Cough, runny nose, and hoarseness: When you feel the first symptoms of summer flu, you should react immediately. What home remedies help – and when to see a doctor.
Your nose is running, your throat is cluttered: not good conditions for spending the day on a sun lounger or in the park. Influenza infections are also common in the summer, although not as often as in the cold season. After all, it’s rarely a serious condition – and doing the right thing can reduce your risk of infection.
the difference between cold and flu
First of all, it is important to avoid influenza-like infections, often referred to as the summer flu (the coldfrom “real” influenza)flu) to differentiate. The terms are often used synonymously by laymen – but from a medical point of view they have different meanings. True influenza is caused by influenza viruses, while the common cold can be caused by different types of viruses.
The two clinical pictures are often confused because the symptoms are similar. The difference lies primarily in the course of the onset of symptoms and the severity of the disease. If you have the flu, your symptoms will come on suddenly. Within a very short time, sufferers feel ill, usually have a high temperature and need bed rest. On the other hand, with a cold, the symptoms are not severe. They occur over several days and do not disrupt those affected from daily life.
Normal Summer flu symptoms
Although the summer cold is caused by viruses other than illness during the cold season, the symptoms are partly the same. Typical signs are:
- Sniff
- cough
- fever
- shudder
- Sore throat, ears, extremities, headache
Summer flu symptoms are often accompanied by digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In general, the person concerned feels tired, tired and miserable.
Summer flu period The course of viral infection
The acute phase of summer flu usually lasts about three days. If you still have severe summer flu symptoms after this, you should see your doctor. The same applies if the fever rises above 39 degrees.
The doctor will only prescribe an antibiotic for the summer flu in the rarest cases, as it does not help with viral diseases. It may only be used if your doctor has diagnosed an additional bacterial infection. In addition, the frequent use of antibiotics can weaken the body’s defenses in the long term.
Substance abuse treatment and home remedies: What helps?
How can the symptoms of the summer flu be alleviated? Special emulsions from a pharmacy or pharmacy moisturize the mucous membranes and, thanks to anti-inflammatory and anesthetic agents, help prevent Sore throat Throat irritation. You can control a cough with cough suppressants or expectorants. If you have a fever, it is recommended to make compresses for the calf and take antipyretic painkillers. Home remedies such as nasal rinse, ginger or herbal tea also have a positive effect.
Note that the body now needs a lot of rest to regain strength. As tempting as the good summer weather may be, you should definitely take it easy for about a week and take measures to strengthen your immune system.
What is the duration of one Is summer flu contagious?
Viruses responsible for the common cold are transmitted by droplets. Sneezing and coughing spread the virus through the air. If the virus settles in the body, infection can occur before the first symptoms appear.
The greatest risk of infection is in the first two to three days after symptoms appear. In general, there is a risk of infection for about a week, or more, depending on the state of the immune system.
blockHow to protect yourself from flu-like infections in the summer
For effective prevention of summer flu, the following actions can help strengthen the immune system:
- wash Hands several times a day and thoroughly with soap.
- Drink at least two to three liters of fluid per day.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid air conditioners that are set to too cold and drafts.
- Ventilate your buildings And exercise a lot outdoors.
- Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure and avoid sunburn.
- Do not wear wet or sweaty clothes on your body for a long time.
important note: The information is in no way a substitute for professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized physicians. The contents of t-online cannot and should not be used to make diagnoses or start treatment independently.
