How do you actually deal with an incipient cold during Corona times? How do you correctly interpret symptoms? We asked a doctor.
Autumn is coming. And while most people are already arming themselves for the cold season at this time of year, a completely new player is coming onto the field this year: The coronavirus keeps the world on its toes – and thus another cause of symptoms.
A sore throat is usually not uncommon in the cold season. Depending on how you feel, you drag yourself to the office with the first cold symptoms or you can relax on the couch for a few days. Just a year ago, dealing with a cold, cough and sore throat was largely straightforward. But this year there is a question in the room for every symptom: Can it be an infection with the coronavirus? And how do I behave when I realize that I've bagged something?
With corona and colds, the following applies: reduce contacts, keep your distance
With Prof. Dr. We asked Thomas Löscher from the Association of German Internists (BDI e.V.). He is the former director of the Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine at the University of Munich Hospital (LMU) and above all clarifies a few basic rules: "In the case of feverish illnesses (with or without cold symptoms) you should generally stay at home so as not to infect others at work or at school etc. This also applies outside of Corona times!"
After all, you should always be careful not to spread your disease – whether it's a cold, flu or Covid-19. Therefore, you should ideally let someone else do the shopping as soon as you experience symptoms: "Absolutely necessary errands (e.g. shopping for daily needs) should best be done by others", advises Prof. Dr. Extinguisher. If there was no other way, one could go shopping alone with mild cold symptoms without fever – but even then, special attention should be paid to distance and hygiene rules.
When should you see a doctor with cold symptoms?
If you have a fever that lasts or rises for more than a day, you should see a doctor. This also applies if the cold symptoms become more severe: If you have a strong cough, a pronounced general feeling of illness and circulatory problems, you should "see a doctor quickly!" Says Prof. Dr. Extinguisher. And: Even those who do not have severe symptoms but see the possibility of a corona infection should consult a doctor.
Then caution is advised: "Before going to the doctor you should definitely call the practice to register and inquire about the precautionary measures," warns the doctor. Mouth and nose protection is currently necessary anyway, for this some practices have introduced special consultation hours or entrances for patients with respiratory infections.
In order to prevent the dangerous three-way dance between flu, cold and Covid-19 and a double infection of several viruses, Prof. Dr. Löscher finally on the recommendation of the Robert Koch Institute: This year everyone, including children, is advised to have a flu vaccination. "In addition, vaccination against pneumococci (the most important bacterial pathogen in pneumonia) is indicated for everyone over the age of 60 and for everyone with chronic underlying diseases (of any age)," advises the expert.