Flu wave in Austria: One in three people is fighting infections!

Flu wave in Austria: One in three people is fighting infections!

The current flu wave is keeping Austria under control and is causing worrying numbers. According to the latest information from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), around 90,000 people are sick due to flu-like infections or the “real” flu. In Lower Austria alone there are around 55,000 people on sick leave; over a third of them suffer from influenza or similar illnesses. Although these numbers are comparable to the previous year, there are increasing trends in the “real” flu. The ÖGK's deputy chief physician, Ida Aringer, expresses her concern: "A peak of the flu season is currently not foreseeable." noe.ORF.at reported.

The specialists warn that the situation around the semester break is particularly tense because fewer doctors are available and many small children, adults and older people are affected. General practitioner Helmut Dultinger highlights the concerns: “The immune systems are weakened, which increases the risk of infection.” In addition, the number of registered Covid-19 cases remains at a stable level in this comparison with comparatively low values. Currently, only just over 200 cases are counted, which shows a significant decrease from the almost 1,000 cases last year, and the wastewater monitoring data also confirms this trend. Loud gesundheitskasse.at The flu vaccination is the most effective protection against serious illness, and 815,000 Austrians have already been vaccinated this season.

The fight against the flu

The health insurance company recommends protecting yourself through simple hygiene measures such as regular hand washing and frequent ventilation. It is also recommended that people who are particularly at risk, such as people over 60, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, should get vaccinated. This is particularly important as the vaccine is considered effective this season, particularly against the virus strains currently circulating. Despite the increasing number of illnesses, patient health remains the top priority. For many who experience flu-like symptoms, safe treatments can be offered to relieve symptoms and avoid hospitalization.