The real flu, also called influenza, is an acute disease of the respiratory tract. It is a serious, sometimes life-threatening illness caused by flu viruses. Colds or "flu-like infections", on the other hand, are caused by other pathogens. In Germany, influenza waves of varying spread and severity occur in the winter months after the turn of the year. Influenza viruses are constantly changing and often form new variants. These changes mean that people can catch influenza and fall ill more often in the course of their lives. That is why the influenza vaccine is also adjusted almost every year.
Our Avi Medical practices are offering the latest influenza vaccinations again this autumn. You can find more information here.
From person to person
The flu is very contagious. When a person sneezes, coughs or talks, tiny droplets of nasopharyngeal secretions containing the virus become airborne and can be inhaled by other people in the vicinity.
The viruses are also passed on via the hands if they have come into contact with virus-containing secretions. If the mouth, nose or eyes are subsequently touched, the flu viruses can enter the body via the mucous membranes.
Via contaminated objects
The pathogens can also adhere to door handles, grab rails, stair rails or similar objects and be passed on from there via the hands.
About one third of all illnesses typically start with a sudden feeling of illness, fever, sore throat and dry cough, accompanied by muscle, limb, back or head pain. Especially in older people, the signs of illness are often not as pronounced and are more like a cold. In an uncomplicated course, the symptoms disappear after 5 to 7 days. However, the cough can last much longer.
The severity of the illness can vary. A flu infection can run its course with mild symptoms or even without any symptoms at all. However, the flu can also be accompanied by severe courses of the disease, which in the worst case can lead to death.
The most common complication is pneumonia. In children, middle ear infections can also develop. Rarely, inflammations of the brain or the heart muscle can occur.
After infection, the first symptoms are felt relatively quickly after 1 to 2 days. The infected person can already be contagious on the day before the onset of symptoms and up to approx. 1 week after the first signs of illness appear. Children or people with a weakened immune system can also excrete the pathogens for longer.
