You can prevent a normal flu (influenza) with a high probability by a flu vaccination. The vaccination is usually well tolerated, but there may be side effects such as pain at the injection site and fatigue and fever. The procedure is particularly recommended for risk groups such as the elderly, people with certain underlying diseases or pregnant women. In many cases, the costs are covered by the health insurance. We inform you extensively about the flu vaccination and reveal whether it makes sense.
Is a flu vaccination useful?
The flu is a contagious viral disease that spreads by droplet infection (through coughing or sneezing). It is characterized by typical symptoms that, unlike a cold, are usually sudden and severe. These include:
- (sometimes high) fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Sweats
- Chills
The real flu – unlike a cold – can be a serious illness. If it runs uncomplicated, the symptoms last up to a week. In a severe course, however, influenza can cause pneumonia or other complications and subsequently be fatal. Such severe courses mainly affect older people, pregnant women or people with pre-existing conditions. These particularly vulnerable individuals are referred to as risk groups.
How dangerous is influenza?
How many people die from influenza each year can vary widely among flu outbreaks. In addition, deaths from influenza are not accurately recorded, but are estimated using statistical methods. Depending on which flu viruses are going around in a flu season, the number of deaths can be in the hundreds or over 20,000, according to the Robert Koch Institute. The 2017/2018 flu season was estimated to have claimed the lives of about 25,100 people in Germany. The only way to safely prevent influenza is vaccination. This is particularly recommended for certain risk groups to prevent the development of complications. In addition, people who are successfully vaccinated against the flu also cannot spread the disease further.
Flu vaccination: when and how often?
Influenza vaccination does not provide long-term protection, but must be repeated every year. This is because the flu virus is constantly changing its surface and the vaccine must be adjusted because of this. A single injection is sufficient for complete flu protection. About 90 percent of all illnesses can be prevented by vaccination, or a milder course can be achieved. It is important to get vaccinated early – ideally before the flu season begins. The ideal time is from September to November. Until you are safely protected, it takes about 14 days.
High-risk groups should get vaccinated
For young, healthy people, flu is usually not dangerous. On the other hand, for those who belong to a risk group, the flu can be a life-threatening illness. In this case, there is an increased likelihood of complications such as pneumonia or myocarditis. For this reason, flu vaccination is definitely advisable for people who belong to such a risk group. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends flu vaccination for the following groups:
- Persons over 60 years
- Residents of retirement and nursing homes
- Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy.
- Children and adults with certain underlying diseases such as:
- Cardiovascular disease (hypertension, angina pectoris, etc.).
- Chronic lung diseases (asthma or COPD).
- Metabolic diseases (diabetes)
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Neurological diseases (for example, multiple sclerosis).
- Disorders of the immune system (for example, as a result of leukemia, after an organ transplant or by HIV).
Apart from the aforementioned groups of people, flu vaccination is also useful for people who come into contact with other people a lot and thus have an increased risk of infection. These include professional groups such as doctors and nurses, caregivers, bus drivers, teachers and salespeople.Vaccination may also be advisable for people who could put others at risk, for example because they care for or live in a household with members of a high-risk group.
Vaccinating during pregnancy
To date, there is no evidence that influenza vaccination during pregnancy may pose a risk to the mother and her unborn child. Nevertheless, the risk of vaccination should be weighed against the risk of infection in individual cases. However, because it is a dead vaccine, there is no risk of contracting the disease. In general, it is recommended that pregnant women be vaccinated beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy. If the expectant mother has an underlying disease, vaccination is recommended from the first trimester of pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers can also be vaccinated against influenza. This indirectly helps to protect their baby, as the mother can thus not infect the infant.
Vaccination for infants not necessary
Children can be vaccinated against influenza from the age of six months. However, this is not usually necessary. It is true that the immune system in infants and children is not yet fully developed, which is why children are more likely to suffer from colds and other infections. However, it is important to allow such illnesses so that the immune system is trained. If there is an increased health risk due to certain pre-existing conditions, on the other hand, the flu vaccination is also recommended for children by the STIKO.
Influenza vaccination and the Corona pandemic
Flu vaccination cannot protect against infection with the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus. Nevertheless, influenza vaccination may be advisable in at-risk groups to avoid double infection, that is, simultaneous infection with both pathogens, as this would place a great burden on the body. In addition, a vaccination makes it possible to rule out the presence of influenza more quickly when corresponding symptoms occur. It also helps to avoid unnecessary testing and quarantine as a result of influenza cases mistaken for COVID-19. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) advocates not extending the recommendation for vaccination to the entire population. Instead, according to the Robert Koch Institute’s assessment, vaccination should continue to focus on high-risk groups.
Side effects of influenza vaccination
The flu vaccine is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects may include mild skin irritation (redness), swelling, and pain at the injection site. In addition, symptoms such as fatigue, increased body temperature, fatigue, muscle and limb pain or gastrointestinal complaints may occur in the first three days after vaccination. These symptoms usually subside within two days. The flu vaccination usually has no other side effects. Only one in 1,000 vaccinated persons experienced allergic reactions to the skin or bronchial tubes. Contrary to the false assumption often expressed, the vaccination cannot cause influenza. People who are allergic to chicken egg protein should be sure to tell your doctor. Because the vaccine contains chicken egg protein, allergy sufferers may experience severe complications. Consult your primary care physician to determine whether or not vaccination is possible for you.
Flu vaccine not for colds
If you have a cold on your vaccination date, it is better to have the vaccination done at another time. This is because the procedure weakens the immune system, making it more susceptible to other pathogens. If the immune system is already attacked by the cold, you should not put it under additional strain. Only go back to the doctor when you are completely healthy. By the way: A flu vaccination does not protect against a cold! This can show similar symptoms, but is caused by other viruses.
Health insurance covers the costs
In many cases, the health insurance company covers the cost of the flu vaccination. However, some insurance companies only pay if the vaccination was recommended by the Permanent Vaccination Commission (STIKO), that is, if you belong to a risk group. If this is not the case, you have to bear the costs yourself or at least pay a co-payment. The cost is around 20 to 35 euros.
How the flu vaccine works
The flu vaccine is a dead vaccine.This contains attenuated flu viruses that cannot trigger the disease itself. However, contact with the weakened viruses causes the organism to produce antibodies. If flu viruses now try to enter the body, they can be fought directly by the antibodies and an infection can thus be prevented or at least mitigated. In addition, a live influenza vaccine is approved for use in Germany, which is administered as a nasal spray. It can be used in children aged two to 17 years.
