Last flu epidemic was very moderate

Past flu epidemic 2011/2012 was very moderate

09/25/2012

As always in autumn, the health authorities are calling for a flu shot. However, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the last flu epidemic took place „very moderate“. Nevertheless, the RKI calls for vaccination. Especially pregnant women, the elderly and the chronically ill should consider vaccination.

According to the RKI, around 2.1 million people consulted their family doctor in the winter of 2011/2012 because they suffered from typical influenza symptoms such as fever, body aches and chills. „This is the lowest value in eight years“, so the RKI. Of the patients, however, about 7400 people had to be admitted to a clinic. Thus, the estimated hospital admissions due to a flu infection were slightly higher than in previous moderate flu times.

The last flu season had started relatively late in February 2012 and lasted until about April. The RKI points out that the „Strength of flu outbreaks can not be predicted“. In addition, it typically affects different regions, risk and age groups differently. „Even with moderate flu episodes, as in the previous season 2011/12, the individual risk of a serious illness can be high. In general, the chronically ill, the over-60s, pregnant women and the medical staff should go for flu shots before each influenza season, preferably in October or November“, so the RKI.

The results of the RKI influenza surveillance in the 2011/12 season are based on the data
of the sentinel system of the Working Group on Influenza (AGI) on the occurrence of acute respiratory diseases in GP surgeries. The results are also based on virological examinations of samples from patients with influenza-typical symptoms. (Sb)

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