Dalmatian specialties husbandry and care

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Since the movie "101 Dalmatians" at the latest, the whole world knows him: The Dalmatian with his black spots on white fur is certainly one of the most famous dog breeds. The pretty dog has some temperament and endurance, but is also a very sensitive dog.

Learn in this guide why closeness and kind words get these dog breeds better than strictness. In addition, we give helpful tips on a species-appropriate diet.

1. History of the Dalmatian: From Dalmatia to the Court of Princes

The Dalmatian also likes to play and romp with children.

White dogs with black spots are already found on Greek and Egyptian relics, so it can be amed that the history of the Dalmatian goes back a long way.

A well-known theory follows the dog's name:
According to this, it originates from the region of Dalmatia in the south of Croatia, after which it is also named. In ecclesiastical chronicles from the 14. The dog from the Dalmatian region is mentioned in the 18th century and from the year 1719.

Genetic tests say that the Dalmatian is related to the English Pointer. Its earlier history and also its breeding destination thus continue to remain hidden. At the beginning of modern times the spotted dog enjoyed great popularity among the European nobility. There the persevering dog was used to accompany carriages.

In US-American states it was used for the police force. The Dalmatian ran ahead of the fire engines as a "living siren", which were still pulled by horses at that time. The dogs drew everyone's attention to the approaching fire department and, by their barking, kept away other stray dogs that would otherwise have gone under the wheels.

The first breed standard was defined by the Englishman Vero Shaw, In 1890 the standard was officially recognized. Today the Dalmatian is a worldwide recognized dog breed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

2. Breed characteristics of the Dalmatian

Black on white: His special coat color makes the Dalmatian. The coat of the dog is from the ground up white and is covered with numerous black or brown spots. The spots must be clearly outlined in the pedigree dogs and not blurred.

Profile Info Size male 56-61cm, female 54-59 cm Weight Male: 27-32 kg, bitch: 24-29 kg Coat short, hard, dense, glossy, Color black or brown color on white background Eye color brown for black color, amber for brown color Life expectancy 10 to 13 years

The Dalmatian is medium size and has a slender build. The shoulders are muscular, but the Neck long and elegant. His head is gently rounded, the medium sized ears are set high and fall slightly.

Less known is the Dalmatian as a longhaired dog. It belongs to the exotic looking types. Belongs to the rarity breed.

One of the most common questions related to the Dalmatian is where the dog gets its spots from. It is important to know that despite its white coat, the dog is not an albino is. One of the ways you can tell is that he does not have a pink muzzle.

Rather, his coat lacks pigmentation to a large extent. In rare cases there is a partial pigmentation. This is shown by the so-called plates, large areas in black or brown. They are often found on the ear or around the eye.

In contrast to these plates, the typical spots appear gradually after birth. Researchers have not yet been able to decipher why they occur. Probably it is a special gene, but its occurrence could not be confirmed yet.

3. Nature of the Dalmatian: docile and family-oriented

During joint activities the dog wants to be exercised.

The Dalmatian is a lively and affectionate companion. He likes to live in the middle of a family. Actively going through life. Children treat him with respect. Should not be considered as a toy.

Some Dalmatians have a slight hunting instinct. To keep it in check, a good education is indispensable. They are also said to have a certain stubbornness. However, not much can be achieved with strictness with this sensitive dog. He rather needs affectionate address as well as praising or reprimanding words to get orientation. The pedigree dog is lively. Adapts well to its environment. However, the Dalmatian cannot be trained to be a couch dog.

4. Tips for keeping Dalmatians

The Dalmatian has a great urge to move, which owners should definitely comply with. At least two hours, better three to four hours a day, the dogs should be actively moved, which does not include romping around in the garden. Dalmatians want to be challenged physically as well as mentally, which is why a dog sport that combines both is particularly suitable:

Movie "101 Dalmatians

By the film "101 Dalmatians" the race dog became the trend dog. This has resulted in an increase in the dubious, profit-oriented breeding of dogs with behavioral problems and even aggressive dogs.

Clicker training: This education technique strengthens the interaction between man and dog. Search games: A big challenge is to find objects and people.
Dog DanceThe dog's handler works out a choreography together with the dog, which can contain jumps and figures depending on the discipline. Trained as a rescue dogThe preparation for the VDH rescue dog test challenges the Dalmatian athletically and intellectually, which is exactly what he needs.

If the Dalmatian is permanently underchallenged, it can develop undesirable behaviors.

5. Most common diseases in Dalmatians

The coat of the Dalmatian is not lined, which makes it freeze quickly.

Its white coat with black spots makes the Dalmatian's funny character. But exactly this appearance also leads to peculiarities.

Like other types of dogs with high white content, the Dalmatian has a significantly higher risk of becoming deaf. Another peculiarity is the Dalmatian syndrome, which in individual cases requires a special diet for the pedigree dog.

5.1. Genetic deafness

Dalmatians are particularly often affected by congenital sensorineural deafness. Within the first few days after birth, puppies lose their ability to hear due to the destruction of sensory cells either on one or on both ears. During the first six to eight weeks of life, the condition becomes apparent as affected dogs hold their heads crooked and develop an unsteady gait.

In time, however, the lack of hearing is compensated by other sensory organs. This enables the animals to live a life free of complaints. Species-specific deafness is significantly more common in blue-eyed dogs, which is why they are excluded from breeding.

Info: Dalmatians with a plate pattern (continuous black or brown body parts) are less often affected by deafness.

5.2. Increased uric acid level

The plate pattern on the right ear decreases the risk of deafness.

Due to a metabolic defect, Dalmatians have a urinary system which is unique in the animal world. Instead of releasing urea and allantoins through urine like other dogs, he releases uric acid unfiltered. He lacks the enzyme uricase, which converts uric acid into allantoin. The cause is a disturbed uric acid transport system. A limitation of uric acid reabsorption. The result is primarily a tenfold increase in the amount of uric acid that the dog excretes in its urine every day. A consequence of increased uric acid is a unique form of dermatitis as well as a particular susceptibility to urinary stones.

5.3. Dalmatian Syndrome (Hyperuricosuria)

Due to the frequency of urinary stones in Dalmatians, this disease has received the nickname "Dalmatian syndrome. Due to their metabolic defect, the dogs very often get sick from bladder or kidney stones.

Males are affected more often than females. Probably bitches can carry away smallest kidney stones with their ureters more easily. With the right diet, the formation of urinary stones can be counteracted as much as possible.

6. Diet of the Dalmatian: prefer low-purine meat

The typical spots appear only after a few days of life.

The genetically elevated uric acid level should be kept as low as possible by following some rules or a special dietetic diet.

So it is important that the Dalmatian is fed a low purine diet. Canned food with a high meat content should be avoided.

It is better to buy dry food with less than 15 percent crude protein content, which is also available in common pet shops. It has been shown that Form urinary stones less frequently if the dog is fed only once a day, preferably in the afternoon. In addition Dalmatians should drink a lot and urinating as often as possible.

Attention: Dalmatians should not be given beef or offal. A low-purine diet with lamb, chicken, eggs and suitable vegetables is healthier.

7. Buying a Dalmatian: Have them tested for hearing

The Dalmatian also exists with brown spots.

A Dalmatian puppy costs on average between 1.000 and 1.400 euros. The relatively high costs include all the expenses that the breeders had until the animal was given away. This includes the typical vaccinations, deworming, examinations as well as chipping the animal. Hearing test is important for this dog breed. Before an animal is bought, it should be sure whether it can hear bilaterally.

If you want to buy a Dalmatian, you will find on the Information pages of the German Kennel Club (VDH) all association breeders. In addition, there is on special animal portals an animal market with many offered puppies. If you want to be sure that the animals are mentally and physically healthy, they should have a purebred pedigree.

Interested parties can get an impression of the living conditions of the litter and get answers to questions at reputable breeders on the spot. Breeders should always give the impression that they have the animals' welfare at heart.

If the price for a purebred Dalmatian is too high for you, you can also have a lot of fun with a mixed breed. Popular is for example the Labrador-Dalmatian mix. An alternative is also to look for a Dalmatian in the animal shelter. Here you can buy older Dalmatians with a little bit of luck for a lower price.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, accounting for almost 25 percent of all cancers. At just under 12 percent, the second most common cause of cancer death among men in Germany. It mainly affects older men, in the age group between early 50s and mid 70s. In Germany there is a statutory cancer screening program, the services of which are financed by health insurance companies. Men 45 years of age and older have the option of having their prostate palpated and their external genitalia examined once a year.

Symptoms

In early stage prostate cancer there are no typical symptoms. Problems with urination, which indicate a change in the prostate, are almost always caused by a benign enlargement of the prostate, which has nothing to do with cancer.

Prostate cancer typically only causes symptoms when it is more advanced. Then cancer can also become the cause of problems with urination, for example, an increased urge to urinate or a weaker urinary stream. In some cases, blood in the urine or seminal fluid may also indicate prostate cancer. If the cancer is very advanced, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, through the bloodstream or lymphatics, which can also cause bone pain. So far, the causes for the development of prostate cancer are. The factors influencing the course essentially unknown. However, age is considered the main risk factor. A family history of prostate cancer increases the risk of developing prostate cancer twofold. The male sex hormones (testosterones) also play a role in the development and progression of prostate cancer, without which it would not develop.

Treatment

The treatment considered for men affected by prostate cancer depends on numerous factors, including the aggressiveness, size, and stage of the tumor. In addition, the age of the man also plays. Its general health status a role in the choice of approach.

High-risk prostate cancer In cases of advanced cancer (high-risk prostate cancer), the prostate is often irradiated. This can be done externally (external radiation therapy) or internally (internal radiation therapy, brachytherapy). You can find more information about this in the portal gesundheitsinformation.en:

In addition to radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, and/or chemotherapy are treatment options for advanced prostate cancer. Men who want to find out more can find an overview of the options, prospects and the consequences and side effects of the individual treatments on the information portal of the Cancer Information Service.

However, patients should be aware of other procedures before choosing the right treatment for them in each case. Information from the Internet can therefore not replace medical advice, at most supplement it.

Low-risk prostate cancer
Watchful Waiting If the carcinoma is small and not aggressive (low-risk prostate cancer), other treatment alternatives may be considered. On the one hand, this is the medical observation of the cancer ("watchful waiting"). As long as the cancer is not growing, this does not require therapeutic intervention. If the tumor changes, the resulting symptoms may be treated, but the tumor is not irradiated or surgically removed. This strategy is particularly suitable for older men who may have other medical conditions. For them, the risks and burdens of surgery or radiation therapy may outweigh the potential benefits of these treatments.

Active Surveillance On the other hand, active surveillance can be considered for low-risk prostate cancer. With this strategy, too, the cancer is initially only observed. Background is that a small, non-aggressive carcinoma usually grows very slowly or not at all. In many cases, there is no progression of the disease even years after initial diagnosis. The prostate is checked at regular intervals. Therapeutic treatment is given only if the tumor enlarges. This approach can have the advantage of sparing a man the side effects of radiation therapy or surgery as long as the cancer does not cause symptoms and does not change.

Basically, for men with low-risk prostate cancer, there is no a priori right or wrong therapy decision. Which treatment strategy is chosen, in addition to the factors of age and general health, is also a matter of personal consideration for the patient: For one person, it is more important to avoid possible side effects such as impotence or incontinence, while another wants to be as sure as possible that the cancer has been removed and accepts possible side effects in return.

Cold, cough and everything hurts – a clear case: you are sick! But is it the flu or just a common cold?? What influenza really is, why there are often waves of flu in winter and how best to protect yourself – all this in the following overview.

What is influenza?

Influenza (the "real" flu) is an infectious disease caused by viruses of the genus influenza A and B. Often the term flu is also used for a cold or flu-like infection, but these are much more harmless viral infections. They should definitely be distinguished from each other, otherwise the flu is easily underestimated by them. It is a serious disease, which can even be fatal in the worst case and with severe pre-existing conditions and complications. The name Influenza comes from the Latin. Means influence or also influencing. It is divided into virus type A and B. While type B is comparable to a common cold, type A, on the other hand, is much more dangerous – this form can be especially dangerous for the elderly, chronically ill, pregnant women and young children, as their immune systems are often weaker than those of other people. Other illnesses can occur as a result – organic or muscular inflammations are then often even life-threatening. The special thing about influenza viruses is that they are constantly changing. Therefore, the body cannot form appropriate defenses, as it is possible with the cold viruses.

Influenza should not be confused with the so-called "summer flu", as the latter is not a "real" flu. It runs rather like an ordinary cold and is also not triggered by the influenza viruses, but by enteroviruses. As the name suggests, it usually occurs in the summer months.

Flu or cold?

Symptoms are similar in both cases – cough, cold, headache and aching limbs. With influenza, however, signs usually appear after a few hours and are often more severe and long-lasting. With a cold, on the other hand, it often takes a few days for a sore throat, mild cold or cough to turn into a bedridden illness. The main difference, however, lies in the pathogenic agent. In a normal cold, hundreds of different pathogens, most of them viruses, can be the cause of illness. Only one type of virus is responsible for a real flu – the so-called influenza viruses. While the common cold usually comes along without fever or with only a slight fever, the flu often really hits and knocks you out with a high fever.

However, regardless of whether you have the flu or a cold, in both cases you need to get into a warm bed and rest.

The following table again provides a good overview of the differences between the two infectious diseases:

Flu cases Frequency

Influenza is one of the most important infectious diseases, affecting many people worldwide every year and, unfortunately, killing many of them. Any age group can contract the flu. In addition to the so-called "summer flu", which is more comparable to a cold, the influenza viruses are particularly active in the winter months. In Germany, depending on the season, ca. 5 – 20 % of the population suffer from it.

Flu – Causes

Influenza viruses are particularly stable in the winter months – at cold temperatures they can penetrate the body even more easily. Their lipid layer, a kind of protective layer, becomes very hard at this time of year, making them even easier to transmit from person to person. They also multiply better when the mucous membranes in the body are cooler. During the winter months, we spend more time indoors, in less ventilated and heavily heated rooms – it is precisely this dry air that also makes the mucous membranes more susceptible to viruses.

Transmission

Viruses lurk everywhere – on door handles, in the subway or on the keyboard. They can also be transmitted via the air and through physical contact. They then enter the body's cells through the mucous membranes of the nose, respiratory tract and eye. There they multiply. Destroy healthy cells. The more viruses spread, the more severe the disease is.

Transmission can occur through droplet infection – when sneezing, coughing, breathing or talking. The droplets can dry in the air. Float around there for several hours. Heated rooms with dry air increase the spread of the viruses. This may be a reason why the strong flu waves tend to occur in winter rather than in summer. Influenza can also be transmitted by contact or smear infection with the viruses – for example, via infected nasal secretions. Infection is also possible via fecal particles or skin flakes, hair and dust.

Virus propagation

Influenza viruses have two very essential proteins on the cell surface – hemagglutinin, which ensures that the virus enters the cell, and neuraminidase, which is responsible for the virus splitting off from infected cells and spreading. These proteins exist in many different combinations, because the H and N segments can also be recombined and mutate again and again. So, at the same time, each type still has subtypes, or also called sub-types. This then leads to designations such as H1N3 or H2N1.

Mutable influenza viruses

Flu viruses are very versatile viruses. There are two conversion mechanisms involved:

Antigen drift

When influenza viruses replicate, genetic changes always occur in the process. This leads to a change in the surface proteins of the viruses (antigens). If it remains with very small changes, the immune system can recognize this pathogen nevertheless. If, on the other hand, they are stronger, because they accumulate more and more over time, it is much more difficult for the immune system to still recognize it. This is also the reason why the viruses are determined anew every year and the vaccines are adapted.

Antigenic shift

Here, the genetic properties of different viruses combine. So there is a very significant change, so that a whole new virus develops. Sometimes viruses that previously infected only animals, then gain the ability to infect humans.

Influenza – symptoms

The main symptoms of influenza are:

– sudden onset of illness – chills – headache – sore throat, difficulty swallowing, sore throat – watery eyes – sweating – stuffy or runny nose – feeling sick – nausea/vomiting – diarrhea – loss of appetite – joint and limb pain – cough – feeling weak, tired and fatigued – dizziness

Influenza – Course

Influenza viruses do not cause typical symptoms in everyone. The viruses can spread and multiply, but only show minor symptoms. Thus, flu headaches can sometimes be interpreted as migraines, or the increased fatigue as occupational exhaustion. So, while some people are asymptomatic, others experience a range of symptoms after an incubation period of 1 – 2 days. In children, in addition to the flu, there is often a middle ear infection with severe ear pain.

Even after the symptoms have subsided and the flu has healed, patients may still feel weak and suffer from headaches and aching limbs for days afterwards. If you don't take it easy for long enough, you risk contracting the flu, which can lead to coughing and exhaustion for several weeks.

Duration

Severe symptoms can last for days. Influenza usually does not last longer than 7 – 14 days. In the case of a severe course of the disease, however, recovery can also take considerably longer, up to several weeks – this is the case if a bacterial infection is added and further damage to the mucous membranes occurs.

Influenza is contagious? Influenza is contagious. Transmissible from person to person. The viruses are already contagious during the incubation period. If the flu has broken out, there is still a risk of infection for the further three to five days, in children even up to seven days after the first symptoms appear.

Incubation period

The incubation period ranges from a few hours to three days.

Flu – complications

Even if the symptoms are anything but pleasant, they usually subside again after 1-2 weeks. It only becomes really dangerous through complications due to secondary bacterial infections. The immune system is weakened by the influenza viruses. Now particularly susceptible to further infections. The bacteria penetrate more easily into the body. Can cause terrible illnesses there. These include brain inflammation, heart muscle inflammation, and skeletal muscle inflammation. Especially weakened persons with chronic heart-lung problems or immune deficiencies are particularly at risk. In the worst case, death occurs within a few hours. 200 people die worldwide every year.000 – 500.000 people die from influenza or its consequences.

Even without these complications, influenza is not entirely harmless in itself. Viral pleumonia, or viral pneumonia, can occur, which can be dangerous for high-risk groups such as older and previously ill people, pregnant women, or small children. In addition to viral pneumonia, a bacterial superinfection can also occur and cause serious consequences. The lungs are weakened by the viruses to such an extent that they are susceptible to further bacteria and thus further damaged. This should not be underestimated. It results in very high fever, severe cough and chest pain. Patients should therefore check their fever regularly to determine in good time when it is rising too high.

Influenza – diagnosis and examinations

It is not always easy to diagnose because the symptoms in the early stages are very similar to those of a cold. However, if high fever and severe, persistent headaches and aching limbs occur, a doctor should be consulted. Then the physical examination, the course of the disease and the medical history with all symptoms and complaints give further clues.

If a flu epidemic is known to be in the region, influenza can often be diagnosed without further testing. It is different if the influenza brings a more severe course of the disease or even if there is an underlying disease – then there is a risk of complications and in this case laboratory tests are performed. In most cases, a blood sample is taken for this purpose, which can also be used to test for antibodies against the influenza virus. However, these are not reliably detectable until two weeks after infection. In some cases, for example if there is pre-existing lung disease, the patient's saliva is examined.

If the flu has been present for a long time before the patient sees a doctor and pneumonia is suspected, a chest X-ray may also be helpful. In addition, pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy or computed tomography may also be used to ensure that influenza is responsible for the respiratory disease.

Influenza – Treatment

There are several methods available for the treatment of influenza. Antiviral therapy as well as symptomatic treatment with effective home remedies and soothing natural medicine are possible.

Medication

Antiviral therapy is used to prevent the viruses from multiplying. However, this should be done no later than 48 hours after the onset of the first symptoms, otherwise the effectiveness will be minimal. Bacterial secondary infections are usually treated with antibiotics. However, these do not help against the actual flu viruses.

Neuraminidase inhibitor

They are administered especially to high-risk patients with chronic underlying diseases (diabetes, kidney, heart, liver and lung diseases), immunocompromised and elderly people. Therapy is considered when the previous illness is very severe or the risk for possible complications is considered very high by the treating physician. Two prescription versions are available in Germany, which are effective against all neuraminidase subtypes of the influenza type A virus as well as against influenza B viruses.

The active ingredient zanamivir is approved for adults and adolescents over the age of 12 and is inhaled in the form of a powder. In addition, there is the active ingredient oseltamivir, which is taken in capsule form. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting may occur, but are alleviated by simultaneous food intake. In order to alleviate the accompanying symptoms, the following drugs are available. They aim to make the symptoms more tolerable and to support the immune system in its work.

Nasal sprays

Anyone suffering from a blocked nose can find relief with saline nasal sprays. A lot of nose blowing dries out the nasal mucosa – saline re-moisturizes it and can have a mild cleansing effect – even if they have no "real" effect on the duration of the disease, some find them very pleasant. They provide for a decongestion and thus represent an improvement of the blocked nose, which is often perceived as a nuisance. They also allow secretions to drain through the sinuses and make it easier to fall asleep. However, in order to avoid habituation effects, the duration of use should be limited to one week.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers

These include drugs with the active ingredients acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, paracetamol, diclofenac and many others. They have varying degrees of analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. They achieve relief from headache, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, but have no effect on coughing, sneezing or running nose. Possible complications are gastrointestinal complaints. Rarely also skin rashes.

Antibiotics

If there is an additional bacterial inflammation in the course of the disease, antibiotics are usually administered. Such inflammations can be recognized, for example, by the formation of yellow-greenish nasal secretions. Antibiotics inhibit bacteria but not viruses – so taking them is not effective for a purely viral infection. A hasty prescription of antibiotics also promotes the formation of resistant bacteria and damages the body's own intestinal flora.

Vitamin C

Daily intake of 200 mg of vitamin C can shorten the course of the disease and additionally strengthen the immune system.

Home remedies against flu

In most cases, the well-tried home remedies and remedies from natural medicine can already help to alleviate flu symptoms. They have an antibacterial, soothing effect and are therefore also wonderfully suitable for prevention, so as not to get sick in the first place.

– Warm soups: The classic: chicken soup! The contained protein. Zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect. Spiced with chili, garlic and lemongrass, it works even better. – Drink plenty of liquids: preferably unsweetened herbal teas, water or broth. Thus the mucous membranes are kept moist. Sore throat relieved. Depending on which type of tea one likes better and drinks, different effects can be developed – chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect, ginger relieves pain, lime and elderflower tea have a diaphoretic effect. Those who suffer from severe nausea can soothe their stomach with lemon balm, anise, caraway or peppermint. For sore throats can also be gargled with tea in addition. – Echinacea: in the form of tea or a decoction, echinacea strengthens the immune system – Garlic: the active ingredient allicin promotes circulation, is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, relieves coughs, colds and sore throats – Marshmallow: relieves inflammation in the throat and pharynx as well as unpleasant irritating cough, especially the leaves and the root have expectorant properties and put a protective film around the mucous membranes. So they are soothed gently. – Ribwort: its leaves are rich in vitamin C and have a cough-soothing, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect. Especially for severe cough. Irritant cough wonderfully suitable. – Chamomile: works mucosa-healing and anti-inflammatory – ivy leaves: in small quantity in mixed teas added, they have a cough-soothing effect – thyme: works expectorant, antibacterial, antispasmodic and expectorant – onion decoction or onion syrup as a cough syrup: Can be quite easy to make yourself – dice onion and add 1-2 teaspoons of honey and sugar. Leave to infuse for a few hours and a decoction is formed, of which you can take 1-2 teaspoons daily. – Lavender: has anti-inflammatory properties and in the form of oil it is very good for rubbing on the chest and back or gargling with it as well. Also an inhalation with water vapor. Lavender oil supports the respiratory tract. – Aloe vera juice: protects mucous membranes, relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The juice can be drunk or gargled. Also helpful for a sore nose, there it can be applied thinly to the nostrils. – Tea tree oil: is suitable for gargling with irritated mucous membranes and acts against sore throat. If a few drops are mixed with petroleum jelly, the result is an ointment that can be applied well to the chest, back and throat and clears the respiratory tract.

Other tips

"Sleep yourself healthy!" Sleep is very important in the recovery process. So if you get enough sleep, you help the body to build up new strength again. Potato and curd compresses placed around the neck help wonderfully with sore throat, while calf compresses reduce fever. Calf compresses help especially when you feel very uncomfortable, can't fall asleep and have a severe headache. From a calf wrap you can not expect the body temperature to drop back to normal, but the goal is in any case a slight reduction and relaxation.

If you also suffer from earache, you can apply onion compresses and put them on both ears for 15 minutes each. Ginger clears the sinuses. You can soak a linen cloth in boiled broth, squeeze it out and put it on your forehead and nose – leave it on for 3-5 minutes. Another valuable tip to keep the airways well moisturized is regular steam inhalation. This maintains the protective function of the mucous membranes. Support the natural cleansing function. The small hairs of the nose need moisture, otherwise they cannot work well and transport foreign substances or germs. Therefore, inhalations are also very good for prevention. Another tip is to take regular warm foot baths – a simple way to warm up the feet, especially in fever, when you have a hot head but cold feet. Especially before going to bed they provide the right relaxation.

It is generally valid, but especially in case of flu illness: to eat healthy and fresh with many vitamins and trace elements. During an infection, sugar should be avoided as much as possible, as it has an enormous influence on the intestinal flora, which in turn affects our immune system. By the way: The famous "hot lemon" is only really effective if the water is not hotter than 60 degrees. At temperatures above this, the vitamin C is destroyed. Our immune system is therefore challenged. Gets really busy during the winter months. So how can you prevent getting sick and protect yourself from flu viruses in the best possible way?? It is important to wash your hands regularly, to keep your distance from acutely ill people and to strengthen your own immune system. The daily portion of vitamin C and zinc helps, as well as drinking enough. Dressing warmly and exercising in the fresh air is also very good for the body. Also, you should regularly ventilate the room well and avoid stress as much as possible.

Flu vaccination

Anyone who has ever had the flu knows it's not pretty, but do you really need to get vaccinated against it? How dangerous is such a flu shot actually?? In the case of a vaccination, we administer weakened versions of the viruses or only parts of the viruses, which cannot trigger the flu, but they still contain the antigens, so that our immune system is able to form the appropriate antibodies. However, such a vaccination can also cause side effects such as redness of the injection site, fatigue or even a slight fever. In most cases, these symptoms disappear after a few days and the body is then supposedly armed when the real pathogen attacks.

But: Unlike other vaccinations, which you may only have to take 1-2 times and then enjoy lifelong protection (with boosters in some cases), you have to be vaccinated against influenza every year. Some virus strains become resistant to medications and vaccines, which is why constant adaptation is necessary. So, since the viruses are constantly changing, the vaccines that are produced every year in advance can also just miss the actual flu viruses. This means that even if you get a flu shot, you can still get the flu of another type of virus that is currently circulating. But then the symptoms are probably milder. The duration a little shorter.

Vaccination is not recommended for healthy adults, only for risk groups. It takes approx. 1 – 2 weeks until the vaccination protection is built up.

More tips

Exercise and a positive attitude to life strengthen the immune system, as do sufficient sleep, relaxation, sauna and cold showers. Especially in the cold season many people have a vitamin D deficiency – the vitamin that is mainly formed by the sun. It activates among other things immune cells as well as defense cells. A possible vitamin D deficiency can be detected by a blood test. In contrast to vitamin D, many other vitamins and trace elements can be well absorbed through food and help us to stay healthy and fit.

Therefore, a balanced diet is very important in prevention, but also in general for the well-being and own fitness. In addition to vitamin D, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, folic acid, iron, selenium and zinc are very important for the immune system. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as wholesome carbohydrates and proteins should therefore be on the daily menu. This then finally ensures good intestinal health. Furthermore, it is advisable to protect yourself well against the cold – wear good shoes and do not expose yourself to cold drafts. Especially the feet control the blood circulation in the body. When the feet are warm and well supplied with blood, the heat rises upwards and is distributed throughout the body. When the feet are cold, the blood vessels constrict, resulting in poorer blood supply to the body and mucous membranes.