Influenza wave in full swing - Over 100 deaths in the current flu season

Cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever - The flu continues to rage

The current weekly report of the Working Group on Influenza of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) does not provide any good news regarding the flu epidemic that is currently rolling over Germany. In particular, the activity of acute respiratory diseases (ARE) such as bronchitis, lung or pharyngeal inflammations, which are often triggered by influenza viruses, are currently spreading rapidly. Overall, the RKI reported nearly 60,000 confirmed influenza cases since the beginning of the flu season. Right now, it is important to pay attention to some behaviors so that you do not become the next victim of influenza.

The current RKI report is based on data from the sixth calendar week. Nearly 18,000 confirmed flu cases were reported this week. These are just the cases that have been confirmed in the lab. The unreported number is much larger. According to the RKI, 102 people have already died as a result of the flu this season. In 83 percent of the cases, those affected were 60 or older. About 75 percent of influenza viruses are of the influenza B type. No drug is included in the standard vaccine against this type of virus. Only the more expensive variant with the quadrivalent vaccine provides sufficient protection against the influenza B virus.

How to protect yourself from the flu?

Of course there is the possibility of vaccination, but even that offers no absolute security. Besides, many people do not want to get vaccinated. But there are a lot of behaviors that lower the risk of a flu infection. These include, in particular, hygiene and body contact. Regular hand washing after shaking hands with someone, using public transport and always before and after meals and after going to the toilet.

Hands off the face

The face is the entry gate for flu viruses. These can enter the body via nasal mucous membranes, eyes and mouth. So best not to rub your eyes or face, drill in your nose or put fingers in your mouth.

Reduce body contact with other people

Body contact with other people should be reduced as much as possible. Of course, this does not count when you have a sick child at home because it requires emotional support. Nevertheless, contact with the mucous membranes should be avoided when kissing child and partner, so do not kiss near or on the eyes, mouth or nose. Also should not be drunk from the same cup or eaten with the same cutlery.

How to protect yourself and others from flu?

The room you work in should be ventilated three to four times a day to prevent viruses from accumulating. You should also always use the same workstation and wipe your desk, keyboard and mouse once a day. If you can work from home, you should make use of it and hold meetings if possible via telephone or video. When cleaning your nose use disposable handkerchiefs and dispose of them immediately. Do not cough or sneeze in your hand, but in a handkerchief. Best then wash your hands.

Do not show a presentiment

Over sixty percent of workers go to work sick. If you have already caught a flu infection, you should stay home. The self-imposed compulsory attendance at work can cause long-term health damage and be expensive for the employee. No one is helped with this behavior, because firstly you can do less sick at work and make more mistakes, secondly you can infect colleagues at work, thirdly you increase the risk of accidents and fourthly you incur more costs for the employer than if you stayed at home. Therefore, you should first recover properly. Many home remedies for the flu can help alleviate symptoms and defeat the disease as quickly as possible. (Vb)