The wave of illness is in full swing; there have not been as many sick people in Germany as this autumn for years. How to distinguish what you are suffering from.
Munich – Flu, Corona, RS virus and scarlet fever – Germany is currently suffering from one A wave of illness hit the country like nothing it has seen in years. Hardly anyone is sniffling or coughing, and the pharmacies are literally being stormed by sick people.
The illnesses have a lot of overlap in symptoms, so it’s not that easy to identify exactly what you’re suffering from.
Scarlet fever symptoms: Bacterial infectious disease is very contagious
First of all: These lists do not replace a visit to the doctor, but can only help you develop a feeling for your own symptoms.
Unlike Covid, flu and RS, scarlet fever is not a virus, but a bacterial infectious disease. This is very contagious and has already affected many children. Symptoms are according to the Federal Center for Health Education frequently. General practitioner and medical journalist Dr. Christoph Specht delivered rtl.de Answers to the question: How do I actually distinguish whether I have the flu, corona or the RS virus?
- “Raspberry tongue”: reddened, coated tongue
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Rash after a few days
- difficulties swallowing
- Fever
Corona symptoms:
Even after more than two years, we still have to live with the Covid-19 virus. Although the situation has now largely relaxed into an endemic situation, the virus will probably not be completely eliminated. And so Corona, similar to flu and the like, is particularly widespread in autumn. Dealing with it is also made more difficult by the fact that the omicron subtype has symptoms very close to the common cold and is therefore difficult to distinguish from an infection.
The reason is that Omicron is increasingly approaching a flu-like infection. “In this respect, the symptoms are similar. But that’s good! The fact that Corona becomes a cold virus is the best thing that can happen to us,” said Dr. Woodpecker.
Also the Federal Center for Health Education knows: It is clearly impossible to distinguish between the symptoms of corona and flu, for example, because they can both cause the typical symptoms of a respiratory infection. Ultimately, only a Covid test can provide information.
The most common symptoms of Covid-19 include:
- Body aches and back pain
- Exhaustion, exhaustion and tiredness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny nose, sneezing and coughing
- Fever
- Shortness of breath also occurs over time
However, other symptoms can also occur. The Eris mutation, for example, often causes red, itchy eyes, reddened fingers and toes, and swelling in the mouth. There are also people who remain completely asymptomatic and do not develop any symptoms at all.
RS virus: These are the symptoms
The RS virus (respiratory syncytial virus infections) is loud RKI a “worldwide Common pathogen of acute diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract at all ages and one of the most important pathogens of respiratory infections in infants, especially premature babies and small children.” In extreme cases it can even lead to death. Babies are particularly at risk because their immunity is not yet sufficient. The following and other symptoms may occur:
- runny nose
- lack of appetite
- Inflammation of the throat
- Coughing and sneezing
- Fever
- Bronchitis and pneumonia are also possible
- Shortness of breath
Similar to Corona, an RSV infection in adults can also be symptom-free. Premature babies may experience pauses in breathing (apnea). A bluish discoloration of the skin can also occur due to reduced oxygen levels in the blood.
Flu symptoms: This indicates an illness
An illness resulting from an influenza infection (colloquially: flu) is an acute illness of the respiratory tract. It can be severe and, in the worst case, even lead to death. Symptoms often begin very suddenly and violently. The good news: You can get vaccinated against the flu every year. Common symptoms of flu illness include:
- Fever
- Muscle and limb pain
- Chills and sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Cough
- Exhaustion/tiredness
- Sore throat
How to recognize a cold
Contrary to what the name suggests, a cold is an illness that is caused by harmless viruses. It is usually mild. Symptoms include:
- Sniffles
- Cough
- Sore throat
- light fever
- slight pain in the limbs
Despite large overlaps, there are some symptomatic differences between the rampant diseases. Ultimately, however, only a doctor can make a diagnosis using, for example, PCR tests and, above all, arrange appropriate treatment. (jv)