The Flu: Symptoms, Course of the Illness, and How It Differs from a Cold

The flu, medically known as influenza, is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is not the same as a common cold and can be significantly more severe.

Typical symptoms include a sudden onset of severe illness, fever, chills, headache, body aches, and a dry cough. The flu can become serious, especially in older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions.

What is the flu?

The flu is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses infect the respiratory tract and can spread rapidly.

Common symptoms include:

• a sudden, severe feeling of illness
• Fever or chills
• Headaches and body aches
• dry cough
• Throat pain and difficulty swallowing
• Cold
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Older adults may not have a fever. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

How do you catch the flu?

Influenza viruses are primarily transmitted through droplets and aerosols, for example, when coughing, sneezing, speaking, or through close contact with infected individuals.

Pathogens can also be transmitted via hands and surfaces if you then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.

The risk of infection can be reduced by:

• Washing your hands regularly
• Maintaining Distance from People Who Are Sick
• Ventilation
• Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm
• Stay home when you're sick
• Avoid close contact with people at risk

Flu and Fever

A fever is a common response by the body to an infection. It may be accompanied by chills, sweating, headaches, and severe fatigue.

It is important to note that:

• drink enough
• to rest physically
• Don't dress too warmly
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature
• If you're unsure, take your temperature
• If you have a high fever or a fever that lasts for a long time, seek medical advice

Fever in infants, older adults, pregnant women, or people with pre-existing medical conditions should be taken particularly seriously.

Flu Vaccination

The flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of getting the flu and developing severe cases of the disease. It is especially important for people at increased risk of complications.

This includes, among others, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and people who have close contact with particularly vulnerable individuals, whether at work or in their personal lives.

Whether and when a flu shot is advisable should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Supporting Your Immune System in Everyday Life

A healthy daily routine can support the body's natural defenses. Above all, it's important to establish regular habits:

• enough sleep
• Exercise in the fresh air
• balanced diet
• drink enough
• Reduce Stress
• Keep the mucous membranes moist
• No smoking
• Practice good hygiene

When should you seek medical advice if you have the flu?

A medical evaluation is recommended in the following cases:

• high or persistent fever
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or a feeling of pressure
• severe illness
• increasing weakness
• Confusion or drowsiness
• bluish discoloration of the lips
• severe or persistent cough
• Symptoms that worsen again after initially improving
• Dehydration
• existing heart, lung, kidney, or immune system conditions
• Pregnancy
• Symptoms in infants, young children, or the elderly

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, altered consciousness, or symptoms that appear to be life-threatening, seek medical help immediately.