Don't forget your flu jab
City health department offers vaccination against influenza from 20 October
Autumn is also the time to get vaccinated against the flu (influenza) that occurs every year in the winter months. The City of Chemnitz Health Department has announced that vaccination against seasonal influenza will start on Monday, 20 October 2014. In addition to general practitioners and company doctors, the city's health department in Am Rathaus 8, room 240 will be offering vaccinations at the following times:
Monday: 8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 3.30 pm
Tuesday: 8 am to 12 pm
Thursday: 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
"Flu season": Tips for preventing infection - the most effective protection is and remains vaccination
How can you recognise a real viral flu?
A harmless cold is often mistaken for a dangerous viral flu. In contrast to a banal upper respiratory tract infection with a cough, cold and sore throat, influenza is a systemic illness caused by viruses that are prone to change. The sudden onset of symptoms such as fever, chills, a severe feeling of illness, headache and aching limbs is characteristic of a true viral flu.
As the disease progresses, dreaded complications such as inflammation of the middle ear, lungs and heart muscle, involvement of the central nervous system and toxic circulatory failure can occur. According to the public health department, fatal cases are unfortunately reported every year and in all age groups. In addition, it is mainly people who are already ill who die from the indirect consequences of viral flu. This seasonally recurring infectious disease results in enormous costs both for society as a whole due to incapacity to work and for the healthcare system as a result of the increased utilisation of outpatient and inpatient care systems and the enormous consumption of medication.
How can you protect yourself?
In addition to the well-known social distancing measures - avoiding coughing, sneezing, shaking hands, avoiding crowds, limiting contact if you are ill - vaccination is still the safest and most effective means of protection against influenza. Vaccination must be repeated annually, as influenza viruses are constantly changing and the vaccine must therefore be adapted accordingly.
When should you get vaccinated against influenza?
Early to mid-October is the best time to get vaccinated against influenza, but before the typical wave of colds. Experience has shown that in recent years the first cases of influenza do not occur until the end of the current year and the "flu season" shifts further and further into the first quarter of the new year, so this approach makes sense. Vaccination protection builds up within 14 days to 4 weeks and remains effective for six months.
How can I keep my body fit?
A regular daily routine with a healthy alternation of activity and rest, plenty of exercise in the fresh air with appropriate clothing, a diet rich in vitamins and fibre and sufficient fluid intake (at least 2.5 litres per day) are all important.A regular daily routine with a healthy change of activity and relaxation, plenty of exercise in the fresh air with appropriate clothing, a diet rich in vitamins and fibre and sufficient fluid intake (at least 2 litres of mineral water, tea, fruit juices, spritzers) support the immune system and can strengthen the body to cope with infections and contribute to well-being.