Darrick Robles Have you already had to deal with an infection this autumn? You are not alone in this. Last year we were largely protected against seasonal cold and flu viruses due to the corona protection measures. That could be different in 2021. The Robert Koch Institute and the WHO are therefore calling on certain groups of people to be vaccinated against the flu.
What exactly is seasonal flu?
Influenza, better known as the flu , is a seasonal respiratory disease caused by many different strains of viruses. Like Covid-19 , it is mainly transmitted by droplet infection. The droplets and aerosols produced by coughing and sneezing can spread easily indoors with poor ventilation.
The flu is known as a seasonal infection because it usually spreads from December to March and sometimes causes outbreaks.
How is Corona affecting this year’s flu and cold season?
“Last year there were fewer respiratory viruses circulating in the population due to lockdowns and social distancing. Therefore, our immune system was not exposed to the usual mix of pathogens. It’s likely that fewer people will have natural immunity this year,” explains Dr. Rhianna McClymont, General Practitioner at Med-Healths.
“Because the flu virus is constantly mutating, it’s very unlikely to achieve herd immunity here.” It is difficult to predict how the 2021/22 flu season will develop. This year we have more social contacts again and therefore have to be a little more careful. In addition to the flu vaccination, there are also the well-known corona protective measures (distance, hygiene, mask, airing) that can protect against infection and prevent spread.
Who should get vaccinated against the flu?
The flu is not a simple cold , but a very serious illness. Up to 60,000 people over the age of 65 die from influenza each year. According to the recommendation of the STIKO (Standing Vaccination Committee), everyone who has an increased risk of a severe course of the disease should be vaccinated . These include, among others
- all over 60
- Pregnant women from the 2nd trimester and
- People with underlying diseases such as lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases or diabetes .
In addition, the STIKO recommends the flu vaccination for
- anyone living in a household with a vulnerable person,
- medical staff as well
- everyone who has to deal with a large number of people at work.
When should I get vaccinated against the flu?
In Germany, the flu epidemic has usually started after the New Year in recent years. If you want to get vaccinated, it is best to do so before the flu outbreak begins. After the vaccination, it takes another 10 to 14 days for your body to build up sufficient immune protection. The ideal time for a flu vaccination is therefore between October and mid-December. How long an influenza epidemic lasts can never be predicted exactly.
How much does the flu shot cost?
The health insurance companies or private health insurance companies cover the costs of the flu vaccination for all groups of people mentioned.
In healthy adults under the age of 60 and children, influenza usually has no serious complications. That is why the STIKO does not make any general vaccination recommendations for everyone.
Even if you do not belong to one of the risk groups, your health insurance company may partially or completely reimburse you for the costs. So it’s worth asking.
How well and for how long does the flu vaccine work?
However, the effectiveness of the vaccine may vary from year to year. It depends on what types of influenza viruses are circulating, but also on the age and state of health of those who have been vaccinated. On average, the flu vaccine prevents about 60 percent of infections in healthy 18- to 64-year-olds. In addition, it protects against a serious course of the disease.
Vaccination usually provides protection for the entire flu season. However, because influenza viruses are constantly changing, different virus strains can circulate every year. That’s why flu vaccines are updated every year. For the best possible protection, you should get vaccinated every winter.
How safe are the vaccines?
Flu vaccines have been used for over 50 years and have been given to millions of people. Before being approved in Germany, each vaccine is carefully tested by the Paul Ehrlich Institute, the Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedical Drugs. Therefore, vaccines against the flu are considered extremely safe.
You can find an overview of the vaccines approved for 2021/2022 on the Paul Ehrlich Institute website . You can find out exactly how vaccines work here.
Does the flu shot have side effects?
The vaccines are usually well tolerated. In some cases, vaccination reactions can occur as the body deals with the vaccine: mild pain, redness and swelling in the arm
Occasionally, cold symptoms occur, but these disappear within 1 to 2 days:
When should I see a doctor if I have flu or cold symptoms?
If you suspect you have the flu, you should seek medical advice. This is especially true for symptoms like
- high fever over 39° C,
- Chills,
- severe headache,
- a stiff neck
- vomit n or
- chest pain.
Our doctors can help you to classify the symptoms correctly and advise you on treatment options. For severe symptoms such as shortness of breath (rapid, shallow breathing or shortness of breath), call emergency services on 112.
