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Respiratory infections at a record high: almost one in ten people affected!
In Germany, 7.4 million people are currently infected with a cold or corona. Learn how to distinguish the symptoms.
Respiratory infections at a record high: almost one in ten people affected!
In Germany, the cold season is just as unpleasant as the rising infection rates. Around 7.4 million citizens suffered from cough, cold or corona in the week up to October 13th. This alarming finding comes from the current weekly report of the Robert Koch Institute's Influenza Working Group. This results in an official incidence of around 8,800 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants. This indicates that almost one in ten people in Germany is now ill, a worrying high that is hardly comparable to previous years.
The growing number of respiratory diseases raises questions: How do the symptoms of corona, colds and flu differ? Since many people struggle with similar complaints, differentiation is crucial in order to avoid unnecessary infections and to take appropriate measures in a timely manner.
Symptoms and differentiation
The typical symptoms of a cold include a sore throat, cough, runny nose and occasionally a mild fever. In contrast, COVID-19 also often causes shortness of breath and a severe loss of sense of smell and taste. The flu (influenza), on the other hand, is usually associated with high fever, severe headaches, body aches and severe fatigue. These different signs make it important to pay attention to individual symptoms in order to correctly identify the cause of the condition.
Experts recommend that people with cold or flu-like symptoms should get tested immediately to detect a COVID-19 infection early. The current wave of influenza in particular reinforces the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms in order to minimize further risk of infection for others.
Given the high incidence of respiratory diseases, it is also important to observe general hygiene measures. Washing your hands regularly, wearing masks in crowded spaces and avoiding contact with people who are sick can help reduce the spread of viruses.
The current figures and the associated situation are therefore not only a medical problem, but also a social problem. Every individual is required to act responsibly and be aware of their own health and the health of others. For a more detailed look at the current situation and symptoms, see the current reporting on www.mdr.de.