Cold or flu – these symptoms tell you

According to the Robert Koch Institute, around eight million people in Germany are currently banging with a respiratory infection. “I have the flu,” many say when they feel symptoms such as coughing, scratching their neck or a clogged nose.

But most of them only have a cold. Although it can also be uncomfortable, it differs significantly from the real flu, the influenza. In common, both infectious diseases are that they are triggered by (different) viruses. Many people develop colds up to four times a year; They usually pass by themselves without leaving traces in the body. A flu, on the other hand, is a very serious and – in the event of complications – possibly fatal illness.

Scratching in the throat, sore throat or hoarseness – these are usually the classic cold symptoms. A cold is often also referred to as a flu infection or rhinitis. A clogged or running nose, sneezing, cough or headache can be added within a few days. Often fever and light, unspecific pain join them.

The mucous membrane of the throat can also be red and inflamed in the event of a cold (pharyngitis). The climax is usually reached two to three days after the infection broke out. And after a week, sometimes only after two or three weeks, the worst is over. This is the normal course of cold for people who do not suffer any further diseases.

The symptoms of influenza, on the other hand, suddenly come and like out of nowhere. It not only captures the respiratory tract, but the entire body. From now on, there is an extreme feeling of illness, with fever, chills, a feeling of fatigue and body aches. The fever increases very quickly.

The symptoms of real virus flu include:

After a banal runny nose, they are usually quickly fit again. After flu, you may feel badly impaired for a long time. For weeks, sometimes months, they can feel very exhausted, matt and without drive. Physical activities, accompanied by violent sweating, exhort them very strongly.

By the way: There is a vaccination against real flu – but not against colds. The vaccine is put together every year, depending on which pathogens are currently circulating. Information about the current flu wave is available on the ().

With a heavy influenza, other organs can be affected in addition to the airways: the gastrointestinal area, joints and muscles or the brain. If bacteria penetrate the body as a result of the virus, the body that is already weakened is additionally stressed. Doctors then speak of a so -called super infection.

It is most common in the form of bronchitis. Older people in particular can also capture pneumonia that is triggered by bacteria. Such bacterial pneumonia can also quickly hit people with chronic diseases. People with chronic cardiovascular and lung diseases are at risk, with diabetes or people with a weakened immune system. The brain (encephalitis) or the heart muscle (myocarditis) can also ignite.

However, flu can also be so easy that you mistakenly consider it a severe cold. Such a mild form cannot distinguish doctors from other colds. Unless the doctor does virus rapid tests or special examinations.