Is it possible to get a summer flu in winter?

In principle the pathogen of the summer flu is detectable the whole year and thus it is also possible to get a summer flu in winter. However, this has no further consequences, since the treatment of mild viral infections does not depend on the pathogen and a symptomatic therapy, i.e. the treatment of the individual symptoms, is generally preferred. It is important to consult a physician in the case of prolonged flu-like infections, as additional bacterial infections can also occur under a weakened immune system. These must then be treated by the doctor, if necessary with antibiotics. Since the summer flu is caused by a special virus and this causes symptoms, which can be likewise caused in the winter by other viruses in addition, one would not speak in the winter then of a summer flu.

What is the difference between summer flu and normal flu?

At first one differentiates the summer flu and the normal flu by the pathogens and at the respective caused symptomatology. Because the summer flu shows in its normal course a substantially milder expression than the normal flu. Influenza, which is referred to as normal flu, has a much more aggressive course with an incubation period of a few hours to a few days, suddenly high fever and a clear feeling of weakness.

The treatment also shows differences, because while the summer flu only combats the symptoms that occur, antiviral drugs can be given for influenza. These can significantly reduce the course of the disease by preventing the viruses present from multiplying. However, these can only work if they are given within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. A further difference is evident in the prevention of influenza, where the STIKO (Standing Vaccination Commission) recommends annual vaccination for people at risk. These include immunocompromised people, all persons over 60 years of age, residents of old people’s and nursing homes and pregnant women.