Severe flu epidemic survived a total of almost 7000 cases

In the 2014/2015 season, the flu has struck much more frequently than usual. With regard to the coming influenza season, however, this also has advantages: the next could be comparatively mild.

Fierce flu epidemic for years
Finally it is over! As the news agency dpa reports, the Saxony hitchhikers have survived one of the most severe flu epidemic in years. The Ministry of Health informed on request that doctors' offices reported 6,624 illnesses to the responsible health authorities by the beginning of May. This was nearly 14 times as many cases as in the relatively quiet season last year (479 cases). Thus, the number was only slightly below the peak value from the flu season 2012/2013. At that time, the authorities counted 7,040 cases.

Influenza virus especially strong. (Image: zuki70 / fotolia)

A fierce season is followed by a comparatively mild one
According to health experts, the flu season runs from the end of September or the beginning of October (40th calendar week) to the beginning of May (completion of the 19th calendar week). Health Ministry spokesman Holger Paech said there was a certain rhythm over the years: "A heavy season is followed by a comparatively mild one, and the year after that, the flu bumps all the more." The flu viruses are constantly genetically predated change.

Weaker efficacy of the vaccine
The vaccine had been in the expired flu season partly violent criticism. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin had acknowledged that one of the three active virus types had to be expected to have a weaker efficacy. The Barmer GEK, which takes over the purchase of the flu vaccine centrally in Saxony-Anhalt for all health insurances, had indicated that at the beginning of the year about 30 percent of the people in the country were vaccinated. Health experts such as the RKI advise people from high risk groups, such as those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular disease, senior citizens or medical staff, to get vaccinated.

Weekly and infectious disease
Unlike the common cold, influenza influenza is a weeks-long and contagious disease. It manifests itself among other things by high fever, joint and limb pain, chills, headache and cough. For the elderly and chronically ill with a weakened immune system, an influenza infection can even be life-threatening, resulting in fatalities. To prevent the flu, experts advise to pay attention to a good hand hygiene and to strengthen the immune system. (Ad)