{
  "id": 5282839,
  "title": "Gesundheit!: Erkältungsfalle Sommerende? So schützen Sie sich und andere",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/gesundheit-erkaltungsfalle-sommerende-so-schutzen-sie-sich-und-andere",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-03T07:49:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/medizin/gesundheit-erkaeltungsfalle-sommerende-so-schuetzen-sie-sich-und-andere/100251726.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "The chill of autumn brings back the sniffles and coughs in offices, schools, kindergartens and trains. This is not just due to the weather, it's more complex. Upon returning from holidays and vacations, people are mingling again with many others, some of whom may have brought pathogens with them, while others are already showing mild symptoms. Furthermore, as the weather cools down, more of our activities shift indoors, increasing the risk of airborne infections where pathogens can be inhaled.\n\nTo protect yourself and others, hand hygiene is key. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using public transport, shopping, kindergartens or schools, but avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Ventilation is also important - open windows several times a day, particularly in rooms where several people spend extended periods. According to the federal institute for public health, this can reduce the risk of transmission of airborne pathogens.\n\nMaintaining distance when someone is coughing or sneezing is also advisable; those who are vulnerable can further protect themselves with a mask. If you have a cough, runny nose or sore throat, it's recommended by the federal institute to stay at home until symptoms clearly improve, usually for 3-5 days. Consult your general practitioner if symptoms persist or if you belong to a high-risk group; they can prescribe a test for airborne pathogens and potentially a targeted treatment.\n\nIf close contact is unavoidable, especially with elderly or people with pre-existing conditions, wearing a mask can be beneficial. Check your immunization status. While there is no vaccination for most common cold viruses (the federal institute lists over 30 different pathogens), vaccinations can protect against other respiratory infections like flu, Covid-19, or in some cases RSV and pneumococcal disease. The recommendations of the Standing Immunization Committee (STIKO) should be followed.\n\nMaintaining a healthy immune system is crucial. Regular exercise outdoors, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding unnecessary sugar and stress, and adequate sleep all contribute to a stronger immune system. While \"immunostimulants\" like Vitamin C or Echinacea are commonly recommended, the federal ministry for health states that their protective effect is largely limited. However, studies suggest that probiotics could help prevent colds, particularly upper respiratory infections.",
  "summary": "Mit dem Herbst kommen Hatschi und Husten: Klar, dass man einen Infekt zum Saisonwechsel vermeiden möchte. Welche Routinen das Erkältungs-Risiko nicht nur im Übergang senken - und was eher wenig hilft.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}