Chances are that you started the year sick or at least with a big runny nose. RIVM sees that the number of people with the flu continues to increase. But how do you know if you’re dealing with a virus or an infection?
Many people confuse the words infection and (flu) virus. Although the terms are related, they don’t quite mean the same thing. The origin and also the possible recovery phases differ. What is the difference between a virus and an infection?
A virus consists of small creatures that are capable of infecting our body, says Marjolein Knoester, medical microbiologist at the UMCG. That does not always happen, because there are a lot of viruses in our body. They are there without you realizing it.
If you have a good immune system, such a virus can last a lifetime.
“If you have a good immune system, such a virus can last a lifetime. Or maybe you get a runny nose now and then,” says Knoester. “If you are weaker, the virus will revive and penetrate the barrier of your body.”
A virus destroys cells in your nose, throat and lungs, explains Knoester. As your immune system tries to clear the virus and the spreading infection, you get a fever.
An infection only results from a virus if you have a lowered resistance. But an infection does not necessarily need a virus to cause damage, says Huub Savelkoul, professor of immunology at Wageningen University & Research. He states that you can have up to seven viral infections a day without knowing it.
Current flu wave was to be expected
The flu wave we are now dealing with was to be expected, according to Savelkoul. “Because of the lockdowns, we have seen very little of the normal flu virus,” he says. “After all, we kept more distance, so that the flu virus could not spread quickly.”
This prevents infections, but the immunity of the population has deteriorated. “In this way we are more comprehensible for the annual flu wave,” Savelkoul explains.
The good news: if you have been vaccinated against corona, you have a smaller chance of getting the common flu. “A corona vaccine does not protect against the flu virus, but gives your immune system a boost,” says Savelkoul.
Someone who already has a poor immune system often does not recover on its own and needs antibiotics sooner.
In most people, the symptoms go away on their own, but one pathogen is not the other. For example, after contracting the rhinovirus – a simple nose cold – you have to look good, except for some paracetamol against the pain.
If you have a weaker immune system, the step to medication can be smaller, explains Koester. “Someone who already has a poor immune system often does not recover on its own and rather needs antibiotics.”
In these cases you need antibiotics
Do you always need antibiotics to recover? Only if you become seriously ill, Savelkoul believes. The professor emphasizes the importance of a strong immune system to protect against the breakthrough of viruses in your body. “Don’t smoke, eat alternately and limit your alcohol consumption. Sufficient sleep and relaxation are also important for good resistance.”
To reduce the risk of flu and infections, the elderly and people with weaker health can get the flu jab. In principle, healthy young people do not need them, provided they take good care of themselves.
Are you sick and don’t know if you need medication or just need to take it easy? Microbiologist Knoester advises to go to the doctor. “GPs know exactly which infection requires antibiotics and can make a good assessment of your overall health.”
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