Prophylaxis
Since the illness with influenza viruses can be not only unpleasant but even very dangerous, it is advisable to avoid the outbreak of the disease itself. The only really effective method of preventing an illness with influenza viruses is vaccination against them. However, since certain groups of influenza viruses have a high mutation rate, a new vaccine must be developed at regular intervals to protect against most influenza viruses.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) has issued a recommendation for annual boosters of influenza vaccination for certain risk groups. These risk groups include: The costs of the vaccination are usually covered by statutory or private insurance companies. Each individual must decide for himself/herself how to carry out a vaccination.
People who do not belong to these risk groups are not advised against vaccination against influenza viruses. However, since the immune system of these groups of people is in most cases able to fight off the disease on its own, the urgency of the vaccination is to be classified as lower. Overall, the data of the Robert Koch Institute show that in the 2009/10 season about 26.6% of the adult population was vaccinated against the influenza virus.
The figures in the individual risk groups are slightly higher, but do not meet the targets of the European Union, which aims to achieve a vaccination rate of, for example, older persons over 60 out of 75%. Other measures that can prevent an illness with influenza viruses include personal hygiene. Especially washing and disinfecting the hands several times a day can efficiently prevent an infection with the viruses.
Persons who have an increased risk profile should be particularly careful in contact with sick persons and take precautions that can prevent infection. These include, for example, wearing a mouth guard.Persons in whom vaccination against the virus is no longer possible for various reasons (for example, due to a severely weakened immune system) can be treated with neuraminidase inhibitors as prophylaxis. Side effects often occur after flu vaccinations.
- All persons over 60 years
- All pregnant women who are pregnant during the influenza season
- Persons who, due to certain previous illnesses, would be at risk of contracting influenza viruses
- Residents of old people’s homes or nursing homes
- People who are at greater risk of falling ill (e.g. medical staff) or who have a higher risk of infecting other people (e.g. teachers)
- As well as people who are in contact with poultry or wild birds
