Symptoms

Fever
Coughs
Sore throat
Runny nose
Sneezing
Sneezing and coughing
Stuffy nose
Muscle tension or pain
Fatigue
Headache
Blocked nose
Chills

What To Expect

Many of the symptoms of a real flu - also called influenza - are similar to those of a common cold: It can lead to fever, headache, aching limbs, and a stuffy or runny nose. Typical of influenza, however, is that it affects not only the respiratory tract, but the entire body. It usually sets in quickly and with quite severe symptoms. These usually subside significantly within a week. However, exhaustion and coughing can last even longer.

Made Worse By

Touch the mucous membranes of your eyes, mouth and nose as little as possible with your hands. If possible, avoid shaking hands during flu outbreaks and keep your distance from people who are sneezing or coughing. If possible, avoid close contact with sick people, even in the home environment.

How Common

Each year, flu takes a severe course in about 3 to 5 million people worldwide. To a large extent, people in whom the disease is severe belong to the risk groups.

Diagnosed By

Anyone who suspects they have contracted the flu virus should see a doctor. In particular, people at increased risk, such as the elderly or chronically ill, should see their family doctor at the first sign of influenza. In many cases, the doctor can already determine whether a patient has influenza or just a flu-like infection (cold) based on the patient's medical history and a physical examination. However, if the affected person is very unwell or there is a risk that the illness will take a severe course, it makes sense to have the virus detected. If this is positive, treatment against viruses can be started immediately.