The number of influenza cases in Germany is increasing. In the past week, 14,341 cases were reported, reports the working group influenza. The reported cases are only diseases in which the influenza virus was detected in the laboratory. Because not all doctors send samples of their patients to the laboratory, the number of unreported cases should be much higher.
Currently, the number of cases is increasing, especially in Brandenburg, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Also in Bavaria and Hesse are reported more influenza.
17 percent of the influenza patients had to be treated in the hospital. Since September 2018, 74 people have died as a result of a flu infection.
So far, especially so-called influenza A viruses seem to be circulating. In the samples examined, about half of the H1N1 and H3N2 viruses were detected in the laboratory. In the past year, however, a large number of cases went back to so-called influenza B viruses.
How can you protect yourself from flu?
The most important tip is the simplest: frequently wash your hands. Water and normal soap are sufficient, it does not need special antibacterial soap or disinfectant. For all pathogens to be rinsed, palms and finger spaces should be scrubbed for at least 20 seconds.
It is also advisable to keep your hands off your face. If, for example, you have touched a handrail in the subway where viruses were sticking, the subsequent grip on the nose or mouth smooths the pathogens into the body. If possible, it helps to keep your distance from other people and shake a few hands during the flu epidemic.
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Apart from the precautionary measures, there is a vaccine against influenza, which is adjusted every year to the currently circulating pathogens. Because influenza viruses are constantly changing, it does not provide 100% protection. However, the disease is usually more likely to occur in vaccinated individuals than in the uninoculated, reducing the risk of complications.