The term “flu” is commonly used to refer to all kinds of acute diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
However, the extent of a “classic” influenza epidemic is unknown to most of the population.
The WHO and the vast majority of experts believe that an increased incidence of influenza can already be expected in the foreseeable future.

Virus transmission occurs via droplets. However, transmission can also occur through contact with viruses that adhere to objects. The course of the disease varies at different ages. Particularly feared is the less common influenza pneumonia (pneumonia caused by the influenza virus) and the more common bacterial pneumonia that occurs later in the course of the disease. Pericarditis and myocarditis are rare complications. Severe courses of the disease are observed mainly in older persons or in persons already weakened by other diseases. Because of the changing characteristics of influenza viruses, annual vaccination with a vaccine of current composition recommended by the WHO is necessary.

The vaccine is an inactivated dead vaccine. Vaccines are available that are produced on chicken eggs or on a cell culture basis. For Germany, the use of a quadruple vaccine is generally recommended. This contains 2 influenza A and 2 influenza B strains.

Who should get vaccinated?

  • Persons over 60 years of age,
  • Persons with a health risk due to an underlying condition (e.g., chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, immunodeficiency, HIV infection),
  • All pregnant women from the 2nd trimester, in case of special health risk already in the 1st trimester
  • Individuals providing care to the aforementioned (e.g., medical and nursing personnel, family members, etc.),
  • Persons in facilities with extensive public traffic.

Timing of vaccination:

Annual vaccination in the period from the end of October.

Common vaccine reactions:

Well tolerated if contraindications are observed, occasionally redness and swelling at the vaccination site, less frequently general reactions such as malaise, fatigue, headache, muscle and limb pain.