What are influenza viruses?

Influenza is the really real flu, i.e. the viruses that trigger an acute respiratory illness. It is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. The typical flu-like infections or even colds are triggered by a completely different pathogen and have nothing to do with influenza viruses. Every year in winter, there is a wave of influenza in Germany of varying extent, spread and severity. Since influenza viruses constantly form new variants and change again and again, it is quite possible that a person will become infected with the influenza virus more than once in the course of his or her life. For this reason, the vaccine against the influenza virus is also adapted every year.

How are influenza viruses transmitted?

The flu, which is caused by influenza viruses, is highly contagious. It is transmitted from person to person, via droplet infection. This means that when a person talks, coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets of virus-containing secretion are released from the nasopharynx into the air and then inhaled by healthy people who are in the immediate vicinity . However, transmission of the viruses is also conceivable via smear infection . If the nose, mouth or eyes are touched, the viruses can gain access to the inside of the body via the mucous membranes. Even via contaminated objects, the virus can be transmitted and thus spread. They stick to door handles, handrails or grab bars and are contagious for a long time.

What is the incubation period for influenza viruses and how long are you contagious?

After an infection with the viruses, the first symptoms and complaints are noticed within 1 to 2 days. However, the infected person may already have been contagious for a few days . The person is considered contagious until about a week after the outbreak of the disease.

What are the symptoms of influenza viruses?

The infection with influenza viruses can lead to various symptoms and complaints. From a mild cold, tiredness and cough to a more severe course of the disease with high fever, chills and infections of the lower and upper respiratory tract. The first signs of real flu triggered by influenza viruses are as follows:

• Fever up to 41 degrees,
• Sore throat,
• Hoarseness, a clogged voice,
• Irritative cough without expectoration,
• Pain in the sternum triggered by the irritating cough.

 
In the further course of the disease, the following accompanying symptoms often occur:

• Headache,
• Loss of appetite,
• Muscle pain,
• Fatigue,
• Nausea,
• Sweating.

 
Influenza can sometimes weaken the mucous membranes and the body's immune system to such an extent that a bacterial superinfection develops. This usually develops in the area of the sinuses, in the throat or in the lungs as pneumonia.

How are influenza viruses diagnosed?

When you visit your doctor at , the first thing you do is take a detailed medical history. Based on this, the doctor can usually already conclude that you are infected with influenza viruses . In addition to the sudden onset of symptoms, the severity of the symptoms is also a clear sign that it is influenza . The factor of the appropriate time of year and the corresponding current influenza numbers are also an indication of the presence of a real flu. However, in order to be able to diagnose influenza without a doubt, the pathogens must be detected. For this purpose, a saliva swab from the mouth is examined for viruses in the laboratory. Especially in severe cases, such laboratory diagnostics are essential in order to be able to identify the pathogen precisely and to recognise and treat a superinfection more quickly.

How are influenza viruses treated?

Influenza is a disease that is triggered by viruses. Therefore therapy is limited to alleviating the symptoms and discomfort . Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, but are prescribed if a secondary infection with bacteria has developed. Symptomatic therapy always depends on the symptoms present. The following medicines can be used:

• Ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain and fever,
• Lozenges for a sore throat,
• Cough suppressants for an irritating cough,
• Homeopathic ointments for chest pain,
• Nasal spray to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose.

What is the prognosis for influenza viruses?

Before especially in babies, small children, pregnant women, older people or people with certain pre-existing conditions such as COPD or asthma, the kidneys or even the heart, as well as in people suffering from an immune deficiency , severe complications can occur that not infrequently lead to death. During 2018, the most severe flu wave in 30 years, more than 25,000 people died in Germany alone.

What needs to be considered with influenza viruses?

• In order to avoid transmission to others, you should limit contact with other people as much as possible. Particularly important here is to stay away from pregnant women, infants, senior citizens and people with a weakened immune system or with corresponding underlying diseases .
• During the acute course of the disease, people should stay at home and observe bed rest.
• In case of severe symptoms and pain, one should contact the doctor. Antivirals can be used if the course of the disease is severe, but they must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of the disease.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and lukewarm water and avoid shaking hands.
• Do not cough on other people. It is better to cough into a handkerchief or into the crook of your arm.
• Touch the mucous membranes of your mouth, nose and eyes as little as possible.

How can you protect yourself from influenza viruses?

The very best protection against influenza caused by influenza viruses is and remains vaccination, which should be carried out every year between October and November . Particularly vulnerable people such as people over 60 years of age, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons should be vaccinated against the influenza virus every year.

Is there an obligation to report influenza viruses?

According to the Infection Protection Act, direct evidence of the viruses must be reported by name to the public health department. This also includes the rapid tests that are carried out in the surgeries. The reports must be sent to the public health department no later than 24 hours after they become known.