Correct behaviour during the cold season
Medical officer makes recommendations
Respiratory diseases are currently on the rise again due to the season. These are mostly caused by viruses: rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and parainfluenza viruses. An increase in flu viruses is also expected over the course of the winter.
"Anyone with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection should stay at home for three to five days until the symptoms have significantly improved," advises public health officer Dr Hildegard Geisler. During this time, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with people as much as possible - especially with those who have an increased risk of severe disease progression. If close contact with a person from a risk group - such as babies or older or previously ill people - cannot be avoided, a mask should be worn to protect others.
In closed rooms, the risk of infection can be minimised by regular ventilation or wearing a face mask. "From a medical point of view, it is also advisable to avoid shaking hands in autumn and winter, as numerous pathogens can be transmitted this way," says Dr Hildegard Geisler.
Important to know
Rapid tests for corona used at home - even if used correctly - do not reliably rule out an infection with SARS-Cov-2 if the result is negative. A positive test gives an indication of how to proceed, which should be discussed with the family doctor.
Doctors and laboratories are obliged to report Covid infections - just like other infectious diseases - to the public health department. This registration has no consequences for the person concerned, but is primarily used for statistical purposes and thus to provide information on the health status of the population. Citizens themselves do not have to report positive rapid tests to the public health department.
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to be vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococci in accordance with the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) and the Saxon Vaccination Commission (SIKO).
Vaccination recommendations of the SIKO
- Influenza vaccination: annually from the 6th month of life
- Pneumococcus: from the 3rd month of life until the 24th month of life and for all over 60-year-olds
- COVID-19 vaccination: for over 60s and for people with relevant underlying illnesses and an increased risk of infection due to work more than 12 months after the last vaccination or infection, usually in autumn