Schwerin (dpa / mv) – Full medical practices due to respiratory infections cause concern for Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD). “We are currently observing a sharp increase in respiratory infections, especially in children and people over the age of 60,” said Drese on Wednesday in Schwerin. Compared to the previous week, the number of doctor visits has almost doubled. There has not been such a significant increase at the end of November in the past five years.
According to the information, a weekly report on acute respiratory diseases (ARE) has been written in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for five years. This would include cases that have been proven to be due to an ARE pathogen. These included influenza viruses, RS viruses (RSV), rhinoviruses and, since this year, the corona virus.
The minister appealed for hygiene measures to make the spread of ARE pathogens more difficult. This included keeping your distance, avoiding shaking hands and coughing, intensive ventilation and thorough hand washing. Older people over the age of 60 should be vaccinated against the flu, advised Drese. But younger people, including children, could also benefit. “In view of the high number of respiratory infections, some of which cause severe disease progression, parents and their children can also consult their doctor to clarify whether vaccination with a special vaccine is recommended for children.”
