
Influenza: Mückstein recommends vaccination before traveling to Croatia
The "classic flu" is causing increasing concern among politicians and doctors alike, as it is expected that the influenza wave in the coming winter could be severe. Health Minister Wolfang Mückstein (Greens) is now recommending that holidaymakers in Croatia should be vaccinated against influenza beforehand. The corona measures last winter meant that the classic flu wave was de facto canceled in Europe. However, this is also said to have led to there being hardly any antibodies in the population. Mückstein is therefore appealing for people to be vaccinated before traveling to Croatia. "Likewise, travelers returning from trips who show flu-like symptoms should undergo an influenza check-up by their family doctor in addition to a corona test," the Ministry of Health said in a press release. "Due to the effectiveness of the corona protective measures, there was no flu wave in Austria last winter. But that by no means means that the flu has disappeared. On the contrary: This year we are expecting a stronger influenza season and this virus can also lead to serious illnesses and deaths in particularly vulnerable groups. Therefore, the same applies to the flu: with a vaccination you not only protect yourself, but also others. Croatia is already experiencing an increase in H3N2 influenza cases. I therefore advise everyone who is planning a holiday in Croatia soon: take advantage of the offer of a flu vaccination now," explains Mückstein.