The annual flu wave has arrived earlier than usual in Germany according to the country’s leading health institute, but there’s still time to protect yourself with a flu shot.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has officially declared the start of Germany’s flu season, with critical detection thresholds surpassed since late November.
This marks an earlier onset than in previous years, with the start of the flu season starting two to three weeks ahead of what’s typically expected, according to RKI experts.
In the week ending December 7th, laboratories across the country confirmed 5,209 cases of influenza – double the previous week’s tally. The total number of respiratory infections, including flu, coronavirus and common colds, is notably higher than last year, with an estimated 7.2 million new cases in the first week of December alone.
In Germany, the RKI examines samples from people with acute respiratory diseases, collected through a network known as the sentinel system.
These samples are then tested for the presence of influenza A or B viruses. If flu viruses are detected in more than ten percent of the tested samples, this surpasses the critical threshold used by the RKI to officially declare the onset of widespread flu activity in Germany.
Typical flu symptoms include sudden fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, aching limbs, headaches and a general feeling of illness.
READ ALSO: Should you get a flu shot in Germany before the winter season?
Dominant strains and vaccine effectiveness
The RKI’s surveillance reveals that two main influenza subtypes are circulating: A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09. About one-third of cases are attributed to the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain, which this year’s flu vaccine combats very effectively.
But experts suspect that the A(H3N2) variant, responsible for two-thirds of infections, is less well covered by the current vaccine, particularly among younger people who have had less exposure to the antigen.
Despite this, experts stress that vaccination remains crucial as it continues to offer robust protection against severe complications such as pneumonia.
The RKI recommends that risk groups – those aged 60 and over, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and healthcare workers – should ensure they are vaccinated.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (Stiko) also encourages anyone else to get the jab, noting there are no contraindications for the general population.
Similar recommendations apply to covid vaccines, and should you want to get a booster for that you can ask your doctor or visit a pharmacy provides vaccines.
Practical advice and further information
With respiratory infections at a high level, including a moderate increase in coronavirus cases, it’s wise to take extra precautions.
Residents are advised to monitor symptoms closely, seek medical advice if needed and consider vaccination as soon as possible.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
