Heavy flu epidemic arrived in Germany - these are the flu symptoms

Fever, headache and body aches: flu season 2017/18 has begun

In the cold winter months, many people are sick - a harmless cold think many. But beware: Behind symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches can also be an influenza stuck. According to experts, the flu season 2017/18 has begun. There are ways to protect yourself from infection.

In winter, many people get sick

Fever, cough, headache and body aches: It is 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. The likelihood that there is an influenza behind the symptoms is great. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the flu epidemic of the 2017/18 season has recently begun.

According to the Robert Koch Institute, the flu season of the 2017/18 season has begun. There are ways to protect yourself from infection. (Image: nikodash / fotolia.com)

Flu and cold symptoms are similar

Since the symptoms of the two illnesses are similar, many of the difference between cold and flu is not very clear.

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, the symptoms are usually more intense.

Typical for flu are fever, sore throat, dry cough and headache and body aches. Affected persons feel weak, are usually without appetite and sometimes suffer from chills.

At present, more and more Germans are becoming infected with influenza viruses.

Flu season has begun

According to the Working Group on Influenza (AGI) at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the flu epidemic of the 2017/18 season started according to its definition in the 52nd calendar week 2017. Since then, the number of patients is increasing.

"The activity of the acute respiratory illnesses (ARE) increased nationwide in the first calendar week (KW) 2018", write the experts in the current influenza weekly report.

"The east and north (west) were in the range of slightly increased ARE activity. Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia were already in the area of ​​significantly increased ARE activity, "it continues. Regional differences are not unusual.

"On average, more than every fifth patient with influenza symptoms actually carries influenza viruses," said RKI spokeswoman Susanne Glasmacher in a message from the news agency dpa.

"That's not unusual and normal for the season."

Health experts advise the flu shot

According to the data, the most common influenza viruses detected to date were type B this winter. Last year, type A dominated, which often leads to more deaths from influenza outbreaks.

However, Type B viruses are not considered harmless. According to experts, the occurrence of viruses during a flu season can also change.

Health experts call for vaccination against the virus disease. The vaccine needs to be refreshed every year as the vaccine is reassembled for each season to counter the current flu virus.

According to the RKI, it can also provide protection at the beginning and in the course of the flu epidemic. But: "After the vaccination, it takes 10 to 14 days for the vaccine protection to be fully established," the RKI writes on its website.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination recommends the flu vaccine, especially for people with an increased risk of serious illnesses. These are mainly people over 60 years, chronically ill and pregnant women.

Whether a flu vaccine makes sense, but ultimately everyone must decide for themselves.

Reduce contagion risk

In order to protect yourself from an infection, it is generally also useful to strengthen the immune system, keep away from patients and regularly wash their hands.

In addition, one should not cough and sneeze in the hand, but in the crook of the arm or a handkerchief. Diseased people should avoid contact with other people in order not to be infected.

According to scientific studies, flavonoids, which are contained in black tea, red wine and blueberries, among other things, can also protect against infection.

However, if one does get caught, one of the most important things to take care of with flu and colds is to drink a lot and keep bed rest for a few days.

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