Viral flu - rising number of cases

In the last few days, 15 cases of influenza A have been reported from the city of Chemnitz's sentinel practices, hospitals and community facilities. The usual seasonal increase in the circulation of influenza viruses in the population has led to an increase in influenza cases. The rising trend is partly due to the cold and wet weather with wind and temperature fluctuations.

Many patients with feverish upper respiratory tract infections are also currently visiting doctors' surgeries. According to the public health department, it can be assumed that there are a large number of undiagnosed cases of influenza.

Einsiedel secondary school closed as a precautionary measure

In consultation with the Saxon Education Agency, the City of Chemnitz Health Department recommends suspending lessons for the rest of the week due to the high number of cases (upper respiratory tract infections, including evidence of influenza virus) among pupils and teachers at Einsiedel Grammar School for epidemiological reasons in order to prevent the further spread of infections.

Only Einsiedel Grammar School is affected. According to the health authorities, 122 pupils and 20 teachers currently have to stay away from lessons due to colds.

Two cases of influenza have been confirmed. However, as not every general practitioner carries out a differentiated influenza diagnosis in children, the health authority believes that there could be more influenza cases among the illnesses.

For this reason, the public health department and the Saxon Education Agency decided to suspend lessons at this school in the afternoon as a precautionary measure. The educational institution will inform parents of this via information chains.

Younger pupils who could not be informed and who attend school tomorrow will be looked after, according to the Education Agency's press officer, Lutz Steinert. Grade 12, which is in the pre-Baccalaureate programme, is not affected. There are no sick students in this grade. These pupils will be taught.

Background: What is the difference between influenza and the common cold? How can you protect yourself?

A real viral flu differs from a normal "harmless" cold primarily in its sudden, feverish onset. Temperatures of 39 degrees and higher are not uncommon in children. Sufferers complain of fatigue, chills and muscle aches. A reddened throat, later a dry cough, unspecific abdominal complaints, nausea, diarrhoea and loss of appetite can also occur. A viral flu can be particularly dangerous for elderly and chronically ill people. Serious complications such as pneumonia or damage to the heart muscle cause numerous deaths every year as a result of infection with flu viruses.

Doctors usually recommend vaccination against the flu virus every autumn, as the cell structure of flu viruses is constantly changing and the vaccine has to be adapted to this.

At present, however, the flu vaccine should only be given in individual cases. Only if you are healthy and there is no risk of infection from acute colds in your neighbourhood. A high percentage of vaccinated people are protected against viral flu or have a much milder course of the disease with fewer complications.

A healthy lifestyle with a vitamin-rich diet, sufficient sleep and daily exposure to fresh air are recommended. Care should be taken to ensure that feet are dry and warm and that clothing is suitable for the weather. Drinking two litres of fluids a day, such as hot teas with lemon, fruit and vegetable juices of all kinds and mineral water, keeps the mucous membranes moist and resistant to upper respiratory tract pathogens.

If you have symptoms of illness, you should consult a doctor. Above all, bed rest is indicated as well as professional treatment of the symptoms, e.g. fever reduction, throat and nose drops, inhalation with sage and camomile, a herbal bath followed by sweating. Tea with honey, a strong chicken broth and a light, healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins are helpful. The health authorities recommend citrus fruits, crunchy green vegetables and red fruit juices.

Sick people should avoid unnecessary contact with healthy people, as well as shaking hands, sneezing or coughing on others. Advice from the doctors at the public health department: "It's better to cough or sneeze into the crook of your own arm rather than into the hand you greet others with. Frequent and thorough hand washing is the first and most effective way of preventing the spread of pathogens. Going to work sick is a false ambition, as healthy employees can become infected in this way."