Influenza: how to protect yourself during the cold and flu season
Content-Team SWICA
Every year, cold and flu viruses circulate more in the air during the colder months. The two viruses that cause influenza (influenza A and influenza B) in particular come back every year in a slightly different form. They generally spread slowly from around November, and then very rapidly – usually around the Christmas season – until March.
The influenza viruses are either transmitted by droplets, i.e. by coughing or sneezing, or adhere to surfaces indoors and are passed on through direct contact.
The typical symptoms of flu
- A sudden, high fever (over 38 °C)
- Shivering
- Feeling very unwell
- Coughing
- A sore throat and pain when swallowing
- Headache
- Aching limbs
- A runny nose
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms may vary depending on your age. Older sufferers may not develop a fever, while children may experience additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
How the flu differs from a cold
The flu differs from a cold on account of the sudden, rapid onset of a fever and more severe symptoms. Having the flu can also lead to other complications, such as inflammation of the heart muscle, lungs or middle ear. These are caused either by the viruses themselves or by a secondary bacterial infection.
High-risk groups
People over the age of 65 and those with chronic diseases can be hit particularly hard. Pregnant women and premature babies also need good protection against flu viruses.
Influenza can lead to hospitalisation in some cases, particularly in high-risk patients. Every year, flu viruses cause several hundred deaths here in Switzerland.
Getting protected with an annual flu vaccination
Due to the increased risk of complications for the aforementioned high-risk groups, an annual vaccination (with the vaccine adapted from year to year) provides the most effective protection against influenza viruses. Doctors recommend getting vaccinated well in advance. People who are in close contact with members of high-risk groups should also be vaccinated, because vaccination protects not only yourself, but also those around you. Vaccination programmes generally begin in mid-October. November is the ideal month to get the flu vaccine because it takes a while for the body to build up its defences, and you will then be protected well into March.
Important tips
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly
- Cough and sneeze into your crook of your elbow
- Dispose of used tissues in the toilet if possible
- Disinfect your hands regularly
- Wear a face covering if you experience cold symptoms
SWICA Flu Ticker
The SWICA Flu Ticker has been back in action since the start of November. This is your port of call for weekly updates on the seasonal flu outbreak in Switzerland, with all the key facts including consultation and influenza positivity rates. View the Flu Ticker here (in German).
For your health: santé24 and SWICA Benecura
Do you have a health question? Our physicians and healthcare professionals at santé24 are available 24/7 on +41 44 404 86 86 for SWICA customers. In addition to telephone health advice, patients whose conditions are appropriate for telemedicine can receive medical services such as diagnostics, treatment, and even e-prescriptions for prescription medications.
Do you feel ill? The SWICA Benecura medical app makes it easy to carry out a digital SymptomCheck. You will receive a personal recommendation about what to do next. Send your information in encrypted form to the santé24 online practice for your telephone consultation to significantly shorten the assessment.
