Swine Flu in Germany
English Edition
Obviously there are many English sites on the Swine Flu in the Internet. We would like to fill the gap for those English speaking people who would like to get some information on the development of Swine Flu in Germany. Thus we keep the general part short and give you more detailed information on the numbers of infected people and how to handle the disease.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine Flu is a respiratory disease and has been orginally found in pigs. Swine Flu is now been seen as a pandemic flu by the WHO. Thus it is spreading all over the world, including Germany.
Since it is a new virus, it is particularly dangerous as no one has immunity against the swine flu virus.
How does Swine Flu spread?
Swine Flu is spread by small particles, if you cough or sneeze. Other people can be infected by these particles or when touching surfaces containing the virus.
What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?
- Sudden fever (more than 38°C / 100.4°F)
- Sudden cough
Other symptoms:
- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or stomach upst
- sore throat
- runny nose
What has been done against the Swine Flu?
Germany has already ordered Swine Flu vaccine for 30 % of the German population. The vaccination shall start from September/October this year. As long as the vaccine is not available German doctors will provide you with Tamiflu or Relenza (antiviral drugs) and antibiotics (if required), if you got Swine Flu.
What can I do, if a feel symptoms of Swine Flu?
Please ensure that you do not go to the doctor's practice if you feel symptoms of Swine Flu, as you could infect other people. Stay at home. Please give a German doctor a telephone call and he/she is going to instruct you, what to do.
How many people are infected in Germany?
Currently about 8000. Most infections are in the western part of Germany in Northrhine-Westfalia. Cities as Duesseldorf and Cologne are particularly affected.
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