Who should get vaccinated against the flu?

Apothekerkammer Bremen recommends immunization in the autumn months

Think of winter, cold and flu in the currently warm temperatures? It would be important - because the next flu epidemic is determined. The fact that real influenza in Germany can still end in death is confirmed by the figures: The influenza season 2017/2018 was the strongest of the past decades. More than 300,000 people fell ill with the infection, and around 1,000 patients died as a result.

Therefore, doctors and also the pharmacy chamber Bremen advise to be vaccinated in time to minimize the risk - especially for people over 65, pregnant women and children, the issue is relevant.

When autumn brings cooler temperatures back to Bremen, the next cough and cold is not far away. Cold symptoms such as fatigue, cough, runny nose and feeling cold then make themselves felt. After a few days of protection, those affected are usually healthy again. On the other hand, proper flu manifests itself as a high fever, headache and body aches, cough and sore throat. "Most survive the disease without major complications. However, it can weaken the immune system in such a way that patients additionally suffer from lung or, more rarely, brain or heart muscle inflammation, "warns. Stefan Schwenzer, board member of the Pharmacists Bremen.

In order to recognize a proper flu, the family doctor can perform a near-patient test, the result is determined after 15 minutes. If there is an influenza, the proof of influenza must be reported in accordance with the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). "The infection takes place quickly and happens via droplet infection. If a sick person releases the pathogens by sneezing or coughing, bystanders easily breathe these viruses, "says Schwenzer. Even through direct contact such as shaking hands or kissing there is a risk of infection. The influenza viruses survive in the air for several hours, at low temperatures correspondingly longer. For this reason, a transmission over contaminated door handles, light switches, bills or handles in buses and trains is possible.

When a vaccination makes sense

According to experts, at most 50 percent of people are vaccinated against influenza, for which immunization is recommended. These include, according to the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO), for example, adults who have chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases or complaints of the kidneys, liver or nervous system. People with metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, diseases of the immune system or the blood as well as persons with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency or an HIV infection are also included. In addition, according to STIKO pregnant women from the 2nd trimester, children from six years, women and men over 60 years and residents of retirement and nursing homes should be vaccinated.

The same applies to all those who are exposed to an increased risk of infection, professionally or privately. For the upcoming flu season, the STIKO recommends a quadruple vaccine for the first time - with two components each against the A- and B-lines of the influenza virus, since in the past season a surprising number of people contracted a B-line that was not included in the triple vaccine. Now also cash patients get the quadruple dose. Important to know: "A 100 percent certainty that you do not catch the flu is not given by the vaccine," says the pharmacist. Nevertheless, the spades make sense.

"Studies show that a flu shot benefits. The protective effect is up to 80 percent in young adults and 40 to 60 percent in older adults. If it nevertheless comes to the infection, the illness runs much more easily - usually without stay in the hospital.

The best time

If you decide to have a flu shot, it's best to make an appointment in October or November. After the injection, it takes 10 to 14 days for the vaccine protection to be completely complete. "If patients still get influenza, free painkillers available in the pharmacy such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or paracetamol relieve the headache and fever. Help against the cough and cold inhale, nasal spray, throat drops and cough drops and juice, "said pharmacist Schwenzer. In addition, sufferers should keep bed rest and drink a lot. In addition, there is the possibility of the doctor antiviral drugs, known as neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir and zanamivir, get prescribed. Ingested early, they reduce both the duration and the severity of the disease. (Sb)