The Flu epidemic has begun and will continue for some time.
According to the weekly report of the Robert Koch Institute 13.350 Influenza are since the beginning of the flu season in October-confirmed cases. 32 diseases were more deadly.
At the same time, approximately 6.330 Influenza illnesses and 20 deaths were in the last year.
Anyone who has caught the Influenza Virus, you must have a lot of patience. Affected can relieve the discomfort but.
And who has not been infected yet, they can protect themselves. The Institute for quality and efficiency in health care (IQWIG) declared on Gesundheitsinformation.de. The most important information at a Glance:
How can I protect myself from infection?
Flu viruses spread among other things through direct body contact, shaking hands, around, and about things that touch many people, for example, the grip in the rail.
Anyone who wants to protect themselves should avoid both as much as possible, his hands away from the face keep away and to frequently and thoroughly wash hands. That is to say: With soap and for at least 20 seconds.
In your own home should be respected to brush regularly, a kitchen and a bathroom, and several times a day airing.
A flu vaccination is worth it?
Yes, even now. “It is never too late to get vaccinated as long as flu is still circulating. Vaccination increases the chances to protect themselves against infection, and reduces serious consequences as a result of a disease,” announced the world health organization.
Vaccination should, especially the elderly, Pregnant women and people with pre-existing conditions. Also, children can be vaccinated from the age of six months. These groups have an increased risk for a fatal course of the disease.
However, speed is of the essence: To the protection of the “Last Minute”vaccination acts, offences, about two weeks. The wave of Flu but is expected to last longer. One-hundred-percent protection, vaccination offers, however.
How do I know if I have the flu?
The symptoms of the flu are similar to those of a ordinary cold, however, are often heavier, and lengthy.
The biggest distinguishing feature is the beginning of the disease: While the common cold can sneak up on most of the time, breaks out with the flu, almost panic-like – often fever counts as a main symptom.
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When should I go to the doctor?
Medical advice is the flu necessarily useful, advises the IQWIG, even if against the disease often is not a real herb is grown. Professionals who need a doctor for the Sick leave, because after one or two days, the flu is not over.
After a week of the complaints, in General, can clearly, fatigue and cough can last much longer.
How dangerous is the flu?
The flu is a potentially serious illness, with frequent accompanying disorders such as inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. In infants and small children an ear infection added to that is often.
Watch out for people with a weaker immune system: to diseases of the Elderly, for example, and people with lung or immune. Here the risk is particularly high that the Influenza is taking a severe or very severe course. The latter can be life-threatening.
What medications help with the flu?
Antibiotics are not or only help to add to this, if the virally caused influenza, a bacterial infection. However, there are special flu medication, in Germany, in particular, the active substance Oseltamivir.
But these are prescription – must be in consultation with a doctor prescribed.
According to the German doctors sheet anti-viral medicines can shorten the duration of illness by up to one and a half days – if they are taken within 48 hours since symptom onset. A strong mitigation of a severe influenza disease is not clearly demonstrated.
The taking of a drug should, however, be made only when an Influenza Virus has been demonstrated. Of a prophylactic ingestion is not recommended. Flu medicines can cause strong side effects such as Nausea and vomiting.
What else can I do against the flu?
To stay at home, conserve, and used tissues immediately disposed of. Not much else is.
To others not to infect, then there should be no close physical contact. If possible, it should not be the same toilet used. Even dishes and towels not in common use.
Home remedies, such as herbal tea and chicken soup may feel good for individual well-being, their effect is not scientifically proven.
Over-the-counter drugs – such as Ibuprofen or Asa (acetylsalicylic acid) is about – can help to reduce the discomfort to ease and fever.
Important note: The information in this article contains only General information. For the diagnosis of a health problem we recommend visiting by trained and recognised Physicians.
Sources
- Buda, S. et al. (2020): Influenza Weekly Report. Calendar week 03/2020. Archived from the original on 24.01.2020: https://influenza.rki.de/Wochenberichte/2019_2020/2020-03.pdf
- Lehnert, R. et al. (2016): antiviral drugs for seasonal and pandemic Influenza. Archived from the original on 24.01.2020: https://www.aerzteblatt.de/pdf.asp?id=183909
Luisa high brink, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa)
*The post “flu wave begins: how to protect yourself effectively against the flu,” is published by FitForFun. Contact with the executives here.