An influenza infection or cold are two medically equivalent terms for an infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. Depending on the pathogen and any complications that may occur, the duration and course of a cold may differ. Read all important information on the topic of influenza infection duration here.
How long does a cold usually take?
There is no general answer to the topic of influenza infection duration. Depending on the trigger of the common cold and possible additional infections, the duration and course of a cold may differ from person to person. It is also crucial if there were already illnesses (such as a congenital immunodeficiency).
A common cold is triggered by rhino or adenoviruses in most cases. These are transmitted via small saliva droplets, which develop during coughing, sneezing or speaking (droplet infection). In addition, these viruses can also survive on surfaces and skin for a relatively long time and thus be contagious. The transmission does not affect the duration and course of the disease in diseases such as influenza. From the nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes, the viruses can spread further in the body. The deeper the virus penetrates, the longer the duration of an infection.
Cold or cold can also be the starting point of an additional bacterial infection. During a cold, the mucous membranes are so weakened that it is much easier for bacteria to invade the body. Physicians then speak of a secondary or superinfection. In such a case, the duration and course of a cold can be prolonged.
More than half of all cases show the following course: Cold and cold symptoms begin with mild symptoms, such as throat scratching or a runny nose. Within two days, the symptoms increase until they reach their maximum expression on the second or third day. Thereafter, the symptoms slowly fade away. A simple cold usually lasts no more than a week. At least, if you take his illness into account.
Flu infection: course with complications
If you do not spare yourself enough during a cold or, for example, continue to exercise, the duration will be longer. A flu infection means that there are viruses in the body against which the immune system has to produce antibodies. This puts a strain on the body. In addition to this, if you additionally strain your body during this time, the strength used for that, in simple terms, is lacking in the defense of the common cold. Recovery can last for many weeks or even months. Doctors call this a chronic cold.
How long a cold lasts can therefore be influenced to a certain extent by everyone. With sufficient protection, you can reduce the duration and discomfort of a flu infection.
Flu infection: duration with secondary infections
If there is a secondary infection with bacteria in a flu infection, the duration of the disease can be prolonged. Infection with bacteria, for example, causes inflammation of the tonsils, the eyes, the paranasal sinuses or the lungs. An tonsillitis (tonsillitis) is very common especially in smaller children. It lasts for about one to two weeks and is mainly characterized by severe sore throat. In adults, it sometimes comes in addition to the cold to pneumonia. Pneumonia is especially noticeable by coughing and respiratory problems. It may last for several weeks.
Very dangerous in the context of a cold is a heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis). Heart muscle inflammation may develop when a cold continues to exercise. It lasts for about six weeks. It is dangerous because it is often difficult to recognize due to weak symptoms. However, if you continue to exercise with heart muscle inflammation, it can, in extreme cases, lead to fatal heart failure.
Flu infection: incubation period
From the infection to the onset of a disease usually takes a few days. Doctors speak of an incubation period. Cold and other viral infections have a relatively short incubation period. After the virus has invaded the body, it usually takes about two to eight days to show the first symptoms of a cold.
Incubation time means that there are no symptoms of the disease at this time. It does not mean that people who have become infected can not pass on the disease during this time. About twelve hours after infection, infectious agents may be present in the excretions (for example, saliva).
Generally, therefore, applies to cold or influenza infection: duration and course are usually short and affect sufferers only moderately. In most cases, the cold is over within a week. You can also influence your duration and history to a certain extent by sparing yourself and avoiding further contagion.