Health authorities warn of severe flu season
Published: 9 Sep, 2012 CET.
Updated: Sun 9 Sep 2012 12:23 CET
Health authorities expect a severe flu season to hit the country this winter, after the numbers in Australia show twice as many cases this year than there were in 2011.
The elderly and people with chronic illnesses are especially advised to receive a flu shot this year, health officials say.
Three Australian children under the age of six died this year because of complications from the flu, said Peter Wutzler, president of the German Association against Virus Diseases (DVV).
As a result, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute which manages public vaccination matters in Germany, has released 8.3 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2012-2013 season, some of which are already being delivered to local healthcare providers.
The best time to receive a flu shot is between September and November, because it takes two weeks to build up a protection against the virus.
DPA/The Local/mbw
Comments
See Also
The elderly and people with chronic illnesses are especially advised to receive a flu shot this year, health officials say.
Three Australian children under the age of six died this year because of complications from the flu, said Peter Wutzler, president of the German Association against Virus Diseases (DVV).
As a result, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute which manages public vaccination matters in Germany, has released 8.3 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2012-2013 season, some of which are already being delivered to local healthcare providers.
The best time to receive a flu shot is between September and November, because it takes two weeks to build up a protection against the virus.
DPA/The Local/mbw
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.