Complicated courses

Viruses and pollen are now a double burden on the body

Hatschi! Influenza B, rhinoviruses and hazel and alder pollen are currently putting many Austrians in checkmate. Many are suffering twice over.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.at)

Coughs, colds, shortness of breath, watery eyes, leaden exhaustion and the feeling of having a fever: are these annoying symptoms also bothering you right now? The "Krone" spoke to Julia Kornfeind, Vice President of the Burgenland Chamber of Pharmacists, about the causes. And the solutions.

Many Burgenlanders who fell ill with Covid-19 or the flu in December, January or February are still suffering from post-infectious respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis or persistent coughs. Those affected often run from one doctor to the next, but the symptoms just won't go away. Several factors contribute to this situation, says Julia Kornfeind, Vice President of the Chamber of Pharmacists.

"Although the flu epidemic has peaked for the time being and the activity of influenza A is decreasing, the number of new influenza B infections remains consistently high. At the same time, other pathogens such as RSV, rhinoviruses, metapneumoviruses and Covid are still circulating. This combination can lead to more severe and longer-lasting courses of the disease," explains the expert.

There are currently also many new cases of the disease in children. They are also spreading the virus among adults.

(Bild: Belkina Margarita)

The low vaccination rates in Austria are partly responsible for this. According to Kornfeind, social distancing and the wearing of FFP2 masks during the coronavirus pandemic could also have led to reduced exposure to everyday pathogens and significantly weakened the population's natural defenses against cold viruses.

Immune system overreacts
Due to the mild winter and the "high" temperatures - up to 20 degrees are expected for the first time this week - the first pollen is already flying in. The hazel and alder pollen count is particularly high in eastern Austria at the moment. "For allergy sufferers who need to recover from acute respiratory infections, the early and intense pollen season this year represents a double burden. The combination of pollen and lingering respiratory infections can lead to increased mucus production in the bronchial tubes, a persistent cough, wheezing and shortness of breath."

Hazel pollen is an early bloomer. They trigger hay fever, headaches and skin rashes. A dry, irritating cough is also typical.

(Bild: Juergen Kottmann)

The excessive immune reaction can also lead to more severe nasal congestion, increased nasal discharge, intense itching and burning in the eyes and throat, increased tiredness and fatigue as well as asthma, sinusitis, headaches and dizziness - in short, more complicated courses of the disease.

This provides relief
What can sufferers do to be able to breathe freely again? "In addition to anti-allergic medication and nasal irrigation with isotonic saline solution, vitamin C and zinc are very helpful because they inhibit the release of histamine. To strengthen the immune system in the long term, you should also prioritize an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes and nuts, and promote intestinal health - for example by exercising in leafy forests or coniferous forests with less pollen exposure," says Kornfeind.

An anti-inflammatory diet can also help.

(Bild: Roman Möbius, stock.adobe.com)

However, stress management is also essential when the body is overwhelmed and working at full speed in the background. Breaks, short time-outs, sufficient sleep, meditation as well as breathing and relaxation exercises have a supportive effect. "In the medium and long term, however, only regular vaccinations against influenza and other respiratory diseases as well as early allergy diagnosis and treatment can protect against overloading the immune system," emphasizes Kornfeind.