After the extraordinary summer of 2018, the autumn and winter season inevitably begins, and accordingly, the risk of infectious and cold diseases also increases. In particular, however, the time also begins again when the risk of a seasonal flu illness increases.
Now it is important to distinguish – I am not talking about a “harmless” flu-like infection, which often heals on its own within one to two weeks without specific therapy, but about the “real” flu illness. This is an infection with the influenza virus, which can cause a very serious, sometimes even life-threatening, high-fever disease. Particularly patients who have reduced immune competence either due to their age or due to drugs that affect the immune system, are susceptible to complications of this infectious disease. However, it also happens again and again that young, otherwise healthy people become life-threateningly ill.
A look at last year’s figures supports these statements. The flu wave last winter was extraordinarily severe. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 43,500 influenza cases were reported in Bavaria, as many as never before – and there were a total of 142 flu deaths – an immense number for an infectious disease.
For this reason, the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO; it is the independent panel of experts that makes the vaccination recommendations for the Federal Republic of Germany) recommends MS patients to get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Currently, therefore, many patients are asking whether they should get vaccinated against the flu or whether they are allowed to get vaccinated against the flu in view of multiple sclerosis.
The answer to both questions is a clear “Yes”. As an MS patient, you should get vaccinated, especially or precisely if you are taking specific immunotherapies against MS. For most medications, there is also sufficient data showing that an influenza vaccination can be successfully carried out even under medication.
Modern vaccinations like the influenza vaccination are very safe, although of course side effects can occur with vaccinations, as with any medication – but these are usually local and temporary. They are also much less problematic than the often serious effects of a real flu illness – especially for those affected by MS.
Unfortunately, there are many myths that make it difficult not only for MS patients to get a realistic picture of vaccinations. But from my point of view, the recommendation is very clear: The seasonal flu vaccination is sensible and November is considered the ideal month to get vaccinated against the flu – this ensures that sufficient protection is provided over the critical months. Since the flu virus is extremely flexible, the vaccination should be repeated every year.
