The flu wave is a problem: sick leave continues to rise!

The flu wave is a problem: sick leave continues to rise!

The flu wave continues to have a firm grip on Austria, even if the current figures of the sick leave decreases slightly. According to reports from Noen.at and meinbezirk.at last week 299,081 incapacity for work (ÖGK). Of this, 106,307 reports on flu infections and 9,220 were covered by influenza, while only 786 cases concerned Covid-19. Compared to the previous week, the number of sick leave has dropped to 53,575 in Lower Austria, but this does not signal a fundamental decline in fluid activity. This remains high.

Current developments

The total number of sick leave in Lower Austria has increased steadily since the beginning of the year and reached a high in the fifth calendar week with 55,199 cases. Now there is a slight decline, which, however, does not testify to the end of the flu wave. Health expert Andreas Krauter emphasizes that the risk of infection by the influenza virus is still strong, in particular through droplet infection and contact with contaminated surfaces. A flu infection differs significantly from a real flu that brings with it more serious symptoms such as high fever and extreme exhaustion.

In order to curb the spread of the virus, the ÖGK recommends preventive measures such as wearing mouth protection, especially in crowds. The flu vaccination is also an effective means of prevention and is offered free of charge throughout Austria. Despite the slight decline in the sick leave, the situation is serious because the vaccination rate and other protective measures are decisive for the health of the population. The current influenza wave continues to demand attention and preventive action.