2023-10-27 14:02:04
Title: “STIKO Recommends Flu Vaccination for At-Risk Children in Germany”
Date: [Insert Date]
Germany is currently experiencing waves of flu as cold and wet weather provides an ideal environment for viruses to spread among people. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) has recognized this issue and is recommending that certain groups of people, including children, get vaccinated against the flu.
According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), the flu, much like a cold, primarily spreads through droplet infection. This occurs when infected individuals cough or sneeze, allowing the viruses to transmit to others. Additionally, the flu can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands.
Infected individuals can be contagious from one day before the onset of illness to about a week afterwards. In some cases, immunocompromised people can continue to excrete the flu virus for longer periods.
Differentiating itself from a cold or COVID-19, the flu presents specific symptoms. The incubation period for the flu is relatively short, with initial signs appearing within one to two days after infection. Symptoms often include high fever, headaches, sore throat, body aches, and dry cough. The duration of these symptoms typically lasts for five to seven days.
While healthy children and young adults usually experience mild flu symptoms, children with chronic illnesses are at an increased risk of severe disease progression. This can lead to complications such as pneumonia. Considering this, STIKO recommends flu vaccination for all children who are at a higher risk of influenza complications. This includes children with chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, liver, or metabolic diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and immune deficiency.
Notably, it is possible to administer both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously if recommended for the child. In terms of flu vaccines, STIKO recommends using a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four different virus subtypes.
It is important to note that there are both inactivated and live flu vaccines available. For children aged six months and above, inactivated vaccines are recommended. Typically, children under the age of nine who have never been vaccinated against the flu receive two vaccinations four weeks apart. However, the specific vaccine’s technical information always plays a crucial role.
Alternatively, a live vaccine in the form of a nasal spray can be used for children between the ages of two and 17. This option is suitable for those who have issues with blood clotting or fear injections. However, live vaccines must not be used for individuals with immunodeficiency, severe asthma, or undergoing salicylate therapy.
In conclusion, the STIKO’s recommendation for flu vaccination among at-risk children aims to protect them from severe complications associated with influenza. By administering the appropriate vaccines, children with chronic illnesses can significantly reduce their risk of flu-related complications such as pneumonia. It is essential for parents and caregivers to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable flu vaccine for their children based on age, health condition, and other relevant factors.]
#Flu #vaccinate #children