Influenza infections connect a lot with the winter. But even with warm temperatures, colds do not stay out. What to do against the "flu of the summer"?
The influenza epidemic in 2017/2018 was one of the heaviest in years with about 1600 deaths in Germany. In April, it was declared finished. But even at 30 degrees, it can always happen that the throat scratches and the nose runs.
If a flu-like infection occurs during the summer months, it is popularly referred to as "summer flu," says Arndt Möllers, a specialist in cervical cancer. Medicine of the nose and throat of Münster. "However, this should not be confused with a real flu, the flu." Although the symptoms of a so-called "summer flu" are similar to those of an influenza infection, they are much less pronounced.
In case of influenza infection in summer, cough, sore ear, sore throat and runny nose appear gradually. as Möllers explains. On the other hand, in the case of a real flu, patients are suddenly really sick with high fever, fatigue and headaches and body aches.
Transmission of the "flu of the summer" is the same as that of the flu
However, the infection routes are the same for the diseases: both are transmitted by a so-called droplet infection. How long the infection lasts in the summer is different. "Most of the time, you're fit again after a week," says Professor Erika Baum, president of the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine. According to the doctor, the greatest danger of infecting other people is shortly before the onset of infection and in the early days when symptoms are palpable. In the plane there are good conditions to infect, because there are many people sitting in confined spaces and air conditioners dry up the mucous membranes.
If you want to avoid contagion, Baum recommends a conscious and healthy lifestyle: "avoid pleasure poisons such as smoking or excessive consumption of alcohol, adequate sleep and a good adaptation to stress ". In addition, wet feet – especially when it is cooler – and the air currents can promote the occurrence of an infection
In case of infection by "flu d & # 39; 39; summer ": save and drink a lot of water
to wash and places where a lot of people are in a small space, avoid as much as possible: So instead put on the bike instead of taking the bus and the train. The movement in the fresh air also boosts the immune system and thus prevents infections.
Anyone who has been infected despite all the precautionary measures should, in the first place, save themselves. Just as for the prevention of summer flu should be drunk enough even after the onset of infection. It should not be drinks that come directly from the fridge or chilled with ice cubes. "The body must then bring the fluid into the stomach at body temperature," says Frank Herfurth of the board of directors of the Association of Independent Naturopaths. (dpa)
