Symptoms & Vaccination Influenza or cold?

About flu and cold Flu or cold?

14/12/2013

Scratching in the throat, a runny nose and headache: In the cold season, it is particularly common for colds. But sometimes these can also be signs of flu. Here are some information about the differences in the diseases:

Colds are one of the most common human infections
Usually, a cold, also called influenza, starts with a slight scratch in the throat. This is followed by throat and headaches, coughing and runny nose. The symptoms of the infectious disease caused by viruses and sometimes also by bacteria usually occur within a few days and resolve in one to two weeks, especially in supportive naturopathic self-treatment to relieve the symptoms. However, if the immune system is weakened, the symptoms may become chronic or there may be frequent relapses. Cold infections are among the most common human infections. Infants with up to thirteen illnesses are most frequently affected each year. On average, adults get sick about two to three times a year.

Cold comes slowly and disappears quickly
Both the term influenza infection and cold are misleading. For one thing, the disease should not be confused with a flu that can be significantly more dangerous. And on the other hand, a cold is not triggered by cold alone. You can also get sick without being exposed to cold. A flu infection is usually not treated with prescription drugs, but there are many natural home remedies available for each symptom. Typical of a cold is that it comes rather slowly and disappears quickly.

Influenza comes abruptly
The situation is very different with flu (influenza), because it comes abruptly and only fades away slowly. Symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or chills often occur suddenly. Unlike a cold that only affects the upper respiratory tract, influenza affects the whole body. Sufferers often have fever of up to 41 degrees and joint and muscle pain. In children, flu can sometimes cause atypical symptoms such as sudden nausea, diarrhea and itchy rash. Parents should always consult a doctor with their children. Influenza patients usually feel very weak and miserable. The body may need several weeks to recover from the illness and regain strength.

Do not underestimate the flu
Every year, around 100,000 people die worldwide from the effects of influenza. In Germany alone, 5,000 to 8,000 influenza cases are reported with fatal outcome each year. Medical professionals therefore warn against underestimating the disease. However, since flu is often so mild that it is mistaken for a flu infection, a virus test performed by the doctor can help clarify the problem. In some cases, however, it also leads to a serious course of the disease with secondary diseases. For example, older people in particular have a high risk of additionally catching pneumonia, as the body's defenses are significantly weakened by the flu virus.

People from risk groups will be vaccinated
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) therefore recommends vaccination primarily for older people over the age of 60, chronic patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular diseases, medical staff and pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy, as these are among the risk groups. As a rule, the costs are covered by the health insurance companies. Basically, however, with the flu vaccine pros and cons weigh against each other. Since the body takes about 14 days to build up the protection after a vaccine, a vaccine could be useful anyway only before the onset of a disease.

Reduce contagion risk
The risk of infection can also be reduced by simple hygienic measures. For example, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin recommends keeping your elbows close to your mouth while sneezing, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly ventilating. In addition, influenza sufferers should as far as possible avoid close contact with endangered persons. (Ad)