Flu and Rhinitis Surge in Winter: Close Contact and Weakened Immunity Key Factors
As winter approaches Germany, so do the annual outbreaks of flu and rhinitis. Experts highlight close contact, weakened immunity, and crowded environments as key factors. Unlike the common cold, flu can lead to severe complications.
Flu and rhinitis surge in winter due to increased virus transmission through droplets in close contact, especially in crowded places like kindergartens and schools. Less sunlight and vitamin D weaken immune defenses, making children and those with health conditions more susceptible.
People spend more time indoors during winter, facilitating virus spread. Adults catch two to three colds a year on average, while young children catch between three and thirteen. Flu symptoms appear suddenly with high fever, muscle pain, and a dry cough, unlike milder, slowly developing cold symptoms.
Colds and flu are viral infections, not caused by cold air. Rhinoviruses cause colds, while influenza viruses cause flu. The flu is more dangerous, posing risks to chronically ill people, pregnant women, and the elderly. A cough occurs towards the end of a cold but starts early in flu patients. Cold air dries out mucous membranes, aiding virus infection. The tip of the nose, less well supplied with blood in the cold, reduces immune cell circulation.
Flu and rhinitis outbreaks in winter are driven by close constant contact, weakened immunity, and crowded environments. While colds are common and mild, flu can be severe, posing risks to vulnerable groups. Understanding these differences can help in prevention and treatment.
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