This article answers the question, cold/flu how to treat? We bring you 4 tips.

Flu / cold – what to do

Influenza should not be underestimated, as a flu epidemic infects around 20 percent of the population in every year between December and April. Typical flu symptoms are headache, aching limbs, high fever and a very weakened feeling. Influenza weakens the immune system to such an extent that it is precisely at this time that one is very susceptible to further infectious diseases. In any case, you should treat yourself to absolute peace and quiet and thus avoid sport or physical strain. But how can you best protect yourself against influenza? In any case, the motto here is: prevention through a healthy diet and a lot of sport is better than vaccination.

Why is the flu so dangerous?

Influenza viruses are so dangerous because they change again and again and the body is susceptible every year, even if you have already gotten through a lot of influenza. In this case, only a preventive vaccination, which should be carried out between September and November, offers effective protection. People who cannot tolerate the usual vaccine due to egg protein allergy can switch to a substitute vaccine.

Vaccination is recommended to certain groups of people, including the over 60s, people with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency, people living in nursing homes and all those who come into contact with many other people such as teachers, nurses, hospital staff and doctors.

Influenza can cause further infections, such as pneumonia or heart muscle inflammation, because the body is already weakened and is therefore susceptible to further attacks.

The symptoms of the flu

The first symptoms of influenza are fever, muscle and body aches, sore throat and headaches. Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. The virus is transmitted from person to person by droplet infection. It takes one to five days for the flu to break out. A week after the outbreak, you’re not contagious anymore.
Although a cold is also a virus (there are about 100 different types), you can get sick again and again, although you have formed antibodies against a virus, the severity of the disease is far less dangerous than influenza.

The flu vaccination problem

Surely you can get vaccinated against the flu. But what happens with such a vaccination? Through the vaccine, the body is easily infected with the flu virus to stimulate the immune system to form antibodies. In this way, the body is artificially prepared for the upcoming annual flu epidemic so that it has produced enough antibodies right at the beginning. However, such a vaccination puts a strain on your body and you have to give it enough time off.
Furthermore, due to the many mutations and subspecies of the flu virus it is often not said that flu vaccination is really effective.

How to prevent influenza?

• a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C and zinc play an important role for the immune system
• Exercise at different temperatures, which is why cold, warm alternating showers and sauna visits are suitable. Cold in moderation activates the immune system, therefore go to fresh air even when it is cold
• Be active, i.e. exercise activates the white blood cells that are responsible for the immune system. But please do not exaggerate, then the opposite is the case, the body is weakened.
• Relaxation exercises such as autogenic training and Yoga can minimize stress and thus help to strengthen the immune system.
• Sufficient sleep is also a very important factor, because the immune system works during sleep and effectively fights intruders.
• Smoking and alcohol should also be avoided, and this should be done anyway, not only during the flu season.