RKI peak of influenza wave exceeded

RKI: The peak of the seasonal flu outbreak has passed

25/02/2011

According to the Working Group on Influenza at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the number of flu illnesses has dropped again in the last week. The peak of the seasonal flu outbreak was apparently over, the experts report. Altogether nearly 23,500 influenza illnesses were registered in this flu season so far, whereby 84 deaths were registered, 76 as consequence of the swine flu, so the data of the RKI.

High point of the seasonal influenza wave is exceeded
In the course of the current flu epidemic, far fewer deaths have been recorded so far than in the influenza season 2009/10, in which 258 people died as a result of influenza. The last flu season, the number of influenza illnesses had peaked before Christmas and in all deaths, the swine flu pathogen (the H1N1 virus) was responsible. The H1N1 virus has also been detected in a majority of influenza patients this year, but the seasonal flu epidemic peaked in late January to early February and is now declining significantly. Overall, there have been approximately 23,500 flu illnesses registered to date The RKI experts report that 3,500 influenza patients with severe symptoms had to be hospitalized in hospital. However, the RKI spokeswoman, Susanne Glasmacher, pointed out that the actual number of flu illnesses could be much higher, as there is no obligation to notify seasonal influenza and a significant number of unreported cases is expected.

Swine flu pathogens displace other viral strains
Of the 84 deaths during the current flu season, 76 are due to the swine flu, report the experts of the RKI. The average age of the deceased was 52 years, according to the RKI. That in most diseases, the H1N1-Errger in the game, leads Dr. Winfried Kern from the University of Freiburg back on that in the course of the swine flu pandemic the H1N1 pathogens „the previously circulating virus types are largely displaced and distributed throughout the globe“ to have. However, not with the initially suspected catastrophic consequences. Because the H1N1 virus is according to Dr. Christian Meyer of the Bernhard Nocht Institute (BNI) for tropical medicine in Hamburg so far no more dangerous than other pathogens, which also circulate in Germany. If you notice the typical symptoms of flu like sudden fever, loss of appetite, runny nose, cough, headache and body aches, it's best to consult a doctor, experts say. If, in addition to the symptoms mentioned, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting occur, there is probably a swine flu infection.

Flu vaccinations before the flu season ends?
Although the seasonal flu epidemic has reached its peak, there is still a risk of infection until about April, said the spokeswoman for the RKI. Therefore, in the upcoming carnival season, special care should be taken to avoid contagion. Although some vaccination recommendations are still being made for this flu season, the closer the end of the flu epidemic comes, the less effective the vaccinations are. Because it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to function as a protector, and a new vaccine will be used for the next flu season, as the flu viruses are rapidly changing and may already be resistant to the active ingredients of the last vaccinations. The experts such as RKI President Professor Dr. Reinhard Burger pointed out that in her view, the vaccination rates in Germany are far too low. In the population, however, the acceptance of influenza vaccinations in this country is still relatively low due to the recurring reports of possible side effects of the vaccines. The course of the current flu epidemic, however, seems relatively moderate even without vaccination quotas of 50 to 60 percent, as they are the rule in Scandinavian countries and in the view of the RKI President Burger would be desirable in the long term for Germany.

Alternatives to the flu vaccine?
Naturopathy relies on strengthening the immune system for protection against flu and colds. The body's defense prevents the penetration of unwanted microorganisms, especially pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Recent research in the field of microbiology has shown that this process in turn countless strains of other bacteria, viruses and fungi are involved. These live in a kind of community and are tolerated because, among other things, they have an immune-stimulating function. So colonize microorganisms skin and mucous membranes and protect them from infection. To support this process, naturopathy knows numerous measures to strengthen the immune system. (fp, sb)

Also read:
Authorities also recommend pregnant women flu vaccine
The business with the flu
Homeopathy for flu
Is the swine flu a reason to panic?

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