Influenza Prevent an infection with these measures

Influenza viruses are highly contagious - but can be avoided

The flu is rampant in all parts of Germany and has been pushing doctors' offices and hospitals to their limits for weeks. An improvement is not yet in sight. According to various media reports, the peak has not yet been reached. It is all the more important to protect yourself well from influenza viruses so that you do not count yourself among those affected.

To complicate the flu epidemic are still numerous colds added. But how do you know if you are affected by a cold or a flu? Dr. Wolfgang Reuter, a health expert of the German health insurance (DKV), explained in a consumer information, how to detect whether a cold or real flu is present.

The steadily increasing number of influenza cases in Germany in recent weeks makes preventive measures all the more important. (Image: Stasique / fotolia.com)

This is how to recognize a real flu

With a real flu (influenza) the symptoms are very sudden and very intense. Typical symptoms of a true flu are fever over 38 degrees (often even over 40 degrees), sweats and chills as well as severe tiredness and fatigue. In addition, throat and ear pain as well as painful coughing can occur. The whole body is involved in a true flu, including headache, sensitivity to light and noise and a pronounced feeling of weakness. In case of a true flu, a doctor should always be consulted.

The difference to the common cold is often not clear

Common colds are often summarized under the term "influenza infection". The symptoms are similar to an influenza, but usually not so intense. Often the upper respiratory tract is affected and symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, hoarseness and sore throat occur. Sometimes it comes in addition to diarrhea or constipation as well as nausea and vomiting. In most cases, the course is complication-free and the symptoms disappear after one week. Home remedies for flu can help with self-treatment.

The best protection against flu: avoid infection

Influenza viruses can spread rapidly via droplet infection. Especially in crowds and community facilities, the viruses have good cards: So for example in schools, hospitals, public transport, kindergartens, dormitories, open-plan offices and the like. Of course, not all these places can be avoided, but a safety distance of about 2 meters to ailing people can already contribute to the protection.

Proper hand washing

Regular and proper hand washing with soap and at least 30 seconds is one of the best protection methods. After shaking hands, after using public transport, and before and after eating and after going to the toilet, your hands should be washed. Here, especially the men should feel addressed, because most men do not wash their hands properly after the toilet, as turned out in a recent observational study.

Flu vaccinations

Experts recommend flu shots. However, vaccinated individuals should know that vaccination does not provide 100% protection. This year's standard vaccine provides only around fifty percent protection, according to current RKI reports. In particular, people over the age of 60 and persons with chronic illnesses can benefit from a vaccine, since this group of people often has severe illnesses, in the worst case even deaths.

Keep fingers away from the head

The nasal mucous membranes, eyes and mouth are entry gates of the viruses in the body. Often the viruses get in the face by rubbing or scratching the face with a hand after touching a contaminated door handle or the like. So keep your hands off the face.

Reduce body contact

It is best to reduce body contact with others, especially if the other person is already showing symptoms of cold. Do not kiss the mouth or near the mucous membranes of ill partners or children. Likewise, drinking from the same cup or bottle and eating the same cutlery should be avoided.

Flu protection at work

The workplace should be well ventilated several times a day. Wipe your desk, keyboard and mouse at least once a day. If you have the opportunity to work from home in the home office, you should make use of it. Used handkerchiefs should always be disposed of immediately and not carried around as a potential source of virus. Also, do not cough or sneeze in your hand, but use a handkerchief. (Vb)