Don't forget your flu shot

A Flu is highly contagious and can be a danger for old, sick and weakened people as well as pregnant women. A flu vaccination can stop the spread of the virus.

The season has begun. Currently, the number of flu patients (seasonal Influenza) weekly, say the doctors. Even if the numbers are not yet high, it is certain that in winter - usually around the turn of the year and the winter months - the waiting rooms will be full again with flu patients. Therefore, now is the time to Flu shotto actively participate in the spread of the flu virus and at the same time protect yourself against it

Flu vaccination to protect the community

Because one Flu is much more than a flu-like effect, which is equivalent to a bad cold. The flu has to be endured. Once it has broken out, there are only remedies to alleviate the symptoms. For a healthy person, this is usually not a problem, but for those with a weakened immune system, it is dangerous, as serious secondary diseases such as pneumonia are not uncommon. Therefore, doctors and health authorities recommend early flu vaccination. The more people participate, the better. In keeping with the motto "Don't give the virus a chance", the risk of spreading the flu is significantly reduced during the flu season if there is widespread vaccination against the flu. Because if they infect people in the risk groups, the consequences can be fatal or even deadly, as has been shown by observations in recent years, when hospitals were full of Flupatients.

Who is the flu vaccination suitable for

But despite these experiences, the number of flu vaccinations is still relatively low. The recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute are clear. People over 60, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, residents of old people's and nursing homes, people who live with people in risk groups, people with an increased occupational risk such as those in the health sector, in daycare centers, schools or with large amounts of public traffic should be vaccinated. Only recently, at the international flu conference in Riga, it was also recommended that children be included in the list of recommendations for flu vaccination. After all, they are the main carriers of the virus in society. However, the Robert Koch Institute has not yet adopted this recommendation.

Flu vaccination is generally well tolerated

The fear of unpleasant side effects from the flu vaccination is unfounded. A lot has been done in terms of tolerability. The new active ingredients are designed in such a way that no one needs to be afraid of getting the flu from the vaccination, because the live vaccine cannot cause influenza. However, in order for the vaccine to be effective, an annual vaccination is necessary. Because the virus strains adapt, the vaccine is constantly being adapted accordingly. The vaccination itself is given in every general practice carried out and covered by the health insurance company. We will be happy to advise you during our consultation hours and at the same time check your vaccination record for your safety.