This year’s Oktoberfest starts on September 21st. While the anticipation of the tent, beer and chicken is growing, a less pleasant aspect is also an integral part of the Oktoberfest for Munich: the hodgepodge of respiratory infections known as “Wiesn flu”, which afflicts half of Munich after the Oktoberfest. In addition to cold viruses, this also includes the real flu (influenza) and Sars-CoV-2. Vaccines are available against the real flu and against corona – so would it be worth getting vaccinated against it now before the Oktoberfest?
What is the benefit of a vaccination against the real flu or corona?
Table of Contents
- 1 What is the benefit of a vaccination against the real flu or corona?
- 2 Is it worth getting vaccinated before the Oktoberfest?
- 3 After the Oktoberfest is before the Oktoberfest: When is the right time for a vaccination?
- 4 … and how do I avoid the Oktoberfest flu?
- 5 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title **Oktoberfest 2024: What to Expect and How to Stay Healthy**:
- 6 – What hygiene practices can help prevent the Wiesn flu during Oktoberfest?
Table of Contents
- 1 What is the benefit of a vaccination against the real flu or corona?
- 2 Is it worth getting vaccinated before the Oktoberfest?
- 3 After the Oktoberfest is before the Oktoberfest: When is the right time for a vaccination?
- 4 … and how do I avoid the Oktoberfest flu?
- 5 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title **Oktoberfest 2024: What to Expect and How to Stay Healthy**:
“Regardless of the Oktoberfest, older and chronically ill people should be vaccinated against Covid-19 and influenza,” says Christoph Spinner, head of infectious diseases at the Klinikum rechts der Isar at the Technical University of Munich. The reason for this is that the vaccinations are intended to prevent a serious course of the disease, which primarily affects chronically ill and elderly people over 60 years of age. Therefore, people in the environment of chronically ill people and people working in the healthcare sector should also be vaccinated.
Neither a flu vaccination nor a corona vaccination provides complete protection against infection. However, the corona vaccination reduces the risk of infection by about half, even in people who are neither old nor chronically ill. With flu vaccinations, the protection against infection varies because flu viruses change from year to year.
Is it worth getting vaccinated before the Oktoberfest?
“The protective effect takes about one week and ten days to take effect,” says Christoph Spinner. “That means that a vaccination immediately one day before visiting the Oktoberfest has no effect – but one week before it does.”
However, both vaccinations are only reimbursed by the health insurance company if there are chronic diseases that affect the immune system or for people over 60 years of age. However, many employers offer their employees both vaccinations. If your family doctor does not offer vaccinations, there are also specialist facilities with vaccination consultation hours. It is possible to get both vaccinations at the same time.
After the Oktoberfest is before the Oktoberfest: When is the right time for a vaccination?
Respiratory infections occur much more frequently in the winter months because conditions are better for the pathogens to spread. Anyone who wants to get vaccinated against the flu or Covid-19 outside of Oktoberfest should do so seasonally in the fall: For Covid-19, Christoph Spinner recommends a vaccination in September or October. For flu vaccinations, however, November to early December is a good time because the flu wave usually only occurs in January. The vaccination protection lasts reliably for three to four months.
… and how do I avoid the Oktoberfest flu?
Beyond vaccinations against the real flu or Covid-19, which reduce the risk of infection by half, there is not much that a keen Oktoberfest visitor can do to protect themselves against the Wiesn flu: “There are no magic tricks for the immune system,” says Christoph Spinner. “Randomized studies have never shown that the preventive intake of vitamins or other preparations reduces respiratory infections accordingly.” Of course, there is one last option: not to go to the Oktoberfest at all. That is exactly what is recommended for people who have a respiratory infection: they should stay at home so as not to infect other people at the Oktoberfest and thus contribute to the spread of the “Wiesn flu.”
Oktoberfest 2024: What to Expect and How to Stay Healthy
As the world’s largest folk festival, Oktoberfest, approaches, excitement is building in Munich, Germany. From September 21 to October 6, 2024, the city will come alive with parades, concerts, and of course, plenty of beer and delicious food [[1]]. However, along with the revelry comes a less pleasant aspect of Oktoberfest – the “Wiesn flu”, a hodgepodge of respiratory infections that affects half of Munich after the festival.
What is the “Wiesn flu” and how can you protect yourself?
The “Wiesn flu” is a catch-all term for the range of respiratory infections that spread quickly during Oktoberfest, including cold viruses, influenza, and Sars-CoV-2. While there is no surefire way to avoid the “Wiesn flu” entirely, getting vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19 can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
The Benefits of Vaccination
According to Christoph Spinner, head of infectious diseases at the Klinikum rechts der Isar at the Technical University of Munich, vaccinations are essential for older and chronically ill people, as well as those in their environment and healthcare workers. The vaccinations can prevent a serious course of the disease, which primarily affects chronically ill and elderly people over 60 years of age.
While neither flu nor corona vaccinations provide complete protection against infection, they can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Corona vaccination, in particular, can cut the risk of infection by about half, even in people who are neither old nor chronically ill.
Is it Worth Getting Vaccinated Before Oktoberfest?
Christoph Spinner recommends getting vaccinated at least one week before visiting Oktoberfest to ensure the protective effect takes hold. However, it’s essential to note that both vaccinations are only reimbursed by health insurance companies if there are chronic diseases that affect the immune system or for people over 60 years of age. Many employers offer their employees both vaccinations, and specialist facilities with vaccination consultation hours are also available.
When is the Right Time for a Vaccination?
In addition to getting vaccinated before Oktoberfest, it’s essential to consider the timing of vaccinations in general. Respiratory infections occur more frequently in the winter months, making it an ideal time to get vaccinated. For Covid-19, Christoph Spinner recommends a vaccination in September or October, while for flu vaccinations, November to early December is a good time.
Additional Tips to Avoid the “Wiesn flu”
Beyond vaccinations, there are additional measures you can take to reduce the risk of infection:
Frequent handwashing and sanitizing
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Get enough rest and maintain a healthy diet
By taking these precautions and getting vaccinated, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to the “Wiesn flu” and make the most of your Oktoberfest experience.
References:
– What hygiene practices can help prevent the Wiesn flu during Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest 2024: What to Expect and How to Stay Healthy
As the world’s largest folk festival, Oktoberfest, approaches on September 21st, Munich is buzzing with excitement. However, amidst the anticipation of beer tents, traditional German food, and lively music, there’s a less pleasant aspect that’s inherently linked to the celebration: the infamous “Wiesn flu.” This hodgepodge of respiratory infections affects nearly half of Munich’s population after the Oktoberfest, including cold viruses, influenza, and Sars-CoV-2.
With vaccines available against influenza and COVID-19, it raises the question: is it worth getting vaccinated before the Oktoberfest?
What is the benefit of a vaccination against the real flu or corona?
According to Christoph Spinner, head of infectious diseases at the Klinikum rechts der Isar at the Technical University of Munich, older and chronically ill people should be vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza, regardless of the Oktoberfest. The primary goal of these vaccinations is to prevent severe illness, which disproportionately affects chronically ill and elderly individuals over 60 years old. People in their environment and those working in the healthcare sector should also consider getting vaccinated.
While neither flu nor corona vaccinations provide complete protection against infection, they do offer significant benefits. Corona vaccination reduces the risk of infection by about half, even in people who are neither old nor chronically ill. Flu vaccinations, on the other hand, offer varying protection against infection, as flu viruses change from year to year.
Is it worth getting vaccinated before the Oktoberfest?
Christoph Spinner advises that the protective effect of vaccinations takes about one week and ten days to take effect. This means that getting vaccinated immediately before visiting the Oktoberfest has no effect, but one week before it does. While both vaccinations are only reimbursed by health insurance companies for individuals with chronic diseases that affect the immune system or those over 60 years old, many employers offer their employees these vaccinations as a precautionary measure. If your family doctor doesn’t offer vaccinations, specialist facilities with vaccination consultation hours are available, and it’s possible to get both vaccinations at the same time.
After the Oktoberfest is before the Oktoberfest: When is the right time for a vaccination?
Respiratory infections occur more frequently during winter months, making it an ideal time to get vaccinated against the flu or COVID-19. For COVID-19, Christoph Spinner recommends vaccination in September or October. For flu vaccinations, the ideal time is usually in October or November, before the peak flu season.
… and how do I avoid the Oktoberfest flu?
While vaccination is an essential step in preventing respiratory infections, there are additional measures you can take to minimize your risk:
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Get enough rest to keep your immune system strong.
Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others.
By taking these precautions and considering vaccination, you can enjoy the Oktoberfest festivities while minimizing your risk of falling victim to the Wiesn flu.
People Also Ask:
What are the benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza?
Who should get vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza?
How long does it take for vaccinations to take effect?
Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza at the same time?
What are the risks of not getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza?
By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can ensure a fun and healthy Oktoberfest experience for yourself and those around you. Prost!
