Vaccination and hygiene: How to protect yourself from respiratory diseases!

Vaccination and hygiene: How to protect yourself from respiratory diseases!

There is currently a worrying increase in respiratory diseases in Hesse. Particularly pulmonologist Dr. Rainer Michulla from Rotenburg warned that both flu and corona vaccinations are of great importance for the population. According to the Robert Koch Institute, 362 new corona cases have been registered in the last few days, with most of those affected being in the age group between 35 and 59 years. These are alarming figures, considering that only 35 influenza cases have been reported in Hesse so far, but the number of unreported cases could be higher than expected due to fewer rapid tests being carried out.

The situation in central Germany is also tense, where 6,800 cases of respiratory diseases were recently documented. Dr. Michulla points out that kindergarten children in particular often act as sources of infection because they can infect older people in their environment. This makes it all the more important to pay attention to the symptoms that require a visit to the doctor. These include cough, fever over 38.5 degrees Celsius and general weakness and shortness of breath.

Vaccination recommendations for the fall season

For autumn 2025, the STIKO recommends that particularly vulnerable groups, including people aged 60 and over and those with chronic illnesses, should be vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 annually. Particularly interesting are the new recommendations for the RSV vaccination, which is recommended once for everyone aged 75 and over and for people aged 60 to 74 with serious previous illnesses. According to STIKO, the flu vaccination is particularly useful in October or November, while the corona booster vaccination is not recommended for healthy adults under 60 years of age.

Flu and corona vaccinations can also be carried out at the same time, which is a practical solution given the current situation. Dr. Michulla himself recently had his eighth corona vaccination and the annual influenza vaccination. He also emphasizes that regular hygiene measures, such as washing hands and taking zinc and vitamin C, can be a helpful prevention against infections. Pharmacist Jörg Iffland confirms that flu-like infections are widespread in the region and recommends taking targeted action against specific symptoms.

When should you react?

Early diagnosis can be crucial, especially when severe symptoms occur. Dr. Michulla warns that the actual wave of illness can usually only be expected in late winter. Drug treatments are often not effective because antibiotics only help against bacterial infections, not viral infections. If you listen to your body and act quickly if you notice noticeable symptoms, you can usually avoid something worse.

The vaccinations are a crucial step towards a healthier winter. Get advice in good time and act in the interest of your health and that of those around you. This cold season, it seems important to pay special attention to yourself and your own risk groups. So stay careful and healthy!