Influenza

"The flu"

We offer the flu vaccination to all MHH employees and students every year in the fall as part of a 4-week vaccination campaign (see separate announcement on our website or in the MHH sharepoint).

You can find out more under Flu vaccination.

General information

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease that can cause serious complications and is caused by various influenza viruses. The majority of vaccinated people develop protective antibodies against the virus strains present in the vaccine 2-3 weeks after vaccination. Banal flu-like infections in the sense of a "common cold" are not prevented by the vaccination.

In Germany, influenza infections result in between 2 and 3 million additional visits to the physician every year, and 5,000 to 8,000 cases are fatal. Well-tolerated vaccines are available to protect against influenza and the vaccination must be administered annually. It can prevent up to 90% of adults from contracting influenza.

Who should be vaccinated?

Vaccination is recommended for people with an increased risk of infection due to their occupation or those who can transmit infections to other people themselves. Vaccination is also recommended for people with certain chronic illnesses and older people.

The vaccine

The vaccine is recomposed each year from killed viruses or virus components in accordance with WHO recommendations. The vaccination must therefore be repeated every year.

The time of vaccination

If possible, the vaccination should be given before the start of the cold season, i.e. in the fall.

Side effects and complications

In addition to pain, redness and swelling at the vaccination site, generalized reactions such as fever, chills, headaches and aching limbs may also occur. These symptoms generally subside within 1-2 days without treatment. Painful nerve irritation and sensory disturbances, cramps and platelet deficiency as well as allergic reactions up to and including shock are also rarely observed.

Further information on influenza can be found at: http: //influenza.rki.de