severe flu.

Four-year-old died of severe flu

In Saarbrücken, a four-year-old girl died after an exceptionally severe flu (influenza) with subsequent organ and circulatory failure. "Laboratory diagnosis of the pathogen influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 could be detected," reports the health department in a statement. "This pathogen was first described in the flu season 2009 and has since been proven many times in every flu season," it continues.

Currently, more and more influenza cases are registered throughout Germany. in Saarbrücken, a little girl died from a severe flu. (Image: Daniel Jędzura / fotolia.com)

Severe illnesses even in younger people

According to the health department, it had already come to a similar case in December. However, there is no discernible connection between the two cases.

How dangerous this virus is is also explained by the Working Group on Influenza (AGI) at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Their current "Influenza Weekly Report" states:

"In influenza outbreaks, in which influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses predominated, so far it has been observed that there are also in younger adults and children to very serious illnesses and deaths, especially in the presence of underlying diseases."

Life-threatening complications

In recent years, too, there have been recurrent cases of illness, which claimed numerous deaths.

The Bavarian State Office of Public Health (LGL) said last year: "For people with underlying conditions, flu can be a life-threatening complication."

At that time in some regions of Germany several clinics had to close the emergency rooms because of overload, because there were too many patients due to the heavy flu wave.

Number of flu cases has recently risen nationwide

This year's season also seems to turn out more violent. According to the "Influenza Weekly Report", the number of flu illnesses has risen significantly nationwide.

According to the RKI, almost 9,000 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were transmitted in the 4th week of the week.

Thus, more than 20,600 cases have been reported in this flu season so far.

Protect from infection

"The influenza vaccine is the best protection against influenza," writes the AGI.

"However, the vaccine does not work equally well for all vaccinated persons, so it may even come after a flu shot to an influenza disease," said the experts.

The permanent vaccination committee (STIKO) recommends the protection of certain risk groups.

These include, among others, older people from the age of 60, persons with increased health risks from an existing illness, for example chronic diseases of the respiratory organs, metabolic diseases, liver or kidney diseases or cardiovascular diseases.

Pregnant women, patients with immunodeficiency, HIV infection, as well as people who have a high risk of infection due to exposure to many people should also consider vaccination.

Whether a flu vaccine makes sense, but ultimately everyone must decide for themselves.

But to protect yourself from infection, there are even more options.

Basically, it makes sense to strengthen the immune system, to keep away from patients and to regularly wash their hands. (Ad)