Summer flu: Description
Summer flu resembles a cold and is caused by Coxsackie viruses. The pathogens are spread worldwide and can also cause other diseases (e.g. hand-foot-mouth disease, tonsillitis).
Summer flu: Infection
The pathogens multiply in the intestine and are excreted in the stool. Unlike the pathogens of most colds and the flu, they are thus often passed on via smear infection: With poor hygiene, excreted viruses are transmitted directly or indirectly (e.g., door handles) to others.
Rarely, people become infected by inhaling virus-containing droplets of secretion that infected persons emit when coughing, sneezing or talking (droplet infection).
After infection, it takes seven to 14 days for the summer flu to break out (incubation period).
Summer flu: symptoms
The disease occurs mainly during the warmer months of the year, especially in summer. “Flu” symptoms do not have to occur with every infection, however. Even people who appear healthy on the outside can carry the virus and excrete it for several weeks (asymptomatic infection).
However, in people with a weakened immune system (for example, due to cancer therapy) and in newborns, summer flu can be accompanied by complications. Meningitis and heart valve inflammation are particularly feared. These clinical pictures are not infrequently fatal.
Summer flu in children
Younger people are more likely to contract summer flu than adults. In children, however, the disease is usually harmless. The viruses can be transmitted quickly in kindergartens and daycare centers, where hand hygiene is often poor and the little ones like to put objects in their mouths that may be contaminated with pathogens.
Summer flu: What to do?
Summer flu is a harmless illness in most cases. Sufferers should take it easy on themselves physically and drink enough fluids. Calf compresses and, if necessary, the use of paracetamol can reduce fever. The symptoms should have subsided after three days, otherwise a visit to the doctor is advisable. An infection with enteroviruses can be detected by showing the pathogens in a stool sample or throat swab.
Preventing summer flu
Summer flu viruses are transmitted primarily in poor hygiene conditions. Good hand hygiene therefore has a preventive effect: wash your hands with soap after every use of the toilet.
Regular exercise in the fresh air and a healthy, balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) can strengthen the immune system against infection with the pathogens of summer flu (and other pathogens).
