Heavy flu outbreak Berlin complains 1. fatalities

Heavy flu epidemic: Berlin laments first fatality

07/03/2015

Nationwide, tens of thousands of influenza cases have been reported in recent weeks. The severe flu epidemic has now claimed the first dead in Berlin. Experts fear more deaths from the flu this year.

Measles, chickenpox, influenza: wave of illness in Berlin
The federal capital is currently reporting a lot about health hazards. After measles, chickenpox in Berlin is on the rise. And the flu epidemic, which is currently rolling across Germany, has now claimed the first dead in Berlin. According to a report by the news agency dpa, a 75-year-old man from Steglitz-Zehlendorf died as proven by an influenza infection, according to the latest weekly report of the State Office for Health and Social Affairs. The patient, who had not been vaccinated against the flu, had previously been taken to hospital with a high fever.

Over 50 flu deaths registered in Germany
So far, nearly 1,500 flu cases have been registered in the capital, more than 40,000 nationwide. The authorities are expecting a further increase in new cases. This is also because the vaccine is not 100 percent effective this season, as one of the three influenza viruses has since changed. Over 50 people have died of influenza in Germany this season. However, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) assumes a significant under-reporting of these figures, because only patients who have been proven to have a flu virus as a cause of death in the laboratory are registered.

Ill should stay at home
Health experts have repeatedly pointed out in recent weeks that sufferers can help protect their fellow human beings. So sufferers should stay at home and spread the virus not in kindergarten, at school or at work. If you suffer from ailments such as headache, cough, body aches, chills and fever, you're already in bed anyway. In addition, patients should turn away from the coughing and sneezing of others and keep a handkerchief in front of his mouth and nose. Also frequent and regular hand washing protects against pathogens. According to the RKI, the severe flu epidemic this year is comparable to outbreaks in 2008/09 and 2012/13. At that time, there were an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 flu deaths per season. As reported, these numbers are calculated when winter mortality is significantly above average, and the cause is likely to be a severe flu epidemic. (Ad)