The flu wave creeps in - and it sniffs and coughs everywhere. Many are already infected with the flu virus - but they don't know it.
If you got the flu, you'd better watch over the bed. Every child knows that. But what if you feel fit for work or school after a few days. Is it better to stay at home because the risk of infection is still too great? Or is everything already over?
Influenza: How do I recognize flu - and how long have I been contagious?
Basically, it is important to distinguish between a cold and a flu-like infection. While the former usually comes slowly, the flu suddenly starts, "out of the blue". Although the symptoms of influenza are similar to those of a common cold, they are felt much more violently by those affected. In both cases, the cause is a virus infection - but by different types. Common signs of influenza are according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI):
- a headache
- body aches
- high fever
- dry cough
- chills
- languor
- stuffy or runny nose
Those who are not careful and continue to exercise, for example, run the risk of the flu spreading to severe pneumonia or other organs being attacked. After all, influenza is a "serious, sometimes life-threatening illness," warns the Federal Center for Health Education (BzgA). She is also very contagious, she explains.
The crux of it: those affected can be contagious to others a day before the outbreak of flu and up to a week after the first symptoms appear .
Find out here how long flu can last for adults and children .
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How to get infected with flu viruses - and what you can do about it
The reason for this is the so-called " droplet infection ": when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, drops containing the virus are released into the air - and finally inhaled by those close to them. Viruses can also be found on door handles or banisters and transmitted via the hands.
If you rub your eyes or touch your mouth or nose afterwards, the pathogens can migrate into your body through the mucous membranes. Therefore, regular and thorough hand washing is the key to avoid getting the flu viruses or spreading them further. The best thing to do is:
- Wash with soap and water
- Hold your hands under water for 30 seconds
- Then dry your hands with a clean cloth
Study reveals: Many people infected with flu do not even notice that they are already infected
You should also try to shake hands as rarely as possible and stay away from people who are sneezing or coughing. However, many have no symptoms at all - even though they are already ill, according to a 2014 study. The researchers led by Andrew Hayward from University College in London found that every fifth person is infected with influenza viruses during a flu wave . But very few know about it - since it only breaks out in a few.
This is usually the case about one to two days after being infected . The BzgA therefore assumes that flu complaints usually last at least two to five days. In severe cases, it can go on for weeks or months if she is kidnapped. A wave of colds is currently rolling over the Heilbronn region, as echo24.de * reports.
Read also : This helps quickly against flu symptoms.
Also interesting : When does a flu shot really make sense? And who pays for it?
Vaccination, turbo tricks and home remedies: You can find out everything about influenza in our great flu guide.
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* echo24.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.