Flu or a cold? How the symptoms differ - and what you can do to prevent an illness

Navigating the symptoms of a flu or cold in Germany isn't always straightforward, thanks to their similarities. Currently, the country is grappling with a flu epidemic, leading to an increase in flu cases.

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Tackling the dilemma between flu and cold symptoms requires some knowledge. Keep these pointers in mind:

1. Timeframe:
2. Cold: Symptoms emerge gradually, often within 1-2 days, with moderate symptoms like a runny noses, sneezes, and a sore throat.
3. Flu: Symptoms strike suddenly, usually within 2-3 hours, and bring a strong fever, intense exhaustion, and aching muscles.
4. Fever:
5. Cold: Uncommon to experience fever, and if present, it's typically light.
6. Flu: Often brings a high fever (≥38.5°C) and chills.
7. Exhaustion:
8. Cold: Fatigue is mild and doesn't significantly impact daily activities.
9. Flu: Prepares you for a marathon, with extreme weariness that can persist for weeks, long after other symptoms fade away.
10. Body Aches:
11. Cold: Feels like a minor annoyance or isn't even noticeable.
12. Flu: Turns your body into a wreck, causing widespread, severe muscle and joint aches.
13. Cough:
14. Cold: Produces a slight, mucus-filled cough.
15. Flu: Offers a persistent, dry cough due to irritated airways.
16. Nasal Congestion:
17. Cold: A runny or stuffy nose is its signature symptom.
18. Flu: Nasal congestion isn't as prominent as with common colds.

Protect yourself during a flu outbreak by focusing on these preventive actions:

1. Immunization:
2. Get vaccinated. The flu shot reduces infection risk by 40-60%.
3. Handwashing:
4. Minimizes transmission by 70%. Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
5. Room Ventilation:
6. Reduces viral load by 50%. Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated by opening windows for 5 minutes every 2 hours.
7. Surface Disinfection:
8. Eliminates 99% of viruses. Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces twice daily.
9. Mask Wearing:
10. Stops the spread of respiratory viruses in indoor settings. Wear a face mask when indoors.
11. Isolation:
12. If symptoms occur, isolate immediately until your body temperature remains below 37.8°C for 24 hours without medication.
13. Hydration and Rest:
14. Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
15. Testing:
16. Use modern combination tests like CordX to distinguish between flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses quickly.

Avoiding flu and minimizing its effects empowers you to better face flu seasons in Germany.