Fever, fatigue, headache, and body aches: The flu cases in Germany are rising rapidly. In addition, more and more people are suffering from a cold. But you can protect yourself against both diseases. Experts explain what to look for.
Cold, fever, headache: In recent weeks, the influenza cases have spread further and further. The number of colds has also increased. Because the symptoms are similar, some people may not be sure if they have a "simple" cold or flu. Experts explain how the two diseases differ and how to protect themselves.
Difference between cold and flu
It is not uncommon to catch an infection in wet and cold weather. But how do you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Dr. Wolfgang Reuter, a health expert at DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung, explains in a consumer information the difference between the diseases.
"The distinction between cold and influenza is not always easy," Dr. Reuter.
Whether the flu or a flu infection is present, among other things, it can be seen from how quickly the symptoms set, because the real flu occurs suddenly. In addition, symptoms such as fatigue and fatigue are usually more intense.
Influenza usually affects the body with full force. Cough, chills, headache and high fever - often over 40 degrees - are also signs of influenza.
Older people, children and people with a serious underlying disease, such as the cardiovascular system, should definitely consult a doctor. Even if the symptoms are not clear.
Avoid infection
"Both colds and the real flu are usually transmitted via droplet infection," explains the DKV expert. "That means: The viruses get from person to person when coughing, sneezing or speaking."
In order to protect yourself from an infection, it is generally used to keep away from patients. And anyone who is already ill or particularly susceptible to infection should avoid crowds if possible.
These include, for example, fully occupied buses, trains or elevators. Above all, the right hygiene in the cold period is the alpha and omega. Because even on doorknobs, keyboards or on handles, for example, in stairwells, the viruses can accumulate.
If the hand moves from there to the nose or mouth, it can happen quickly. "Frequent, thorough hand washing is an important preventive measure," says the health expert.
"Likewise, the hands should stay away from the face, especially from the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose." It is recommended to abstain from shaking hands and hugs during the flu or cold wave.
In addition to such measures, there is another way to protect against influenza infection:
"Basically, a flu shot makes sense, because the vaccine can reduce the risk of infection significantly - and by more than half," explains Dr. med. Johannes Schenkel, Medical Director of the Independent Patient Counseling Germany (UPD), in a statement.
Whether a flu vaccine makes sense, but ultimately everyone must decide for themselves.
Strengthen the immune system: fresh air and warm clothing
The best protection against an infection is a good, resilient immune system. In order to strengthen your own defenses, it is therefore advisable right now to look for a healthy, vitamin-rich diet, sufficient exercise, and enough sleep.
"If you want to fight the pathogens, you should dress warmly because freezing weakens the immune system," Dr. Reuter. Sauna sessions and changing showers can also help boost the immune system.
The mucous membranes only provide protection against infection, as long as they do not dry out. That's why the viruses are easy to play with dry heating air.
"Regular airing at home and at work is therefore also a good idea in winter," says the DKV expert. Humidifiers can also help to prevent the mucous membranes from drying out.
What helps if I have infected myself?
If you get caught despite protective measures, care should be taken with self-treatment for flu and colds, in particular, to drink a lot and to observe bed rest for a few days.
Most infections heal by themselves: As a rule, colds reach their climax after two or three days, after about a week the worst should be over.
Concerned people are best left wrapped up in bed or on the sofa and drink two to three liters of water or herbal tea a day.
The complaints can be alleviated with the classic home remedies. There is a lot that really helps with cold symptoms.
A pack of chopped onions, for example, helps with an earache. A hot chicken soup improves your well-being, as well as its steam, allows the secretions flow out of the airways.
Gargling with an infusion of sage, wild mallow or chamomile has a beneficial effect on hoarseness and sore throat, while coughing, on the other hand, thyme and ribwort have proven to be beneficial.
Taking vitamin C does not help
Although there are a number of over-the-counter cold remedies in the pharmacy, these only fight the symptoms: the cause itself, ie the viruses, can only defeat the body's own immune system - and that takes time.
In case of high fever, severe pain or if the symptoms do not subside after seven days, a visit to the doctor is advisable.
Useless is the additional intake of vitamin C for colds. According to scientific findings, such preparations have no influence on the symptoms and duration of the disease.