Cold (flu infection) - symptoms, causes, treatment

What helps with cold?

Cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever - what to do for colds? This article informs about causes, symptoms, duration, treatment and home remedies for colds. It is important to clarify first, whether it is a real flu virus (influenza) or a flu infection, so the "simple cold" is. The influenza can be very dangerous for some people and should definitely be treated with medical treatment, a flu infection would usually go without complications and the cure can be very well supported by proven home remedies. This article is explicitly dedicated to the flu infection.

contents

• What helps with cold?
• Quick help with colds
• Grippaler Infekt - a short overview
• How to put on a cold?
• Influenza or influenza - where are the differences?
• From when should you call the doctor for colds?
• Diagnosis - what does the doctor do??
• How long does a flu infection last?
• Two to four colds a year are normal
• Special care should be taken in children
• Get rid of the cold as quickly as possible
• Help with colds
• Proceed against the cough
• What helps against hoarseness?
• What can you do for a sore throat?
• Tips for fever
• Erkältungsbad
• Ginger - the all-rounder for colds
• What can you do about constantly recurring colds??
• Cold prevention - To prevent such infection

Quick help with colds

The recovery of a cold can be very well supported by the immune system is strengthened. This includes a lot of warmth, sleep and above all rest. Stress should be avoided as much as possible. Hot chicken soups and teas can also help alleviate the discomfort. Generally, a lot should be drunk. In fever, cold calf rolls can work. However, if your legs or hands are cold, you can foresee it. Hot water bottles and electric blankets provide the necessary warmth and relaxation. Physical activities and efforts should be avoided altogether during the infection. Gargling with onion juice has proven to be a home remedy for sore throats. For colds, inhaling steam with sage or thyme and nasal rinses can help.

Colds quickly spread through droplet infections. Up to four colds a year are considered normal due to the high number of different pathogens in adults. (Image: VadimGuzhva / fotolia.com)

Grippaler Infekt - a short overview

In a flu infection, the symptoms usually creep slowly. Often it starts with a scratch in the throat or a dull feeling in the head. Little by little more symptoms are added or existing ones increase. In influenza, however, the symptoms occur abruptly and violently within a few hours. Patients should consult a doctor. In contrast, a "simple" cold is in most cases rather unproblematic. As a rule, the complaints resolve within a week, especially with supportive naturopathic self-treatment of the common cold. Here is a brief summary of the disease:

• definitionIn contrast to the "real virus flu" (influenza), the term "influenza infection" (popularly called "cold") summarizes various febrile, usually caused by viruses general diseases.
• Possible symptoms: Runny nose, coughing, hoarseness, sore throat, fever, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting, headache, body aches, weakness.
• causes: Infection with viruses of the type Adeno, Rhino, Parainfluenza, Coxsackie or RS. A weakened by cold immune system can promote infection (hence the name "cold"). Likewise, stress, lack of sleep and other diseases can increase the risk of infection.
• duration: In a straightforward course, the symptoms disappear after three to seven days. After two weeks at the latest all complaints should be cured (in some cases deviations are possible).
• therapy: In most cases, only rest is prescribed. The healing process can be supported by numerous home remedies for cold symptoms.

How to put on a cold?

A cold can be spread via droplet infection. When a sick person sneezes or coughs, tiny saliva droplets are released into the air that contain pathogens. If these droplets are inhaled by other people, the pathogen enters their organism. There is also a high risk of infection via the hands, as many sufferers sneeze into the hand or when they clean their noses, pathogens reach the hand. When shaking hands or when using busy surfaces such as doorknobs, stair railings or handles in public transport pathogens can be transmitted.

The pathogens are in the tiny droplets that are released into the air when sneezing. Those who inhale these infectious drops may also become ill - especially if the immune system is weakened. (Image: VadimGuzhva / fotolia.com)

Influenza or influenza - where are the differences?

The terms "flu", "influenza infection" and "cold" are sometimes a bit confusing. The doctor often speaks of a flu infection. This refers to the commonly used term "cold". A cold and a flu infection is the same thing. On the other hand, flu (medically influenza) is another disease that can have more dangerous consequences.

The real flu (influenza) is a serious disease that can be life-threatening for some groups. Influenza should always be monitored by a doctor. In the winter of 2017/2018, a flu epidemic caused more than 300,000 infections and around 1,000 deaths.

How do you know if you have a cold or a real flu? The difference is not always clear, as the symptoms are similar. With an influenza, the symptoms usually come on suddenly and with full force. In addition, symptoms such as fatigue and fatigue are usually more intense. The fever often rises higher and can sometimes be over 40 degrees Celsius.

From when should you call the doctor for colds?

In many cases, a common cold does not require medical attention. Mostly, however, the family doctor is needed because of the sick leave for the employer. However, if complications occur, medical advice is generally required. For example, respiratory distress may indicate pneumonia as a result of a cold. Even high fever over 39 degrees Celsius should be clarified by a doctor. In case of severe ear or throat pain, a middle ear infection or tonsillitis may have been associated with the influenza infection. In addition, a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms have not improved after a week and sufferers suffer from constant fatigue and fatigue. If children or infants are affected, it is better to go to the doctor too early than to be late.

Not every cold needs to be treated by a doctor. However, if the symptoms are severe or abrupt, it is advisable to go to the doctor. Also in infants and children should not be waited too long. (Image: auremar / fotolai.com)

Diagnosis - what does the doctor do??

In a doctor-patient conversation, the possible causes are initially limited. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor then examines the mouth, the ears and the lungs. If necessary, he scans areas on the neck and face to reveal any lymphadenopathy or sinusitis. As a rule, no further tests or examinations will be initiated unless there is a suspicion of additional illnesses such as pneumonia or streptococcal infection.

How long does a flu infection last?

A common rule of thumb is: "A cold comes for three days, stays for three days and it goes three days". With this claim, the popular saying is usually correct, because a cold takes an average of eight to ten days. This depends largely on which pathogen is involved and how much the affected person's immune system is weakened. In the first few days, most sufferers initially experience an itch in the throat, which is often accompanied by a cough. In the following days, the symptoms usually increase and it is sometimes accompanied by runny nose, headache, body aches and mild fever. After a few days, the symptoms resolve again until they finally disappear completely.

Two to four colds a year are normal

Two to four colds a year are completely normal in adults. Children can even meet eight to ten times. This is partly because there are over 200 known pathogens that can trigger influenza infections. Those who catch cold more often a year have probably also caught several viruses. Adeno, rhino, parainfluenza, coxsackie, corona or RS viruses are considered common causes. Even in summer you can contract a flu infection. The so-called summer flu is triggered mainly by coxsackie, entero or echo viruses.

Over 200 different pathogens are known that can trigger colds. These, usually caused by viruses, general diseases are summarized as influenza infections. (Image: psdesign1 / fotolia.com)

Special care should be taken in children

For children with a cold, it is better to go to a doctor too early than too late. Care should also be taken with cold creams and essential oils with menthol. In infants and young children, these substances can cause severe respiratory problems, including respiratory arrest. Also, antipyretic measures and medication should only be used in consultation with a doctor. For example, children under the age of 12 should not take medicines containing the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid.

Get rid of the cold as quickly as possible

A common cold usually resolves on its own. If one wants to support the recovery process, then one can fall back on a large repertoire of proven home remedies, which can provide with the respective complaints relief. In the following some suitable measures are presented.

Help with colds

In case of cold, inhaling hot vapors may release the nasal secretions and cause the mucous membranes to swell. Either use an inhaler or bend your head over a bowl filled with hot liquid and put a towel over your head. In the hot water chamomile flowers, sage, thyme, fir, spruce, mountain pine, salts or Japanese mint oil can be added. The steam should be inhaled from a distance of about 30 centimeters. Decongestant nasal sprays can temporarily relieve breathing, but should not be used over a long period of time.

Other home remedies for colds

As a home remedy for colds iodine water has been proven. To do this, pour a drop of iodine tincture into a glass of water and drink. The iodine is said to help regulate the fluid balance of the nasal mucous membranes. Even nasal irrigations with saline or emsersalt are perceived as helpful by many sufferers.

Proceed against the cough

When coughing a lot should be drunk, so at least two liters per day. In addition to water, unsweetened medicinal and herbal teas such as fennel, ribwort or cowslip tea are also suitable. If chronic diseases, heart or kidney problems are present, one should orientate oneself at the drinking quantities recommended by the physician. The above-mentioned inhalations can also relieve the coughing and have a beneficial effect. For more information, see the article "Natural home remedies for cough".

Potato wrap against cough

A tried and tested home remedy for cough is the potato wrap. For this purpose, five potatoes should be soft-boiled and wrapped in a cloth. Now crush the potatoes so wrapped in the cloth and then put this on the chest. There, the cloth can stay until the coil cools down.

Radish or onion syrup

Homemade onion or radish syrup has also proven effective against coughing. To make the onion syrup, chop an onion and mix with honey. This mass must be stored overnight in a warm place. The next day, the solids can be screened. From the now finished syrup, a teaspoon should be taken several times a day. Alternatively, a black radish can be used. This should be hollowed out in the middle and filled with some honey. In the hollow now forms within a day the beneficial radish juice.

What helps against hoarseness?

The traditional home remedies for hoarseness include Quarkwickel. To make a quark wrap, just use ordinary lean quark at room temperature and a cloth that can be placed about one and a half times around the neck. Apply the quark about half a centimeter thick to the cloth, wrap the pages and place the wrap around your neck. The edition can now be wrapped with a scarf. The wrap should remain on the neck for about 15 minutes.

Other aids against hoarseness

Gargling with chamomile tea or warm blackberry juice can help relieve the symptoms, as well as lozenges with emser salt, thyme or sage. You should also reduce speaking to a minimum. In particular, whisper should be avoided, as this additionally irritates the vocal cords. A scarf keeps the neck warm and can help to protect.

What can you do for a sore throat?

Rest, warmth and a lot of drinking usually provides relief for a sore throat. On the other hand, long and loud speaking, drafts and smoking should be avoided. The quark and potato wraps mentioned above are also effective home remedies for sore throats. Sage and chamomile tea have an anti-inflammatory effect and are suitable for several times a day. Gargling with a solution of sage and chamomile flowers can also provide relief.

Tips for fever

Fever belongs to the meaningful defense processes of humans. As long as it does not rise above 39 degrees, it should not necessarily be tackled. If the fever is higher than 39 degrees Celsius in adults or 39.5 degrees in children (exception: children with a tendency to febrile convulsions - this should be consulted with a doctor) or severe symptoms, it can raise the body temperature with the help of numerous home remedies for fever reduce. If the fever does not go down after a day, or even continues to rise, then you should consult a doctor.

Calf wrap against fever

Cool calf rolls are a long-known and proven home remedy for fever. Important: The wraps should only be used when the hands and feet are warm, when the room temperature is at least 22 degrees Celsius and there is no drafts. The water used to soak the wraps should only be one to five degrees colder than body temperature. For application, dip the wraps (e.g., cotton towels) in the water and wrap around the calf. There, the cloth should remain until it has warmed up to body temperature. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated. Overall, the wraps should not be used for children and seniors for more than 10 minutes and for adults no longer than 20 minutes.

Erkältungsbad

If the first signs of a cold show, a cold bath is advisable. The water should not be too hot, so do not exceed 39 degrees. The bath time should not be longer than 20 minutes. If you have a fever, it's better to avoid hot bathing. Essential oils can be added to the bath water. Sage, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, chamomile, lavender and lemon balm are ideal for this purpose. There should be no more than six drops in the water. In children or when allergies persist, essential oils should be avoided, especially if they contain menthol. After the bath, the body needs rest. It is best to bathe directly before going to bed.

Ginger - the all-rounder for colds

A popular home remedy for colds is ginger. As a medicinal plant it has been known for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda. In this country, ginger was named the medicinal plant of the year 2018. The healing tuber is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, ginger should strengthen the immune system and contribute to the protection against infections.

Regularly a glass of ginger tea

For colds, it is advisable to drink a cup of fresh ginger tea regularly. Simply pour a few thin slices of ginger with 200 milliliters of boiling water and let soak for five minutes.

This is how ginger tea has a more effective effect on colds: Many people make a small mistake when preparing the tea, which reduces its effectiveness. Before preparing the ginger should not be peeled, because the valuable ingredients are mainly under the shell. The best way to resort to the organic variant, since it is less burdened with chemicals. The finished tea can be tasted with lemon and honey.

What can you do about constantly recurring colds??

If the immune system is weakened, then the symptoms can become chronic or there are frequent relapses (increased susceptibility to infection). In this case, an expert treatment for the normalization of the natural immune function should additionally take place. With minor changes in lifestyle and diet, as well as independently enforceable measures for regular physical detoxification, everyone can help themselves to prevent infectious diseases.

There are many methods and behaviors that can help you not get infected with a cold. Good hygiene and strengthening the immune system are among the most effective preventative measures. (Image: Neyro / fotolia.com / heilpraxis.de)

Cold prevention - To prevent such infection

Autumn and winter is the main season for colds. Since the pathogens can be distributed everywhere, it is advisable to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly (see: Proper Washing of Hands). Furthermore, one should not touch the face with your fingers, as the nose and mouth are the main entry gates for the viruses. If it is not too rude, handshakes should be avoided. In addition, the weather should be worn appropriate clothing to protect against wind, cold and rain. Wetness or cold feet can weaken the immune system and promote infection.

The diet also plays a big role. Lots of fruits and vegetables, including vitamin C suppliers such as lemons and kiwis, provide the body with essential nutrients and help strengthen the immune system. Regular walks in the fresh air are also advisable, as well as sauna and changing showers (alternating warm and cold showers). Interiors should be vented more often to give the dry heating air the necessary moisture. This protects the mucous membranes from dehydration and makes them more resistant. (vb, jvs; updated on 10.09.2018)