Flu

A sore throat can have many causes and often occurs alongside difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or a headache. In many cases, it is caused by viral infections such as a cold or flu, but bacterial infections or irritants may also be to blame. The symptoms usually subside on their own within a few days. However, if they persist or are particularly severe, it is advisable to seek medical advice. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of a sore throat.

A flu-like infection, often referred to as a cold, is an infection of the nasal mucosa and the upper respiratory tract. A cold usually begins with a sore throat or a tickle in the throat, followed shortly afterwards by a runny nose. Depending on the pathogen and the severity of the cold, a cough, fever, aching limbs and a headache may also occur. In this article, you will learn all about the causes, symptoms and correct treatment of flu-like infections.

If you have a fever, the best remedies are rest, plenty of fluids and, depending on your symptoms, medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Home remedies such as calf compresses or ‘vinegar poultices’ can also provide relief. It is important to note that a fever is not an illness, but a natural defence mechanism of the body. You can read more about this here.

The flu jab (influenza vaccination) not only offers a high level of protection against the flu itself, but also, in particular, protects against severe cases of the illness, which can be accompanied by life-threatening complications such as pneumonia or myocarditis. In this article, you can read about who should be vaccinated, when the best time to get vaccinated is, what side effects may occur, and everything else you need to know about the flu jab.