Image: (colourbox.de)
The flu wave in Austria has begun. The MedUni Vienna announced this on Tuesday afternoon. “Since the beginning of this week, a further increase in influenza virus detections in clinical samples from across Germany has been observed,” said virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz. According to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), sick leave reports due to real flu increased by around 55 percent in the past week.
- Also read: Prevent the flu – here’s how
- Article on the topic: Doctor, should I get a flu shot?
- From the archive: Last winter, 4,000 Austrians died of flu
1,867 people in bed with flu
The sick leave figures refer to the last week of the year compared to the first calendar week of 2024. Most recently, 1,867 people were in bed because of an infection with the flu virus. The figures include all employees in Austria who are insured with the ÖGK as well as people who receive unemployment benefits. “In order to avoid infection and further spread, it is important to wear a mask and wash or disinfect your hands regularly,” emphasized ÖGK chief physician Andreas Krauter.
Start of flu season
The increased detections of the influenza virus since this week are a signal for the start of the flu season. An increase in virus activity has already been registered in the past few weeks, according to Redlberger-Fritz, from the Center for Virology at MedUni Vienna. According to the expert, a large proportion of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are currently circulating. These correspond to the virus strains contained in influenza vaccinations.
Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden are already reporting widespread influenza virus activity, according to MedUni Vienna. Across Europe, a decline in SARS-CoV2 activity is currently being observed alongside an increase in influenza virus activity, it said.
Video: While the CoV wave is subsiding, the number of flu cases is increasing
My themes
For your saved topics were
new articles found.
info By clicking on the icon you can add the keyword to your topics.
info
By clicking on the icon you open your “my topics” page. They have of 15 keywords saved and would have to remove keywords.
info By clicking on the icon you can remove the keyword from your topics.
Add the topic to your topics.
Source: Nachrichten
