Flu

Flu (Influenza)

The flu (influenza), often referred to as "real" flu or influenza is an infectious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. Not to be confused with "genuine" influenza with a cold, the flu often mistakenly referred to colloquially. In contrast to the relatively harmless common cold, influenza is a serious disease.

The medical name influenza comes from the Latin word from influen what so much as "sneak in" means. In addition to the human flu virus in question there's also the so-called bird flu, the man also can become infected. On but should not be addressed in more detail hereinafter.

Every year again: flu season in Germany

Each year in the winter months, the flu is spreading in Germany. If the disease frequency, is commonly spoken by a wave of influenza or influenza wave. Between the 40th and 15 Calendar weeks - from early October to mid-April monitors - the Association of Influenza (AGI), the influenza-situation in Germany, and the current figures on its website (http://influenza.rki.de) are known.

This year, the increase in cases of illness began shortly after the new year. In the fifth week of about 2,400 cases to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) have been reported. In the past flu season (2007/08), the highest disease activity between the fourth and eleventh week was measured. Most cases were recorded in the western and southern provinces. In this time frame per week found in approximately 115-225 patients influenza viruses.

Reporting requirement is only for virus detection

A notification in accordance with the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) exists only when influenza viruses were detected, for example, a quick test in practice. The doctor must then report the illness to name to the appropriate public health department.

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