So many researchers as never before, according to the world health organization (WHO) currently working on a universal flu vaccine. So far, vaccines must be annually matched to the circulating strains of the Virus. This makes the production time-consuming, in addition, other strains are circulating, some of the experts expected the for the coming season prepared vaccine less effective than hoped.
“A universal flu vaccine is the Holy Grail,” said Martin Friede, WHO-coordinator for vaccines. When such a substance is available, is difficult to predict. “It was but lately a huge increase in research funds and international groups working on it,” said peace. The Problem is that flu viruses change extremely fast. To find a substance that fights all pathogens equally well, and is, therefore, very difficult.
50 million people died of Spanish flu
The WHO warns that the world is not prepared enough for the next flu pandemic. “The question is not if, but when a new flu pandemic,” said WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Such a pandemic would affect the economy and society of each country,” warned the expert on flu readiness, Ann Moen. The Spanish flu from 1918 to 1920 had cost 50 million lives. Ironically, young adults gehlte apparently, the immunity against the Virus.
In order to prevent similar outbreaks published by the WHO published a new flu strategy. The Central claims:
- More research for improved diagnosis, treatment and vaccination of flu.
- International database of Influenza cases
- On preventive measures to educate
- national health care systems to prepare for the threat of pandemic Influenza
The aim is, in all countries of the world a better Monitoring derive the right measures to create outbreaks and to help the countries to be able to in any case, you react faster. The seasonal flu outbreaks lead to cases each year to up to 650.000 deaths.
In Germany, the flu wave has reached its current peak at the beginning of March. Currently, there are many indications that the wave of Flu this Winter, could be significantly lighter than last year. At the time of the flu patients had surgeries in the middle of March the doctor and the hospitals are crippled, the height of the flu wave was only towards the end of March to overcome.
Frequent hand the risk lowered wash for infection. Water and normal soap enough, it does not need special antibacterial soap or disinfectant. Thus, all the pathogens are washed off, the palms of the hands and fingers are in-between spaces for at least 20 seconds soaped.
Also it is advisable to the hands from the face. You touch in the subway, a holding rod, the virus stuck, it paves the subsequent handle to the nose or mouth pathogens, and the disease is the way in the body. If possible, it also helps during the Flu epidemic to keep other people and shaking little hands.