Cold or real flu How to properly protect yourself from infection

How to protect yourself and others from the flu and cold

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. However, you can protect yourself against both diseases. Experts explain what to look for.

More and more flu and cold diseases

Cold, fever, headache: In recent weeks, the cases of influenza have continued to spread. 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 from it.

In recent weeks, more and more people have caught a cold or flu. Experts explain how to protect yourself from the diseases. (Image: Monkey Business / fotolia.com)

Difference between cold and flu

It is not uncommon to catch an infection in wet and cold weather. But how does one recognize the difference between a cold and a flu??

Dr. Wolfgang Reuter, health expert of 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 a flu or a flu infection is present, it can be seen, among other things, how quickly the symptoms set, because a 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 useful to keep away from patients. And anyone who is already ill or particularly susceptible to infection should avoid crowds whenever 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 on the mouth and nose." It is recommended to abstain from shaking hands and hugs during a flu or cold wave.

In addition to such measures, there is another way to protect against influenza infection:

"Basically, a flu vaccine makes sense, because the vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of infection - 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 off 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. Therefore, the viruses in dry heating air easily play.

"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 in spite of 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.

Those affected are best left warm 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 earache. A hot chicken soup improves your well-being, as well as its steam can drain the secretions from 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. (Ad)