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The signs are similar, but the severity of the symptoms is different. How to protect yourself and others from infection.
With the arrival of autumn, the annual peak phase of colds and flu-like infections begins. In addition to the usual pathogens of respiratory infections, the coronavirus is also increasingly present in this cooler season. The flu wave is actually still coming, it “usually reaches its peak in December and February to March,” as the Munich doctor Dr. Markus Frühwein in an interview with tz explained. It can be challenging to differentiate these diseases because their symptoms are often similar. But what are the differences between corona, flu and cold and how long is the risk of infecting others if you are sick yourself?
Cold, flu and COVID-19: When do symptoms first appear?
Anyone who develops the typical symptoms of a cold or flu should give their body as much rest as possible to recover. The same applies to a corona or flu infection. © Subbotina / Panther Media
The incubation period, i.e. the period from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms, varies depending on the pathogen. If you have a cold, this can last between two and 14 days. The flu, on the other hand, appears after one to three days with sudden and severe symptoms. The incubation period for COVID-19 is variable – on average, the first symptoms appear after about three days, but it can also take up to twelve days before the first symptoms are noticeable.
Cold, flu and COVID-19: What are the first symptoms?
Colds, often caused by rhinoviruses, typically present with symptoms such as a runny nose, cough and sore throat. The Flu, caused by influenza viruses, usually begins abruptly with fever, headaches and body aches. COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms such as cough, runny nose and fever, often accompanied by general weakness and shortness of breath. In many cases Corona also shows itself through profuse sweating. A key difference from other respiratory infections is that a COVID-19 infection often comes with This is accompanied by loss of taste and smell – similar to the beginning of Parkinson’s disease.
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Risk of infection: How long can others become infected?
The duration of infection for colds and flu is usually one week, during the acute symptoms. In the case of a COVID-19 infection, the contagiousness usually decreases significantly within ten days of the onset of symptoms. However, in severe cases, the risk of infection may persist for a longer period of time. A supposedly negative rapid test after just a few days is not always a guarantee that the affected person is no longer contagious. Loud Robert Koch-Instituts (RKI) The probability of infecting others is greatest shortly before the first corona symptoms begin and during the first few days of symptoms.
What you can do on the recommendation of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) You should pay attention to the following when you are sick in order to avoid infecting others as much as possible:
- If possible, stay at home until your symptoms have completely resolved.
- Limit your personal contacts to a minimum, especially with older people and people with previous illnesses who are at increased risk of serious respiratory infections.
- Avoid contact with people outside your household as much as possible.
- Ideally, sick people should be housed separately from others and only have contact with those household members who provide necessary support.
- If contact is unavoidable, keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters and, if possible, wear mouth and nose protection.
- Ventilate all rooms regularly to ensure fresh air circulation.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the crook of your arm, facing away from others, and then wash your hands thoroughly.
- It is best to dispose of used tissues in a sealed bag in the trash and clean and disinfect surfaces that have come into contact with them.
- Clean frequently used surfaces such as bedside tables, bed frames, smartphones, and bathroom and toilet surfaces every day with common cleaning products or disinfectants.
Corona and flu: Effective protection against infection through preventative measures
Hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent infections. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can significantly reduce the risk of infection. In addition, are Vaccinations provide good protection against influenza and corona. They can help prevent serious illnesses and limit the spread of viruses.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.