For many, the flu is nothing more than a bad cold.
It can be much more severe and even have long-term consequences.
According to estimates, around five to 20 percent of the population become infected during a flu epidemic, as reported by the Robert Koch Institute.
In Germany that would be four to 16 million people.
But not every infected person also gets sick - and probably only every third person goes to the doctor with typical flu symptoms.
Infection with influenza viruses should not be underestimated.
There can even be long-term effects affecting the heart, lungs, and brain.
Influenza illness: this can lead to long-term consequences
In general, complications can occur in people with flu, as it
is called,
among other things, on the portal
lungen-aerzte-im-netz.de
, which is published by the Deutsche Lungenstiftung eV. Influenza viruses are dangerous because, through their massive reproduction in the cells, they
destroy the outermost layer of the respiratory organs
and also reduce the phagocytes (macrophages) that the body produces to defend itself against viruses, bacteria or toxins. The result:
the immune system is weakened
.
Bacteria can now penetrate unhindered through the damaged airway mucosa, which cause a
secondary infection
, which in turn can be much more severe than the flu itself. With the weakened immune system, it is much easier to
develop
additional
sinus infections
or
otitis media
, but also more severe diseases for the heart , Lungs or brain.
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An overview of the possible long-term consequences of influenza
Even after surviving a flu infection, the body is still weakened for some time.
Anyone who gets involved in strenuous sporting activities too early or is exposed to everyday stress risks “spreading” the flu.
This can lead to other diseases:
Pneumonia
: It is mostly caused by bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, or pneumococci.
If the pneumonia is severe, abscesses in the lungs are also possible.
According to
lungen-aerzte-im-netz.de
,
it is important
to treat influenza at an early stage in order to avoid secondary infection with bacteria.
Damage to the cardiovascular system
: After an influenza infection, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary edema (accumulation of water in the lungs due to cardiac insufficiency) or circulatory shock are possible.
It is therefore also important not to expose yourself to physical stress again immediately after an illness has been overcome.
Damage to the central nervous system
such as
meningitis
is seldom to be considered, but also a possible long-term consequence of an influenza infection.
This is because the virus can basically damage any organ.
Who are the long-term consequences of influenza affecting?
Complications can occur in all sick people, but it also depends very much on the patient's state of health.
Severe disease courses that are life-threatening occur mainly in
older people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, and infants or small children
.
Even
people with pre-existing conditions of the respiratory tract, kidney or heart
or
people with immune deficiency
must be careful.
Read here
: These people get sick less often: Four factors strengthen the immune system.
What can be done about the long-term effects of influenza?
In order to avoid long-term consequences, flu sufferers should take regular fever measurements, as the RKI recommends, in order to be able to determine deterioration in health more quickly - especially if you belong to the risk group.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) also advises them to be
vaccinated against influenza
.
This also includes people who are exposed to a higher risk of infection due to their job.
(fk)
