High fever, headache and body aches, dry, hacking cough – these are also symptoms of flu. “After two winters, in which contacts were partially limited due to the corona pandemic and masks were compulsory in many areas, cases of real flu are now increasing once more this year,” writes the district office in a press release. There are also frequent cases of chickenpox.
Influenza is not only an issue from autumn, “this summer, an influenza outbreak with around 30 patients with laboratory diagnostic evidence was identified in a community facility in the district,” writes the district office. A total of 45 cases of influenza have been reported to the health department in 2022.
“The health department is currently also reporting frequent reports of chickenpox infections, which occur in different age groups across the entire district,” the district office continued. In total, there have been 41 chickenpox cases in the Lindau district so far in 2022.
The health department recommends a chickenpox vaccination (varicella vaccination) according to the Stiko vaccination recommendation. Since August 2004, it has recommended vaccination for all children and young people who have not yet had contact with the pathogen. Vaccination is also useful for some adults. “In the event of a chickenpox infection that has not gone through or a lack of vaccination, there is a 16-day ban on entry for siblings or other contact persons in community facilities, for example,” according to the district office.
In the case of real flu, risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill are particularly at risk and should be vaccinated. According to the district office, the flu vaccination should be repeated every year because the influenza viruses change very quickly and the vaccine is regularly adjusted. When vaccinating, the use of a boosted vaccine with a higher dose is recommended for seniors aged 65 and over.
“The vaccination should take place in November so that timely and good protection once morest influenza can be built up,” according to the district office. The flu vaccination is considered to be extremely well tolerated. “Rarely do side effects occur following vaccination,” writes the district office. “These can consist of symptoms such as chills, muscle pain, tiredness or nausea and subside quickly.”
“The real flu, also called influenza, is an acute illness of the respiratory tract,” the press release continues. “It is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease that is caused by flu viruses.” In Germany, flu waves of varying spread and severity occur in the winter months following the turn of the year.
Typical of an influenza caused by a virus is a sudden onset of illness with a fever of over 38.5 degrees, a sore throat, a dry cough and a headache, aching limbs and muscles. In many cases of illness, the sufferers feel very weak and, in the worst case, if the illness progresses severely, the illness can lead to death.
“The flu is very contagious. When sneezing, coughing or speaking, the smallest virus-containing droplets of the nasopharynx of the sick get into the air and can be inhaled by other people in the vicinity. The viruses are also passed on via the hands or objects if they have come into contact with secretions containing the virus.”
That is why personal hygiene is important in addition to the flu vaccination. “Physicians advise washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and then drying your hands with a clean cloth,” according to the district office. “During a flu epidemic, you should avoid shaking hands and keep your distance from people who are sneezing or coughing.”
