Influenza/flu

Influenza/flu

The real flu, also called influenza, is an acute disease of the respiratory tract. It is a serious, sometimes life-threatening illness caused by flu viruses. Colds or "flu-like infections", on the other hand, are caused by other pathogens. In Germany, influenza waves of varying spread and severity occur in the winter months after the turn of the year. Influenza viruses are constantly changing and often form new variants. These changes mean that people can catch influenza and fall ill more often in the course of their lives. That is why the influenza vaccine is also adjusted almost every year.


  • How is influenza transmitted?

    From person to person
    Influenza is very contagious. When sneezing, coughing or talking, the smallest virus-containing droplets of the nasopharyngeal secretions of sick people become airborne and can be inhaled by other people in the vicinity. The viruses are also passed on via the hands if they have come into contact with virus-containing secretions. If the mouth, nose or eyes are then touched, the flu viruses can enter the body via the mucous membranes.

    Via contaminated objects
    The pathogens can also adhere to door handles, grab rails, stair rails or similar objects and be passed on from there via the hands.

  • What are the symptoms of the disease?

    About one third of all illnesses typically start with a sudden feeling of illness -, fever, sore throat and dry cough, accompanied by muscle, limb, back or head pain. Especially in older people, the signs of illness are often not as pronounced and are more like a cold. If the course of the disease is uncomplicated, the symptoms disappear after 5 to 7 days. However, the cough can last much longer.
    The severity of the illness can vary. An influenza infection can be mild or have no symptoms at all. On the other hand, it can also be accompanied by a severe course of the disease, which in the worst case can lead to death. It can be accompanied by fever, fatigue, joint and muscle pain and other general symptoms.

  • When does the disease break out and how long is one contagious?

    After infection, the first symptoms are felt relatively quickly after 1 to 2 days. The infected person can already be contagious on the day before the onset of symptoms and up to approx. 1 week after the first signs of illness appear. Children or people with a weakened immune system can also excrete the pathogens for longer.

  • How can I protect myself?

    Vaccination
    The best protection against influenza is a vaccination. It should be administered annually, preferably in the months of October and November. Each year, the composition of the vaccine is reviewed and, if necessary, adjusted to provide targeted protection against the virus variants that are likely to be circulating.

    Hygiene

    • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water! Dry your hands carefully with a clean cloth after washing. This applies especially if you have had contact with sick people or have touched objects that sick people have touched before.
    • Touch the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose as little as possible with your hands.
    • If possible, avoid shaking hands during flu outbreaks and keep your distance from people who are sneezing or coughing.
    • If possible, avoid close contact with people with the disease, even in the home environment.