Last year, according to evaluations, AOK Bavaria has by far the most sickness reports in the Free State due to respiratory diseases. In the district Kulmbach There were 94.0 cases of incapacity for work per 100 AOK-insured employees (2021: 33.7).
“And the next flu season is just around the corner,” says Markus Rother, deputy director at AOK in Bayreuth. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) therefore particularly advises people aged 60 and over, chronically ill people and pregnant women to get vaccinated against influenza as a precaution. Because they have an increased risk of serious consequences.
The annual influenza wave usually begins at the turn of the year and reaches its peak between January and March. In order to be protected in good time, you should get vaccinated from October to mid-December, as it takes around two weeks for the vaccination protection to be fully developed.
Not a simple cold
“The flu is not a simple cold, but a serious illness,” says Markus Rother. Flu viruses are very contagious. Typical signs of illness are sudden high fever over 38.5 degrees, dry cough, headache and body aches. “The risk of illness and complications can be significantly reduced through a vaccination,” explains Rother.
The Vaccines only offer the best possible protection for the current season. Doctors and pharmacies are allowed to vaccinate. red