Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - Cough, sore throat and a runny nose: According to the AOK, the number of people showing these symptoms of an upper respiratory tract disease has exploded since the end of September. Compared with the same period last year from September 27 to October 3, there was an increase in new cases among the company's own insured by around 58 percent from 24,830 to 39,255. "The change in external influences such as cold, wet weather, unsuitable clothing, strong temperature fluctuations underground and unsuitable clothing lead to simple and rapid transmission," said Sabine Knapstein, specialist and psychotherapist at the AOK Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart.
Colds are transmitted by droplet infection. This means that the virus is transmitted through the smallest droplets in the air through sneezing or coughing. The droplets containing the virus can also end up on doorknobs, keyboards or handles in the subway. If you touch them, the viruses get to your hands and from there easily to your nose or mouth. "Therefore, the recommendation is not to touch your face and to wash your hands regularly with normal soap," said Knapstein.
Typical symptoms include a cough, sore throat and a runny nose. Many people feel weak and sick when they have a bad cold. Colds usually go away after about a week. However, persistent coughs last longer.
The respiratory tract refers to all areas of the body through which air flows when breathing. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, paranasal sinuses and pharynx. The lower respiratory tract includes the larynx with the epiglottis, the trachea, the bronchi and the lungs.
