There are many ways to prevent infection with flu and cold viruses. If even the best hygiene is of no use, there are strong helpers from nature. 

Winter is the season for colds. People everywhere are sniffling and coughing - and before you catch a cold or even flu yourself, you should protect yourself well. A warm scarf alone usually doesn't help. Good hygiene is important: if you wash your hands frequently and avoid touching objects that are highly frequented, you are already making a good contribution to your health. Especially when using shopping trolleys in the supermarket, door handles or handrails, the risk of catching flu is particularly high.

The annual wave of flu usually starts in January, but then lasts for three to four months. In addition, there are numerous more harmless colds with their unpleasant and, in the worst cases, long-lasting accompanying symptoms. Besides the much-discussed vaccination against influenza, there are other, chemical-free ways to protect yourself as early as possible.

But what is the difference between flu and a cold? A real flu, also called influenza, is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory tract. It can be recognised by the sudden onset of a high fever accompanied by malaise, body aches, headache, chills, sore throat and cough. Flu is highly contagious and patients belong in bed and under medical care for at least a week.

In contrast, a cold is an acute infectious disease of the mucous membranes in the throat, bronchi or nose. It is caused by viruses, sometimes also by bacteria. A cold usually starts with a runny nose, hoarseness and, during the night, a strong cough and a very blocked nose. Affected people feel weak and listless, and have difficulty swallowing and breathing. They may also have a high temperature at night.

Gastroenteritis is also transmitted by viruses. Noroviruses or rotaviruses, for example, cause severe diarrhoea, usually accompanied by a high temperature and general nausea. In healthy adults, it subsides quite quickly. If it lasts longer than three days, or in children, you should seek medical treatment.

The flu virus, but also the cold viruses, are transmitted by droplets from sneezing or coughing and can be transmitted and spread very quickly by the objects that the sick person has touched. In addition to the tried and tested household remedies such as daily nasal irrigation, inhalations, sage tea and sage candies or honey milk, one should drink a lot and ensure that the air is well humidified in heated rooms. Vaccinations and antiviral drugs are available. However, due to side effects and the development of drug-resistant viruses, there is a great

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