Wellness Matters: A Focus on Promoting and Maintaining Physical and Mental Well-Being. - Flu cases drop drastically in Schleswig-Holstein.
Throughout the latest flu season, the amount of cases in Schleswig-Holstein has dropped noticeably compared to last year. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported that they counted 4774 instances from early October 2023 till mid-May 2024, a decrease of 25.1% compared to the season before. The AOK NordWest revealed this news on Tuesday, with their managing director Tom Ackermann stating, "The significant decline is simply because we had a remarkably high total count of cases in the previous season due to the abolition of protective measures following the Corona pandemic." This led to influenza viruses spreading rather unobstructed.
The recent flu season followed a pattern typical of pre-pandemic years. In Schleswig-Holstein, the flu outbreak peaked in the first few weeks of 2024 with 3354 instances. However, in contrast, the flu season in 2022/2023 had started disturbingly early in the fall of 2022.
The AOK advises people to get a flu jab. The Standing Vaccination Commission at the RKI recommends vaccinating individuals over 60 years old, people with heightened health risks including pregnant women and medically ill folks of all ages, medical and nursing staff, and those with extensive involvement in public interactions. Opt for vaccination in October and November for best results.
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The decrease in flu cases in Schleswig-Holstein during the 2023/2024 season is a welcomed development in the realm of public health. According to the RKI, this decrease is a notable 25.1% compared to the previous year, which experienced an unusually high number of flu cases due to the lifting of protective measures post-Coronavirus pandemic. This reduction in cases can be attributed to the increased awareness and vaccination efforts, as advised by organizations like the AOK.
Despite the drop in flu cases, the flu season in Schleswig-Holstein saw its peak in early 2024, with 3354 instances. In stark contrast, the 2022/2023 flu season began prematurely in the fall of 2022, indicating the unpredictable nature of these diseases.
The RKI's Standing Vaccination Commission recommends that high-risk individuals, such as those over 60, pregnant women, medically ill, medical and nursing staff, and those frequently interacting with the public, should get their flu shots in October and November for optimal protection. Adhering to these recommendations can significantly contribute to mitigating the impact of flu epidemics, like the one that occurred post-Coronavirus.
