This helps with flu
Fever, aching limbs, coughs, colds, and hoarseness abound – all signs that the flu has taken over Switzerland. What helps and when is a doctor called for?
What is flu?
Flu or influenza is a general illness with an often severe course which is transmitted by influenza viruses via droplet or smear infection.
Typical flu symptoms
- Sudden onset of a general feeling of being very unwell
- Rapid rise in fever (over 38°C)
- Chills
- Headache and aching limbs
- Sniffles and coughing
- Sore throat and pain when swallowing, hoarseness
- Fatigue and exhaustion, more rarely dizziness
- Vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea (particularly in children)
What can be done to cure flu?
Treatment is essentially aimed at combating symptoms:
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Drinking plenty of fluids is important to compensate for fluid loss due to fever and runny nose.
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If you have a cough with sputum, don't take medications that suppress the urge to cough. Not coughing up the mucus hinders the healing process and can foster complications.
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Use decongestant nasal sprays only for a short time, i.e. not longer than 7 days, because they dry out the mucous membranes, especially with repeated and regular use. It’s better to use a nasal cream or a saline nasal spray.
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Bed rest
When to see a doctor?
A doctor should be consulted in the following cases:
- Fever of more than 40°C that lasts more than 24 hours.
- When older people and people with weakened immune systems get sick.
- Shortness of breath or pain when breathing.
- Pus-like sputum, as it indicates a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.
- Middle ear infection and sinusitis or other complications.
- Disorientation and stiff neck.
- Pre-existing chronic illnesses, in particular of the lungs, heart and circulatory system.
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