Corona, Flu or Cold: what are the symptoms?

        The fear is about: Anyone who coughs and sniffs must fear that they have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Many other pathogens are also circulating. How do you distinguish between Covid-19, the flu and the common cold?

        Coughing, runny nose, hoarseness - typical symptoms that everyone knows, but are currently causing particular concern: The fear of being infected with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is deep. You can also catch numerous other viruses or pathogens - for example one of the numerous rhinoviruses.

Symptoms of Covid-19 disease

        Distinguishing the common cold and flu from an infection with the coronavirus is not really easy and straightforward. The symptoms of Covid-19 disease can vary greatly from person to person. In this country they often resemble a harmless cold. Symptoms are slow to get worse at first. Possible symptoms include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain and tiredness - sometimes headache and diarrhea. Only a minority develop viral pneumonia, the severe course of Covid-19. However, some patients also remain largely symptom-free. Ultimately, only a test can bring security.

Which symptoms in which illness?

• Many corona sufferers get a fever - like the flu. But the symptoms of the flu come suddenly. Suddenly you feel very bad.
• Fatigue, exhaustion as well as headaches and body aches can occur with both diseases, but more often with the flu.
• Dry cough: is it a dry cough, like a kind of dry cough without the formation of phlegm? That speaks for Corona.
• Shortness of breath in combination with a dry cough can occur with Corona.
• Sneezing speaks for a harmless cold, because this symptom does not occur in either the flu or Covid-19.

Who is at risk from the coronavirus?

        

        Infections with the coronavirus run very differently - it depends heavily on the patient's age and possible previous illnesses. Gender also plays a role. The numbers show it more and more clearly: All over the world, men are more severely ill from Covid-19 and more often die from Corona than women. There is still no clear reason for this, but initial assumptions. Decisive factor: unhealthy lifestyle and diet. Smokers also have an increased risk of developing Covid-19. Children and pregnant women seem less at risk.

What to do if Covid-19 is suspected

 

       If you have a reasonable suspicion that you have the coronavirus, you should definitely not just go to your family doctor or the clinic. It is important to call the doctor beforehand and make an appointment to prevent the virus from spreading. A test is then made there.

Is there a vaccination or medication against Covid-19?

        

        There is currently no drug or vaccination against the coronavirus . But researchers are working flat out on it. While a vaccination against the coronavirus is still a long way off, research into a drug against the lung disease is in full swing. The most promising is currently the drug Remdesivir , which has been provisionally approved in Europe for the treatment of corona patients. At least the symptoms can be alleviated with medication currently in use. In addition, bed rest, plenty of fluids and, under certain circumstances, breathing support are useful.

When should you get the flu vaccine?

        The main season of the real flu , also known as influenza , is in the starting blocks. Influenza viruses are sensitive to heat and UV rays, so they are particularly rampant between November and March. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends getting vaccinated against seasonal flu in October or November. This is the ideal time to be protected at the height of a flu epidemic. Because the effectiveness of vaccination protection is limited.

Influenza vaccination

        Influenza viruses are cunning and versatile: they are constantly changing. Every year, a new seasonal vaccine must be developed that is effective against the current influenza viruses that are currently in circulation. Older people and the chronically ill are among the risk groups who should be vaccinated. This year, flu vaccination is also recommended for children.

Influenza: Risk groups are particularly at risk

        For risk groups, the flu is a real danger, because the risk of a serious illness is increased. The flu can have life-threatening complications - the most important of which are bacterial pneumonia or myocarditis. Both can be fatal. These courses must be treated as quickly as possible with antiviral drugs, otherwise, life-threatening complications can arise, especially in immunocompromised people.

Flu symptoms

        Influenza often starts suddenly, and many feel "really" sick within an hour. Usually, you get a high fever (over 39 degrees). The question of whether you still go to work or not does not even arise because you can only lie in bed. A runny nose and severe pain in the limbs and muscles are also common.

Colds - annoying, but mostly harmless

        A cold - or a flu-like infection - is a simple infection of the upper respiratory tract. Infections are triggered by around 200 different viruses that are transmitted by smear or droplet infection. The viruses multiply in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Cold and damp "dirty weather" promotes the spread of colds.

Common cold - cough, runny nose, hoarseness

        In the case of a flu-like infection, the common cold prevails and you feel weak. Typical further symptoms: mild fever, body aches, sore throat, cough. Even then, many drag themselves to work - which makes little sense, as this only delays healing and infects colleagues. It is better to take a rest at home and drink a lot. Inhalations and nasal showers also ease the symptoms. You may be able to relieve your symptoms with expectorant preparations.

Covid-19, flu or cold: only a test can provide information

        

        Since a distinction from a cold or flu is hardly possible, especially with a mild course of Covid-19, only a corona test can help.