Share:
Influenza or influenza - Where is the difference?
The flu epidemic has begun: At present, the influenza virus spreads in Germany. In addition, during the winter months, many people catch an infection. But what is the difference between a flu and a cold? What can you do about it? And when do you have to go to the doctor in such cases??
Flu has started
Fever, body aches, chills, headache, runny nose and cough: Currently, the flu viruses in Germany are active again. Just recently, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported which regions of the country are particularly affected. In addition, during the cold season, there are frequent infections, which have very similar symptoms to those of influenza. If it comes to complaints, many first ask themselves whether a flu or cold is the trigger for it. And also, whether it is necessary to go to the doctor because of the illness.
Is it a simple cold or a flu? Image: Gina Sanders - fotolia Cold is overcome without medication
With colds, the medicine can do nothing, the body copes without a doctor. Against the annoying and unpleasant symptoms are available various over-the-counter medicines as well as numerous home remedies that can help. So there are, among other things, proven home remedies for sore throat, home remedies for stuffy nose or generally home remedies for colds. In general, the worst is over after two to three days anyway. "With a doctor takes a cold about seven days - without a doctor a week," says an old proverb.
Some people should also be with an infection to the doctor
As the "star" writes online on the topic, some people with a cold should still consult a doctor under certain circumstances. This applies to persons with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, for example, those caused by medication, for example in the context of cancer therapy or HIV patients. Furthermore, people with a serious illness, those who have just returned from long-distance travel and those who suffer from asthma, will seek medical help. Last but not least, seniors, whose defenses are weakened, should consult a physician. People from such groups should be particularly aware of when the cold is different than usual, or if it lasts more than a week. Caution is also advised when it comes to unusually severe pain, whether in the head, neck or chest. Then it is important to clarify whether there might be an additional bacterial infection behind the symptoms. According to the magazine conceivable incipient pneumonia, a purulent middle ear or sinusitis.
Home remedies usually bring relief
Bronchitis is usually accompanied by hoarseness, dry cough and sometimes fever. After a short time, affected people begin to cough up mucus. Often it also hurts in the chest area. Home remedies for cough, such as honey, can provide relief. If the symptoms do not disappear within a short time, a doctor can clarify whether or not there is pneumonia behind it. Severe earache may indicate purulent otitis media, which mostly, but not exclusively, affects infants and toddlers. The condition is very painful and can have serious consequences, including hearing loss. At the latest when symptoms such as dizziness, chills and high fever set, a doctor must be consulted. A persistent sinus infection should be treated by a physician. The disease, also called chronic sinusitis, is now a folk disease in Europe. Eleven percent of the population should be affected. It causes, among other things, pain in the area of the forehead, the cheeks, in the upper jaw or in the eyes.
A flu comes all of a sudden
In contrast to common cold, a real flu occurs quite suddenly. Patients feel seriously ill within a very short time. The body temperature climbs in some quickly over 39 degrees. Again, according to the "star" for certain groups of people to seek medical advice. This should be taken seriously by children - or their parents -, pregnant women and the elderly. People with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases and chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes should go to the doctor. Similarly, people with weakened immune systems and those who have contact with particularly vulnerable people such as infants or toddlers.
Natural means of self-treatment
In addition to people who can be counted among these groups, but all the others should go to a doctor, if they have the feeling during a flu that her condition is deteriorating. Signs of this, according to Stern, include shortness of breath, rattling sounds when breathing, fever over 39 degrees Celsius, rapid heart rate, unilateral chest pain, blue lips, bluish discoloration of the hands and face, severe, persistent nausea, swollen Almonds or itchy rash. Other alerts that a doctor should examine are severe headaches, stiff neck, or loss of consciousness. Even with flu, natural means of self-treatment are available. Those who prefer to take medicines in such cases should be especially careful when driving. Some drugs against the flu can act like alcohol at the wheel, warn experts. (Ad)