Autumn not only brings a corona wave this year, but also numerous colds and soon there will probably also be a flu wave.
Die Corona numbers increase incessantly, at the same time there are already fears, after a two-year break, of a major comeback of the flu epidemic in Austria. “We see that the hygiene measures or their end can lead to shifts in the ‘typical’ influenza season,” explains the virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz. In the years before Corona, there was always a wave of influenza starting in January, so that could change this year.
At the moment there are only sporadic infections brought in by people returning from vacation, but it must be assumed in any case that influenza will not be absent this winter, according to the expert.
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But how do you distinguish a classic Influenza from a corona infection or a simple cold? After all, the typical symptoms of cough, runny nose and fever can indicate all three diseases. The can be clearly demarcated symptoms not, why in the end only one Corona-Test or a visit to the doctor actually brings clarity. Nevertheless, there are small differences, for example in the frequency of symptoms.
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Among the most common symptoms of a classic a cold include runny nose, cough and sore throat. Rarely does an elevated temperature or fever occur. While the incubation period here can be between two and 14 days, the illness usually lasts about a week.
at Covid-19 However, the clinical picture has changed significantly in recent years with the appearance of new variants. Since Omicron has taken over with its sublines, coughs, runny noses, Sore throat and fever set off alarm bells. Headaches, body aches and general weakness are now more common than shortness of breath. In addition, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea or conjunctivitis can occur.
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The incubation period for Covid-19 is currently four to six days. How long the disease lasts cannot be said in general. While the symptoms and contagiousness are history for some after ten days at most, others struggle with it for weeks.
While the symptoms of a cold are similar to those of a corona infection, there is at least one of them Flu bigger differences. Influenza often manifests itself in the form of a sudden onset of fever, headache and/or body aches and a distinct feeling of illness. But a dry, hacking cough, general weakness, sweating and a runny nose can also plague you when you have the flu. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are particularly rare – another difference to Covid-19.
In addition, the incubation period is only one to two days on average and the disease usually lasts five to seven days.