2024-01-09 19:21:23
The flu wave is in full swing in Austria, as the Meduni Vienna announced 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,” explains virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz.
AUSTRIA. In addition to the increasing detection of influenza viruses, reports of sick leave due to the flu also increased by around 55 percent in the past week, according to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK).
Viral activity has been increasing for weeks
The sick leave numbers used for comparison are those for the last week in 2023 and the first calendar week of this year. Recently, 1,867 people were on sick leave due to a flu virus. This corresponds to an increase of 55 percent compared to the end of 2023. All employees insured with the ÖGK as well as people who receive unemployment benefits were recorded.
An increase in virus activity has already been noticeable in the last few weeks, said Redlberger-Fritz. “In order to avoid infection and further spread, it is important to wear a mask and wash or disinfect your hands regularly,” said ÖGK chief physician Andreas Krauter. The increased evidence would now indicate the start of the flu season. According to the MedUni expert, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are largely in circulation. These correspond to the virus strains contained in influenza vaccinations.
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