The flu is here - now what?
Luise Heine has been an editor at since 2012. The qualified biologist studied in Regensburg and Brisbane (Australia) and gained experience as a journalist in television, in the Ratgeber-Verlag and in a print magazine. In addition to her work at , she also writes for children, for example for the Stuttgarter Kinderzeitung, and has her own breakfast blog, “Kuchen zum Frühstück”.
More posts by Luise Heine All content is checked by medical journalists.The flu wave in Germany is just picking up speed. Here you will find the most important facts about influenza - and how you can protect yourself.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has just reported a sharp increase in new flu cases. From calendar week six to seven, the number of flu cases rose again by 30 percent. The experts classify the event as “greatly increased influenza activity”. And that now applies to all of Germany, especially in the south.
Who is particularly at risk of becoming infected?
There are certain risk groups who are particularly easy to get infected with the flu virus - and who may experience a severe course of the disease. This includes:
- People over 60 years
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic diseases (e.g. respiratory tract, metabolic diseases, HIV)
- People who live or work in old people's and nursing homes.
- People who work in facilities with a high level of public traffic (such as medical staff).
How do you get infected?
Infection with the influenza viruses usually takes place via a so-called droplet infection. If someone with the flu coughs or sneezes, he spreads the virus in the air. The pathogens travel up to ten meters. In addition, the viruses also survive for some time on surfaces. Typical sources of infection are door handles or handrails in local public transport. If the pathogens are then wiped from the hands onto the mucous membranes, for example on the mouth, eyes or nose, a flu infection is possible.
How do you recognize the flu?
Practically overnight and very violently - this is how most sufferers describe the appearance of the first symptoms. Patients often suffer from fever, dry, dry cough, and pain in their limbs or headaches. However, the flu does not always express itself so clearly.Theoretically, more diffuse symptoms such as sweating, nausea, diarrhea and a general feeling of fatigue or "being ill" are possible. At least in the USA, it is also reported that, especially in children, the salivary glands swell more often this flu season - this is otherwise rather untypical for influenza.
How long is the incubation period?
It can take one to two days for the influenza viruses to multiply to such an extent that the person affected notices something of their illness - this is what experts call the incubation period.
When do you become contagious to others?
Theoretically, infection is also possible during the incubation period. It is much more likely, however, that the sick person will spread the flu virus to their environment four to five days after the first symptoms appear.
How long does the flu last?
According to the RKI, the duration of a flu illness is on average between five and seven days. However, there are various risk groups, including those with a weak immune system, who may take longer to recover.
When can the flu become dangerous?
Basically, the flu has a good prognosis. Most patients recover after a few days. However, it can happen that a superinfection with bacteria develops, for example - especially in risk groups. This means that bacteria attack the body too. Pneumonia is a particularly feared complication. This can be potentially fatal.
What should sick people consider?
Maintain bed rest - this is the most important recommendation that will help people with the flu get back on their feet quickly. The course of the disease cannot be shortened with medication, but the symptoms can be alleviated. Antibiotics won't help because the flu is caused by viruses.
In addition, one should protect others from infection. The following rules are important:
- Limit contact with other people as much as possible
- Regularly ventilate the lounge
- Do not shake hands with others
- cough or sneeze in the crook of your arm
- Use disposable handkerchiefs and then dispose of them immediately
How well does the vaccination protect?
The best preventive protection against the flu is an annual vaccination. It contains a mix of substances from certain influenza viruses that the researchers suspect may play a role in the upcoming flu season. The immune system makes antibodies against these types of viruses through vaccination. However, this year the viruses have developed more strongly than scientists expected - as reported by official bodies in the USA. So the vaccination this year does not protect as well as it has already done in other years. Nevertheless, the experts continue to recommend risk groups to get vaccinated. Because even a little protection is better than none at all.
How will this flu season go?
Concrete statements cannot yet be made about this. However, this year the flu has taken a similar course as in the flu season 2012-2013. This was considered one of the worst in the last ten years, with over 32,000 flu-related hospital admissions and 7.7 million doctor visits.
How do you reduce the risk of infection?
There are basically some general measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. This includes, for example, washing your hands often and thoroughly, especially if you have been using public transport. You should also try to touch the mucous membranes on your face as little as possible (especially with unwashed hands). It also helps to increase the humidity in heated rooms. As a result, the free viruses do not survive that long. And last but not least, it is important to keep a distance from those with flu, as far as possible.
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