language

Summer flu

10 tips for an easygoing summer despite the flu

Summer, sun, sweating – and suddenly a surprise cold appears: the summer flu. Unlike the classic winter flu, it can come with symptoms such as cough, fever and exhaustion, often when you least expect it. But how can you protect yourself effectively and get back on your feet quickly?

Allow yourself sufficient rest and recovery

Rest for at least a week to give your body the time it needs to recover. Avoid strenuous activities and make sure you get enough sleep so your immune system can work effectively.

Drink plenty of fluids and the right ones

Ensure adequate fluid intake with water, herbal teas or diluted fruit juices. Avoid cold drinks as they can irritate the mucous membranes. Hot lemon with ginger has antibacterial properties and supports the regeneration of the mucous membranes.

Use proven home remedies for sore throat and cough

Gargle with chamomile, sage or thyme tea to soothe your throat. For dry, irritating coughs, warm milk with honey or plantain and rosehip tea can help. For productive coughs, fennel, anise or primrose tea are useful.

Use nasal rinses for a blocked nose

A homemade saline nasal rinse (one teaspoon of salt in a litre of water) clears the nasal mucosa of viruses and mucus. Ready-made nasal rinse sachets make application easier and prevent dosing errors.

Support fever reduction with calf compresses

For fever above 39 °C, cold calf compresses can help. Soak a cotton cloth in room-temperature water, wrap it around the calves and cover with a dry cloth. The compress should be removed after 15–20 minutes.

Choose appropriate medicines with care

Paracetamol or aspirin (ASS) can provide temporary relief from fever and pain. For sore throats, pain-relieving lozenges or gargle sprays are useful. Use decongestant nasal sprays only for a short time and consult a doctor if you are unsure.

Inhale for a blocked nose and breathing difficulties

Steam inhalations with chamomile, eucalyptus or sage moisturise the mucous membranes, loosen mucus and help with blocked nasal passages. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid burns.

Strengthen the immune system with targeted nutrients

A vitamin-rich diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables supports the immune system. In addition, immune supplements containing vitamins C, B and E as well as trace elements zinc and selenium or the herb echinacea can help rebuild the immune system after an infection.

Ensure a comfortable indoor climate

Regular ventilation expels viruses and provides fresh air. Place water containers in heated rooms to increase humidity and prevent the mucous membranes from drying out.

Chicken soup as a supportive home remedy

Warm chicken soup supplies valuable nutrients such as zinc and iron and also has a mucus-loosening effect. It supports fluid intake and can improve well-being during a summer flu.

editorial.facts

Summer flu is not a classic influenza but an infection that occurs mainly in summer and early autumn. It is most often caused by enteroviruses and shows symptoms similar to a common cold. Physicians, however, consider it a distinct clinical condition.
Even before you notice the first signs, you can pass on summer flu to others. The viruses are contagious two to three days before the onset of illness and remain so on average for up to one and a half weeks, which is why early caution is particularly important.
There is no complete protection against summer flu, but the risk of infection can be significantly reduced by consistent hygiene and by avoiding close contact while ill.
People with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious complications such as heart or meningeal inflammation. This includes older people, young children and those with chronic illnesses. They should therefore be particularly cautious.