Cold or flu? So you can protect yourself from infection

Thick cold or flu? Tips for protection against infection

In the cold season, many people are ill - a harmless infection think some. But beware: currently, the influenza has high season. Experts explain how to recognize the difference between cold and flu and how to protect yourself from infection.

In the cold season, many people are sick

Cold, sore throat, runny nose, fever: It's not uncommon to catch an infection in wet, cold weather. Because the symptoms are similar, some people may not be sure if they have a "simple" cold or flu. Dr. Wolfgang Reuter, health expert of DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung, explains in a consumer information the difference between the diseases. In addition, there are tips on how to avoid infection, which strengthens the immune system and what helps those affected in an emergency.

Currently, many carry a big cold around with them. Or is it perhaps a flu? Experts explain the difference between diseases and how to protect against infection. (Image: Monkey Business / fotolia.com)

Difference between cold and flu

"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.

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.

Do not use nasal sprays too often

When the nose is clogged, some patients quickly resort to nasal sprays, but many experts believe that such sprays often do less than many simple home remedies for colds, such as inhalations.

Some physicians even point out that such remedies favor a stuffy nose. Anyone who still uses them should not do this for too long, as otherwise a habituation effect will occur.

Cardiac patients should be extra careful because some sprays can affect blood pressure.

As an alternative, nasal rinses instead of nasal sprays offer. Or homemade nose drops.

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.

May antibiotics help?

Important to know: antibiotics usually do not help with colds or flu, because: "Antibiotics only help against bacteria. For flu and colds, however, viruses are usually the culprits. Reuter.

However, it can happen that put on a viral infection bacteria - a so-called superinfection. Patients with a bacterial superinfection usually have purulent colds, suppurative tonsils, fever, greenish-yellow sputum or respiratory distress.

This can cause fever and severe head and body aches, the symptoms are similar to a real flu.

However, antibiotics may be useful in the case of such an infection. Patients should then clarify exactly whether and which preparation is used. (Ad)