The summer flu is caused by so-called enteroviruses and occurs especially in summer. The symptoms are similar to a cold and are not as pronounced as with a “real” flu. As a rule, a summer flu heals after a few days. A drug therapy is usually not necessary. Read all important information about the summer flu here.
Summer flu: description
Summer flu is caused by so-called enteroviruses, which are distributed worldwide. Enteroviruses multiply in the intestine and are therefore excreted in the stool. Unlike the most common colds and the flu Enteroviruses are therefore often passed on smear infections. Pathogens secreted by the stool can be transmitted by a handshake if hygiene is poor. Rarely does one get infected by inhalation of secretions when coughing or sneezing. After infection, it takes two, rarely four, weeks before the disease breaks out.
Often, people get sick in the warmer months, for example in the summer. But flu symptoms do not have to occur with every infection. Even externally healthy people can carry the virus and excrete it for several weeks.
Summer flu: symptoms
Infection with enteroviruses can cause many different diseases. The summer flu manifests itself in the form of a cold sickness. Symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, limb and headaches, as well as airway inflammation are quite common. Sometimes the lymph nodes in the face and neck area swell. Abdominal pain and diarrhea can also occur. However, the disease is usually mild and is overcome after a few days.
However, complications may occur in people with a weakened immune system (such as cancer therapy) or neonates. Particularly feared are meningitis and heart valve inflammation. These diseases are not uncommonly fatal.
Summer flu in children
Younger people suffer from summer flu more often than adults. In children, however, the disease is usually harmless. The viruses can be transmitted quickly in kindergarten and day care centers, as hand hygiene is often carried out unfeasibly and many objects are put into the mouth. Another virus group of enteroviruses also triggers the so-called hand-foot-mouth disease. This is a vesicular eruption that accompanies fever.
Summer flu: what to do?
Summer flu is a harmless disease in most cases. Those affected should take care of themselves and drink plenty of fluids. Calf wrap or acetaminophen can lower the fever. The symptoms should have subsided after three days, otherwise a doctor’s visit is advisable. Enteroviruses can be detected in a stool sample or through a throat swab.
Summer flu viruses are mainly transmitted in poor hygiene conditions. It is therefore important to wash your hands with soap after each use of the toilet. Air conditioners increase the risk of infecting with enteroviruses via droplet infection.
When the sun is shining outside at 30 degrees Celsius, the summer flu can trouble the person concerned. By moving in the fresh air, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, but you can the immune system against the summer flu strengthen.