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.