Healthy through the carnival

Alaaf and Helau - the fifth season is for many the highlight of the year. In the days after the carnival, however, there is often a boom in ENT practices. Colds, flu or noise trauma are among the most common complaints, with which the jecke have to go to the doctor. The HNOnet NRW, an association of established ear, nose and throat doctors, explains how carnivalists can protect themselves.

First of all: The flu epidemic reaches its annual high in February. Especially in large crowds and with close contact, as is the case with Rose Monday parades, it is easy for viruses to spread quickly. "In addition, they encounter an immune system that is often weakened and particularly vulnerable due to the recent winter," explains CEO and ENT doctor. Uso Walter. So: beware of too close contacts. In addition, many costumes look great, but in winter temperatures are rarely suitable for the weather. The carnival fools are getting cold and the risk of infection is rising.

(Image: Brian Jackson / fotolia.com)

So: pay attention to weatherproof clothing. And if you look too deeply into the glass, you will not even notice anything of the hypothermia and will weigh yourself in deceptive security. So: moderate alcohol consumption is required if you want to protect yourself from colds.

Carnival without loud music would be only half as nice. Who has just sung a lot with loud, often feels on the way home a beeping in the ear and perceives environmental noise only as through cotton. Experts then speak of a noise trauma. As a rule, however, they quickly give the all-clear, because the next day most people regain their full hearing. If deafness or beeping persists for more than three days, seek medical attention. Most affected are people who have a lot of stress. But even prolonged noise impact, for example, by loud music set in iPod & Co. is considered a favorable factor. So: "Absolutely avoid the immediate proximity to the jukeboxes and provide themselves with earplugs. This prevents hearing loss. "