Flu Season Approaching: Health Experts Urge Vaccination
The flu season is approaching, and health experts urge everyone to get vaccinated. The annual flu shot is the most effective way to protect against the virus, which affects between 5% to 20% of the U.S. population each year. Certain groups, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable and should take extra precautions.
Flu vaccines in Germany primarily consist of inactivated (killed) influenza vaccines, produced using virus particles grown in fertilized chicken eggs or cell cultures. For children aged 2 to 17, a live attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray) is also available. Additionally, a high-dose vaccine is recommended for people aged 60 and over. It takes about 2 weeks for the antibodies to fully develop after receiving the flu shot.
Flu symptoms can include coughing, fever, headache, muscle or body aches, sore throat, runny or stuffed-up nose, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated. Those living in close quarters, such as college students and military members, are also at a greater risk for exposure to the flu.
Flu season typically occurs from fall to early spring, coinciding with the spread of COVID-19. The CDC advises that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be circulating during this time. Protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and staying home if you're sick.
