Flu season: get protection now
Every year, as the winter months begin, the flu virus begins to spread. The cold weather weakens our immune system and makes the virus's job much easier. Flu is an infectious illness of the respiratory tract which is caused by the flu virus. The virus is transmitted in tiny airborne droplets which are produced when we sneeze, cough or speak and are then breathed in by others. The virus can also be transmitted indirectly when we touch surfaces (e.g. door handles) which have been previously touched by an infected individual.
Often confused with the common cold
The typical symptoms of a flu infection are the sudden onset of a high temperature (over 38°C) accompanied by shivering, a runny nose, coughing, a sore throat, headache, dizziness, and aches and pains. A flu infection differs from a cold in that it starts very rapidly and has more severe symptoms.
How to protect yourself and those around you
The most effective method is annual vaccination. Washing your hands regularly will also help. You can protect those around from infection by holding a handkerchief in front of your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a handkerchief, you can always bend your arm at the elbow and cough into the bend.
When a vaccination makes sense
Flu can lead to serious complications for some risk groups (e.g. babies, pregnant women, people over 65 and individuals with chronic illnesses) and should never be underestimated. Doctors advise those affected to protect themselves against infection by having a flu vaccination in good time.
SWICA Flu Ticker
The SWICA Flu Ticker is back from this week. This is your port of call for weekly updates on the seasonal flu outbreak in Switzerland, with all the key facts including consultation and influenza positivity rates. View the Flu Ticker here (in German).
