Increased flu instances in Bremen prompt health official's call for immediate vaccination among at-risk populations
Updated Article:
Spikes in Acute Respiratory Illnesses Prompt Vaccination Advice
Acute respiratory illnesses are on the rise, per the health department's latest report. Notably, the number of flu cases has surged.
Consequently, the nationwide influenza cases for the fifth week amounted to 48,858 - a whopping 16,806 more than the week prior. In Bremen alone, 162 flu cases were reported - a massive increase of 77 cases compared to the previous week. These figures mark unprecedented highs in Bremen. However, it's likely that an unaccounted-for number, known as the "dark figure," is in play.
In response to this surge, Claudia Bernhard, Senator for Health, Women, and Consumer Protection, urges high-risk groups to get vaccinated against both flu and pneumococci. "Older folks must prioritize complete vaccination protection, as the immune system tends to weaken with age, making infections more severe," she emphasizes, encouraging these groups to take advantage of available vaccination offers and seek medical advice.
Are You at Risk?
In addition to seniors aged 60 and above and nursing home residents, individuals with chronic health issues, healthcare workers, people in high-traffic facilities, individuals close to high-risk folks (adopting a 'cocoon strategy'), and pregnant women are advised to get vaccinated against both flu and pneumococci.
Staying Respiratory Disease-Free
To minimize the risk of respiratory infections, the health department proposes these precautions:
- Maintain distance from individuals showing symptoms of acute respiratory infections.
- Mask-wearing indoors can be beneficial, particularly for people with heightened health risks during the cold and flu season.
- On the flip side, those displaying respiratory symptoms should wear masks to safeguard others.
- Opt for home isolation of three to five days, during which time direct contact with others, especially those with a higher risk of severe illness, should be minimized, when suffering symptoms of a respiratory infection.
- Regularly ventilate closed spaces.
- Frequent and thorough hand washings with soap can reduce disease transmission.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with your hands to prevent pathogen entry through mucous membranes.
- Use a tissue or your arm as a barrier when coughing or sneezing, and turn away from others.
Detailed information on vaccination can be found on the RKI website and at www.nali-impfen.de.
Stock photo: The health senator advocates for high-risk groups to get vaccinated against flu and pneumococci.
Image source: AdobeStock / and.one
Enrichment Data Insights: Influenza vaccination is often recommended for a wide range of individuals, including those aged 6 months and older, especially those aged 65 years or older, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases. Pneumococcal vaccination is typically suggested for adults aged 65 years or older, children under 2 years, individuals with certain chronic conditions, and specific populations including those with compromised immune systems. For accurate, country-specific recommendations, consult local health guidelines.
- To combat the rise in acute respiratory illnesses and chronic diseases, it's crucial to prioritize vaccination against both flu and pneumococci, especially for high-risk groups like seniors, those with medical conditions, healthcare workers, and pregnant women.
- Science has shown that Apart from vaccination, adopting good health and wellness habits, such as practicing fitness and exercise, maintaining mental health, and proper nutrition, can help strengthen one's immune system, reducing the risk of succumbing to respiratory infections.
- Its also important to consider alternative therapies and treatments, like CBD, which have been shown to provide relief for certain medical conditions while minimizing potential side effects of traditional medications.
- In addition to vaccination, following precautions like wearing masks, maintaining distance, and regular hand washing can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
- For comprehensive information on vaccination schedules, guidelines, and resources, visit the RKI website or www.nali-impfen.de.
