Is swine flu a cause for panic?

If the swine flu is a cause for panic and people should be vaccinated?

14.01.2011

Nearly every day, the media report new deaths from swine flu. Alone from this fact, many people wonder whether they could be affected and probably die from the consequences of H1N1 infection. In this article we want to give differentiated answers.

Last year and the year before last, WHO issued a pandemic alert due to the then new H1N1 pathogen type. In the media landscape, the topic was prepared accordingly, on television you saw people who were wearing masks due to an expected swine flu wave. Many shunned crowds and avoided having physical contact with others. The WHO and the national states had drawn up numerous pandemic plans, governments called people to mass vaccinations.

But the big wave of deadly swine flu was almost gone. Indeed, only a few people died of swine flu, even less than on the „normal“ seasonal flu. After it also became known that the pharmaceutical industry maintained paid top executives in the WHO control centers, hardly anyone believed that a deadly swine flu epidemic actually affected humanity. Even then it was „Heilpraxisnet.de“ occasionally the first source of health news that drew attention to the facts about swine flu in order to make a mark against the scare tactic. Later, more and more professionals and medical professionals had to admit that the expected pandemic failed to materialize and that flu infections in patients were in most cases comparatively mild.

Well, in times of seasonal flu, the topic is again stylized in all the well-known media to the top theme. Every day, people are receiving new horror news about new deaths. Health authorities point out in this context that it is time to vaccinate again. Because the H1N1 virus has displaced almost all other influenza. Let's talk again about the facts about swine flu.

Threatens this year a swine influenza wave?
Every winter, people experience a flu epidemic. Also this year, the flu starts on time, but so far still relatively mild. Infected people have been suffering from the most common cases so far „normal“ Flu symptoms such as fever, body aches and runny nose. Although about two-thirds of influenza A viruses are of the H1N1 type, the usual symptoms have not worsened compared to the previous flu epidemics. At the moment, experts at the Robert Koch Institute can not say in advance how many people will contract the current flu. The starting point of the epidemic was the end of school holidays. Especially children and adolescents with many social contacts are considered to be the main vectors of influenza viruses. But a real one „wave“ has been missing so far.

Flu vaccination
The Federal Ministry of Health and the Robert Koch Institute are currently calling for the flu protection vaccine. Especially groups at risk and, for the first time, pregnant women should be vaccinated. The risk groups include, for example, people who have a weakened immune system due to a chronic illness. The current flu vaccine consists of three components. The protection should apply to H3N2, influenza B and H1N1 pathogens. This composition of three protective combinations is by no means new. The flu protection is always geared to the currently rampant fours. What is new is that now the H1N1 pathogen type has been included in the regular vaccination.

Is it possible to get infected twice with swine flu??
A recent investigation indicates that immune protection exists once you've been infected with the swine flu virus. US scientists have found in a study that patients who were once infected with the H1N1 pathogen, often formed special antibodies that led to a „exceptional immune protection“ against numerous influenza strains was formed. The protection was promoted by a variety of antibodies that were formed by the special, different structure of the H1N1 virus. According to researchers, the swine flu virus is only identical in parts to other influenza viruses that are essential for the functioning of the virus. Nevertheless, the Robert Koch Institute advises to be vaccinated even with a surviving flu. This applies above all to so-called risk groups.

Vaccinate yes or no
This question can not be a simple one „Yes“ or „No“ get answered. Because it always depends on the physical injury of the individual. The vaccine provides protection against influenza for about half a year. In a few exceptions (below five percent), flu can still occur. In contrast, the vaccine does not protect against influenza infections with other viruses. If the protection has passed, you have to be vaccinated again.

It should be noted that the pharmaceutical industry has an increased interest in getting people to vaccinate. Large-scale public relations campaigns continually highlight the importance of vaccination. The sale of vaccines also boosts sales. For this reason, it may be difficult to distinguish actual news from PR news from pharmaceutical manufacturers.

But even official health authorities are in their statements unlike last year rather reserved and factual. The vaccination is especially recommended for the chronically ill of all ages, pregnant women and persons who come in contact with people because of their professional field. These include, for example, doctors and medical staff. This year, the „urgent vaccination recommendation“ also extended to young people. In some cases of illness, it has been observed that infected young people have a serious illness. But almost all patients also had pre-existing conditions. Why this is so, is not yet clear. However, such seasonal flu outbreaks have already been observed in other influenza pandemics.

Found a mutation of swine flu viruses?
Since the vaccine is the same as a year ago, it can be assumed that the virus has changed only insignificantly. The then predicted dangerous mutation by mixing with other fours has largely failed.

Alternative protection against flu infections
A very simple but effective protection is regular hand washing. The hands should always be washed before eating food or returning home. However, mere hand washing alone does not replace effective vaccine protection. There are numerous providers of homoeopathic remedies on the net who offer "alternative protection". However, such remedies are not recommended by associations such as the Central Association of Homeopathic Physicians as "substitute protection" and are considered by non-medical practitioners as unserious. However, there are numerous homeopathic remedies (homeopathy for flu) that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of influenza. (Sb)

Also read:
Woman deceased with swine flu infection
Immune to flu after swine flu infection?
Influenza: Risk groups should be vaccinated
Swine flu is transmitted by children
Swine flu: number of new infections is increasing
Swine flu is back: RKI recommends vaccination
Swine flu is no reason to panic