Bremen Health Senator Claudia Bernhard, Together with the Bremen Medical Association and the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Urges Flu Vaccination This Year

Flu cases surge in Germany as health officials push winter vaccinations

Over the past two years, the coronavirus pandemic led to significantly more protective measures during the autumn and winter months—measures that guarded not only against COVID-19 but also other viral illnesses such as influenza, commonly known as the flu. Many of these precautions have now been lifted, and as a result, flu cases are on the rise once again. "We are already seeing a sharp increase in influenza cases in the state of Bremen and across Germany," says Claudia Bernhard. "The risk of severe illness from the flu can be substantially reduced through vaccination. That is why I strongly recommend that all Bremen residents in high-risk groups get their flu shot. Above all, during the cold season, we must prevent two waves of infection from converging—to protect our health and avoid placing even greater strain on our healthcare system."

Last year, general practitioners in Bremen and Bremerhaven administered around 116,000 seasonal flu vaccinations. "Physicians are ready once again this year and remain the first point of contact for vaccinations," emphasize Dr. Bernhard Rochell and Peter Kurt Josenhans, board members of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Bremen. "COVID-19 vaccines and inactivated vaccines like the flu shot can be given at the same time. So the message is clear: Protect yourself twice!" Dr. Johannes Grundmann, President of the Bremen Medical Association, adds: "A flu infection can also lead to severe complications or even be fatal—especially for people with chronic illnesses and the elderly. So my appeal to you is this: Don't neglect your flu protection—get vaccinated, just as I have!"

At-Risk Groups and Symptoms

High-risk groups include: - Individuals aged 60 and older - People with chronic underlying conditions - Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities - Medical personnel - Those working in settings with extensive public contact - Close contacts of high-risk individuals (cocooning strategy) - Pregnant women

Particularly vulnerable are those with chronic respiratory diseases, heart or circulatory conditions, diabetes, or other metabolic disorders.

Common symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, sore throat, severe weakness, cough, sudden onset of illness, and muscle aches. In some cases, influenza can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (including secondary infections), worsening of chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular events (including stroke or heart attack), and—though rare—encephalitis, myocarditis, or middle ear infections in children. In severe cases or among those with serious pre-existing conditions, influenza can even be fatal.

Transmission and Vaccination

The number of flu-related deaths fluctuates dramatically from year to year, ranging from several hundred to over 20,000. The virus primarily spreads through droplet infection but can also be transmitted via contaminated hands and surfaces. A common route of infection involves direct hand contact with surfaces contaminated by virus-laden secretions, followed by touching the mouth or nose (e.g., through handshakes, door handles, or handrails). In Germany, 2,252 influenza cases have been reported so far this flu season (as of week 41, October 10–16, 2022). In the state of Bremen, nine cases have been recorded to date (also as of week 41).

Anyone can receive a flu vaccination from their doctor—whether a general practitioner, internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist. Most vaccinations are administered in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatric, or women's health practices. If you want to protect yourself against the flu, you should speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated well before the flu season begins. They will advise you on the vaccination, take any pre-existing conditions into account, and ensure there are no acute illnesses that would make vaccination inadvisable.